The Naples Nest

I came out to Florida about a week ago to be welcomed by Jonny and his family.  This is the first time I've ever met them in person, and so far so good.  They seem to like me and I really like them.  

We wake up at 8am every day and do some jobs around the house and then head out to the beach. I am going to come home with my nice and new bronze tan!  Don't hate me for it, I've had a few nights of hard sleep because my skin is so burnt. Umm, ya from now on I will be using sunscreen :)

There are billions of precious heads in Naples.  Some would say it's my idea of heaven.  

Jonny's family is great - 6 boys seemed like a lot at first, but spending the last week with them, this trip would have not been the same if one of them were not here.  

Merry Christmas family and friends.  I send my love from the sunny Naples Nest!! (Thanks Luke for the name).

Monday before Thanksgiving

Today I did not want to come into work. My sister Jackie has the entire week off because of Thanksgiving (she's a teacher). I came in anyways, and now as the day is wrapping up - I'm glad I did. We have a big service this coming weekend as we start a new series for Christmas. The staff has decided to raise money to build a well in Africa. The goal is $12,000 but every $10 saves a child's life. I think we can do it. We'll reveal our plans to the church body this coming weekend.



In order for this weekend to go well, there are tons of logistics that need to be done. Both Robby (children's pastor) and Bucky (lead pastor) are out of town, so I feel like there is a lot to do without them. Reality is I would have just as much to do with them here. I guess I'm seeing how much no one on our staff makes a decision by themselves, but we check everything with each other. It's a great value to have, but hard to get things done quickly.



Anyways, after printing 300 pages of one flyer (2 per page, double sided of course) I printed 100 more of another (2 per page, single sided), another 100 (full page, single sided, not cutting needed!!!) and lastly, 100 envelopes with our logo on it. TONS of printing today which means TONS of cutting tomorrow. That is probably the WORST part of my job.



I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and there is an Office Max next to the building I'm going to. Maybe I'll drop everything off and pay them to cut all of my flyers? That's sounding like a good idea right now.



Okay, a little of my OCD- I hate cutting papers myself because it's boring as heck, but it's almost as bad for me to give the papers to someone else, because they don't take the time to cut everything perfectly! We'll see what I end up doing.



I can't wait for this weekend to be over because that implies all the little tasks will be completed. I am looking forward to seeing how the church responds to the staff's idea for Christmas though. Hopefully everyone will participate.



Anyways, I best be going. I am so hungry right now and I still have a ton of work to complete. Wish me luck. Well, something other than luck I guess seeing how I don't believe in it ;)...



Kim

Today's Thoughts

Since I have 2 friends who told me I need to update my blog, this is for you Stacey and Jon. Today I woke up around 7:45am. It was really hard to get out of bed because I had just worked out last night and my body was sore. I did manage to get out of bed, however, and then I took a short shower.

On my way to work today, I went to Deb's house to discuss some website layouts for the church website. I think it was a very productive time.

I drove to the office, got a ton of work done before Bucky got in, and even had some time to sit and chat with Robby.

Once Bucky got into the office, I had to ask him some last minute questions before I could send out some final emails on communication pieces for the church (website and water bottle labels), but I finished it all just in time.

I couldn't be late to picking Kirby up today because we had plans to get Baskin Robins after school in honor of her 10th birthday! I watched this tiny little girl devour 2 scoops of coffee ice cream. I was very impressed.

Now I'm at the Black's house. Kirby is doing homework, and Avery should be home soon. I have guide group tonight, maybe going to the gym again (?), but really need to buckle down and clean my room before Friday.

Thanksgiving is almost here, which will be so much fun because I have a lot of family coming over... and Jonny will finally get to meet Nene and Papa!

That's all for today. At least I think...

Kim

Good-Bye My Bubba

My dog, Dylan Bob Boiko died today at 5pm.

My entire family took him into the vet where they injected him with pain medicine and then the stuff that killed him. I didn't know if I wanted to go, not because the immediate pain was too much, but rather the helplessness he would show when the medicine took over and left him to sleep forever might have been too unbearable to watch. Luckily, he died quickly and peacefully. Literally, his heart stopped beating seconds after the medicine was injected, whereas normally it takes about 10-15 minutes. I'm glad I went.

I know this entry can seem a bit dramatic, but when I think about it, I know that it's effecting me so much because I value loyalty. There is a reason why dogs are labeled as loyal animals- because it's true! Dylan was loyal to the point of no return.

Dylan loves him mommy!

Looking back to yesterday, I now can see that he even knew his time was coming to an end. He'd been having a hard time walking these last couple of days because the cancer had spread into his bones, but some how he made his way upstairs and into my bedroom, where he looked for me with his tail wagging one last time. I should have known that a day later would have been his last.

Bubba's precious face. We miss him already.

Dani is now without her "soul mate and best friend" as our vet described them. We all knew that Dani knew he was going to pass away, because she had been distancing herself from Dylan, whereas before she was his second shadow. I think the part of this process that I've been dreading the most is the coming weeks when she cries because she miss Dylan.

In a lot of ways, dogs are like people (yes, I am totally one of those)... They feel, show actions, have feelings. Now to what extent of their feelings are taught or natural I'm not going to discuss. With the understanding of animals and people being alike- the one part that sucks about animals is they cannot communicate with us! All we could do was respond to Dylan's symptoms. Again, I'm insecure on this topic because Dylan was "just" a dog, but let me break free from my fear and just say that I hope for the depths of my heart that God is working in the lives of pets and animals in ways that we humans cannot understand because I don't desire for them to hurt. Whether they have taught feelings, emotions and actions or not, Dylan was a good boy and I will forever miss my bubba.

Fight For The Cure

Hello friends and family-

Many of you know the cross that I have to bear daily with type 1 diabetes. It is distressing to realize that one in every fourteen people is affected by diabetes or its nightmarish complications. It was so easy for me to think of 14 people in my life, but very difficult to face the face that you or any of my friends and family could suffer from heart disease, kidney failure- even amputation- as a result of diabetes.

Won't you please help me in my campaign for the American Diabetes Association? Campaigns like this are going on all over the country and are vital to the search for a cure and the programs that support our family’s, friends and neighbors living with diabetes.

If we could contribute just a little, together we can make an enormous impact- both in lives of the 21 million Americans with diabetes now and the additional 54 million who are at risk.

Will you please help today with your gift of $15, $20 or even $25? Hopefully you know me well enough to know that I wouldn’t ask for something I didn’t strongly believe in. Your gift would be a part of my healing process instantly as I get to see your support by you helping me carry this present burden.

Plus, there's an added reason to contribute now- Dignity Memorial, and National Strategic Partner of the Association, whose efforts help to raise awareness of healthy living and enhancing quality of life, has agreed to match every gift, dollar for dollar, up to a campaign total of $50,000!

That means your $15 donation can double to $30...your $25 gift becomes $50. Whatever you send today can be worth twice as much in the fight against diabetes.

Your gift will be put to use immediately funding research to find a cure and ease the suffering of the nearly 15 million children and adults in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Your gift will help detect diabetes among the over 6 million Americans who don't know they are affected- before it's too late. Your gift will work to change the future of 54 million of our fellow citizens with pre-diabetes.

So please write your check to the American Diabetes Association today and return it to me. I appreciate your generosity, support, prayers and faith to see this disease conquered.

Grace,

Kim Boiko

Diagnosed in 1989.

http://www.diabetes.org/

Send checks to:

Kim Boiko

1913 E. 17th Street

Suite 117

Santa Ana, CA 92705

Riley

You think I'm cute? You should see my godmother!

I love when she comes to hang out with me. I get to lay out on the couch and she just looks at me with a goofy face and makes weird noises.

My favorite is when she makes funny noises on my belly. It makes me smile. Don't I have a cute smile? I think so!

When she stops making those weird noises, we get to make funny faces together!

Another reason why my godmother is the best is because we get to stay up past my bedtime. I'm even cuter when I'm sleepy.

What happens in Vegas...

Canterbury Wedding Chapel

Totally gets written about in my blog!!

Jon surprised me with a trip to the Hoover Dam and then a few nights in Vegas. Let's just say I deserved this trip after being the most amazing girlfriend all summer long as my man worked and worked to earn some money for school (and hopefully some shinny bling bling if you know what I mean?!) and I was so patient and not demanding.

This was the cute place we stayed the first night. And yes, Jon is rubbing the American flag on his arse. That's why I date him...

Of course Boulder City, NV (where the Hoover Dam is located) has it's own brewery with some great beer. The drinks were great, but the food was so so.

And last but not least, while we were in Boulder, we found a great Ma & Pa breakfast place were we both filled up on our hot morning coffee. The guys before us left some foods on the blinds... Jon was nice enough to point out to me that the food had probably been there from 3 years before. Now hopefully you understand what I mean by "Ma & Pa" restaurant.

This was our first view of the Hoover Dam.

Aren't we cute?

Did you know that the Hoover Dam was named after President Hoover because he was the man who signed for the building of the dam?

Those cylinder looking things move the water around to make energy. Don't ask me how that works, just trust me. That's what the information movie said.

It totally cost about $15 to park your car and another $40 for the tour... Jon and I drove up the hill a little further and parked for free. This is as close as we got to the dam, on the top of the hill (not counting driving over it in our car). That's not too bad if you ask me.

Then we finally made it to Vegas! We are standing outside the Luxor with MGM Grand behind us.

Jon and I standing inside the Luxor Hotel. This is where we met our friends from Lebanon.

Jon loosing his money.

Kim loosing Jon's money.

I must admit that I was the reason why we went to play the slots. Personally, I wouldn't even blame myself- I blame the movie 21. Ah, yeah, Jon and I had just finished watching it so I thought it would be a good idea for us to gamble. I thought we would win. Technically, I did win $14. It just took us $40 to get there... ;)

Of course we had to lay out. Too bad it started to rain right when we got there and stoped right after we packed up and left. Go figure, ay?

Since this is offically the logest blog ever, I am adding this picture as a shout out to Hallie and Stacey. I took this in honor of both of you!

San Diego Fair

Jon worked at the San Diego fair this summer.

Hallie, Stacey and I went to visit him.

And then I gave him a little sugar.

And the soft lamb! Bahh. But really- this animal totally reminded me of my time in Israel.

So, while we were at the fair, the girls and I saw a pig race. At first is sounded fun and cute, but it actually became really sad because the squeeling noises they made.

During the pig races, Stacey volunteered to win the prize if our pig won the race.

Our pig did and Stacey won a pack of Oreos.

The was the same prize the winning pigs won too!

Father's Day

Last Saturday, my sisters and I decided to do something special with our dad for Father's day. The Sunday prior (actual Dad's day) I was in a car driving home from Utah (see previous entry). After thinking of the most brilliant idea- fishing- the cost and the heat persuaded me out of that idea and into the pool hall.

Before the game started, we went to our traditional breakfast location, Paul's Pantry, and ate too much food. But, don't worry- every bite was worth it.

The more I see my friends become mothers and fathers now, the more I have began to appreciate everything about my own parents. I know that probably sounds super cliché, but it's true. I can't think of a harder job then to be a mom or dad.

All I can think is, "Lord have mercy on my and my future children!"

Sure, there are qualities my dad does not posses that I wish he did, like being more talkative. But reality is- I do have the best dad in the world. I don't know any other person that has ever cared for me more than him, and his consistent actions show it. My dad has always been and will always be my number 1 fan. I hope that by God's grace, one day (soon) he will truly know how special he is to not only me and my family, but to the most important person of us all- Jesus Christ. Again, cliché? Probably. Sincere? More than anyone would ever know.

So I Went to Utah...

To see Brant and Rachel get married! Who knew the Curtis family was filled with a bunch of men who know how to cry? And the Weavers... I call them the Weepers! All of this in a good way, of course...

The wedding was beautiful.

But not as beautiful as the couple- and look at her dress! She is one hot mama.

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But... in order to get to the wedding, we had to drive there. And by "we" I mean Stacey, Hallie and myself enjoy eachother's company 24/7- including the looong days in the car.

And as Hallie says, "Our faces looked like this the whole time!"

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Except for when we were at Temple Square. Then our faces look like this:

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But I must say that our trip would not have been complete if it weren't for Stacey and Hallie insisting that I gamble for my first time in a Vegas hotel rather than a gas station... So I did.And then I won $5.

The End.

Personality Tests 101

Jon and I were going over our Myers Briggs. It made me remember my enneagram results. See the above posting to learn more. By the way, I am an ENFJ: [Warm, empathetic, responsive, and responsible. Highly attuned to the emotions, needs, and motivations of others. Find potential in everyone, want to help others fulfill their potential. May act as catalysts for individual and group growth. Loyal, responsive to praise and criticism. Sociable, facilitate others in a group, and provide inspiring leadership]. Jon says he is an ENTP [Quick, ingenious, stimulating, alert, and outspoken. Resourceful in solving new and challenging problems. Adept at generating conceptual possibilities and then analyzing them strategically. Good at reading other people. Bored by routine, will seldom do the same thing the same way, apt to turn to one new interest after another]. (I think he has ENTJ qualities as well). Maybe both? See http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/the-16-mbti-types.asp if you're interested in learning what your personality type is.

Only 215 days to go!

Only 215 more days until I will meet Jon in the Florida airport where we get to spend the next three weeks in his Naples home. I pretty much ask Jon everyday what we are going to do when we are there, but his answers seem to vary from ehh to aww... Besides waking up for prayer at 7am (yikes!), he promised to go on bike rides with me. Oh, and of course there is the beach. For some reason, what I'm looking forward to the most is hanging out with Ann and bringing a little more estrogen into the household! Beating up on the boys will be fun too, along with rolling in my tears from Chris' Christmas play I'm going to tell him to plan.

Before Jon and I leave La Mirada to go to Florida (him on the 14th and me on the 17th), Jon will graduates from Talbot University. Right now, he is hoping to get a job in Colorado, where his best friend was hired at a private Christian high school. As long as there is a solid Chrisitan church that needs help with their administration, I am all for Colorado :). I also know that Amy, BJ, and Matt would not mind it. Mama Boiko would though!

Well, that is all for now.

Miss Amy

You're blessed in life if you get a handful of great friends. I don't know how or why, but I have many many people who can make me smile just when I think about them.

This blog goes out to my wonderful friend who moved too far away from me, Miss Amy Louise Boespflug. She's out doing what she's wanted to do for a long time now, living overseas in NZ. Not only that, but she gets to work at an Indian Resturant. I know Jon is jealous of that! Anyways, my hat goes off to her for the courage she showed by traveling by herself to a place where she knew no one. I'm not surprised that she's made many friends quickly though.

One thing Amy has been talking to me about is the importance for a Christian community in her life. I've noticed that myself once I left living in the dorm rooms at Biola.

That is why I praise God for the Church. I love my job and I love my church congretations. I can't explain the importance of the body of Christ is in words, but just from my experience, nothing compares to it.

Amy, come home soon! I miss you buddy :)

Recently...

I traveled over to Israel with a group of 50 people. What an experience that was. To my surprise, I think I got something differernt out of it than I was expecting. With an opportunity like the one my parents gave me, I was expecting more of a "spiritual high" as I got to walk the same streets that Jesus did. Instead, I got to meet straigners and smell difference scents, witness how other people live, communicate, and love one another. I studied intercultural studies in my undergrad, but other than saying that, I don't know how else to explain the impact of being in a billion different cultures within 3 weeks had on me.