Goats

Okay, okay, I know I'm totally jumping on this bandwagon WAY late, but seriously, I laughed out loud for like ten minutes while watching this video over and over and over. 

My serious disgust for this song in general just makes this version even better. And it's funny cuz we used to have goats. For most of my life, actually. See? Baby Liesl (on the left) with a baby goat.

Notice the leash... we always led them around and had big plans for teaching them to pull a cart. Not that we had a cart.

Sometimes Mom even let us have them in the house... how can you say no to those cute little faces?! (Yup, that's LeeBee and Christy in 1998).

We just always had goats. Alllllllllll the way until 2003. Even thirteen-year-old Liesl loved baby goats.

I haven't washed my hair with shampoo for 6 weeks

Yup. You read that right.

I haven't washed my hair with shampoo for over 6 weeks.

And those of you who have seen me on a regular basis can vouch that my hair is not greasy or dirty or smelly or gross in any way. Why? Because your hair doesn't actually need shampoo.

Let me back up. This started right before my Daniel fast, which was near the beginning of February. When I mentioned that I was going to do the fast, my friend Kyle asked if I was going to be not shampooing my hair for the duration of the fast. I sort of laughed it off, and made a comment about how my hair wouldn't be very happy if I did that. But he was actually kind of serious and told me that I should research it, and I figured, Hey, the guy's in pharmacy school, he was a chemistry major, he probably knows what he's talking about. Turns out he really did.

I started looking online, and found out there is this whole "go green" movement that involves not shampooing or conditioning your hair. It's called "going poo-less" (I know, hilarious). This lady's blog post was the most helpful one that I found: How to wash your hair without shampoo. She also gives a pretty good explanation as to why it's actually better for your hair in the long run. Basically, your scalp naturally produces oils that help keep your hair strong and healthy. Shampoo strips that oil off your hair and tries to do the work instead, so your scalp produces extra oil to replace what's been stripped by the shampoo. It does clean your hair, but it cleans it too well, and your hair gets confused. Then when you don't shampoo your hair for a few days, your scalp goes overboard producing oil, and so your hair looks greasy. The more you shampoo your hair, the more often you have to shampoo your hair.

Per her suggestions, I started washing my hair with a solution of one tablespoon of baking soda for every 8 oz of water. As a conditioner, I use a solution of one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for every 8 oz of water. Initially, I used the solutions every day. After about a month, I started using it three or four times a week. It's amazing how well it actually works. My hair doesn't come out smelling like vinegar. I had a transition of about a week and a half where my hair was slightly more greasy than usual, but nothing crazy or out of control. My hair is still soft and silky (in fact, I think I've gotten more compliments in the last month and a half about how soft my hair is than I have in awhile). And the best benefit of all: It effectively gets paint out of my hair on the first try. Seriously, I used to have paint in my hair for months at a time because regular shampoo couldn't get it out.

It's definitely something worth trying, especially if you want to save money on shampoo and conditioner, which can be ridiculously expensive... this method is dirt cheap! Especially if you just steal baking soda and vinegar from your mom's kitchen cupboard. :) But even if not, baking soda and vinegar aren't THAT expensive. And since I'm diluting it with water, I only use a few tablespoons of each in a week's time.

Now if only I could find a way to do this and still get my hair to smell like shampoo... because I really just liked the smell of my shampoo. My hair doesn't smell bad now, it just doesn't really have a smell at all. And I kind of miss the Dove shampoo smell.

Learning

So my Daniel Fast has come to an end this week. It's really amazing to look back and see all that God has done for me in the last 40 days. This post is not to brag about how "Christian" I am or to claim that "everything gets better when you fast." If anything, this fast has shown me how much I still have to work on. Rather, I want to share my experience, and encourage anyone who has not fasted before to take it into consideration. Parts of this fast were definitely less than fun. But the lasting benefits outweigh the temporary sucky stuff.

This is the first time in my life that I feel like I was able to really trust implicitly and put my life in God's hands, instead of trying to do my own thing. I started this fast as a way to find clarity in my life and get myself on the right track before I start a career. I had no intention of staying in Lancaster this summer. I really just wanted to get out. And I still do, sometimes. But I was blessed with an incredible internship opportunity at PRiMA theatre in Lancaster (check out their website here) and a full time job offer at Cherry Crest (I blogged about that here). Definitely not what I was expecting to be doing on the other side of my fast. But I was able to take extra time to pray and really consider my options and possibilities, and in the end, made one of my first real life decisions. We all know how I feel about decisions... I hate making them. It felt good to make one, and know that it was a good thing.

Conflict resolution. Many of you know that Kayleigh (she blogs here) and I have had some issues with each other in the past. Major issues. Like, she's-dating-my-ex-boyfriend issues. We've tried to resolve things in the past, mostly because we felt like we had to, but it never worked. Ever. I very rarely dislike someone to the point of almost hating them, but I admit: there were times when I hated her. Fortunately for both of us (and all of our mutual friends), something changed in the last month or so. We took the time to listen to each other, for real this time, and put ourselves in the other person's shoes. We realized that we aren't necessarily going to be BFFs... and that it's okay. Instead, putting God first in our lives (individually) will help us both to work through our issues (together). It won't be easy. It will require an effort. But the first step has been made.

The biggest thing I felt God saying to me was wait for Me. I am notorious for doing things on my own, and doing them now. I grew up in a world of instant gratification, I like to see my results. But there have been lots of areas in my life recently where I'm not seeing instant results... and it's frustrating. But there is a time and place for everything. There are probably things that are already set in motion that I have NO IDEA about, things that will eventually impact my life in a big way. It could become apparent tomorrow, or not til I'm 30. Retraining myself to wait has been the hardest thing, and I've barely begun. It involves the right attitude and intentionality. And a LOT of patience.

If you haven't ever done any sort of fasting, I'd encourage you to give it a try. You don't have to do a Daniel fast, you can give up coffee or sugar or tv or Facebook (it's possible, I promise) or anything else that takes priority in your life. But take the time to listen to God, pray about the big things in your life, and open your heart to new possibilities. You might be surprised.
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Favorite smells that make the world a better place

Our sense of smell is really an amazing thing. It's pretty much the strongest sense, and it's amazing how even the faintest smell can bring a wave of memories washing back over you. We all have those smells that remind us of home or of a better time, or the ones that just smell SO GOOD that it makes you want to eat ALL THE FOOD.

1. Freshly cut grass. Not only is this the best indicator that it is now officially spring, but there is just something fresh and new about the smell of cut grass. It makes me want to go outside and lay on the grass in the sun and read a book.

2. Bread baking. If you've ever walked into a bakery in the morning, you know what I'm talking about. But luckily, this can also be achieved at home, especially if you have a mom who loves to bake bread. Thank goodness I do. There is nothing better than bread that is still warm because it just came out of the oven, and the butter almost melts before you even put it on the bread. That's how awesome it is.

3. Chocolate chip cookies. Especially when they've just been baked, so they are warm and gooey and chocolatey. It's amazing how it makes the whole house smells like chocolate.

4. Bacon. You could be frying a single piece of bacon at the next closest farm, down the hill and across the way... and I would still smell it. That is how potent the smell is. It's strong enough to get my butt out of bed on Saturday morning (in fact, it's probably the only thing capable of getting me up earlier than lunch time). I've had to ask my family to refrain from making bacon during my Daniel fast, because I think it would drive me crazy.

5. The ocean. There's nothing like rolling your window down and KNOWING you're within a few miles of the beach because you can smell the salt in the air. It's refreshing and tangy and so summer-y. Seriously, summer needs to get here asap.

6. Coffee. It is just a wonderful thing in so many ways. But the smell of a coffee shop makes me feel inspired and studious and like I want to curl up in a corner with a blanket and read a book. Or write a book.

7. Cucumber melon. This is my favorite scent of body wash. It smells like cool and sleek and fruity all rolled into one. I tried it as perfume, though, and didn't like it. It's strictly a body wash scent.

8. Cologne. I'm a pretty big fan of most guys wearing cologne. Unless they are drowning in Axe, then I just feel like I'm suffocating. But generally speaking, I like the smell of cologne. There are some that I like more than others, but I don't actually know what any of them are called, only the boys who wear them.

It pays to pay your dues

How many times have you heard grown-ups say, "Just pay your dues, it'll all get better"? I feel like every kid hears that enough times to have a small fortune if they had a nickel for every time. But I never realized how true it really was until this year. Bear with me and my cliches long enough to hear my story. You might get to see some really awesome pictures of baby Liesl. And by might, I mean that you will.

I was almost 14 when I first started working at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in 2004. Back then, I still liked to go to through the maze for funsies, as you can see in this picture.

I picked up an application while my mom and I were there (to do the maze) on a Wednesday, came in for a conversation with Rudy on the Host bridge an interview the next day, and was working by Saturday. My first job? Cleaning toilets. Emptying trashcans. Refilling paper towel dispensers. Picking up trash. Not the most glamorous job, but man, that $5.15/hr made it all worth it. And Bill was a really great manager--he believed in his young employees, and made sure we learned how to work hard.

In 2007, I started working in food and with a register. That's right, I was a boss at making lemonade.

I spent some shifts in the Lemonade Stand, and worked A LOT of shifts in the Corn Cafe. Seriously, so many Corn Cafe shifts. There were some General Store and Snack Shack shifts thrown in there too. These years made me realize how glad I was that I didn't work in the restaurant industry.

But we all know that I really just like to talk. So one day they gave me a microphone! Just look how happy that made me.

I started doing Stalk Talks and Host Maze Master in 2008. This was by far one of my favorite job. Who wouldn't want to get paid to talk ALL DAY?! I loved making announcements and helping people through the maze. Plus, I'd always wanted to be the Host Maze Master. If there was one goal I had from the time I started working, that was it. I was beyond thrilled to finally have the chance to do it.

2010 was the first year that I worked pre-season. It was mostly planting flowers and being on the infamous Staining Crew, though I did a little bit of painting, which eventually led to being the primary creative painter for the next few years. I painted the maze photo ops, a number of petting zoo signs, and any other miscellaneous things that needed to be painted.

Our theme in 2011 was "Once Upon a Time," which obviously lent itself to my favorite job thus far-- being a princess!

I got to walk around in a poofy pink dress and take pictures with all the little girls, who got so smiley and giggly at the sight of a "real princess." We also had Story Time with the princess, which involved me reading a fairy tale story, and using kid volunteers from the audience to help tell the story. Seriously, the best job ever.

From that point on, my official job title was "Extra".... AKA running around giving people breaks going for extra supplies counting money doing whatever Sara needed me to do.

In the off-season, I did all the creative painting (photo ops, more petting zoo signs, etc) and lots of regular painting (the entire Sweet Shop and new bathrooms and the new General Store). Which brings us to the present.

This winter, five managers decided to leave Cherry Crest, all around the same time, leaving a number of positions and areas open. The last 9 years have finally paid off: Jack and Donna offered me a full-time, year-round Assistant Manager position that would include staff development, handling first aid incidents and lost children, developing more stage shows and entertainment, taking over the social media (like our Facebook page!) and of course, coordinating all the painting that needs to be done. After several days of prayer and some fasting (this opportunity conveniently came during my Daniel Fast), I accepted the position.

I started the same day. Since then, I've officially moved into my new desk (That's right. I get a desk), written the Stalk Talk script and gameboard with Sara, had numerous meetings, stuffed a lot of envelopes, and still managed to get all the fish painted for the Underwater Cave.

It's funny, because it doesn't seem like much changed from year to year. It was a gradual shift that took place as I got older and more experienced. But when I look at where I started, and where I'm at now, there is a big difference. I've worked hard to get where I am. I've put in countless hours, worked so many double shifts, endured a lot of mud and rainstorms, survived a tornado, and filled out enough count-back forms to paper a small forest. And now, it's come back around.

I know you can't always stay at the same job for a long time, even if it's one you really like. I know there are other circumstances. But sometimes it really is worth it to stick around, even when the going gets tough. You never know when it's going to pay off.

Things that go *bump* in the night

I had a nightmare last night.
The hair-raising-scream-at-the-top-of-your-lungs-cower-in-the-corner kind.
I don't think I have ever been filled with so much terror in my entire life.

It's a terribly helpless feeling. To know deep down inside that it's not real, that something isn't actually breaking into your room. But at the same time, not being able to do anything except scream for someone to help you.
For some reason, Christy was still awake and down in the dining room. After hearing me repeatedly screaming something along the lines of "Somebody help me, there's someone in my room," she of course thought maybe there actually was someone in the house, and ran to get my parents. By the time she and my mom came down to my room, I was cowering in the corner of my room in the fetal position. I was awake. I knew who they were. But I was still filled with terror. I could barely speak and was shaking almost uncontrollably.

Worst feeling ever.

Don't watch scary movies before bed, kids.

10 foods I just really want to eat right now

1. Chocolate. Specifically dark chocolate. And with peanut butter.

2. Coffee, with french vanilla creamer. I didn't get a caffeine headache when I stopped drinking it for the fast, but I just really miss drinking it. Especially in the morning. Mom and I have breakfast together before I leave for work, and it's just not the same without coffee.

3. Fudge. There have been three pans of fudge (Cookies and Cream, Cappuccino, and Vanilla Nut) sitting on the lunch table at work for the past few weeks. And it's driving me crazy.

4. Also, this food board has been staring me in the face all week. This picture is bad quality, but the food just looks SO GOOD. Our public relations woman really outdid herself, the pictures make me want to buy ALL THE FOOD.

5. Ice cream. Cookie Dough or Double Dunker. Or both. At the same time. With chocolate syrup and caramel.

6. Really buttery popcorn. I've been eating popcorn since we make it ourselves, and it fits with the fast because it's natural. But it's not the same when you just sprinkle a little bit of salt on it. It needs some butter. Lots of it.

7. Cheetos. Aside from not knowing exactly what a cheeto is, I have been craving them like crazy recently. And I'm not really sure why, because I don't eat them very often.

8. Cheese. Specifically port wine cheese, but really I miss all kinds. I just love cheese.

9. Milk. At least I'm not trying to eat sweets without it. That would be terrible.

10. Bacon. I mean, I miss Thursday Night Breakfast-for-Dinner in general, so also eggs and toast. But specifically bacon.


This fast has definitely been a struggle this week.