Day Seven Hundred and Fifty

The Six Months are Up

(Time to Relocate)

This is probably the simplest - and fastest - way to describe yesterday...

It was a dangerous mixture of high emotions, long flights, packed apartments...and nowhere to call home. 

Momentarily, these Space Noodles brought smiles.

They're sure making me smile now though. How adorable, Seattle?!

We flew red eye from Seattle to North Carolina to Jacksonville yesterday.

We left Seattle at 10:30 PM Sunday night and landed in Jax at 9 AM Monday morning. Boy was it a long night...and the proof lies here. Literally. This was Adam during our one-hour layover in Charlotte, NC.

Like the Space Noodles, finally seeing Florida again gave us both instant smiles.

Once home in Jax, we had a lot on our plate. But first, we took a three hour nap - it was absolutely the most necessary item of our whole day. Because when we woke up, we needed that rest in so many ways. Not only did we have to pack up the whole apartment, load the truck, clean, and drive four hours to Jupiter, but we also had to SEARCH FOR ANOTHER CONDO. Say what?! It was 2:30 PM when the news that our apartment contract offer was outbid and won by someone else. And the place we were planning on calling home, wasn't in fact, going to be home at all. We had to be out of Jax on the 30th, but suddenly, we didn't have anywhere to go on the 1st. Problem. Big problem. Wife-freak-out-crying-like-a-baby-problem. We then had 2 1/2 hours to find a new home, 300 miles away, at a time of day that most realtors are already gone from work. Awesome...not. Long story short, we finally signed another lease at 7:30 PM, 13 hours before we needed to move in.

Moral of the story: Trust - first - that God will provide. And save the freak-outs for something more serious. Also, be wary of shady real estate agents.

Anyways...above is Adam, packed and ready to start loading in Jax.

But first, he had to get it all from the 19th story to the 1st. That calls for shopping carts, wardrobe carts, and elevators of course!

And then, loading at the loading dock.

We finally filled the truck - to the brim - and left Jacksonville (for good?) at 9 PM.

That got us to Jupiter around 1:30 AM, where this beautiful sight awaited us. Yes, complete with a giraffe. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, Sondra and Dennis for opening your home and gorgeous bedroom to us. We're grateful for your hospitality and example of what living like Jesus really means.

HEY JUPITER...WE'RE BAAAA-AAAAACK!

Day Seven Hundred and Sixteen

The Jacksonville Bats

The baseball bats of the Jacksonville Suns don't always come out to play. But, lucky for us, the flying bats of Jacksonville City do! If you look closely, you'll notice the sky is speckled black! Every night at sunset, hundreds of little cute bats chirp and echolocate right outside our balcony...in search of their home in the chimney of the courthouse across the street. They're mesmerizing, and last night, I watched the batty bats for a solid hour before the sun went to bed.

Day Seven Hundred and Thirteen

The RiverWalk

Ohhhh...so this is what 8 AM looks like.

I had no idea...

Nina met me outside the Conley Condo for a walk along the St. John's River.

It was peaceful and warm and everything I could've hoped to wake up to. At the end of our little walk, just across the Main Street Bridge, is the Friendship Fountain. A very fitting - and stunning - place for Nina and I to sit and talk.

We sat on a bench, drank our coffee, and talked marriage and God. She's getting married in 3 months, and with so many of my friends tying the knot this year, conversation was easy. It always is. I've learned and grown so much through our friendship this year, and I can't say enough how thankful I am to have such a strong sister in Christ here in Jacksonville.

The views were impeccable. And definitely worth the early morning alarm. This city is beautiful, I just don't often take the time to appreciate it. 

Inhale. Now Exhale. I get excited every time I look at this picture.

(Truth: I'm a closet fat kid at heart)

So there's a restaurant here called Metro Diner. It was featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives." Naturally, being the native Jacksonvillian that she is, Nina lured me into this caloric paradise. It was her duty! She had to. And I was in heaven. Very rarely do I stray far from my "clean eating" lifestyle. My body can't handle it. But sometimes, you just need a strawberry cheesecake-filled waffle. Or two. Or four. And yesterday, that's exactly what I needed. We talked some more and ate our fill...and left each other with satisfied bellies and even more satisfied hearts. If all mornings were like this one, I might just become a morning person. But probably not. Haha.

Then, it was off to the Riverside Market for me. I needed to find a special gift...and thought this was the place to find it. What I did find instead: HUGE smiles on my face. Bike Valet? Is this Olympia, WA?! I felt right at home!

Larpers and fencers?! I couldn't stop laughing. 

Then this sign.

Oh my gosh, YES!

Hahaha

And when I walked back to the truck, I couldn't help but smile at the little birdies playing hangout by the Raptor. Day: made.

Jacksonville, you were good to me yesterday. 

I thank you.

And then, a nightcap Skype session with my besties.

It was the perfect ending to a beautiful day.

I went to bed feeling content in my heart and thankful for the many blessings the Lord has piled up for me.

Day Seven Hundred and Twelve

The Moroccan Shrine Circus

My first circus!!

Well, technically, Mom said I've been to one before...but I can't remember, so it doesn't count!

The acts were WAY incredible. I didn't know what to expect prior to the show, but now that I look back on it, this circus was sorta like a glorified America's Got Talent show. Only without the singing.  Speaking of AGT, these guys were actually ON the show! Like, they were on TV! And they did well, too!

They're flying acrobats, jump rope enthusiasts, and tremendous showmen. 

(There's a flying man in this picture)

Nina and I were so impressed with their talent actually, that we even had the courage to ask for a photo op. Oh yeah. No shame. Hehehe. 

Although this last 10-day series is a long one, Nina's been a joy to spend my time with. I'm so glad I have her here in Jax with me. Her Christian friendship is one I hold close to my heart. Thanks for my "first" circus, Nina!!

Day Seven Hundred and Four

The Broken Life

Remember how I said I had a really weird pain in the center of my back? And how I went to the chiropractor to get it fixed. Well, it's not fixed. Not even close. Matter of fact, it's the exact same. SOOOO, I went to the doctor and he sent me here...to get an MRI. And an X-ray. On Monday, I get to find out if ANYONE can help me figure out what's wrong with me!

In other news...

It's STILL storming in Jacksonville. 

Like, REALLY storming... 

Like bust the water-main storming. 

It rained so much last night that the pressure overwhelmed the main water pipe (which pumps all of downtown's water to its residents) and caused it to explode (yeah, EXPLODE. Like BOOM!).

If you look closely, you can see our Plaza through the mess of the water main reconstruction. Oh the joys of NO WATER FOR THE ENTIRE NIGHT! All of downtown...from the stadium and a few blocks West of us...no water. Nada. Zero. Zilch. I'll bet the clubhouse didn't smell too yummy this morning..hahaha :)

Day Seven Hundred and Two

The Mace River Run

Yesterday was my most favorite workout day since moving to Jax. Because this was my view. WOW! Stunning, right?!

I ran along the river, across the  bridge, around the fountain, and began my Crossfit workout here. On that bench. 5 rounds of 15 box jumps (more like BENCH jumps), 10 push-ups, 20 lunges, 20 jump squats, and 20 bench dips. 

I was a sweaty mess when I finished. And REALLY tired. But I still had another mile and a half to run back home. So, like the smart, precautionary woman that I am, I brought along my best friend and most fierce competitor (besides a gun): my mace. Don't mess with THIS workout girl, Jax! Cuz I mean business!

(Apparently, Jacksonville is home to some of the worst homicide rates in the country...a GUN is what you need here, but since that's a little far fetched to run with, I chose my pepper spray for backup!)

Day Six Hundred and Ninety-One

The Jaguars' Open Practice

Yesterday, the Jacksonville Suns were treated like VIPs. They had on-the-field passes to watch the Jacksonville Jaguars' early morning practice, then were escorted away to tour the field, stadium, and locker rooms! 

I didn't get such special treatment. But this was just as good for me!

The Jaguars opened practice to the public, so I went to check it out. It sorta reminded me of pre-season practices with the Cougs...only these guys are about twice the size and run way faster.

EverBank Field: Home of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

A pretty neat place, indeed. However, I still much prefer our stomping grounds at Bragan Field: Home of the Jacksonville Suns.

Baseball > Football

All day. Every day.

Day Six Hundred and Eighty-Five

The Riverside Farmer's Market

I spent my Saturday morning here. Under the freeway and in the company of numerous local vendors. I purchased plenty of fresh veggies, watched a little dance performance, and meandered through the incredible assortment of homemade goods. It was wonderful. And next weekend, I'm bringing my man (BECAUSE HE'S HERE NOW!)!

Then, I went to UPS to send a package to Adam's mommy. I parked next to a tree (located in the parking lot), and suddenly, an obnoxious screeching noise was shouting at me from above. Oh no...a branch did NOT just scrape the living daylights out of my husband's truck. Oh yeah, that's exactly what happened. Insert evil, crazy, bad words here. So, I got out my - in full on rage mode - and cut the stupid tree branch down. In front of an entire parking lot of curious onlookers. Then, I called Adam screaming, crying, and throwing a fit about how sorry I was about the tree. Uhhhh. Seriously Jacksonville, I don't like you!!! This would never have happened in Jupiter! <--- Yes, I realize I sound like a total brat. But seriously, I'm never ever going to complain about the men who wake us up way too early in Jupiter to prune every single bush and tree in sight. I get it now. People don't appreciate their cars being attacked by overgrown spikey trees!!! Uhhhhh :( Saddest face ever.

But these two chubby faces were able to turn my frown around...real quick.

My nephews are the best. And yesterday, I got to hang with them (on Skype) for two whole hours. I am one lucky Auntie Kandle.

Day Six Hundred and Eighty-Four

The Balcony Oasis

Sometimes, Saturdays are a bit hectic at the pool.

And this little oasis ain't a bad second option. 

I love sitting on my balcony while listening to the sounds of busy people below. I wonder what life is like for them. I wonder over their struggles. I wonder over their successes. I wonder where they're going and what they're doing. I wonder if they're mad. Sad? Happy? Hopeful? But most often, I wonder about their heart. And then, I can't help but to pray to Jesus that one day, they'd find Him, accept Him, and love Him.

(And yes, that is a giraffe towel. Just is case you were wondering.)

And for my random randomness of the day:

Call me crazy, but this is SO COOL!

If you're a Harry Potter fan (like me), dial this number.

You'll be smiling the rest of the day (it's Hogwarts)!!!

 

Day Six Hundred and Seventy-Eight

The Protest

A sort of chanting woke me up yesterday morning. Up on the 19th story, sound is never really an issue.   And unlike our obnoxious neighbors in Jupiter, we've not yet had to deal with any sort of noise complaints during our stay at the Plaza (thank the good Lord)! So obviously, my curiosity was peaked.

The chants led me out onto our balcony, and there, down on the streets of downtown Jax, was my answer. "No justice, no peace," is what they shouted - a protest over the not-guilty verdict of George Zimmerman in the case of the Trayvon Martin shooting.

America is divided over this tragedy. And though a young life was lost, I am thankful for our country's criminal justice system. Without it, we'd be in an even bigger mess than we already are.

Day Six Hundred and Seventy-Five

The 2013 Southern League All-Star Game (and Luncheon)

It was a gorgeous day for baseball.

It was a gorgeous hotel for hungry baseball players.

Yesterday's festivities kicked off with a (scrumptious steak) luncheon. Each player was formally announced, given an All-Star recognition plaque, and had their photo taken in front of the hometown team backdrop. Ours :) 

It was a bit formal. The guys at our table had a small conversation about proper etiquette. Which fork? Which knife? Could we eat dessert first? We decided to stick with farthest to the left first. Dessert second. I think we got it right. Hey what do you expect of a bunch of burly baseball men (and their ladies)?! Where's the paper plates and plastic silverware?!

Hi.

You're not used to seeing us like this...

But sometimes, we like to play dress up.

And yes, I'm that crazy embarrassing wife: I matched us. Subtly. But definitely. Last year, for the All-Star game with Greensboro, Adam and I wore green. This year: yellow! And what's so wrong with matching anyways!? :)

Lefty, righty, righty, lefty.

Just a few Southern League pitching All-Stars (and their plaques)!

Then...6:00 rolled around and it got real. 

The home run derby!

(Each selected hitter was given 7 outs to hit as many home runs as possible)

Ok Grama. This is for you.

Since pitchers don't hit in the home run derby (only really good hitters do), Adam didn't compete in it. Instead, he got to sit on the field and watch his teammates hit home runs up close :)

And since these two boys are roommates and best friends, I took a picture of them sitting together.

Adam is saying to himself right now, "Ah c'mon guys. Let me try. I'll hit ten bombs."

Ok, maybe not ten. 

Because the winner of the home run derby didn't even hit five. Only three.

But, that hitter's in the South Division...and the Suns are in the South Division...so...we won!

And while I was snapping away at their celebrations...

Another photographer was on the field capturing our captures.

And somehow, my mom found this on The Florida Times Union.

(Credit to them...this is not my picture)

Then, 904 Happy Hour found us!

(Obviously not my photo either)

Aaaaaand, back on the field...

"Baseball's never been hotter with the Jacksonville Suns!"

(Our theme song)

A pitcher knows just what a pitcher needs.

Pre-game massages, baby.

The game's about to start!

Getting ready for announcements.

Jacksonville Suns left-handed starting pitcher: Adam Conley!!

(And the crowd goes wild....wooooohooooooo!!)

Adam said the other day, "Baseball is so America. Every day, we sing the National Anthem."

He's got that right.

Ok...so here's another little explanation:

This year, there were 24 All-Star pitchers total. Both teams combined. Because there's only 9 innings in a game (which means 18 different pitchers if each pitcher threw just one inning), each pitcher only throws one inning maximun. That way, they can get as many pitchers into the game as possible.

Adam got the whole fourth inning.

And boy does he look real good up there :)

He faced the minimum three hitters in his one inning last night.

No walks. One pop-up. One groundout. One punchout.

That's my man!

I could get used to this one-inning business....!

(Another note: Grama...some pitchers only ever throw one inning. They're called closers. They come in at the very end of the game and pitch just one inning if our team is winning - to try to save the game and make sure we get the win. Usually, they throw really hard and really accurate...kinda like Adam. And they normally get to throw more than just once every five days.)

Tim TeBull dances with the players.

One thing I do love about minor league baseball: the in-between innings silliness.

The crowd loves this stuff...and I do too!

The South won the home run derby...

And the South won the All-Star game too!!

6-0!

Good pitching. Good hitting. Amen! That's two All-Star wins in a row for this Conley family!

Post-game fireworks.

It was like being in a dream.

And then I think to myself...this life is a dream. 

My heart is full. And my God is BIG.

I love you Adam.

Praise the Lord for this game. For your talent. And for the platform we have because of it. We're so very grateful.

This year's All-Star break was such a joy.
There's a lot of talent in this league, and we feel honored to be apart of it.
_______________

Oh, and I mustn't forget...
Immediately following the game, the entire Suns team packed onto the bus and traveled 9 hours North to Tennessee to begin a 10-day road trip. They left at midnight last night...and got into the hotel at 9:30 AM. That my friends, is life in the minor leagues.