la quête

There’s no denying.

2012-01-24T23:56:00.001-07:00

they’re creative

And the inevitable happens.

2012-01-21T21:10:00.001-07:00

so sad.

Hike in January. Crazy.

2012-01-14T19:00:00.001-07:00

My friend, Manny, and I went for a hike today to catch up on life and such. It was a beautiful hike and a lovely conversation time. =) Love you girl!

Dry Canyon.

A Migraine and A Doctor’s Visit

2012-01-13T14:35:00.001-07:00

Can I just say before I start that this will probably be the hardest semester of my life?

Wednesday night I got a whopper of a headache which turned into a migraine. Because of the herbal supplements I’m on I cannot have caffeine of any sort, which is one of the major ingredients in my migraine medication. Fabulous – no medication. I went to bed really early {pretty cranky too, as migraines do to me} and slept “okay” waking up a lot and wishing I was dead {stuff like that}. In the morning I called my chiropractor to ask if I was still to come in to my appointment and was told yes. I didn’t go to work, not because I was too tired and couldn’t get out of bed, but because my head hurt so much I couldn’t get out of bed. I also missed my first class {not really a bad thing…..worst class ever}. Then my sister, Moosehead, picked me up and we went in together. After waiting a bit longer than I think people should wait in a waiting room we were escorted into the chiropractic room. Instantly on knowing I had a migraine I was given a muscle test, purple glasses, and an ice pack. I’m totally okay with this. Moosehead went first. Then I was up. Nervous as I’ll get out. Nervous I’m not sure why, its probable that I was nervous of throwing up everywhere…. as he straitened out my back it was good it was okay {you know, my body fighting really bad and not waiting for me to relax because it just wasn’t going to happen}…..but then he ventured to my shoulder area. Yeah. Snapped it. Guess what happened? Such intense pain I started crying on the spot. Seriously, instant tears. I was so shocked and so overwhelmed I couldn’t answer the question he’d asked me before doing the adjustment. I just laid there, face down in the two hard pillows, crying and trying to breathe. He adjusted my neck and it was okay. I tried to relax. I guess I was still in such shock I couldn’t do it very well because we stopped there. I did get some cool sound therapy though {you know, cool as in cool unless you’ve got a migraine and are very sensitive to sound}. We left and went to run some errands before I was dropped off at school. As the emotions cooled I started to return to normal and as the migraine released and dissipated I became almost joyful and happy. Hopefully with the next three months of treatment I can go through the next {and last!} two semesters-ish of school with NO migraines. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Can I just say as I end that this is probably the best day of my semester? =) =) =) =)

Computer Testing & Juicing

2012-01-10T12:27:00.001-07:00

Well yesterday was my first full day of juicing (if you can call it that, a full day I mean) and the first day of University AND the second time I’ve taken a computer generated herbal medicinal test. It seemed a lot longer than the first time I took one. However, I should probably start out with juicing. My dad was right. I can’t do a juicing cleanse/diet for two weeks. Point One: I hardly eat anyway, so taking away that which has substance and is completely healthy for me (all natural peanut butter, completely natural 100% whole grain bread, brown rice, organic tomato soup) makes what happened last afternoon happen (faint-ness, mood drop, energy plunge). Second Point: I can hardly get to school in general, so having to come home to juice is pretty much undoable and going with nothing for six hours is just not possible with my body. Point Three: In doing the computer test I realized I’m not toxic (I have very low levels of toxins in my body to begin with) so doing a detox is null. This test also showed that I am lacking in protein. I could have told you that, but with the previous statement combined I really need protein (I’m going to try and stick to vegetable and nut proteins). Last Point: Exhaustion. I can’t do an 84 hour work week and not get every nutrient I need, plus a hormone boost.

So basically what I learned is that I take really good care of my body and I just need to supplement certain aspects and watch out for others. The main problem with my body is hormones and we can work on that. Therefore, I’m switching into the last phase of my lifestyle change. Keep juicing with breakfast and dinner (but have a substantial meal for each aka: oatmeal, rice and beans respectively). Keep the good snacks throughout the day every two hours (fruits and veggies) and add the pb&h. Plus keep the water. The main things I have to watch out for are preservatives and sugary/salty things. All natural. 100% natural. Organic. All-Organic. These are ALL better than anything else.

I knew as I started this week I had to pay attention to how I felt and adjust. Testing concluded. Adjusting made.

Juicing

2012-01-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

For Christmas I got a JUICER! I’ve been wanting one for about the past year but more expressly so over the past two months. Last semester I did a health blog for my mass media class. As a part of this assignment I watched quite a few documentaries about health and wellness. One was the Gerson Therapy and another was Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. In these I realized the properties of juicing and how important it is {especially in this day, age, and nutritional starvation} for me to get all the nutrients that I am not getting because of our culture and government {not to mention multimillion dollar companies}. In Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead there is a woman who tries the juicing because she suffers from migraines. This got me interested in trying this juicing fast. In understanding and agreeing with the Gerson therapy, which is that the body has the ability and desire to heal itself, it just needs the right food to do so, I realized that I needed to give my body the right ingredients to heal itself. So, the hubs and I are going on a two week juicing fast/cleanse. I am really excited to start tomorrow. I feel like I’ve needed this for three months now and I am finally getting to start it all. I know people have said that its hard, but I’ve done so much harder things this should be a breeze. But I think what will make it the easiest is that I’ve been waiting so long to start and that my body is starving for nutrition and to do this.

After the two weeks juicing is not going bye bye. I am going to keep it forever and always. Juicing with breakfast. Juicing with dinner. Juicing for snacks. What I am doing instead is after the two weeks of just juicing, we are going to reintroduce one meal into the mix {most likely dinner} and keep {forever} the portions small. All whole grain. Small dairy. Very small meat. Greater vegetables and fruits with protein and nutrients. Then after that and some time we’ll add another meal {lunch} and also keep the portions small. Then we’ll reintroduce another meal {if needed more than just juicing, breakfast}. Then we’ll see about those small favorites we have {chips, chocolate/ice cream}.

This is all about lifestyle change. If we want to feel and be healthier we can’t just do a “diet” and think that we’ll feel better and life will be amazing. We have to assess what we’re doing wrong, fix it, and keep it fixed. Because if not, when we stop the change, we stop the feeling it brings {healthiness}. So here’s to a new year and a new lifestyle “healthy and nutritious”!

My NEW juicer!

FRESH apple carrot juice. YUM!

Another Doctor.

2012-01-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

Today, I saw yet another doctor. This one, however seems quite hopeful. He {yes, I did say he} is a chiropractor, a nutritionist, and numerous other natural things {which include a medical degree, so he really is a doctor}. We had our consultation today. Our main focus is to rid myself of migraines. Secondary focuses would be nice to get rid of as well, however, right now they are secondary. We talked about all the therapies and such and what is available, as well as what is actually causing the problems. So today we did a chiropractic session. Here are some of my thoughts:

why haven’t I tried this sooner?
I get to keep my clothes on? This might just be the best doctor yet.
seriously, did he just snap my back in half? …. I can still move, *phew!*
OW, I mean…..wow, that feels amazing.
you know when someone kills someone else in a movie very silently by snapping their neck? Yeah, I thought I might die, right there. Right then.
I am no longer allowed to pop my neck {its unhealthy, doesn’t do what I think it does, and I never realized how hard this would be…..}
I should probably work on my posture.
My whole body was out of whack. I really needed that.
That was really cool. He would try to push against my leg as I tried to keep it up in the air and I failed miserably. Then after he adjusted me, I could totally do it.
I am so excited to be going to a natural doctor who can help me get off medication and start to feel better. You know, actually find the root of the problem instead of treating the symptoms.
As I walked home my body felt fantastic.
As I went throughout the day I could feel my spine. It felt like it had finally been unplugged and could flow freely.

I think the best thing about this doctor is that he listens to me. He understands that what I’ve been through is Hell and that trying to live and enjoy life while going through Hell is pretty much unattainable. He’s willing to try different things and figure out the best thing for me. Because every body is different and reacts differently. He also explains everything as we do it – which is so cool since I’ve taken Physiology and Anatomy {because I totally understand it}. I also love that they focus on all of the body, the physical, the emotional, and the chemical. Which is right – the body isn’t just made up of bones and organs. It is affected by emotions and controlled by chemicals and toxins.

All in all, it feels great to be working a different and better angle on getting me healthy. So we will see if this helps take away my migraines. Because honestly having a debilitating migraine every single week is getting old. Especially if I can do something about it.

The Weekend

2012-01-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

Via Video.

Meggers LOVES Justin. :)

My great uncles all have their own bands and play/sing so for our family Christmas party they performed together for us. :)

I just LOVE live country music. Or any good live music really. =)

Meggers

2012-01-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

I just love this picture. A two year old getting her hands on an iphone and using that one tiny finger to move everything around. So cute!

MTC

2012-01-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

So the day finally came, today. I parked in the over-flow for the temple and walked down to the gates. Right as I walked up, their car pulled up to the front gate. I jumped in. We were told that when we pulled into the MTC all good-byes had to be already said, no pictures were to be taken, and no one but the missionary could get out of the car. So, we pulled around and out and went across the street to park. We walked up to the gates and took pictures as close as we could outside the gates. Then we walked slowly back to the car, hugs all around, and then drove back over to the gate and drove to the designated drop off place. We were then allowed to get out of the car and give one last hug and help her get the luggage out of the trunk. I find all of this ridiculous. We should be allowed to say good-bye, hug, and take a last picture at the curb – especially since she wasn’t due for another half hour and we were the only people there. Hello People! Why can’t the younger missionaries have as much freedom as the older missionaries? They are adults you know. They should be there because they want to be there and follow the rules because they are responsible – and if they don’t they should be sent home because they shouldn’t be there. Anywho, she was nervous but I know she’ll do great.

The Two of Us

Teaching on the street. ;)

Saying goodbye to freedom.

Nervous. Clutching her Poptarts.

One Week

2012-01-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe I start school in one week. I have absolutely loved this {almost} month of no school. It was such a needed break and I have one week left to enjoy this time off before I start a full year of school. However hard this semester will be I’m sure I will be ready for it in a week. I’m looking forward to enjoying the college life more and engaging in extra curricular activities more often. Trying to soak up university while I have it, because sooner now than anytime before I will be done. This week I’m sending my french sister into the MTC, working, and getting my zumba dance with my Christmas money. Not to mention sleep in a little bit, enjoy my evenings with the Dick Van Dyke Show, start my exercise program, enjoy the fabulous weather, and relax. Sometimes, we just need a break to rejuvenate ourselves from life, for life. I know I do, and I wish they came around a little more often. But I’ll take them when they come and try to make more of them so that I can enjoy my life a little bit more. Embrace the time.

Last Full Day and Heading Home

2012-01-01T13:16:00.001-07:00

We stayed up pretty late last night and boy was it hard to wake up this morning at seven. Eÿnora and I did some yoga like we did yesterday morning and then rushed to get ready for church. We had some serious time issues when we saw that the cinnamon rolls were done. She may or may not have had three. Church was good – she enjoyed most of it. Then we headed up to my aunt’s house to eat lunch, very yummy café rio pork salads {homemade}. Afterwhich we decided to watch Finding Neverland. Which happens to be one of my favorite shows. She loved it. We decided it was probably time to go home and get packed. So off we went after saying good-bye to everyone. We took about an hour to pack up because Eÿnora and I talked for so long while she was packing. As she said ‘I love girl talk’. It’s just so pleasant and so refreshing. Then we headed back home home. The hubs slept the whole way again and we talked. I was seriously so tired, it felt like a dream. Then we had to drop Eÿnora off at a couple missionary’s house who had served in her French town 14 years ago and they were going to spend the last day together. We finally got there and found the house and said good-bye. :( Until Tuesday!

She’s in heaven.

We stopped by the burg temple after church.

They finally got Eÿnora to do the ‘gold how many kids you will have’ game. She got boy, girl, boy, girl. She was disappointed with so many.

We just had to get her with a Utah sign.

We said good-bye for now as we dropped her off at a {previously french} couple missionary’s house. :(

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2012-01-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

It’s 2012!

I rang the new year in with my french sister, my husband, and my whole family in the burg. I just absolutely loved my weekend with my family. We talked, played board games, ate fabulous food, fun fireworks time, and had a toast to the new year. I really have no idea of what I want out of 2012 except that I will be in school the entire year and that I hope I can handle it. Other than that there are no life changing events planned. I do plan however, to enjoy the time I have with my husband, family, and friends while I am in close proximity to them. I’ve always loved the goal making that comes with the new year. I make goals/resolutions for every semester of school and at the start of every summer. I already made my spring semester goals so I decided to make a specific ‘this whole year’, 2012 New Year Resolutions, that were different from my semester goals which are more school oriented.

They are:

Talk to my good friends more
Hang out with friends more
No sugar; including and limited to candy, chocolate, pop, and sugary drinks {except for December}
Run every day between May 1-September 1
Remember birthdays and put forth effort :)
No milk {except for maybe cooking, I still need to try unsweetened soy and almond milk}, low amounts of cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products
Meat once a week or once a day {still deciding}
Visit my grandparents at least 3 times, I miss vacationing there
Enjoy me, who I am now.
Enjoy me time. Make me time.
Get my migraines to stop

Since I’ve always been so goal oriented, sticking to goals has never really been a problem {unless I made them unattainable}. I love the feeling of accomplishment. It feels so warm and fuzzy. :)

Fireworks! Run inside quick!

Watchin’ Fireworks.

Happy New Year 2012!

A Year In Perspective

2011-12-31T23:14:00.000-07:00

It seems like 2011 has been a dream – it flew by so entirely quick. Especially the past six months, have I really been married for almost seven months?! 2011 has been a fabulous dream and completely superior in every way to 2010. 2011. It just rolls of the tongue like a song. I sure don’t know what 2012 has in store for my life and I honestly don’t want to know. It will come in time and that is enough for me.

I had one semester with only one class. 3 credits. It’s a miracle! And I still freaked out during midterms. I really need to work on my stress handling skills.

I spent two weeks in Sunny Florida. Beaches. DisneyWorld. Family. Best friend. Best family vacation EVER.

I said YES to the most amazing man ever.

I attended my first ever Holi Festival. :)

I spent more money from April-July than I have ever had in my entire life and it felt fantastic.

I planned my entire wedding myself and did a marvelous job.

I realized I am an excellent event planner and added a major to dual major in History Education and Communication. I still get done in the same amount of time. Yes. I am just that amazing.

My BESTEST FRIEND came home from her mission. Becca Jo is HOME.

I received a bridal shower from my friends and family that I will never forget. Even though it was smooshed inside while raining I have never been surrounded by such apparent love. I was overwhelmed. I love the women in my life. And they love me.

I had two days of absolute forgetfulness prior to my wedding day. I’ve never felt that way before and I sure do not ever want to be so forgetful again. Stress – blah!

I got married. Seriously – best decision ever made. André is beyond compare.

I spent two marvelous weeks in Costa Rica. Heavenly.

I joined the group of ‘better late than pregnant’ {not that it ever comes late, nor that I haven’t been on birth control for the past two years, but the possibility is terrifying}. Golly gee, I NEVER thought I would be glad for all the pain, gah blah pickledy crap to start. {For the record it still sucks and I wish to never have another period in my life again}

I got back into the groove with my 18 credits in school for the fall and ACED. BOOH YAH! STRAIT A’s! I so fabulously ROCK.

I attended numerous plays at the HCT and it was lovely.

My BESTEST FRIEND got MARRIED. Ah. It was her perfect day.

I got to spend a good amount of time with my friends with lunches, girls nights, friends nights, game nights, and altogether gatherings of weddings, homecomings, and in-towners.

I passed the one year mark working at my job and didn’t realize it until it had already passed.

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend – first ever with both (maybe last? ever).

I turned 24. I don’t think I ever realized I really would be this old someday. It’s a weird feeling to be growing older and that everyone else is too.

We had Our First Christmas.

My french sister visited and lived with me for a week-ish. Oh the joys!

I celebrated the New Years in by toasting and watching the ball drop with family and friends which made it absolutely perfect.

Road Trippin’

2011-12-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

Road Trippin’

We got off to a late start after getting all packed, showered, and ready then switching vehicles to start our journey to the burg. We made a stop by where André and I got married. Then our next stop was my favorite restaurant Zupas. Since when we left it wasn’t lunch time, we stopped at the last Zupas on the way to the burg right around one o’clock.

Zupas!

Then we drove around Ogden for awhile……making u-turns, etc., trying to find our way to my second favorite frozen yogurt place – Spoon Me. We had tried to go to another one in SL but it was closed. This is the only one left in the big U-T. Sad day for me. Because its sooooooooooooo delicious. Nothing like it anywhere else.

Mine and André’s

Eÿnora….she enjoyed this.

We had all the snacks that Eÿnora had never tried in the car ride up.

I’m soo glad Keebler decided to make their version of Girl Scout’s “Samoas”. They’re delicious to have all year long.

We just had to stop at the border and take a picture. Not only because it will be the only time Eÿnora will ever be in Idaho, but because I’ve been there millions of times and have never gotten my picture taken with the sign.

Eÿnora in Idaho.

Moi!

We pulled into the burg right after sunset and got all of our bags and packages into the house and in their proper places. Then it was just about time to go to the Albertson Family Party in Roberts – hicktown heaven. I met/remet people I hadn’t seen since I was 14 or 15 who are somehow related to me. We did introductions of the families of the eleven children of my great-grandma/grandpa and then my great-uncle’s got up there and did what they do best – play their guitars and sing.

Eating.

The Brothers.

It’s times like these that I wish I was a fabulous dancer and had a great partner. Someday, you’ll see. We’ll both be great dancers after some lessons. :) We had to leave before the fun was over to get home for missionary curfew but it was pretty fun, and a fabulous Western America experience.

Happy Valley USA Adventures

2011-12-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

Breakfast!

Good Morning Happy Valley!

We started out our morning with Cinnamon Toast Crunch and freshly pressed apple carrot juice. Our only full day in Happy Valley, we went through the best spots. The distribution center and deseret book. We spent quite the amount of time browsing through music, books, and got some personalized Italian scriptures. Heaven for an LDS member who’s never been to Utah. UVU – my place of residence eight months out of the year. It was quite fun to show her around – the classrooms, my favorite place in the library to study. Art City Trolley and the fabulous ALOHA! salad. We spent at least two hours devouring our fabulous salad we shared and talking about boys. I love me my girl time. A trip here would not be complete without a stop by the Public Library. We even checked out some CD’s. Walking up and down the mall window shopping – the Disney store, the Build a Bear Workshop, shoe shops, clothes stores, and music stores. We drove around and talked some more. The best part of the day was perhaps the hour to two hours we spent in the grocery store. It was like watching a kid in a candy store. Poptarts. Pickles. Eggnog. Dr Pepper. Twizlers. It was so fun just to walk up and down isles and talk about food and treats, what’s different and what’s the same. We came back for a little R&R before going to dinner. Checking email, talking, showing pictures, and having a fabulous time. We ended the evening at the Little Acorn – a hometown All-American Restaurant with the best french fries ever. It was quite the lovely day.

Dr Pepper!

Us.

Ma soeur française

2011-12-28T23:50:00.000-07:00

A few months ago one of my french sisters received her mission call to serve for the LDS church in Rome, Italy. Along with this calling came a visit to the Provo MTC. An added bonus was that she could come a week early and spend it with me! And today was the day. Her flight came in at 8:45pm and we were driving up just about that time. I got to the terminal in time and watched her come out with two elders returning from service. AH! It felt so wonderful to see her again!

Eÿnora

Whitnée & Eÿnora

Already asleep on the way home. SUCH a long day of travel.

I am so excited for this week. Let the USA experience begin.

We stopped at Wendy’s on the way home and had dinner. First bite of USA: Hamburger, Fries, and Rootbeer.

Christmas

2011-12-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas!!

Today is Christmas Day 2011.

Today is Our First Christmas.

Today I am so grateful for my families. Both the old and the new. I love them all so much. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses and joys and sorrows. Each I love spending time with for different reasons. But however different they are, I love them all. Bisous.

Today, however, I am especially grateful for the one. My one. I love him so much. In fact, I love him more than ever. I feel so blessed to have found my one and only. He truly is perfect for me in every single way. I am so grateful to have the relationship that we do. There are no words to describe the happiness I feel today knowing that he is mine forever and that the decision to be married to him was the best decision I ever made. As we lay snuggled up in the twin bed at his sister’s house for Christmas Eve after talking until four….five….or six…., all I could think about was how utterly happy I am. I am not perfect, and he may not be perfect, but together – we are perfect.

So while Christmas’ will come and go, we will stay the same – forever united in the love we share for each other.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

The hubs and I attended Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the HCT two nights ago to celebrate this Christmas Season. It was enjoyable. I much prefer the movie A Muppets Christmas Carol to this one (while this one had more literary correctness I feel the Muppets shared the feeling of the story better). But I believe my favorite part of the evening was reading the behind the scenes story of Charles Dickens and Christmas in general that was within the program. While there are many reasons to love the Christmas Season I think I’ve found mine. My reason for loving the Christmas Season is found within A Christmas Carol, there is no other time of year that almost every and all persons act with such generosity towards others – none. I find it sad that we need a specific time of year (that was initially made and instituted from pagan rituals) to behave better towards other human beings who share our existence on this tiny planet. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that even though we as humans do need a special specific time and reason to remember those less fortunate than us, to remember how to treat other people, to remember the past, present, and future and how that affects us and others, at least we have one.

Next year my goal is to read A Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve as well as find a book of some sort on the history of Christmas and read more into that.

So take this time to be a little bit kinder and put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Everyone has their own problems and their own insecurities. Don’t add to them. And don’t judge them.

Just love them.

Birthday Magic

2011-12-17T23:27:00.000-07:00

It all started out with some fantastic sleep in time. Boy do I love this. Somewhere in the past few years I’ve lost my energy and enthusiasm for early rising. We turned off our phones last night and all electronics whatsoever and dedicated a night and morning to free waking. It felt wonderful to know there was going to be no alarm going off in the morning. When we did emerge from sleepyland I snuggled on the couch to watch Rugrats and eat Banana Nut Cheerios. After awhile we both took a very nice nap, napping is so very lovely. Then I got ready using my new counter space for the first time {great timing huh?} and boy how lovely it is.

So lovely to have space!

Then we headed over to my favorite luncheon spot – Zupas. I had my most favorite food and enjoyed every bite of it. I do believe I like the regular chocolate strawberries over the holiday peppermint ones.

Cauliflower Soup & Pina Colada Salad

Yummy Strawberries!

After this we headed over to the public library and got some of our favorite shows to watch over the break. I just love the public library.

Our movies!

When we got home I checked the mail and got a special birthday package from a special holiday delieveryman. :)

Cards and Chocolates!

Then we settled in to play some fantastic old video games including my favorite Doctor Mario. I also played Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong so that maybe next time I can play a fair game against my hubby. :)

Hardest level on Doctor Mario.

The hubs went to a friend’s wedding reception for a few hours while I had the house to myself and when we got home we got into some good ol’ Family Feud on SuperNintendo. I got a call from one of my besties and got to talk to her for awhile before I got all dressed up to go out on the town for dinner. I decided since the hubs was already dressed up that we’d both dress up to go out to eat. It was quite fun. We went to Mimi’s Café. The nearest French restaurant we have {not all that frenchy….but hey…..its America, I‘ll take what I can get}.

Dinner!

Dessert.

Us!

The whole gang.

To end the night we watched Winnie-The-Pooh’s Grand Adventure and invited the whole gang of members from that movie to watch with us. It’s only fitting.

The Birthday Girl.

It was a fabulously relaxing day and I loved every moment of it. The birthday magic lasted all weekend long and the birthday chocolates were gone in no time. I’m so grateful I get a day once a year that is all my own. Birthdays really are the best.

A while back…

2011-12-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

… while I was getting my mail, I noticed this little piece of work made by the neighborhood kids. It made me want to get out my old toys and go play with it. Too bad my best friend wasn’t home to come play with me. It’s a masterpiece.

Rock and Stick Barricade.

Ikea

2011-12-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

Over the past six months we’ve gotten a lot of furniture from Ikea. And this particular piece – a small square four slotted bookshelf – is to be the last.

TV stand: ✓

Dresser: ✓

Desk: ✓

Tall Square Bookshelf: ✓

Short Square Bookshelf: ✓

Another one of the above to stand in as bathroom counter space: ✓ {why, oh why, did I wait to get this one last?}

Our little apartment has become a home. While we’ve filled it with things that have meaning {the night stands we both grew up using}, things that are borrowed/received {living room tables and red antique bookcases}, and things that are new and needed {couches, the above list} its become a home because we live here. There really is no other place I’d rather be {besides a seaside bungalow in the Caribbean}, because this is where I live. This is where the good stuff happens. This is where I’m comfy. While Oprah says its bad to associate oneself with things and the ego, I do. But not in the sense that I am better than anyone else who doesn’t have these things. In the sense that this little slice of space and time, is mine. It’s my haven of peace and solace. It’s my home. It won’t ever matter what’s filling the rooms, it will only matter that this space is mine and that I share it with the best person in the world.

Getting back to Ikea, we ate breakfast there since we were lucky enough to be early {breakfast is really tasty and only about $3 – not very healthy but….isn’t that what eating out is all about?}. And then we went up and down escalators, stairs, and did spinning tricks in the shopping carts {not to mention played with some toys}, until we finally came to the end and got what we came for. Here’s another plug for Ikea – the furniture is awesome. Price is affordable, set up of the store is great {the hubs especially likes the short cuts}, very durable and good looking, and pretty easy to assemble yourself {hubs hates doing this, good thing I kinda like it}. Go check one out nearest to you!

My niece & I eating breakfast at Ikea {she really ate about half my plate}.

Finals are FINALLY over.

2011-12-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

C’est fini.

This semester has been a weight. It has consumed my whole being. Thanksgiving was a much needed break from undo stress and exasperation at small group activities, overwhelming amounts of homework, biking in cold weather, and monster papers. But as I finished my last final tonight I am relieved of that weight. No more deadlines, no more heavy reading, no more biking to school with fifty layers on (only started a week before finals in frigid-ty so not extremely bad…but still bad), and obviously time to just bask. I took finals knowing I had to take them and that I was ready as I’d ever be, then I forgot about school altogether. No checking grades until school starts up again {there has to be at least one A- in there I am not looking forward to} and no thoughts of would of, could of, should of, I did my best and now I’m moving on. Never before have three and a half weeks seemed so precious, inviting, and oh so heavenly. Time to do nothing. Time to do everything. Time for family. Time for self. Time to reunite with friends. Time to eat a lot of delicious food. Time to rejoice in the fact that I only…

Have three semesters left – that is all. Then I will be a proud owner of two bachelor’s degrees and high prospects of a job that I really, truly enjoy.

Christmas Break HERE I COME!

{Or more specifically, HOT TUB HERE I COME!}

Banana Bread

2011-12-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

It was a typical day at work and I noticed that the bananas were going bad and I realized that this was the perfect opportunity to make some banana bread. This being my first time I searched the recipe books and finally found one for plain ol’ banana bread. Since we had so many bananas I doubled or tripled the size of the recipe (probably too much) and in the end was left with a giant amount of baked goods. It was lamentable that my family was out of town because I had no one to take the leftovers to and I am pretty sure I am the only one who ate it (sadly, no one likes banana bread around here). My favorite were the mini cakes I made. They turned out perfectly and delicious.

my first

aren’t they just so cute?

Note:

2011-12-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

This is the lamest and most pathetic notice I’ve received on my front door yet.

Remember | To Do Your * Visiting Teaching

notice the college rule notebook paper
glued to some sort of green paper in a pathetic attempt to be cutesy;
or maybe the fact that I have no idea who you are;
also notice the lack of proper punctuation and capitalization;
and last but best of all: I’m an adult. Whether I do my visiting teaching or not is none of your business and in any case because I am a responsible adult I do not need a poorly constructed and delivered note (or any note/any other reminder from anyone else but me for that matter) as a reminder. I do it myself, I’m just that good. That’s what being an adult is all about. Making my own decisions and living with the consequences. You know, being responsible.

So go remind yourself.

Today

2011-12-05T00:11:00.001-07:00

I embraced the start of the Christmas Season. We bought our very first Christmas Tree and its been keeping me in a constant state of wanting to say “it’s christmas”. I pulled out my favorite tracks of christmas music today. My Christmas Card to You by The Partridge Family. Where Are You Christmas by Faith Hill. Let It Be Christmas by Alan Jackson. All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey. Breath of Heaven, Grown-Up Christmas List, and Night Before Christmas by Amy Grant. White Christmas and Mele Kalikimaka by Bing Crosby. Silver Bells and Jingle Bells by Frank Sinatra. So This Is Christmas and O Holy Night by Celine Dion. Believe by Josh Groban. The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole. As tradition to watch as many christmas movies as humanly possible before Christmas Eve, we watched A Muppets Christmas Carol last night and I find I must have the soundtrack. And the movie. *sigh* I just love it.

There is a downside to all the music, lights, decorations, and movies. There are still two weeks of school left, one of those weeks being finals. My heart wishes to be cheery and helpful, not to mention spend uber amounts of time in the kitchen, driving mindlessly around looking at twinkle lights, decorate our tree, watch all my favorite Christmas movies like a crazy mad hatter, and start my fabulously long list of ‘to-do when school ends’ merry things. However, reason says I must sit and make sure homework gets done and turned in, wait a few more days to go shopping because I need that extra time to finish papers, reading, and projects, and stifle all the Christmas spirit so I don’t go wildly mad - blow up my computer into a million billion pieces, buy as many Christmas lights as humanly possible and decorate every inch of my stairwell, pretend that I can celebrate my birthday for a whole week by not going anywhere to do anything, exercise until I collapse, stop going to classes and forget I ever went starting my vacation now, and go to sleep instead of doing more homework – for indeed, that is what I would do if I were to go mad. Two weeks. For two weeks I can listen to Christmas music 24/7 and focus on what needs to be done. Then – freedom.

Rockin’ the Gun

2011-11-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

I went hunting with my dad when I was young {deer, elk, stuff like that} but never seemed to ‘get’ anything and would always see what we couldn’t shoot. It was really fun, spending time with my dad and being in the great and mighty out-of-doors, even if it was freezing {I didn’t mind stuff like that back then}. As I got older and didn’t have time for going out for long weekends to hunt we started going to target practice, you know – shooting at clay pidgins, pop cans, and jugs of water. We would also do this when we’d go camping. This is by far my favorite of them all. I love target practice, particularly shooting clay pidgins. And I might add that I am a fabulous shot.

Over Thanksgiving weekend my father-in-law invited me {I think } , my dad, and my little brother to go pheasant hunting with him on Black Friday. This was my first time ever actually shooting at a live animal. Obviously I was a little hesitant coming out of the gate. It was really fun going pheasant hunting and I got better and better as I realized that I really did have time to aim {at least for most of them}. As we roamed around the fields in our hunters line a few choice quotes came to mind…

“Hunters! With guns!” – The Princess Frog

“Don’t fly don’t fly! I just can’t take it anymore.” She flew. She got shot. – Bambi {I tried to suppress this one}

“I’m a hound dog.” – Fox and the Hound

However, what helped me most was visualizing Duck Hunt. Same idea, just pheasants instead of ducks and my gun makes a cooler noise. I did have this awful terror that I would accidentally shoot someone … or a dog. So I repeated to myself over and over “above the horizon line, strait in front of me, no people”. Lucky for us, no one got hurt and we got 11/20. Not bad for a first time and the hunting dogs getting a little excited. It was actually really fun and I enjoyed myself quite a lot. It even got so hot the second time around I had to shed my winter coat. I believe the hardest thing for me was that the shot didn’t actually kill them, most of the time you have to ring their neck. I refused. My little brother gladly took this job as it is horrifyingly {to me} fun for him. He said this activity was above and beyond a day in Disneyland. What a hunting fool. AND I didn’t have to go shopping. Score one up for me.

Rockin’ My Gun.

Miss Representation

2011-11-18T19:49:00.003-07:00

I watched Miss Representation a couple of days ago and I was blown away by the film (go watch it!). It is a documentary on how women are portrayed in the media (seriously, find it and watch it).

I have so much to say about this subject, however – you just need to watch the film to understand the depth. You will not regret it. Watch it.

I was shocked at the forwardness and sheer truth of how women are truly portrayed in the media. By how women in power are only viewed by their body (what they wear/how they look) and how the media chews them up (its disgusting). If that is how women are portrayed when gaining power in the society why would any of us WANT to be powerful? No matter what ‘angle’ a woman tries to gain power its torn down. Women are treated like shit in the media. One example is between Hilary Clinton and John Boehner expressing emotion in the political arena. Hilary Clinton was torn down because tearing up made her a woman, and as a woman and giving in to emotions that makes her “irrational” and “someone who is irrational is not fit to be president”. Now when John Boehner teared up he was seen as a sensitive man who cared about others. Um….can we say completely biased? Sarah Palin was completely ripped to shreds by the media because of her clothing style and her womanly take. So many crude things were said about her that had nothing to do with her intellect at all, but about her body – and this was in the main stream media.

Miss Representation is told as the story of a woman who is having a baby girl and how terrified she was of what that little girl would go through life thinking she was. I too am terrified of how my girls (if I have any) will be chewed up and spit out by modern society. Well guess what. I have a choice. I can let her see herself as she truly is – perfect in imperfection and important in opinion. If I make sure that she knows how to make her voice known and that she REALLY can be ANYTHING she wants to be because its not up to other people to tell her she can’t because she’s a woman. She can be just as good or better at any profession as men and she has something unique to bring to the table.

I’m appalled that so many backwards steps have been taken since the Women’s movement in the early 1900’s. Even WOMEN are taking steps back from their own liberation. All the reality TV shows where women are bitchy and crude and fight? That DOESN’T happen. This generation (especially women) is starting to believe that women are emotional biaches that don’t deserve anything better than what they get in TV. Most women I know would never say anything bitchy and they really truly care about other people. And even if they didn’t they wouldn’t say anything. 98% of the women population are normal regular people with normal regular problems and issues and days. The men who run the TV shows for profit (and that’s why shows are run – for profit) are teaching young people how to feel and believe about other people and what is real, when in reality it is the farthest thing from the truth.

Women have a seriously important role and perspective in life and they NEED to be heard in politics, in advertising, in company board of trustees, in schools, in policy making, in the community, and in the media. And not heard as boobs and legs or emotions and irrational but as people who have something important to say. AND women need to realize that they CAN and SHOULD make their voices heard and realize that until we gain power we will be torn down for it, but that we can make that change by having our voices heard more often to gain that power.

I’ve learned that the media wants me to feel insecure. The power was theirs to take because I gave it up unknowingly because I didn’t think I had any power. Well guess what. I took that power back. No one has the power to make me feel less than unless I give it to them. I’ve learned that the media needs to be at least in HALF (you know, like the population) by women. Women need to tell their own stories and express their own perspectives and let other women out there know that they are not alone in feeling bad about themselves (because the media led by men portrays an unattainable perfection) and that we CAN change that. There is no one perfect size and all of us (ALL of us) struggle with what we look like. Be healthy. Accept yourself. You are a woman. What makes you beautiful is how you treat others and how you help the world change for those who will come after you.

I have issues. This is true. However, what man doesn’t have issues? They may be different issues, but they are still issues. I can be an equal if not a better professional than a man because I bring a different perspective and I’m damn good at what I do. Society can’t tell me what I can and can’t do because it doesn’t fit in a certain box. Nobody fits into a certain box. We are all different and we all have struggles and we all learn how to deal with them in our own way and we shouldn’t be punished for being different.

1. Tell 5 people about the film and share one thing you learned from watching it.
2. Parents- watch TV and films with your children. Raise questions like “What if that character had been a girl instead?”
3. Remember your actions influence others. Mothers, aunts and loved ones- don’t downgrade or judge yourself by your looks. Fathers, uncles and loved ones—treat women around you with respect. Remember children in your life are watching and learning from you.
4. Use your consumer power. Stop buying tabloid magazines and watching shows that degrade women. Go see movies that are written and directed by women (especially on opening weekend to boost the box office ratings). Avoid products that resort to sexism in their advertising.
5. Mentor others! It’s as easy as taking a young woman to lunch. Start by having open and honest conversations with a young person in your life.

Nothing Like.

2011-11-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

A Little Snack.

Before Bed.

To Make the Tummy.

Feel Warm and Fuzzy.

Our Late Night Fall Snack

So when I heard about this lovely snack somewhere I realized I just had to try it. Oatmeal cookies. Hot Cocoa. Pumpkin Ice Cream. It is simply a slice of heaven. I have been on this oatmeal cookie craze for weeks now. I’ve had two at least every day for the past two weeks. They are incredibly yummy and ever so addicting. I have run out now and I guess that is why I’m posting. Now I can just look at them. :) Notice our Eeyore and Tigger mugs we got in DisneyWorld. Aren’t they just adorable? I love them. They articulate my André and I so well. Pumpkin cocoa is also amazing. So is chocolate cocoa with Pumpkin Ice Cream chunks. And I thought I wouldn’t buy ice cream until it got warm again…. It is so nice to sit in a very warm apartment when it is so cold outside. I am very grateful that I have this little place and I get to share it with my bestest friend.

A Little TLC

2011-11-13T14:42:00.001-07:00

1. Gets the point across. Do your self breast exams ladies!

2. Objectifying men instead of women. I’m all for it.

3. Making me laugh. Priceless.

Just a couple of quotes this Veterans Day.

2011-11-11T19:07:00.001-07:00

In war, there are no unwounded soldiers. ~Jose Narosky

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. ~Joseph Campbell

I thank you soldiers who have given part {or all} of your lives to serve in the Armed Forces.

Happy Armistice Day!

Blue Ray & 3D

2011-11-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

My personal feelings towards these two items are exactly the same. I hate them. They were made by the industry to suck more money from the public. Personally the only 3D movies worth watching are the ones at Disneyland because they actually have 3D elements that come at you {and they are relatively short}. I think all the other regular movies made “new” by 3D are ridiculous and wasteful, not to mention hurt my head because they are done poorly in 3D. Blue Ray is another money maker. This one probably has more to do with the fact that I am not a high-def nerd guru. I like my plain dvd’s and I think they look great. Not to mention they are cheaper. Since I have no problem with the picture because they are HD anyway it makes buying new dvd’s easy because they are super cheap. This way we can buy more movies and we do not have to switch our regular dvd’s to Blue Ray {that would just cost a fortune}, nor do we have to buy a blue ray player. Come on, it’s not like VHS to DVD. Something better will come along eventually and then I guess I'll have to switch over {not until then}, but just as I still have a VCR I will probably still keep my regular dvd’s.

Recap: I hate blue ray and 3D movies. End of discussion.

I will see you again sweet summer day.

2011-11-05T19:58:00.000-06:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2011-10-31T07:09:00.000-06:00

love, Sue {a.k.a. Zelda, gypsy}

Today is a

2011-10-28T17:00:00.000-06:00

perfect autumn day

Somebody Had A Birthday

2011-10-18T20:19:00.000-06:00

My one and only.

There will never be nor has been

anyone such as you

for me.

You are perfect in every way

for the me who is moi.

I’ve never met someone

so giving.

so loving.

so kind.

so strong.

You have the cutest smile.

You have the best laugh.

You have all my heart.

I love you.

♥ Happy Birthday André! ♥

Testing, Testing, ...

2011-10-17T23:03:00.001-06:00

I want to see how I can 'email' my posts to my blog. I will probably never need to use it, nor even prefer it since - well Windows Live Writer has a lot more options that I just love. However, I'd like to see how it looks, smells, acts, that sort of thing. Now what to write about? Not sure. I've been home sick all day just wishing this flu thing would realize my life already has too much pain to deal with and leave after only a short 24 hours. I'm assuming this isn't the case. I have been sleeping as much as I possibly can with my body telling me it hurts all over and not to breathe because my throat hurts too. At least I'm finally getting to use that Tylenol PM André bought me awhile back, right?

Well, here's a picture to look at while you're here. Randomly chosen its Tintagel Castle Remains in southwest Britain. Taken in 2009 by yours truly.

The Four Week Happiness Advantage – Week 3

2011-10-14T23:30:00.000-06:00

Journaling

A few times in the coming week, take 20 minutes to write in your journal about a recent positive experience. Try to be as specific as you can about the experience and why it made you happy.

The Benefit: People who write about positive experiences at least 3 times a week report enhanced positive mood and a 50% drop in doctors visits up to three months later (Burton & King, 2004). Also, couples who journal about their relationship are significantly more likely than control group couples to still be together 3 months later (Slatcher & Pennebaker, 2006).

*I found this on the internet as an article somewhere and I have no idea where I found it (its been in my drafts for awhile), if you know

let me know and I can attribute it. I think it’s taken from the book The Happiness Advantage*

1

2011-10-14T23:00:00.000-06:00

Honesty, Authenticity, and Genuineness.

I had to wait until the very end of the day today to record what I did. My husband and I have been watching Lie to Me on Netflix and I absolutely love it. Today I experienced a day in the life of Loker, or a day where I say exactly what I think, the whole truth – completely the truth. It is definitely hard to do but completely worth it.

2

2011-10-13T23:55:00.000-06:00

Critical Thinking.

Today I decided to tackle the job of deciding where to put what to accommodate a guest who is coming to live with us soon. As I re-read that I think I must stress that this person is from a different country, at drinking age, and who makes me terrifically excited for at least one week of wintery weather. I think I have done it. I am pretty much amazing.

3

2011-10-12T19:02:00.000-06:00

Open-minded.

Instead of going to the store to replenish my fruit and veggie supply I walked instead to local fruit stands and got my fill. I heart fruit stands.

4

2011-10-11T19:02:00.000-06:00

Forgiveness and mercy.

Today, I started to forgive someone I have held a grudge over for awhile. It’s probably the only one that has lasted over a month or two. I honestly do not have a problem with forgiving in general. Ever. I usually know the background of the event or assume there was something I did not know. However, if someone hurts me deeply (and I do not understand it) – it takes awhile to get to the forgiveness stage and today, I have decided to start that stage with this particular situation.

The Dentist

2011-10-11T07:17:00.000-06:00

I went to the dentist last week to get some {two small ones} cavities filled. I was filled with dread pretty much all day long, plus the previous 24 hours to that. Six months ago was the first time in over three years I had had any dental work done because up to that point I had been fantastic with brushing and flossing. Six months ago I had a horrible experience. Probably about six years ago or so, I had a horrible experience. These were probably the last two experiences I had had at the dentist so it is very plausible for me to feel dread. This time, however, it was fairly pleasant {besides being forgotten about for an hour because of some emergencies that came in}. I did not throw up afterwards. I did not cry. I did not get a migraine. I actually felt okay, besides not being able to stand up for awhile. I attribute most of this to the fact that I was on pain medication for intense pain I was already feeling for the day {not to worry I checked with the doctor ahead of time} and I must say that laughing gas does a pretty good job. I only felt my pain several dozen times when it fluctuated. I also give some credit for the better experience to the fact that I only had to have one shot of Novocain {much less reaction} and the fact that my husband dropped me off and picked me up and took care of me afterwards. :D That always helps.

Now, to get to the main point of this post. Laughing gas. I seriously believe THE best thoughts are thought while on laughing gas. It is a shame I am not awake enough to write thoughts down while I am under its influence. Mostly because I cannot remember much now, only that I had amazing thoughts and I wanted to remember so many things. There is a certain time {every time} when I have been breathing laughing gas when I think that it’s way too much and I might die. Then I get over it. Laughing gas has this certain ripple to it. Any movement sends a ripple through my body. I can feel it seep into my body little by little {I can do this with most pain medication though}. I always wonder how someone thought to use laughing gas just breathing it only and how they realized its use in dentistry {especially with its sharp hearing skills which come especially handy if something were to hurt}. Also, is it normal for the background music to skip? I am very sure this is a recent happening for me. So, in the end I would not mind having a prescription for laughing gas for episodes of intense pain or even for a migraine {insert intense wondering if it would really work}. Nonetheless my goal is to never have another cavity.

The day before I went in I was looking at youtube videos and found this gem – although this time was not too bad, I’m still all for this new technology.

5

2011-10-10T18:42:00.000-06:00

Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness.

Today I laid out my life on the table. The things I like, the things I do not. The things I can change, the things I cannot. I am slowly making progress on changing some things that can be changed for the better and excruciatingly slow to accept the things I cannot. I am trying to think out of the box and see what might work for me. Some of the changes I do not like, I know however, that I need to at least try them and see if they work – because they might.

6

2011-10-09T18:42:00.000-06:00

I am pretty sure I did nothing today to warrant the number six countdown. How do I be more humble or more cautious? I feel like these are good traits for me to have overall but in general life they help little to alleviate the boredom of small tasks. I would say one of my best skills is organization. Now this is something I can do with fantastic precision. I can organize anything into any space, bar none. I am in the process of organizing our office and the moments I get to steal away from work and school to spend time on my project make me so happy. The work is coming slowly because I am incredibly busy; however, it’s coming along. I’m using my critical thinking and prudence to find a way to organize my things in the best possible way at a fairly reasonable price. This is quite the feat if you know how long I can take to make up my mind. Although I know when I finally decide on what it is it will last for a very long time, because I am absolutely sure I love it.

7

2011-10-08T18:42:00.000-06:00

Honesty, Authenticity, and Genuineness.

Two events come to mind for this one. One is a casual and genuine conversation at a bus stop with a stranger, waiting for the bus became much less boring. The second is a genuine and honest conversation I started with a guy in my class about what he’s doing in his life right now. I was completely honest in my opinion and genuinely interested in his life. Walking to the parking lot ended up being highly entertaining rather than utter misery.

Strengths

2011-10-07T14:32:00.001-06:00

First, I went and took the assessment. It’s 240 questions long so – make sure you have a little time when you go.

Here are my results:

Your Top Character Strength - Modesty and humility
You do not seek the spotlight, preferring to let your accomplishments speak for themselves. You do not regard yourself as special, and others recognize and value your modesty.

Your Second Character Strength - Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness
Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to make your decisions. You are able to change your mind.

Your Third Character Strength - Forgiveness and mercy
You forgive those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second chance. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge.

Your Fourth Character Strength - Caution, prudence, and discretion
You are a careful person, and your choices are consistently prudent ones. You do not say or do things that you might later regret.

Your Fifth Character Strength - Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness
You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a "real" person.

Now, to use one in a new and interesting way every day and shape a boring activity creatively using my strength. That’s the hard part. Any suggestions? As you can see creativity did not make it to the top five. Do I just choose one and use that seven different ways? Or do I do a different one each day? What about what to use it on? A boring daily task……help?

The Four Week Happiness Advantage – Week 2

2011-10-07T13:17:00.001-06:00

Maximizing Strengths

First, go here to take the VIA Strengths survey and find out what your Signature Strengths are. Now try to use one of these strengths in a new and different way every day for a week. Try to shape a normally boring daily task into one that uses your strength in a creative way.

The Benefit: In a 2005 nationwide study, people who completed this task every day for just one week showed increased levels of happiness and decreased symptoms of depression directly after the experiment AND a full 6 months later (Seligman, et al., 2005). Students who use their signature strengths have higher GPAs and fewer absences (Harter, 1998). Employees who have the opportunity to use their top strengths at work every day report greater job satisfaction and 38% higher productivity levels (Gallup, 2005).

*I found this on the internet as an article somewhere and I have no idea where I found it (its been in my drafts for awhile), if you know

let me know and I can attribute it. I think it’s taken from the book The Happiness Advantage*

1

2011-10-06T22:55:00.001-06:00

1. Blankets (They’re so comfy and cozy)

2. Today (It’s personal. :D )

3. My Family (I liked talking with them today)

The Four Week Happiness Advantage – Week 1

2

2011-10-05T23:23:00.001-06:00

1. The Rain (It’s been raining….all. day. long. It smells wonderful. And I got a ride to/from school.)

2. Sleep (I like sleeping.)

3. Focus (It was so nice to focus today. I got a lot of things done.)

The Four Week Happiness Advantage – Week 1

3

2011-10-04T19:19:00.001-06:00

1. Leftover Paperware (it is incredibly convenient to not do lots of dishes this semester, especially when I’m not feeling good)

2. My husband (for taking care of me today)

3. Netflix (its just so convenient)

The Four Week Happiness Advantage – Week 1

Thank You.

2011-10-03T20:31:00.002-06:00

Andy.

For making a bad day end with a chuckle. I love you.

4

2011-10-03T19:38:00.001-06:00

1. Josh Turner (not only does he have a beautiful voice, he brightens my day because his songs remind me of experiences with my husband, and it makes me smile)

2. My Husband (for rescuing me from a prospective three long hours of waiting at our apartment door hungry and tired because I forgot my key this morning)

3. The Rain (it smells so good, I love the rain)

The Four Week Happiness Advantage – Week 1

5

2011-10-02T12:36:00.001-06:00

1. Hot Water (I love me some bath time)

2. Organic Mint Ice Cream (It ends any day perfectly)

3. Disney’s Princess & The Frog Soundtrack (It’s beautiful and it’s a good start on my new only favorites music collection)

The Four Week Happiness Advantage – Week 1

6

2011-10-01T12:15:00.000-06:00

1. No dishwasher (so that my dishes don’t get ruined and I get to talk with my husband or release tension through soapy water and a window to gaze through)

2. Food (that we have plenty of it, good quality, and don’t have to worry about it)

3. Conference Party (I love seeing my friends and Mom Clegg, playing football during halftime, and gorging on fabulous food for hours)

The Four Week Happiness Advantage – Week 1

Sunshine

2011-09-30T20:55:00.001-06:00

living with these – and the delivery man

My take on flowers:

One is better than a bundle. I can never enjoy every single flower enough before they die, so having just one makes me feel like I appreciated it fully. However, my husband brought home two this time and I wasn’t sure what he was thinking. However, I have now come to the conclusion that I can love two at once; I prefer two at once. They keep each other company and they make me even happier.

7

2011-09-30T17:00:00.000-06:00

1. My Husband (bringing me home flowers, they make me smile every time I see them and I may or may not carry them from room to room with me)

2. My Husband (waking up with me, being willing to wake up with me, and actually suggesting it to help me get up)

3. Our Apartment (the fact that we have one and live alone, not with parents or family)

The Four Week Happiness Advantage – Week 1

2011-09-29T12:22:00.000-06:00

Three Gratitudes

Before you go to bed each night, write down three things that you're grateful for. Try to do this every night for at least a week. The more specific your list is, the better. For instance, if you are grateful for your children, write down something specific they did today that made you smile.

The Benefit: Research shows that people who keep a daily gratitude list feel better about their lives as a whole and feel more optimistic about the coming week. Compared to control groups, they exercise more frequently and report fewer physical complaints. They also experience more positive emotions, fewer negative emotions, and exhibit more helpful behavior towards friends and neighbors (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).

*I found this on the internet as an article somewhere and I have no idea where I found it (its been sitting in my drafts for awhile), if you know

let me know and I can attribute it. I think it’s taken from the book The Happiness Advantage*

My Newest Purchase – Dream Catcher

2011-08-31T20:31:00.000-06:00

For about a week and a half I had these horrible, dirty-rotten, no-good, bad nightmares. Every. Single. Night. Seriously, I could barely stay awake during the day and I would dread going to sleep at night. I was sleep-deprived {aka: irritable, crabby, cantankerous, gloomy, out of humour, hypercritical, oversensitive, resentful…} and over it. I finally looked up some ways to fight nightmares or in my case dreaming in general. You see, dreams to me – they are lousy. Good dreams/bad dreams they all really are just bad dreams – so I guess you could say I either a) don’t dream {best sleep ever} b) dream {bad dreams} or c) have nightmares {really bad dreams}. You see, when I dream I don’t get much sleep, it takes just as much out of me if not more than being awake does, so if I dream {any dream} I get lousy sleep {aka no sleep}. One of the major items on the list for better sleeping is *berberber* a dream catcher. I think anything not involving any sort or type of drug is a good one so I went down to my local Native American store and bought myself a true and authentic dream catcher.

and what do you know, it worked

I finally finished it.

2011-08-29T13:32:00.000-06:00

It’s taken me over two years of intermittent work on this sucker, but it has finally been finished. My lovely, very first, hand-made patchwork quilt has been completed. I’m so proud. I’m not really sure how big it is but it’s as big as my grama’s table that fits 12 people. It’s big. I’m excited to use it for stargazing, camping, picnics, and any other outside event I can muster. I made it thick and denim so that when I lay on it – I won’t get cold from the grass {yes, my everyday thinking revolves around me not being cold}. *sigh* I won’t be able to do another project like this until I’m out of school, but maybe then I can actually get something done in a reasonable amount of time. Until then, and until I get ‘my very own sewing machine’, I’ll be lovin’ my home-made quilt.

Sunday Walk Encounter

2011-08-21T23:12:00.000-06:00

We found these:

Gorgeous, nu?

My Best Friend’s Wedding

2011-08-19T13:31:00.000-06:00

The Happy Couple.

Oh Baby, Oh Baby.

Cutting the Cake

What you’re seeing is an attempt to make me feel better about my own cake smashing. Yes, he did punch her in the nose. And yes, she did get bloody.

The Fwee of Us.

See ya later!!

Me and My Bestie.

Me and my other Bestie. :) {And the cutest nephew a girl could have!}

We couldn’t just leave it not decorated you know.

Those who heard that the engagement was only nine days expressed a lot of emotions; however, if you know these two at all, it wasn’t too much of a surprise. A nine day engagement is totally them. Everything went without a hitch and now my best friend and I are both married. It’s pretty ironic that we both got married in the same year, even within months of each other, because that’s how we envisioned it. I got to tend baby Patrick and toddlers Jane and Davey during the ceremony and let me tell you I was so grateful two of our mutual friends showed up {extra hands much needed, I probably would have ended up with Jane in the stroller, Davey in the monkey backpack, and baby Patrick in my arms, walking endlessly}. It was fun to tend them, as I don’t get to see them very often. I took the pictures for the newly wedded couple and it was diverting to watch them interact throughout the pictures – I’m glad you guys are so comfortable in front of me. The after party was a success {besides slightly awkward toasts….} and it was thoroughly amusing to catch up with old friends I’d not seen in a great long time. After it was all over I realized we are entering a new phase of life – and I’m okay with that, and even happier that we’re entering it together.

Jet Skiing

2011-08-17T13:34:00.000-06:00

Unfortunately, the hubby couldn’t come with me to this family event, but I tried to make the best of it. Seriously, I had some fun. Every year my immediate family and usually my dad’s brothers’ families will come out with us and go jet skiing on the dam water. We took two jet skis this year and we even got a tube. My entire immediate family came and we got some cousins out later in the day. It was enjoyable. *sidenote* We also got to witness a proposal. There was this guy standing on the shore for awhile just standing right there next to that tree with a basket of wine glasses, drink, and such {this is right next to us by the way, our jet skis, the tube, people} and he waves in a jet ski with two people on it and gives the guy the basket. the man on the jet ski opens his jacket and there is the ring and he proposes, very weird right? Well, to each their own. 1)Our spot, unusually covered by water 2)The Duke towing in the tube 3)I couldn’t resist, I love the picture of my parents 4) Yes, I was there too.

Bachelorette Party for BJ

2011-08-15T13:31:00.000-06:00

Not only did my bestest best friend get engaged on her birthday, but she was getting married nine days after. Therefore, just as hurriedly as the wedding was put together I called up some of our mutual friends and rode up to L-Town to have one of those last girl nights before my bff got married. It was a late night due to work schedules and picking up furniture for her new house but we had a good dinner and got things settled in, not to mention did some good talking and it felt good just to be all together again.

PS: We may or may not have slept in. We may or may not have had to climb out the window when we left. We may have had a great time talking in travel.

Annual Girls ‘Backpacking’ Trip

2011-08-13T13:34:00.000-06:00

Every year we {a group of girlfriends from HS} go on an overnight backpacking trip out in the rugged mountains just north east of us. The first three years were fabulous: 10 girls out in backpacking country roughing it and exploring. Last year however, because of distance and time we decided to do a sleepover party in lieu of a backpacking trip {two had moved away, one was going on a mission, some where getting married soon}. This year was a tiny bit different. Instead of not being able to go backpacking because of distance or time, we were unable to go backpacking because three of us{the group, not me} happened to be pregnant. Therefore, we decided to do a get together at my place, talk, eat, eat….etc. Well, again distance took a few people away but we had a pretty good show up. Four of us had celebrated a birthday earlier in the day by going to Tucano’s and, honestly we weren’t even remotely hungry when the girls-night came around. So we sat around and talked, kicked the husbands out as they came through, and eventually got around to banana splits. It is pretty weird that just a few years ago, or even last year most of us were single and talking about boyfriends/crushes/upcoming weddings/missions and etc. Now – almost all of us are married and three are pregnant (one with the second child). It’s bizarre. The things we talked about definitely changed as we have gotten new titles and experiences – good or bad, I guess that’s where we’re at. It was a fun night and I am glad I still have such good friends. I’m thinking next year we should skype all those who can’t come into the party. I definitely think that’s a good idea.

The Gals

6/10 – Not Bad

Lemonade Slushi

2011-08-12T13:30:00.000-06:00

My Grama and Grampa gave me a large container of lemonade mix as part of my bridal shower gift and I finally got around to making some of my famous lemonade slushi. At a family reunion a few years ago it was all people could do to get some of the endless batches of pretzels my mom made and an accompanying glass of lemonade slushi. It’s the perfect thing to cool you down on a hot summer afternoon. Just add water and ice.

First Lemonade Slushi of the Season

HB BJ

2011-08-10T16:49:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY FRIEND! You’re amazing. I love you. Here’s to forever as bff’s.

Not to mention….

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!

Personally designed by the groom.

PS: I’M SO CRAZY EXCITED!!!!!!! AHHHHH!! WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Blankets and Batteries

2011-08-05T16:42:00.000-06:00

Movie up the Canyon.

We had enough blankets, but we didn’t have enough battery.

Them Tics.

2011-07-31T16:19:00.000-06:00

Every year I get excited for a certain event that happens in the summer. It happens around July 24. It is Family Reunion Time. This year in Bear Lake. First reunion married. Sooooo nice. It started out like any other reunion here would, checked in, had shakes, played around, talked, ate, etc. The first full day was normal as well. Everyone out on the beach, boat going in and out and almost every ‘kid’ trying to surf. I enjoyed my relax time (the sun, the food, the water) as well as my play time (the frisbee, the surfing, the football, the bike riding). The second full day we were there however, disaster struck yet again (referencing our long ago Disneyland trip where everyone but two people got the flu, the bad flu). This time however, almost everyone was sentenced to merely a six to ten hour stint of vomiting and fever. Someone told the story this way, ‘if we had been pioneers crossing the plains, most of my family would still be alive, what about yours?’. I thankfully, did not get this dreaded bug. Although I did have to suffer through others vomiting in the night and the condo’s smelling like it (either that or intense Lysol spray). That being said, it wasn’t much of a day 2. Our boat driver got sick and pretty much everyone else so those who weren’t sick got out and went for a bike ride! Besides that we just relaxed and ate dinner (we had to eat a lot to compensate for those who didn’t eat any). Then in the morning we had our last game, I made a batch of pretzels (so yummy), and we headed home. It was fun, but I felt a bit jipped of a vacation (the one I was expecting).

Boating.

Andre surfing.

Moi surfing.

My umbilical cord and I. My lack of body warmth at work.

Snow Cones.

Hangin’

Bear Lake 2011

Our Family Bike Ride.

500. Or something like that.

HP Reading and Watching: Thoughts.

2011-07-23T16:18:00.000-06:00

Andre and I have been watching the entire Harry Potter series movies. He’s started the books and I’ve restarted from where I left off (book five). After reading book five and watching movie 7.1 I realize why I stopped reading in the first place (apart from Sirius dying and all). It is too real for me. I study history and maybe studying history isn’t that good for me. History repeats itself. History is depressing. People are depressing. Harry Potter is depressing. It makes what ‘could-be’ all too real for me. I hate it. The movies, apart from being so completely different from the books, are equally depressing. I have no desire to finish the seventh book or even the last movie. I like to spend my entertainment time on uplifting things (comedy for example) or cool, fun, or romantic things (things that don’t get me depressed or give me nightmares). There. I’ve said it. I hate Harry Potter writ and film.

The Hit

2011-07-19T16:16:00.000-06:00

The hit just played at the HCT. We went. We laughed. The day started out with a migraine for me, however, despite this I got up early and headed to my hunny’s work before he was even coherent enough to yawn. On his desk I left a bag of his favorite chips, and an invitation to accompany me to The Hit that evening. Well, I spend most of the day in bed trying my best to down medicine, keep bags of ice cold, and not move a single muscle so as to not be in pain. When the evening came we couldn’t go to dinner because I sure did not feel like it. Instead, we headed to the grocery store and stashed club crackers and ginger ale {which by curtain call were completely gone}. The Hit started out a little heavy, cancer and things like that, but once we got into the story it turned out to be a ‘hit’ {pun totally intended}. It was funny. A good down-to-earth-this-happens humor. Good show. Good show.

PS: Eÿnora, I thought about you all day. Happy Birthday!!

Winnie-The-Pooh

2011-07-15T15:17:00.000-06:00

For our wedding present my little bro Furlong got us a gift. Tonight, we got to find out what it was. After he handed me the envelope I read a very nice heart felt I love you and two tickets to the new Winnie-The-Pooh movie. YES! I thought. The previews were getting me curious to see if Disney could even come close to doing a good show with this, my favorite TV show growing up.

Well, I loved it. They did a very good job with the movie and other than Piglet’s voice (didn’t like, not the same or close to the same) and some smaller things, it was very Pooh. That sums it up: It was very Pooh. Well done. Thanks Milo! :) You let me see it the day it came out instead of waiting for it to come to the dollar theatre.

The 14th Of July

2011-07-14T16:18:00.000-06:00

ou le 14 de juillet en français . Nous avons mangé le dîner que j'ai fait . J’ai fait gratin dauphinois et poulet rôti provencal . Je pense que je l'ai abattu, mais il a eu bon. Et c’est bon, oui ? J’ai écouté à mon musique française et le jour m'a fait manquer la France . ❤❤❤

Dinner

2011-07-12T16:16:00.000-06:00

My little brother Furlong offered to come and make us dinner and we let him {cuz we’re cool like that}. It was delish. Thanks!!!!!

SUMMER!

2011-07-06T16:14:00.000-06:00

Eat at least five snow cones {of different flavour}.
Go to a movie/play at the Scera.
Play a full game of Ultimate Frisbee.
Go out to lunch with Manny.
Watch a new movie up the canyon.
Go camping.
Go to the L-Pool.
Have a campfire up the canyon.
Go out to lunch with Randi.
Take walks every Sunday evening.
Get at least one scrapbook done.
Watch at least five movies I’ve never seen before.
Watch a sunrise.
Eat out at two new restaurants.
Exercise almost every day.
Smell honeysuckle as often as possible.
Go boating with the Stapleys.
Sports Saturdays!!!
Have game night. Often.
Movie night with friends.
Ice cream sundays/banana splits. Eat them.
Spend as much time in the sun as possible.
Finish off all HP movies.
Go to a play at the HCT.
Celebrate le 14 de Juillet.
Enjoy time with my husband.

New Furniture!!! said as in reference to Toy Story 3 “new toys!”

2011-07-05T16:14:00.000-06:00

As I said, we went shopping on the fourth of July for furniture. We went to six furniture stores and ironically the very first couch we saw and sat in was the one we bought. Nothing could really compare to that first one, and believe me, we compared. In the last store we went to we found that first couch again and we knew it was fate. We called up the first place and they gave us a better deal than the last one. We scored, especially since someone bought the exact same couch we did in the same store we did a few hours later and they had to take the floor model because we had the last one in stock. Boohyah! Then we headed to IKEA and totally bought us a TV stand. It rocks {I’m not sure the neighbors downstairs would agree with us as we put it together at 11pm…..}. Last but not least, the piece de la resistance and most beloved of the husbands – we got ourselves a TV {some 47” high def something something something awesome TV}. We totally rock at finding deals, we paid no taxes {it was the fourth of July} and everything was set up by today. And, yes – that’s a swivel chair. Can I just tell you how nice it is not to be sitting on the floor in an empty room anymore? So nice.

The Couches: So comfy. Completed living room pictures to come.

The TV stand and TV.

Independence Day!!

2011-07-04T23:14:00.000-06:00

We got back from our honeymoon just in time to celebrate the Independence of the United States of America. It was a beautiful day and neither of us had to work. We spent the day looking for a couch and a tv {story to come later}. Then my bff called me and asked if we wanted to go long boarding down the canyon because guess what? she was in o-town. We love long boarding and we love her so we were in. It was a lot of fun, us two newlyweds and her and her boyfriend of four-ish years.

Afterwards we headed to the hubs’ parents house for dinner and the homemade rootbeer {I may or may not have eaten before….} and the legendary ‘cul-de-sac-of-fire’. We were both pleasantly surprised by the fact that this year, illegal fireworks are legal. Oh. my. poor little pyro heart. It could barely contain the excitement.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!!!

I love America!

Honeymoon

2011-07-03T16:13:00.000-06:00

Lets face it, my honeymoon was better than your honeymoon. Here are some of the reasons why:

We had our own private chef. That’s right, you heard me. Private. Chef. Talk about oh so delicious food. Made to our personal tastes, ready at times we wanted, and all made from scratch. By the third night I could not eat dinner. One bite. That’s all I could eat. She made so much food, and because it was so delectable I had to eat every single bite. The main dish, the side dishes, the towering plate of fresh fruit, and the drinks. I’ve never eaten so much absolutely delicious food in my life. After the third night I had to stop eating everything on my plate. We tried telling her to cook less, but…..seeing as she only spoke Spanish, I speak French and English, and the hub’s speaks English and Portuguese……our plates were still as full as ever, bless her heart.

It was two weeks long in Costa Rica and the weather was perfect.
We had our own house. With a pool. And a chef. And a maid. And a golf cart.

We got a boat/fishing trip through sunset with a bottle of bubbly included. Rooster Fish.

We got our own private beach and picnic lunches.

Nicaragua. We took a day trip into Nicaragua. It was really fun. The line for semi’s to get into Nicaragua is at my count – over two hundred at eight in the morning. They wait all day long and if they do not make it in, they wait for the next day. All along the line they clean their trucks or take naps in hammocks hung under the load. We hiked up to an active volcano, toured Granada, ate and marketed in Massaya, and took a boat ride on Lake Nicaragua (hundreds of islands owned by private persons with gorgeous houses on them, we saw Monkey Island, we saw monkeys).

Snacks everyday and an hour massage for the two of us.

It lightning/rained stormed every night and we woke up to this every morning from our bedroom French windows.

Zip lining.

Tubing down water rapids through cliffed jungle.

Horseback riding, cliff jumping, mud bath and natural hot springs in the middle of the jungle.

For me, eating pizza everywhere I went the second week (my stomach is just not used to the types of food here – enter flax seed and more coke than I’ve ever, ever wanted or have drank in my entire life) and for the hubs trying a new dish everywhere we went and eating my left over pizza (I cannot seem to eat much now….)

Our little studio apartment. We got the top left first – however a bug infestation kicked us out within five hours of being there and we moved next door. We were a little worried we’d have to find a different place to stay……however, it all turned out really well and we never saw any bugs after we moved and we both really liked the place. They had hammocks, a pool, and a good walk into town. It felt so good to walk (we did play tennis and basketball a few times the first week and that was pretty fun) and cook for ourselves.

Beach time.

Shopping and buying a hammock. That’s right, we have a hammock.

And last but not least – the snow cone. It was absolutely delicious (enter mouth watering). 1) Shaved ice. 2) Powdered Milk (not US, that is key) 3) Fruit 4)Flavoring 5) Shaved Ice 6) Flavoring 7) Sweetened Condensed Milk. Oh so amazing seven layers of heaven. (Check one for snow cone off my summer list. I take that back, two checks for snow cone)

It was just the right things and just the right amount of time. We had a good week break from all cares and ate tons of delicious food, a much needed break from the hectic stress of a wedding and then a good jump back into a little bit of real life and a different culture for another week. It was relaxing, gorgeous, and so much fun. But at the end we were definitely ready to come home and start our new life together.

Daddy

2011-06-19T22:21:00.000-06:00

I’m pretty sure it has been a very long time since I called my Dad that. When I was little my Dad was the one who stayed home with me, he’d cook {as best he could} and he’d clean {Mr. Danny Tanner} and he’d play with us. My Dad is so outgoing, he rides his bike to work every summer {30 miles up a canyon}, runs triathalons, marathons, and half-marathons, bike races, four-wheels, snow mobiles, and pretty much whatever other sport and outgoing things there are to do. My dad is a rock. He’s worked nightshifts pretty much his whole life (ok, my whole life) and I do not know how he does it. He has always been a good example of doing what you believe, no matter what other people think. He’s taken us camping and taught us life skills. He’s been there for me. He goes crazy with ideas and solutions whenever I have a problem {its cute} and he can talk like no other {something I did not inherit}. He is the best dad ever. I’m so proud of him as my dad and I wouldn’t choose any other man for my father. Thank you soooooo much for helping out with the wedding, I couldn’t have got it all perfect without you! I love you, Dad. Thank you for everything. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!!!

*caution/attention**this has been pre-written and pre-posted*

Wedding Day Part III - Reception

2011-06-17T18:12:00.000-06:00

The reception started out with the introduction of us – ‘Mr. & Mrs.' and the hava nagilia dance. Then me and my dadio had our special dance – My Little Girl by Tim McGraw followed by my hubs and I’s first dance – Soulmate by Josh Turner. The rest of the time we enjoyed conversing with our guests and taste testing the chocolate fountain {very carefully mind you}, not to mention hitting up the dance floor. We had my father-in-law and my best friend give toasts, our bouquet throw and garter toss, and cut the cake. The exit was of glow sticks and even though I got the groomsmen to follow the bridesmaids when it came to decorating the car, my brother decided to destroy it. :P Oh well, the rest of the day was perfect. I had a picture nook of all our dating photos, engagements, and bridals and our sign-in table was themed “A&W”. Both the ceremony and reception were in the same place – outside and gorgeous. The weather was perfect and the amphitheatre was most beautiful. I loved seeing everyone and having my dance party time. =)

Becca Jo Toast

Andy’s Pops Toast

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Our parents got their own dances.

Some Jewish Dancing

My Peeps. =)

yes, he took it off with his teeth and yes, he wrapped it in a groom duckie.

yeah that’s right, free flowers. =)

dancin’ glow sticks all night long!

So, about the cake. I was fully anticipating getting a face full of cake, what was surprising was the fact that Andy went on two. We were counting to three. So unfair. :P

Yay for glowsticks!! Love you family!!

Catch y’all in two weeks!!!

We’ve been just married.

Wedding Day Part II - Ceremony

2011-06-17T17:12:00.000-06:00

The ceremony. Our ceremony. My kiddushin. Quite a while ago I made a list of things I wanted to have/do in life and one of them was have my own kiddushin. Several people had asked me what that meant and so I wrote about it {help remembering it offered here}. It is one of the most personal and community oriented marriage ceremonies I have ever seen. I love it because it is beautiful.

At four o’clock the ceremony started.

Kabbalat Panim: The separate receptions of the bride {kallah} and groom {chatan}. Traditionally the kallah and chatan do not see each other for a week previous to the ceremony. Therefore, before the ceremony the guest are greeted separately. Those closest to the bride will usually be with her, greeting her, catching up, and giving words of encouragement. Since the kallah and chatan are considered queen and king on this day they sit on ‘thrones’ and the guests come to them. The chatan is usually entertained by his guests, any sort of acrobatics is entirely appropriate such as juggling and bottle dancing and singing and toasting is highly encouraged. Both of our groups had the same idea and this time was spent taking pictures with family.

badeken: to cover over. The ceremonial veiling of the kallah by the chatan. This is a tradition taken from the story of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah, for the chatan to make sure his kallah is who he wants to marry. It is also a symbol of modesty for the woman {Rebecca/Isaac} and that even though physical attractiveness is important, in the long run it is soul and character that won’t change. It also symbolizes that just as the chatan veils the kallah he promises to clothe and protect his wife. This signifies the starting of the actual ceremony, the guests are seated, and the chatan starts the procession. At four forty-five the string quartet queued the badeken to start and after the badeken we had the groomsmen escort the grandparents to their front row seats as everyone else took their seats and the wedding party went to their places in the procession line.

kiddushin: the procession, the chuppah, the giving of the ring, the ketubah

the mayward string quartet

I found the string quartet online and fell in love with their sound, especially for a wedding ceremony. I did not like the abruptness of other ceremonies I’d been to with DJ systems and being a musician myself I knew these people would be graceful and professional in transition. And they were. They were absolutely fabulous. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone who can appreciate beautiful music. Their repertoire was huge, however to help people feel comfortable we chose out memorable classics. Veiling of the Bride – As Time Goes By, One Moment In Time; Song to Start Seating – Somewhere Out There, Beauty and the Beast, Sunrise, Sunset, Try To Remember; Procession Chuppah Attendants, Groom and Parents, and Groomsmen/Bridesmaids – Grow Old With Me; Procession Flower Girls and Bride and Parents – One Hand, One Heart; Breaking of the Wedding Glass – Here Comes the Sun; Intermediate Time – When You Wish Upon a Star, Highlights from the Sound of Music, Under the Sea, and Trumpet Voluntary.

Danielle[sister of the groom] Caulene[bridesmaid] {the chuppah bearers} Arturo[groomsman] Deven[brother of the bride]

The chuppah is the wedding canopy. This symbolizes the new home that the couple will build together. It is open on all sides, just as Abraham and Sarah’s, to welcome people in unconditional hospitality. It is outside as a sign of the blessing to Abraham that his children shall be ‘as the stars of the heavens.’ It is a blessing from heaven that those who carry the chuppah will be blessed with their own marriage soon after.

The Groom and His Parents

Traditionally, the groom and bride’s parents will escort their own child down the isle or the mothers with escort the bride and the fathers the groom, we decided that we wanted our parents to ‘give us away’, because parenting isn’t done single handedly. We had the entire bridal party in bare-feet, because that’s what I like.

Bridesmaid McCall escorted by Groomsman Blake, Bridesmaid Randi escorted by Groomsman Mark

Sister of the Bride Courtney escorted by Brother of the Bride Miles

Bridesmaid Barbara escorted by Groomsman Ryan

Bridesmaid Maria escorted by Groomsman Arturo

Maid of Honour Rebecca Jo escorted by Best Man Brent

Niece of the Groom Ashlyn {Flower Girls} Sister of the Bride Karley-Kate

The Bride and Her Parents

The Bride circling the chuppah.

The circling of the chuppah represents that just as the world was built in seven days, the bride is figuratively building the walls of the couple’s new world together. The number seven symbolizes the wholeness and completeness that they cannot attain separately.

The Mayor Of Charleston was our Officiant.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the wedding ceremony of Andrew and Whitney. We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, when we give recognition to the power and the glory of love. Each of you has given something of yourself to help them become what they are, and now they come together to give to each other, to become what they can be.”

“Each of you brings now a symbol of your love for each other.”

(The rings are presented by the best man)

“These rings shall forevermore be a symbol of the love that you have declared and the vows that you have exchanged. The unbroken circles of these rings represent the special faithfulness that you have pledged to each other. Andy take Whitney by the right hand and recite your vow.”

“Behold, you are betrothed unto me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel. I will honour, cherish, and protect you.”

“Whitney take Andy by the left hand and recite your vow.”

“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine. I will treasure, appreciate, and support you.”
“We, as beloveds and friends, promise each other to strive throughout our lives to achieve an openness which will enable us to share our thoughts, our feelings, and our experiences. We will try always to be understanding and forgiving, sensitive to each other’s needs and feelings. We, as beloveds and friends, will cherish each other’s uniqueness; comfort each other through life’s sorrows; rejoice with each other through life’s joys; share our intuition and insight with one another; and above all put the other before ourselves. May God be with us and bless us. May the laughter of children grace the halls of our home. May we be poor in misfortune and rich in blessings. May the light of friendship guide our path together. May we see our children’s children. May the joy of living for one another bring smiles to our faces. I will be your confidant, your therapist, your friend, and your lover. You are my life; you are my joy; you are my love; you are my everything.”

We read this together, one phrase by him, one phrase by me, back and forth. We also wrote all of our own vows. Which are all written in our ketubah. The ketubah is the Jewish marriage contract. The ketubah states the chatan’s responsibilities – to provide his wife with food, shelter, clothing, and be attentive to her emotional needs. Protecting the rights of a Jewish wife is so important that the marriage cannot be solemnized until the contract has been completed.

Signing the Ketubah, Marriage License, and Marriage Certificate.

Our dads signed the ketubah, our best friends {aka: best man and maid of honour} signed the marriage license, and our moms signed the marriage certificate.

nissuin: the seven blessings, the kiss, the breaking of the glass, mozel tov, the yichud

The seven blessings are traditionally given by family members or friends that the couple wants to honour. They are seven specific blessings in hebrew, but we decided to make it a little bit more personal and gave the open ended ‘make your own’ blessing to those we chose to give blessings. These are given through my memory…..so they aren’t extremely accurate. I’ll get them corrected when I get the video.

Mother of the Bride: With all that you've endured with your health, I wish you the blessing of great pregnancies when you choose to have children....little if any morning sickness, painless deliveries, and non-colicky babies...a mother can dream, can't she?

Sister of the Groom Danielle: I bless you with happiness and to have lots of children and have fun doing it.

Bridesmaid Maria: Let the loving couple be very happy, just as You made Your creation happy in the garden of Eden, so long ago. You are blessed, Lord, who makes the bridegroom and the bride happy.

Sister of the Bride Courtney: This is one I cannot remember, but it probably has to do with kids and trials. :P

Best Man Brent: May you have the patience and love needed to make it through the trials.

Groomsman Ryan: May your household always be filled with peace, happiness, and little Andys and Whitneys.

Bridesmaid McCall: May you be friends to each other as only lovers can, and may you love each other as only best friends can.

“By the authority vested in me as Mayor of Charleston, I declare that you are now, husband and wife, in accordance with the laws of the State of Utah.”

“You may kiss the bride and crush the wedding glass.” After this everyone shouted “MOZEL TOV!”

Yichud: After the ceremony the Bride and Groom leave together, signifying their new status as a husband and wife. Since it is customary for them to be fasting on their wedding day this time is usually when they have a large meal together.

So, we went out to eat.

We went to Arbys for some curly fries and were treated on the house. Then we got our main course at Subway.

Then we headed over to a little league baseball game, backed up to the gate, and sat on the tailgate to watch the fantastic finish of the last three innings while eating our sandwiches and fries. Oh. yeah. baby. We’re married!

WE’RE MARRIED!!!!!!

Wedding Day Part I – Getting Ready & Pictures

2011-06-17T16:12:00.000-06:00

Four hours later I was up and in the shower. After I threw on some shorts and a tee I headed to the printers to get the programs done and then to my parents house to see if the final touches of the chuppah were going well. Two of the major things I was worrying about on Wednesday was a) the weather, it had been forecasting rain/thunder for my wedding day for about a week before the event and it was making me go out of my mind with worry and backup plans. My dad had been gathering canopies just in case for the major things, ie music equipment, my dress, food, however I was so incredibly happy when the day before the wedding the forecast changed to bright and sunny – all day long. And b) the canopy (aka chuppah). Putting it together had failed miserably. We went through so many ideas, cemented pvc pipe, poles, small squares and hooks to fishing wire to cemented poles and fiberglass {sorry, mentioned} to finally minutes before we started taking pictures a wooden frame. My dad was a saint trying to get it to work and finally my father-in-law got his wood shop to make a last minute cross beam. It all worked out but boy it was hard to get there. Thanks Dad! {really, never mentioning the fiberglass again….}

Trying to figure the Chuppah out.

Finally getting it to work. Groom, Best Man, and Shop Helpers.

Yay! The Chuppah works!

Then I took my car with my brother and three cousins to pick up the flowers {totally bad idea, what was I thinking picking up my own flowers? that’s what bridesmaids….moms….groomsmen….family? are for} in L-Town. We almost ran out of gas, I was terrified that I would run out of gas and have to be rescued on my wedding day so I stopped to get gas and lo-and-behold my purse was left in the hubs’ truck. Great. We made it on fumes to the flowers and back AF for the set up with my crossing my fingers the entire time. My brother and cousins were amazing helps. I got everything started as in where it goes, what it should look like, and half hour later I was an hour late for my hair appointment with no way to contact the hairdresser, jumping in the car and stopping for gas on the way home. I picked up my maid-of-honour and we headed to the hairdresser. An hour and a half late we rushed to get my hair done as fast as possible so that we wouldn’t be late for pictures. When my hair was perfect we left the shop and headed to my apartment to get me in my dress and meet my make-up artist bridesmaid. In the dress, the car all covered in sheets, and everything we needed packed in, Babs drove up and jumped in and we headed off. BJ – Maid of Honour – was our driver and Babs worked on my nails. As we were driving there Babs remarked that it was ironic and absolutely perfect that it happened to be just us three driving to my wedding. The three of us who grew up together, did everything together since we were five and played house and movies and barbies and wedding. We had dreamed about this day for each of us and for mine we were all together for those last moments leading up to it. It was magical and very special. Babs did my make-up in the car and after that we were out and ready to take pictures. It was the perfect day, beautiful weather and everything came together.

Maria, McCall, Becca Jo {Bridesmaids} Randi, Caulene, Barbara

{Bridesmaids}

{Jumpers}

{Aww…they wuv me}

{Woah, too much there}

{Adding the Groom}

{WHAT?! is going on here?}

{The Gals & Groom}

{Groomsmen}

{Gettin’ Their Jumps On}

{Groomsmen}

{Oh Yeah}

{Plus the Bride}

{The Classic}

{Her Fam}

{Her Sibies}

{Her Parents}

{Her flower girls}

{His Fam}

{His Parents}

{Everybody}

Rehearsal Dinner

2011-06-16T16:11:00.000-06:00

Four hours of sleep isn’t much however, things had to be done. Today was a lot better than yesterday and everything started falling into place. Not that it was easier or less busy, because it wasn’t, I just had a better grip on things. I started my day by getting ready and hitting that list of things to do. By ten o’clock four or five things were checked off and I was meeting a group at Costco to buy Reception food. We divided and conquered. It was quite possibly the most food I’d ever seen in one place and by far absolutely the most I’ve ever spent on it. After that it was getting things placed in coolers, cut up, or stored properly. Then back to the list. I worked on the presentation for the rehearsal dinner all day intermittently and eventually finished it on our car ride to the venue. The day was spent between houses and getting things and forgetting things and making sure everything was in order for tonight and for tomorrow.

The Rehearsal Dinner went without hitch. It was amazingly windy but since we were inside it wasn’t a problem (except for the cooking crew…….who were outside huddled between trailers, walls, and trucks). Andy’s dad and help (uncles, cousins, friends…..) cooked the dinner and it was delicious. Corn on the cob, shrimp, chicken, potatoes, cookies, rolls, mussels, coleslaw, pepper-bacon wraps, and a lot of homemade rootbeer. I tried to sit around while I ate and talk to people, and even though it was short it was nice to talk to them.

This is part of the cooking crew. :) Thanks guys! It was amazing!

My family and our friends tables.

Andy’s family tables.

Some of Andy’s some of Mine.

We didn’t really use the big banquet table……except for Andy…….

The Bride and Groom. :) A{ndy} & W{hitney}

Yay us.

After we ate dinner and talked, Andy and I had our presentation. We explained in good detail our Jewish Wedding Ceremony.

When it came time to explain the breaking of the plate we explained and then we broke. Here is us wrapping the plates up so that the shards wouldn’t hurt anyone and stay together.

The moms traditionally break the plate and in our case we gave them each their own. Here are the plates – shattered. :) This is the betrothal. In ancient times this was done one year in advance to the marriage. However, nowadays it is done all in one. The breaking of the plate symbolizes that just as the betrothal has taken place and is permanent so too the plate being broken into shards is permanent.

Traditionally, the first dance at the reception is the Hava Nagilia. The women and men are separated and dance in circles to the traditional Hava Nagilia song.

The Women’s Circle.

The Men’s Circle.

The both of them.

After everything was over Andy and I and our friends kicked the little kids out and played wally-ball until our time in the building was up.

Then my cousins and siblings, Andy, and my best friend all reconvened at my apartment to watch Harry Potter while I worked on the music for the Reception. I finally got finished and everyone went home except for BJ – we had our last un-married girls night/sleepover. *Sigh* I’m excited though. I’m getting married tomorrow. I can’t believe it’s actually happening. Eight months ago it seemed like an eternity away and now it’s tomorrow. I’m getting married tomorrow. To my best friend and the greatest guy I know. Life is good.

Bachelorette Party

2011-06-15T23:40:00.000-06:00

Because of this day I was an hour late for my own bachelorette party, which was at my own apartment. It was convenient that the cook didn’t show up until about the same time I did and that most people around here tend to be late. A few people may or may not have been waiting. At the beginning I was frustrated and really did just want to crawl in a hole and cry. But after I got things settled and Andy helped get things ready, we sat down for dinner (all sprawled out on my living room floor that has no furniture yet) and I vented to my girls. Every single thing that went wrong that day I spit out and let lay. After that I tried to forget about things, even if just for a few hours. The dinner was amazingly scrumptious. All home made, vegetarian, and organic. Thanks to Babs! Salad and Pasta. It was fun to talk while we ate and catch up on people’s lives. I was so glad Babs and BJ could be there. My two best friends. I was then introduced to a masterpiece. Sabrina. Audrey Hepburn. Beautiful. Perfect. Why have I not known about this movie? If you haven’t watched it. Please go rent or buy it today and watch it tonight. We had popcorn during the movie and near the end we had ice cream. Not just any ice cream though. We had ice cream decked out with homemade Swedish waffle cookies, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, chocolate chips, bananas, nuetella, nuts, and chocolate syrup. It was so delicious. After the movie seven of us had a sleepover. We talked pretty late all laying out on the ground in the empty living room. It was fun to talk. It was good to talk. It was also both to listen. Marriage and guys are wonderful and all – but girls need girl time. When it was really late Babs and I headed to my bed because we both needed a good nights sleep. However, we stayed up talking at least another hour or two. When I woke up four hours later I had a fantastic picture op in the living room. Four of the girls were cuddled around my giant teddy bear I got for Easter. So cute. He’s such a ladies man. We had amazing Fruity and Banana Cheerios for breakfast. Just perfect. It was fun and I am glad that I had it. It helped me clear some air and just be forced to have some good fun and relaxation before my big day. A big thank you to all who came. :)

A little stressed, and a little caring-less.

2011-06-15T12:40:00.000-06:00

Over the past week the stress levels have skyrocketed and decisions have become ever so easier. With all the big details done I had a lot of small details to configure and a very big problem that wasn’t a problem until today. Pretty much every single thing that could go wrong today, went wrong. It was stressful, it was depressing, it was worth crying over. I usually don’t forget things, today – I could hardly remember anything (big things too). I was scatterbrained and I’m never scatterbrained. Cheers to everything being over and done with. All I want to do today is curl up in my bed and cry. I’ve made decisions on things based on what is easiest or what just has to happen because I can’t do anything about it because of time. Thoughts of elopement have been crushed by the groom. Apparently, I will regret not having a wedding. Not today.

Groomals

2011-06-14T16:10:00.000-06:00

We started altogether way too late. I had my hair done, which took forever but was absolutely perfect. Which made us late getting ready as far as dress and make-up. The hubs was late from work. And the photographer was an hour later than us all. So it wasn’t perfect and we lost a lot of light, but hey, we got a few that were good. It was so very nice to have Babs go with us and help with the dress and the make-up. Not to mention placement and conversation. She also got to see a glimpse of the real Andy. It was pretty funny. I can see going through these pictures that I was a lot better at smiling the second day. Perhaps it was because I had friends. :) We went until dark and while we were driving home we stopped by a firehouse. I have this thing for firetrucks and firemen. Babs convinced them to pull out a truck for us and we took some photos. I’m sad the sun was setting. ;) {All photographs are copy right of http://kendallleephoto.blogspot.com/}

Bridals

2011-06-13T15:57:00.000-06:00

I had originally wanted to do bridals the first of June, however the hub’s tux wasn’t available until the week before the wedding and we were definitely not willing to pay twice. Since we couldn’t do the groomals until the week of, I decided I wanted to do both bridals and groomals back to back to save on prep money. The Monday before the wedding I had my bridals done. It was quite the nice day. We spent all day out there and this time (as opposed to engagements) I brought sunscreen. Our first stop was Benjamin. I’m a big fan of out-in-the-middle-of-no-where railroads. It’s one of my favorite running spots. It was the beginning of my new life. I thought it fitting. Andyways……it was fun out there. Next we headed up to Thanksgiving Point. However, the $100.00 fee just to take pictures had us turning our noses and seeking prettier and freer settings. We headed to a small little super old house in Pro-Town. It turned out to be just the right spot. Since my venue didn’t have a bridal room we used the bridal room here for pictures. It was so cute. By the end of the day I was starving and very tired of smiling. :) It was fun, it was great, and I’m glad it is over. {All photographs are copy right of http://kendallleephoto.blogspot.com/}

My Very First, Own Apartment

2011-06-04T19:53:00.000-06:00

The Keys.

I have the keys in my hand.

Actually, I’ve had them in my hand since yesterday morning. Anxiously awaiting this morning when I could officially use them. {Confession: I moved in a few boxes last night, what can I say? I’m a rebel … and excited.} My room has been boxed up since last September when I moved to the land of the sun and back. A long time to live from a suitcase, but well worth the saved effort of unpacking things and packing them back up again. Today has been exhausting. We’ve taken at least three truck loads to the apartment and unloaded them all. I’ve tried to get all the right boxes in the right rooms straight away so that unpacking would be a lot easier. It’s funny. All of my stuff filling my bedroom is claustrophobic, but putting it all away in my two bedroom apartment has led me to believe I was mistaken in the fact that I have a lot of stuff. I really do not have a lot of things. I thought unpacking and organizing would take at least a week, but I suppose when I thought that I was referring to my parents house, you know, the last time I moved. However, when night came today everything was unpacked and organized. I was surprised until I actually thought about my subconscious’ pathway of thought on this particular subject.

An Apartment.

I have an apartment.

For the next two weeks I will be living alone in my very own apartment. There is something powerful and satisfying in having your own home and paying your own bills. I was excited to write out those two checks last week and I am more excited to get my electric bill. I’m excited to balance my finances every month. I’m excited to start building my house with my husband. Oh yeah, we’re buying a couch. A nice one. I am thrilled to remember to lock the doors every night and be responsible for me. I am definitely going to enjoy decorating and making the electricity bill go down by using less. I’m excited to finally start the next chapter in my life.

I am happy.

Two Weeks

2011-06-03T15:55:00.001-06:00

It's kind of settled in today. And instead of the crazy excitement and just okay with everything feeling that I've had over the past eight months while I've planned this wedding - other thoughts and feelings have snuck in, very much unwelcomed.

Andy and I decided to get married back in October of 2010. That's when he gave me a promise ring and I headed off to a new life 636 miles away. We had planned to get married the next June here where our family was and I would do all of the planning down there, where he would join me in January. Since then I've never had any doubt, worries, wondering, questions, misgivings, nervousness, or been scared in any way. He had a little, but I never had any.

I guess I get to make it up today. My wedding is two weeks away. I'm getting married.

I. am getting married.

Being on my own has always had this allurement to me. I would no longer have to lock my bedroom door. I would never have to worry about other people taking my things. I would never have to endure questioning by people I see outside my bedroom. I would get to choose and cook my own food. I would never have to see anyone else if I so chose. I would be free to do what I wanted, when I wanted. I would never have to clean up after other people's messes, when I clean it will stay clean until I choose to dirty it again. And yet, today, all these things are in the background, still major players in the pros of living on my own, things I will lose come to the forefront. Things like I'll never be 'at home' again in my parents' house. Yes, I'll raid the fridge first thing. Yes, I can sleep over any time I like. Yes, I'm still welcome anytime and don't haveto give up my key. Yes, I'll still be my parent's first little girl, the favorite. ;) But it's not going to be my home anymore. My room will be repainted. I will no longer have personal space in this house. I will no longer have plenty of people in the house at night to make me feel safe.

Getting married is a big deal. Change is a big deal. And this is a big change. I've never been good with change. It's difficult to adjust. It's scarey. And today, I'm a little nervous. What if I fall flat on my face? What if I make his life miserable? What if's right? Well, they're a fact of being human. We always tend to think, what if? To quote a recent movie, "'What', and 'if' are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put them together side by side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: What if? What if? What if?" And you know what, I can't control the what if's in my life. I can't control what other people do, but I can control what I do with my life. So you know what? If I fall flat on my face, I'll laugh about it. If I make his life miserable, then he can leave me. But you know what? I am my own person, I know who I am and I know what I want out of life and no one will push me around and tell me otherwise. Even myself. I will eventually be able to handle it. But the fact of the matter is, I will fall on my face sometimes, but he'll be there to help me up, laugh with me, hug me, and move on. And I will do the same for him. I will most likely feel as if I am making his life miserable at one or several dozen times in my life. I'll cry, he'll hold me. Life will go on. That's what marriage is about. It's about friendship and being there for each other. No little thing, or big thing for that matter, can break this.

So even though I'm having a day and thinking of the things that will never be anymore, and I'm so allowed to have this day, tomorrow better things happen and life will move on. I'm completely at peace with what's going down in two weeks. I'm ready to move on. I guess I just have to remind myself that I always have memories and more memories are waiting to be written.

Exchanges, Returns, In-store Credit, and Gift Cards

2011-05-30T19:52:00.000-06:00

I cannot fully express my hatred of these things. Let me explain how these things work. When one buys something as a gift for someone else, at every store I’ve been to, one cannot get a full refund when one tries to return it. Nooooo. One gets in-store credit, an exchange of sorts. Which is basically a gift card. Here is my take on gift cards and in-store credit, aka: exchanges. They are detestable. Not only did you not get what you wanted in the first place, but you have to make time from your busy schedule, stand in line, and ‘discuss’ options – at several different places. Then you now have gift cards/in-store credit. The problem with these is that in order to get your full gift you must buy something exactly the price of your gift card/in-store credit. AND perhaps if you cannot do this impossible task you get to pay the little extra over the gift or you can give just a little bit of your gift up for the sake of not spending that “little” extra. It’s excruciatingly difficult for me to even get why someone would do this to another person. Perhaps it is my intense dislike of shopping in general. Or perhaps that I am not a people person. Or maybe the fact that my body can’t handle standing in a line. Or it could possibly be that I hate things around that aren’t used or needful? Maybe, just maybe, it just needs to be filed under my ‘super pep-peeve’ file to be taken with a grain of salt and hatred and just breathe through …. and then forget. However, just for today (and possibly every other day I have to return), I’m standing on my soap box.

Bridal Shower

2011-05-29T19:51:00.000-06:00

I had two bridal showers. One given by …..my Maid of Honour and my Mum. And the other given by my Mother-in-Law.

The first was originally supposed to be on Saturday the 28th of May so that all my family could come because it was a long weekend and they live far away. However, my Maid of Honour’s sister chose this date to get married, so I decided to have it on the Sunday after so that all her siblings could be there too and my family would still have the long weekend. It was set. Until the sister decided to get married two weeks earlier. It was still set. Invitations already sent. My parents had worked very hard on getting our backyard spruced up for this big event. The family was coming into town and I was very much excited to see everyone. The day before was perfect and we spend a sunny day up north hanging with the fam until a small rainstorm hit and *shabam* I knew my optimism for a rain-free Sunday evening was a shut and closed case. It really was going to rain. Good bye lovely backyard and hello no bubble zone. However, at least for me, it turned out to be quite a lovely evening. I had invited my family from both sides, my hubs’ family, my friends, as well as my good friends from growing up in my neighborhood. You see, it’s quite a feat to get one good night from me let alone three or four {scheduled weeks in advance at least}. I was sorry that there wasn’t enough room to fit everyone and include everyone, but the outpouring of love and excitement for me was overwhelming. I’ve never felt so genuinely loved from a group of women in my life. {If any of you read this, I really want to convey my love to you and tell you thank you!} We had crêpes, fruit, chips and dip, veggies, and all sorts of yummy things. I had to make time to try everything between talking with everyone. It was a fun night, despite the rain, and I ended up surprising myself at least once, possibly twice. I love my family and friends. Thank you so much for coming, it meant loads to me.

The second was much more formal, at least for me. Being in a room with people I’d only met (seen?) four or five times to zero was a bit unsettling; however, I convinced myself the hubby didn’t have to come and bringing just my Mum & baby sister would be enough support. The food was really good and mostly healthy (yay!!) and it was interesting to see/interact? with the women in the hubs life….without the hubs. Funny thing happened though, I got a set of red mixing bowls. And then another. And then another. And by the forth one I am pretty sure whosever it was had to have been pretty uncomfortable through the whole thing. Great family communication and use of registry. ;) I was late to this one, a half hour sadly, migraine days are not all that fun and I had tried my best to catch it before it got amazingly painful. Thank you to my Mum-in-Law for the time and effort.

I don’t have any of the pictures yet, I’m still trying to locate them, but when I do – come back to this post for an update.

Engagements.

2011-05-27T10:29:00.000-06:00

We took engagement pictures on the 27th of April and the 12th of May. I must say that they were interesting and that I shouldn’t have expected anything different. First of all, I went into taking engagements very set on exactly what I wanted. This was my first big mistake. We had our pictures taken by my hubby’s sister, who isn’t quite a professional but even if she was – every photographer is different and I knew this. After the first take I was a little disappointed that I hadn’t gotten exactly what I wanted so we scheduled another go at it. The second time I was a bit less specific and it worked a lot better. Allowing for more original interpretation of the kind of pictures I wanted. So in the end it turned out really well – we got a good handful of shots that I loved (which is all you need right?). Second, oh hubby. You are not photogenic, oh wait, you are……just not in the way one is usually photogenic. Funny faces, tickling, jokes, you know, all in all just making it really tough to get a good cover photo. However, this being said, he made it fun, more spontaneous/natural, and last much longer than it had to (wuv you). It was fun and good but I’m glad it’s over. And finally, because we had to do a second round we were late in my deadline to send out invitations the first or second Monday in May and ended up delivering them the fourth Monday. It definitely took a long time to get them out, we decided to hand deliver them all and take time to talk to everyone who was in close proximity to make up for the fact that we were not having a line. This was a good idea. It was nice to see everyone and have more than a second of “congrats.” “thanks” and move on moment. We actually got some good time in (hours at some places) to talk to people and catch up, not to mention introduce and get acquainted with the to-be spouse (whoever it might be at the house). Our invitations turned out perfectly. I love them. The hubby and I designed them. Lets take a looksee……

On to engagements, the favs anyway. {All photographs are copyright of http://kendallleephoto.blogspot.com/}

And just to show you {a little} how crazy it was….

Oh yeah.

Spring.

2011-05-25T12:32:00.000-06:00

I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have finally arrived. Life is just not the same without you. No imagination. Everything white. Inability to play any kind of sport, or run. Stuck inside all day. No shorts. No t-shirts. Always five layers. Always. Flip-flops locked away. It feels as if I’ve been in a convent for the past six to eight months waiting around {hardly patiently} for YOU to return. Warmth. It is about time that you sensed my restlessness and infused me with joy at your return. It is now time to eat snow cones, wear sandals of all kinds, and break out the short shorts. Oh how I wish you were around 24/7 & 31/12!! I would never get sick of you nor turn on the AC. OH, how I. love. you.

Signed,

an ever so grateful gal in shorts and tank.

M.I.A.

2011-05-23T15:10:00.000-06:00

Thank you for reading my blog. I am currently under too much stress and strain with limited time and energy to put into blogging.

I will be returning in July {or} August, 2011 {possibly, I’ll think about it when the time comes}.

If you have any problems with this then you may not comment below nor email, nor call. I really don’t want to hear about it.

For urgent issues, please contact I. Dont Care at idontcare@yahoo.com or 787.555.5555.

-wjcr

“Stress is when you wake up screaming and you realize you haven’t fallen asleep yet.” ~Anonymous

Wedding Planning

2011-05-14T09:20:00.001-06:00

My Colors.

My Bouquet.

The Picture Nook.

Centerpieces.

Order of Events Chalkboard.

Shoes Option.

Table Covers.

Wedding plans are going well. We’ve done our engagement pictures {note to self – wear sunscreen for bridals}, booked the venue {long time ago}, rented the chairs and tables {finally!}, planned the catering{do I get to keep the leftovers?}, booked the honeymoon{I’M SO EXCITED!!!}, and I got my dress{gorgeous}. After a week of utmost stress and bad days, all of the big things are taken care of and it is such a relief. I don’t think I’ve had such a string of bad days in a long time, and I am definitely glad they’re over. It just seemed as if each day brought a new disastrous ingredient to the pot, all health related, which did not add happiness and joy to the stresses that were already clouding over me. Now that the big things have been taken care of, all the little things are starting to creep up on me oh, so very quickly. First to talk about the big things, okay two big things. My dress. I got it a state south and I absolutely love its originality. It caused a very big hassle when it arrived because it almost didn’t fit – talk. about. a bad. day. However, the problem was easily solved by putting it on correctly {ha!}. Now I’ve grown accustomed to it hanging on my closet door and I am very sad to part with it for steaming. My only consolation is that when it comes back it will look even better hanging on my closet door. The honeymoon. oh. my. blankets. It is probably the best honeymoon ever. We’re going to Costa Rica and let me tell you, the first week we will be spoiled like little {big} rich kids {adults}, pampered may be the right word. And yes, I did say the first week because the second week we’ll be hanging out in our own flat, making our own meals from the local market, not to mention the beach time. I am so excited. With wedding plans it is my goal to have everything finished and finalized by May 31. I will conquer. I am all agog to get married. I seriously cannot wait. Andy is my best friend. He forgives and forgets, he loves me unconditionally, and he treats me so well. He is a complete sweetheart. He is my sweetheart. ♥♥♥

Mum

2011-05-08T22:07:00.000-06:00

Here’s just a little shout out to my Mum. She is probably the coolest Mum that ever walked the earth. She’s beautiful, she’s fun, she’s human, and she will give me anything I want. {hahaha, I just had to put that in there, I hardly ever ask for anything, so when I do – I get it} She has to deal with so much and she is still such a great person and keeps going – just keeps swimming. I know someday, not quite yet {I’m pretty sure I still know everything}, I will call her to talk to her and ask her advice, you know, the way it’s supposed to go. I am so thankful that I got to go wedding dress shopping with her, that she wants to be involved at my wedding, and that she supports me in everything I do. She understands me, but only when I actually tell her things and why I do things {totally my fault, the non-understanding because of non-communication thing}. She loves the outdoors and traveling and it has been such a blessing to have two parents who love the outdoors and traveling so much because we can go as a family, and they’ve instilled that love in me. I’m so grateful for her in my life right now and I just want to tell her thanks for being her. Thank you Mum for always supporting me. Thank you Mum for trying to help me. Thank you Mum for your love and your gift of organizing and cleaning. ;) Thank you Mum for being my Mum {even though you probably had no choice in the matter}.

Thank You!!

I Love You!

Happy Mothers Day!!!

BJ

2011-05-07T13:35:00.000-06:00

My best friend Becca Jo came home from her mission on Wednesday. She served in the Carlsbad, California mission for 18 months. Longest 18 months of my life. Especially the last six. The last time I talked to BJ was from a hostel in Dublin, Ireland, the night before she left. It was the best all night phone call ever, just a bit of time difference there. We talked about dreams and reality, wishes, boys, and the next 18 months. I promised her that I would wait for her. I wished her luck. She was amazing. Now, she is still a bit missionary awkward, super skinny, eats way healthy (so much easier in Cali), and still my BJ. I love her.

It is interesting how life changes and how life goes on, all at the same time. Even though Babs has a baby boy, even though Angie is getting married, even though I am getting married, even though BJ just got back from a mission – we still stayed up super late talking about boys, relationships, life’s problems, dreams, plans, and each other. We still rallied around each other and gave advice, even though none of us know the answers. We still laughed and teased. We still had a sleepover. We still ate authentic Pechin breakfast. We still are exactly the same. Yet so radically different from what we used to be.

All I can say is I miss you guys SO much and I wish we all lived a tiny bit closer to each other. But I know life goes on and that’s the way it should be, it is enough knowing that BJ is only, yes just only, a phone call away.

Happy Easter!!

2011-05-01T19:51:00.001-06:00

I got a most giant stuffed teddy bear for Easter.

He makes me happy.

Meet A&W Rootbear! Named by my Mum, he gets the nickname Rudy.

Thanks Mum & Dad!

Safety

2011-04-30T04:20:00.001-06:00

I guess the great thing about a migraine is the fact that I spend all day in bed {sleeping, writhing, resting, and going out of my mind with pain} and therefore I am not quite so sleepy in the evening. Or maybe that is just today. Or maybe it is the fact that I did spend all day in bed and want to feel somewhat productive, which then means staying up …. really, really late. Which means I have to sleep in, mess up my sleeping schedule and feel overall pain in the process. Maybe there are just no good things about having a migraine.

This and last week were the dreaded finals/preparation weeks. My professor decided to switch things up and instead of 2 four page papers, it ended up being 1 fifteen page paper. Needless to say I was quite distraught the evening of revelation. It has not helped that my fiancée {so fun ps} started working, not just working, but overtime (60+hrs/wk) working. Both of which happened right about the time I was finally officially able to start all the wedding plans in motion. Talk about a stressor. I started not sleeping well. Over analyzing. Not being able to switch my brain off. I had a pretty bad day, capped off with a migraine and I decided I needed to be somewhere safe, feel safe. Not necessarily safe as in doors, locks, guns, people, protection safe, but emotionally and mentally safe. Safe enough to sleep. Safe enough to think. I stripped my bed of its eight blankets and seven pillows and began to make a safety zone. A nice warm, cuddly place between my bed and the wall. On the floor.

It worked.

Every time I was frustrated or had writers block I would go lay down and have a nap, relax, breathe, or think. I started sleeping better. It helped me get through the week and not surprisingly when my paper was finished and my fiancée {grin} was working a bit less, suddenly sleeping on the floor became just as uncomfortable as it sounds.

Marriage.

2011-04-17T20:29:00.001-06:00

**TWO MONTHS!!!!**

Can we say ecstatic and frazzled ?

la quête

There’s no denying.

And the inevitable happens.

Hike in January. Crazy.

A Migraine and A Doctor’s Visit

Computer Testing & Juicing

Juicing

Another Doctor.

The Weekend

Meggers

MTC

One Week

Last Full Day and Heading Home

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

A Year In Perspective

Road Trippin’

Happy Valley USA Adventures

Ma soeur française

Christmas

Christmas Eve

Birthday Magic

A while back…

Ikea

Finals are FINALLY over.

Banana Bread

Note:

Today

Rockin’ the Gun

Miss Representation

Nothing Like.

A Little TLC

Just a couple of quotes this Veterans Day.

Blue Ray & 3D

I will see you again sweet summer day.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Today is a

Somebody Had A Birthday

Testing, Testing, ...

The Four Week Happiness Advantage – Week 3

1

2

3

4

The Dentist

5

6

7

Strengths

The Four Week Happiness Advantage – Week 2

1

2

3

Thank You.

4

5

6

Sunshine

7

The Four Week Happiness Advantage – Week 1

My Newest Purchase – Dream Catcher

I finally finished it.

Sunday Walk Encounter

My Best Friend’s Wedding

Jet Skiing

Bachelorette Party for BJ

Annual Girls ‘Backpacking’ Trip

Lemonade Slushi

HB BJ

Blankets and Batteries

Them Tics.

HP Reading and Watching: Thoughts.

The Hit

Winnie-The-Pooh

The 14th Of July

Dinner

SUMMER!

New Furniture!!! *said as in reference to Toy Story 3 “new toys!”*

Independence Day!!

Honeymoon

Daddy

New Furniture!!! said as in reference to Toy Story 3 “new toys!”