So much can happen in so little time

I can't describe to you all that has happened in this time I've been gone from my blog, all I know it that is it's been good!

Not that I don't love all 8 of you who read my blog, I have not had any time. None at all. I really really hope I don't make a habit of it because I love complaining...I mean entertaining all my 6 loyal readers.

There is so much I want to say, mainly the things that have ticked me off lately. I'm way more entertaining when I'm annoyed. Here are a few because I deliver...

1. Annoying mothers, kidding... there's only one that's bothering me
2. Boston Rob
3. Our pothead neighbors
4. Dancing with the Stars
5. Those bumper stickers I've mentioned before.

But really, all those crappy things cannot outweigh the amazing stuff that is going on in our lives.

1. I LOVE my new job. Before we moved everyone was worried I wouldn't find a good one. I knew God would find me something, it took a while but He is always faithful. I cannot tell you how much my faith has been strengthened through this process. It makes it all worthwhile when people tell me they are so glad I started working there, I'm doing a great job, blah blah blah. It feels really good. The company has really good values, I work with women who get along (go figure!) well, and I work well over full time so I can use that for vacation later. There's a lot more to it but I've been enjoying meeting new people and being helpful to others.

2. Yesterday we found a smaller, cheaper, and way nicer apartment that we will most likely move into. There's so many things about it I keep thinking of because our apartment now is just not as great as when we moved in. Sure its cheaper than California, but our neighbors are either potheads or loud! I guess of the two I prefer the reefer friends. Apparently when I'm half asleep I yell at loud people at two in the morning.

3. Before I found my job we started going to a church. I am so happy to say it has become family since then. Can you believe it? I'm amazed and yet I'm not because I know there is no end to God's love. There is no end to His promises and boy does he look out for us. We have Community group on Fridays and frequently it ends after midnight because we enjoy each other's company so much. It's good to be part of a church family again.

4. Taylor picked his lab he's going to work in for the next 5 years, the future is so bright.

5. I found out I'm a two, it has changed my life. If you want to, take the free test.

I'm sick...

I received a pretty cool gift for my birthday. A new job. Can I say a bigger Hallelujah? I've always said I wanted a job like my MIL or my SIL. They both have a lot of responsibility and work very hard at it. This is seriously the job I've been praying about for...I dunno...two years? Give or take. Basically I'm a receptionist, which means I get all the calls, have to remember all 225 people's names. Not kidding. I have to remember everything, stay on top of everything, and do it all with a smile on my face. This job is like a calling for me. It's crazy. I am still amazed I got it. My mom started crying when I told her. Yep, my mom. The best thing about it is that I work Monday through Thursday, leaving me with a three day weekend every week. It was a blessing to have that long weekend this week because I got sick. I seriously went from looking like this:

I GOT THE JOOOOOOB!!!
(Bella's excited for me, she just doesn't show it here.)

To this:

Oh crap, I'm sick.

To this:

Stay off drugs kids!

(Me on cold medicine)

As I rewind a little, I need to mention Taylor was also sick this week. I call it the Pobre Taywer stage. I woke up at 5:30am on Tuesday because I was planning some gym time (I know, go me) when I heard Taylor roll over and say, "I don't feel good." Right when Taylor says that, I want to call his mom. I'm not going to lie, she knows what to do way more than I do. I was practically on my deathbed as a kid when I got sick because I wanted to tough out every ailment I had. Taylor has been pampered (in a very loving and good way) his whole life. Julie would be the sole person to make him feel better.
Well we're married now, and in Michigan, and it was 2:30am where my in-laws live. And this is what it means to be an adult and knowing I vowed, "in sickness and in health." It was up to me.
I called the aftercare clinic and to all our surprise!!! They couldn't help me. Crap. So I had to wait until 8 to call the doctor's office to set the next appointment. Of course it had to be crazy snowing outside. Of course we had to take the freeway. Of course there's old people ahead of us and you know how slow they are at everything. Not making fun, just stating facts people. We finally got into the doctor's office, got the prescription for Tamiflu, and were on our way to the pharmacy.

I decided to take some time getting the "flu foods" while they were filling the prescription. I got Sprite, saltine crackers, and Top Ramen. While on my shopping endeavor, I hear over the loud speaker, "Will party for Martyn Haynes please come to the pharmacy?" That's an ah crap moment. I get over there and she proceeds to tell me that our insurance does not cover Tamiflu within 180 days. Since he got the swine flu over Christmas break, we were out of luck. There was a solution, we could pay for it without insurance and it would be a mere $91. Uh, shove it lady.

I called Taylor, poor thing had been waiting in the car this whole time and was practically freaking out. We don't like being anywhere but the couch or bed when it comes to being sick. It's not progressive. He told me it was out of the question. I thought I could probably use my birthday money and everything would be fine. Well right about then, I thought about calling his mom. I wanted to call her and tell her through streaming tears and sniffles that Taylor was sick and I'm so pathetic at this nursing to health thing and I wanted her to fly out here and take care of him until he was better.

But I didn't.

We're married, remember? And I'm an adult, remember? And we're in Michigan, remember?

I knew there had to be a way. It remembered the doctor had mentioned he had some samples of Tamiflu but he didn't have anymore. So I called the office and the super nice receptionist (she's my kinda gal!) put our request on urgent and said she would call back if she had any luck finding them.

Low and behold, I got a call. Taylor got a 5 day supply, just what he needed. Can I get amen!?

After all that, I was worried I would get the flu as well. Naturally since meeting all these new people and their germs at work, I got a cold. At least I think its a cold. My teeth hurt, which I've heard can be a sinus infection but I feel so much better today. We've both had fevers this week but we've both taken care of each other.

I finally did get to talk to Julie when Taylor was feeling better and she told me she counted on me to help him feel better. I felt the same about her when he was living at his parents house. I was pretty proud of myself for stepping up because not only is it a moral obligation, I knew if I got sick he would do the same thing for me. And he did, like two days later! :) Let this be a lesson to me, I can do so much more than what I think I am capable of.

I promise to post a better looking picture of me healthier next time!

It's Birthday Week!!!

How cool is it that I have two nieces and a nephew that have birthdays the same week as me? SO COOL!

First we have Keltin. Taylor's oldest sister's son. The ONLY nephew we can claim! He may be outnumbered, but he is special in his own way. It is very hard to live so far away from family because sometimes we feel like we miss everything but we do have some good memories. Keltin looks so much like my FIL Marty and my BIL Chuck. It's like he's a clone of both of them! We thought it was so cute when Taylor built a mini track for his train and put something on it just so Keltin could knock it down. Such a boy! That year we suggested Thomas the train stuff for Christmas! A complete hit!

This is so long ago, but isn't he cuuute? He's three now!

Next is me. Yep, my 23rd birthday. Nobody likes you when you're 23. Yeah.

It turned out to be a really great day. Taylor made me breakfast in bed..pausing for aaawww!...and I was able to sleep in a little. It was only my second day at my new job (oh, did I forget to update on that? oops) and they got me a card and a cake! Second day! So nice of them to do that. There was a crazy dump of snow that came in that day and by the time I got home and sat down, I so tired and didn't want to go out. I talked to my MIL and she told me to go out and celebrate. I had to really convince myself but we eventually went to a nice restaurant called Weber's. We had their amazing spinach bread and each had a steak. I was happy that I talked to my MIL about it because she's always helpful when I'm indecisive. Zingerman's Roadhouse gives a free birthday cupcake so we got that to go and shared a doughnut sundae. MMM. Our waiter even gave us a little shot of chocolate pudding because, "Everyone should have chocolate on their birthday." Nice huh? It was so good! Overall a great day.

And last but not least, we have Miss Ashlyn. My sister's youngest, and little Miss Thang.
I wish I could say the world was perfect when she was born. It wasn't. It was pretty much the worst year of my life. Too much drama and not enough love. But when Ashlyn came, the world changed. The deep embedded cracks in our family started to slowly move closer. I guess that is one of the reasons she made me cry when I saw her all dressed up as a flower girl for our wedding. She looked like an angel. It was like everything was right in the world because she was there. Since then, things have only gotten better.

The kids are so special. I have always wanted to an aunt. Even at the young age I was blessed with job, I knew I liked it. It is hard to believe I could love my children more than these kids but that is what I've been told. We'll seeeeee...

Is it really almost Valentine's day???

Lost Season 2

For the record, I hate titles. I can't explain it, I just do. I would always write my most beautiful homework assignments and then I would wrack my brain over what to put at the top of the page. How can I sum up my work in so few words? I really didn't like teachers that were obsessed with titles. What happened to don't judge an essay by its title...well you know. So, I like to be random at times. If you don't like that...make your own title.

I've gotten behind on the blogging world. I haven't read one of my favorite blogs since Halloween. I'll get to it. Some time.

As for right now I'm taking it day by day.

I might have mentioned I got a job around November. It's a retail job, and those that have worked retail know what I mean when I say it's not the best fit. Not that I don't love working with customers, I'm just flabbergasted how negative people can be. If I work with someone almost everyday, I assume they would say hi or at least acknowledge my presence. Annnnnd, that would be a no! Not everyone of course. Like I've said before, there are some people that muster up the courage to make somewhat of an effort.

Having said that, I had a job interview today. I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch. I don't want to let my mind get too imaginative. I don't want to say this is going to happen, but I pray it does. I have such high hopes. I want this job so much. My interviewer said I had good chances. I'll be sure to post if I get a second interview. We'll see what this brings. In the meantime, I'm pondering the thought of having to wear makeup everyday again...

Oh crap.

Various Texts from Ms. Amy

So my friend Amy and I text all day long. It isn't the constant texts like high schoolers can do. Its more like "hey there hows it going," for a few minutes. Then a few hours later, and some other time during the day. If either of us are at work then we catch each other later but my inbox is always full. It really helps you know? I need it right now. Having a piece of my heart at home feels easier when I can KIT! We've been talking lately about lists. I decided to make one on here because lists are just oh so fun! It beats a ranting post from me :)

Soo... Amanda's Super Official List of People to Meet (Living only and famous)

Image from here.
1. Celine Dion. No eye rolls please. She is amazing. She is wonderful. She has literally changed my life. I will never forget when my dad got tickets for her 2009 concert in 2007! She's that popular, which I didn't expect but I guess there's more people out there that love her. Not as much as me though. So at the concert my parents were sitting closer and for the last few songs they switched with Taylor and me. The "Titanic" song came on. It was incredible. It was like I couldn't catch my breath because every time I breathed in it would mean another minute passed I wouldn't get back from that concert. I wanted to savor all of it. Drink it in. I had waited almost my whole life to be there, and there I was. What made it even better was I was there with Taylor, we held hands and laughed at the old fart behind us trying to tell us to sit down. Umm... I DON'T THINK SO DREAM KILLER LADY!!! Was it selfish, heck yes! No one was going to take that away from me.
Kate Winslet is in that image for a reason. She's probably #11 on this list because with my luck I will never meet her. Yep, I have a better chance of meeting #10 than her. Trust me.

Image from here.
2. Lauren Conrad. Enough with the eye rolls! First of all, I didn't even finish watching The Hills so don't think its because of the show. She grew up where I did, her dad is an architect, she's into fashion, her best friend left her because of a guy, her birthday is in February, she made Maxim's hot list. Ok I don't have that one in common with her. But I've always felt we would really get along and understand each other on a different level. I really hate when people are star struck. Its a PERSON. Born the same way and they live pretty much the same other than the fame part. Who knows, maybe I won't like her but I very much want to meet her.

Image from here.
3. Dave Matthews. My lucky son of a gun brother has met him several times. I would even put aside our political differences. That is huge but I'd do it for Dave.

Image from here.
4. Steve Carell. This would for sure be a fun one.

5. Camille.

My super funny Canadian blogging friend. We haven't officially met so I had to put this one in there. Somehow things will work out. Can you believe she's a youtube sensation? Pretty cool!

Image from here.
6. Bonnie Hunt. A lot of women do not appreciate the value of an older generation in their lives. Bonnie is perfect example of so much wisdom to offer. And wook how cuwt widdle Charwe is!

Image from here.
7. Ina Garten. Fabulous! I could probably stay a house guest with her for a year. She can make me all the roast chicken, scones, and gratins she wants!

Image from here.
8. Kelly Clarkson. I have met Kelly many times in my dreams. We're like best friends between the hours of midnight and four am. Every time I wake up thinking I have her number in my phone and I can call her. If I actually had it I would probably tell her she looks just fine and so many people forgot to remove a plank somewhere.

Image from here.
9. Dr. Laura. How can I express how much she's done for me? I can only live up the the great example and tell everyone I can of her awesomeness.

Image from here.
10. Osama Bin Laden. So I can kick his sorry you know what. Freaking pansy!

Thanks for reading :)

Me circa 2006. Pretty amazing where I was then and where I am now.

I hate football

I know I've left you hanging on the vacation thing. There's too much emotional crap to add in between all of it and I'm just not ready to open myself up to thinking about it. Let alone write about it for all to read.

I do have a question though.

What makes a family?

Does it have to be a mommy and daddy? Does it include children? Are pets involved?

Why is it I feel such a strong desire to be in a kinship with someone, and yet that person doesn't even consider me part of the family. At least that person's idea of family. Why are there rules? Why do I have to be blood related in order to be thought of as family?

I won't mention names. I won't complain much longer. I just want to point out that people get hurt feelings if they feel out of the circle. People hurt when they aren't included. People hurt when they know they will never be a part of someone's life in the way they want to be.

I know my answers and I know the answer I get. And it isn't fair. It just plain sucks...

A lot happened on that vacation of ours

As you know we were home for Christmas and New Years. It was a wonderful time and we were so happy to see our family. Our visit over Thanksgiving was too short so we loved some extra time to hang out. I really thought we would be able to eat at all of our favorite restaurants but we didn't have enough time! There are just too many good places to eat. Plus we were introduced to a little Italian dessert called Zapoles. With all the eating, there was no way I would post a picture of myself. They exist, but only in your minds people.

For a consolation prize, I posted the picture of us on the flight there. The one on the top. We were so excited! There's just no way of describing the feeling I get knowing I will be home. Of course we feel home in MI but this is completely different. There is nothing to replace that feeling of comfort. As we touched down in Santa Ana, it seemed like time was moving slower for us. I think it was mostly me thinking I needed to make mental snapshots so I would remember as much as I could. Of course there is never enough time to tell all the details but I hope to bring out all the highlights.

Taylor and his lego tower.
So we both discovered how much we love playing with kids toys. Three of our nieces were over at Marty and Julie's house and Taylor took the opportunity of developing more motor skills. I thought it was pretty creative actually. Hope (youngest of the three) and Julie we eating and snack and Hope thought it was hilarious to pretend she would give Taylor a snack but then eat it herself. Julie would ask, "Do you want to give a snack to Taylor?" and every time she would nod with a huge grin on her face as soon as she got the snack because it was already in her mouth. She's cute like that.

Aww. My darling British sisters. Yes that is a Chipotle bag. Jenny is very resourceful like that. They both blow me away how well they give gifts. I only feel guilty that I do not have that talent. I will try to make it up in the future when they move to Nashville. Nothing like a batch of tacos or chicken casserole to make you feel more at home. Mmm...tacos.

I would like to say I had more of a chance to see more friends but it just didn't happen. Between all the family we have I was amazed I got to see most of them. I find it difficult to balance it all out because in the end you just have to pick and choose. Most friends take the news as it is, sad but inevitable. Others take it to a level I find over dramatic and quite crazy. More on that another day.

This is Taylor's Grandmother Irma with my MIL Julie. Irma's been having a lot of troubles lately and we hoped this wasn't the last time we saw her. I wouldn't be surprised if it was though. I just pray for her health and safety. If God wants to take her then He can have her. For right now everyone is trying to do their best and keep her content.

Taylor and his animals! This is Phoebe. She's a very sweet chihuahua that loves attention. Taylor is the perfect person for the job!

Taylor's grandfather Bill aka Pop Pop. He's been through a lot over the last few years and I was happy he liked the robe Julie gave him. Although he's hard of hearing and walking a little slower, he's still got that spunk left in him that we all know.

I think I had Del Taco three times. My mom's lasagna, Marty's spaghetti, Julie's cookies, The Whole Enchilada, Portillo's, you name it we ate it. And it was so good!

On Christmas Eve Taylor's brother and SIL came over with the kids. They were all dressed up for the holiday like I used to do as a kid. Emma was telling us about her latest book because she is a great reader. Stephanie was so full of life since Christmas was the next day, and Hope was being her usual cute self. Afterward we ate sandwiches and went to the Christmas Eve service. We came home after that and put on our Christmas pjs. Since Del Taco was closed, we ran to the store and I made quesadillas for everyone. They were SO good! Went to sleep around 11 and woke up to a wonderful Christmas morning. And I think its safe to say,

TO BE CONTINUED...

Back with a smile on my face

Too much to update but I know I wanted to wish Taylor Girl a happy birthday. Her's might be the longest. And will most likely make me cry. Bear with me.

Taylor Girl has been famously named so because obviously there is another important Taylor in my life. I can remember the night she was born those FOURTEEN years ago, sheesh. I was in the hospital waiting room with my parents and a couple that was in my sister and brother in law's wedding. She was born just before midnight. I don't remember holding her until she was a little older because people simply do not trust 8 year olds with infants. Lame-o! As she grew older we had such a close bond. I was obsessed with people knowing I was an aunt as such a young age. I hate to say I wasn't as into as I got older, it was more of me not realizing how attached we were. I was certain I loved her. But I didn't realize she would want to sleep in the same bed as me when I visited. She always wanted to have a hand on my arm, or her foot next to my leg. She just always wanted to me with me or around me. I imagine this is how my sister felt when I was little.

Taylor G. was always known as the BRT. Bratty rotten Taylor. Oh man she was a brat! Her attitude was razor sharp. We had a rough time dealing with her at times because she just wouldn't listen. She shaped up pretty quick when she realized she wasn't a baby anymore, but a big sister. And she adapted to it so well. We always talk about how she's so great with children and certain people will only trust Taylor for the job. I can't remember half the times she was so rotten before because she's been such a joy for so long.

Taylor has come so far from where she was. I was looking at pictures from a few years back and she's not the same person she used to be. She's grown up and matured so much. One thing that will always remain the same is how positive she is. She's always had this unique and infectious laugh. If something is kind of funny, she makes it super funny. And then we can't stop laughing. While we went home for the holidays I was having a difficult day. To forget the situation I hung out with all my girls in the family and I felt so much relief. It made it even better when I got in my car and Taylor G. came to the window and said, "I hope you feel better. I know you were having a hard time but I hope we were able to help you with that." I smiled and told her she did. And then I cried on the way home.

Being away from my nieces is the most difficult thing I've had to do. Missing their birthdays are hard. Knowing they love me and that I have a close relationship with them makes the time pass faster. What I have are my memories. The time when Taylor was a baby and she sat in a car seat while we watched my brothers games and was as content as could be. The time she shaved her legs as a toddler. The time I cried like a baby because she was having surgery the next morning and I was scared for her. The time I took her to the gym with me because she was (finally!) allowed to go with me. Watching So You Think You Can Dance together. I will have all this with me until we come back and make more memories.

This is from that random day we took the girls bowling. She's lost a lot of weight since then! I see it so much when I look at these pictures.

Her watermelon smile!
She had so much fun at our engagement party, we all did.

I had never seen Taylor G. look so grown up as I did at the wedding. She was so excited to get dressed up and beautiful. She had been so nervous I would force her into an ugly dress because sometimes OTHER family members have a tendency to do that. Well I let her pick out the dress and let her wear a shawl to go along with it. And don't tell anyone but she was the only one allowed to wear her hair down besides me!

The two Taylors on the beach.
I am so happy they know him as their favorite uncle.

Sigh, before we left.
I miss her a lot. I miss her most today.

Happy Birthday to my oldest and first niece. You are more precious than you realize. I love you like the little sister I never had. I wish you happiness, I wish you joy. I can't wait for the future because I know it will be bright. Remember us because we love you, and know that you have put the biggest smiles on our faces today.