I fell right through the cracks.

Heidy-ho, neighbors. You've had to wait a bit longer for this blog because the past weekend was too relaxing to even be bothered to write for a time. I should take four-day weekends waaay more often. Especially when those weekends involve hanging out with my favorite sister, taking walks, making wedding programs (hers, of course), watching movies, and sleeping a whole heck of a lot.

I think it's been about a month since I last posted so let's just hit the highlights. I take that back -- it's been over six weeks. Sheesh.


June wasn't too eventful. The first weekend, I had the chance to hang out with some of my store partners for a birthday dinner at Public House, a pub and restaurant. Always nice to see kids outside of work. Taught my first solo Starbucks class -- fun, entertaining, refreshing in a way. Sure, it's the same info over and over but I'm energized by new partners' enthusiasm for learning. Abbey turned 20 at the end of June. Congratulate her on joining the Land o' Grown-ups (poor kid).

Less than two weeks until Abbey and Matt tie the knot -- exciting! Wedding preparation is in full swing, and we're right on the ball, I think. I still need to find ceremony shoes, but there should be time. If anyone sees any cute silver-y sandals in a women's size 10, holla. Or, if you have a pair to lend, that would be just as fantastic.

I've been reading quite a bit (thank goodness, though haven't updated the other blog) and just finished a book of short stores titled Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri, author of The Namesake. I am not usually one for short stories (I prefer a novel with fleshed-out characters and lots of plot), but these are fantastic and highly recommended.

It's unfortunate; I've hit the library this Sunday afternoon with a serious lack of desire to write. Well, I cut my hair, right. No pictures yet, as my comp is on the fritz, and I haven't had it looked at yet. But I love it.

Friday night, Becca and I had dinner at Old Spaghetti Factory (delicious) then bide a farewell to Becky at Redwave. She heads to Boulder, Colorado for grad school this fall (good luck!). Didn't know too many people there; my music department connection days have passed. But we got to yell at each other over loud music, I watched ESPN for the first time since I can't remember when and booed when the Indians lost yet another game (seriously, you traded Sabathia?! seriously, you almost went to the World Series last year?!), and I almost lost my voice in the entire process. Great fun.

Wednesday night, my parents brought up my newly assembled dining room table -- I'm civilized again. Not that I've used it as much as I should .... Old habits -- like eating on your knees in the living room -- die hard. But now I at least have a viable option for inviting people over.

The decision was made today -- I am going skydiving on my 26th birthday. I'M SO EXCITED!!!!! The plan is to head to Lodi the morning of the 4th to hit the first tandem jump sometime after 9a, spend the morning floating on air, then have a fabulous dinner in Fresno that night. Clear your calendars, people, we're going to party. Also, suggestions for dinner -- Public House? BJ's? Somewhere local?

Ooor ... anyone want to fly me to Cleveland for my favorite meal at my favorite restaurant? :)

All right, I should stop babbling. Sorry it's been disjointed and boring (me in a nutshell). Will try to be better with the writing, but beggars can't be choosers! Start your own blogs! (Erin, Adele, Nicolem disregard this message.) Adios for now.

Oh yeah, remember that plant I delighted in growing back in May-ish? Long gone, peeps. BLACK THUMBS UNITE.

Loser, baby.

Who's the worst blogger ever?










I am! Fortunately, I'm taking a mini vacation this weekend and promise to provide an exhilarating update to curb your wildest desires. Because what better way to spend four days off from work the broiling California -- inside, a/c, blog time. Hope everyone is well; we'll catch up soon.

Drops of Jupiter in her hair.

I'm at the library, catching up on email and MySpace and bills and should update except that nothing much has happened in the past week. Well, not exactly true.

Tuesday night, I went home for an Invitation Folding party to finish Abbey's wedding invitations. Little did we know that folding was only one of many components that took, all in all, a good four hours. But gathering a group of girls for crafts is fun no matter what the occasion, and we had a good time.

Joined Becca for coffee Thursday evening at my store. Always nice to spend time at work as a customer, and we have such a great time together. Made plans for Sex and the City for Friday, with dinner afterward.

Friday was a good day -- met with Autumn for a store visit, received a positive midpoint assessment, went home and gussied up for an evening out. But about halfway through (the hilariously fluffy) movie, I started to feel a lit touch queasy, to the point that I might have to call off dinner and head home to bed. Until a half hour from the end when I had to bolt from the theatre, make a beeline for the washroom, and literally puke my guts out. I will spare you the gory details, but the rest of the night was NOT pretty, and I spent the rest of the weekend recuperating. Thank goodness the actual sickness is gone, and I finally feel human again.

See, not much excitement, just some quality time with friends and family. This week holds possible Bible study tonight, late day of work tomorrow (co-facilitating a class, wish me luck), a birthday dinner for one of my partners Friday, nothing planned for Saturday, and work and church on Sunday (first time I'll be at the Well in a month!). Trying to plan a long weekend sometime in June (camping with the 'rents? beach with the sister? anyone else have a suggestion that won't break the bank?). And decided that my birthday present to myself this year will be a sky diving excursion in Lodi (or somewhere coastal, probably whatever's cheapest). It's something I've wanted to do for a long time and will be a memorable way to celebrate my first year of ... freedom. Still banking on a party, too, so seriously, all y'all step up and plan a bash, eh? :)

Okay, boringest blog ever award, sorry. Next time I'll wait to have something to say. Oh, heads up: I started another blog, Books, Not Bank (http://booksnotbank.blogspot.com/). I've spent so much money on books lately that it's time to up the ante and make myself starting reading. The first review would be posted today except that I forgot the book at home. But I did finish something and will write about it soon so stay tuned!

Have a wonderful week!

Heavy things sure can come outta nowhere.

I think I've died and gone to Ohio.

Okay, not quite, but what kind of wacky weather has this been? April and May were beautiful -- sunny and breezy until a week ago when 100-degree temperatures torpedoed the Central Valley. Seven days later, it's raining and cold outside. Not chilly, not cool -- cold, especially for Fresno in May. I am most certainly not complaining because I love my PG&E bill, but it raises questions for the rest of summer. How much are we going to have to pay for enjoying ourselves now ....?

The Cochran Kids Reunion weekend was a lot of fun. I admit to being a sourpuss for various reasons on Saturday but Dad's firm yet kind words, a few tears, and several rounds of Yahtzee turned things around. Plus there were ribs and teriyaki tri-tip (available at Joe Louis), YUM.

Sunday, the whole family went to church. Going from five of us to seven makes a big difference -- we took up almost a full row. I like this "big" family gig. Someday, eight is going to feel mind-blowing. Eventually with kids, we'll have our own basketball league or something.

On a sidenote, is it terribly shallow that I rooted for the Celtics to cheer for broken Cleveland hearts?

After church, we took family pictures at the fountain. Hopefully Abbey will put some on Facebook soon, and I will be able to share. It was a hot but pretty day for ping-pong and more Yahtzee and general merry-making. Having the family all together was wonderful, and I'm looking forward to August.

Work has been generally uneventful. The store is slowing down due to schools around us dismissing for summer, which isn't great for sales but does help with my sanity level. There's just always so much to do. We're going to try to start a night of live music over the summer; if anyone would be interested in playing or knows someone who might be interested, please let me know. And then come!

Tuesday night, I went to a Bible study at the home of Crystal, a girl I met at church a few weeks ago. There were three other girls, Katie, Theresa, and Beth, along with two of Crystal's roommates, Julie and Angie. They live in a cute house, and it all made me wish I had roommates. All of the girls were so welcoming and genuine, and embraced me as one of their own without hesitation. It's been a really long time since I've been with a group of people who immediately considered me worthy to know. Too often, we judge each other and wait for friendship to be proven worth our time when, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we're already family. I feel blessed to have met these girls and to feel a growing sense of community in my life.

Tonight, Jake and I went to see The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. GO SEE IT. It's absolutely wonderful and walks a beautiful line between humor, action, adventure, drama, and allegory. The best part for me was watching the story of a relationship with God onscreen. We question Him and decide to go our own way instead of following the path we can't quite accept and are led to a deadend. We decide we can't wait on God anymore and set out on a course of action that has dire consequences for others as well as ourselves. God is always ready for our protection, if we will only make the call. He is our Lion.

Aaand, if all else fails, there's eye candy! ;-)


In other news, I killed my plant. Forgot to water it for over a week, and all the little shoots dried up. I've tried to resuscitate them, to no avail. Fake plants were designed for people like me.

Also, I watched The Office finale yesterday. It was one of the best episodes I've ever seen. Can't wait for the fourth season to come out on DVD. For that matter, loved the Grey's Anatomy season finale as well (finally!). And David Cook won American Idol. I didn't see it, but Dad keeps me abreast of the important things in life. :)

Well, that's that. I have no exciting Memorial Day plans -- work is my first, last, and middle names. Tuesday is Wedding Invitation Making Day. Friday is Store Plan of Action Visit Day with Autumn then Sex and the City Girls Night Out, definitely something to look forward to. Any ladies in and around the Fresno area, let me know if you can join Becca and me for dinner and a movie! And I suppose gentlemen as welcome as well, though I might need to clear it with the group. :)

God bless and have a good week, y'all.

Reeling in the years.

Howdy, Interneters. How goes it in your bits and pieces of Earth? Hope this Mother's Day finds you enjoying some sunshine and taking time to thank a mom, yours or someone else's, for her contribution to this world. In church this morning, Michael said something to the effect that we wouldn't be the same without mothers. Truth is, we wouldn't BE without mothers so kudos to you all. One proud day, I hope to be fortunate (and crazy!) enough to join your ranks.

I've spent a relaxing Sunday home in Exeter with my parents. We went to church this morning then shared a delicious lunch with my grandparents. Mom and Dad are taking naps, making for a good time to catch up with email and blogging.

So it's been a couple of weeks with no Internet and only a few complaints from the homefront. I miss regularing seeing The Office and Grey's Anatomy, but both shows are online so I can catch up sometime. It was also tough to adjust to not having instant access to whatever information I wanted -- tables on Craigslist, yard sale addresses and directions, the complete filmography of that one actress in that one movie I just watched. But talk about more time -- I've finished several books and movies and spend a lot more time on my patio. If a day off falls on a weekday, it is a beautiful simple pleasure to sit out on the breezy balcony with a crossword while Giada stares down bugs, listening to birds' songs mingling with children's laughter from the school a block away. It makes me feel at home and connected to a community, moreso than I've felt anywhere since I lived in Exeter. I don't always miss the smalltown life, but I will always cherish a smalltown feel.

A highlight of the past couple of weeks was last Thursday: My college roommate, Ginger, came to visit. (She lives in NYC and was home in Modesto for a week.) We had a wonderful afternoon at my store, drinking coffee, doing the crossword, and catching up. Seems like only yesterday we were getting locked out of the laundry room with clothes in the washer or rolling with laughter on the floor of our hallway or yelling for each other's help through the walls whiling writing a paper. Alas, those days are behind us, but I'm grateful to have a friend that, regardless of time and distance we spend apart, will always feel like home when we're together again.

A couple of the movies I've watched have had thought-provoking themes. One, Forgiving Dr. Mengele, follows the story of Eva Kor, who, along with her twin sister, was subjected to horrific medical experiments at Auschwitz but has forgiven the Nazi doctor who ordered them. It's an inspiring story but also made me ponder the nature and meaning of forgiveness. Does the perpetrator of an offense need to express remorse for you to be able to forgive him?

I also recently watched The Big Chill, a well-made movie from the 1980s dealing with several college friends reunited after a suicide. The more interesting part for me was the funeral because it made me think of my own. Granted, I will have no interest in my funeral when it rolls around because I plan to be dancing on streets of gold, but if those left on Earth really want to honor my "wishes," it will be perhaps unusual. No fancy coffin (waste of money!), no fresh flowers (waste of money!), good music and dancing (enjoy yourselves!), no open casket (no one needs to see me lying there looking asleep), and absolutely NO throwing off dirt on my coffin at the graveside by family members. There might have been significance in that a century ago, but now, gravediggers are being paid to put my body in the ground; no need to torture yourselves with the sound of falling sod over and over again.

Anyway. On to something less macabre, perhaps? Work has been good. Business is still booming, in so many words. I've been trained to teach Starbucks training classes for newly-hired baristas and my store is currently hosting a newly hired manager for her first four weeks of training. We're being noticed for good things -- always encouraging.

Next weekend, Abbey and Matt and Travis and Veronica will be in town for a little family reunion of sorts. It's the first time all three kids and their respective significant others will be home together (which means I have a week to find me a significant other! :) Takers?) . Mom is super excited, as are we all. Hopefully the weather will stay as cool as it has been for May. The next blog should have pictures of our BBQ so stay tuned.

In the meantime, how about some random pics?

A worn but supercomfy chair I found at a yard sale, which Giada loves and uses to look out the bedroom window:


My new glasses:


Giada enjoying the beachy weather:


Look, my black thumb, that killed a cactus in Cleveland, is growing something!!!


The cozy patio:

Here in the power of Christ I stand.

Disclaimer: This blog might be a little scatterbrained, as it's 1234a (make a wish) and I can't sleep. (That might not be quite so bad save that I plan to be at work by 6a. Ah, well.)

It's been almost three weeks, eh? What's happened in that time ....

One of the most exciting events was a visit to my store by my regional director (Traci), the eight district managers in her area (Bakersfield to half of Fresno), and a human resources partner on a Wednesday morning two weeks ago. We found out two days before, cleaned our butts off, and had an awesome visit. I received several compliments from the visiting DMs, Traci, and Autumn (my DM) about the friendliness and legendary service of my partners and was absolutely bursting with pride by the time they left. We worked so hard to be ready for them, but it's also indicative of our store in general. My partners are some pretty incredible people who care about their customers, each other, and their store. I am blessed to know them as people and as coworkers. Yay, Team #10660!

To celebrate such our awesomeness, I got the store a cake. There's a picture on my phone, but I can't figure out how to send it to the comp. Oh well. It was good cake. :)

Last Thursday, I met Pat and Becca at school for the final Fresno State jazz concert. Man, I'm not the biggest jazz fan, but I love Fresno State's jazz ensembles. And it was nice to be there to see the graduating seniors. Another era moving on to bigger and better things. And I got to officially meet Dr. Caldwell so now I can have a conversation with him when he comes into my store without feeling like a total stalker.

General family news:
1. Grandma has been out of the hospital for a while and is en route to Oklahoma via Hesperia, California.
2. Grammie's knee surgery went very well, and she's feeling pretty good.
3. Travis might be promoted pretty soon!
4. Abbey only has two weeks of the semester left -- one week of school, one week of finals -- then she and Matt will be on their way out to California. The week of May 17, all the Cochran kids will be invading Exeter, wooooo.
5. Giada won't be getting a sister for a least a bit longer. We were supposed to adopt a kitten from a friend of a friend, but they all died. :(

Church has been really good. Last Monday, I went to what ended up being the last meeting of an open women's life group. There, I met a girl, Crystal, who invited me to be part of a small group she and some friends are putting together. It's funny -- when I get out of the way and let God be God, He always exceeds my hopes. I pray to meet someone who might potentially become a friend; He speaks to my through Scripture, connects me instantly to friendly people (who doesn't love Starbucks), and gives me a future with that potential friend I asked for. There's a line from a song we sang in church today: Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him / How I've proven Him o'er and o'er. At first, I felt sacreligious: How can I prove Jesus; He is infinitely wiser than me. But I came to realize its true meaning: Time and time again, I give Jesus opportunities to save/bless/forgive/love me because I'm His human creation. My inadequacies highlight His abundances. Isn't it amazing that He can turn everything to His glory?

Coming up this week (besides a women's life group social tomorrow night) is work, work, work. Saturday, I have plans to have lunch with Jenn. Looking into the future, May is an exciting month: Matt is graduating; Abbey will be home; Mother's Day; I'm going to road trip up to SF to see Ozma with Ryan (!); Sex and the City movie premiere. For all you ladies, Becca and I are planning a girls night out on May 30 -- the more, the merrier! Just let me know if you're interested.

One last thing: I finally bit the bullet and canceled my Comcast subscription. This means that, as of Tuesday, I'll no longer have internet access at home so don't expect any quick responses to email, MySpace, etc. If you want to get a hold of me in a timely fashion, call the cell. Otherwise, I'll be checking email, etc. once or twice a week from the library or the laptop at a Starbucks. Yay for one less bill and more free time to read (especially since I did an awful thing and spent $75 at Borders last week ....).

Love you all.

Even more undignified than this.

Hello, hello, all in Blog Land. Hope this post finds you well. Several bits of news and somesuch to share:

Vacation was great. Mom, Aunt Chuckie, and I ate copious amounts of amazing egg custard, watched Lost, I read several books, Mom and Aunt Chuckie gardened, we all shopped out our ears. Between the Gap Outlet, Nordstrom Rack, and Ross, I picked up several dresses and shirts, a pair of jeans, six (six!) pairs of shoes, and a couple of skirts. Friday morning, I woke up feeling light-headed and dizzy so I never made it to the beach, but it was still a relaxing way to spend four days away from home.

Easter morning, I still felt weird and not well enough to drive so Mom, Dad, and Grandma came to Fresno for delicious Easter brunch at the Fresno Breakfast House. It was nice to have them come to see me and meant a lot that my family was willing to make the drive just so we could spend the holiday together. Plus, I got to share a Fresno favorite with them; if you're ever in town and dying for the best omelet ever, hit up Bullard and West! Plus, there's a Starbucks next door. :)

Time back at work has been just that -- work. Starbucks launches an awesome new coffee tomorrow, Pike Place Roast, that will be our all-the-time coffee from now on. We've also changed brewing standards to be able to provide the best cup of brewed coffee possible, and to train partners about everything involved, we had a store meeting last Thursday -- always a challenge to be prepared. There have been some other stressful situations going on as well, but I'm hoping that things will calm down just a tad after this week.

As for the rest of life, I haven't been up to much. When I come home from work, I'm usually too tired to want to do anything else. But this week is yielding plans: coffee or lunch with Tess on Wednesday, movie with Jake on Sunday. Plus lots of errands and cleaning to do.

Also exciting this week: New episodes of The Office! Grey's Anatomy doesn't start for another week or two so I'll actually be able to watch this Thursday night. If you don't already love The Office, do yourself a favor and tune in -- 9p on NBC.

Well, since I don't have much to report, I'll be on my way. WAIT -- how could I forget!??! Wonderful, wonderful news: Adele is now a proud momma! Her beautiful baby boy joined us Sunday evening at a whopping 9lbs, 3oz. Want to see how adorable he is? Check out Joshua Emerson Karoly at Adele's blog: http://merrilykarolys.blogspot.com/. Congratulations and good job, Del!

One parting thought: If your Subconscious makes you dream about your ex, it's at least really satisfying for him to have a glorious mullet. :)

And that's that.