I'm so glad you asked! I figured since it has been awhile since I was blogging I should update you on where I am at and what I'm up to.
I am now and Auntie to 6 amazing kiddos. They are my world and I love them so dearly. There truly is nothing better than being an Auntie. Yes, I am Auntie Janel. The oldest, my nephew, is starting High School in the fall and nothing will make you feel older or more of a spinster than a nephew starting High School and you're feeling like you're in the same relationship status as him. Is that weird? And that should mean that you understand that yes, I am still single--let's not go down that road just yet. I talk and email and text a lot of my nieces and nephews now, which is also weird, but great! I love that I have a relationship with them outside of seeing them at holidays. Each one is so amazing and bright and adorable and unique and if they asked me for anything, I'm sure I'd melt and do whatever they needed. They have my heart.
I've been living on my own and really making great food (see future posts) and falling in love with cooking and baking more than ever. My biggest challenge is candy making. I just can't do it. I should show you pictures--I don't have any, but the next time I attempt it (because someday I will master candies) I will be sure to share with you my disaster. In living in my own place I've also taken up some crafts and sewing projects here and there. Those happen a lot less often than I'd like and I'm currently working on making that a more consistent thing. I now live with a roommate and we get along great--it's working out really well for both of us. Our apartment is nice and I love living there.
Last year I stopped being a youth pastor--there were changes at the church I was at, and now I currently am an Office Manager for a local company. Except they are moving to Denver next month so I'm now looking for a job again. In the last year I've discovered that you really can't take the ministry out of the girl so I'm looking at getting back into ministry. If you know of something in Southern California, let me know! I love the people I work with and I'm going to miss them a lot, but I think I need the push to get back to what God has called me to do. That's currently a big theme in my life--"What Direction Should I Be Facing?" Journaling and talking to friends about that one...
But probably the coolest thing I've been up to is my new hobby. I am now a member of Sweet Adelines International and I sing in the Harborlites Chorus. It is the coolest thing I have ever done. For those of you who don't know, Sweet Adeline's is an organization of women who sing barbershop music. Yes, you read that right. I sing barbershop music. Our chorus is made up of over 100 members and last year at the International Competition, we placed 3rd! So... we're kinda a big deal.. I'm just sayin'. My first International and I got a medal. I was pretty excited. My mom sings in the chorus too, so it's a great opportunity to spend time with her. She and I have grown closer and it's wonderful. Here's a picture of us in all our sequined glory:
Ok.. Ok here we are singing... It's pretty fun! I'm in the 2nd row on the right end.
When people talk about Sweet Adelines as a hobby, I kinda chuckle to myself. It's so much more. It's something fun to do; it's a growth opportunity; it's hard work; it's expensive; and it's the best decision I ever made. I only wish I had found it sooner (which, by the way, is what everyone says when they join--because it's true!)
So that's new with me. I thought I'd close this post with a list of a few things I've discovered over the past few years that I love.
My favorite guys to listen to in the morning: Kevin and Bean on KROQ
My favorite podcast: Pop Culture Happy Hour from NPR
My favorite TV Shows: General Hospital (don't judge. It's the best show out there), Phineas and Ferb & anything on Food Network (that hasn't changed)
I love camping now, and you'll probably hear a lot about it. I love National Parks almost more than anything.
And of course,
USC Football is still the best thing around.
What's new with you??
