"Benton B everybody"

Benton B is not only my co-worker, but just an overall awesome guy.  He's legit.  

He's the kind of guy that will have Tiff Treats with a side of Blue Bell and milk delivered to the office to feed our hungry You+ staff.  He's the kind of guy that will shoot you with a Nerf gun from across the room just to keep you on your toes.  He's the kind of guy that will get you pumped up for a meeting or sneaking out to grab a Pearl Cup Latte.

I seriously couldn't imagine a better partner-in-crime and someone that brings pure joy to this office.

Happy Bday week BB!

....oh, and he's the kind of guy that will wear blue leather with neon yellow soles.  I shot his head shot yesterday and couldn't help to steal these shoes out of his car to take a pic.  Is it weird that I want the same ones??

Love, Sarah

Facebook Cape Cod Day

On my last day to be alone in Cape Cod I couldn't decide what to do, so I posted this on Facebook:

"Ok, serious question. I want an answer by the time I get out of the shower. 

Today in Cape Cod, should I...

A. Go on a whale watching cruise.

B. Find the best clam chowder and try it for the first time ever.

C. Literally just drive and get lost and find my way back.

I'll do whatever the most of you tell me to do."

I received so many fun answers and the majority said all of the above.  I got heart broken when I called and found out the whale watching cruise was an all day event and I had to be back at the hotel by 3:00 p.m.  

...So I was off to find the best clam chowder and get my butt lost.

I walked into town to The Roadhouse Cafe for clam chowder, which was recommended by a Cape Cod friend enthusiast.  But for the love of God, it was closed.  I kept hightailing it towards Main St. and stopped at Gringo's.   

Their clam chowder might not be the best in Cape Cod, but it was definitely delicious!  Thankfully I didn't have anything to reference it to, but I lost my fear of clams and chowder.

I headed back to the hotel to pop into our car and just drive.  

I wanted to go North and was even thinking about looking at the map to head in the right direction.  But, I'm the absolute worse lier so I knew I couldn't look at you through my blog and lie.  I turned the opposite direction than I knew I wanted to go and just drove like I've lived there forever.  

The second I drove past this pizza shop I knew it was the same name that I was recommended to on the sticky note still stuck to my computer at work.  Our Intern Mark said it was the best pizza and after u-turning into their parking lot I saw the sign that said Best Cape Cod Pizza 8 years in a row! 

Now looking at this slice you might be disagreeing with everything you just read up above.  I did too, even after eating half of it.  But, I seriously couldn't stop.  The grease that had soaked through the dough had created a nice layer of crispy fat shellac resin goodness.  Craigville Pizza has been serving up greatness for the past 30 years.

I hit the road again until I literally ran into a beach.  Well, after paying 15 bones to park.

The day before was in the 60's so I was still rocking pants and didn't even pack a bathing suit.  I would have loved nothing more than my hide roasting in the sun, but I had to just sit their in the sand with a full wardrobe. 

I stuck out like a sore thumb so this little seagull laid pity on me and sat by my side for a minute.

I prided myself away from the beach and jumped into my rented g-ride and navigated my way back.

Thank you for inspiring me to do the right thing.

Love, Sarah

Martha's Vineyard

While Paul had to work in Cape Cod, I took the day to go check out Martha's Vineyard by myself.  I have always wanted to check out a new place alone and I was soaking up this opportunity.

When I cruised into Martha's Vineyard I was bombared with tourist attractions and maps that only led to three towns.  I felt trapped and contained to only be able to experience the part of the Vineyard that they would allow me.  I walked as far as I could into Oak Bluffs and ate breakfast at Slice of Life Cafe.  I then asked my waiter the most cliche of tourist questions... 

"If I could only see one thing on the island, what would it be?"    

He told me Aquinnah for sure.  He then tried to talk me out of it when I pulled out my map to see it was on the absolute opposite side of the island from where we were.  He said I could get there by several buses and I thanked him and went about my way.

Half way there on my second bus I started questioning my choice.  I was the only one on the bus besides the driver and we were only passing farms and post offices.  At that moment my song Sara Smile came on over the radio and I knew I had to trust my instinct to venture off the path.  

When I finally made it to Aquinnah the bus driver said he'll be back in an hour and pointed in two directions.  One to a view off a cliff and the other to a path towards the beach.  The second I saw this view I knew the journey was worth it.  

I walked towards the path and just took in every step. 

The wind was blowing cool air as I walked the winding trail.

The most peaceful house was placed out in the middle of nowhere.  With a population of 300 in this town, I'm sure everyone has a view similar to this one.

The trail was at least 10 minutes long, but not long enough.

When my toes touched the sand I was greeted by this cairn.  You immediately feel warmed by a past presence.  You imagine who picked out each stone and placed it with purpose.  Was it a couple, someone saddened, or possibly it was built with joy.  It's yours to create.

I gave the ocean my hello and immediately headed back. 

The path was as beautiful going as coming. 

 I headed towards the Gay Head Lighthouse.

It was first created in 1799 and stands with pride.

I took in all the sights I could before the bus driver returned.  The ride going back was a little bit more calm, knowing I had successfully checked Martha's Vineyard off my to-do list.

Love, Sarah

Hyannis, Cape Cod

Paul and I went exploring our first day in Cape Cod.  We parked our car at the port and started walking towards the beach.  The only map I had was a drawn tourist map and everything looked closer than they actually were.  A sweet war vet pulled over and asked if he could help us.  We took his offer to get dropped off by the beach.  ...Paul had the cutest talk with me to never do that on my own and how Ted Bundy was the sweetest man until he murdered his victims.

Hyannis had some of the cutest houses.  

Flowers were everywhere and I was eating up all the front porches.  

American flags were hung at almost every house.  Being in Massachusetts always makes me feel more like an American.  Paul says it's because Texas is it's own country and goes on and on with Texas history facts.  Gotta love him.

The lifeguards were off duty so I thought I would help them out in their absence.  

I love how all beaches are different.  From the sand, surroundings, smell, and feel, it's always a new experience from coast to coast.  

Love, Sarah

Cathedral of the Holy Cross

The moment I took this picture I wanted to delete it.  I thought how rude of me to take a picture of someone praying.  Especially since it was a Monday and they felt the need to come into the house of the Lord.  Moments later the woman in the picture walked past me.  The signs of a hard life are so easily visible for others to notice.  I immediately became envious of her.  I knew God had such a special place for her and was listening to every word she had to say or didn't say.

You see, I would gladly give up everything to have that trust in Him.  The more you have it's easy to start to believe that you can take care of yourself.  That you don't need Him to perform a miracle for your food to last a few more days until payday.  I would rather have the markings of a hard life than a life with ease.  There's nothing like a hunger to hear Gods word and feel his comfort.   

 As I'm sitting here I have to believe that God has me right where He wants me.   

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross is the largest church in New England.  Paul had seen it on the map and wanted to check it out.  I figured a church was a church, but oh-man I'm glad we went.  It was exquisite and I walked away in a better place than walking in.

It can seat over 1700 people and the Hood and Hastings pipe organ is from 1875.

I have to remember His doors are always open.

Love, Sarah