Due to the fact that Valentine's Day is on a weekday this year, Kyle and I decided, again, that we would celebrate Valentine's Day the weekend before Valentine's Day. So yesterday was Valentine's Day for us:) It was a nice day, so we decided to go to a park up in north Hollywood. Unfortunately, there was a run going on there, and we couldn't get in. We tried to go to another park we saw on the map that was nearby, but it turned out to be someone's private property - a big garden/park by a mansion. I'm not sure why it was on the map...anyway, so we ended up coming back home. Activity attempt #1: failed.
As a surprise for Kyle, I'd planned for us to make chocolate dipped strawberries sometime in the afternoon. So around 2:00, I started melting the chocolate. I'm not sure what I did wrong, but it ended up more like clay than melted chocolate. I'm sure I could've sculpted a sizable creation out of it, if I wanted to. Needless to say, it wasn't a very dip-able consistency. Activity attempt #2: failed.
Then Kyle, having figured out that chocolate dipped strawberries were supposed to be part of the plan, decided he actually wanted chocolate dipped strawberries, so we went to the store and bought some more chocolate to try and melt. This time it was successful, and we dipped our strawberries:) They turned out very nice:)
After dipping out strawberries and putting them in the refrigerator to cool, Kyle started fixing dinner. That's right - Kyle cooked dinner:) No offense to Kyle, but while I pretended to be fixing up my hair and makeup for our nice romantic dinner together, I was really keeping an ear to the wall, wondering what was going on in my kitchen. haha. Don't get me wrong, I have no fears about Kyle being in the kitchen. He can bake cookies like a pro, and knows how all the kitchen stuff works. But he wasn't baking cookies! He was cooking chicken fettuccini alfredo, from scratch! I've been cooking meals longer than he has, and I still failed at making alfredo sauce from scratch. And now he was trying to juggle three things at once (the chicken, the fettuccini, and the afredo)! I'm sure he forgives me for keeping my ears and nose focused on the kitchen. But, lo and behold, he didn't need my help at all! By the time I got pretty-fied and came out of the bathroom, he was dishing up pasta and salads, pouring wine, and lighting candles:) As for his cooking...well, I don't really have much reason to go back to Johnny Carinos anymore. I'll just make Kyle cook!;)
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Monday, February 4, 2008
Wedding Pictures :)
To Check out our wedding pictures, go to www.myspace.com/theluckiestgirlever and click on my profile picture. It will take you to a page with photo 'albums' on it. Click on the album you want to see, and check them out! Sorry for not posting them all on here. Blogspot doesn't make picture-adding very convenient:-p Hope you enjoy the pictures!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Job Hunt Update!
Well, today I had another interview. I got there feeling like a windblown fraggle who'd just spent a half hour lost in downtown LA...okay, so aside from the "fraggle" part, that's all true. Two blocks further and twenty-six stories higher, I met some of the nicest people in Los Angeles:) I managed to smooth out my hair, suit, and nerves by the time I got to the office, thank goodness. First I met with Michelle. She is the HR person for the office. She was super nice, and made me feel really comfortable - not nearly the frazzled fraggle I'd felt like minutes before, haha. She interviewed me, and seemed to like me, as a person. I'm not really experienced enough with interviews to be able to "read" my interviewers, as to what they think of me professionally, but...she seemed to like me anyway, so that was encouraging. After awhile, a woman named Dee-dee (sp?) came in, and Michelle asked her to interview me also. Dee-dee was also really nice, and very comfortable to be around. I left feeling very positive, and extremely jittery! By the time I left, I wanted the job! The position is...well, actually they're hiring for two positions. One is as a receptionist, and one is as an executive assistant. Both job descriptions sounded fine to me, though I would definitely favor the assistant position (I'm much more comfortable with being a "go-fer" than a "company face" even though I can do either). The receptionist position is pretty much a standard receptionist job, but is with a far classier company than my previous job (no offense to my former company - I enjoyed my time there). The assistant position is basically like my old job, minus the receptionist part. The assistant would be responsible for keeping track of office supplies, coffee pots, paper stock, etc and would be consistently making sure that everything that the rest of the office needs to do their jobs, is available! Hehe, when describing this position to me, Michelle asked, "How do you feel about brewing coffee?" Feeling a bit silly, I said, "Uhm, well, I enjoy it actually." She then looked down at my resume to see my job at It's-A-Grind listed under job experience. Haha:) Apparently a lot of people would feel a little bit miffed being asked to keep track of other people's coffee. Hehe, I was thinkin' "I can make 'em lattes too if they'd like!" :-D Anyway, so either position sounds great to me. I definitely prefer being the "servant" over being the "company face," but I am fine with either, and walked out of the interview really really hoping I would get either position!
After the interview I went to the AGO fraternity house to kill time until Kyle got out of class. Nobody was around, so I had nobody to take my mind off my jitters, lol. So I called my dad:) I basically recited the interview back to him, haha, and he said it sounded like it went well:) Oh, I also called Stephen, who works for the staffing firm hired to find people for these positions. He's been really helpful in finding me a job, even to the extent of helping me improve my resume, coaching me on how to be a good interview-ee, and keeping me consistently updated on what positions may interest me. Anyway, I called him to follow up after the interview, and he sounded very positive about my interview:) He told me to call JoAnn, who also works with the staffing firm, for the same client, to follow up with her. She sounded positive also. I was getting tons of positive feedback, and encouragement from all sides!:) When Kyle finally got out of class, I picked him up, and of course updated him. We both got excited and hopeful, and very curious as to how soon we might hear back about the job opportunity.
Get this: Before we even got home, less than two hours after I left their office, JoAnn called from the staffing firm to tell me that, while the client still had a couple more people to interview, they were already 90% sure they want me! We are really hoping and praying that this works out! It seems like a really neat company, and so far everyone there seems really nice. It will also probably pay more than my last job:) We don't expect they'll shoot much higher than my previous salary, but any step up would be a huge blessing:) Anyway, be praying that this works out! We sure are! lol.
Oh, and for all you people out there who have a sort of non-sexual fetish for nice offices and office supplies (maybe that's only me, but oh well), this company's office is amazing! Sitting in the conference room, I had to keep myself from drooling on the polished mahogany table and leather arm chairs, or investigating the amazing wire-hiding techniques and classy screen-hiding-doors. Seriously, this office is beautiful. I won't be carrying too-full cups of coffee around, that's for sure! lol. OH, and they're on the top floor of a high-rise overlooking Beverly Hills, which is full of trees and bordered by a country club with a pristine green golf course! The view, as city-ful as it is, is quite a lovely sight:) ANYWAY, I'll quit daydreaming about mahogany conference rooms and get back to hoping and praying that I get the job! haha.
After the interview I went to the AGO fraternity house to kill time until Kyle got out of class. Nobody was around, so I had nobody to take my mind off my jitters, lol. So I called my dad:) I basically recited the interview back to him, haha, and he said it sounded like it went well:) Oh, I also called Stephen, who works for the staffing firm hired to find people for these positions. He's been really helpful in finding me a job, even to the extent of helping me improve my resume, coaching me on how to be a good interview-ee, and keeping me consistently updated on what positions may interest me. Anyway, I called him to follow up after the interview, and he sounded very positive about my interview:) He told me to call JoAnn, who also works with the staffing firm, for the same client, to follow up with her. She sounded positive also. I was getting tons of positive feedback, and encouragement from all sides!:) When Kyle finally got out of class, I picked him up, and of course updated him. We both got excited and hopeful, and very curious as to how soon we might hear back about the job opportunity.
Get this: Before we even got home, less than two hours after I left their office, JoAnn called from the staffing firm to tell me that, while the client still had a couple more people to interview, they were already 90% sure they want me! We are really hoping and praying that this works out! It seems like a really neat company, and so far everyone there seems really nice. It will also probably pay more than my last job:) We don't expect they'll shoot much higher than my previous salary, but any step up would be a huge blessing:) Anyway, be praying that this works out! We sure are! lol.
Oh, and for all you people out there who have a sort of non-sexual fetish for nice offices and office supplies (maybe that's only me, but oh well), this company's office is amazing! Sitting in the conference room, I had to keep myself from drooling on the polished mahogany table and leather arm chairs, or investigating the amazing wire-hiding techniques and classy screen-hiding-doors. Seriously, this office is beautiful. I won't be carrying too-full cups of coffee around, that's for sure! lol. OH, and they're on the top floor of a high-rise overlooking Beverly Hills, which is full of trees and bordered by a country club with a pristine green golf course! The view, as city-ful as it is, is quite a lovely sight:) ANYWAY, I'll quit daydreaming about mahogany conference rooms and get back to hoping and praying that I get the job! haha.
Monday, January 28, 2008
My 101
Inspired by Amee, who was inspired by Jocelyn, I've decided to write my own "101 in 1001". What is this "101 in 1001" thing? It's 101 things, goals if you will, that I would like to achieve within the next 1001 days. That's a bit less than 3 years, if my guess-work is correct. Anyhow...here's my 101:)
1. Actually finish a devotional book all the way through. (Apryl, I think the last one I finished was the one we did together...how sad is that? I've started at least one, but not finished!)
2. Get off birth control (I achieved this goal before I even finished writing my list!).
3. Be in awe at the blessing of feeling normal, once the birth control affects wear off (still waiting on this one though, lol).
4. Move out of L.A.
5. Buy a furniture set.
6. Make walking and/or running a part of my daily routine, at least on weekdays.
7. Lose my birth-control weight.
8. Learn to speak Kyle's love language(s) fluently.
9. Learn how to communicate my feelings without having to stew about them or let them "simmer" for so long before being able to put them into words.
10. Go for a whole week without spending any money (aside from essentials; bills, groceries, etc).
11. Make it through a trip to the grocery store without buying anything that wasn't on the list.
12. Get a job.
13. Quit a job (cause that means we'll be moving!).
14. Make or buy some sort of gift for our grouchy apartment managers.
15. Get over my hatred for beer (though I will never get over my hatred for drunkenness, but fortunately that's not an issue).
16. Buy Kyle a cowboy hat.
17. Take Kyle somewhere that he will actually wear his cowboy hat.
18. Attend a family reunion (where Kyle can wear his cowboy hat).
19. Send a care package to all the soldiers I know (that's only two, so I think we can manage that).
20. Get started making a baby. It's okay if this one takes some time...we'll maybe start trying around Day 1001...
21. Start going back to the dentist regularly.
22. Take a pottery or wood-working or other creative sort of class with Kyle.
23. Take a Biblical Studies course.
24. Learn Greek (I suspect this one may take more than 1001 days).
25. Buy a Greek Bible.
26. Paint at least one painting for our house.
27. Dance again, at least when nobody's around.
28. Stop complaining so much.
29. Learn to ignore pregnancy symptoms until I am off birth control (shoot, now I can't ignore them).
30. Own a dishwasher (This will be glorious).
31. Get Kyle an electric drum set.
32. Get Kyle a computer upgrade.
33. Forget about a past regret.
34. Visit the east coast.
35. Go camping.
36. Go backpacking at least once.
37. Get some good quality, as-comfortable-as-possible black pumps.
38. Make vacuuming a weekly habit.
39. Learn more about sex (sorry).
40. Build up a collection of children's books, Disney classics, the original VeggieTales, and Dr. Seuss books.
41. Rid my home of particle board (this will be difficult).
42. Get pictures taken with Kyle.
43. Volunteer somewhere.
44. Read the whole Bible.
45. Clean out my makeup stash and minimize it.
46. Start an IRA.
47. Become a more dedicated FlyBaby (Don't worry if this makes no sense).
48. Try a new recipe at least once a month.
49. Finish the Harry Potter books.
50. Get back to 26".
51. Get a dog (and train it before we get the nice furniture).
52. Buy us bicycles.
53. Paint a room.
54. Eat some MooseTracks. It's been too long.
55. Wear out a pair of running shoes.
56. Play in the snow.
57. Go to a fancy restaurant with live jazz and quiet customers.
58. Learn how to change my own oil.
59. Cut my hair short again.
60. Buy a real Christmas tree for Christmas.
61. Live somewhere that my parents will really want to visit (i.e. somewhere green).
62. Become a stay-at-home-wife.
63. Get involved in a womens Bible study.
64. Be an AWANA leader again if the opportunity arises.
65. Stop calling our kids by their potential names.
66. Donate more of our stuff to the Salvation Army or Goodwill.
67. Learn to eat my vegetables with a good attitude.
68. Figure out how to ignore the occasional baby itch.
69. Stop mentally laughing at this number like a junior higher.
70. Learn to sit up straight.
71. Keep a food journal/"body book".
72. Acquire a collection of various kinds of teas.
73. Start a tea cup collection.
74. Have someone over for tea :)
75. Take Kyle to see the Bar-D Wranglers again before they all die...
76. Go horseback riding.
77. Visit a Farmers Market.
78. Scrapbook our weddings.
79. Make chocolate dipped strawberries.
80. Create my own flower arrangement.
81. Have a front and back yard.
82. Buy a houseplant and not kill it.
83. Get into the habit of taking a shower every day.
84. Get into the habit of brushing my teeth more than once a day.
85. Learn a way to prepare vegetables where I'll actually like them.
86. Start taking pictures more often.
87. Get over how easily I get grossed out by bugs, and just kill them myself.
88. Begin to understand politics more.
89. Uhm....think of 11 more goals to add to this list...
1. Actually finish a devotional book all the way through. (Apryl, I think the last one I finished was the one we did together...how sad is that? I've started at least one, but not finished!)
2. Get off birth control (I achieved this goal before I even finished writing my list!).
3. Be in awe at the blessing of feeling normal, once the birth control affects wear off (still waiting on this one though, lol).
4. Move out of L.A.
5. Buy a furniture set.
6. Make walking and/or running a part of my daily routine, at least on weekdays.
7. Lose my birth-control weight.
8. Learn to speak Kyle's love language(s) fluently.
9. Learn how to communicate my feelings without having to stew about them or let them "simmer" for so long before being able to put them into words.
10. Go for a whole week without spending any money (aside from essentials; bills, groceries, etc).
11. Make it through a trip to the grocery store without buying anything that wasn't on the list.
12. Get a job.
13. Quit a job (cause that means we'll be moving!).
14. Make or buy some sort of gift for our grouchy apartment managers.
15. Get over my hatred for beer (though I will never get over my hatred for drunkenness, but fortunately that's not an issue).
16. Buy Kyle a cowboy hat.
17. Take Kyle somewhere that he will actually wear his cowboy hat.
18. Attend a family reunion (where Kyle can wear his cowboy hat).
19. Send a care package to all the soldiers I know (that's only two, so I think we can manage that).
20. Get started making a baby. It's okay if this one takes some time...we'll maybe start trying around Day 1001...
21. Start going back to the dentist regularly.
22. Take a pottery or wood-working or other creative sort of class with Kyle.
23. Take a Biblical Studies course.
24. Learn Greek (I suspect this one may take more than 1001 days).
25. Buy a Greek Bible.
26. Paint at least one painting for our house.
27. Dance again, at least when nobody's around.
28. Stop complaining so much.
29. Learn to ignore pregnancy symptoms until I am off birth control (shoot, now I can't ignore them).
30. Own a dishwasher (This will be glorious).
31. Get Kyle an electric drum set.
32. Get Kyle a computer upgrade.
33. Forget about a past regret.
34. Visit the east coast.
35. Go camping.
36. Go backpacking at least once.
37. Get some good quality, as-comfortable-as-possible black pumps.
38. Make vacuuming a weekly habit.
39. Learn more about sex (sorry).
40. Build up a collection of children's books, Disney classics, the original VeggieTales, and Dr. Seuss books.
41. Rid my home of particle board (this will be difficult).
42. Get pictures taken with Kyle.
43. Volunteer somewhere.
44. Read the whole Bible.
45. Clean out my makeup stash and minimize it.
46. Start an IRA.
47. Become a more dedicated FlyBaby (Don't worry if this makes no sense).
48. Try a new recipe at least once a month.
49. Finish the Harry Potter books.
50. Get back to 26".
51. Get a dog (and train it before we get the nice furniture).
52. Buy us bicycles.
53. Paint a room.
54. Eat some MooseTracks. It's been too long.
55. Wear out a pair of running shoes.
56. Play in the snow.
57. Go to a fancy restaurant with live jazz and quiet customers.
58. Learn how to change my own oil.
59. Cut my hair short again.
60. Buy a real Christmas tree for Christmas.
61. Live somewhere that my parents will really want to visit (i.e. somewhere green).
62. Become a stay-at-home-wife.
63. Get involved in a womens Bible study.
64. Be an AWANA leader again if the opportunity arises.
65. Stop calling our kids by their potential names.
66. Donate more of our stuff to the Salvation Army or Goodwill.
67. Learn to eat my vegetables with a good attitude.
68. Figure out how to ignore the occasional baby itch.
69. Stop mentally laughing at this number like a junior higher.
70. Learn to sit up straight.
71. Keep a food journal/"body book".
72. Acquire a collection of various kinds of teas.
73. Start a tea cup collection.
74. Have someone over for tea :)
75. Take Kyle to see the Bar-D Wranglers again before they all die...
76. Go horseback riding.
77. Visit a Farmers Market.
78. Scrapbook our weddings.
79. Make chocolate dipped strawberries.
80. Create my own flower arrangement.
81. Have a front and back yard.
82. Buy a houseplant and not kill it.
83. Get into the habit of taking a shower every day.
84. Get into the habit of brushing my teeth more than once a day.
85. Learn a way to prepare vegetables where I'll actually like them.
86. Start taking pictures more often.
87. Get over how easily I get grossed out by bugs, and just kill them myself.
88. Begin to understand politics more.
89. Uhm....think of 11 more goals to add to this list...
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Job Hunt Update
Well, today is day 7 of job hunting. So far I have had two interviews. One of them, at a temp agency, hired me on the spot, and kept me in their system even after I said I wasn't sure I wanted to actually accept the position. Apparently now if worse comes to worst, I can call them and say "assign me something" and they will. I could technically tell them to delete me from their system, but I figured a free backup job might not be a bad thing, even though I'm pretty sure I won't need it.
The second interview, I'm pretty sure was a failure. It was for a position that I'm completely unfamiliar with, and I didn't really have any real answers to most of their questions. "How do you handle stress?" "Uhmm.......gee, I can't remember ever being truly stressed before, so I don't have a clue!" How do I make that sound good? All I could really do was speculate. "Based on my personality, I'm guessing I would do/say/be __." I've no experience with most of the challenges they brought up, and had little of value to say. I felt kind of bad because someone in their company had specifically recommended me for the job, and I basically went to the interview and quickly discovered a hundred new ways to say "I don't know". Unless they recognized the incredible quick-thinking/improv skills, I doubt they were impressed.
Anyway, I have another interview today. We'll see how that one goes. It's actually an "interview for an interview"...this company hired a staffing firm to find them a receptionist. So I have to interview with the staffing firm, and then if they like me, I'll be interviewed by the actual company. They haven't even told me what company this is for, so...who knows where this one will go...
We could still use your prayers, of course. We're doing okay financially, and we're certainly not feeling hopeless yet, but we'll be glad when we have income again. Thanks for your prayers. And thanks for the support so many people are offering:) Your encouragement is really appreciated:) We'll keep ya posted!:)
The second interview, I'm pretty sure was a failure. It was for a position that I'm completely unfamiliar with, and I didn't really have any real answers to most of their questions. "How do you handle stress?" "Uhmm.......gee, I can't remember ever being truly stressed before, so I don't have a clue!" How do I make that sound good? All I could really do was speculate. "Based on my personality, I'm guessing I would do/say/be __." I've no experience with most of the challenges they brought up, and had little of value to say. I felt kind of bad because someone in their company had specifically recommended me for the job, and I basically went to the interview and quickly discovered a hundred new ways to say "I don't know". Unless they recognized the incredible quick-thinking/improv skills, I doubt they were impressed.
Anyway, I have another interview today. We'll see how that one goes. It's actually an "interview for an interview"...this company hired a staffing firm to find them a receptionist. So I have to interview with the staffing firm, and then if they like me, I'll be interviewed by the actual company. They haven't even told me what company this is for, so...who knows where this one will go...
We could still use your prayers, of course. We're doing okay financially, and we're certainly not feeling hopeless yet, but we'll be glad when we have income again. Thanks for your prayers. And thanks for the support so many people are offering:) Your encouragement is really appreciated:) We'll keep ya posted!:)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Job Hunt Update
Today is Day 1 of my job hunt, and God may already be workin':) My first move toward finding a new job was to try to think of people who might know of job opportunities in their own companies. During my time at Mediaedge, I met a radio sales rep (he sells ad spots on the radio, not radios, lol) named Zayne. He's a really neat guy:) He came in every few weeks at least, including bringing his family in to hand out candy for Halloween and treats for Christmas:) He's one of those people who's pretty much always up for helping people. Whether it was "Know of any good date spots?" or "What's the quickest route to Westwood?" he had answers! haha. So today I thought, "Maybe Zayne knows of some job openings..." I e-mailed him and told him my situation. He was pretty surprised that I got fired, lol. He asked me to send him my resume, and let him know what areas I'd be willing to work in, and what my salary needs are. I e-mailed him back and sent him that information. Almost immediately he e-mailed me and said that the director of sales in his office is in immediate need of an assistant, and that he has referred me to him. I am supposed to keep my phone handy, as I should be getting a call from the director of sales there! Apparently the position needs to be filled ASAP, and I need a job ASAP, haha. Needless to say, I was pretty excited to already have gotten a recommendation! Be praying that this works out!! Thanks, to everyone who has been praying for us:) And thanks Zayne!!!
At Home, Thinkin' and Singin'
However long our feet have walked on this world
We've all lived long enough to know
That sometimes life will go our way
And other times it won't
But still I've got this joy inside of me
With each new dawn I do believe to
Say hey, it's a good day
Even if things aren't going my way
Jesus is Lord and I am saved
So, say hey, it's a good day
Circumstance and situations change
You know life can turn on a dime
But there's a constant hope and peace
That I have come to find
And it's all because of who God is
And that He is alive and I am His, so
Say hey, it's a good day
Even if things aren't going my way
Jesus is Lord and I am saved
So, say hey, it's a good day
We are all as happy as we make our minds up to be
I have just decided that nothing's gonna take this joy from me
Say hey, it's a good day
Even if things aren't going my way
Jesus is Lord and I am saved
So, say hey--
Say hey, it's a good day
Even if things aren't going my way
Jesus is Lord and I am saved
So, say hey--
Jesus is Lord and I am saved
So, say hey--yeah
Jesus is Lord and I am saved
So, say hey, it's a good day
--------------------------------
It's A Good Day
by: FFH aka Far From Home
We've all lived long enough to know
That sometimes life will go our way
And other times it won't
But still I've got this joy inside of me
With each new dawn I do believe to
Say hey, it's a good day
Even if things aren't going my way
Jesus is Lord and I am saved
So, say hey, it's a good day
Circumstance and situations change
You know life can turn on a dime
But there's a constant hope and peace
That I have come to find
And it's all because of who God is
And that He is alive and I am His, so
Say hey, it's a good day
Even if things aren't going my way
Jesus is Lord and I am saved
So, say hey, it's a good day
We are all as happy as we make our minds up to be
I have just decided that nothing's gonna take this joy from me
Say hey, it's a good day
Even if things aren't going my way
Jesus is Lord and I am saved
So, say hey--
Say hey, it's a good day
Even if things aren't going my way
Jesus is Lord and I am saved
So, say hey--
Jesus is Lord and I am saved
So, say hey--yeah
Jesus is Lord and I am saved
So, say hey, it's a good day
--------------------------------
It's A Good Day
by: FFH aka Far From Home
I Think God Read My Last Post
Well, like I said..."God may be gracious and merciful, but He does have a sense of humor, so...we'll see what He does with me."
Yesterday, I lost my job. I've gotten a lot of "WHAT?!?"s and "What happened!?"s already. Well, the reason given was that they're doing some reorganizing. The reality, I believe, is that they were getting the idea that maybe this receptionist thing wasn't my little 'nitch' in life, and I kind of accidently confirmed that for them. My bad. Anyway, seeing as being a receptionist isn't my little 'nitch' in life, I'm seeing this as a blessing in disguise. I have to say, aside from quitting when we move out of LA, it couldn't have gone much smoother than it did. I still think my former boss is really cool, and his boss is pretty cool. I'm glad I could go through the firing process and still think that. Most people don't care much for their boss to begin with, so I consider myself lucky. Anyway, as much as I see it as a blessing in disguise, I do get the occasional "Wait! We still have to pay bills!" and "Where am I gonna find another job??" moments. But...God has provided already. I got a decent severance pay package;) lol. And I know a few people that I met through my job at Mediaedge, whom I can at least contact to see if they have any positions available. Even if none of those work out, at least in the very beginning, I am not feeling completely lost. I at least have a 'starting block'.
That said, while we're being optimistic, we could certainly use some prayer. If you guys could keep us in your prayers, that'd be great:) Thanks everyone:)
Yesterday, I lost my job. I've gotten a lot of "WHAT?!?"s and "What happened!?"s already. Well, the reason given was that they're doing some reorganizing. The reality, I believe, is that they were getting the idea that maybe this receptionist thing wasn't my little 'nitch' in life, and I kind of accidently confirmed that for them. My bad. Anyway, seeing as being a receptionist isn't my little 'nitch' in life, I'm seeing this as a blessing in disguise. I have to say, aside from quitting when we move out of LA, it couldn't have gone much smoother than it did. I still think my former boss is really cool, and his boss is pretty cool. I'm glad I could go through the firing process and still think that. Most people don't care much for their boss to begin with, so I consider myself lucky. Anyway, as much as I see it as a blessing in disguise, I do get the occasional "Wait! We still have to pay bills!" and "Where am I gonna find another job??" moments. But...God has provided already. I got a decent severance pay package;) lol. And I know a few people that I met through my job at Mediaedge, whom I can at least contact to see if they have any positions available. Even if none of those work out, at least in the very beginning, I am not feeling completely lost. I at least have a 'starting block'.
That said, while we're being optimistic, we could certainly use some prayer. If you guys could keep us in your prayers, that'd be great:) Thanks everyone:)
Monday, January 14, 2008
Wow, It's been a whole week?
Awhile back I was thinking about the world. I don't do that very often. Unfortunately usually my thoughts are limited to my little sphere of the world. I'm kinda nearsighted like that. But occasionally I think about the rest of the world. It occured to me that it'd been awhile since I'd heard any missions updates, ministry miracles, or cool stories about what God's been doing. For a moment (God didn't let this thought linger long) I wondered, "So...where's God been? What is He up to?? Why am I not seeing Him working?"...It quickly occured to me that I'm very nearsighted. The last time I saw God working was when I was involved. My first thought was, "Gee, I need to open my eyes. I'm sure somebody out there is doing something for God." *sigh* He didn't let that thought linger long either. In fact it almost felt like He kind of flicked me on the back of the head (lovingly of course;) and said, "Don't look harder! Move closer! You're not seeing Me move because you're not moving with Me!" Ouch...but it's true...The only times I question God's plans, work, and activity in our world, is when I'm failing to be involved in it.
Our church recently sent out (local loss, grand-scheme glory) two families who were very active in our church. They're moving on to work on a church plant in Arizona (it's been planted, they're "watering"). The church is not going to die without them, but there sure are quite a few consequent bulletin notices at our church: "We need nursery workers!" "Join us for worship team practice!" etc To be honest, I haven't really found my "nitch" in ministry. I'm not sure where God wants me. So I just kind of threw myself out there and told Pastor Jan, "Put me where you (or God, rather) want me!" Now, God may be gracious and merciful, but He has a sense of humor...so we'll see what He does with me...
Our church recently sent out (local loss, grand-scheme glory) two families who were very active in our church. They're moving on to work on a church plant in Arizona (it's been planted, they're "watering"). The church is not going to die without them, but there sure are quite a few consequent bulletin notices at our church: "We need nursery workers!" "Join us for worship team practice!" etc To be honest, I haven't really found my "nitch" in ministry. I'm not sure where God wants me. So I just kind of threw myself out there and told Pastor Jan, "Put me where you (or God, rather) want me!" Now, God may be gracious and merciful, but He has a sense of humor...so we'll see what He does with me...
Monday, January 7, 2008
Our Crazy Weekend
This weekend was quite an adventure for us! The plan was: get off work Friday, drive to Lancaster, meet Tim and Danny at their house, switch to a car load of their stuff, drive it to Arizona, sleep, wake up, help them move, drive back to California. Well, by the time we got to Lancaster, it was raining quite a bit. We decided that the cars would drive to Arizona that night, but the trucks would wait till morning, hoping for better weather. With that decision made, and our bags of snacks and drinks ready, we loaded up into the cars, and headed out for Phoenix.
As we made our way out of town, we quickly realized that Tim's windshield wipers were completely useless. This made driving in pouring rain pretty interesting. We were following Danny and his dad, which helped a lot, since their wipers worked, so they could see the road, and we could at least follow their tail-lights (barely).
This system seemed to be going fine, and we made our way onto *gulp* the 138. I hate the 138, so driving it in the rain wasn't real high on my "things I want to do before I die" list. In fact, I figured there was a good chance it would be the thing I'm doing when I die! Fortunately, there wasn't a whole lot of cars on the road. Unfortunately, about halfway down the 138 stretch, Danny and his dad pulled over all of the sudden. Sure enough, they'd got a flat...they both hopped out of the car and looked at their front tire. Kyle and I watched, thinking, "Oh no..." Danny, already dripping wet from the rain, ran over to our window and motioned for us to roll it down. "We've got a flat!" he shouted over the howling wind. We hadn't realized it was so windy! Kyle got out and went to help change the tire. When he got out of the car, it looked like they were gonna get blown away! They were out there for a good 15-20 minutes, trying to fight the wind, rain, slippery nuts and bolts, and the low visibility, all to change a tire. When Kyle got back in the car, he looked like he'd just jumped in a river...and kept half the river on him! He was completely soaked. His clothes and hair were saturated, and he was dripping everywhere. He shed his outermost clothing and we cranked up the heat. I laid his jacket on the floor and draped his shirt over some heater vents, hoping they would dry faster. After a bit of debating about whether to press on or go back, we decided to keep going, and just take it easy since they were driving on the spare.
For the rest of the drive, we had to go pretty slow. The rain and the spare tire kept us trucking along a bit slower than the semi-trucks:-\ Usually it's about a 5-6 hour drive to Phoenix. It took us 8 hours. We arrived at their new house at 6:30a.m. Now, if you remember, we'd told the trucks to wait until morning to come. It hadn't occured to us that this decision meant that we didn't have the option of unloading a mattress to sleep on, or blankets to sleep under! We arrived to an almost empty house. Sharon and Cheryl had come earlier that day with the babies, and play pens for the babies to sleep in. But that was the extent of the sleeping arrangements. Kyle and I slept in the room that would soon become Hannah's nursery. Her play mat and crib sheets served as our pillows and blankets. Thank you, Hannah;) lol. Needless to say, the floor wasn't all the comfy, but we were exhausted, so falling asleep was no challenge.
Unfortunately, we're used to mattresses, pillows, blankets and warmth, so the night didn't last long. After about three and a half hours, we woke up and couldn't deny that getting up would be more comfortable than staying on the floor for a moment longer. Sharon and Cheryl and the kids were awake, and I had to wonder how the kids had so much energy! I was ready to drop! lol. They had muffins and donuts and mini-bagels out for us to eat for breakfast, which helped in the energy department:) Thanks Sharon and Cheryl!
Soon the trucks, who had left Lancaster at about 4:00 that morning, arrived at the house, and we began unloading. I spent most of the time with the moms, watching the kids and unpacking boxes. My energy failed me a couple of times - keenly timed with the arrival of the big comfy couch - and I ended up falling asleep at least once. But the unloading got accomplished, and some of the unpacking as well. Hopefully we left them with things orderly enough to make the settling in process easier than usual:)
Around 3:30 Saturday afternoon, we piled into Danny's parents' car, and headed for California. Danny's mom drove, his dad rode shotgun, and we squeezed into the back seat. Awhile into the drive, Danny commented, "Wow mom, your car is really spacious!" I glared at him from the 8-inch-wide middle seat. The ride home wasn't too bad though. I stayed awake most of the time, because I don't think the driver should ever be the only one awake. We got back in to Lancaster at about 10:00 that night. Kyle and I hopped back into our car, and headed for my parents' house, where I immediately took advantage of the guest room bed. Ahh, the wonderfulness of a bed! *sleepy smiles*
Honestly, it'll take me awhile to recuperate from this weekend. I'd intended to use the weekend to recover from Christmas, two weddings, and New Years. I would plan on recuperating next weekend, but alas...that will be quite busy too. We'll see how long it takes me to recuperate via every day life...
As we made our way out of town, we quickly realized that Tim's windshield wipers were completely useless. This made driving in pouring rain pretty interesting. We were following Danny and his dad, which helped a lot, since their wipers worked, so they could see the road, and we could at least follow their tail-lights (barely).
This system seemed to be going fine, and we made our way onto *gulp* the 138. I hate the 138, so driving it in the rain wasn't real high on my "things I want to do before I die" list. In fact, I figured there was a good chance it would be the thing I'm doing when I die! Fortunately, there wasn't a whole lot of cars on the road. Unfortunately, about halfway down the 138 stretch, Danny and his dad pulled over all of the sudden. Sure enough, they'd got a flat...they both hopped out of the car and looked at their front tire. Kyle and I watched, thinking, "Oh no..." Danny, already dripping wet from the rain, ran over to our window and motioned for us to roll it down. "We've got a flat!" he shouted over the howling wind. We hadn't realized it was so windy! Kyle got out and went to help change the tire. When he got out of the car, it looked like they were gonna get blown away! They were out there for a good 15-20 minutes, trying to fight the wind, rain, slippery nuts and bolts, and the low visibility, all to change a tire. When Kyle got back in the car, he looked like he'd just jumped in a river...and kept half the river on him! He was completely soaked. His clothes and hair were saturated, and he was dripping everywhere. He shed his outermost clothing and we cranked up the heat. I laid his jacket on the floor and draped his shirt over some heater vents, hoping they would dry faster. After a bit of debating about whether to press on or go back, we decided to keep going, and just take it easy since they were driving on the spare.
For the rest of the drive, we had to go pretty slow. The rain and the spare tire kept us trucking along a bit slower than the semi-trucks:-\ Usually it's about a 5-6 hour drive to Phoenix. It took us 8 hours. We arrived at their new house at 6:30a.m. Now, if you remember, we'd told the trucks to wait until morning to come. It hadn't occured to us that this decision meant that we didn't have the option of unloading a mattress to sleep on, or blankets to sleep under! We arrived to an almost empty house. Sharon and Cheryl had come earlier that day with the babies, and play pens for the babies to sleep in. But that was the extent of the sleeping arrangements. Kyle and I slept in the room that would soon become Hannah's nursery. Her play mat and crib sheets served as our pillows and blankets. Thank you, Hannah;) lol. Needless to say, the floor wasn't all the comfy, but we were exhausted, so falling asleep was no challenge.
Unfortunately, we're used to mattresses, pillows, blankets and warmth, so the night didn't last long. After about three and a half hours, we woke up and couldn't deny that getting up would be more comfortable than staying on the floor for a moment longer. Sharon and Cheryl and the kids were awake, and I had to wonder how the kids had so much energy! I was ready to drop! lol. They had muffins and donuts and mini-bagels out for us to eat for breakfast, which helped in the energy department:) Thanks Sharon and Cheryl!
Soon the trucks, who had left Lancaster at about 4:00 that morning, arrived at the house, and we began unloading. I spent most of the time with the moms, watching the kids and unpacking boxes. My energy failed me a couple of times - keenly timed with the arrival of the big comfy couch - and I ended up falling asleep at least once. But the unloading got accomplished, and some of the unpacking as well. Hopefully we left them with things orderly enough to make the settling in process easier than usual:)
Around 3:30 Saturday afternoon, we piled into Danny's parents' car, and headed for California. Danny's mom drove, his dad rode shotgun, and we squeezed into the back seat. Awhile into the drive, Danny commented, "Wow mom, your car is really spacious!" I glared at him from the 8-inch-wide middle seat. The ride home wasn't too bad though. I stayed awake most of the time, because I don't think the driver should ever be the only one awake. We got back in to Lancaster at about 10:00 that night. Kyle and I hopped back into our car, and headed for my parents' house, where I immediately took advantage of the guest room bed. Ahh, the wonderfulness of a bed! *sleepy smiles*
Honestly, it'll take me awhile to recuperate from this weekend. I'd intended to use the weekend to recover from Christmas, two weddings, and New Years. I would plan on recuperating next weekend, but alas...that will be quite busy too. We'll see how long it takes me to recuperate via every day life...
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Sick Today
Well, yesterday as we were leaving Lancaster, I commented that I was pretty sure I was going to wake up truly fully sick. *sigh* I was right. I've had a cold coming on for a few days now, and last night I could tell it was growing steadily worse. Sooo, I kicked off the new year by calling in sick to work this morning, sleeping half the day away, and filling the corner by my side of the bed with tissues. I'm not usually one to call in sick. My job is so easy it almost seems like a sin to call in sick. What sickness could actually keep me from doing my job? Well, I guess it's hard to answer phones, with no voice, and I think my coworkers would prefer that their mail be late, than sneezed on. However, since I have been gone for a week and a half, I have lots of work to catch up on, so tomorrow I will be dragging myself in to work...and hopefully not sneezing on everyone's mail.
A Couple Pictures
Here are a few candid photos from the rehearsal and wedding:)
Rachel, the church's wedding coordinator, giving instructions.
Rachel, the church's wedding coordinator, scaring us half to death! Just kidding, Rachel! We're just glad you're okay!
Rachel, the church's wedding coordinator, giving instructions.
Rachel, the church's wedding coordinator, scaring us half to death! Just kidding, Rachel! We're just glad you're okay!
Pastor Jan and Kyle, during the ceremony.
Me and Kyle, entering the reception.
A replay of the bouquet toss.
Monday, December 31, 2007
The Holidays, The Weddings, and the Recovery Process
Well, here we are in the midst of the holidays! Christmas, New Years Eve, and tomorrow, New Years Day:) Christmas was great:) We spent Christmas morning with Kyle's parents, and Christmas evening with my parents, brother, uncle and grandpa. It was a neat new way to spend Christmas, and we enjoyed the time with family. The day after Christmas, more family began to arrive in town. It was nice to have some extended family around, as it's rare that we get to see many relatives at once:) On the down side, I spent the day after Christmas sick in bed:( It was a one day thing, but it sure was a lousy way to top off Christmas, haha. Kyle spent that day having a LAN party (or nerd party, as I call it;). He had a lot of fun with that:) And no, he didn't neglect his sick wife all day;) He came up to check on me pretty regularly and brought me water and snacks and such:) He probably looked pretty whipped, to the guys, but he doesn't mind;)
Anyway, as if the holidays aren't normally crazy enough, we decided to throw a couple of weddings into the mix. Our friends Mike and Erica got married December 27th. I was a bridesmaid in their wedding, and Kyle came to enjoy the festivities and support his "frat brother" in their special day:) It was a beautiful wedding, and Erica looked absolutely gorgeous, as always:)
The following day, December 28th, was Kyle's and my rehearsal and rehearsal dinner for our wedding (which Erica was also in - yes, we're a bit crazy, lol). The rehearsal began fairly smoothly, with Pastor Jan guiding us through the order of events, as Rachel, our wedding coordinator, helped us all find our places. The rehearsal didn't exactly go smoothly from beginning to end though. In fact, it became quite an adventure. Rachel is 6 months pregnant. About halfway through the rehearsal, she was suddenly in a horrible amount of pain! She's one tough lady, so that's saying something! Anyone who has been pregnant, or is old enough to have witnessed pregnancies up close, knows that sudden, extreme pain during pregnancy is a scary thing! As she lay down on the chairs in the sanctuary, the guys called her husband, while the women tried to figure out what exactly may be causing the pain. When she rated labor as a 10 and this pain as a 9 on the pain scale, we decided it was time to call the hospital. As we waited for an ambulance, Pastor Jan prayed for her. By the time the ambulance got there, the pain had suddenly stopped, but so had the baby's movement. There was a scary few minutes before she started kicking again, much to our relief. When the paramedics arrived, they took Rachel to the hospital where her husband met her and they made sure that everything was okay. Rachel and the baby are both fine, praise God, and are getting some rest for now. They say every wedding has an interesting story - I suppose that one's ours!
The 29th, the big wedding day, was pretty crazy. By this point we knew that Rachel was okay, but would not be making it to the wedding. Eryn and I got to the church at 8:00 in the morning, to begin decorating. Pastor Tim got there at 8:00 sharp to let us in and help us set up the tables for the reception (Thanks Tim!!). We immediately got to work. Soon my mom showed up and began ironing the folds out of table cloths while Eryn and I started breaking out the decorations. It felt like we were working all day, but within a couple of hours, almost everything was done. Around 10:00am, we started getting ready. Sharon did my hair (Thanks Sharon!) and soon all the bridesmaids (Eryn, Erica, Sharon and Cheryl) and I were ready for pictures. The photographers showed up and we began our formal shots. The photographers were great, and were a lot of fun to work with:) I trust they got a lot of great pictures, which I'll be really excited to see:)
The wedding ceremony went smoothly, though we did get a couple of laughs at little-seen accidents, like me spilling the unity candle wax on my hand (ouch!!), and Eryn's heel getting stuck in my train, haha, but it really went great:) The reception was small but fun:) We had catering from Camille's Cafe, my mom's yummy punch, and of course wedding cake:) We also had some super cute wedding favors - gingerbread bride and groom cookies, made by my wonderful friend Kathy!:) (If you need cookies for parties or something, she is one super baker!)
After it was all over, we were all completely exhausted. I don't think I got a chance to stop for a minute all day! I didn't even want to think about cleaning up! I changed out of my dress, and trudged back into the fellowship hall to see where I should start with tearing things down. There in the fellowship hall was the whole Clark family (some of our guests!) cleaning like crazy! I ended up not even having to lift a finger! I honestly don't know what the church would do without the Clarks. It seems like they are the servants of the church, working and serving wherever they're needed:) Thank you Clarks!!
After the wedding, Kyle's family had a re-reception (lol) at their place. It was a neat little gathering, and I finally got to meet and talk to a lot of his extended family:) We got to laugh and smile through close to a dozen toasts and stories:) After the re-reception, all the 'youngsters' went to Chili's for drinks and appetizers (yes, we had designated drivers even though none of us drank more than one drink). It was a fun evening:)
It was all a ton of fun, but I think it will take me a few days to recuperate from it all! lol. I'm glad we went through with the big wedding, and I can't wait to get the pictures from our photographers!:) That's about all the news we have, though I'm sure I've left out something. The holidays and weddings have all been so crazy that I can't possibly remember it all! But we do have a lot of memories anyway:) Thanks to everyone who contributed to our holidays and our wedding!!!
Anyway, as if the holidays aren't normally crazy enough, we decided to throw a couple of weddings into the mix. Our friends Mike and Erica got married December 27th. I was a bridesmaid in their wedding, and Kyle came to enjoy the festivities and support his "frat brother" in their special day:) It was a beautiful wedding, and Erica looked absolutely gorgeous, as always:)
The following day, December 28th, was Kyle's and my rehearsal and rehearsal dinner for our wedding (which Erica was also in - yes, we're a bit crazy, lol). The rehearsal began fairly smoothly, with Pastor Jan guiding us through the order of events, as Rachel, our wedding coordinator, helped us all find our places. The rehearsal didn't exactly go smoothly from beginning to end though. In fact, it became quite an adventure. Rachel is 6 months pregnant. About halfway through the rehearsal, she was suddenly in a horrible amount of pain! She's one tough lady, so that's saying something! Anyone who has been pregnant, or is old enough to have witnessed pregnancies up close, knows that sudden, extreme pain during pregnancy is a scary thing! As she lay down on the chairs in the sanctuary, the guys called her husband, while the women tried to figure out what exactly may be causing the pain. When she rated labor as a 10 and this pain as a 9 on the pain scale, we decided it was time to call the hospital. As we waited for an ambulance, Pastor Jan prayed for her. By the time the ambulance got there, the pain had suddenly stopped, but so had the baby's movement. There was a scary few minutes before she started kicking again, much to our relief. When the paramedics arrived, they took Rachel to the hospital where her husband met her and they made sure that everything was okay. Rachel and the baby are both fine, praise God, and are getting some rest for now. They say every wedding has an interesting story - I suppose that one's ours!
The 29th, the big wedding day, was pretty crazy. By this point we knew that Rachel was okay, but would not be making it to the wedding. Eryn and I got to the church at 8:00 in the morning, to begin decorating. Pastor Tim got there at 8:00 sharp to let us in and help us set up the tables for the reception (Thanks Tim!!). We immediately got to work. Soon my mom showed up and began ironing the folds out of table cloths while Eryn and I started breaking out the decorations. It felt like we were working all day, but within a couple of hours, almost everything was done. Around 10:00am, we started getting ready. Sharon did my hair (Thanks Sharon!) and soon all the bridesmaids (Eryn, Erica, Sharon and Cheryl) and I were ready for pictures. The photographers showed up and we began our formal shots. The photographers were great, and were a lot of fun to work with:) I trust they got a lot of great pictures, which I'll be really excited to see:)
The wedding ceremony went smoothly, though we did get a couple of laughs at little-seen accidents, like me spilling the unity candle wax on my hand (ouch!!), and Eryn's heel getting stuck in my train, haha, but it really went great:) The reception was small but fun:) We had catering from Camille's Cafe, my mom's yummy punch, and of course wedding cake:) We also had some super cute wedding favors - gingerbread bride and groom cookies, made by my wonderful friend Kathy!:) (If you need cookies for parties or something, she is one super baker!)
After it was all over, we were all completely exhausted. I don't think I got a chance to stop for a minute all day! I didn't even want to think about cleaning up! I changed out of my dress, and trudged back into the fellowship hall to see where I should start with tearing things down. There in the fellowship hall was the whole Clark family (some of our guests!) cleaning like crazy! I ended up not even having to lift a finger! I honestly don't know what the church would do without the Clarks. It seems like they are the servants of the church, working and serving wherever they're needed:) Thank you Clarks!!
After the wedding, Kyle's family had a re-reception (lol) at their place. It was a neat little gathering, and I finally got to meet and talk to a lot of his extended family:) We got to laugh and smile through close to a dozen toasts and stories:) After the re-reception, all the 'youngsters' went to Chili's for drinks and appetizers (yes, we had designated drivers even though none of us drank more than one drink). It was a fun evening:)
It was all a ton of fun, but I think it will take me a few days to recuperate from it all! lol. I'm glad we went through with the big wedding, and I can't wait to get the pictures from our photographers!:) That's about all the news we have, though I'm sure I've left out something. The holidays and weddings have all been so crazy that I can't possibly remember it all! But we do have a lot of memories anyway:) Thanks to everyone who contributed to our holidays and our wedding!!!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
It's been awhile...
It's been awhile since I last blogged, so I thought it was about time. Kyle finished up the fall quarter at school last week and passed his classes with flying colors:) To celebrate the end of the quarter (and to get me to quit nagging for a date perhaps) we went out to Chomps, a sushi place in Fullerton, and got way more food than we could eat! We ended up with about 6 pounds of leftovers, haha, but they didn't last long;) They served as a yummy lunch later!;) After our date night we drove to Lancaster and spent the weekend with my parents:) It was fun:) We helped them decorate their Christmas tree, and eat some of the goodies my mom made (which was a ton!):) It was a busy weekend, as all the last minute wedding details are coming together, but it was fun:) This week is our last week of work until 2008!! Kyle got nearly full-time hours at The Coffee Bean, as many of the student employees went home as soon as school got out for the holidays. So he's been working nearly full time this week. I've been working, as well as working on a sort of project we've started: assisting my memory! I have always been a bit easily distracted, but lately I've been down right absent minded! So this past weekend I bought a "brain" as I call it - it's really just a planner/organizer, but I've been carrying it everywhere with me and writing everything down! When I think of something I need to do, I write it down on the to-do list for the day that I should do it. When I'm given a phone number, it goes in the address book. When I make a purchase, the receipts go in there (it also serves as a wallet). And every day I've got it with me so that my to-do lists are never far. So far it has worked pretty well! My favorite part about it though is that the front cover is a picture frame, so I can carry Kyle's picture with me everywhere;) It's really handy, having my calendar, to-do lists, note pad, address book, check book, bank cards, credit cards, IDs, insurance cards, etc all in one place. The thing now is, I gotta keep track of this thing! lol. Hopefully my absent-mindedness won't result in (literally) losing my brain!;) Anyway...I do still have a couple more things on my to-do list for today, so I ought to do them;)
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Fable:)
Kyle and I have started gaming together:) We've been playing a computer game called "Fable". It's a neat game!:) You begin the game as a boy, faced with a dillema: You have no money, and need to get your sister a birthday present. From this point on, pretty much everything you do is a moral decision. Your dad offers you the opportunity to earn money for a present by doing good deeds around the village. Of course, you could skip the good deeds and go steal a present. Either way, that evening, bandits attack your village, killing most of the towns people, and kidnapping your sister. Soon after, you meet a man who takes you to "the Hero's Guild" where you are taught how to fight. Once you graduate from training, you are sent out into the world of Albion. It is up to you whether the life you then lead is one of good or evil. Each quest you take increases your skills. Each decision you make shapes your character. Each action you take changes your reputation, and as you grow up, your fame grows as well. Ultimately, your goal may be good or evil: find your sister, or seek revenge. Your character changes in ability and appearance, depending on your experiences, your choices, and how you develop your skills. Even your appearance begins to match your moral character as you make your way through Albion, growing from a boy into a man - some kind of man...it's up to the gamer;)Anyway...it's a lot of fun, and Kyle and I have enjoyed playing it together:) He does the actual playing, but I watch and help a little bit...it's a lot of fun, and is apparently one of his interests that he never expected his wife to get into, or even halfway understand, haha. The few guyfriends of mine who have found out that I play computer games with Kyle say, "That's so cool! Man, most girls think gaming is dumb or something!" Honestly, for me it depends on the game. I like killing monsters. I don't like war games. I like games where you "grow up" within the game. I like quests, fantasy settings, swords, cool outfits that resemble renaissance attire, etc...I doubt Kyle could get me to play 'Call of Duty' with him. But given the right game, I can have fun with it:) And so far we've had a lot of fun with Fable:) And, yes...we're going to be a good guy;)
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
A Christmasy Survey:)
1. How many Christmases have you celebrated?
20:) This year will be my 21st Christmas:)
2. How many different places have you spent Christmas at?
Well my first few Christmases were spent at the old house, and all the ones since then were spent at my parents' house. This year, I'm not really sure where Christmas will be spent!
3. When does "Christmas" start?
the day after Thanksgiving! (I used to say the day after Halloween, haha, but I've managed to push it back a little ways, so as to focus on one holiday at a time;)
4. When does "Christmas" end?
New Years Eve, cause then we're celebrating New Years! lol
5. Ever had a white Christmas?
Not that I know of :(
6. Ever NOT had a white Christmas?
Yep, all of 'em that I remember :-/
7. Has it ever been really warm on Christmas?
Yeah, one year I got a new sweater, and a new bike...I insisted on wearing my new sweater while I tried out my new bike, and ended up soaked in sweat :-p Pretty lame Christmas weather! lol
8. What's the coldest it's been on Christmas in your town?
Well, in the town I spent all my Christmases in? It may have gotten down to like 15-20*F. In the town I'm living in now, it might have gotten down to 40*F but I highly doubt it.
9. Do you remember specific Christmas presents from past years?
not many of them, but a few...like that sweater and bike, lol. That was when I was like...10 yrs old. And I remember that Kyle gave me a promise ring last Christmas:) It's crazy for me to think, last year he gave me a promise ring, saying we would get engaged/married one day, and this Christmas, the very next one, we'll already have been married for 6 months!
10. Is there anything specific that gets you in the Christmas spirit?
Christmas music, hot cocoa, seeing houses all decorated up with Christmas lights, the smell of Christmas trees, the smell/taste of peppermint, seeing the church all decked out with Christmas decorations, seeing all the Christmas ornaments and lights and such that the stores all bust out......etc:)
11. Do you like hot cocoa?
oh yes!
12. Do you like egg-nog?
eh, not so much
13. Do you like candy canes?
I like to use them to stir my hot cocoa so they give it a minty flavor! But I don't like eating them.
14. What are your favorite Christmas colors?
I like all of them in the right combinations:) Red and green and gold look really elegant together:) Red and green and silver look really happy together:) White, ice blue, silver and navy blue look nice and cold! *shivers*:) Silver, white and glitter look nice and snowy:) Green, maroon and brown look like a Christmasy mountain cabin:) and I love them all!!!
15. What is your favorite thing to find in your stocking?
Hair clips! lol. I go through those things so fast, so Santa has to bring me lots of those;) And they make good stocking stuffers:)
16. Do you like playing in the snow?
Actually, I really prefer walking in it:) Snow is really romantic:) I prefer to leave it as untouched as possible, while still getting out and enjoying it:) So a nice walk in the snow is perfect:) All you leave is footprints, and I think it's so cute to see two pairs of footprints in the snow!:-D hehe
17. What is your favorite Christmas candy?
Ooh, gosh...I would have to say mint chocolate truffles:)
18. What do you think is the best gift you've ever given someone?
I knit Kyle a blanket last year:) It isn't the most perfect blanket, but it is special anyway, and he loves it:)
19. How do you wrap presents (bags? boxes? bows? quick jobs? fancy jobs?)??
I carefully select the prettiest wrapping paper I can find that seems to suit the recipient's personality (yes, I buy a lot of different kinds of very expensive wrapping paper :-.. lol but I love it). Then I find some 3" wide, wired ribbon that goes well with the wrapping paper. I take the present and wrapping stuff home. I hand make a to-from tag to match the wrapping paper and ribbon. I wrap the present as neatly as I can. Then I make a big bow out of the ribbon, wrap a piece of ribbon around the present, and put the bow on top, with the to-from tag sticking out from underneath the bow. *sigh* Yes, I am extremely obsessed with wrapping...believe it or not, I'm not that picky about presentation. I'll throw the present to the person if they're not right next to me. But it has to be PRETTY, lol
20. Do you send out Christmas cards?
I'm not sure if we're going to get to this year, but I do hope to. It's getting pretty close though, and I would hate for people to get them late...
21. Do you write a Christmas letter, to update your friends and relatives about the past year?
My family always did, and I plan to continue that, but like I said, I'm not sure if we'll get to this year. This holiday season is going to be one big heck of a mess...and enjoyable mess, but...if I live through it, I will feel invincible for the rest of my life.
22. Do you bake goodies around Christmas time? What kind?
Oh yes! Pumpkin pie, sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, rice crispy treats, fudge...THE WORKS!!!
23. Do you gain weight around the holidays?
I never did in years past, but I think my metabolism may be slowing down to what is about normal for adults...so I probably will this year....okay, so I already have a LITTLE bit
24. Do you make a new years resolution to burn it off?
lol, no
25. Have you ever gone sledding?
yep!
26. Have you ever been injured in a snowball fight?
not seriously, but enough to make my cry and kick my brother
27. What goes on top of your Christmas tree?
a star shaped cookie cutter with white and gold pipe cleaners wrapped around it, haha
28. Do you use a tree skirt?
Sort of...my big red blanket is our tree skirt this year, lol. And it actually looks pretty, except that I keep wanting to crawl under the tree and sleep, lol. That blanket is so comfy! (lol, thanks Josh)
29. What is the most expensive present you've given someone?
Uhm...I helped Ryan buy a really nice guitar...
30. What is the most personal gift you've given someone?
probably the blanket I knit for Kyle...I spent a lot of time on that.
31. What is the most personal gift you've ever received for Christmas?
definitely the promise ring Kyle gave me last year...mainly the promise that went along with it, but...also, he put a lot of thought into picking it out...well...he asked Eryn a hundred times if I would like it, lol.
32. What type of Christmas tree does your family usually get?
well, all growing up I think we got Douglas Firs, but of course this year is different, lol...me and Kyle got a hand-me-down fake tree from Tim and Sharon! hehe:-D
33. When you were little, what time would you wake up Christmas morning?
usually around 4:30 or 5:00am34. Now what time do you wake up on Christmas morning?I don't know, 8:00 or so?
35. Do you open presents or stockings first?
My brother and I always got to open our stockings while we waited for my parents to get up. Then once everyone was awake and Dad had his coffee ready, lol, we'd all open presents:)
36. What does your stocking look like?
My mommy cross-stitched it:) It's cute:)
37. When you were little, did you fall asleep halfway through Christmas after being so excited all morning?
haha yeah
38. Have you ever been kissed under the mistletoe?
No :(
39. Did your parents ever take to to sit on Santa's lap for pictures and to tell him what you wanted for Christmas?
yes and I screamed bloody murder instead lol
40. Are there any Christmas songs that you really don't like?
yeah, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "Jingle Bells," and..."Away in a Manger" is pretty annoying to me but I'm not sure why
41. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Carol of the Bells, Emmanuel, and this instrumental medley of Carol of the Bells and Silver Bells...by far the best instrumental music I have ever heard.
42. What are some Christmas traditions you want to carry on to do with your spouse and kids?
Christmas Eve service at church, Christmas tree shopping, decorating the tree together, driving around town to look at peoples' Christmas lights, making Christmas goodies together....
43. Do you get your shopping done early, or wait till the last minute?
Neither really, I do a little here and a little there...
44. If you could have ANYTHING for Christmas this year, no matter the costs (short term and long term costs included) what would you want?
A house somewhere near a good school that needs a high school algebra and geometry teacher, in a green, spacious part of the country
45. Do you know what you will want NEXT Christmas?
haha, yes, I think at that point I'll be wanting to start trying for Baby #1, lol. But we'll see. Maybe we'll wait a bit longer than that...
46. Have you ever been to a Christmas party?
No, but the office Christmas party is this thursday and I MIGHT go...
47. Have you ever thrown a Christmas party?
No
48. Have you ever been in a Christmas play/program?
Yep, at least a dozen!
49. Do you know the story behind the candy cane?
I've heard lots of stories...no clue which one's true, and don't really care, lol
50. Why do you celebrate Christmas?
Honestly?...because it just sort of happens...
51. What is the meaning of Christmas?
*sigh*...it's a gigantic, multi-national birthday party where most of the party guests don't even know whose birthday it is...
52. Do you say, "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays"?
Merry CHRISTmas!
53. What is your favorite Christmas smell?
oh gosh, I don't know...Christmas trees, peppermint, hot cocoa, fires, cinnamon, chocolate, pies, turkey, scotch tape, wrapping paper, dusty Christmas decorations, freshly chopped firewood.....
54. What is your favorite Christmas flavor?
hot cocoa, peppermint, sugar cookies, rice crispy treats...
55. How is this Christmas going to be special?
It's my first Christmas with my wonderful husband!:)
20:) This year will be my 21st Christmas:)
2. How many different places have you spent Christmas at?
Well my first few Christmases were spent at the old house, and all the ones since then were spent at my parents' house. This year, I'm not really sure where Christmas will be spent!
3. When does "Christmas" start?
the day after Thanksgiving! (I used to say the day after Halloween, haha, but I've managed to push it back a little ways, so as to focus on one holiday at a time;)
4. When does "Christmas" end?
New Years Eve, cause then we're celebrating New Years! lol
5. Ever had a white Christmas?
Not that I know of :(
6. Ever NOT had a white Christmas?
Yep, all of 'em that I remember :-/
7. Has it ever been really warm on Christmas?
Yeah, one year I got a new sweater, and a new bike...I insisted on wearing my new sweater while I tried out my new bike, and ended up soaked in sweat :-p Pretty lame Christmas weather! lol
8. What's the coldest it's been on Christmas in your town?
Well, in the town I spent all my Christmases in? It may have gotten down to like 15-20*F. In the town I'm living in now, it might have gotten down to 40*F but I highly doubt it.
9. Do you remember specific Christmas presents from past years?
not many of them, but a few...like that sweater and bike, lol. That was when I was like...10 yrs old. And I remember that Kyle gave me a promise ring last Christmas:) It's crazy for me to think, last year he gave me a promise ring, saying we would get engaged/married one day, and this Christmas, the very next one, we'll already have been married for 6 months!
10. Is there anything specific that gets you in the Christmas spirit?
Christmas music, hot cocoa, seeing houses all decorated up with Christmas lights, the smell of Christmas trees, the smell/taste of peppermint, seeing the church all decked out with Christmas decorations, seeing all the Christmas ornaments and lights and such that the stores all bust out......etc:)
11. Do you like hot cocoa?
oh yes!
12. Do you like egg-nog?
eh, not so much
13. Do you like candy canes?
I like to use them to stir my hot cocoa so they give it a minty flavor! But I don't like eating them.
14. What are your favorite Christmas colors?
I like all of them in the right combinations:) Red and green and gold look really elegant together:) Red and green and silver look really happy together:) White, ice blue, silver and navy blue look nice and cold! *shivers*:) Silver, white and glitter look nice and snowy:) Green, maroon and brown look like a Christmasy mountain cabin:) and I love them all!!!
15. What is your favorite thing to find in your stocking?
Hair clips! lol. I go through those things so fast, so Santa has to bring me lots of those;) And they make good stocking stuffers:)
16. Do you like playing in the snow?
Actually, I really prefer walking in it:) Snow is really romantic:) I prefer to leave it as untouched as possible, while still getting out and enjoying it:) So a nice walk in the snow is perfect:) All you leave is footprints, and I think it's so cute to see two pairs of footprints in the snow!:-D hehe
17. What is your favorite Christmas candy?
Ooh, gosh...I would have to say mint chocolate truffles:)
18. What do you think is the best gift you've ever given someone?
I knit Kyle a blanket last year:) It isn't the most perfect blanket, but it is special anyway, and he loves it:)
19. How do you wrap presents (bags? boxes? bows? quick jobs? fancy jobs?)??
I carefully select the prettiest wrapping paper I can find that seems to suit the recipient's personality (yes, I buy a lot of different kinds of very expensive wrapping paper :-.. lol but I love it). Then I find some 3" wide, wired ribbon that goes well with the wrapping paper. I take the present and wrapping stuff home. I hand make a to-from tag to match the wrapping paper and ribbon. I wrap the present as neatly as I can. Then I make a big bow out of the ribbon, wrap a piece of ribbon around the present, and put the bow on top, with the to-from tag sticking out from underneath the bow. *sigh* Yes, I am extremely obsessed with wrapping...believe it or not, I'm not that picky about presentation. I'll throw the present to the person if they're not right next to me. But it has to be PRETTY, lol
20. Do you send out Christmas cards?
I'm not sure if we're going to get to this year, but I do hope to. It's getting pretty close though, and I would hate for people to get them late...
21. Do you write a Christmas letter, to update your friends and relatives about the past year?
My family always did, and I plan to continue that, but like I said, I'm not sure if we'll get to this year. This holiday season is going to be one big heck of a mess...and enjoyable mess, but...if I live through it, I will feel invincible for the rest of my life.
22. Do you bake goodies around Christmas time? What kind?
Oh yes! Pumpkin pie, sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, rice crispy treats, fudge...THE WORKS!!!
23. Do you gain weight around the holidays?
I never did in years past, but I think my metabolism may be slowing down to what is about normal for adults...so I probably will this year....okay, so I already have a LITTLE bit
24. Do you make a new years resolution to burn it off?
lol, no
25. Have you ever gone sledding?
yep!
26. Have you ever been injured in a snowball fight?
not seriously, but enough to make my cry and kick my brother
27. What goes on top of your Christmas tree?
a star shaped cookie cutter with white and gold pipe cleaners wrapped around it, haha
28. Do you use a tree skirt?
Sort of...my big red blanket is our tree skirt this year, lol. And it actually looks pretty, except that I keep wanting to crawl under the tree and sleep, lol. That blanket is so comfy! (lol, thanks Josh)
29. What is the most expensive present you've given someone?
Uhm...I helped Ryan buy a really nice guitar...
30. What is the most personal gift you've given someone?
probably the blanket I knit for Kyle...I spent a lot of time on that.
31. What is the most personal gift you've ever received for Christmas?
definitely the promise ring Kyle gave me last year...mainly the promise that went along with it, but...also, he put a lot of thought into picking it out...well...he asked Eryn a hundred times if I would like it, lol.
32. What type of Christmas tree does your family usually get?
well, all growing up I think we got Douglas Firs, but of course this year is different, lol...me and Kyle got a hand-me-down fake tree from Tim and Sharon! hehe:-D
33. When you were little, what time would you wake up Christmas morning?
usually around 4:30 or 5:00am34. Now what time do you wake up on Christmas morning?I don't know, 8:00 or so?
35. Do you open presents or stockings first?
My brother and I always got to open our stockings while we waited for my parents to get up. Then once everyone was awake and Dad had his coffee ready, lol, we'd all open presents:)
36. What does your stocking look like?
My mommy cross-stitched it:) It's cute:)
37. When you were little, did you fall asleep halfway through Christmas after being so excited all morning?
haha yeah
38. Have you ever been kissed under the mistletoe?
No :(
39. Did your parents ever take to to sit on Santa's lap for pictures and to tell him what you wanted for Christmas?
yes and I screamed bloody murder instead lol
40. Are there any Christmas songs that you really don't like?
yeah, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "Jingle Bells," and..."Away in a Manger" is pretty annoying to me but I'm not sure why
41. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Carol of the Bells, Emmanuel, and this instrumental medley of Carol of the Bells and Silver Bells...by far the best instrumental music I have ever heard.
42. What are some Christmas traditions you want to carry on to do with your spouse and kids?
Christmas Eve service at church, Christmas tree shopping, decorating the tree together, driving around town to look at peoples' Christmas lights, making Christmas goodies together....
43. Do you get your shopping done early, or wait till the last minute?
Neither really, I do a little here and a little there...
44. If you could have ANYTHING for Christmas this year, no matter the costs (short term and long term costs included) what would you want?
A house somewhere near a good school that needs a high school algebra and geometry teacher, in a green, spacious part of the country
45. Do you know what you will want NEXT Christmas?
haha, yes, I think at that point I'll be wanting to start trying for Baby #1, lol. But we'll see. Maybe we'll wait a bit longer than that...
46. Have you ever been to a Christmas party?
No, but the office Christmas party is this thursday and I MIGHT go...
47. Have you ever thrown a Christmas party?
No
48. Have you ever been in a Christmas play/program?
Yep, at least a dozen!
49. Do you know the story behind the candy cane?
I've heard lots of stories...no clue which one's true, and don't really care, lol
50. Why do you celebrate Christmas?
Honestly?...because it just sort of happens...
51. What is the meaning of Christmas?
*sigh*...it's a gigantic, multi-national birthday party where most of the party guests don't even know whose birthday it is...
52. Do you say, "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays"?
Merry CHRISTmas!
53. What is your favorite Christmas smell?
oh gosh, I don't know...Christmas trees, peppermint, hot cocoa, fires, cinnamon, chocolate, pies, turkey, scotch tape, wrapping paper, dusty Christmas decorations, freshly chopped firewood.....
54. What is your favorite Christmas flavor?
hot cocoa, peppermint, sugar cookies, rice crispy treats...
55. How is this Christmas going to be special?
It's my first Christmas with my wonderful husband!:)
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Bye Bye Cozy Sac
Well, Kyle and I recently decided that our big brown bean-bag sofa just wasn't really cutting it, for our little apartment. It took up a lot of space, and as comfy as it was, it hardly got used at all. So yesterday Kyle and I posted an ad on CraigsList, hoping to sell our cozy-sac. We figured we'd try to get $100 for it, since we bought it for about $200. I thought we might have to lower the price before anyone would buy it, but this morning someone had already e-mailed us, asking if it was still available! Wow, lol. Kyle e-mailed her back and said that it was still available, and gave her our phone number in case she wanted to further contact us. Within an hour, she and her husband came by to take a look at it, and it was gone. I didn't realize things could sell that quickly on CraigsList! I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, lol. We found our apartment on CraigsList;) Anyway, now we have "a lot" of space in our "living room":) Our Christmas tree now lives by the window, for all to see:) rather than next to the bed, for Kyle to get poked by when he gets out of bed, haha. The down side is, how we are nearly seatless. lol. We have the dining room table, and Kyle's computer desk, but nowhere to kick back, except the bed. But oh it is so nice to have some space:) We're not sure what will go in the "living room" now, but we're keeping our options open. In the mean time I suppose the Christmas tree and the coffee table can get better acquainted, haha.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Christmas Decorating!:)
Last night Kyle and I finally finished decorating our tree!:) We went to Target, got more lights, grabbed a pizza on the way home, and had a tree decorating party (well, as party-like as two people at home can be?). Oh and we enjoyed some hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps while we decorated:) (If you haven't tried that before, do!;) It was a lot of fun:) Our tree isn't exactly homey looking, as we have only store-bought ornaments, but it is still pretty:) Anyway, here are some pictures from our Christmas decorating night(s):) I couldn't get a very good picture of the whole tree, decorated, but...*sigh* oh well...here they are:)
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Getting Ready For Christmas
Well, it's that time of year again:) Time to start putting up decorations, fighting through the crowded malls, decorating Christmas trees....and it's our first time doing all this together:) And it's been a bit of an adventure...or maybe a comedy. I guess it's a little bit of both;) It's been an adventure seeing what little quirks, ideas, and traditions we each carry over from our families into our family. And it's been a comedy trying to get all the decorations up - we have no time! But we both love Christmas, so we do a little decorating when we can...this is why our tree is put together, and halfway covered in lights. Maybe by Christmas it will be fully decorated, haha. We're planning to go buy another string of lights tomorrow, and finish decorating the tree. Tonight I'll be putting some lights in our front window:) I also have a mini tree partially decorated, and awaiting some ribbon or garland of some sort, which we'll hopefully be able to get when we get our second string of lights! haha, So we're slowly getting ready for Christmas:) I'll take pictures of everything and hopefully post them this weekend, after our decorations are complete;) I can't wait to see our little apartment all Christmas-ed up! :-D
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