Teavana

Happy Friday to All! Wedding plans are starting to fall into place. There is definitely a lot more to do than I have ever thought of! Thanks to mom and Bob for helping me out! It saddens me that winter is on its way... my car was frozen this morning. Not going to lie--I am excited for next winter to see how it is not living in a blizzard for four months!!!! I am way too excited for the Packer/Viking game this weekend. It's going to be my first NFL game--GO PACK GO! Nate and I got to view our engagement pictures--it was so hard picking one for our save the dates! It's fun to look through them and know exactly what facial expression means on one another--even though others may not pick up on it. A little over seven months **sigh** I can't wait to start this next path in my life. Nate is chugging through school and doing great! Proud to say that we will be done with Winona in May! WOOT WOOT! Words cannot describe! It's funny though because this weekend is Winona State's homecoming and a bunch of friends are coming into town; and I am now one of "the old farts"..though as a Freshman so kindly told me a few months back "you're pretty hot for a graduate..no seriously you're a 9 out of 10 and only super models get to be 10's"... my first thought: What, once you get your diploma you shrivel up and get old? my second thought: you're 18, are you trying to hit on me? my third thought: I am way too old to be hanging around you. My Final thought: Oh my goodness.. you are close to my brother's age and hitting on me..this is weird. But anyways.. it will be nice to see some familiar faces again, because man have I missed them!

May 26, 2012

Nate and I have picked a date! May 26, 2012. We are incredibly excited to have a date set to join together in holy matrimony. The wedding with be in Elm Grove. AHH! I can't believe it's finally happening! Once we set the date, it all became so real. I am currently: excited, overwhelmed, eager, lost, and ecstatic! Excited: I will be marrying my best friend in front of our family and closest friends. Overwhelmed: So much to do!!! Eager: To feel, even slightly, like I know how to plan a wonderful wedding. Lost: I have no idea where to start planning most days! Ecstatic: I'M GETTING MARRIED!! EKKKKS!!!! My parents are incredibly wonderful, encouraging, helpful, understanding, and supportive. Without them, none of this would be possible. And for that, no words could explain how thankful I am to call them mine. I am so eager to see our engagement pictures that Katrice took of us last week!!!!!!! HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

Red. White. Blue.

To start, today is my Dad's birthday!!! Happy Birthday, Bob! I love you so much. You are such a big part of my life, and I couldn't imagine life without you in it!

(Bob with my mom and my beautiful niece, Claire) And on to 9/11. Everyone seems to be posting where they were when they found out the tragic news on 9/11/01. First off, I can't believe it's been 10 years already; it feels like it was just a few days ago. I walked into my second class, German. I remember being intimidated in that class, being a freshman in a higher level class with upperclassmen *very intimidating*. So i was going through what we had practiced in the class prior, and as I walked in I noticed the tv was on, some girls were crying, and overall there was just silence. I focused my attention to the tv and dropped my bag. I found a seat and was in shock. I went home, where we were planning a nice dinner for Bob and my grandparents were coming over. That was the most quiet dinner of my life. We all sat there pushing food around my plate. Andrew was super young and didn't understand what was going on.

I want to thank all of the men and woman who have fought and continue to fight for this country. I want to pray for nothing but strength for not only the families who were directly affected by this tragic event, but to those who continue to fight this battle of terrorism to keep our country safe. On to a different note, GO PACK GO!!! First game of the season was not only a success but such a fun game to watch. As I was telling Nate, I am pretty sure they practiced their acrobatic and ninja skills...and man it paid off. Nate is on two fantasy football teams for the first time and it's funny seeing how into it he is. He tries explaining it to me, but honestly--I'd prefer to just watch the game! Also, if anyone is looking to get me a present. I would like this:

(Please and thank you!) I have a new addiction:

Unfortunately it is a show Nate and I started watching together, and with school, we have only made it to season 2. But let's just say, that is all we did last weekend. I am eager to watch more!!! I am excited to go home next weekend. We are finally going to be setting a wedding day!!! We have two meetings on Saturday (one with each vendor we're interested in) and one with a pastor on Sunday. I can't wait to have a date set! So exciting!!!! And I get to see my family!!!!!!! If Katrice is available, she is also going to be taking our engagement photos (can I say one more time how excited I am?!?!?!)

TGIF!!

It's been so nice having Nate home..and starting our home together. Things are really falling into place; FINALLY! A girl can't complain when she wakes up to a hot cup of coffee and breakfast on the table before work! And it's been really nice that he's been so helpful around the house--he did laundry yesterday while I was at work--clean sheets, towels, and clothes.. YES!

On another note, Rosey leaves for Germany on Monday for four months (deployment). I am going to miss her, but I think this will be good for her and she is excited to go. I wish I could go.

The date is set (well Nate's and my big move day) he has to be in Mississippi on NOvember 2, 2012. I am actually really excited to go. I am ready for some adventure with our new life together.

Hopefully when we go to Milwaukee September 17-18th, we will be setting a date--fingers crossed! Once we have that date in place, things will seem so much more real.. I cannot wait for the real planning to begin!

I am in a wedding this weekend, my first wedding I am in that I am not a flower girl. I am nervous but really excited. I feel like i should purchase one of those hideous, most uncomfortable things that women wear--the sucker-inners.. but I haven't tried on my dress in a few weeks because Emily accidentally took mine instead of hers. So let's all cross our fingers and maybe by the luck of the draw it will fit just perfectly and I wont' regret wanting a sucker-inner!

I have been reading this book that Emily gave me.. "Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs". It's more like journal entries, but the author writes about different happenings in our generation -- namely pop culture -- and how we just fall into it. It's all an analysis. Now so far we have talked about our romantic views looking at thigns like "John Cusac" and how The Sims allows us to play a life we wish we had, and how the Real World is just ridiculous. I am loving it.. so much so that I may randomly write book reports on them..aka most likely talk quite a bit about it here in my blog.

To be brutally honest, I kinda miss school. Weird, I know. Myself two years ago would have dropped dead if she heard it then. But seriously. I miss the social aspect, the learning, the how-to's in life. I definitely do not miss all the homework and studying, but if all that didn't come with it..man oh man..sign me up! But I have been thinking of taking some online classes to further my education. I think that is something i may do when in Mississippi; I've done some research and St. Cloud is a Top 10 online school for getting your behavioral analyst degree. I would love to work with purely Autism. I feel I have a good background and want to further my knowledge, learn new techniques, etc etc. Time will tell. Granted, I still want to open my cafe someday--but business school does not sound appealing. Maybe I'll do that between jobs though.. work in a cafe and see how much school I'd truly need.

This is MJ, signing off.

Bittersweet

Things are crazy! Emily moved out yesterday; headed back to the Twin Cities.
It was a great five years living with her, and I am going to miss coming home to her every day and having our crazy roomie days. However, I am so excited for her to start the next path in her life. We had a good last hurrah before she left, and it was smiles from ear to ear until our hug at breakfast Monday morning when I left for work.

I received a beautiful surprise today. Nate is coming home on Friday!!!!! God Bless America! But now I have to go into turbo mode before he gets here in getting our apartment in shape. In the past two days I have made great measures.. but still have much more to do! Tomorrow I will hopefully finish up the main areas--seeing as I decided to start with the smaller ones.. and things should start looking homey!

Jack Attack is missing his buddy; but thoroughly enjoyed being groomed today (which is a rarity) as well as the lazor pointer I bought him. But he is being mopey..too bad he can't vacuum!

Hopefully within the next few weeks, Nate and I will be able to make it to Milwaukee to do some more wedding planning and spend some time with my wonderful family! I cannot wait to see them; I miss them so much!

Rose just found out today that she is leaving within the month (date to be determined) on another deployment. I am sad, but I know she wants to go therefore I am happy for her.

Bed time for me.. but more to come soon!

August has come!

August if finally here.. it's quite the month..

--Emily moves out Monday. I am super excited that she got a job in the cities..but I am going to miss her like crazy. It's going to be strange not seeing each other every day.. and we've lived together for almost five years.
--Nate comes home on the 19th!!!!!
--I realized that I haven't spent an extended amount of time by myself..ever.. it's going to be strange and lonely. But I have plans to keep me busy. I have some DIY projects to spice up my apartment that I want to work on, deep clean the apartment, and get it ready for when Nate gets here. So overall, I'll be quite busy.


Emily is packing..and bags are all over the house.. it makes me sad. But I know things won't change.

Rose said she's going to visit me (hopefully) and help me clean; that'll be nice.

Nate got his wisdom teeth out and got a Doctor's Order to have a day and a half off so he got our apartment stuff set in order, put more stuff in storage, figured out things with the University. It's so nice not to worry about it anymore. Because they were all things that needed to be done ASAP that I couldn't help him out with. So big relief off my shoulders!

In wedding news. My mom had me check out some reviews she found on the Enchanted Barn (where Nate and I felt was our destined wedding site) and I was so bummed! Let's just say they were not good reviews. I didn't realize they only had outhouses, recommended vendors backed out last minute, uncooked food, a bride got kicked out of the bride's room and had to change in a garage that was full of windows, and they gave tours during weddings.. the two things that freaked me out the most was the outhouses and vendors backing out..as well as uncooked food--risks I am not willing to take.

So, we decided on having it in Milwaukee. I am excited. dates may change. So it'll either be June or October! Hopefully in a few weeks, Nate and I will be able to go visit home and set up meetings and figure that out for sure.

I am excited and anxious to at least get that set. Because if it does happen in June.. I have to get on it! We need engagement pictures set up. We need to ask people to be in the wedding. I have my bridesmaides and personal attendant set up. Nate needs to finish asking his groomsmen. I still need to ask my flower girls and our ring bearer. So hopefully in the next month and a half that is figured out.

Time for me to get my butt in gear and start getting into better shape again. I promised Nate I would start running with him when he moves in. But since I've said that, I noticed that I have slacked on the current exercise I've been doing... which is no bueno on my end..not going to help me not die when I start running.

Blah! Craziness!

Satan, please take your weather back!

My mom makes me giggle...but it's no joke, soooooo hot! Yet my cat wants to be all up on me--I love you kitty ::BUT DON'T TOUCH ME!::

Wow, it has been a while since I've written in here. Here comes more spurts of my madness.

growing up is exciting,and eventful, and uplifting, and all hitting me at once!
Emily got a job and is moving back to the cities--i am super excited for her.. but it's going to be quite the change from living with someone whom I've lived with for almost five years to living with the love of my life. It will be exciting and completely new, and honestly maybe that's what I've needed..except I'd like the completely new to not be in Winona..but I'll take what I can get--trying to be optimistic.

I'd appreciate it if our government opened back up. Politics how I despise you.

I have a new addiction that I do every day.. read. On my porch (well, not today..too hot!) but I subsituted my beach chair for my couch, smack dab in front of the air conditioning!

More addictions: True Blood and Army Wives. It's nice being able to relate to Army wives, but damn that show makes me cry like a baby! But still it helps me connect to people who technically don't exist..but they really do. Speaking of Army wives..it sounds like Nate and I will be mobilizing somewhere after we are married; rumor has it Mississippi. I have always wanted to live somewhere random, but I can't say I would've chosen Mississippi. PS I remember learning how to spell Mississippi--I was on a roadtrip with my mom and dad. How I remember that? good question..but I remember giggling because I kept ending it with a "y" and then kept asking "why?" when they'd tell me that was incorrect.

Less than a month (officially) until Nate is done with his current mobilization..I CANNOT WAIT! I am so anxious, it finally feels close! Yet, at the same time it feels so far away and makes me miss him even more..weird how that works.

I am very confused in a certain aspect of my life that I don't care to get into a whole lot of detail about.. but I've been picked over..which usually isn't a huge issue, but this one hurts. I don't know how to respond to it--so I have decided just not to respond at all.

I did a disgusting thing this weekend--I left my lunchbox in my car--yes steaming hot car all weekend--and no, naturally it wasn't empty.. had salad makings and blueberries in it--wow did my car STINK! I didn't even dare open it and threw out my lunchbag :( I liked that lunchbag.

I still have dreams about me opening my own cafe. But more recently I've been thinking about how amazing it would be to go get my masters as a behavioral analyst. I was thinking if we do get mobilized, I found that St. Cloud is in the top ten online programs to become a behavioral analyst--and honestly, why not do it? It'd be the perfect time to do so. It's not like I'd find some fantastic job for a year anyway..so why not further my education? It's weird, in some strange way I miss school and writing papers. Definitely don't miss taking tests though. I don't know if it was the routine or what. But I think some online schooling would be good for me--granted I've avoided looking at how much it'd cost me. Time will tell...maybe i will end up going to Culinary School like I've dreamed of and own my own restaurant or cafe some day.

Speaking of restaurants..had one of the most disgusting experiences tonight. Me, Emily, and Michaela went out for dinner at the Green Mill. It's decent, for Winona. Nothing to wow about. well to start--we were starving and our waitress ignored us..took 20 minutes till she took her order..and then another 45 minutes until we got our food. well Emily and I both ordered the Spinach Tortillini (yes I was being bad) but it sounded so good..anyway--pretty sure it was sitting under that heating lamp since we put in our order--it looked almost like pot stickers when we got it. Then we both took a bite--and it had that "I shouldn't have microwaved my leftovers from over a week ago" taste. And it was cold. Sorry, but I don't have th ekind of money to just let a nice meal go. So we complained. Question: Is it annoying to anyone else that after you've been presented a bad meal and you ask to talk to the manager, and they tell you that they don't understand what "tastes like old food" tastes like? Yeah--over and over. Then our waitress 10 minutes later comes back and says how she heard our food wasn't good--which we would have happily told her if she was around.. and that she thought it looked great..well lady apparently for one you don't know what good food looks like--because like i said it didn't even look appetizing (and I've ordered this dish many a times before) and did you taste my food before you brought it to me? I was starving and not about to eat this food..you've given us nothing but terrible service--yes, I am now going to have an attitude, especially since you started one with me...no, we are no longer hungry and don't want to wait another 45 minutes for another dish. and yes, we want the bill..and naturally 15 minutes later she comes back with the bill. Thank god for good company because we were already talking about just walking out--it was ridiculous!

Wow, I sound exciting. ha!

Well, time to pop in my Netflix (yes, I received another disk of True Blood..and it stinks that there are only two episodes per disk) and doze off. Stay cool and hydrated everyone!

I'M ENGAGED!

Life is blissful. I will be marrying the man of my dreams: the man who stole my heart, the man who even after three plus years gives me butterflies every time I see him, my best friend, my bear.

May 21st, 2011. It was cheesy but us cheesy and absolutely perfect!

My next stepping stone in life, hand in hand with my best friend.

The Quiet Place

Sitting on my porch
Soaking in some sun
Listening to music
And listening to the birds


Taking a minute to let the vitamin D soak into my pores
Skinny jeans tossed aside and sweatpants replaced.


Have you ever listened to music that just allows you to close your eyes and sign your little heart out? And you just feel it take over? that's good music.

Whoops cat almost jumped off the porch--time for him to go inside..
13.5lbs down.

Pad Thai for lunch--very tastey.



It's Mother's Day tomorrow. I wish all mothers a very happy day. I wish I could be with my mom tomorrow...but alas work calls... I have the most beautiful, intelligent, brilliant, creative, warm hearted, strong mother that I am so lucky to call mine. I LOVE YOU MOMMY!

Pocket Full of Sunshine

Easy A. I have to say, I really enjoyed this movie. This scene is potentially one of my favorites..maybe because it reminds me of a house with my roommate a few years back. Either way. enjoyable. and I hope there is sunshine tomorrow so I can store some in my pocket in case Jack Frost wants to visit again.

I Was A Sweet Girl

My mom found this in her drawer today.. It made me smile and tear up. For those of you who cannot read it:

Dear (Mr.Mrs.Mz) Toothfairy, Thank you for all the things you did for me. I was wondering if you could give a little something to my mom because she really got all the pain out of this one and helped me with all the others I had! Thank You! Love, Marjanae Zerehi


Hahaha..oh man... and sadly my handwriting hasn't gotten much better since the time the toothfairy came to me..

My mom shared a Smothered Porkchop WW recipe with me.. I made it last night with my own touches (with recommendations from Chef Mommy) and man it was delicious!!! Though I was a little bad and made Tadik with it instead of just rice..whoops..but still amazing. I will def make it again.

I am so excited to go to Vegas.

I am so excited that it's beautiful outside.

I am so excited to see my family and baby Leah and twin.

I need to stop letting my weird work hours affect my workout time(it's making me slack)

I need to start reading outside more often with this awesome weather.

My phone is being a bum and I don't like it.

I can't wait to be working 8-4pm starting in May for the summer. It's going to suck going back to regular hours but hey I get to actually enjoy a summer!

Namaste

I joined the YMCA--and am LOVING IT!

Yesterday, I just went to the gym and holy cow are their tredmills high tech! Afterwards, I immensely enjoyed the steam room.

It takes a bit getting use to the openness in the dressing rooms. I am just not use to being in an atmosphere that is so open.

Today, I got up and decided to try their yoga class. I was definitely the youngest there (by 35 years +) but the stretches still did the trick. And yes, I rewarded myself with the steam room afterwards!!!

This past weekend, Nate and I took a shot at making some Japanese food. It is still just as delicious a few days later!

I am currently enjoying some rice noodles, veggies, and beef with the sun shining on me.

NAMASTE!

I've Learnt That..

* you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

* no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.

* it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

* it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.

* you can do something in an instant that will give you a heartache for life.

* no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides.

* you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

* we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

* there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.

* true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

* just because someone doesnt love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

* maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

* no matter how good a friend someone is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

* no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

* just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other.And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

* we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

* you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

* there are many ways of falling and staying in love.

* no matter how many friends you have, if you are their pillar, you will feel lonely and lost at the times you need them most.

* the people you care most about in life are taken from you to soon.

* although the word "love" can have many different meanings, it loses value when overly used.

* love is not for me to keep, but to pass on to the next person I see.

* there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it.

* even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

* every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

* I still have a lot to learn......

Comeback, Spring!

It sure has been a busy past few weeks!

I met Leah two weeks ago: such a precious little girl! Insta love!


At work, I now have another client. I am pretty excited to start working with her though because it'll be a new atmosphere, change, experience.

This weather makes me not want to get out of bed. I wish I was where Andrew, my mom, and Bob were...super jealous!

I have officially resigned from my gym and tomorrow will join the YMCA, I am really excited!

Monday night, Nate and I went and saw Sevendust, Korn, and Disturbed (aka "Music as a Weapon" tour). It was SO MUCH FUN! We had a blast and they did not let us down!!!

Xanadou

This week has been pretty good to me so far. I don't work till 9:30pm once this week!!! That is pretty exciting! I hope this weather decides not to go downhill..it's so close to being awesome... I can taste it on my tongue!

But...I will not hesitate any longer... WELCOME TO THE WORLD LEAH MARY ANN!!!!!



What a beautiful bundle of joy she is. Both baby and mommy are healthy!!! I cannot wait to see them this weekend!

I've been showering at night recently, and I have to say it has helped me sleep much better. I was going through a phase where all I'd do is toss and turn and race through nightmares. I still don't know why.. but the showers have calmed me a bit before bed.

I would love to see the sun...oh mister golden sun PLEASE SHINE DOWN ON ME!!!

Goodnight, Moon!

Birthdays!

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to the love of my life!!
Since we both work tomorrow, we had a mini celebration and had dinner with some of his buddies at Famous Daves...yummy brisket!
Tomorrow I am going to attempt to make: Veal Stuffed Manicotti With Roasted Yellow Pepper Pesto! Yummmy.

Also--in 8 hours my twin, Katrice, will be induced..I pray that the delivery goes well and I cannot wait to meet my niece/God daughter, Leah! I hope you make it safely into the world!!!! Updates will be made!

Life is so full of blessings!

Also--I cannot wait to see my family next weekend, I know it'll only be for a little bit since they are leaving me to go on a cruise :(... but I hope they have a fantastic and safe trip. I miss them so much!












So Beautiful.

Ps. I am .5lbs away from being -10lbs!!!!!

Pepsi Max

It's been an up and down past few weeks!

-Real busy at work
-Stuck on -8lbs... tad bit frustrating.
-Celebrated 3 years with the love of my life.
-Sick
-Busy
-Wanting Spring
-Missing family
-Need to get back to the gym
-Learned how to play Spades
-Got a lot of sleep this weekend
-Don't follow spice packages when they say don't cook the pasta first.
-Watching the Golden Globes..I loose interest easily.

Spring Fever

What a wonderful day!
50 degrees!
I couldn't be happier.
My body soaked in some natural Vitamin D.
Smiles and laughs were had ALL day!
Nate and I went for a walk around a river.
Then we had a picnic.
And fed the duckies!
I can't wait for all of the snow to be gone!
A perfect day... with my perfect man!

Clean Sheets

I'd be more than ok with this.
I think I'm getting sick.
My mind won't stop wandering.
I'm confused.
I'm ready for warmth.
Nothing better than freshly washed flannel sheets.
I'm currently hungry.
I'm down almost 8lbs.
I'm proud of myself.
My eyes want to close so badly
but my mind won't stop wandering.
I still want to be in that picture.

Paraprosdokian

A "paraprosdokian" is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to re-frame or reinterpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect, sometimes producing an anticlimax. Even though I can't pronounce the word, I love the examples that follow.


Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.


Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America ?


Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.

I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.

We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.


Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.

Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.

Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening' and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.

How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars but check when you say the paint is wet?

Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.

A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!

Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.

A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.

Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.

Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.

When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.

You're never too old to learn something stupid.

Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.

A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.

Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

Advice From Somewhere

ONE.
Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO.
Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE.
Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR.
When you say, "I love you," mean it.

FIVE.
When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

SIX.
Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN.
Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT.
Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE.
Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN.
In disagreements, fight fairly. Please No name calling.

ELEVEN.
Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE.
Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN.
When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN.
Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN.
Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN.
When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN.
Remember the three R's:
Respect for self;
Respect for others;
Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN.
Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN.
When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY.
Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

Candle Light

I just lit all the candles in my apartment...so nice and peaceful. And then I laid here with my eyes closed..no noise.. for a good 10 minutes. So perfect.

My conclusion from my last post..I was overly exhausted.

Today was another long day--went to an Autism Conference in River Falls. I must say I was quite disappointed; I was so very excited for this.

Now I am curled up under an afkan with my body pillow and Black Jack.. glass of wine in my mom's "lemonade" glass (which I must say are quite possibly my favorite glassware ever. Watching NCIS.

One thing that is incredibly obnoxious... Jack likes to do his pawing thing before he lays down--let me define "hiw pawing thing" he slowly lifts his front paws simultaneously and digs them.. and it's generally on me--can't say it's in my top 10 feel good feelings. And it's not like he does this for 30 seconds...or a minute... or even 2 minutes..this is like a 10-15 minute procedure..and if he is smart he will stop after a minute or two otherwise he gets kicked out when I am not use to it.

Cirque Du Soliel is on NCAS right now and man I wish I could go watch it.

Is it Spring yet?

The weather is starting to get to me. I had a great day--productive, yoga, short work day, hung out with some friends..and came home to go to sleep before my 5am wake up call...and I am just super sensitive and for some reason really bummed out.

I blame the weather.

Tea.blanket.couch.book. That's what I want to do tomorrow. But at the same time I am excited for the conference tomorrow.

Is it wrong to blame the weather? Why does it feel that I am the only way who gets this way? I wish I wasn't so sensitive sometimes. But for some odd reason it warms my eyes and brings some sniffles.

My life is great, I have no complaints. I have a solid job. I have an amazing family. I have someone who loves me as much as I love him. I live in an awesome apartment with my bestie. I have food on my plate. I can afford fun things (occasionally). Is it this town? Is it the cold, short days? I know I'm just whining away... but there is something that is bring me down and I think what frustrates me is that I can't put my finger on it.

Maybe I'll put in Bride Wars or Mrs. Doubtfire and have a few giggles before bed. Maybe that will help.

Man 5am is going to come too soon... good thing I have a coffee maker.

First Milestone

5 lbs down!!!!! That always seems the hardest...now for ten :)

I am honestly a little surprised because I was a little bad the end of the week and only did yoga twice.

So to make up for it... and starting my crazy week at work--I just did a four mile on the tredmill--man that felt good..my legs are tingly!

To end my good going night--I am drinking veggie juice from my very own juicer and just got asked to watch Claire first weekend of February!! So excited!

I hope everyone caught the wonderful Packer game last night. I can't believe that we haven't played them in the Playoffs since 1940 (something) how insane..and it was definitely a great game!

I am so excited for the Superbowl--and man...if Raji did another play like that--wooooweee!!!

I've been addicted to NCIS and loving that there is a marathon tonight :)

I hope everyone is staying warm---this makes me question why on earth I chose Minnesota.

Oh yes..can't forget--so excited for this weekend :)

So Far So Good

I am going on Week Three--my second weigh in I am down another two pounds!!!!

I love how I now spend the money for fresh veggies and fruit. I also love how conscious I am now to what I am eating--I use to think I ate well.. but it's the little things--portion sizes etc. I am so proud of myself.

I've started yoga at home.. feels so good and oddly enough does make your mind feel as balanced as your body!

I got to see Claire this past weekend and she is cute as ever! We practiced animal noises, words, read books, and did puzzles, and had tickle monster attacks! So adorable!!!!

New Year...New Goals

Well, it's a new year..a new start...new memories...endless possibilities.

I had a great holiday season and birthday! Thanks to all of my family and friends!

It has been decided that I am finally going to get into the best shape of my life. I will love to run again and I will be proud of my body. Most of my upcoming posts will talk about my progress.

I am not running yet. But I have been on Weight Watchers for a week now and down 2 pounds! I am going to the gym. I am loving weight watcher recipes--the point system and tracking everything I eat has really been an eye opener. I can do this. I am doing this for me, and that is all that matters. Last night I made a weight watchers meatloaf and mashed potatoes--it was ok.. I am not that big of a meatloaf person in general but it was edible. The mashed potatoes made me sad because I couldn't add all the extras into it that i would have usually..but they were tastey with just yogurt in it.. I added basil which was a good choice!