What do you hear? Nothing but the rain....

Well, hello there. Been a couple weeks. Though it feels much much longer than that. Ages even.


Guess that happens when life goes insane.


Not much I can talk about, unfortunately (or fortunately). Suffice it to say, the past two weeks have been ones of turmoil, insanity, and lots of trusting. Things have worked out for the better, thankfully, but it took lots of bloodsweattears (not literally but that idea), like most things.


Anyway.


I haven't been feeling very well the last couple of weeks. I caught a nasty headcold last week that has morphed into a wonderful chestcough and sore throat now (yay!).


I've also been trying to figure out what to do with my life. Yes, yes, wasn't it just a few weeks (months?) ago I posted a blog that I had figured out what I was doing? Well, yes. But I'm actually now trying to figure out how to do that. Sure, I have figured out ideally and abstractly what I want to do (even have a vague sense of how to do that), but currently am trying to figure out practically how to do that. A lot harder than it seemed. Well....more that I have to make some hard calls on how and what to do when. I've never been much of a planner, so having to plan 5-8 years of schooling....not really my cup of tea. I sometimes wish I had an administrative/organized mind, instead of the crazy unorganized chaos that is my artist's brain. But I suppose if I had that mind, I wouldn't be able to write as I do or what I enjoy writing.


Speaking of writing, I really need to get back on that. I haven't written anything (besides some blogposts and journal entries, which I don't really consider writing writing) in a very long time. Happened when our Netbook broke (which had most of my stories on it), and I enjoy having my Netbook to work on stuff....so when that happened, kind of lost touch. We're getting it fixed soon, though, so I should be able to start working on them again. It's the summer, afterall, I might as well do something besides catching up on movies and reading a ton. Oh my goodness, I love the summer.


Speaking of summer, I have decided to swim 3x a week for the summer (if not longer). I did my first last night and while it was probably only about 20 minutes or so (if that), it felt glorious. Not only was the temperature just right, the time was perfect, and it felt a good way to start off my night at home (I got home from work, changed, swam, and then showered). So partially to get into better shape and partially because it was a glorious de-stresser from work and mostly for the relaxation and fun, I will do this consistently for the next few weeks and see how I'm feeling after that.


I realize I'll always be a bit of a curvy girl (and let's face it, most of my curves are things I can't and don't want to lose ;-) ), doesn't mean I wouldn't mind being a better toned curvy girl. So we shall see how it goes. I'll be happy just to tone up my stomach if nothing else. Hehe.


Though, oddly, I'm completely at ease with who I am and what I look like. Sure, I want to make some changes but mostly for fun than anything else. Sure I can see things in which I could be "better" (or perhaps healthier is a better term? Not better, because it's not like I'm bad or wrong or something)....but overall, I am content with who I am and how I look. The changes are for fun, to match who I see myself as inside, not because I need to change but because I want to. And that's the difference.


Hubby and I just finished watching the final few episodes of Battlestar Galactica. Oh my goodness....it was one of the most amazing finales I've ever seen in a TV show. Ever. Soo amazing. And they actually pulled off making the good guys be good and the bad guys bad, and having that be the downfall. The reason the bad guys "get what's coming" is not through the good guys being tricky or the bad guys having a change of heart. No, it was from their own natures interacting with each other. The bad guys got what was coming because they acted according to their nature, and that was their downfall. It's very hard to do, and very hard to do believably. The BSG writers managed to do it believably and well. Go watch the series all the way through. It's really good, and the end ties everything together. I've never seen a character actually come full-circle as they made one of theirs do. I was in shock, and cried. A lot. At the end. But then again, this is me. I cried watching the "Dream On" episode in Glee. If you are going to spend your summer watching random TV shows, I'd highly suggest you spend it watching BSG. It's well worth your time. Trust me.


Also, there is a crack in the ceiling/wall at work. I am now on edge, trying not to look in the corner of my eye and also waiting to hear a certain sound.


...When on earth did I become such a nerd?


I cannot wait for Inception to come out. I will watch anything by the Nolan Brothers (practically) and Leo DiCapprio has really come into his own as an actor. I didn't like him for the longest time but he has done such good movies lately, that I've come to love him. So mix him with Ellen Page and the Nolan Brothers, and oh my goodness, can hardly wait!!! Think I'm going to plan an amazing date for me and Hubby around this movie. Seems too good not to.


Alrighty, now that I've wasted spent a good amount of your time, I should get back to work. Not that there's much to do, given I finished my projects. Now I just sit and wait for the phone to ring. Oh, and Hubby to come scare me cause he's teasing me about the crack. Such is life, my life, that is, which I'm coming to realize is not boring and probably never will be.


So say we all.

Happy Monday, all!

Per that post from last week, the week went up and down a bit. Honestly, it was Spring Break for us, and it felt like the week lasted forever. I only had work, some stress, and then a very relaxing weekend. Hubby and I slept in, relaxed, watched loads of Dr. Who (who is and always will be The Doctor). I got creative and tried some new recipes. My favorite being the chicken pasta with the olive oil/garlic sauce. It was incredibly yummy and incredibly easy (and easily made vegetarian. Just don't add chicken!). I also added some Parmesan cheese on top and made it with some garlic bread, and voila! easy filling good dinner. 


Like the week, the weekend took forever to pass by, which was nice because it was a weekend, and they're supposed to last forever...so to speak. I finished two books over the weekend, which felt lovely (or was it three? Perhaps three). I know I finished Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman last week at some point. I also read Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams (which I was told was based on the Dr Who episode he wrote, and I could easily see that. Very creepy amazing book). I also finished up Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut. It was about the Dresden fire bombing...and it was also one of the oddest books I've ever read. Intriguing. 


I had two answered prayers over the weekend, which surprised me, to say the least. I haven't been used to God answering prayers (that visibly, at least), so it was a wonderful blessing. I had made an honest mistake in something I was supposed to take care of. Unfortunately, it (as these things do) happened at exactly the wrong time, so it became a bit more involved. Crying and stressing and figuring things out later, two friends (you know who you are) provided what we needed. It was quite surprising and quite relieving. And quite odd to go, "Oh...I was stressing and praying without realizing it, and it was provided...." God's a sneaky fellow. Hehe. 


Oh. If you notice the tone of my writing sounds rather British, well that is the Doctor's fault. I've been watching him with Hubby for the last week or so, because the new series started up on Sunday (of last week). So now, two episodes into the new series, and Matt Smith is the Doctor. I don't quite know how it happened but it did, and he is the Doctor. After one episode. Well...after the three minutes he had at the end of The End of Time. The premiere episode just solidified it. I'm sad that David Tennant is gone as is Russell T. Davies, but I am incredibly excited to see Matt Smith as the Doctor and Stephan Moffett as the new head writer (I believe). He has written my favorite episodes so far (Girl in the Fireplace, Blink, Etc). He's the head writer now, and I am soo excited! The Angels are coming back! Ok. End of nerding out now. 


I have a big date coming up with Hubby. Well, me and a friend. He's taking me and my best friend out on the town or something of that sort. I don't actually know where we're going. He's keeping it quite close-chested. My friend and I have found our dresses (and they are gorgeous) and we are soo looking forward to it. Hubby's been teasing/taunting me about this date since he started planning it back in....oh gosh. February? January? Long enough for me to be twitching by now. And it is in two weeks! I cannot wait! There will definitely be a lengthy blog about it, I am sure of that, and hopefully some pictures. 


And of course, end of April is Hubby's birthday. We don't have much planned at the moment, as funds are a bit tight. I shall figure out something, however. Even if it means delaying it for a few days or some sort. Either way, I shall celebrate Hubby's birthday with him, and we shall have a grand time, no matter what. (And if any family is reading this, he would love some giftcards (Outback, Black Angus, Cheesecake Factory etc) /hint ;)


School starts up again this week, and not much time is left after that, come to think of it. 7 or 6 weeks? I'm sure my friends who are graduating know the exact number of days and hours. Sadly (or thankfully?), I am not at that point, otherwise I'd be stressing and freaking out to no end, I'd imagine. 


I have discovered we have two weddings within a month of each other. May is Hubby's dear sister and ex-roommate's wedding (odd one, that. They met because of our wedding, 9months later, engaged. Still chuckle at Fate). We are both in that one, so that week will be incredibly busy but fun. Then later on in June comes another couple of friend's weddings. Hubby knew them first, and we both were able to watch their relationship grow (I was able to help the Gal work through some issues at first) and now they're getting married in June, and I can't think of a better couple together. Very very excited for both of these weddings! 


Oh...and not to mention come June/July, our friends are having their babies. It was amusing, actually, that both of our friends got preggers within 4wks of each other! So very excited for them! Just two more reasons to go visit, and hold babies. And I realized I'll have to buy a collapsible playpen for when our friends visit with their babies! (Ok, I probably won't have to, but I want to.) 


I have been sad to realize that my journal, which Hubby got me for our first married Christmas together, has only about 7 pages left in it, before it's completely full. I looked/read through it over the weekend and realized just how much it has seen and recorded. Hubby made an inscription in the front which said (amongst other things) "Fill these pages with Love and Beauty". And that journal, while has seen some very hard and sad and hurtful things, has also served to record our first 20 months together as a married couple. It has seen us grow into our marriage, seen it thrive and move and deepen. I'm amazed that it's been almost two years (in August!). That journal has lasted me from December '08 until April '10. I am always so sad to end a journal. It always feels like an end of a chapter in my life, and I suppose it rather is. Though it means exciting time to start new journals! (Specifically the one my mother-in-love got me from S. Korea last summer for my birthday!) This journal ending, for me, feels like the end of my Newlywed-ness (though I haven't really felt like a Newlywed for several months now), and now a new journey is starting. A journey with my Hubby towards our Happily Ever After (to use the phrase often used by my friends). Well. That journey has always been going, I suppose. We're 20 months into it! Or...I really consider our time dating and being engaged as well, and then it would be almost 4 years. Or will it be five, now? No. Four. Anyway. That journal is finishing and has been the witness of the first 20 months or so of our marriage. I imagine when I'm an older married woman/mother, I'll look back at that journal and go, "Oh I was so very young back then." I tend to do that even looking at old entries. I can't imagine what I shall think when I am in my 40s or 50s, married, with kids, and go back to read it over. 


Hubby and I were talking about love (specifically our love for each other) a bit back, and I had summarized it as "More than yesterday, less than tomorrow". He didn't quite like that phrase because it's not that he has more love (the feeling) for me. It's deepened and grown and developed more. It's not the same as it was when we first got married. I assured him that's what I meant by that phrase. My love for him (and our love for each other) has deepened and grown and developed and matured greatly since having gotten married. We don't have a different feeling for each other. I think it's because our love has grown out of just 'feeling in love' to actually being love. 


Some things feel like they're going to be changing soon...I'm not sure how to explain it or what to even say, but it's like that itch in the back of your head. You don't quite know what it is, but you know something is coming...and you start watching for it. I feel like that. Something is going to change...I can just feel it. The itch. The idea forming. Something. 


The clever north wind was not satisfied. It spoke of towns yet to be visited, friends in need yet to be discovered, battles yet to be fought -Chocolat

Trust dreams. Trust your heart, and trust your story

It's been feeling like one of those weeks...and unfortunately, there's not much I can point at and go, "See! That's why." cause it's not that simple (things rarely are). It's just been frustrating and tiring already, and it's only Wednesday. Fantastic. (Note: if you do not hear the sarcasm in my tone, try again. That's not a good 'fantastic', that's a bad 'fantastic'.)

I have been trying--feeling frustrated with!--to figure out my plans for school. There's some really great programs I found, but I need to finish out some big PreReqs first (and get my grades up), which is rather hard to do when you're only doing 6 units at a time. I'm seriously considering transferring to a CC to finish things up. The sad one is I would be leaving my friends--though most are graduating this semester anyway, so I guess not all that sad--and the place I've done school at for a long while. Though perhaps it's time to move on. I've made some dear friends there (and met my hubby there...that's important!), and some dear bittersweet memories. Perhaps it's time for that chapter of my life to be closing. We shall find out. It's looking more and more like that. Though I do hope I can figure out a way to stay to finish out my Foreign Language requirement...

*****

Well, I didn't get this done before Hubby and I ran off for lunch. We met up with a friend for lunch, which was nice. She was kind enough to not mind us dropping in for 45 minutes to say hi, heat up our sketti, and hang out. She's getting married in the next several weeks, and then moving away. We're really really excited for her and her future hubby (both amazing people and totally deserve each other!) but we're really feeling the sting of going to miss both of them so very much once they're settled several hours away. It's hard having changes, and even in a broader sense, it's hard knowing that most of our friends are graduating this semester and then scattering off into the world. Changes are hard, and knowing friends you're so used to seeing on a daily/weekly basis (where you can just stop by for a quick visit unannounced) will be far enough away that you'll have to plan the trips. Even just because they'll be working and busy. That's how life is, I suppose. It's hard adjusting to, though. I'm used to it and not at the same time. I miss spontaneous trips and visits with friends. But on the other hand, I know how hard and busy life is for people, that once you get to working FT and "grownup responsibilities", it's incredibly hard to just go stop by someone's house. There's a good chance they won't be there. Heh. Such is life. It definitely makes you appreciate the friends you have, and the hardwork it takes for the relationships to stick even while apart. Hooray for texting/email/chatting/video chat, that's for sure!

Speaking of friends leaving, one of my dear dear friends got accepted into a Masters program over in Scotland. Needless to say, she's overjoyed but also a bit overwhelmed with the planning and figuring out finances. Hop over to her blog, read about her (she's a wonderful person!), and maybe donate a little bit, if you'd like, to help her fund her way to Scotland. The program is amazing, and she deserves it!

I was talking to a dear friend today about some frustrations I was having because Hubby was frustrated with his job, and I wasn't sure how to "fix it". She reminded me that sometimes I can't fix things, but that I can encourage and remind him of how much he is supporting me. Of how much he's taking care of me and how thankful I am of that, especially in a dysfunctional work environment (I'm being a bit polite here...). I thought about it, figured I had been doing that, and honestly didn't think too much of it until we were sitting in the car, waiting out our last five minutes of lunch break in the parking lot at work. He had leaned back his chair and was really worn out. So I went, "You know what, what the ---". I leaned over and whispered encouragement, support, and anything else I could think of to let him know how thankful I was for him, how he was supporting me, etc. It worked like a charm. It didn't fix everything, by any means, but I watched the stress drain from his face for a brief moment as I hugged him and felt him relax in my arms.

It reminded me that while he and I are both physical (touch is our love language, after all), we both need to reminded with words of how much we mean to each other. And I had been trying to show that through taking care of him, fixing dinner, helping him relax after work, etc (which is all good, and blesses him tremendously), but I hadn't out and out thanked him for taking care of me, supporting me. Sticking through it, so that I/we can have a good place to live, a good car to drive, and a home, together.

So take note. When your SO is feeling down and discouraged, sometimes all he needs is for you to snuggle up, hold them, and whisper, "Thank you for taking care of me. For supporting me. Even with all the hell it is, thank you."

That's my lesson learned for the day, at least. So many thanks to my friend for reminding me of it.

I was going to talk a bit about feeling frustrated with where I was again....but I realized I'm not, actually. Many of my friends are being incredibly blessed in fun unique ways, and I am sooo very happy for them. I had some things to work out, but for the most part, I am doing rather well right where I am. For that, I am thankful.

I need to do a book review on The Shack. I don't know what to make of the theology in it, nor did I pay enough attention to it, to be honest. So I should re-read it before I do any kind of review...however, after finishing it, I realized a few days later I was praying more and felt more at ease with God and able to talk to Him. My relationship shifted, of sorts. At any rate, it helped me through some struggles I was having with God, myself, because the author was struggling with similar things. I am thankful for that. And it opened up my eyes to a different perspective of God...I need to reread it, and think more on it. Overall, I'm thankful I did read it. And I'm thankful it helped.

And that's all I have for now. Life, while hard in some things, has been good in others. Which seems to be the case normally, whatever "normally" means.

Ta!

P.s. In other news, I became a semi-vegetarian (by that I mean I still occasionally eat meat, though cut eating it way back, learning how to balance meals with Hubby who still loves meat), am starting to work out with Hubby, lost 10 pounds, feel healthy, look healthy ("Hott" according to Hubby XD), and am overall feeling rather good about myself. I like eating mostly veggies and fruit. I just need to be better at getting all my protein, working on it.

The tower's built of spit and spite, without a sound, without a sight. The biter bit, the bitter bite. (It's better to be out at night.)

So...as you can tell from the title, I'm on a Neil Gaiman binge. Well, not really. I just got a new book of his, Fragile Things. It's his collection of short stories and some poetry. Very good. The title is from a short about Vampires. I found it intriguing that it's basically a cycle that never finishes. Specifically: The biter bit, the bitter bite. And around and around it goes... Intriguing.

Anyway.

I/We had a very interesting odd weekend. First off, because Hubby's great-uncle passed away and we headed up to the funeral on Saturday. It was a lovely ceremony with family on a cliff overlooking the ocean with the waves crashing in the background. At the end, all the grandkids threw flowers into the ocean. Hubby read a speech from his dad who couldn't make it out, and everyone loved it. All in all, it was very lovely and dear, a good remembrance service. Then we drove home and got back about 8-9pm.

Sunday, of course, was Valentine's Day. Hubby and I were amazed and delighted to realize this was our fourth Valentine's together-1 dating, 1 engaged, 2 married. We both could hardly believe it's been that long, but come December, we'll have been together for four years and counting. So very wonderful.

So Sunday, we didn't have plans. We wanted a relaxing Valentine's Day, nothing stressful. Hubby had taken me out to dinner last week early on as our V-Day dinner. I was wanting to do something on Sunday but couldn't figure out what. We slept in, relaxed, and then Hubby got up and "ordered" me to stay in bed and in comfy PJs while he went out to run errands. When he got home, he made me walk out with my eyes closed and then gave me my gifts. The first were these gorgeous orchid plants he got me, instead of a bouquet of flowers, because he wanted them to last as long as possible, and these can keep growing and blooming for a long while (so long as I keep taking care of them. Hehe). Then he told me he was going to make us dinner, and we were going to curl up on the couch watching fun movies and just have a relaxing night. It was a lovely Valentine's Day. I have the best husband around, and I am one lucky,lucky girl.

To my delight, I discovered on Friday that I had the day off Monday because of President's Day! I was a bit worried I'd still have to get up early to go in to work with Hubby because of the whole one car thing and I had a class at 6pm. However, Hubby's boss let him off at 4:30 which meant I was able to sleep in till noon (Haven't done that in a LONG time!), take a shower, relax, read, organize the house a bit, and do wifey things. It was gloriously relaxing. I didn't have to worry about anything, got some laundry done and some dishes (thank God for washer/dryer and dishwasher! It's amazing!). I also discovered that our lovely little Condo is amazingly peaceful and quiet during the day, and bright with sunlight when you have the doors and windows all open! I spent a good two hours curled up in a recliner just reading and enjoying the sounds from outside that didn't involve sirens or yelling. Hehe. I honestly can't wait till I can stay at home and only work Part-Time. I don't know exactly when that will happen, but man, am I looking forward to it!

Well, I have set a goal. My hubby is taking me and a friend on an "Epic Date" (his name for it) in April. Which means, I would like to get in better shape before then. So...I have decided to start swimming in the mornings, and doing the P90X with my hubby (we start next week!), and also cut down on my food intake. By which I mean, except for one meal, only fruits and veggies for the rest. I want to tone up and lose this stomach. I fully admit I've been a bit lax when it comes to working out, but with my hubby getting up at 6AM every other day to go running, and starting the P90X, I figured I should too. Might try some Yoga too ;) Goal: Lose weight, but overall, be in better shape, and lost the stomach. Whatever that means and however that works out. The nice one is Tues/Thurs I'm on campus about an hour before my class, so I can easily do a quick half hour at the gym and get to class. So, here's hoping it works! I knew taking 2 PE classes this semester was a good idea!

Oh, btw. I'm getting a new addition to my body, face really. Glasses! I went and got an eye exam (I totally forgot the air-puff they do to my eyes, I must have jumped a foot!), and got glasses. They are cute, if I do say so myself. They'll be coming in about 2 weeks. Hopefully it'll help my headaches go away, especially with trying to see the powerpoint and reading the board at school (and also driving), because so far, I keep getting major migraines. Meh. Hooray for a job that causes eye strain. But hey, at least it's a job.

Alrighty, I think that's all caught up now. I have work to do, somewhat, and signs to practice.

Ta!

P.s. Here's hoping I get some other additions to my body soon too. XD

Boxes, moving, furniture selling, oh my!

We are moving tomorrow!! Well, more accurately, beginning our move tomorrow. Hubby and I are taking the entire weekend to do our move (we have to be out of our old apartment by Monday, the 1st), but the nice one is we can use the entire weekend to move more in waves, instead of freaking out the night before and scrambling to get everything done in one day/night.

It's the nice one, moving into a full furnished place, we can move in just basic essentials tomorrow night, sleep there, and then head back on Saturday to get the bigger things and other things. Shouldn't be a bad move in the slightest, and should be very easy. I'm going to be spending Saturday unpacking and organizing what I can as the boxes come in. Then probably towards the end of the day (going to let "the boys" take care of most of the moving), going to go back and help finish moving and cleaning the old place. Unless Hubby and the Marine decide to just do it all. Which is entirely possible.

We are currently selling most of our furniture. We've successfully sold our fridge, loveseat, and Loft Bed Frame. Now we just have a sleeper sofa, another small couch to sell. Hopefully the people coming to look at it tonight would be willing to take them off our hands. Here's hoping!!

In other news, I am completely registered for classes at school. Bad side: The Road Cycling class I'm taking (or at least want to take) means I need to get a decent--at least, if not very good--road bike. And those are expensive. So...we'll figure something out. Maybe hit up Craig's list...

I'm also taking a Health and Wellness class which should be interesting. All about nutrition and living well and balanced lives, which I'm interested in.

And my favorite most exciting class: American Sign Language, 1!! Soo freaking happy to be able to take this class, and I'm glad things worked out that I can! I just hope I can finish it out (two-three semesters worth). We'll see. I'm just glad to be able to be learning it again. I'll be able to talk to my friends who are fluent! And we'll have fun :-)

Oh! And tomorrow evening, Lush and Il Duce are coming to visit!! Very excited to hang out with them. We're doing a big dinner and hang out time, because we haven't seen them since before Christmas (wow!). Lush is going to help me figure out decorating stuff for the new place and organize and all that. Cannot wait to see them!!

Short blog post today but I need to run to lunch with a friend.

To Do Today:

-Pack up kitchen

Life and all that jazz....

Well, it's been a month. And what a month. Hard to believe time's flown by that fast. Haven't had as much success as I would have hoped to get things cleared up in my own head, but that's life for you, I suppose.

Thanksgiving was very fun. We spent it at Hubby's aunt's house, and had amazing food, good fellowship, and just hanging out time. Hard to believe Thanksgiving has come and gone. December is tomorrow. Where on earth did the month go? It's crazy how fast this year has been going.

Hubby graduates in a few weeks which means both of us have finals and papers piled on to finish up before the end of school. Which also means the house is in disarray to the point of making me want to scream, but it's either cleaning or writing the 15 page research paper I have due... So the cleaning gets put on hold. But once this paper is done, I shall do a massive cleaning, decorating of our house, and loads of baking. I'll probably end up doing that Wednesday night, since I'm having some girlfriends over to do a Girl's Night Thursday. So...yah, Wednesday shall be my designated clean, bake, and cook day.

We found out a few weeks ago that both of our best friends are expecting babies (one, in fact, is expecting twins!). Such an amazing thing to hear! We're so happy for them!! Talk about a wonderful Christmas present. Both of them are going to make such good parents. Can't wait to have little ones running around calling me "Aunti!" Hehe.

Speaking of that fifteen page research paper....I should get to it. I'll be back more regularly now, though I really don't know how many actually read this.

Merry Christmas!

Life is crazy at the moment

Well, hello there, dear old blog. Yes, I know I've been neglecting you. I'm very very sorry. Life has been insane lately. Don't look at me like that. I said I was sorry. Yes, yes, I'm going to update now.

*~*~*~*

So, life has been insane lately. School started, and literally I haven't a moment of down time. At least, not enough to sit at the computer and blog. Makes me sad, but such is life, I suppose?

Starting third week of classes. And so far, I'm enjoying my Monday Night one and disliking--a lot--the Tuesday night one because the prof isn't really doing his job and teaching waht we're supposed to be learning. It's supposed to be an Intro to Psych (Developmental Psych), and so far, we've only had 3 hours of talking about what he wants us to talk about, and not understanding a thing. He's teaching it like it's a discussion class when it's supposed to be a hard science class. I'm a bit annoyed and sad about that. I was really looking forward to this class. Here's hoping they (the department) figures out what to do about it.

My Monday night class, however, I'm loving. It's really hard but the prof is very good, and I'm learning a lot. I'm sooo glad I was able to take this class. The assignments are going to be intense--the whole class is!--and very good. Very glad of that.

What else is new....Oh!! We were able to work it out to get a brand new 2010 Scion xB, black. It's gorgeous!! We are so happy with it. It drives like a dream, and it's so nice to have a new car with a warranty and we're not worried will break down or anything like that. I named him Sirius. Yes, I'm a nerd. Hubby calls it a Golf Cart Out of Hell--cause it's small and drives like a golf cart. Hehe. We're doing really well, financially right now, which is awesome and a relief.

We have a buddy living with us right now ("Marine"). Marine called us up a few week's ago, with no where to go, and we told him to come crash on our couch, which he has been doing for the last few weeks. It's been interesting, to say the least. Mostly because we went from having no roommates to having 2 within a month of each other. It's working out well. He's searching for a job, does some cleaning around the apartment considering me, Hubby, and Kitty are out of the house from 7:45AM-10PM on normal days. Overall though, we're all settled in together. It's been good.

Though Hubby and I are realizing having roommates make for some interesting ways to get time to ourselves, especially when we want to just go out and talk without worrying about someone overhearing. Just those good married talks, and stuff. So we've been finding creative ways to do that--considering it's been so hot out still, our room is boiling during the daytime, Ick. Yesterday, we spent almost three hours out in the car, just talking about everything and anything and nothing. It was really nice. We've also been going on more dates--well, not more, just making a point of--to get time to ourselves. It's been good for us, and given our already insanely busy schedules, having roommates just reinforces the fact we need time together.

Having roommates, though, I've discovered, makes me get a bit more creative in getting away to relax and have some time to think and journal and write. When I'm at work 9 hours a day, then at class for three hours...it gets a bit wearying to then come home and have roommates around wanting to hang out or talk. I've taken to retreating to the bedroom with the netbook to write and read before falling asleep. On nights without classes, I usually will go out to coffee or onto campus to get some quiet time to myself. Which is nice for Hubby, too, cause then he gets time to himself as well.

Overall, life is incredibly good right now. I got to see one of my best friend's the other day--she surprised me by emailing me and going, "I'm in town on Saturday!! You free? I want to see you!!!". So we went to coffee for 3 hours, and talked, caught up, and just spent quality time together. It was such a blessing. Then Saturday evening, Kitty and I did some fun photoshoot stuff. We went with the whole Vintage "Pin-Up" theme, and the pictures turned out beautifully! I had a blast, and realized I enjoy getting photographed more than I thought I did. I probably just need to do pictures I like or something. Hehe. Sunday was spent realxing until we realized ants were invading. Then we battled them, relaxed some more. Friends came over later that night, and we all hung out, watched movies, ate dinner, and just enjoyed fellowship.

Overall, it was a wonderful weekend. And life is good.

Now, I need to get reading my homework for tonight. Until next time, and I promise it won't be as long as last time!!

September: Happy Birthday Sis!

Oh my goodness, it's September already! When did that happen?? Man, the summer flew past, and now school's in full swing.

First things first: Happy Birthday, Sis!! You're 15 today! I can hardly believe it. I hope you have a wonderful day, and enjoy your birthday! We love you lots!! You're in our thoughts always.

We had a lovely anniversary, went down to San Diego and hit up the Wild Animal Park, the Zoo, and Sea World for five days. I haven't been there since...little. I have a vague sense I've been to Sea World when in my teens, but the Zoo not since 10 or so. Anyway, we had a marvelous time, and I have a ton of pictures I need to sort through so I can post them. So excited it's been a year, and can't wait to see what this next year has in store for us. So here goes year 2! w00t! :-)

Things have been going well, for the most part. I've been thinking through some stuff and just doing a lot of processing of me, who I am, etc. It's been hard but good. God has really been taking care of us. Though I joke that He could do it sooner than making me stress and worry and freak out, and then suddenly taking care of it. Taking care of it right away would be fine with me too, you know. Hehe.

I have a wedding this weekend. My maid of honor is finally getting married! So excited for her!! First wedding I'm in (besides my own of course). We have these cute blue strapless dresses with pockets. I'm headed down Thursday night with Linus for a Girls' night in with the bride and then helping out on Friday and the wedding is Saturday morning. I have so much to do between now and then, though. I need to finish their gift, get shoes, and do a couple other things. I think I'll probably finish their gift tonight, work on something else tomorrow night, and get shoes after work before church. (Ash, if you're reading this, don't you dare start worrying!) I'm rather excited though because with Friday off, I'll have a 4 day weekend! Hooray! So blessed to be a part of this wedding. I'm sure I'll have some pictures to post.

I'm really excited about my classes this semester. You know, all two of them! I'm taking a Dysfunctional Families/Child Abuse class on Monday night, and Foundations of Development Tuesday nights. Excited because they're actually in the direction I want to be going. Monday night class will be intense but good. And we'll see about tonight's.

That's all for now, I have to get back to work. Just thought I'd update.

Oh, in prayer for the fires burning. We were up at a camp this past weekend near them, and it was insane. Praying for Hubby's aunt as well, cause her neighborhood is on watch for the fires. Thanks go out to the firefighters!

Summer lovin' had me a blast Summer lovin', happened so fast

Had an amazing weekend with my best friend. She had called me up a few weeks ago and we were chatting and she said, "Hey, you should come up for a weekend!!" So I talked with Aaron about when/budget would work, and ended up going this past weekend. Took Friday off work, rode a 7:30AM train (ick!) up to Grover Beach where my friend picked me up with another friend I hadn't seen in....oh gosh, I think we said 5-6 years?? Something like that. Probably has been longer. I've known both of these girls for over....oh gosh, 10 years. No...my best friend since I was 6/7 (we went to AWANA together, no idea how we actually met. We think it was through dance-class, back in the day), and my other friend....well....we were in dance together since I was like....3? 4? Around there. So seeing both of them and getting to hang out with them was amazing. I miss them a lot, and being in that area. Though I have realized I've adapted to LA, and am now in love with big cities. Ah well.

The weather was gorgeous too!! Played in the ocean, wandered around the shops, went to see Harry Potter6 again with her. Oh, and yesterday she showed me a cute chick-flick called Sydney White. Retelling of Snow White or something like that. It was cute. Hehe. Overall, this weekend was an amazing time and a grand success!! Must do that more often! And the train isn't all that bad, as long as you have someone picking you up and all that.

Sad to see the weekend end, but I wouldn't want to be on vacation forever either. Back at work today. Wish I had today off...ah well. School starts in a few weeks (Eeee....where did the time go??), my birthday is in two weeks--well, two weeks from today--and our anniversary is coming up in a bit too. So excited about that! It's almost been a year, I can hardly believe it. Seems like forever. I don't think I've ever been as happy as I am now. I can think of only a few things that would make me happier, but...on the whole, I am happy.

It's odd to think that I'll be starting another half-time year at Biola. I'll be taking 2 night classes that I'm really excited about. I think I finally figured out what road I want to take with my schooling, and I'm very excited about what I want to do. The game-plan, somewhat loose right now in timing, is to get a psychology/counseling degree to work with child victims of abuse. Maybe get a minor in Christian Ministries or something....depends if I stay at Biola (which depends on what Aaron does after graduation and career paths for him). Either way, I know what path I'm going to take, and I believe it's where God wants me.
I can't wait to be able to focus fully on this path, and work on it full-time. Aaron is fully supportive and is very excited for me. There's something to be said of knowing where you're going and the goal you're reaching for, and it giving you more energy, instead of feeling like you're listing around (in school), not quite sure where/what you're supposed to be doing. Or even what you want to be doing. So this is a relief somewhat, and also very exciting.

I should get back to work now. Mail came in and needs sorting. I'll be honest, I can't wait for the day I won't have to be working here, and I can concentrate fully on my schooling. All in good--well, rather God's--time.

Ta!

Only one more week.....

Testing? Hooray! It's working again. Something was screwing around with the Template. Anywhoo, fixed it!

It's almost summer time! Just 2 finals and 2-3 papers to go!! And one more week. Just one more week, and then all I have to worry about is going to and from work. I'm so happy and excited. I have all these projects planned out.

The first being finishing organizing and cleaning our apartment so it's more manageable and uses the space well. I already cleaned up our bedroom as best as I could, with the exception of going through old clothes that I need to, it's all set and ready to go. I'm basically going room by room. So next up is our living room. Going through it, cleaning it, and moving Aaron's desk into our bedroom so he can be working in there while I'm reading in bed and stuff like that. I think we'll put it up against hte window or something....Anyway, that's the plan. Then the other bedroom. It's full of random boxes and stuff we need to clean up. I'm going to enlist the help of a friend. Hehe.

Then I can decorate! That makes me happy. I have loads of pictures and stuff I want to do/make to decorate our place. Also get a good little coffee table since we really don't have a dining room, that's usable at least. It's perfect for two people but...we don't even eat in there. We enjoy eating on the couch. So need to get a nice coffee table or something I can decorate. I also am going to get some slipcovers for our wonderful couches. So...plans are all there. It's just starting them that's hard because of school and business. Hopefully this week/weekend.

One of my favorite plans for this summer is taking a dance class with my friend Janelle. I'm really excited about it!

Back to work. Need to do some projects and then back to studying.

Up and Running...again.

So, not sure who all will read this or care to read this. But I've been having an interesting enough life, and so much has happened, I wanted to share some of it with you guys.

Working FT, doing school PT, and being a wife is hard. The balancing act you have to perform is pretty challenging. You want to be able to spend time with your husband, yet you have to get up every morning to leave for work. Most times, he's just awake enough to say "I love you, Hun." and a kiss goodbye. Then you sit at a desk for 9 hours, with an hour lunch, and do work, if you have some. Read, talk with people if you don't. Then you get home, kick off your shoes, change, and rush to school...hopefully having time to fix dinner. Most times, just having enough time to find something to eat on campus. Sit in class for 3 hrs, walk home. And by the time you're home, you wonder where the day went, you're exhausted, and crash after a couple of hours. Then you get up, and repeat the process. And don't forget, somewhere in that time, you have to find some quiet minutes to spend time with God. Sounds tiring...like there's not enough hours in the day.

Well, you're right. It's both of those things. I often wish there were more hours in the day to get what I need to get done, as well as have time to be with friends, relax, and all that....yet, there's something amazing knowing you're coming home to a husband who's waiting for you. That you'll be eating dinner with him, walking to class, coming home, curling up on the couch to read while he does work. Or watching a movie together. The stress of the day seems to just melt when you're on your way home, knowing, "I get to see my hubby in a few minutes!" And you don't care that it's only for an hour before you both go to class or to church. It's the hug as you get home that seems to take all the stress, weariness, tiredness of the day and throw it aside, telling you, "Shh...be quiet. You're home now. No more worries." And you relax, knowing that no matter what, if you have each other, you can face it. As a mentor once told me, "It's better to be miserable together than miserable alone." But what he didn't mention (probably on purpose) is that when you're married, it's hard to stay miserable when together. You draw strength from the other, knowing that the other will be there for you, supporting you, blessing you, and protecting you. No matter what.

Oh, hey...isn't it amazing how God teaches us about His love?