My Favorite Roadtrip Ever

So, if you read this blog or know me at all, you know I am in love. With my friend Liz. And her husband Ben. And her kick-ass company. And the beautiful Ugandan women that they employ.

So, you'll also know why I shouted out loud by myself in my house with excitement when I watched this video. (Mainly because Williams, AZ is in the United States and that means that said friends will be HERE! And also because everything that comes out of what they're doing speaks right straight to my heart, including the little camper icon.)

Watch this, start planning, and buy sandals here.

Sseko Designs...Roadtrip! from liz bohannon on Vimeo.

Good Morning

I live in Williams. And Williams is a little hard to describe. But I'm going to tell you about everything I saw on my 10 minute drive into work this morning, and how that paints a pretty accurate picture of my town.

I pulled out of my driveway at 7:45 and immediately looked left, preparing for my morning wave to my neighbor. He was right where he always is, in his driveway crushing aluminum cans. Not really sure why he's always crushing cans at 7:45 AM, but I know it has something to do with veterans. Of course.

I drove on and gave another friendly wave to the old-lady morning walkers in our neighborhood.

I got out of our little subdivision and onto the street that leads into town. As I was starting to pick up some speed, I noticed that there was a man darting back and forth across the street about half a mile up. He managed to pick a side of the road to walk on by the time I got to him. I was thrilled to see that he was wearing jorts, a John Deere hat, no shirt, and sporting an awesome farmers tan. I got a head-nod from that guy and continued on.

I made it into downtown Williams and immediately got stuck behind a ginormous, extremely slow-moving RV. Let's just say they were having a lot of trouble maneuvering and I was having a lot of trouble not flipping them the bird. Route 66 at its finest.

Add in a couple stray cats, tourists wearing fanny packs in the middle of the road, and some wandering teenagers, and you have my daily life in Williams.

I love this town.

The End is Near (The Bachelorette: Ali, Hometowns, and Tahiti)

Dear Ali,

Welp, you did it again. You cried. A lot. And made your patented pouty face. And literally said, "Why does this keep happening to me???"

I despise you.

And somehow you did manage to end up with the best of the lot. You can't really go wrong with Chris or Roberto. And yet, you would've picked Frank. Guaranteed.

You're an idiot.

There's always the Bachelor Pad,
Kate


Dear Kirk,

I. Love. Your. Family.

Creepy basement full of taxidermy? Horrible mustache? Bright pink lipstick and a bump-it? Cheesy potatoes for dinner? Oh, the Midwest. How I miss thee.

Still, you were screwed the minute your dad invited Ali to "see his basement."

There was no chance Ali was moving to Green Bay.

Go Packers,
Kate


Dear Frank,

Wow.

You really are working on some fodder for your independent film script, aren't ya?

Nicole? Your 21-year-old assistant manager at the Gap? I hope things work out for you.

I understand that Ali getting mad at you for having feelings for someone else is a little bit a case of the pot calling the kettle black, but still. You signed up for the Ali Show. You should know better.

Also, I didn't really like your family. It seemed like all the joking was covering up some bitterness. I would think you all would be a little closer, what with you living in their basement and all.

I bet you're a Cubs fan, too.

Go Cards,
Kate


Dear Roberto,

Um, your family was cool...

That's all I've got. You are SO boring. Come on! Your family salsa dances in their living room. You should have a little more je ne sais quoi.

Still, not shocked that you made your way back to the fantasy suite. Also wouldn't be shocked if you win it. Ali's blinded by the picture you two make together.

Get a personality,
Kate


Dear Chris,

Oh, how I love you and your slight awkwardness. I had a feeling you would make your move on hometown dates and I was right. Your family is awesome. Your dog is awesome. Your house is really awesome.

I do have a little bit of a problem with you talking so much about how you just want to be married like your brothers, but I guess timing is everything.

There's a chance you're too traditional for Ali, but I think you have a solid chance of winning it.

Good work,
Kate


Dear Chris Harrison,

It's a little sad that you are the only person Ali has to turn to. Good job giving a little pep talk, but still asking dramatic leading questions. Also, good work not rolling your eyes and pretending to care.

Can we hang out in real life?

You're awesome,
Kate


Dear Bachelors,

The Men Tell All is next week and I am pumped. Don't be shy about sharing the dirt. And Kasey, if you wanted to burst out into impromptu song again, feel free.

See you Monday,
Kate

That Guy

Before I post, I want to say that I'm completely aware of the fact that all I write about on my blog these days is my work and the Bachelorette. And I'm just going to admit straight out that this is because these are the only 2 things that I have time to focus on. Summer will be over soon and then I'll develop some outside interests, but for now, you'll have to read about those two things or take a hiatus from Kate-world. (And I know you can't do that.)

Post on...

I love my job for a lot of reasons, including but not limited to the fact that they give me cookies at every lunch, I sing Beyonce very loudly at least once a day, and I get to play on walkie-talkies with my friends and claim it's work-related.

But one of the main reasons I love my job is the extreme amount of people that I get to meet every week. I love people. Especially funny, crazy, weird people. And as a group, Young Life leaders are all of those things. (Also, passionate, loving, dedicated, and open-minded.)

However, we all have our moments when we are complete tools, and sometimes we like ourselves a little too much.

Which brings me to the introduction of one of my favorite general camp personalities ever. I introduce to you:

The Meathead Leader Who is Shirtless Inappropriately Often

Every week this guy emerges. You know him. He works out. A lot. And he wants to show you the fruits of his labor.

You first notice him at the pool. How could you miss him as he struts around the pool deck in his board shorts with his full-back tribal tat on display.

Oh, you notice him. And he notices you noticing. He's harboring the false illusion that you're liking what you see, while you are trying valiantly to swallow the little bit of throw-up that's working it's way up your throat.

And then you see him again. Headed for the zip-line. Still shirtless. And you decide to give him the benefit of the doubt. Because you realize you're a little judgy, and he is participating in a water event. So maybe he's just really into physical fitness. You have a change of heart.

Later that day, there he is again. Playing frisbee golf. This time in cut-off jorts. Still no shirt. You spend some time contemplating whether or not he's serious about his fashion choices or if it's some kind of non-funny joke.

You run into him later that night and, to your surprise and pleasure, he's wearing a shirt! Oh, how you start to think you may have pre-judged him. You feel convicted. He's probably a nice guy.

Oh, wait. What's that? Someone sprayed him with a water gun? I think you can guess what's going to happen. Shirtless again! Who cares that everyone else is in sweatshirts and jeans because it's nighttime in Northern Arizona? He wants to be free of anything that would keep you from checking out his bitchin' bod.

At this point, I say, judge away! Nobody should be shirtless that often. And let me tell you now, fellas, we're not impressed.

P.S. Don't ever type "jorts muscle man" into google images. You will be scarred for life.

Song of the Day: Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri

Protecting My Rep

You know what I love about my job?

I love that in the last 2 posts I've talked about watching the Bachelorette on work time/computer and driving around playing pranks on people, and I'm not even a little bit worried that someone that I work with might read this and think I'm a slacker. Because they know that I work hard and that work's supposed to be fun sometimes.

But in case you need some affirmation, I work my butt off.

Glad we cleared that up.

Session 3 started yesterday, so we're officially 2/3 done with our summer camping season. It's really crazy how quickly the summer flies by. My bestie Kristen is here as a Work Crew Boss this session, so I'm super pumped for the amount of yelling and jumping and fun we will have while she's here. Also, it's an incredible blessing to have someone around who knows me, knows how my brain works, knows how to call me out on stuff and still love me really well. I like her a lot.

I'm also really happy about the fact that this is the last time I have to train. It is exhausting to have to start all over every 3 weeks with a whole new staff. But such is the life of working with volunteers, something I plan on doing for a long time.

All in all, life is good. I feel like I'm in the groove, finally. And if you want to know more, call me. (Seriously. I miss you all. Catch me up on your life, please.)

Peace out, girl scouts! (Post to follow on my illustrious career as a girl scout. It involved some horrible experiences at horse-riding camp and my dad buying 65 boxes of cookies so I could be a winner.)

Song of the Day: American Honey by Lady Antebellum

The Bachelorette Blog is Back

I'm BAAACK. And I'm going to catch up on the last few eps. Just so you know, my dedication to the Bachelorette has never been higher. Every week, at least 10 interns come to my house to watch the show. We normally have to watch it after 10:00 PM when we all have to work the next day, but we do it anyway. Also, I watched the Justin show-down with 3 of my co-workers on the internet in our office during a workday. So though I have not been blogging, my love the Bachelorette is still going strong. Here it is...

Dear Ali,

I'm sorry that the producers didn't put one single guy on this show that was remotely compatible with you. But they did pick the crazies. And that makes the show awesome.

You've narrowed it down to guys that probably aren't going to punch anyone, so it's getting a little boring. Still, I'm excited for hometown dates.

If you make that pouty face one more time, I'm going to jump through the TV and karate chop you in the throat. Seriously. It's the most annoying face I've ever seen.

Still don't like you,

Kate

Dear Kasey,

I'm sorry. How?... Why?... Huh?... What on earth were you thinking? A tattoo? And not just a tattoo, but a tattoo straight off of someone's ankle in a Guns n' Roses video. A shield! A shield with a heart and a thorny rose! That was so incredible. So incredible that Ali left you on a glacier.

Can't wait to see you on After the Final Rose!

Thanks for the crazy,

Kate

Dear Justin,

Next time, don't 2-time the girl you're 2-timing with. She will sell your love messages to ABC. Also, when you're trying to escape something, don't climb into the shrubbery. It won't work and it'll just make you look like a tool.

I loved every second of that confrontation.

Thanks for the drama,

Kate

Dear Ty,

I don't think you're horrible, but there was no way you were making it past this week. Maybe you shouldn't tell the girl who constantly talks about how hard it was to give up her job that you left your last wife because she wouldn't stay at home and bake you bread.

See you later, Ears!

Kate

Dear Chris L.,

The fact that you're really awkward only makes you more endearing. Falling off a mini-horse? Being a really bad moped driver? All hilarious, all endearing.

You don't have to continue pretending to like Ali. It's pretty clear that you 2 don't have a lot of chemistry. You need a girl who's a little more hardcore and a little less high-maintenance.

You're wicked awesome,

Kate

Dear Roberto,

I think you're fine, but your entire relationship with Ali is based off of making out and talking about how romantic you are. You might win, but you'll go down in flames pretty quickly.

See you next week,

Kate

Dear Frank,

You're getting crazier and crazier. You're beady eyes and your constant speculation about what's happening on the other dates is making my estimation of your drama level greatly increase.

Way to strategically place your announcement about living in your parents' basement for when Ali was wasted and wanting to undress you in a tree.

Can't wait for what's going to happen in Fiji!

Good luck on your screenwriting career,

Kate

Dear Kirk,

To my surprise, I kind of like you. You talk a lot. Like, a lot a lot. And you seem a little fratty. Also, you've talked too much about your mold disease and your arm hair falling out. Still, I think you might be the best man for Ali. Don't get your hopes up, you still probably won't win.

I think you're kind of funny,

Kate

Dear Jake and Vienna,

Not shocked and not sad that you broke up. I took notes during your entire segment in list form under the heading What Not to Do EVER in a Relationship. Thanks for the help.

You suck,

Kate

And most importantly,

Dear Producers,

First of all, excellent work on the dates lately. I particularly loved the mini-horse riding and the Turkish olive oil wrestling. The more ridiculous, the better.

Secondly, the Bachelor Pad???? I have never heard of a more idiotic idea for a show. Bachelor/Bachelorette cast-offs fighting for love and money? It is going to be SO AWESOME!

Thank you for all you do,

Kate

P.S. After the preview for the Bachelor Pad, my friend Austin literally said, "I now know for sure, there is a God." You've struck gold.

Am I Annoying? Is it Annoying to Ask?

Do you ever have one of those days where everything in you just decides that today, just today, you can't handle being an adult anymore? Like, you still have every responsibility that you normally do and you go about your day just like always, but there is just no chance you're going to be able to do it without being obnoxiously juvenile?

Yeah, today was one of those days.

And I laughed harder today than I have in a long time.

Every month, I get a new set of Work Crew who are our high school aged volunteer staff. There's 9 of them, which is a lot for me to corral, so I also get a Work Crew Boss. Work Crew Bosses are normally on Young Life field staff and they come out for the month-long session to live and work alongside the kids.

My Work Crew boss this session is named Sullivan and she is hilariously awesome. We are kind of kindred spirits and spend a lot of our time yelling and laughing and telling very loud stories. It is awesome.

We also spend a lot of our time riding around in our electric golf cart and being really hilarious (or so we think).

We had a couple of bright ideas today. The first was to shout encouraging words at anyone we passed in our cart. This included things such as, "I like your nametag," "Your polo shirt looks really cool," "Good job driving that truck," and "Your flowing blonde locks look incredible."

Most people responded to this with a confused wave because there's little to no chance that they actually understood us as we drove past, but we thought we were awesome.

Then we found a beach ball. We came up with an idea for an awesome game including leaf blowers, but then had our hopes dashed when we found out that camp only owns 2 leaf blowers. Lame.

So we moved on to the next best thing, which was to hide in the office as the Admin. crew were coming back from lunch, jump out at them while yelling "Surprise!," and then hit our friend Shea with the beach ball while shouting, "Beach Party!!!!"

Awesome.

And then came the best game of the day.

We realized that Nate, one of the Guest Services interns, spends most of his day driving around in his cart dropping things off at various places around camp.

We, of course, started following him. As soon as he would park his cart and go inside a building, we would pull up directly behind and, if necessary, move random objects such as bikes in front of him to block him in. Then we would hide and watch.

We did it probably 5 times. And every time he would walk out, look a little confused as to why this would possible be funny, move the objects, and drive away.

And then Nate turned the cart over to Patrick. And we went for it again. Our first attempt ended with us yelling, "Be cool! Be cool!," and attempting to hide behind a brick wall while Patrick was staring directly at us.

But we do not give up easily. Let's just say a perfect storm of circumstances ended up with the cart completely wedged between a wall and our cart, and Patrick wandering around the snack bar/pool deck looking bewildered as to what to do. Oh, and he was carrying several smoothies.

I can't imagine Patrick found it all that funny, but we were laughing for probably an hour. And it was awesome.

Oh yeah, and all of this was done in the middle of a crazy and productive work day. You can make me grow up, you can give me a whole lot of responsibility, but give me a fun friend and a beautiful day, and I'm going to have to revert to the annoying youngest child that I am.

Life is good.

Song of the Day: Paperweight by Joshua Radin and Schuyler Fisk

Life

Life continues to be crazy. And because of this, I do not get to connect with you, internet world, as much as I would like to. But I wanted to take a minute to give you a quick glimpse into what life is like right now and why I'm so in love with my job.

Here's a little story of how everything good is also hard and how an abundance of riches is always right in front of us if we think to ask for them:

I was having one of those moments last night. I was home by myself and I was exhausted and felt like I was completely and utterly alone. And I just kept thinking over and over how badly I needed a little piece of encouragement, anything to tell me why I'm doing what I'm doing. Anything that would say that what I do and who I am matters.

Like everything in life that is good, my job is also hard. I want to be purposeful. All the time. I want to be able to see what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. That's why I moved away from a home and people I love. That's why I put my college degree to work cleaning toilets.

And it feels like I've been waiting. Just waiting for summer, when everything here makes sense. When we do what we're made to do. I plan, I set goals, I get excited, I expect big things.

And then summer comes, and I feel pretty sure I'm failing at every goal I've set. My staff seems miserable and stressed. I barely know my Work Crew girls. My Summer Staff girls may or may not hate being in the Laundry. And it feels like there's nobody here to help shoulder the burden.

I'm exhausted and I feel invisible.

So last night, I prayed for encouragement. I prayed to know that there was some purpose to me doing all of this.

And then today I got to drive a golf cart in a 4th of July parade featuring every single camper (all special needs kids this week). And I got to watch them smile and cheer and chant and be excited to be in this place. I got high fives and smiles and hugs.

I spent a whole lot of time laughing because my co-workers are really funny. I got a pretty kick-ass Columbia pull-over from the Assignment Team because people do actually see that I'm here.

I remembered that big things happen here almost every moment. Kids get to be kids. They get to play and laugh. And it turns out it doesn't really matter if I'm awesome at my job as long as that keeps happening. If one kid gets to come here and know for sure that someone loves them, that's enough.

Ask and you shall recieve.