.

2011-04-02T03:13:00.000-07:00

"You are in a season of your life when you are making some of your most important decisions. Because you are being bombarded with so many incorrect messages about who you are, you need some additional guidance. You can learn more about your life and mission on earth and the light that is in you by preparing to receive and then studying your patriarchal blessing." - Julie B. Beck
.
Do you ever have those days when you just need a really strong "pick me up"? like that little light in you is flickering and dimming just a bit? & Like your tank is running on empty, but your still chugging along?

Tonight, I just had the urge to read my patriarchal blessing. I had forgotten that I have such a specific one. It was exactly what I needed in every single way. Oh how I am so thankful for it.

So I thought I would pass my idea foward:

if you need a "pick me up" and its been a little...or long while since you've read yours, maybe dig it out? I'm glad I did. :)

This year is the first year that I have been counting down the days until conference. I need it. and I am so excited that it is just a few hours away! Happy Conference weekend!

Vacation, wishlist, and weightloss

2011-03-18T00:12:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Nathan & I will be on our way to a little getaway in Seattle. In a perfect world, we would just fly there and wouldnt have to drive. And while we are pretending it is a perfect world...I would own and take all of the above with me, because in a perfect world I would own the gorgeous bags, chanel necklace, macbook, and I'd look smokin' in that outfit. ......A girl can dream right?

I created that little collage because I was trying to get my mind off of some dinner rolls in the kitchen that were calling my name.

I have now officially lost 25lbs since January. I finally saw the results today when I looked in the mirror.

But truth is, I'm usually really private about my weight issues because I have been hurt too many times from insensitive individuals. Some that I trusted very much before and it wasn't fun at all. (Isn't it crazy that some people must think those who are overweight don't have any feelings? Or are a free ticket to be the topic of gossip?) So I am usually really closed up about that topic. But you know what? I have been working dang hard and I just had to post to share my happiness. I am 25% to my first big goal (I want/need to lose 100lbs). I have 3 others after this one that I will share some day later on. I have a lot more to go but I am proud of over coming some challenges. I bet you Want to see my progress huh?? OK, but please be nice this chubby chic because it is not easy at all to share this part of me.

-25lbs

Before, January 2011

After

March

2011

Can you see the small changes? I noticed my mid section is not so much rounded like a backwards C, and is now becoming a little more like a half triangle. And if you can see the area between my boobs and midsection you'll notice "the twins" more than before. Anyways, I'm excited to continue this journey. I'm taking my workout cloths with me to work out at the gym in our hotel. THAT IS A FIRST FOR ME.

I will keep updating my progress. Next stop, 40lbs. I'm excited for even more changes. Especially a new wardrobe in a few months. :)

2011-03-09T22:38:00.000-08:00

Thanks for all of your sweet comments in my previous post! :)

CONGRATS to reader # 5 ...I think that's Destry. Expect a little happy mail sent your way very soon. :) Tell your nails to get ready because they are about to look CUTE in this polish!

(P.S. I 'm pretty sure I still have your address from that family card you sent filed away somewhere in our mail organizer)

Blog Neglect.

2011-02-14T20:43:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh, has it really been that long since I've posted on this blog of ours? Last time was August of last year??
To be honest, I fell out of the blog world for a few silly reasons that I am over now. What were those silly reasons? Well, I starting thinking to myself the following:

"Everyone who posts on their blogs have cute little babies that they can do updates on. I dont." I may not be in the 90th percentile, but you know what? Does anyone other than the mom and dad care about a percentile?? Is that like baby GPA honor roll?? And I'm already potty trained too.

" I didnt take any pictures of my crafty/artsy creation and who wants to read an update without pictures?" I'm still stuck in the picture book mindset. What good is a post without pictures?

I lost my camera. (but I have an awesome camera on my iphone 4 so thats a LAME excuse)

"I dont want to post these online,I look too fat in my pictures." Wah Wah Wah. I've already lost 15lbs and going. ;)

"I was just too busy to update." Yea right. I wasn't busy enough to check facebook 4 times in one day.

YOU GET THE POINT. I sulked, I rebelled, and I am now over it. So stay tuned to see more posts about the adventures that Nathan and I have. Because, trust me....there's quite a few exciting things happening to us this year. (NO, thats not a pregnancy announcement.)

As a welcome back present to anyone who reads this, post a comment on your favorite thing about me....just kidding. Follow my blog and tell me in a comment what you did for Valentine's day.

I'll randomly pick someone and send them a present. I work at Sephora now and rumor has it that they have some pretty awesome things..... like this:

Nars new nail polish. Its so pretty! I have to stop by the post office this weekend so comment by friday, the 18th and I will send it in the mail to one lucky reader.... because chances are I only have 1 reader after all of these months away.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

2010-08-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

I didn't get to capture everything, but I had such a happy 23rd birthday. I'm 23! Is it just me or do ages 21-24 just kind of fly by?? I sear I thought I was 19 last year. What do you do when your 23 versus 22 or 24? Well, whatever I am supposed to be accomplishing at this age, I hope it gets accomplished!

MY BIRTHDAY WEEK IN PICTURES:

fun with family at the fair. fair food is so "disgustingly" delicious. I got to see my nephew ride a pony for the first time. he had the biggest smile in the group and it just melted my heart.

beautiful daisies from my love.

scrumptious bella lemonata @ olive garden.

Who said you need alcohol to enjoy drinks in the bar while waiting for your table?

a much needed, and much anticipated gift...with my new table &

chairs in the background!

I made taco salad for me and Nathan and it was so yummy

that I had to sneak a picture of it.

a beautiful sunset @ Anthony's overlooking the Columbia River and

some of the most delicious halibut I've had in a while.

NOT PICTURED:

I got few new outfits (I got some jeggings/jean legging and they are so darn cute!)

a williams-sonoma gift card. (don't judge me because I already used it the night I got it....)

dinner @ tony roma's compliments of Chad and Chelsea. SOOO good! BUT not as good as famous dave's haha. I used to love that place until famous dave's came to town. It was so empty at Tony's on a saturday night. :(

I'm sure I'm missing things but overeall, it was a wonderful birthday! I'm happy to be alive another year surrounded by my most of my loved ones!

2010-08-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

I just purchased 2 tickets to this little event and I am so excited! I love following Danyelle from dandee designs and am looking forward to what is in store. If you live in the Tri Cities you should check it out! ---> dandeedesigns.blogspot.com

2010-08-12T15:04:00.000-07:00

"In the scriptures, caring for the poor is not just a question of charity; it is a question of justice."
As King Benjamin explains in the Book of Mormon, nothing we have is really ours. It is given to us as a sacred trust--a stewardship--to be used for the benefit of our fellow beings.
Mosiah 4:16-19

And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.
Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just--
But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.
For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have...?

Summer Grilling!

2010-07-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

I love to cook. Oooooh, and do I ever love to cook yummy food. Especially in the summer time because that means BBQ'S and grilling! I don't own a grill but I have a little grilling pan that I love dearly that gets the job done for now.

Kabobs are my new obsession this summer. I love to take a step back and look at what I created and smile. Maybe one day I'll get paid to whip up my creations!

garlic-lime shrimp, lemon pepper tarter sauce, buttered Parmesan noodles, and grilled asparagus.

marinated chicken, baby red potatoes, with red, yellow, and green bell peppers. deviled-eggs. iceberg lettuce and home made croûtons and ranch dressing.

And just because she is so dang cute. Here is kennadie, the sweet little peanut I nanny. This was right after I bathed her...Lets just say I would rather not discuss poop on this post. :)

HAPPY SUMMER!!!

2010-04-18T00:59:00.000-07:00

My little sister is off to BYU-I. Now not only one but now two big pieces of my heart are in Rexburg, Idaho. My two sisters are together and I am so happy because they haven't been together for a long time and Monica hasn't had a sister around for a while. In fact, all three of us haven't been together for a long time. Either I was around monica, monica was around me or lulu, or lulu was around me.

We are getting older. Two of us are married. One is a teacher. the other a nanny. and the youngest a blossoming photographer. It's not very exciting realizing that it's not the 3 sisters together every day life like it used to be growing up.

It's a little difficult to put into words how it feels to be apart from or miss a sister and I think only a girl who has one or two of a few... knows how I feel.

There's that bond, those inside jokes, those nick names, and those silly and often out-of- control-crazy moments.

We are planning our first annual "Sisters Weekend" in July. Just the three of us. I haven't been apart from both of my sisters this long. Ever. so I can't wait until this summer!

I guess this post is just a little shout out to my Sisters- I'll miss you every single day and I hope you guys have plenty of fun and enjoy each others company. bake many cookies and brownies. have a few sleep overs. and share memories as often as possible.

See ya this summer and maybe a little surprise visit from me before then!

2010-03-20T03:01:00.000-07:00

What was my favorite part of this month?

Technical problems. UGGH!

my laptop decided to die the day before a paper was due that was assigned the beginning of the quarter. Just out of the blue the screen got fuzzy and RED (why red??) and shut off. It won't boot up. Thank goodness my brother is amazing and let me borrow his laptop to re type the ENTIRE paper all over again and I turned in on time. I'll use it the rest of this quarter to finish finals.

my phone is falling apart and my replacement piece taking forever to come. Everytime I use it i have to hold the little track ball or it falls out and my phone is useless. I've lost the little track ball at least ten times and look like a crazy person on the ground searching for it. But the replacement is on its way and soon enough that issue will be solved and I get my upgrade in a few months

waaaa waaa waaaa... ok I'm done complaining. I need to finish studying for finals. bleh.

2010-02-15T06:27:00.001-08:00

I've always loved Valentine's day but this year was probably the best one yet! I am blessed with the love from a supportive and wonderful husband.

It was so nice for us to spend time together- becase nathan has a pretty demanding work schedule, any free time in the day is bliss. He had Friday off, so we spent that day celebrating Valentine's. I watch two 3 year old boys until 5pm so after they went home Nathan and I went out to Bonefish Grill. One of my top 3 favorite foods of all time is there so we went! The restaurant's food overall isn't my favorite but the Bang Bang shrimp is the reason I go there. It's crispy, tasngy, sweet, spicy, and YUMMY!
If you are a seafood lover, please try this before you die- you'll probably feel like you died and went to heaven after you try it anyway!

Then we went to watch Dear John. I really wanted to watch Valentine's day but it got an F on reviews, and as much a I love cheesy chick flicks like any other girl...an F is pretty bad!

The movie overall was...meh. It was worth watching, but is in no way comparable to other love stories. The first half was wonderful, but after a while the storyline took a turn for the worse and got super corny. During the second half Nathan and I, along with some people behind us got a really bad case of the church giggles because the movie was THAT corny. I had to excuse my self not to be rude. But overall it was a fun night!

Sunday morning we woke up and I made breakfast. It was so good.

After that I made like 3 dozen cupcakes for nathan's coworkers. I made a cherrry-cream cheese frosting from scratch and used parchment paper as cupcake liners and made white chocolate swirls and hearts. I wish I had a good picture of them but the pictures didnt turn out so well becasue of the lighting. So you'll have to trust me- they looked scrumptious!

So overall, a fun weekend! I am so grateful to have so much love in my life- whether its parents, siblings, my heavenly father, friends, or my best friend and husband. Did you know that Valentine's day is one of my favorite holidays- not because of the chocolates, cards, flowers, diamonds or stuffed animals...but bacause it is a day to celebrate the love you have for others and the love that is in your life.

Although, presents are always fun to receive! What did we get?

Nathan got a full service hair cut from his favorite place and I got a gift certificate to my favorite spa- I can't wait to set up an appointment for a pedicure and facial!

And the best gift... 2 tickets to see Miranda Lambert in concert next month! In March, It's our 10 year Anniversary from the day we met. What better way to spend our lives together after 10 years than at a concert singing this girl's songs!

I for sure feel spoiled by the love of my life. He is the best thing in my life and I am so happy to spend forever with my soul mate. We joke, we laugh, we get grumpy with each other, and we have our fights, we finish each others thoughts and sentences. We have our secret nudge and looks when we are around groups of peole and we know EXACTLY what they mean. We sing and dance in the car together. he carries the groceries in the house, even if its up a flight of stairs. I wash his clothes early in the morning and have them hanging in the bathroom for him. He knows exactly how I like my salad ordered in restaurants. And I know he could eat my homemade fettucine alfredo like it'g going out of style.

I wouldn't share my entire world with anyone but him. We're each other's EVERYTHING.

2010-02-05T04:22:00.000-08:00

We're all smiles over at the Davis casa!
We have been blessed with the opportunity for Nathan to receive a job promotion where he works.
For those of you who don't know, Nathan works at Famous Dave's, a YUMMY BBQ restaurant here in Kennewick right by the mall.

He is such a hard working, dedicated, and friendly man. I am so proud of his achievements and happy that his hard work has paid off.
We are also very grateful for such a wonderful thing to happen to us in an uncertain economic time in this country. We are blessed.

So if you're in the area and are in need of some tasty food for a business/company/family gathering, give Nathan, the Catering Manager, a call!!!

2010-01-09T07:29:00.000-08:00

Stocked up on a few of these ($3 only!)...

making a couple stops to some grocery stores...

Doing about 20 loads of dishes...
... happy productive weekend!

2010-01-04T14:45:00.001-08:00

Our favorite Christmas present from each other.

Can you guess which one is mine and which one is his?

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. We enjoyed time with family and just loved the few days of relaxing without a care in the world.

-Nathan learned how to make tamales with my mom. They were sooooo yummy.
-We watched Sherlock Holmes. Loved it.
-Nathan and I had a delicious breakfast at IHoP with Ken & Monica before they headed back to Idaho.
-Our family watched Princess and the Frog. It was Trentons first movie in a theater. Super cute movie and story.
-Watched the ball drop on New Year's on TV while i was on the floor laughing so hard as Nathan rang in the new year banging pots and pans. It gets me every time. Silly boy.

What a fun way to end the year.

I am looking forward to a lot this year. I have some plans, ideas, and hopes....

Nathan and I will have met 10 years ago in March. 10 YEARS!! wow. We know the exact spot we met and hope to get some pictures of the two of us from my awesome little sister, the photographer.

I want to cut back on eating sugar and sweets as much as possible. It's my weakness and goes straight to my gut and face. I want to fit in my favorite pair of jeans by December. Nathan wants to tone up so we'll be using our apartment fitness room often.

I want to paint our apartment pretty colors.

I want to go on a little trip with Nathan. Just the two of us. I want to see the ocean. Cannon Beach maybe?

Lulu is going to BYU-I in the spring and it will be just me and Nathan again. We will miss her dearly. :( but an empty room= a future craft room maybe?

I want to take my mom to temple square. She's never been there and I found out she has always wanted to go.

I want to have all of our debts/student loans paid off :) It's best to start now before it gets crazy.

I want to graduate & finish my Associates Degree. I'm so close!!!

I want to clean my dishes and do my laundry more often.

Nathan starts the Social Work program in August. I'm so proud of him.

I want to have personal scripture study and meditation more frequently. like daily.

A lot to look forward to and a lot to accomplish.

I'm happy and grateful for a fresh new start. Happy January everyone!

2009-11-20T02:50:00.000-08:00

Tonight we didn't talk about how many boxes we still need to unpack. We didn't talk about work. We didn't even talk about December's finances.
It was just the two of us, sitting at the table watching his favorite show (Survivor) -we don't have our tivo set up yet- enjoying dinner. and enjoying each other.

It's getting colder outside and when it starts to get chilly and it's time to make dinner, it only means one thing:

SOUP.

creamy chicken chowder.

roasted garlic cloves, cream cheese, corn, baby carrots, and red skin potatoes are only a few of the ingredients to what i like to call 'Heaven'.

pair this with salad and my new favorite baking obsession- dinner rolls- and mmmm mmmm mmmm...

During commercials, I managed to sneak away to put the finishing touches on my "Oramon" Rolls (orange & lemon) and stuck them in the oven.

After the show I glazed them with my vanilla-orange glaze and sqeezed a lemon over them.

Sweet, citrus-y, and warm. ooh la la.

I guess a was "On a Roll" tonight... ha!

2009-11-15T18:24:00.000-08:00

I feel like I've negleted our blog this last month. We've had plenty of eventful days but i just haven't made the time to "fill you in".
We celebrated Nathan's 24th birthday.
moved into our new place
I got really sick but feel much better.
I had an allergic reaction to some face cream and my face looked like a flaking tomato for a week.
My mom came to visit for this weekend and we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Outback for Nathan's belated birthday gift from her. THANKS MOM!

As a celebration of FINALLY settling in to our apartment and feeling better, I made some mini cherry pies this evening. I took the idea from bakerella.com and will for sure be making this again in the near future. (most likely for Nathan's coworker's this weekend- except pumpkin pies!)

(ok, so I realize there are two P's in approval...but i didnt notice my typo until now. Oops!)

What do you think? dont they look yummy!?
Making these really got me excited for the holiday season. MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR.
I hope to make a couple things that I have in mind and look forwad to sharing my little projects with you!

2009-10-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

Halloween is just around the corner! The little girl I take care of (she's 4 yrs. old) has been excited about her halloween costume this whole month. Guess who she wants to be?
The one and only Hannah Montana, of course...
It's a good thing she wants to be hannah montana and not Miley cyrus because we all know that those are two completely different people. It's an even better thing that she'll be looking a little more like the girl on the left and not the girl...I mean "young woman" one the right! PHEW!

talk about the "best of

both worlds"... haha.

2009-10-17T19:19:00.001-07:00

the child -- and the wild things -- who live in all of us...

We saw Where the Wild Things Are last night. Oh how we loved it. I could go in depth about all the reasons it was wonderful but I think this critic sums up all of my feelings towards this story and movie:

"Its utter simplicity masks layers of complexity. Some will see it as a movie about nothing, when in fact it is a movie about everything."

-Marshell Finn

2009-10-13T13:42:00.001-07:00

It's so nice to be unpacked and settling into our new little home. After weeks of packing, Nathan getting sick, moving, me getting sick, unpacking, and family get togethers, we were finally able to enjoy a relaxing night at home. We had FHE and enjoyed our first home cooked meal in our new place prepared by yours truly. It's all fresh and from scratch. Yum.... Let's just say there was nothing left on anyone's plates.
my favorite part was 3 kinds of stretchy cheese seen in every bite ofthe mashed potatoes.

I'm so happy to have room to move around and make yummy meals for us. I love my kitchen. It's the main reason we chose our new place. there are so many little things that I love about it.

Tonight we are having Nathan's grandparents over for dinner. They are visiting from Clifornia. Whats on the menu? Fettucini Alfredo, roasted garlic chicken, breadsticks, and salad. I have my alfredo sauce mastered and am excited to share it with his gma and gpa.

2009-09-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

List of things to do today:

make bathroom spotless. Scrub. scrub. scub.

fill up as many of these. ugh. ugh. ugh.

use the last of our free movie tickets to go on a little date to watch this. ooh. la. la.

2009-09-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

We FINALLY heard back from the apartment we were interested in and are officially moving into our new home in a little over two weeks.
I am soooooo relieved to move out of our current apartment of 2 1/2 years. It may not seem that long but I have been counting down the days for our lease to be up for the last 11 months.

It's a little sad since this was my first place and then our first place, but we are excited to move on!

Now for the "white glove" cleaning of our current place.... ughhh.

I'll post pictures and details soon.

here are my top favorite things about our new place:

granite counter tops
garbage disposal in the sink
our own master bathroom
his and hers closets in master bathroom
internet and cable included
gated community so that my husband will sleep in peace.
much closer to Nathan's job
24 hr fitness room
year round hot tub

2009-09-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

nerves.
There's the good kind because of something fun and exciting and then the not so good kind. you know, the "this is getting on my nerves..." kind.

I'm experiencing a little bit of both lately:

waiting to hear back from different apartments with openings because our lease is almost up so it's all about the timing. One we really liked- failed to mention we were second on a waiting list AFTER we toured the place, fell in love with it, and filled out the application.

packing for our move. I wanted to get a head start instead of doing it all in a couple days. Oh my word- can two people really have that much junk??? And by junk I dont mean in any way -insert sarcasm- Nathan's "memorabilia",papers from his first college semester, books, texbooks, and I can't possibly throw away an admission ticket to BYU-Idaho's Guitars unplugged from 2007. It could have sentimental value.
It's a good thing we have dumpsters outside. I love my pack-rat. uh hem...I mean my loving, caring, kind, hard-working husband.

nathan getting a new, great job promotion but a new, not so great paying period. Instead of getting paid every night, it's twice a month. It's been really fun switching all of our budgeting around that we've been used to for the last year and a half...not.

not being able to find my checkbook after looking EVERYWHERE and then finding where I had orignally left it and could have sworn i put it somewhere else.

having to manualy delete what seemed like 90 out of 100 random episodes on our dvr (aka TiVo) recording because the space was full and i could not figure out how to delete in bulk minus 5 or 6 shows.

our electric bill being the highest it has EVER been in the last 2+ years because we have a crappy air conditioner and I'll die if its too hot. It's almost October though- Thank God!!! (not in vain, no really, I am so thankful fall in winter are coming-my favorite time of the year).

Flies. Aren't they the most annoying thing in the world??? They are EVERYWHERE in our apartment. hmm...Maybe its the garbage, nope i threw it out. Maybe the diry plates- nope, I washed them. Maybe we stink?-nope, we showered.
For every two I kill with the fly swatter, twenty come in with every opening of our door. I even found a fly come out the the freezer this morning!

it's a good thing i have a nice temperment...I just thought i should document this because I ALMOST could have had a nervous breakdown like that one time when I was engaged and was on birth control for the first and ONLY time in my life and went a little bananas on two people. But lets not go there... Sorry LuLu and Nathan for having to experience my one and only crazy nervous melt down.

2009-09-09T14:33:00.000-07:00

an answer to our tv show prayers...

We love Glee.
Especially when they do a cover of Jazmine Sullivan, one of my top under-appreciated artists of today.

anyone else loving Glee?

2009-08-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

I spent the morning baking 40 chocolate ganache cupcakes.

(p.s. once you go ganache, you don't go back)

One of Nathan's fellow manager's birthday was today and she loves chocolate.

what better way to say happy birthday to a chocolate lover than with chocolate, right?

Here's a little advice from me to you.

Next time you make chocolate (or any other flavor) cupcakes or cake, try it with ganache instead of the traditional store bought chocolate frosting (you know, the ones that taste like chocolate shortening....). It only takes a couple minutes to make. While you are waiting for the cake/cupcakes to bake try this:

2 cups of heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, & a pinch of salt. pour in a medium sauce pan. bring to a slight boil (takes about 6-8 minutes) stirring with a whisk every few minutes. pour in 1lb ( 2 bags) of chocolate chips* and immediately remove from heat. wait a minute or two and then with a whisk stir the chocolate & cream together. YUM YUM! Transfer into a bowl.Then set it in the fridge until the cake/cupcakes are cooled. Stir it a couple times** and spread it on just like frosting. ENJOY!

(you can run a hot knife over the top of the frosted cake/cupcake to get the glossy look like mine above.)

*my favorite is ghirardelli bittersweet chips, but you can use any kind you like.

** if the ganache is a little too firm set it in the oven that is still warm from the cake/cupcakes for about 2 minutes and stir.

2009-08-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

If you peeked into our bedroom window tonight around 10 or 11pm (depending on when Nathan's gets off) this is what you'll see:

Two best friends giggling like school girls from the excitement of Project Runway FINALLY coming back.

snacking on yummy homemade blackbean corn and avacado salsa w/ baked Tostitos scoops- compliments of me.

We go waaaay back with Project Runway and America's Next Top Model (yea, we don't watch that one anymore. Tyra is a little...ok A LOT too annoying now.) I wish Camille was here with us to watch this season. I have the fondest college memories of three best friends reserving the apartment's lounge and watching this show every Thursday night.

So tonight, two marriages, two years, a couple states away, and a baby later.... we'll be watching Project Runway apart, but remembering some of the best times of our lives .

2009-08-07T22:44:00.000-07:00

Today Nathan and I went on a little lunch date before he headed off to work for the evening. After stopping by a local bagel shop for brunch and enjoying fresh bagels and homemade cream cheese spread we caught the afternoon showing of Julie & Julia. ( I think just about every date we have been on together has included going to the theater!)
I loved every part of this movie and i found myself laughing, tearing up, and drooling over the food. I could relate to both characters unlike any other movie I've seen before and really had a good time. I was reminded to embrace my love for culinary arts and not to give up on my goal to attend cooking school in the near future.
I thought it was so funny how nathan and I were probably the youngest people/couple there. It was filled with cute little old ladies and older husbands and wives.

If you have a love for cooking or even just love to eat food, I would reccomend this movie to you.

2009-08-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

I have had this clock on my bathroom counter for the last two years. Before that, it sat on my end table while living in Rexburg. I bought it at an antique shop in Rexburg for $10. Some time after moving back home to Washington I remember the hands stopping and it was time to replace the battery in the back. For some reason since that day, I never got around to replacing the battery and this little clock seemed to serve no purpose on my bathroom counter.

As I was washing my hands i happened to turn over and catch a glimpse of that clock. I got to thinking. I wonder what I was doing the moment those hands stopped on that clock? And even though the hands of time for that little clock have stopped, Time sure hasn't waited up for me to change the battery. Time has been tick tock ticking away whether I replaced the battery or not.

Lately, time has seemed to be flying by and I'm sure its not going to be slowing down anytime soon. Many things have happened and many changes have been made. I've made some goals, Some decisions, and spent a lot of time wondering about things.
Some of these things have been monumental and some not so much.
I visited California for the first time.
I went to my first family reunion.
My little sister moved in with us to start on the road of the rest of her life and the first place she'll be "hanging her hat" at the end of the day will be with us in our little home. How wonderful.
I bought bare minerals for the second time and wondered why I ever went back to the other stuff.
I left my job and lost all of my free makeup, good pay, and medical benefits. I'll take having Sundays back to take the sacrament, hold my husband's hand, and spend evenings with family over makeup.
I have an interview with an LDS bookstore next week. Regardless if i get the job or not, it's nice to have a good interview and the knowledge that I'm interviewing for a job that I won't ever have to work on Sundays without a second thought of it.
I got to see my sister and brother-in- law this month. It's always nice to reunite with family who lives hours and hours away.
We're having a yummy BBQ this weekend to celebrate the August/September Birthdays and taking family pictures.
Next weekend I'll be in Boise for another Family reunion. Nathan and I are excited to spend time with some family that we haven't seen in a while. :)
I registered for classes for the fall. That's one step closer to finishing my Associates Degree. (I'm so close!)
Before I know it, I'll be 22 in 24 days. The craziest thing is that it feels like yesterday that Nathan and I were just 19/20 yrs. old attending BYUI, stopping at Snoasis Snowcone shack everyday in August before our summer evening classes. Now we're married!

Lots has happened and lots more is happening and even though my little clock in still frozen in time, life is still ticking away...Its a good thing i took my best friend on my life's journey to pass my life's time with.

Happy Summer. Enjoy the last month or two that's left of it. :)

Here's a little song I've loved for some time. This post reminds me of it.

There are six BILLION people in the world
More or less
and it makes me feel quite small
But you're the one I love the most of all

[INTERLUDE]
We're high on the wire
With the world in our sight
And I'll never tire,
Of the love that you give me every night

2009-05-19T21:15:00.001-07:00

DECORATING ON A DIME:
There's only so much you can do to decorate an apartment to feel like home and I think little by little the cozy feeling is sinking in. When we have a house I want to be all about it feeling "home-y" a and welcoming. I love rich and warm colors. Reds, black, browns, tans, and white are my favorite colors for a home. Cinnamon, fresh bread, apples, anything lemon or citrus scented are my favorite smells. I hope to always include thse factors in my home.
Every now and then I like to add a few things "cozy"up the place. I'm missing some candles I got at Bath and Body Works but below are a few of my recent additions.

baskets for incomging/outgoing mail & other important papers- $7 @ Walgreens.
Pretty lamp- compliments of my mother. $0 AMAZING Quote on Eternal Marriage Printed from home printer- $0 Frame- $5 (on sale @ target a while ago)

vinyl lettering- $8.99 @ a craft store (clearance)

-"grow old along with me; the best is yet to be..."

* NOTE: I do not claim to be a savvy shopper/ penny-pincher, but I hate spending more on something when I know I can get it cheaper somewhere else. One day I'll be really good at saving money in every single way haha...

What do you do to cozy up your home/ apartment? What are your favorite scents in a home?

2009-04-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

This last weekend Nathan and I celebrated our 1st anniversary. It was about time! I felt like the one year mark took F O R E V E R. Does it feel like that for anyone else or does it seem like it flew by?

I really love to cook and since our anniversary was on Sunday, this was a perfect opportunity to make something instead of go out to eat. Plus, not to toot my own horn, but Nathan prefers my cooking over going out to eat. So dinner at home it was!

I wanted to go out with a big band and make something incredible, make a menu, have fancy-schmancy music playing in the background, etc. but I wasn't feeling very well that evening and so we decided to just go with the flow of everything. It all turned out well and we had such a good time talking and eating and relaxing. I made rosemary and garlic roasted red potatoes, sauted sugar snap peas, and lemon butter and rosemary chicken. I tried out this recipe for a lemon cream sauce that would be good for the chicken but it was a little to sour for me. I'll have to try my own version of it another time.
Oh and BTW- I picked up something to drink for this dinner while I was at Target last week and it was so good!! It was a blood orange italian soda ( you can see the bottle below) from A--- Farms. (I cant remember the first word!!) Its a Target brand. You must try it. It was less than $2 for that big bottle. There are different flavors too if you're not much of an orange raspberry fan.
All in all, it was such a good night to spend together.

Then yesterday we drove almost 3 hours to the University of Idaho. Why? Because Frank Warren was hosting a Postsecret event!!!! I have been a huge fan of Postsecret since the beginning. I found out that he was coming and got so excited but kind of forgot about it because I didnt't know if it would work out with what I had going on at work. Nathan remembered as it got closer and surprised me with getting time off from work. So I took a mini vacation from work so we could enjoy our anniversary since we never got to go on a honeymoon, we wanted to really enjoy ourselves on our anniversary.

The trip there was sooooooooo boring so i pulled out my camera and got picture crazy. I told Nathan to smile and he kept making silly gestures with his mouth. Silly boy!

This is what we stared at for almost 3 hours. We were so happy when we would pass by a tree or a house or a small town! It's a good thing we had Nathan's Nintendo DS to keep up occupied or I would have died from boredom!

Every photoshoot need a "silly face" shot.

When we got there we had a little over an hour until the doors opened to be seated. We didnt want to cut it too close if we went to a sit down place to eat so we saw this little shack called Patty's Kitchen. I was cute and it looked like a "poppin' '" place with the locals around, so Nathan and I stopped by. Wow....this "kitchen" took 40 minutes to get us our food. We ordered it and paid up front and the guy took our name. It LOOKED like a fast place to get something by the way you order and the items you could get. We were so wrong. After waiting a half hour we got it to-go so that we could scarf whatever we could stuff in our mouths in 2 minutes and then we would eat the rest later. ten minutes later we got our food.

This is what I waited 45 + minutes for.... a disgusting taco salad. DISGUSTING. It even looks gross doesn't it?

We finally made it 15 minutes before it started and still managed to get good seats. It was an amazing heart-felt experience to be there.( Except it was so HOT in there! Where's the ventilations with 500 people in one room??) Frank spoke,people got up and shared their own secrets. Some were hilarious and some were so sad. Frank showed us postcards that didnt get published in the new book, showed us some neat videos, and shared his own secret. I think I laughed and cried more than any other time in 2 hours. Affterwards he had a book signing. I had Nathan run to the line since it was on the other side of where we were.

He autographed one of my books (AAHHHH!!! how cool?!) and I asked him if we could take a picture with him. Naturally, he said yes ( he is such a NICE person.) and so there it is. I didn't care if i had been in a car all day or if my face had melted off from the heat in that building. This was a once in a lifetime chance.I'm so glad I have this picture. This man is so inspirational. I hope one day I can do something as moving aswhat he has created.

I'm so happy to have shared a year with Nathan and look forward to what this next year has to offer. :) We'll see!

2009-04-02T23:06:00.001-07:00

this video gives me comfort. I love visiting blogs and websites and seeing all of the crafty things that other women create. I want to have the time and resources to showcase all of the creations and ideas i have stored away in my head. I see all of the young children, the babies being born, and pictures of delicious recipes. I have so many ideas for home decor all while I am in an apartment. I just want to jump on the first train to Mother/home-makerville, but I know my turn will come. In the meantime, I can still create wonderful things and share my talents with those around me.
What an inspiring video. It excites me for General Conference.

"remember you are spirit daughters of the most creative being in the universe. Isnt it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate god? "

2009-03-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

2009-03-10T02:57:00.000-07:00

I've been needing some time away from work since the holiday madness started back in November. As soon as I got the green light to request my vacation days I started thinking of all the wonderful things I could do with some time away from work and make up. It's true, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. What girl doesn't like lipgloss and mascara? Me.
The moment I realized I was starting to hate cosmetics and dreaded putting it on myself, was the moment I realized it was time to take a break.
Every relationship needs a break when it starts to turn sour and I consider 35+ hrs a week spent with eyeshadows, matching lipsticks, washing brushes , shaping the "perfect" brow, a very serious relationship. What better way to take a break from this "relationship" than to spend a few days in Seattle with Nathan, LuLu , and my mama?

Today will be filled with cleaning, packing, getting car drive treats, and a very special trip to Walmart to pick up the perfect 2 1/2 hour long drive-are we there yet?- i gotta pee- my ears are popping remedy, Kelly Clarkson.

her album is out today and Nathan and I couldnt be more happier with the timing!

Here are a just a few of the things on the agenda:

Don't mind me, I'll just be in heaven the next few days...

2009-02-08T00:44:00.000-08:00

I have the next two days off . I anticipate these days like a kid on Christmas Eve eagerly waits for the morning to come.

A couple of things on my list o' thing to do:

1. Clean up because our place looks like one of these passed through-

2. Go on a date with my bestest friend and movie guru, Nathan and watch this movie-

3. Pay these before they pile up-

4. and get plenty of this, with my favorite snuggle buddy-

2009-01-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

(warning: this post probably contains a lot of type-o's. I'm too lazy to go through it.)

If you know me well, you know that I have a tendancy of losing/missplacing/forgetting things...a lot. Usually, when I lose something I hardly ever get sad or upset. When something has been stolen from me, I forget about it rather quickly and in fact, I don't really care as much as I should.

Here a SMALL list of the things that have been stolen from me in the past that I should have freaked out about but didn't really care as much as I should have:

* about $300.00 from my wallet in beauty school
* Puma & Dr. Martins shoes from a locker room (my favorite shoes)
* i pod nano (eventually was returned to me)
* a pair of really nice Guess jeans retailed over $100
* make up, perfume, clothing, money, from a roommate ( i didn't know which one did it and didnt have the time or desire to investigate it)

there is much more but you get the picture. Basically, I just don't get attatched to material items or my belongings for some reason.

Why am I sharing this with you? Well, last night was the first time I ever freaked out or became emotional about losing something.

Here is my story. (below my beautiful, meaningful, precious wedding ring) It's long but worth it.

Yesterday I had to work and it was a Sunday. Usually, I am not in the happiest moods when I have to work those 2 Sundays a month. I was sad that it was a new year and I was stuck at work while my husband was alone at church. It's a family ward and everybody has their partner/parents/ SOMEBODY. So it always makes me a little sad when I know that I am working and not with him to enjoy churc. It was such a sloooooooooooow day in the Cosmetics department, in Macy's, and all over the mall. It's the day after all the holiday bliss or madness, in my case, is over with. Plenty of people were around, but it was obvious that all of the hoiday spending money was, well... spent. There were just a bunch of people walking around all day.

I needed to use the restroom around 5:00 pm because one- i had to go. and two- i needed to clean my wedding ring because i just got done matching this lady for foundation and when i was finished my ring was dirty.

Usually I will go right away but i kept getting this feeling to just wait. I have a really weak bladder (too much information?) and have to go right when i feel the need to.

It was odd because after i felt the impression to just wait, it wasn't until 6:40pm when the feeling to go again came back. I decided to go since the store would be closing in twenty minutes and there weren't any people in the store anymore.

So I went to the ladies room, took care of business, cleaned my ring, washed my hands and left.

Finally, I got to go home and was very excited to see Nathan! We were driving home when I reached in my bag to get something and looked at my hand. I gasped. My ring was not on my finger. My heart started beating and all i could think was "oh my gosh its gone!" I took a deep breath and called my co worker who was still closing and asked her to run to the restroom and look for it and i would meet her back at the store. We turned to car around and once we got to Macy's I dashed out of the car and ran...ok walked fast to the eployee entrance, keyed in my password and went inside. the store was already closed and so when I met up with my co worker, she told me she couldn't look because the automatic lights were off in the restroom and she couldn't see anything and so a manager was on the way. I dashed to the restroon turned my cellphone light on and looked where it left it. It was gone. just when i was about to lose it and burst into tears, I stopped my self. I said a prayer asking for my Heavenly Father to help me get my ring back. I told me this ring was so important to me and it meant so much to my life. Yes, it's just a piece of shiny (expensive) metal from this world, but it is something that my best friend, and eternal companion gifted to me as a token to be his forever. I needed it back.

I opened my eyes and walked out of the pitch black restroom. My eyes were filled tears and ready to burst when i was greated by another manager. She turned on the light and i told her i already looked where i left it but would looke again. It wasn't there.

She said she was really sorry and shrugged and walked away. As I walked away a huge feeling of doubt came over me. "This is Macy's!", I thought. " A department store filled with people coming in and out of public restrooms all night. Somebody found the ring and put it in her pocket! I better just give up get back home". I quckly realized this kind of attitude wouldn't help and so i took another deep breath, clenched my fists and started to think.... "What do I do? Where do I go? What would i do if I found a pretty ring?" " I WOULD RETURN IT!".

I kept telling my self as I walked down to gift wrap, " Have Hope. Have Hope. Have Hope..."
I finally got down there and asked a lady desperately, " Has anyone returned a ring, I left my wedding ring in the ladies restroom?". Her eyes widened and she said, " Actually, YES! Just a few minutes ago."
I couldn't believe it. One of the housekeeping employees went to clean up right after I left and saw it and returned it to gift wrap.
She said that the lady who returned it is a nice, older woman that worked at Macy's and gave me her name. I thanked them took the lady's name and went back to the car a very happy person.

If I would have went to the restroom the first time, it would have been almost 2 hours before closing when it was busy. I listened to the impression I had to wait just a little bit before the store closed. Because I waited, the only other person who came after me would be this nice woman to clean up the restroom before the store was closed for the night. My prayer was answered before I even prayed for the answer.

Have Hope and listen to promptings, even the smallest ones.

(If you read this whole story, wow. It was a long one, but worth it.)

2008-12-23T20:10:00.000-08:00

2008-12-22T04:31:00.000-08:00

it's five in the morning and i have to be at work in a little over an hour. I needed to do something to wake me up. enjoy!

my "if-i-had-a-thousand-dollars" Christmas list:

dear santa,

Escada ocean lounge ( i work next to the frangrance department... i love perfume.)

kenra platinum hair care collection. IT SMELLS LIKE HEAVEN!

who would have thought a bed frame would be a luxury item??

my life would be complete with this beauty. (in orange!)

oh the things I would create with my very own Cricut...

chinese laundry handbags in both colors please.

red is one of my favorite colors. and i do love those polka dots.

sincerly,

Paloma

2008-12-20T20:21:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow I am scheduled to work at 6:45am ( at least it's not 3-midnight). Its snowing outside. There is currently a storm watch and expected to be 8 inches of snow.

so here is a little equation:
(remember, math is NOT my forte so this could very well make no sense at all to all you math geeks- that's a compliment.)

a lot of snow + early morning + i don't do mornings very well + it's Sunday+ who buys make up at 6:45 in th morning?? (would this be a minus?) +nathan and I plan on being up late wrapping gifts, watching Seven Pounds, and eating our sorrows away from our hectic work schedule, and talking all night like 14 year old girls at a sleep over + chelsea lately re-runs+ did i mention i don't do mornings well( i consider 10am early)?= A fat chance of making it to work tomorrow.

...but still possible.

Any bets?

Oops.

2008-11-20T15:44:00.000-08:00

see more pwn and owned pictures

see more pwn and owned pictures

It's getting cold outside...

2008-11-18T21:16:00.000-08:00

In February 2004, as his wife Marjorie lay dying, [President Gordon B.] Hinckley's secretary called homeless advocate Pamela Atkinson to say the president "was very concerned with the very cold weather we were having." He wondered how they were managing and wanted to give some of his own money to Atkinson to help them, Atkinson said. "That was the third time Hinckley did this," she recalled. "Here's a man who is a leader of a worldwide church, his wife is not well, and he thinks about homeless people and how he can help. I was taken aback and in awe."

Happy Holidays. Stay warm and live in gratitude.

Seattle: Jason Mraz, Chowder, and the Best Memories made everytime.

2008-11-11T21:27:00.000-08:00

Last week Nathan and I made our way back to Seattle for yet another perfect getaway (minus the "occasional" disagreements due to lack of sleep the night before).

We stopped by my favorite spot to eat for lunch ( Pike's Place Chowder),

looked around the mall and drooled over the clothing and selection of stores compared to that of The Columbia Center Mall here in the good ol' Tri-cities (insert sarcasm).
Don't get me wrong, I loved growing up in a small town (kind of...) but anyone from the Columbia Basin knows that the Tri-cities is just a big brother of my hometown of Othello. Nothing too special but 100 times more of an upgrade.

Each time I visit Seattle it reminds me of bigger and brighter days ahead.(This is were I want to FINALLY start my Culinary Arts degree). Ok, back to the perfect day...

After walking around the mall and downtown Seattle, the chowder was long digested and it was time to eat again. We enjoyed some delicious food from The Cheesecake Factory. We went there last year (when I was proposed to!! oh la la!) and oddly enough got the same server. What are the odds? So after our faces were stuffed, we walked a few blocks to The Paramount to get the Party started!!

Can I just say that Jason Mraz is A MA Z I N G??!!! His performance was pefect. He is so good live!!! Nathan and I had so much fun. The concert was sold out so every single seat was filled. He got the crowd involved and 3 1/2 hours flew by!

(proof that he is one talented guy. here are some of my favorite parts of the conert)
1:50-2:19 is my favorite part. It's a song called Lucky. If you look up the lyrics you'll know why i was teary-eyed at that part of the concert. Seriously, look up the song/lyrics and it will probably become a favorite. :)

here, I made it easy. Just click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNjeB76AVwc

It never fails, Seattle always leaves a sweet feeling in my soul everytime I visit. I think maybe it's the fact that each time I've been there, it's been with my favorite person (that's you, Nathan).

TAG! ( and no, not that cheap men's body spray.)

2008-10-23T22:54:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by my lovely sister. Enjoy!

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:

1. It was around 5th grade and I was adjusting to no longer having my big sister in school with me until high school.
2. playing tetherball (sp?) every chance I got.
3. I was really addicted to those fake clue on nails. I felt older and more mature. A lot of my friends thought they were pretty cool. Silly fake nails...
4. Having a "huge crush" on this boy that I thought i was going to marry (I was 11). Now looking back, and seeing who that boy is now. I can't help but laugh at how embarrassing it was. haha!
5. Discovering the world wide web and all of its glory.

5 things on my to-do list today: (the day is pretty much over, so I'll list tomorrow)
1. grocery shopping
2. WORK
3. pay the cell phone bill on my lunch break
4. charge my phone. (this is my biggest problem. I always "forget" to charge my phone)
5. Go to High School Musical with Nathan and his little cousin, Emma. And YES, I am going against my own will.)

5 snacks I enjoy: ( ooh! my favorite)

Before I fill this part out, I'll have you know that I love snacks! I rarely eat meals. I just snack usually.
In no particular order...

1. Yogurt! yum yum yum.
2. lemon berry cream slush - from Sonic/ popsicles/italian sodas (rasberry, cherry, passion fruit)
3. Hidden Valley's Ranch Dip powder packet mixed with sour cream eaten with carrots & croutons.
4. tapioca pudding
5. barnes & noble soup

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
Besides the OBVIOUS- spend it, save it, pay off debt, etc. etc. and since I would be a millionaire which would mean more than 1 million dollars in my name I would do that following:

1. Go on a public bus and give away a bunch of keys to passengers with a $1,000 gas card and tell them to go pick up their free cars from the dealership i bought the cars from.

2. Build an apartment complex for single moms/dads with kids and not charge rent (they would only have to pay utilites) with free on site daycare provided while they are at work/school.

3. buy my dad an AMAZING million dollar RV to travel all around the states with.

4. have Michael Buble give Nathan & me a personal concert while eating dinner prepared by Paula Dean.

5. start a skin care line.

5 places I have lived:
1. Mission, Texas
2. Moses Lake, Washington
3. Rexburg, Idaho
4.Pasco, Washington
5. Good ol' Othello, Washington

5 jobs I have had:
1. Cherry sorting ( worst job ever! I will never, ever forget this job. starting at 5:30-6:00am it was 7 hours of standing while staring at cherriers on a conveyer belt!!! Need I say more? )
2. Nanny
3. Taco Time
4. I HOP
5. Office clerk in a preschool ( one of my favorite jobs!)

5 people I tag:
1. Amanda Boyce
2. Melissa Hahn
3. Sarah
4. Chelsea
5. Danyelle

P.S.- I ordered my gratis so all of you that asked for some make up/commented in my previous post expect your goodies in the next week or two. EMAIL ME YOUR HOME ADDRESS ( dovedavis@q.com).

FREE MAKEUP!!

2008-10-15T23:06:00.000-07:00

Alright, so here's the deal: I just received my gratis (aka code for free stuff ) from benefit Cosmetics. Basically what this means is: every couple months I get $300 from benefitcosmetics.com in free products minus a couple exclusions. Well, the only problem is that I am pretty much set for life with their makeup. I have it all and if i need more i just get it for free from my counter.

So why am I blogging about this?? Because I have decided to share the wealth! The 1st 4 girls to post a comment with any* 4 products they want (go on the website and have fun looking!) I will mail to them within the next few weeks TOTALLY and 100% FREE.

Ready, Set, GO!! - http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/

* Excludes:

BADgal Plum

best of benefit:beauty uppers

b spot gift set (you can get the perfume though, just not the boxed holiday set)

24K sexy gold set

(P.S. sorry Monica, I still have the rest of your make up goodies in my bedroom and will try to send you your stuff this week! So this little post doesn't apply to you since I got you all of the stuff on your list.)

The Calling of All Callings.

2008-10-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

While everyone around me is having children, I'll be the one watching them every Sunday...

It seems like almost everyone aka every girl (unless you're that pregnant"man" that was on Oprah) is getting pregnant around me (you lucky ladies!), that it's only natural to want to join in on the fun. Too bad I know that it is best to wait until : one- I get back to my goal weight, and two- I 've been with Benefit Cosmetics for at least a year. (this will ensure a promotion from my current position) those two should be accomplished around the same time(next Summer). We'll see...

So since Lord knows I've wanted to be a mother since I found out I had ovaries, I think I was given this calling to suppress my need for children. So what calling was I given exactly???

I'm in the nursery!!!

that's right. the nursery. Two hours every other Sunday ( I work 2 Sundays a month) I will be in a room filled with 15+ toddlers. Sacrament meeting and then little ones for the rest of the day!

(my ADORABLE nephew, Trenton-sucking his botttom lip- that will be with me in the nursery)

Most people would cringe at the thought of that many kids, but not me. I actually want to have my own daycare once Nathan and I own a home. What better way for me to prepare for a future daycare than to be in the nursery?

When I was asked if I wanted this calling I had the knowledge that not many women are anxious to have this calling. I don't blame them lol. But I am really greatful for this chance to be with children, because after all I still consider my selft one. Seriously, i have the attention span of a 3 year old. Ask Nathan if you dont believe me. Oh, and speaking of Nathan, he was called to be a Sunday School teacher for the 14-15 year olds. I think this couldn't have been a better calling for him as well.

I can't wait to go to church next Sunday!!

Refreshed and Ready...

2008-10-02T02:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a Counter Manager Meeting/ Training all day in Spokane. It was from 9:30 am to 5:00pm so I thought it was going to DRAG! Surprisingly it went really well. I had so much fun and it pumped me up and motivated me to be successful in my job.

This training made me realize how much I really enjoy my job. I am so glad that I am in a line of make up that is not so stressful and superficial. I am glad I have a job i love and that i can see my self doing for a long time with many, many opportunities to move up. Plus, the free make up is always a good thing!! I am pretty much set for life with all of the make up goodies i get. :)

I think the reason i am blogging about this is because I can remind myself that there is nowhere but up from here for me. My fastfood days are over!! That alone is something to be stoked about!! Any one want a fun make up lesson? Just give me a call!

OH! I also got to eat at Chili's for the 1st time. It was so yummy!

AND 4 WEEKS UNTIL SEATTLE & JASON MRAZ!!!!!!

Another Month...

2008-09-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

I could have blogged about many things in the last month like...

-my wonderful birthday. I got to spend a fun filled day with family.

- funny stories from work.

-how my brother, sister-in- law, and adorable little nephew now live like 5 minutes away from us instead of over an hour and a half away. We have been visiting them often and having a lot of fun together.

- i finally got my wedding rings sautered together after almost 6 months of marriage. It looks very pretty!

-We got a really nice, pretty couch thats from IKEA from craigslist for only $50!

-or how we finally cleaned up our spare bedroom that we used as a storage room but it looked more like "Ms. Michicks house" (OHS students/ Othello residents will know exactly what i mean). I would have included pictures but i would have been too embarrased.

- how ridiculously expensive grocercy shopping is getting!! i feel like an old lady clipping coupons and handing them to the cashier to save 25 cents on something, but hey it ends up saving a few bucks that will pay for the tip at a nice restaurant every now and then!

But instead of telling you all about those exciting things, I will fill out this little questionairre for you all to enjoy.

I Got Tagged!

Here are the rules: Write six things about yourself that nobody knows or that is unique to you.

1. I have had this recurring dream for years (as long as I remember), and it always happens about twice a month.

I have a normal dream but in the dream my teeth are all really loose and if I put my teeth together they will fall out, so throughout this entire dream I try my best not to let my top and bottom teeth touch. Eventually they do and a weird cracking/crunching sound happens and about half of my teeth fall out. Usually shortly after this happens in my dream I wake up for the day. I have never had a problem with grinding my teeth at night so I have absolutely no idea why this happens. Yea, WEIRD, I know!!

2. When I am really bored while on either a long trip, when i can't sleep, when i dont have something to do at work, or when i a teacher lectures, I think of different things i would do with 350 million dollars. haha. I seriously don't know where that exact amount came from but it always seems to cure my boredom. So next time i look really bored and your sitting next to me, chances are I'm probably thinking of ways to spend/invest that $350 million dollars.

3. I ALWAYS hold on to the side railing of stairs.

I am scared to death of falling down them. One time when i was like 7 i fell down the stairs at a Great Aunt's house in texas, then when i was around 13 yrs old i slipped backwards from the 4th step of stairs. I hate stairs and always go go down them very slowly. Too bad I live on the second floor and have to use stairs every single day.

4. I waited 6 years to kiss the boy I wanted to have my first kiss with since my freshman year in highschool. I had different opportunities through those years but just before it happened i backed out. I wanted no one but him to be my first kiss.
P.S.- It happened, and I am happily married to him.

5. I've searched the web to find unknown musicians since i was old enough to get the internet.

I listen to so many different music artists that by the time they go mainstream (if they do) I've listened to their music for a couple of years and listening to them on the radio as a "Hot New Artist "with a "Brand New" single makes me cringe.

Example: Jack Johnson and John Mayer go back about 10 years with me. I never thought they would make it mainstream after two or three years of listening to their music back when I was in 6th grade. Then my freshman year in high school they became the "Hot, New" artists out. I heard their songs on the radio and flipped out from surprise! From then on I realized just how long it does take to get recognized in the music industry.

6. I doodle on everything!! I CAN NOT have a writing utensil in my hand because whatever is closest to me i will start to draw on. i doodled more in school than i did taking notes. I star off with a little swirl or a flower...then before i know it, my whole page is covered in little drawings, signatures, shapes, words, whatever.

...and that's it! I hope you got to know me a little better. :) until next time!

I love August.

2008-08-21T22:51:00.000-07:00

My favorite time of the year is Fall but late summer is a close second. I love the month of August and it's kind of ironic how that is also the same month as my birthday! (August 28th to be exact).

I'm excited for my birthday because i will be another year older (21) and I always look forward to that. I think I especially Like the fact of getting older because I am the second youngest employee in Cosmetics by like 4 years and for sure the youngest of all of the Counter Managers in Macy's. So it will be nice to say that I am 21 next weekend!

Speaking of Birthdays...I am so excited because I already have a big part of Nathan's birthday "present" out of the way. We've wanted to go to a concert for the longest time and so earlier this year I began looking at upcoming concerts. I really wanted one near his birthday and finally in June Jason Mraz had his concerts dates up. It was so awesome because one of his concerts is the weekend after his birthday in November so I had been waiting patiently all summer long for the tickets to go on sale and they finally did yesterday! I was so excited i couldn't contain myselft!

If anyone knows me well, they know that I CAN NOT keep my surprises from people. It's almost impossible. So of course I told Nathan the same night i got the tickets ha ha! So that is something we are totally loking forward to this winter. We both love Jason Mraz and his music is amazing. So the countdown begins until November 10th!

Well, tomorrow is the start of "back to school" sales so I need my rest to prepare for the "doorbusters". You know what's funny? I always thought "door busters" was just a cool catchy way of letting you know that the sale is so good people are just "busting down the doors" to get to the sales metaphorically speaking. Well, guess what. They aren't metaphorically speaking. There really are tons of people lined up at the door before they open to get to "THE SALE" with coupons in their hands. They get pretty crazy. Who would have that shopping was such a competitive sport?

here is a real example below:

I always picture those ladies in front of the toy stores before Christmas to get that one toy every kid "needs". It's crazy because it's not just in the movies. It is a total complete reality. Oh how i can't wait until Christmas time at the Mall... (note the sarcasm)

Putting of homework...

2008-08-07T23:25:00.000-07:00

WHO EVER THIS APPLIES TO: do it! I want to read some other answers! :)

All About The Boy

1. What is his name? Nathan Victor Davis

2. Who eats more? He does for sure! Although, I eat more sweets haha.

3. Who said, "I love you" first? I did, but in my mind I meant it as I'm IN LOVE with you when I did it and he just assumed it was the "friendly" I love you. if that makes any sense at all?? Long story...

4. Who is taller? Him by far!

5. Who is smarter? I am, of course.

6. Who is more sensitive? sensitive to feelings- It's about the same. sensitve in general- I'm a GIRL, what do you think?

7. Who does the laundry? Usually he does ha ha! but I am so greatful for that.

8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me

9. Who pays the bills? Both of us pay for the bills, but I usually take care of making sure they get paid each month since the important ones (rent, internet, etc..) are in my name.

10. Who cooks more? I am usaually the one who cooks. He'll mke us mac' & cheese sometimes though.

11. Who is more stubborn? Definitely him. I give in to easily.

12. Who is the first to admit they are wrong? depends on the situation

13. Who has more siblings? I beat him by one.

14. Who wears the pants in the relationship? he wears the pants but I control the zipper! ok..that could be taken very, very naughty...but i just had to say it.

15. What do you like to do together? watch movies, have him massage my feet, laugh together, and just talk to each other. Seriously, we could talk for hours about anything!!
16. Who eats more sweets? definitely me!

17. Guilty Pleasures? probably splurging on a nice restaurant

8. How did you meet? my sister introduced me to him at a tennis match when i was in jr. high

19. Who asked whom out first? We never really has an OFFICIAL first date, but he always asked me to be his date to places and asked me to be his girlfriend.

20. Who kissed who first? He kissed me. oooooh! GOOD MEMORIES.

21. Who proposed? he did, of course!! I would never propose to a guy!

22. His best features and qualities? he has such beautiful eyes, his laugh, his booty, and his lips! I love how kind he is and his sense of humor is the best in the whole world!

23. Tag you’re it. Who do you tag?
I tag anyone who wants to fill this survey out!

i love jokes.

2008-07-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

Charles Dickens walks into a bar and the bartender asks, " Olive or Twist?"

heeheehee.

The Grapefruit Syndrome.

2008-07-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

i just LOVE this story.

I hope this enlightens some of my married friends who read my blog. :)

Lola B. Walters, “The Grapefruit Syndrome,” Ensign, Apr 1993, 13

As a young wife, I learned that the taste of marriage could be sweeter if I didn’t focus on my husband’s faults.

My husband and I had been married about two years—just long enough for me to realize that he was a normal man rather than a knight on a white charger—when I read a magazine article recommending that married couples schedule regular talks to discuss, truthfully and candidly, the habits or mannerisms they find annoying in each other. The theory was that if the partners knew of such annoyances, they could correct them before resentful feelings developed.

It made sense to me. I talked with my husband about the idea. After some hesitation, he agreed to give it a try.

As I recall, we were to name five things we found annoying, and I started off. After more than fifty years, I remember only my first complaint: grapefruit. I told him that I didn’t like the way he ate grapefruit. He peeled it and ate it like an orange! Nobody else I knew ate grapefruit like that. Could a girl be expected to spend a lifetime, and even eternity, watching her husband eat grapefruit like an orange? Although I have forgotten them, I’m sure the rest of my complaints were similar.

After I finished, it was his turn to tell the things he disliked about me. Though it has been more than half a century, I still carry a mental image of my husband’s handsome young face as he gathered his brows together in a thoughtful, puzzled frown and then looked at me with his large blue-gray eyes and said, “Well, to tell the truth, I can’t think of anything I don’t like about you, Honey.”

Gasp.

I quickly turned my back, because I didn’t know how to explain the tears that had filled my eyes and were running down my face. I had found fault with him over such trivial things as the way he ate grapefruit, while he hadn’t even noticed any of my peculiar and no doubt annoying ways.

I wish I could say that this experience completely cured me of fault finding. It didn’t. But it did make me aware early in my marriage that husbands and wives need to keep in perspective, and usually ignore, the small differences in their habits and personalities. Whenever I hear of married couples being incompatible, I always wonder if they are suffering from what I now call the Grapefruit Syndrome.

(Lola B. Walters is a member of the Rexburg Tenth Ward, Rexburg Idaho East Stake.)

Gimme!! Gimme!!

2008-07-23T02:05:00.000-07:00

So I'm going to try this thing...

ok, so i came across this awesome site. I have ALWAYS been interested in doing something like this and am glad someone came up with this idea.

Basically, I will swap my USA/ Washington "goodies" with somebody from another coutnry. How cool is that?? All i have to do is make this post on my blog and wait for a response from someone in this world. NEAT HUH! If you're curious about this click on the link above.

I LOVE sweets, candy, chocolate, anything with sugar... So I would love to try all of the different sweets from the world. Anywhere!!

Things I can send:

make up
random food items (spices, cake mixes, whatever)
fabric
ribbon
candies
books
music
jewelry
magazines
etc...

I know this takes a little while to get going so later on I will for sure post something when there is an update about this! :)

I think I'm becoming an old woman...

2008-07-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

I'm only 20 years old but lately I've been feeling like an older woman surprised at the behavior of some kids.

Maybe It's working 6 days a week in a mall and seeing bratty kids, tweens, and teens all around me, that has caused be to become very irrated with the upcoming generation of kids. Or maybe my mother did a really good job of rasing me. Remember when you would get excited for a 50 cent candy bar at the store, or if you sassed one your parents, you made a run for your bedroom because you knew what was coming. Well not anymore. Kids everywhere around me are the bosses. They tell their moms what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Here are my top 3 stories of the week. Enjoy:
#1
A couple days ago i was doing a make up consultation with a mother and daughter. The mom was getting her daughter, which we'll call BRATtney, make up for back to school. She was starting high school. Well, Brattney decided she needed everything at my counter! As she was pointing to everything, she gave her mom this "death-stare" and after a couple uneasy awkard seconds, her mom simply nodded ok. I just smiled to be polite and because it was helping my sales goal but frowned on the inside. So as I gathered everything she wanted, which by the way, she didnt even need some of the stuff for her 14 year old complextion, BUT the packaging was "CUTE" so she had to have it. So I gathered the stuff and rang up the total. Prepare yourselves.... the total came to $565!!!(Thats almost a month's rent for me!) None of our products are more than $32 dollars so she obviously went to town at my counter. The mom sighed and handed me her credit card. She picked up her twenty shopping bags because the daughter walked off expecting her mom to carry them all i guess.
As the mom was leaving, she shouted to her daughter " Are we done yet, honey?" and you know what the daughter said? " H*ll no! Beotch! I need more! heeehee hee!"
wow. IT IS NOT OK TO ACT LIKE THIS.

(I wonder if I'll get fired for sharing this online? Well... hopefully my manager never reads this.)

#2
These two girl that look about 11-13 yr old ( or really, really short 25 year olds with no boobs, high pitched voices,and no other womanly features) are walking in front of me as i am coming back from a lunch break. Both are wearing heels, mini skirts, tank tops, one has a coach bag, and the other a clutch, and they are both wearing WAY TOO MUCH make up.. One is texting on her phone while the other one is complaining how her mom is late to pick them up and they are going to be late to a friends birthday party or something like that. The other rambles on about some boy that she likes that is going to be in 8th grade and she is so excited to be in 7th grade next month and goes on about how She hopes she doesnt get fatter before school with the orange julius she drank (she looked like she was 80 lbs.). The phone rings *hannah montana song plays (of course)* and this is what i hear- " Oh my gosh mom, I'm going to kill you! where are you now? *mom says something* no you stupid dork! we arent outside waiting."

#3
I hear these dumb songs as i pass by Limited too, a clothing store for young girls.

I hate kidzbop. These songs aren't even relavant (sp?) AT ALL to these 6-12 year olds.

Thank you mom for being a MOM. And thank you other moms for doing your job. As for the other ones... ENOUGH!!

A to Z.

2008-07-08T22:06:00.000-07:00

A = ADVOCATE FOR: children
B = BEST FEATURE: i would have to say my straight, white teeth. Thank you Crest White Strips! (my best feature used to be my long, black hair but a trip to the salon and 14 inches of hair on the floor later, now its short)
C = COULDN'T DO WITHOUT: Nathan, family, and mascara/eyeliner,
D = DREAMS AND DESIRES: to have a flat tummy one day (which means a few hundred...thousand hours on the treadmill) and to open up a restaurant
E= ESSENTIAL ITEM: memory foam haha
F= FAVORITE PAST TIME: listening to music
G= GOOD AT: Cooking, keeping secrets, coming up with creative ideas
H = HAVE NEVER TRIED: Lobster- I really want to try it!
I = IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS: pay off school loans, debts, any debts my family has, buy a house, open up a restaurant, buy my dad an awesome RV, and take all of my close friends & nathan and me on a cruise. I think that would use up all of the money.
J = JUNKIE FOR: anything sweet, the internet, new products out in the store, barnes & noble soups.
K = KINDRED SPIRIT: my sweet husband.
L = LITTLE KNOWN FACT: big loud trucks that crank their engines as they pass by make my FURIOUS.
M = MEMORABLE MOMENT: summer of '06 in Rexburg, Idaho.
N = NEVER AGAIN WILL I: work fastfood!
O = OCCASIONAL INDULGENCE: something with a lot of chocolate in it. (unfortunately, too much chocolate makes me really sick)
Q = QUOTE: "I love you not only for who you are, but also for who i am when i am with you."
R = REASON TO SMILE: Family, eternal marriage, Lindor truffles, popsicles, friends, having a fan on a hot night.
S = SORRY ABOUT: never getting enough sleep, and pushing your energy to the limit. (to my body)
T = TAG SOME FRIENDS: EVERYONE that read this! I want to know more about you!
U = UNINTERESTED IN: taking out the garbage.
V = VERY SCARED OF: going down/up stairs!! (how embarraging i know!)
W = WORST HABIT: going to sleep without washing off my make up or sleeping in my contacts for months.
X = X MARKS MY IDEAL VACATION SPOT: New York for New Years, a beach, or anywhere in Europe
Y = YESTERYEAR DECADE OF CHOICE: the 60's
Z = ZODIAC SIGN: Virgo

lazy summer days

2008-06-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

These last two days have been blissful for me! I worked the last seven days straight and it just wore me out. I thank the Lord for days off!! :)

I've spent my days of sleeping in, watching movies, and enjoying time with my man. He was gone for a couple days for the Davis reunion, which I had to miss out on b/c of work. The job is awesome but i am so limited on taking time off the first few months.

Now that i have to go back to work tomorrow, I'm realizing i should have done a little more cleaning and a little less laying around...oh well.

Sometimes i wish i could just wake up and not have to worry about putting on make up, doing my hair, and wearing "fancy pants"(haha). It's fun being a girl, but when I see Nathan getting ready, every now and then i wish i could just wash my face, put on some hair serum, brush my teeth, and go out the door. Boys... those lucky ducks.

I'm looking forward to July because my sister, Monica comes for a while!! I haven't seen her since Christmas ( I think?) and that is way too long for me! All of us sisters always have fun when we get together. It can turn into complete and utter chaos sometimes... I can't wait!!!!!

I'm sure those of you with sisters know EXACTLY what I'm talking about...

Just for the "Heel" of it.

2008-06-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

In celebration of me landing this awesome management position, I treated my self to a couple pairs of heels. I convinced myself that it would be ok to get them since i did need them for work. I have black shoes but they are mostly the cute black ballet flat kind.
I got a pair (the ones on the right) that i never imagined myself wearing. You know, the ones that are long and pointy and your shoes are border line "elf" shoes?

Well the ones I got weren't as pointy as the ones I've seen before so i bought them. They look great! I love that you can wear them with dress pants, jeans, a dress or pretty much any outfit. Talk about getting your "Bang for the buck! "Haha. i just like saying that phrase.

So if you are in the neighborhood and stop by the mall, come to Macy's and my makeup artist or I will hook you up with some awesome Benefit makeup!

The Bishopric is coming in a few hours (New Callings?) and I need to do some major housekeeping. One day I'll hire a maid...

Thanks Whitney!

2008-06-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you guys, but i think I'd make a pretty fun blonde! This was so much fun to do!!! I don't plan on cutting or coloring my hair anytime soon, since i just recently cut it 14 inches. I want to grow all of my natural black hair back which should be back by next christmas.
...and by the way, these pics totally motivated me to keep on going with getting in shape. I just need to hit the gym more often.
http://www.hairmixer.com/
Have fun playing if you have a little extra time!

kung-fu & a first anniversary.

2008-06-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

Last night Nathan and I celebrated our 1st anniversary. I know, we've only been married about 2 months (it feels much longer), but this weekend last year Nathan gave me my first kiss and offically became my boyfriend. Awh how cute!! It's funny to think about. It seems like so long ago that we were just friends. Yet at that time, it seemed like we were just friends for so long! It's interesting too, because for quite a while neither of us dated anyone because we spent too much time together. In BYU-Idaho it's rare to be surrounded by so many guys and girls and not have some one that you interested in. I just hit it off wit Nathan thatI never really felt that need to be on the "look-out" for someone.

Of course, like any girl, I felt that void when i saw couples EVERYWHERE. (If you lived in Rexbrug, you know exactly what i mean!) I wanted to have a companion so bad, but not just any companion. I wanted Nathan.

I somehow pulled off patiently waiting for the time to come and it did! I don't know where all of that hope and patience came from but I'm glad I stuck around and let things go at the Lords timing. Because I waited, I have been so blessed with such a fun marriage. I don't think a day goes by that Nathan and I dont laugh. When one of us gets upset, in the middle of the situation one of us will just say some hilarious remark and I just start laughing and then he laughs because i laughed and we forget about the whole situation! ok enough about how "awesome" we are, sheeesh! Trust me, we have our moments... but at the end of the day, we both fall asleep with smiles.

So anyways, for our very 1st anniversary we went to eat at Famous Dave's, Nathan's new job. It was yummy! BBQ! Then we went to see Kung-Fu Panda with Jack Black's voice as Po, the Panda. We loved it! It was not worth an Oscar nomination but still a super cute animation. I absolutely loved the moral of the story. It was espeically funny to us because our pet name for each other is Panda Bear. Trust me, we use this pet name totally joking because we think pet names are so embarrassing.

Oh, speaking of embarrasing and anniversaries. I have to bring something to anyone's attention:

When you are dating someone for less than a year, I'm sorry, but you can't have an anniversary.

An ANNiversary is ANNual as in once a year. That means someone should have their 1st anniversary on what some one else would be celebrating their 12th? It doesn't make sense.

Great job for making it work and holding strong for two months, but thats not an anniversary.

Woot! Woot!

2008-06-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

I wasn't supposed to hear back from The Group Sales Manager of Macy's Cosmetics for the Counter Manager position until next week but the two ladies that interviewed me called me back yesterday and said my interview went really well and they want me to come in for a second interview!!! Wow! This is so exciting.

God willing, I get the position. This job would really be great for Nathan and me. This position is a salary based job plus comission. Benefits are included, paid vacation, and time off paid too.
Nathan and I are trying our best to get a majority of our school loans & other debts out of the way by the end of this year and so having this job would be a blessing.

We'll see!!!! I just need to wow them one more time!

Interview and a Makeup Review

2008-06-03T23:49:00.000-07:00

Wish me luck! I got a call yesterday for an interview tomorrow @ 3:00 pm for Benefit Cosmetics at Macy's.I t's the manager's position. This is my all time favorite makeup line and I would love to to have this full-time job!

" That Gal" Face Primer- My FAVORITE Benefit Item.

"Go from dull to darling with "that gal." It's a silky pink primer that makes skin appear smoother & brighter."

http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/ - check it out if you've never heard of it.

I recommend their blushes &bronzers to EVERYONE! (well, every girl...)

i cried in public today...at the gas station.

2008-06-02T23:10:00.000-07:00

UGH.

I'm a plant murderer.

2008-05-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

One day at Yoke's Fresh market last fall I decided I knew how to take care of plants. (Big mistake.) So I bought one of those pretty little green plants (see picture). See! I don't even know what the heck my plant is! Anyways, I have had this little guy for almost a YEAR! It has grown only about an inch. Why? Probably because I remember to water it just before it dies, never changed its pot into a bigger one, and hardly ever open the blinds to give it sunlight.

I keep lying to myself that i can take care of plants. Maybe i just don't want to let go of this plant because it symbolizes something. I figure, if i can keep this plant alive, maybe there is hope in my future.

You see, I have always marveled at beautiful lawns when i pass by houses. I see the woman out with her gardening tools planting a flower/weeding/ watering her plants. I'm afraid i will never be that woman. But what I am more afraid of is being the woman who owns the house with a brown yard. a yard consisting of dirt, weeds, dirt, and maybe a patch of grass. I really hope not! Wanna hear a story? - One time when i was like 16 i offered to pull the weeds infront of the house. A little later, one of my siblings came out and either laughed or gasped...probably both. Not only did i remove the weeds but also ALL of the flower bulbs!! everything! It was all gone...

I hope my husband has a green thumb. :(

(if you look in the left corner, this is the way my plant looks on a good day-watered, open blinds with sun light, and perky leaves....I haven't seen those days lately.)

Laugh Out Loud.

2008-05-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

These t-shirt sayings made me laugh.

If i was 14 I would totally buy these and wear them to school ! Enjoy!

tribute to loma...come back!

2008-05-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

yes it just happened for the first time. loma and i are seperated...only for tonight thankfully. she's super sick and just got picked up by her mom to go to the doctor's in othello. usually if she goes to othello for whatever reason, she finds a way to come back before the next day. not in this case though, it doesn't look like she'll be able to come back until tomorrow...this is kind of a big deal for me. i'm not used to being seperated from her for this long. i have things to occupy my time with today so i think i'll be able to manage until then.

as i was getting ready for the day, i was thinking about loma and why i love her so much. -i really don't care if this gets a little mushy, she's my wife. i'm supposed to love her.- i was remembering mostly all of the things we went through together once i graduated h.s....our h.s. friendship was fun but it lacked substance and a little bit of depth. it seemed that at the time when i started growing up and getting ready for college was when we started becoming inseperable. i don't think i've known anyone else who can endlessly show love the way she does. i remember for about 2 years prior to her coming to rexburg, we would talk on the phone every single day. i'm not kidding either. we have the bills to prove it. you'd think you'd get tired of someone by then and run out of things to talk about. not with her though. she's probably one of the best conversationalists that i know. but it wasn't just her being a good conversationalist. she was literally my counselor, entertainer, and tutor in every way for that time. then once she came, it was the same thing except in person and that's when things started to get surprisingly more complicated yet still a blast. and i think you all know what eventually happened...

i'm not really sure where i'm trying to go with this blog. it's hard for me to stay focused and on track. it's almost as if i'm giving her biography/eulogy. i guess what i'm trying to get at is that dangit, i miss my wife and don't want her to be sick anymore! i think i better go clean or something before i start turning into some sad, needy husband. i think sometimes the best remedy to feeling better is to just have your other half with you, even when they're way worse off than you are. and for me, my remedy is my loma...

WARNING: too much information ahead...

2008-05-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

A trash bag, the toilet, or a bucket have been my best friend these last 3 days...

finally this afternoon i was able to keep down some cereal and a carrot (random, I know. but those were the only two things didnt make me want to puke at the sight/smell of it). I've been waking up almost exactly every hour in the night to pee for the last week. I can't sleep right at night anymore, AND I am 2 days late for my -how do i put this delicately?- "monthly visit", and the pregancy tests i took came back negative so I made an appointment this friday with a GIRL doctor so I that can find out if all of these symptoms are adding up to there being a roast on slow-cook in me or just a really bad flu.

I was looking up some things about prenacy online a little bit ago and IF i am indeed expecting i should be 4 weeks along...Honeymoon baby?? oops.

All I have to say is I BETTER be pregnant or my body is just teasing and playing tricks on me!!

oh and by the way, Nathan and I saw Narnia opening night. No, not opening night as in the 7 o'clock showing on Friday. We saw the MIDNIGHT showing on thursday night...my husband is addicted to movies. (yea, we subscribe to Netflix too.)

It was a great movie. In my opinion, not as good as the first, but still a must-see. It's loaded with great messages and inspiring lines from the characters.

I want the stork to stop by our house...

2008-05-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

FYI: I want one of these. PLEASE!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children."

one more thing...

2008-05-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

These are our Salt & Pepper Shakers. They are called Huggie-Huggie & are imported all the way from Taiwan. Nathan & I picked these up in Seattle. We couldn't stop laughing at how cute they were!! ..well I couldn't stop laughing. People in the mall probably thought we were crazy. Aren't they adorable???

Over-eater's Anonymous...

2008-05-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

We have have an addiction...

No, not alcohol, dope, gambling, glue, whatever it is that people are addicted to these days. It's...FOOD.

Nathan and I love food. Mexican Food to be exact. Once upon a time, I realized this problem and did something about it. I stepped on the scale and decided then and there that the numbers were'nt gonna get any higher from that day forward. I worked-out, ate healthy, drank lots of water, etc... Then it happened. I relapsed. I don't even remember when it happened. All I remember is looking at the names of McDonald's, Arby's, Taco Bell, and Jack in The Box all over my Bank statements! ...and not to mention those cute outfits i once fit in "suddenly" not fitting anymore.

Well today is my declaration of Independence. NO MORE junk food!! ...after we make a quick stop to Junior's Tacos for dinner tonight.

(I swear, Nathan & I are going back to the gym tomorrow. No more of this lol.)

Give a holla to yo mama tomorrow!

2008-05-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

When you're a child she walks before you,To set an example.
When you're a teenager she walks behind youTo be there should you need her.
When you're an adult she walks beside youSo that as two friends you can enjoy life together...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my mama.

Thank you for giving me the gift of life. I love you.

From Nathan

2008-05-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

hey everybody! i thought i might let you all know what really goes on around here...i'm lucky i even have a chance to be on here. to be honest, loma's actually snoozin' like a baby. she's been sick for the past week, which seems longer to me, but i think/hope she'll start feeling better soon. i have, i mean she has been quite the trooper. ok enough with the jokes...we're both really doing fine.

loma did get most of it right though. she's always pretty good at expressing what i'm trying to say through simpler and more interesting ways. hmm...all i have to say is life is really really good right now. it's funny how you're happiness and perspective changes once you get married. it never made sense to me for the longest time why married couples were, for the most part, so dang happy. the trivial things that you worry about when you're single suddenly leave and the new worries are more important yet easier to deal with. it's nice to have someone that is there no matter what. it's such a relief to know that i always have a backup in ANYTHING.

some recent news: i just got hired at a new restaurant opening soon called Famous Dave's. i never heard of it before i applied but it looks like it'll be the new hotspot in Tri-Cities. i'm excited to get back into serving again. i worked at Applebee's for a year but quit this last January mainly because of school schedule conflicts. it's definately not the easiest way to earn money, in fact it's quite the opposite. but i figure that it can't be worse than what i've already had to do. what's good about this place is that it'll be new to everyone, not just me. i've worked at a lot of places where we were opening the place for the first time and i've always had good experiences with those. it'll be a fun place to work especially over the summer. i figure brand new restaurant+bbq-theme+summer=good business and better yet good $$ for me.

i also have been getting the final details taken care of for the Heritage University Social Work Program. i'll be meeting with the Program Director next week and i couldn't be any happier. i've spoken with him a few times already and he along with the other Heritage staff have been so easy-going yet anxious for the whole experience to start this Fall. i definately feel that they genuinely want me to be a part of their program. the official University is located in Toppenish but they have little programs so to speak all across WA. so starting this Fall my new schedule will be M-Th 5:30-8:30 pm. how convienant is that?! hopefully, that way i'll be able to have a decent, full-time job during the week, then have evening classes and the weekends off.

as you can see there's a lot for me, and of course loma, to look forward to this year. again, thanks to all of you who participated or simply just showed up to some part of the wedding. it was such an exciting and memorable day for us and we're glad we were able to share it with people we care about so much. loma's starting to wake up so i better go and pretend i was never on this...as if she wont eventually find out. thank you, we love you all, and we're glad to join the married couple blog club. until next time...

Good Eats!

2008-05-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

The kitchen is my favorite place in the apartment. I would rather be here than watching a movie in the living room, sleeping in the bedroom (even though this is a very close 2nd), or taking a bubble bath in the bathroom.
Cooking is theraputic for me.
Lately, I've been trying to master cooking and timing. I am very proud of my food but not too proud of how time consuming it can be. One of the few times the perfectionist comes out in me is when I am preparing meals. I just like to take my time and enjoy the experience... too bad Nathan isn't a big fan of that. These past few weeks though, I have stepped it up and made some major progress. Yay! When making really good dinners, I've gone from about 2 hours for dinner prep to about 1 hour. Not to bad at all huh??
...But for tonight, we'll have to settle with some Freschetta Frozen Pizza.
I'm still sick with the cold. :(

I heart Washington.

2008-04-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

There is something about the sunsets in Washington. I haven't been to many places in my lifetime, but nothing compares to the beautiful sunsets I've witnessed.

Nathan and I were coming back from Spokane earlier this week and i took a snapshot of the sun setting around 6. It was such a beautiful ride home. I think the trip was especially wonderful because the wedding chaos was officially over after returning the cupcake stand we used for our reception. We rented it from a little family-owned rental business. :)

We are still getting situated and making the apartment our home. I will for sure post some pictures of our gifts and the apartment soon. We FINALLY finished painting.

Well, the dishes are calling me name... Boo.