Thankful for another Thursday

I was looking over several blogs I like and then I realized... I haven't posted in quite some time about Thankful Thursday!

The Coastie and I have so much to be thankful for these days. We've been going on so many adventures - both physical and spiritual. Every bump in the road of life only gives us more joy and victory as we overcome things and choose to walk in joy on the path set before us.

This week, I am most thankful for:

Galatians 6:9

Deuteronomy 32:4

Our furry little pets

New goals

Employment in these uncertain economic times

Friends

Yoga classes

Blessings coming to family members in HUGE ways

Coupons

Oranges

The Coastie's new-to-him truck

Supportive, encouraging family

A best friend who walks a difficult road at my side, even though she has not experienced the road herself. It is truly a blessing to have a friend like you, Liz. Thank you also to all the other women in my life who love me and pray for me.

Skype dates

The beauty of the Pacific Ocean that reminds me how big the universe is, and how truly small my circumstances are

Be thankful today: For the obvious blessings, but more importantly, for the blessings hard to see through the storm. 

New Year, New Things

My Coastie asked me last night if I was going to make a New Year's resolution. I shook my head and said that I wouldn't. I never make a resolution out loud because I know I will break it. Then I will feel like a failure... and who needs other people to know that about themselves? Instead, I like to just set goals in mind that I would like to achieve, but they aren't things that will make me feel bad if I don't do them or experience them. They are just extra little things I think I'd like to do or enjoy.

For example, for Christmas, we didn't buy each other gifts. *shock and awe* Instead, we bought "gifts" for our adventures together. We bought a camping tent, a sleeping bag, and an overnight pack for me. These gifts were all bought so that we could enjoy backpacking and camping TOGETHER. So, in essence, we bought togetherness.

We believe that is what Christmas and the holidays are all about. Being with people you love!

We've already taken some of the items for a test run. Here are some photos from our hike to Salmon Creek. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Here's to new adventures!

Southern Comfort Zone

During the Thanksgiving holiday, I heard the best new song. I was going back to our sweet hometown to see my family. I left the Coastie here to work and take care of the furry children (aka pets).

This new song has become our new favorite. It's about being grateful for our Tennessee roots and our Southern way of life. We love our sweet tea, living in the Bible Belt, and the slow, friendly pace of life.

However, the song is also about having the courage to leave our Tennessee home so that we can explore the world. We have a deep longing in our souls to meet people that are different from what we are. We long to experience other cultures. We enjoy trying new foods. We want to be the people we are meant to be - that just means we have to expand our horizons with new places, people, and experiences. We are the type of people that can't stay "home." We need to explore, taste, see, climb, touch, hear, and soak in other parts of the world and the country. We have to leave our peaceful, wonderful, awesome "southern comfort zone." We have to leave this comfort zone in order to have all of these adventures.

That doesn't mean we don't also respect our roots and miss home. We do miss home. We aren't homesick, per se, but we miss the comforts of home - friendly faces, people who already "know" our stories, the food, smells, the pace, and the values.

Enjoy Brad Paisley's "Southern Comfort Zone."

Introducing the newest member of Team Preston

We can officially announce the newest member of Team Preston!

(And no, it is not a baby!)

BUT, she is the cutest thing since Honey Boo Boo.

Introducing... Princess Buttercup Preston!!!!!

Our sweet new addition is a rescue from a local shelter. The Coastie fell instantly in love with her and came rushing home to beg me to meet her and adopt her. I am so glad we did!

About Buttercup:

Age: 3.5 years

Female

Breed: Red Border Collie/Mix

Hobbies: chasing lemons, going to the dog park, sleeping, going on walks, wrestling with the Coastie

Cutest things about her: she never ever barks, she doesn't mind her big brother Mr. McGee, she obeys commands pretty well, and she gets us out and moving every day.

Welcome to Team Preston, Princess Buttercup!

So Thankful it's Thursday!

Happy Thursday, happy blog readers! We've been in a whirlwind wrapping up October. Strange things happened, but also really good things!

I guess the most important thing to make note of is that I am officially employed again!

Yes, that's right! I am working at a kidney dialysis center as a clinical social worker. My supervisor is so stinkin' smart. I have so much to learn. I know I look like a deer in headlights most of the time, but I am excited to be learning so much about dialysis, our patients, and how social work is the unique factor in ensuring best patient care to our clients. I only work three days a week right now, but that means I get four day weekends with my handsome Coastie! I am over the moon happy!

In other news, the Coastie and I finally explored a unique town nearby during their Scarecrow Festival. This town might possibly be the cutest thing we've seen since Gatlinburg back in the day. Here are a few good photos:

Then we found this amazing Greenspace reserved for the town. The history began with Chinese settlers. The town has preserved only one of the buildings, but the landscape and the hidden creek are what truly captivated us.

Believe it or not... this is a blackberry bush! We instantly felt like we were "home."

By the creek, people had built several cairns with the rocks.

And finally, more scarecrows to end the trip.

These were actually moving! The scarecrows were connected to the bike wheels, powered by a motor, so it looked liked they were actually "riding" the bikes.

So we are extremely thankful this Thursday! We have jobs, a home, each other, and HOPE.

Be thankful today!

Apple Pickin' and Pumpkin Carvin'

The Central Coast may not have all four seasons, but Team Preston is sure making an effort to create fall here on the coast. Fall is my favorite time of year: the smells, the food, the colors, the activities, the nip in the air... Sigh. I miss East Tennessee. Heck, I miss anywhere that has leaves changing colors!

My sweet, thoughtful mother sent me the BEST package the other day. It had leaves and peacock feathers pressed between wax paper. I have them hanging in my kitchen windows. That way, every time I look out the window, all I see are gorgeous fall leaves and colors. Thanks, Momma!

We've also been trying to create some fun fall memories here in paradise. First, we went to a Fall Festival at a local farm. They had apple picking, games, fresh apple cider, and good food. We got to pick our own apples and even a pumpkin!

Then, we got together with some other Coastie friends and had us a good ol' fashioned pumpkin carving! We nibbled on yummy treats (thanks to my friend and mine obsession with Pinterest) and sipped on pumpkin ale.

Perez and his boy working on a spider pumpkin.

My handsome pumpkin carver!!!

S just watched... the little cutie!

C pretending to carve. He is really good at posing! 

C liked watching my Coastie work his pumpkin carving magic.

The finished product!

This is us as we really are.... :)

T and R working on their pretty pumpkins.

All the pumpkins! We had so much fun!

The boys were mostly interested in playing (or playing ON) my Coastie.

Happy Fall Y'all!!!

My First Earthquake

I just experienced my first earthquake.

My. Holy. Goodness.

Thankfully, we are fine - no tsunami sirens, all the pets are fine, and Josh is at work, so I'm assuming he's okay.

But wow... how terrifying!!! At first, I thought it was our new puppy, who is very, very sick, banging against her crate. I thought she was angry at me for keeping her so quiet and calm. Then I realized that a 40 pound dog can't shake the candle holders and glasses all the way in the living room.

So, I Googled it. After about 5 minutes, I found evidence of an earthquake of a 5.8 magnitude. Thank goodness it's epicenter was a few hours north! But those few seconds of shaking uncertainty... I am in no rush to relive those moments. I rushed around the house afterwards, but all the pets are okay, nothing is broken, I am not broken.

We survived! After such a tough, terrible, heart-breaking week (not to mention an evening spent at the emergency room for pets), I am so eternally grateful we survived this first earthquake!

Well, California, you have certainly proved to be an adventure in these first 3.5 months. What else have you got in store for the Prestons???