5K...Run, Succor, Run

Loren, Ariane, Kenny, and Heidi

The Sacramento Regional YSA put on a 5K run. The event was titled Run, Succor, Run because the "entry fee" was can food (the succor part). We had a great time running along the American River and helping those in need. I actually did run the whole thing and got third place for the ladies. Not too bad...(not to mention that most of the ladies decided to walk). Still I proudly drank my prize of a Gatorade.

Loren, Kenny, and Heidi

Loren before the big run/ walk/ ride.

Oh, Our Government!

So I just got off the phone with EDD (or unemployment). Boy we have problems here. I had decided not to apply for unemployment after being laid off. I thought I could handle it without taking money from the government. I was paid throughout the summer because my checks were split up that way. Then I started getting worried. I started the paper work to receive unemployment and then I decided not to send in the rest of the information because I could do it without. Then I saw how much COBRA was going to cost me, so I sent it back in about two months later. Because I sent the paperwork in so late, I was given a phone appointment from EDD to see if I was trying to fraud the government.

So here is how it turned out. Because I am subbing and earn more than $600 a week, I do not qualify for unemployment (which makes sense). But, whenever I earn less than $600 in a week, then I can reopen my unemployment claim. If I just can't "find jobs" for the week, then I can reapply. At that point, they will send me a check for $450 dollars for the week. As the man was explaining this, I said, "Oh, I see how people take advantage of this." He then told me how really this is to help me and that it is just fine to keep applying for unemployment.

I just figured that if I work:
2 days a week x $147= $294 That is less than $600 a week. I can then apply for unemployment and get another $450 a week for a total of: $744

3 days a week x $147= $441 That is less than $600 a week. I can then apply for unemployment and get another $450 a week for a total of: $891

4 days a week x $147= $588 That is less than $600 a week. I then can apply for unemployment and get another $450 a week for a total of: $1,038

If I work:
5 days a week x $147= $735 and not eligible for unemployment.

Wow! So, they are encouraging me to work less so I can make more. Amazing the world we live in. It's too bad that I feel satisfaction in actually working. I could really be doing quite well financially. I still don't understand why the guy did not see how people take advantage of this. I had to stop him at one point of the phone call and tell him how I really don't know the process, I have never done this before. So, I think I have figured it out. I should work three days and then head down to Disneyland for the rest of the week. Why not, the government is paying for my trip. It's free. Holy Cow!!!

I LOVE DISNEYLAND!

I have now gone three times just this year to Disneyland! I have tried my best to use my season pass. I really do love that place. The magic is still there every time I go. My friends John and Lindsay were getting married in San Diego, so Loren, Jessica and I included a few days of Disneyland into our schedule. Here I am getting ready for Splash Mountain with my plastic poncho. I love wearing a poncho!

Jessica and I before the big "Ghost Galaxy" ride. They made some changes to Space Mountain for the Halloween time. I LOVED THIS RIDE! They truly did a great job to spook the rider with a pretty scary ghost. At night, the building would change colors and they piped some scary ghost sounds into Tomorrow Land. Good times!
Loren and I in the VIP section of the monorail. We got the very back. It was pretty awesome touring in our own section.
Jessica and Loren getting ready for our third day of the Disneyland. We were exhausted by the end, but ohhh so worth it. We went for two days and then down to the wedding for one day and back to the Land for the last. What a great trip with good friends.
This was a perfect way to end the day. The Disneyland Marching Band played the The Star Spangled Banner. Then the had all the service men and women in the crowd surround the flag as they lowered it. They then had the crowd sing God Bless America. It was truly an inspiring moment. It may sounds silly, but being in Disneyland and remembering what an amazing country we live in was very touching.

Good friends and good times. More to come about the beautiful wedding. I have a few more months left until my pass is expired. I am looking to go one or two more times before February. I used to be one of those people who did not quite understand the thrill of DL and DCA, but I sure get it now. I know...too funny!

Pretty Good Weekend!

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Apple Hill 2009!
John, Ariane, Kristie, Heidi, Kenny, and Loren
We went with my branch to Apple Hill. Here are a few of my friends near Boa Vista Farm. Good Apple Cider, Apple Donuts, and Apple Brownies!

Heidi and Loren getting the good stuff!

Our House Warming Party with friends!

Here is the food spread. We were quite proud of it ourselves.

The Roommate Picture!
Jenn, Alicia, Ariane, and Heather

Legally Blonde

Some of my friends and I went to see Legally Blonde the Musical. It was absolutely fun to be with good friends and watch a musical that just cracked us up. Really, good times!

Jenn, Stephanie, Ariane, Jenn, Alisa, and AmyAnn

Growing Up

Yep, I have grown up. I moved into a house with three girls at the beginning of the month. I know it is about time. The house is about 6 years old and has been a lot of fun.

Somehow I got the master bedroom. I LOVE IT! I have two walk in closets and plenty of room.

Here is my new bookshelf. I love it!

I have a pretty big bathroom.

Here is our kitchen downstairs. We have three bedrooms upstairs and one downstairs. Life is good. I was not rehired by the district. The budget cuts were really bad this year. I was able to get a long term substitute job. I have been blessed. I can't believe we are at the end of September. Life is good and not as busy as it was this summer. I am enjoying it.

Triathlon...Super Sprint

Janessa, Ariane, and Tanisha

So, Tanisha talked Janessa and I into a triathlon early in the summer. By the end of August I was wondered...What was I thinking??? The only way I agreed to race was that it was a super sprint triathlon. 400 yard swim, 8 mile bike ride, and a 2 mile (on huge hills) run! But, the reality is that it is a SPRINT! That means you have to go fast. It was a good experience.

Here we are at the beginning of the race! Janessa and I are in the water ready to race.

Finishing the swim. At this point I realize that I am pretty tired. I even like to swim, so the rest was going to be hard.

So yes, I don't have some fancy road bike. My bike came from Target on a 40% off clearance. I really wished I had some cool bike or maybe just understood which gear I should have been on during the ride.

That is me finishing the race. My time was about 1 hour 9 minutes. Janessa killed us with almost exactly 1 hour (she had the fancy road bike...and she is just a good competitor). Tanisha did really well with 1 hour 4 minutes. I was thrilled to be done. I learned how to train a bit better (maybe run on inclines). Anyways, it was quite an experience and now, a few weeks later, I have forgotten how hard my heart was beating and how tired I was. Life is good.