Do YOU newlywed?

I was thinking about all the blogs I read and the advice they give. I was thinking, you know...I should probably do the same. A lot of times the advice given is something I already know and am kinda tired of hearing. Or it is simply genius. Like adding beans to meat to "stretch" the dollars. I've been doing that for years. Not only is it saving money, but i'M getting more fiber in my diet. Something we all need. But then the advice of using SwagBucks, pure genius. So I'm going to make a list of the things I've learned over the last 3+ years (wow, yearS) from being a wifey to my hubster. Oh, and my life story.

1. Your house/apartment will NEVER be as clean as you want. There has been one time and one time only in our marriage that I felt content I did everything to get the place clean, but just when I started to relax, I remembered that doorknob I forgot to sanitze oh and the closet in the other room has laundry hanging in it and did I wash the bathmats?...DID I?! Trust me, it never ends. The best thing for me personally has been realizing the house looks better when things are put away rather than me waiting a week to pick up things because it won't be perfectly organized how I imagined. Sigh, it's all romantised in my head.

2. There is a seperation between married couples, engaged couples, dating couples, and single friends. Not that I don't LIKE people who aren't married. It's just different. Just like when people have babies. You know me, I LOVE babies. But a couple with a baby is very different from being a married couple with no kids. There's nothing wrong with it, nothing malicious or evil. It's just different. The great thing is that there are sometimes when Taylor and I just want to go out with our own sets of friends. That is when single people are the most fun. They aren't tied down, they don't have to go home early or check in, they usually have really chic places to live, and always out for a good time.

Dating couples are fine, I'm good with them. Usually I can pick out the ones that will last so I know which ones to hang out with, and which to avoid. The ones I have the biggest annoyance with are engaged couples. Ug. Yes dear, I know you want pink lilies with the short vases and the rhinestone shoes and the violins playing and the filet minion and the blah blah blah. And I know you are in wedding bliss AKA BLIND MODE. Trust me, I am very VERY very happy for you. But dang girl, you're ANNOYING. Ok, there. I said it. And I admit I might have been a slightly annoying fiance myself. But good grief, I just want to go to the wedding and be happy for the couple. I don't want drama, I don't want details unless I ASK, I just want them to get married so I won't have to deal with being friends with an engaged couple. Harsh? Yes, but after getting married this all becomes true for you honey.

3. Be smart with money. Yes, we all know this but really. Just do it. From my own experience I will tell you money goes very quickly. I've saved money pretty much my whole life and I started saving seriously at 16 because I just knew one day I would marry Taylor. Nest eggs are important you know! So you can imagine I had a chunk of change by the time the wedding vows came along. With me working a fancy shmancy job and only allowing myself to have $100 in my checking for emergancies only, it was a honking chunk for a 21 year olds standards. So we got married, lived in Irvine, and the money drained.

I had quit my job before we got married because it required 90% travel. I wanted to find something in an office, working full time like I was used to. The economy took a downturn that Summer and my job prospects plummeted. It took me 4 months to find a job that actually paid ok, and still money was tight. Taylor was finishing his last year of college and there was no room in his schedule to make money other than tutoring every once in a while. We did ok, ate a lot of meals at parents' homes (thanks guys!) and moved to Michigan where things got really tough. Taylor and I switched places so he was the one working but it took me 5 months to find a job that paid minimun wage. It was less money than I made when I was 19. But, it was a job. A job in this economy is a blessing.

Months later I found a better job paying a lot more, but I wasn't happy. My boss didn't like me for whatever reason and I was so stressed all the time. I would wake up and feel like crying because I had so much pressure on me. Things got better when different systems were implemented, but shortly I was fired there after. For going home for Christmas. Ho, ho, ho. And there I was again without a job. I was blessed when I found the job I have now. My boss is understanding, I don't feel chained to my desk, I'm happy being there. I mostly work with guys (praise Jesus) and I have control of how I pace myself. Brilliant.


Let this be a lesson to any of you because I am the most positive person I know. Anyone else would have burned down a building or gone on a shooting spree in a toy store by how frustrating it can be losing A job for just causes, let alone getting fired for no dang good reason. I will always see the glass as half full, that baby isn't that ugly, and the car can go just one more mile before the next fill up. So just know, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Even if it means that light is turning in an application to a place you thought was below you.. Just be safe with money, because you never know how much you really have. Use coupons, don't always order a soda when you eat out, and enjoy life. It's free.

4. Be nice. No seriously. I get people calling me everyday coping an attitude about their vehicles. It really annoys me and is it really neccessary to make me cry? Absolutely not. Which is why you should be nice to people trying to HELP you. Tip your waiter more too. Unless they are totally terrible, tips are the majority of their income. If they were great they should know!

5. Be respectful. I'm teaching myself this too so don't think I'm on my high horse or anything. I have to admit, I have an attitude. A major one for that matter. Taylor usually gets brunt of all my sharp sarcasm and I really don't like that. It's not fair to him, he's really great to me. It makes me annoyed that he is so great but oh well, I just should not do that.

Well, that's all my advice for today. Take it with a grain of salt if you prefer but I think the lessons I have learned have really helped me. Do you have any tips for married, engaged, dating, single life? I'd love to hear it!

God is good, all the time

We're all moved in to our new place. It's just across town so it wasn't too big of a deal. It would not have gone so smoothly were it not for my friend Sarah. She came over the day before the move and helped us get everything ready. We moved all the boxes in the living room, she packed up the majority of the kitchen, and by the end of the night I was so tired I sounded drunk. Or what I think I would sound like if I was ever drunk.

The next day Taylor and I picked up the truck, signed the paperwork for the new place, and I was left to hang out while the truck was being loaded. It was quite a task, waiting for the truck. For one, Taylor's buddies from lab were helping us move and thinking of people touching my stuff makes me crazy. Not being there was the best option. For two, there was no furniture in the new place so I had to sit on the floor. And for three, all I had was my non smart phone and myself. I'm not a fan of being by myself but I know at times it can be a necessary evil. Poor me right? It was mostly just me waiting for the AC to really kick in but I didn't have a whole lot of luck with that.

But it's all done and here. In fact, it only took 2 1/2 hours to get it all done and I'm very grateful. I'm currently getting everything back together but the feeling of accomplishment comes and goes. I'm more meh than Yeah! So I'm working on it. And in case you aren't bored out of your mind, I'm pretty bored. I don't WANT to organize. I just WANT everything to be done...ohhh well. I'll get better. Hopefully.

Al...most....there...

We're getting there, slowly.

Can't write too much but I wanted to wish America a Happy Birthday. So proud to be an American!

We're moving!

My brain is fried! I just want this to be over!

I took off 12 inches!

Well ladies and gentlemen, I cut my hair. I really cut hairS but somehow that is always singular. I cut a LOT of hairS, 12 inches to be exact and I feel free! FRREEEEEEEDOOOOOOOM!!! For your enjoyment, I took some before and after pictures.

The Back

The Front
Sorry, I had just gone for a run.

Are you ready?

After

The back
I told her I wanted a lot of dimension.

Me and my headbands.
I can't live without them.

So whadaya think? As far as I know this is the most attention I've gotten a while which doesn't mean I like it. But it has been a nice, freeing change. Now I'm off to my cardio karate class and attempting to put it in a ponytail. Wish me luck!

A war broken with a bone

Ah Summer. Monday nights I’ve been enjoying some outdoor volleyball. Mostly guys so it works out great for me. I wish Taylor would come with me but he’s too shy. Oh brother. Anyway, playing volleyball with the guys has been a lot of fun. No one is particularly good, but there is for sure a fair share of “inexperienced” players with us. Most of it is laughing and breaking a sweat, my kind of fun. The park is huge complete with lots of trees, green grass, dogs, squirrels, and little girls playing softball.

I can’t help but think back about my days of playing. I started in 5^th grade, which in little girl time meant I was way behind. Most of the girls started at 4 years of age and some younger could practice with their big sisters in diapers. Naturally I wasn’t great, but I was not the worst! Both years I played outfield and the 2^nd year I got better enough to play short stop and 2^nd base. It was really exciting to know I was getting better and the girls on my team were really sweet. It also helped I played for Orange league because the Villa Park league had all the bratty girls I knew in school. Orange is such a sweet place to grow up and I would say it defines suburban middle class the best.

On a side note, this was 5^th grade. I’ve chronicled my friendship with Jenny before, but most people do not know we used to hate each other. She was friends with this girl named Jessica. This girl was a year older, and by far the meanest girl I knew. Her mom was friends with Jenny’s mom through church (go figure) so they were friends by association and to my dismay. I called Jenny Goldilocks, they would call me clown feet and back then the situation would mean war. I never really knew for sure why we hated each other, but that is how girls are you know? Bratty, catty, and emotional little kitties. Oi vey.

Back to softball, I’m the middle of a game. The other team had a lot of older girls, including Jessica! Crap on a stick… by that point in the game I had batted myself to second base and was about to head for third as my teammate hit the ball. The 3^rd base coach was egging me to run as fast as I could. Well I guess something changed because he got deer in the headlights eyes and told me to RUN BACK! RUN BACK! As I turned and ran back to 2^nd base, I saw Jessica. Of course she was the basemen! Of course she had the ball! But what I didn’t know was how hard she would push that ball in her glove into me. She pushed me so hard I fell on my wrist and ankle at the same time. Oh the wounds of war.

My ankle hurt the worst, but I could slowly feel the pain creep up my wrist. I sat in the dugout and contemplated my fate. Would I try to bat next turn, or would I tell our team mom I was too hurt? I chose the ladder. What’s worse than telling someone you’re wimping out of game? The team mom telling you that you have to bat or else because Miss Suzy Always “Sick” is sick again. We did not have another alternate so I made my way to the practice area. By now my wrist was really hurting. I tried a couple practice swings and quickly realized things were only going to get worse if I continued. All of a sudden, the game was over. The girl before me struck out and 3 outs made the game finished. I was not sad we lost; only sad I was not home yet.

I had pain all through the night and the next day. During my weekly Bible class work, I told my mom for the 42^nd time that my wrist hurt. After telling me for the 42^nd time that there’s nothing she could do, (even if I went to the hospital they would just give me ace bandage was my parents’ reasoning) she had had enough. They finally took me to the ER and low and behold a broken wrist. My parents are not the kind of people you can say I told you so to easily so I just kept my screaming inside. I was just happy to know it was going to be fixed.

They gave me a sling, my whole class signed it and I was cool for a little while. The first cast I got was bright neon green. They took that one off after 4 weeks and it wasn’t healed yet so the next one I got navy blue. Things with Jenny obviously got better because we’re still friends to this day. Complete opposites, but we get along famously. I don’t know what happened to Jessica. The last I heard she was going to be sent to boarding school. In my romantic head she went there, straightened herself up and graduated with honors. She went to a great school specializing in her interest and met a really swell gentleman. They got married and she’s expecting their first baby this Summer. Who knows really.

Have you ever broken a bone? Did you need a cast? Be honest, you liked the attention didn’t you?

Nurse Amanda

Poor Taylor. His back went out again.

That leaves me to take care of him.

I'm ok with that.

Here's some followup for you...

The 5 things I will not be doing this Summer.

1. Going home to California. This is by far the saddest thing I have dealt with this week. I don't want to think about it, but I must deal with my emotions.

2. Going to the Ann Arbor Art Fair. Boring waste of time!

3. Eating crap. Summer is for the most wonderful selection of produce! So colorful, vibrant, healthy! It makes me smile thinking about it.

4. Watching the same movies I always have. Any suggestions? FYI, I HATE The Notebook. Do not even go there.

5. Giving up on my blog! Blogging has been such a stress reliever. I can't promise everyday but I will at least attempt twice a week.

As I'm writing there's a thunderstorm going on. Ahh Summer, I love you.

Tired and loving it!

I made some goals for myself this Summer and I thought I'd share it with my loyal readers.

1. Start running. Currently this goal has been accomplished to date but it does not mean I like it. Sure, some days are easier than others. I am far better than I was 2 years ago. The other day I was crazy enough to look up races. The plan is to do a Turkey Trot. How fun! There is one close to here and one back home so wherever we may be, dang it I'm running! If anyone is wondering, I REALLY hope it's in California =)

I also am working out more since Summer is like crack to these people in Michigan. Seriously you can't walk down the street without seeing 5 dogs a walkin, 4 runners running, 3 bikes a cyclin, 2 couples in love, aaaaaaand an iccccccce creeeeeeeam truck for yooooooou and meeeeeee. (What? I had Christmas on my mind...)

Fhew...

Seriously though, volleyball is 2x week, I'm been running 3x a week, I start cardio karate on Monday, dancing/boxing with the Wii, and weights at the gym are all part of the plan. I mostly like all of it. I think my knowledge of food being a nutritionist now makes things a little difficult. No diet soda (gives me heart palpitations anyway) no soy "meat" (ladies look into it, your hormones are effected with everything you eat!) no hfcs in my yogurt (yes I know it comes from corn...I don't just listen to what the commercial from CORN companies tell me.)

I'm exhausted thinking about it, but so far I've had a lot of fun challenging myself. It was a long Winter too, so this makes up for it.

2. Lose some lbs. And the SOME part I am so happy about. Before it was lose a LOT. The SOME I can deal with. Right now it's looking like...eh, I dunno... 10 to start, 15 if I want to be an overachiever. I'm not overweight like before so these are what Jillian calls "vanity pounds." You're darn tootin Jill. I want my butt singing!

3. Move smoothly. Recently Taylor and I found an apartment across town. Not nicer but a. it's across the street from our good friends b. about 4 mins from church c. closer to work d. closer to school e. closer to everything cheaper f. indoor pool g. smaller = less to clean. Oh, and we'll be saving about $350 a month. Looks like this will be our place for the next 3 or so years! Basically the goal here is to NOT do what I did last time by waiting til the last minute and freaking out. Sigh.

4. Eat at home more. Healthier, cheaper, safer really. I've been banging out some bomb recipes and getting really good results. Taylor sounds like the scene from "What about Bob?" If you haven't seen that movie, please do yourself a favor and watch it. Other than a few swear words, pretty squeaky clean and hilarious!

5. Take care of myself. Ooohh...oh no, burn, SO uncomfortable saying that...I HATE TAKING CARE OF MYSELF. I would so rather think about or help someone else before myself. But I'm taking the plunge. I'm getting my hair did on Saturday and it will be a HUGE change. I will try to post pictures if I'm being a good little bloggy girl. We'll see.

There you have it. Do you have any Summer goals? Why or why not?

Tomorrow I will post of the 5 things I do NOT plan to do this Summer. Til next time!

The New Addition

I'M NOT PREGNANT. Geez...

Having said that...

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
Yes I KNOW its backwards, but still so purrrdy!
I however am not so purdy in this picture. I am still very happy and had to tell the world. Because the whole world reads my blog. Don't believe me?
Ok fine, you got me.

Let me say first, we are poor. This gift (and believe me it is a friggen God send) was a combination of things that happened to land all in place. We took back Taylor's really nice gift from his parents for his birthday, had some gift cards, and we literally found some money in a closet.

God send.

Told ya.

Since God has blessed me with it, I will be staying up too late using it. And now I must ask you. Do you have any Apple products? Because if you don't you should try them. This is not a place for anyone to say, "Yeah well a PC is better because, because...well yeah a PC is better." LAME. They aren't better. Me and my nerd husband will prove you wrong. We'll prove you wrong so much you'll walk yourself right up to the Apple store and buy one yourself. And you'll participate in the event around here known as "Appreciation of Opening the Box." You Mac lovers know what I'm talking about. I'm off to stilck another pretty white sticker to the back of my car. Sigh.

I am a friend always

I just wanted to let everyone know I like talking.

If you feel like you need a friend, I got your back.

Please don't hesitate, because being a friend is what I do.

Thanks and enjoy the weekend!

So much to say...so much to say...so much to say

I surprise myself every time I try to blog. I think about something really great (according to me) in the morning at work. I think about it all day. While I'm on the phone with customers, as I lift weights, eating lunch, on the drive home. Once I get there I do 1 of 3 things. 1. Completely forget. 2. Remember but say to myself that I'll just work on it later. or 3. Decide the topic I thought of earlier is totally stupid and no one reads anyway and why in the world do I even have a blog if no one cares? Pretty pathetic and mean to myself but as you can see, I won't let it get me down!

Here's a small update in case we aren't best buds and all. Which we should be because I'm a pretty great friend. When I remember to text. Or call. Or visit. Or...who am I kidding I suck at being a friend.

1. I'm off for the Summer with school. Thank Jesus! That was by FAR the worst semester I have EVER had. High school included. You want more details you can ask but boy am I soooo happy its over.

2. I've been running. You read that correctly. And I ain't gunna stop neither.

3. I currently know 17 preggers. Seven teen. No I'm not drinking the water. Get that KoolAid away.

4. Taylor started playing bass guitar in our church band. Besides being very proud of him, he looks so darn cute on stage! It helps that he is so "big" as well. Tall bodies with long arms look proportional to the bass.

5. On Tuesday we celebrated 3 years of marriage and 8 years together. Time flies when you're with the love of your life. You have the best of times and the worst of times. You get a little money, then you lose a lot to the government. No comment. You make friends, and one day their friends become yours. And one day we'll have a baby. But remember, don't give me no KoolAid!

So there you have it. Our boring wonderful life together. If anyone, Bueller? is reading this. Thank you.

Spring is HERE!

Life is skittles and life is beer!

Eh, Spring ain't really here buuut...I felt like taking it back with that song. Hey, you know we live in Michigan? Hey, you know we have cold weather here like all the time? Hey, you know we went home to California this weekend? Yeah, it was freaking awesome.

My father in law turned 60 on Saturday and my MIL wanted to surprise him (as we did too) so she flew us out there Friday evening and we showed up for breakfast the next day. It was great, just great. I did well through my flights and all but for some reason the flight out I didn't sleep off the meds so I was....well...high. My prescription literally says, "Take when flying," so I have an excuse. I don't plan on taking them forever, trust me on that.

ANYWAY, we got in Friday night. My parents picked us up from the airport and we drove to Corona Del Mar for Mexican (YEAH!) really close to my brother's house. My sister, her husband, and all her kids came. Those darlings are seriously the freaking cutest things ever and since I'm old I can call the 15-year-old cute dang it. We had amazing food (nothing like California Mexican food, nah-THING!) and hung out. Mind you it was about 130am our time when we finally got home so we fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillow. I fell asleep so hard I woke up and did NOT know where I was. And since I was on the wrong side of the bed (yea I have a side mmmk?) I bolted up and realized Taylor was sound asleep next to me. Phew! Dreamland again.

The next day my SIL and BIL picked us up and we went to Coffee Bean. I think we got a blended mocha or something, it was really really good. Especially that early in the morning. We headed over to TOPH and waited for the rest of the crew to get there. My other BIL came with 2 of the 3 kids and finally my inlaws showed up. My FIL was so happy we came, it was so good to see him. After stuffing my face with a bacon, veggie, and cheese omelet and a stack of pancakes I was stuffed! It was off to Disneyland with us!

Overall great weekend. All I know is that I used to be able to leave all the time no problem and not let it get to me. But the last few times have been so difficult for me. It's the little things really. Not going to softball games or dance recitals. Not having a dland pass like we used to and just going for 2 hours because we could. Our parents cooking. Staying at my inlaws on weekends and being so comfortable in my own skin. In-N-Out. Orange Circle. Thrify's ice cream in an eat-it-all-cone. Fred Kelly stadium. 24 hour fitness. The beach. I miss it all so much.

And then I come home and I snap myself into reality. I love it here. I love the city of Ann Arbor, I love the wacky quirky people here. I love our church, I love my school. I love the Y and playing volleyball (with boys!) I love my new job, I love my boss, I love my friends here. They don't have Weber's or Moe's or Bagger Dave's back home. They don't have snow (in OC) or Fall colors. Most importantly they don't have my husband. And that's what it's all about right?

In time I get over it. And then I'm back on the Disneyland Railroad. Boooooooooard!

Feelings, they suck.

I can feel them. The trees in my head have sprouted. They didn't bloom flowers, they don't have birds chirping. They have moss. Sick disgusting moss. It makes my head ache, it makes my stomach churn, it makes me want to jump off a cliff just to get away from the feeling.

I can't do that you see.

The moss has been planted.

And it's been planted by me.

And all I want to do is feel the air hit my face as it dances over my ears and through my hair. All I want is to forget what I know and run as fast as I can. When I'll run, I don't know. Where I'll run I don't know. All I feel is sad.

I try so hard to forget their faces as I plunge myself deeper into the water.


I see your face in my mind as I fly away.
Cuz none of us want to think we can't stay

People are people and sometimes we change our lines
But it's killing me to think I've been gone for all this time.

Memories play in my head like a sad movie
It's the kind of ending you don't really wanna see

Cuz it the truth and it will only bring me down
Now I don't want to think that you're not around

And we know it's never simple never easy
For you to see me, no one here to see me

You're the only thing I know like the back of my hand

And I can't breathe without you but I have to

Breathe, without you but I have to.

I hate school

If you have been wondering where I am....I'm in procrastination land. It's the land where nothing gets done other than Zuma, Facebook, and reading through cooking blogs.

My house goes to a wasteland, complete with floors that haven't seen a vacuum in who knows how long.

I don't get any schoolwork done which leads to pure and utter frustration at myself come test time.

I don't blog unless it's complaining about how I DON'T blog.

I can't apologize because it's not my fault.

School is to blame.

Go bomb it's headquarters for me ok?

Saturday Steals- My Birthday!

This post is brought to you in part by Saturday Steals over at AOOL.

My birthday was on Tuesday. The night before Taylor was all stressed out because he didn't get me anything and felt terrible about it. I am not like normal women. I don't get all mopey on birthdays or Valentines' Days or Christmases or any holidays because a lack of presents. I just find it pathetic women expect so much...but do nothing for their husbands. They complain of their husbands not being romantic...but when was the last time they surprised their husbands with a video game (my equivalent to roses) or dinner and a movie? The majority haven't done squat because all they have been doing is expecting it from no one but themselves.

Moving on...I told him I didn't care about any presents. He still felt bad but all I care about right now is keeping him healthy. He's just added getting his masters in Education...on top of the Ph.D. in chemistry. Yes, I am starting to think he's insane but for the time being I am trying to be the most supportive I can be. He makes the bucks right? He's gunna be daddy one day when I'm stay at home mommy. Sigh...so back to my birthday.

I woke up and before dropping off Taylor at work, we stopped at Zingerman's to pick up 6 free bagels. Zingerman's is totally Ann Arbor and totally overrated. Not that they aren't good and all...you would think they invented bacon or something the way people talk about them. Anyway, I got my bagels!

For Free!

After coming back home I promptly toasted my sesame bagel and ate happily. I paired it with some blueberries and raspberry lemonade. Yummy!

I had an interview and it went really well! I was invited back on Monday to meet the general manager. I've got to beat out two other people. Let the games begin!

After that I went to lunch with Taylor at Weber's. Normally we do dinner but the lunch menu is a lot cheaper. Let me tell you- Delicious! I had fettuccine alfredo and Taylor had pesto tortellini. The best part was we had a little left over and the next day I mixed the two together. Wow, even better.

For Free!

After lunch I had class and then volleyball so we had to go for a later dinner. Luckily Grizzly Peak Brewery was open until 11. I love that place. They have the best salad and I got the shitake chicken.

Delicious!
(Frazzled hair, red face, and sports bra compliments of volleyball!)

What's cool about them is they give you free dessert, a pint glass with their logo, and a gift certificate for $10 on your next visit!

For Free!

It was a great evening! I was so happy to spend most of the day with Taylor. We were happy and full of wonderful food, it was time to go home.

We walked in the entryway and as I walked up the stairs to get to our door it looked like this:

Cute!

I thought that Taylor had thrown me a surprise party at first but then I realized it was well past 11:30...too late to start a party. So I opened the door. To find this:

What an awesome surprise!

My friend Sarah (with the help of Taylor) snuck into our apartment and decorated. How nice! Not only that, she got me flowers and a cupcake!

:)

I was overcome with happiness. It was just such an awesome day!

Then I opened Taylor's gift.

To give you a little background we had played a dance game back home on the xbox connect and LOVED IT!

He got me a dance game for the Wii and a KINDLE! YAY! It was totally unexpected and I can't wait to use it!

What an awesome birthday!

Saturday Steals tally- Free breakfast, lunch, dessert, plus pint glass with a gift certificate, a Wii video game, AND a Kindle!

Stay tuned for next weeks Saturday Steals complete with more birthday fun!!!

I'm older, apparently wiser too.

I am blessed. More than I deserve, more than I can think of being.

I am a follower of Christ which in itself is the greatest blessing of them all. He knows me more than I know myself. He cares more about me than anyone. He has known me my whole life and will get to spend the rest of time with me. He loves me so much He died for me. Hallelujah! We forget what that really means because we will never know. We can never know.

I am married to my greatest dream of a husband. I was gifted with the fact of knowing him before I finished braces, before I got my license, before I got my high school diploma. He's the kind of guy I want my other friends to marry. I forget how stinkin smart he is at times, and then my brain goes to mush when he's explaining conjugate addition. MOOOOSH brain. He's asked me to marry him multiple times, and every time I said yes. A million times YES!

My family means everything to me. Living so far away is hard at times, we have to talk on the phone or fb but for the most part it's ok for right now. Both sets of parents have been able to come out and visit. I'm hoping my nieces can make it out here some day but we'll see.

I have amazing friends. I learn more everyday about being a good person because of them. They do more for me than I expect.

Yesterday was my birthday and because of these things in my life I have to reflect. I have more than I could ever dream in my life. I am so happy, and I am so blessed.

A sad tale will always have a happy ending.

This is the TRUE story of the little secretary named *Lalina.

Lalina is a very happy person.
She likes:
People
Cats
Church
Quesadillas
Vacations
Cherry Jello
Reading Blogs
and
Love.

She is a very simple girl. Not to look at, but her life is simple. She is easy to get along with, friendly, and knows just what to say when awkward silence comes to conversations.

She is married to a wonderful man, just celebrated a birthday, and got a new job!

Things are looking up for Lalina.

Since she loves people, this was a perfect job for her. She's a secretary working for a popular company in her town. She talks on the phone a lot, works with customers a lot, and seeing a lot of people come in and out of the office.

Workers in her office know how great she is and how much she loves her job.

Things are looking up for Lalina.

Lalina covers shifts for the other secretaries. She knows how hard it is to find a replacement, what better way to help? She takes extra time to keep things organized and clean. People seem curious as to why she is such a nice person.

She receives many smiles, and have-a-good-days.
She is comfortable and happy.
Knowing she has a job leaves her grateful in bedtime prayers.

Things are looking up for Lalina.

As Summertime came, she missed her family vacation.
She didn't want to that is for sure.
But *Margaret knows best.

Margaret is the boss.
She isn't mean.
She certainly is NOT nice.
She just is.

Lalina tries very very hard to win Margaret's friendship.
To no avail.
Margaret wants nothing to do with Lalina, and makes it very obvious.

Things are getting difficult for Lalina.

As the Summertime sun started to get colder, Lalina heard the piercing words.
"They don't know what happened. He's not waking up."
Lalina was numb planning for the funeral.
She knew she must be brave for her husband and his family.

"I need to leave," said Lalina.
What should have happened was Margaret saying, "Of course Lalina, take as much time as you need to be with your family. This must be such a difficult thing for you."
What she heard was, "So can you come back on Saturday so you can work the weekend shift?"

Things we getting worse for Lalina.

She tried her best to be a good worker for her boss. She stayed extra hours, more than required just so they would have someone reliable there. She thought many a nights about doing more, doing more, doing more than she could give to be a great employee.

"I know this will get better, it has to."

Poor Lalina.

About two months later, things seemed to be better. There were no arguments, everything was running pretty smoothly. Margaret even cracked a smile or two, when she didn't think Lalina was looking.
Lalina still heard how people adored her. How they were so happy she worked there.
What would we do without Lalina?

Things were looking up again for Lalina.

The weather started to get colder, the snow began to fall.
Lalina could hear Christmas music in her head as she thought of all her family far away.
This will be the best one yet!

The office would be closed a week, during this week in December, "said Margaret as she pointed to a calendar.
Lalina's ear perked as she heard the wonderful news.
She knew she had a week of comp time to take, oh how great to have two weeks off!

Things we looking up for Lalina.

"Oh dad, I'm so excited to come home too!"
The flights were booked.
They were going home.

Lalina got to the office the next day to tell Margaret the news.
"You can't do that. Call the airline to change it," was all Margaret said.
What?

Things were confusing for Lalina.

She called her husband crying.
"Honey, they told me when they were closed! And now they say they aren't. Why would they do such a thing? What are we going to do?"
Lalina sat in tears thinking about Margaret's words.

But her husband was a wise man.
He saw through the details, and he saw through the emotion.
He saw that his wife was a great employee with a horrible boss.

Things were looking up for Lalina.

Lalina went over the situation in her head.
Again and again.
She was right, no doubt about that.

Margaret was wrong, she knew it to be true.
There was no telling what would happen the next day.
She didn't want to face her boss, but family means everything to her.

Things were looking up for Lalina.

She sat in the office chair.
She gave her heart and soul.
She told her boss, and her boss's boss about their mistake.

They tried to convince Lalina it was her fault!
"No," said Lalina, "this situation is your fault, and I will tell you why."
And she spoke stronger and braver than she ever had in her life.

The conversation was over.
Both parties had made up their minds.
Lalina and Margaret's boss cried.

She hugged them both and said thank you.
And was escorted out.
She didn't even get to say goodbye.

Lalina walked to her car.
She wasn't crying anymore.
She was happy.

Things are looking up for Lalina.

She picked up her husband and told him the whole story.
Most husbands would be upset about their wives getting fired, but not Lalina's husband.
He couldn't have been more proud.

"Lalina, you were strong. You were brave. You said everything you had to say because you were in the right.
You did everything I could have asked for.
And you don't need them anyway."

Things are looking up for Lalina.

Lalina heard about the outrage.
She heard of so many good people missing her. She heard of so many angry over the situation.
But she didn't care.
She was free.

Never again would Lalina feel bad about going home to see family.
Never again would Lalina have to put up with an unemotional villain of a boss.
Never again would Lalina have to compromise herself for her family.

Things look great for Lalina.

*Names have been changed because I'm a nice person. But boooy did I want to keep them the same.

I guess I can say...I stole from myself?

This week marks another Saturday to Steal. Idea from my favorite blog.

I was supposed to babysit tonight. I am really really bummed it didn't happen. I love babysitting. Kids are just fun. They say the darndest things: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFXti_KRcLw

Start it at :46

Taylor had a guys night planned so it was going to be perfect; he goes there, I go there.

Since it didn't happen, I'm all by my lonesome tonight. It's not too bad. I've got the cats curled up with me, I watched Amelie (straaaange movie) and my computer with millions of blogs to keep me company.

In the middle of the movie my stomach started to grrroooowwwllll. Crap. I hate being hungry. Like more than you think you know. My friends joke (lovingly I'm sure!) about how I become a crazed psycho if I'm hungry, or past hungry and NEED to eat. It seems to happen more than I'd like...oh well. Anyway, I was hungry.

I considered my options.

1. Everything having to do with meat was frozen in the freezer because I always forget to take stuff out until I'm hungry.
2. We already ate our leftovers for lunch so I couldn't microwave anything.
3. The closest fast food is McDonald's. Eh...not this month please.

I had to rack my brain for what we had in our cabinet. Given the fact of my recent firing (unfair firing if you ask me. But don't ask me because I'm still pissed. I might bite your head off. No, I just want to bite HER head off....what was I saying? OH!) I've been trying to save money as much as I can. Food ain't cheap around here. You would think it would be because of the college town...but no..

After finding some ingredients, and finding this recipe...

Mmm, it was tasty!

I added fresh spinach. I had to add SOMETHING healthy...butter, Parmesan, AND white pasta: delicious but nowhere near nutritionally sound.

Now I know I already bought the ingredients from the store. But given the fact that I saved money by not buying something like I normally would have....THAT is a steal!

My Facebook is private, and I like that.

We've been talking about hugging lately in my church community group. We've got people that hug everyone whether they like it or not, the indifferent ones that don't think about it they just embrace because of social acceptance, the others (the non huggers) that cannot stand the thought of someone touching them, and the last most important is the healthy hug.

I'd like to think I am in all four of these categories of huggers, even though I don't like them all.

1. Category One of hugging people whether they like it or not is so easy for me. Although I try very hard not to do it, sometimes I just have this incredible feeling of love towards people I just want to hug the begeebers out of them. It's an expression for sure, and definitely not for everyone. I only feel that way about certain people, they are usually the ones closest to me in relationships. They have taken the time to get to know me. It really feels like I fall in love with them. Not in a spousal way but in an endearing mutual respect kind of way. I look at them and I am in awe about how wonderful this person is. How much they care about me. And that's when people say, "Barf, cut the mush." So I move on.

2. Category Two involving social acceptance irks me. There is mostly no feeling to it. If you aren't really good friends with someone, that situation is so awkward! I really hate it when two other people hug, and now that makes me HAVE to hug someone I really don't want to. Social protocol: annoying and mindless if you ask me.

3. Category Three I relate to, and yet I don't understand equally. There are certain people I do not want to hug me. Rapists, terrorists, and Russell Brand are just a few. (Don't think RB is in the same class as the other two, I just really would not wish to hug him.) On the other hand, if someone wants to hug me I would not reject them because of their willingness to open themselves up to me. I would simply be accepting of it because I would not want the rejection if I were them. It makes it difficult at times because I do NOT want many people to hug me. I DO want my select people to hug me, all the time. Free hugs for them, and I'll give some to the others because I'm nice.

4. Category Four (as you may have guessed) is my favorite. The healthy hug defined by me is a hug of mutual acceptance. It is cherished because of its' unique quality to benefit both parties. And it doesn't have to be the same reason for being beneficial. Just like the hug Professor Maguire gives Will in Good Will Hunting. A well of emotion comes forth equally by both parties, for completely different reasons. Best scene of the movie by far.

Although I'm sure I could come up with more examples of why people hug, it makes me think about me as a person. Why do I have a need to hug someone? Why would someone not want to hug me? Why is hugging so important?

I think I need a hug.

I stole!

This post is inspired by Saturday Steals over at Archives of our Lives.

I used to be a fashionista. I actually used to look cool, get compliments all the time, and know what the heck to wear in the morning. Now...not so much. Gaining weight after getting married wasn't a surprise but how much was. So I had to do my best to clothe my bigger body. It wasn't fun, I don't recommend it.

Luckily my friends in Michigan have been very encouraging. They encourage me to wear things that are tighter since I've lost weight, they encourage me to wear makeup because it helps me feel more confident, and they encourage me to feel more comfortable with me. I thought one of the things I should get to dive more into divahood would be boots. Boots are so darn cute! Everyone, and I mean everyone looks good in boots. Just look at Drew. Cute as a friggen button.

So I was on a quest. A boot quest. I went a few stores, nothing. I went to a place my other friends found cute boots, nothing. I was very discouraged so Taylor suggested Target. Sure, why not?

We walked in the doors and I bee-lined straight to the boot section. Given the time of year it was (Fall) everyone and their annoying mothers were looking. Luckily with my mountain man feet being the size they are, I was able to look in a specific place. AND THEN I SAW THEM. There, in the middle of the rack. A box. A box that said size 12. I don't normally wear a size 12, I'm an 11 but given the blisters Target shoes have given me in the past...I tried them on.

Oh those pesky women! Get out of my WAY! Don't you see the potential boot gold I could possibly possess?! No, of course not. You're too busy whining about, "I don't like the color, I don't like the buckle," in that equally annoying nasally voice.

Well my friends with my humungo feet, I can't be a little whiner like you. Shoes my size don't come cute very often, and I've got potential with this box in my hand. Now get out of my death ray stared WAY! AHH! Freedom, at least I was able to get to the (too short btw) bench. Well, let's try em on shall we?

They fit.

Sorta.

A little big.

I knew it would happen, but they weren't so big that thick socks couldn't fix.

Crap, how much do they cost?

Out of the corner of my eye I saw the orange Target tag. OMG. Sale item!

And not just any sale item. This was a pair of boots purchased online for $49.99. A price I would seriously seriously have to consider if they were really that price. But they weren't that price. They were returned in the store, which means the price goes down significantly. I like to think of them as the floor model per say .

They were $13.00 Can I get a THANK YOU JESUS? THANK YOU JESUS!

Here they are.

I'm so cool in my boots, I know.

Cute huh? And that ladies and gentlemen, is a steal.

I am alive. At least I'm hoping people will believe me.

Hey. You know me. Right? Oops, maybe not since I haven't posted on here since April of last year. Hmmm. How out of character of me. No, that is not true. That is so me.

Here's a super mini updated for you, just so you know I'm not making up the being alive thing.

1. I just started school again. I know, can you believe it? I'm not jumping up and down excited THAT'S for sure. But it will be good to know I will be done with school one day. What caused this source of scholastic inspiration? Getting fired would do the trick. Yep. Yeah. Yes. I promise. Me. UH HUH. I, Amanda. Was fired. I know this will come as the same shock to some of you as when I got a yellow card for saying the f-word during a volleyball game. To this day I maintain my innocence. I really did say fricken...buuut....you know how everyone talks these days. It sounded like. You know.

2. Taylor is alive too, but barely. Poor kid is working so much. I feel bad for him but he's getting his Ph.D. for pete sake! He'll manage. Until then I'll continue my love and support complete with back rubs, healthy and delicious meals, and letting him play WOW or other games til his heart's content. You know, being the good wife that I am.

3. We haven't had cable since July. We haven't had a TV signal since then either. We can watch DVD's thank goodness. We've found such jewels as How I Met Your Mother, more 24, and our favorite favorite (like as in I've watched the first 3 seasons multiple times each) FAVORITE Big Bang Theory. BAM!

4. I've taken to the gym. That is my behind to the gym. I started playing volleyball again. This time around I'm not so upset about the past, or how bad some people are. This time it's been about having fun. Who would'a thunk? Not me for reelz.

5. We've learned a lot about ourselves through the ennaegram. This my friends, has been awesome. Look it up, I dare you. Actually no, let me send you to the right place. Here. It's just a personality analysis, don't get all voodoo on me mmmk? This type of personality assessment has been scientifically proven within the last few years and has helped me deal with a lot of issues. We learned about it in our church community group about a year ago, and we can't stop talking about it. It's not like other ones...you know... you're an extrovert...boring crap. This one sees your very core. It knew things about me I would never tell anyone, and it knew things about me other knew but I would never admit. It's been great and I highly recommend it. ESPECIALLY if you can talk to me about it!

I will be back tomorrow I promise. I can't go back on my word because Saturday Steals are tomorrow over at AOOL. I need to fill my commenting quota (or lack there of) from the past...eesh...ten...months.