Hot Tubing, Unwanted Advances and Babies

I'm officially moved in. I really like my new apartment! I took video footage of the new place but haven't had internet for long enough time slots to fully upload. But stay tuned...I'll post them sometime. I have been penny-pinching so paying umpteen some dollars for wireless hookup and a land line has suddenly moved WAY down on my priority list. :) I don't mind tho- I recently discovered a SWEET new family owned coffeehouse conveniently located on my way to/from my house and work. They serve AMAZING coffee and great food too- all organic stuff. mmm mmm good. And did I mention free highspeed wireless? Helloooo match made in heaven. I'm only slightly embarrassed to admit I've been there 4 times within the last couple days. They don't know me by name, but they know my drink order! :)

So I took off work Tuesday to unpack and get settled in the new casa. I was wiped by the end of the day and was just getting ready to go to bed when I heard a knock on my door. It was my old friend Justin (who is in town for the summer and staying next door), Jacob and a couple other peeps from the college age group that has recently been born. Their invitation, should i choose to accept it, was to join them in climbing down the steep bluff, run into the frigid water and climb back up the bluff and into the awaiting hot tub. I opted out of the first part but took pictures until hot tub time. Check out the view. *Note: this glorious view and amazing hottub is in the very backyard of yours truly!)

Somehow Erin & I were confused as to the theme of this shot

"Whoa bear!"

OKAY, time for a story....
Remember Fish Day on Monday? (see previous blog post for context) Well when I was walking on the beach with my new friend Adrienne, she mentioned that one of the middle aged (slightly creepy) male clients that was there on the beach had asked her if I was single and to put in a good word. She did not encourage him whatsoever but it was the subject of some humor as us female staff walked up and down the beach.
Well, when I came into my office yesterday morning (Wednesday), this is what greeted me:



The note went on to give his full name and number and to ask me please to call anytime, he "always has his phone on him". Finally, he urged me to keep smiling, because its beautiful.
At first I was certain this HAD to be a joke- Adrienne must be behind this...But an hour or so later it was confirmed that this bouquet and love note was most assuredly from this man. Adrienne said he had actually called her on Tuesday to see if I'd be in at work so he could have flowers delivered. When she told him that was not appropriate and was not a good idea, he replied with "why not? she's not MY counselor" and told her sometimes you "just know" and it was love at first sight. (Let it be known that I barely SPOKE to this man let along lingered in his company on the beach)

I was thankful that my group supervision was scheduled for that morning, so I was able to share this unexpected display of affection with my coworkers. It was helpful to hear more about this guy's nature and glean specific advice on how to tactfully reject his advances. Those of you who are probably actually reading this (hi roommates and lauras!) know that I dislike confrontation, so I delayed making the phone call until the afternoon. But I did it. It was horribly awkward and I had to explain boundaries and policy more than once, only to hear an irritated, "well, I'll just try again in November!" (whatever THAT means)

But now I can't say I've never received flowers from a man! haha... I was joking with the girls today...saying I know I prayed to find a man in Alaska, but I guess I need to be a little more specific. :)

After such a stretching phone call, I knew one thing that would immediately have a rejuvinating effect on my heart....

A BABY!!! So I stole a coworker's child from down the hall and had some quality one-on-one in my office. Seriously, how cute is HE!?