It's fun being up here in the Giants' home turf while the World Series is going on. Cal is really getting into the spirit of things...

In other news, I've been called as an Achievement Days leader in my ward. I was a little nervous about it at first, but it has turned out to be extremely fun. I'm getting along really well with the girls (I'm with the 11-year-olds), and the leader all treat me like I'm an expert with "tweens". I do feel pretty happy where I am, but I definitely walk into every activity thinking, "Welp, hope they like this." I'm very relieved when they get into the activity. Last week, I taught them Halloween songs, and tonight we did a modest costume fashion show. I'll probably be hitting you all up for ideas, so please stay tuned!

Cupertino Residents

Well, we are officially California residents. (Except for Reed's car...curse the DMV).

I am LOVING our new place. Yes, it was initially a shock moving to a smaller apartment and paying twice the rent, but I'm over it. Our place isn't too small for entertaining, which is usually the make-or-breaker for me. We've had several couples over, not to mention the missionaries (who are always in awe over a well-cooked meal), and everything has been great.

I'm making a huge effort to be social, and for once, the effort has been paying off: I feel like I have several friends in this new ward, and one very good friend in particular--Lora. She reminds me of Rachel, in that she knows how to do everything (can we say go-to girl?). It's been nice to have someone so capable and fun to hang out with.

Cal and I have been to a handful of farmers markets, and he LOVES to eat the sample pieces of fruit that the stands put out. He and I have been having a lot of fun.

More updates to come. I'm wanting to get back into blogging. I like it!

Strawberry Swirl Cake

I made this for Reed's birthday, and it was really yummy, and REALLY simple:

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Strawberry-Swirl-Cake/Detail.aspx

I did it in a bundt pan instead of two rounds, and then topped each slice with the cream and strawberries instead of frosting the cake.

Just thought I'd pass along the recipe!

Sick baby

Well, we managed to keep him healthy for 8 months, but I guess it's inevitable with babies: they're going to get sick. It's so sad. It's clear he doesn't understand what's going on, or why he feels awful. He just looks at me, confused, breathing heavily through his mouth like a huge nerd. Even his little cry is hoarse.

There is nothing sadder than a sick baby! :(

First Rejection

Well, I guess I'm a real author now.

I got my first rejection letter last week.

On to the next agent!

Ode To Girl Scout Cookies

You have to read this. My little sister Hannah wrote this poem---why is it so applicable to my life???

Ode To Girl Scout Cookies

Heaven sings

Your grateful praise

Your graciousness and mercy

Succoms us all

Such sweet amazingness

Titans bow to

A girl in a green vest

Your tasty dictatorship overpowers

Is it your lemonades?

Or you Caramel of Awesome?

That lures me

To a delicious grave

Grant me another

And I will sell my soul

For a box

Of Fudge Patties

Going to Asilomar!

I am so excited! This week, I received an email informing me that there was an open slot at the Asilomar Writer's Conference, so I talked to Reed, and I am going! Asilomar is a beautiful state park near Monterey, California, right on the coast.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with what a writing conference is, it's a convention where writers of a particular genre get together to discuss the craft. There are tons of authors who come to speak.

Here's a photo of the main lecture hall on the Asilomar campus:

Here's the inside--isn't it beautiful?
The campus is spread out all over the state beach.
This is the social hall, where the meet-and-greets happen.

I am particularly happy to be going, because an agent I am interested in will be there. There are all these rules and etiquette regarding how you approach an agent, but for the most part, a conference is a decent opportunity to pitch a book to them. (Cue nervousness)

I'm getting all my documents in order, I've contacted my peer-editor, made my plane tickets, arranged for my mom to watch Cal (she was only too happy to accept), and ordered materials that I need. This is going to be a busy week, preparing my manuscript, synopses, and such.

I'm excited! Feb 19-21, think of me!