It's the last day of 2008.
All I have to say is, wow. What a year. So much has happened this year, that it almost feels like several years have passed. Let's look back, shall we?
January: I had been working as a receptionist for exactly one year.
- I started growing my hair for the wedding.
- I also made a resolution: clear up my skin. I remember blogging about how resolutions don't usually work because they're vague. If you want to stick to a resolution, break it down into smaller steps. I won't link to that post, because it was reeeeeeally long.
- Oh, and I did clear up my skin.
February: I participated in Lent for the first time, along with my youth group. I didn't do so well at that one. I think I lasted, like, four days. Not forty. Whoops.
- Also, my sister and my mom and I went to see Riverdance! I had seen it on DVD once, but it's so much cooler live.
March: The company I worked for declared bankruptcy. No big deal, right?
- I went on a retreat with my Young Adults group. We stayed in Yurts. Tons of fun. They went again at the beginning of December this year, I think. I'm jealous. There are no showers, and we had to use outhouses, but I didn't care. It was so cool.
- I started having wedding nightmares. Looking back, they're terribly funny. But at the time, I didn't appreciate them.
- I finished the wedding invitations.
April: I remember that April was terribly stressful. I wasn't having fun planning the wedding anymore, and work really sucked once they announced the bankruptcy. I remember hoping that every week, they would tell me that my job was over. But that didn't happen.
- I went on the most amazing Youth Retreat. The teaching was great and very challenging, and I remember praying almost constantly during that weekend. I also connected with girls from other youth groups that were there. It was exhausting but rewarding.
- I had my first bridal shower. It was a Pampered Chef shower. I got $550 worth of Pampered Chef products. I don't use all of them, but there are a few that I use regularly, and I love them. The food chopper is probably on of my favorites.
May: I turned 23.
- May 5th was my last day as a receptionist, and May 8th was my last day at the company. I remember being so incredibly happy when it was all over.
- I got to visit Art for eight days, and I was so happy and relieved, because I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to see him one more time before the wedding. But I did.
- I got myself another job at the local bookstore. It was the perfect job, and it came at the perfect time. I remember being grateful, because I didn't want to go back and work at Subway. And I didn't have to.
- When I visited Art, I tried mussels for the first time. And the last time. They are disgusting. I don't recommend them.
June: I had my second and third bridal showers, and they were both surprises. For one of them, they made me dress up all silly, and gave me a test about how well I know Art. For every question I got wrong, I had to chew a piece of bubblegum. There were 20 questions. I got eight right. Yeah.
- I had a makeup trial, and I LIKED it! I looked so pretty!
- I had a medical examination for my spousal visa. I was forced to get a vaccination that I didn't want or need, but I had to as part of visa process, and I thought it was very stupid, and I ranted and raved about it on my blog, which probably wasn't a great idea. Oh well.
July: Our toilet backed up one week before the wedding, and we had to clean up sewage water from the laundry room floor. Looking back, it was pretty funny. At that time, it was pretty disgusting.
- I got married, and the day was perfect. I seriously don't think that anything went wrong.
- Two days after the wedding, I moved to Washington.
- I went hiking for the first time, on our honeymoon. That was a blast.
August: I got my spousal visa.
- I started working out several times a week.
- We bought a real bed, but it took FOREVER to it to be delivered.
September: Art's brother fell down a mountain. That made for a very interesting month. Art worked a LOT. And thankfully, Joe was relatively okay.
- I joined a women's Bible study at church, on the book of Daniel.
- Art and I finally got the mattress part of our bed.
- I had sushi for the first time, and I'm hooked.
October: Art's dad got us a second computer, and now I'm not sure how we ever lived WITHOUT two computers!
- Art got connected with a CrossFit gym in Bellingham.
- My mom and sister and niece visited for a week.
- Kiera had a huge poop, which came out of her diaper onto my lap. Now I can't say that that's never happened to me.
November: Art got his CrossFit certification, so he started getting paid for his time spent at the CrossFit gym.
- Oh yeah. Minor detail. We had an election. The guy we were rooting for lost.
- Our box spring finally came in. So we finally had a real bed. Not just a mattress.
- I got bronchitis for the third time in eight years.
- I shot a gun for the first time.
- I finally posted a TON of pictures from the previous four months.
- Art's car broke down. We STILL don't have it back. I don't know why.
- I had my first American Thanksgiving with Art's family.
- Art got fired from his full-time job.
December: I had my first Christmas as a married woman.
- I discovered that I don't like lemon.
- I sent away my greencard paperwork. Still waiting to hear if it's been received/approved.
- And, this will be the very first time that Art and I are together on New Year's Eve. Finally.
Happy New Year's everyone!! I wish you fond memories of years passed, and many blessings in the years to come.
December 31, 2008
December 30, 2008
Art's Wearing White Shorts. Which Has Nothing To Do With This Post
Wow, it's pretty quiet here in blogland. There are no new updates since I checked last night.
It's been quiet around here in the real world too. Art and I have been pretty lazy these past couple of days, and I don't mind at all. I'm going to enjoy it while I can, because someday, we'll both be working again, and later on down the road (a few years from now), there will be little ones. And when those days come, I'll look back and say, "Remember when I had my husband all to myself? Remember when we had the luxury of doing nothing for hours and hours? Remember when I didn't take that for granted?"
I'm really looking forward to our New Year's party tomorrow. It's official: we're going to play games all evening. We'll have the usual gang over at our place (Wayne and Sozan, Joe, Mari, and Phil) and we'll eat unhealthy snacks and watch the countdown on TV, and play board games until we can't keep our eyes open any longer. We're cool and nerdy like that. I'm gearing up for:
Scrabble (and I'll lose horribly)
Apples to Apples (I can't get enough of that game)
Cranium (used to be Art's favorite game, but he can't hope to win against the girls)
Risk (I will most definitely NOT play this one)
Would You Rather (I was surprised to learn that it's a board game, and it's lots of fun!)
Settlers of Catan (possibly. Our friend who brought it over gave it to his parents as a Christmas gift, so it's probably with them)
10,000 or Neuscht(sp?) (Sometimes it goes to 15,000, which I don't like, because even if I get to 10,000, I could still lose. Like last night. Stupid)
Mexican Train???? (I was so excited, because I bought the tiles for cheap, but we've never played! I guess I'm the only one who likes it)
I think that's it. It's gonna be good.
It's been quiet around here in the real world too. Art and I have been pretty lazy these past couple of days, and I don't mind at all. I'm going to enjoy it while I can, because someday, we'll both be working again, and later on down the road (a few years from now), there will be little ones. And when those days come, I'll look back and say, "Remember when I had my husband all to myself? Remember when we had the luxury of doing nothing for hours and hours? Remember when I didn't take that for granted?"
I'm really looking forward to our New Year's party tomorrow. It's official: we're going to play games all evening. We'll have the usual gang over at our place (Wayne and Sozan, Joe, Mari, and Phil) and we'll eat unhealthy snacks and watch the countdown on TV, and play board games until we can't keep our eyes open any longer. We're cool and nerdy like that. I'm gearing up for:
Scrabble (and I'll lose horribly)
Apples to Apples (I can't get enough of that game)
Cranium (used to be Art's favorite game, but he can't hope to win against the girls)
Risk (I will most definitely NOT play this one)
Would You Rather (I was surprised to learn that it's a board game, and it's lots of fun!)
Settlers of Catan (possibly. Our friend who brought it over gave it to his parents as a Christmas gift, so it's probably with them)
10,000 or Neuscht(sp?) (Sometimes it goes to 15,000, which I don't like, because even if I get to 10,000, I could still lose. Like last night. Stupid)
Mexican Train???? (I was so excited, because I bought the tiles for cheap, but we've never played! I guess I'm the only one who likes it)
I think that's it. It's gonna be good.
December 28, 2008
More Christmas
At first we thought that we would have a quiet Christmas. Art's parents called on the 23rd and asked us not to come down to the island to spend Christmas with them. Apparently, the streets of Oak Harbor were pretty treacherous, and they wanted us to be safe. Also, since Art's mom is from the Philippines, she used to celebrate Christmas in January. Delaying Christmas would be no big deal.
Then, on Christmas morning, we got a phone call that they were coming up! Remember when I barely had a night's notice to get ready for Thanksgiving? Well, this time I only had TWO hours. We jumped out of bed, I quickly showered, and Art helped me wash the dishes, tidy up, and vacuum.
Thankfully, we didn't have to do as much cooking, so my kitchen still stayed fairly clean. Just warmed up a ham, got out the leftovers, and casually ate and played games for a few hours. Art's parents gave us a hefty wad of cash for Christmas, so adding that to my parents' cash gift, we're set for January. Praise God; didn't He say He would meet our needs?
Some other great news: my bronchitis is gone. It's been gone for a while, actually, I just forgot to mention it. I knew it would have to leave at some point. I survived. And one HUGE praise item: we FINALLY sent away my greencard paperwork! They should have gotten it by now, so we're hoping to get a receipt-of-notice this next week. Of course, we're hoping that notice also tells us that we've been approved. It would be a huge setback and disappointment if they sent it back and told us we made a mistake, or that something isn't relevant anymore (like my medical examination, which is a few months old). So it's a praise AND a prayer item. Hopinghopinghopinghopinghoping.
And now, here are some pictures from the first snowfall (which is almost all gone now, because it's been raining).
The front of the house
The back of the house
Our little tree
Joe and Mari being silly
Mari, Phil, and Joe
Oh my....
This one is apparently called "A.D.D. Roommates"
Awwwwwwwwwwww!
Okay, these pictures are from last year, but I wanted to show you what our stockings look like. My mom crossstiched the pictures and made the stockings herself. Isn't she talented?
And no, we don't have our stockings. They stayed with my parents. They'll be used whenever we go there for Christmas.
These are the outdoor snow pictures. We had a lot of fun.
Art was being silly on purpose, which is too bad, because the pictures turned out pretty good. Maybe I should just crop him out.
Art, Wayne, Joe, and Phil
YMCA, just in case you can't see that.
Sisters!
(These pictures are also on Facebook, so if we're friends, you can also look at them over there (and comment!).
So that's winter. That's Christmas. The snow is almost gone, and so are the holidays. It's been good!
Then, on Christmas morning, we got a phone call that they were coming up! Remember when I barely had a night's notice to get ready for Thanksgiving? Well, this time I only had TWO hours. We jumped out of bed, I quickly showered, and Art helped me wash the dishes, tidy up, and vacuum.
Thankfully, we didn't have to do as much cooking, so my kitchen still stayed fairly clean. Just warmed up a ham, got out the leftovers, and casually ate and played games for a few hours. Art's parents gave us a hefty wad of cash for Christmas, so adding that to my parents' cash gift, we're set for January. Praise God; didn't He say He would meet our needs?
Some other great news: my bronchitis is gone. It's been gone for a while, actually, I just forgot to mention it. I knew it would have to leave at some point. I survived. And one HUGE praise item: we FINALLY sent away my greencard paperwork! They should have gotten it by now, so we're hoping to get a receipt-of-notice this next week. Of course, we're hoping that notice also tells us that we've been approved. It would be a huge setback and disappointment if they sent it back and told us we made a mistake, or that something isn't relevant anymore (like my medical examination, which is a few months old). So it's a praise AND a prayer item. Hopinghopinghopinghopinghoping.
And now, here are some pictures from the first snowfall (which is almost all gone now, because it's been raining).
The front of the house
The back of the house
Our little tree
Joe and Mari being silly
Mari, Phil, and Joe
Oh my....
This one is apparently called "A.D.D. Roommates"
Awwwwwwwwwwww!
Okay, these pictures are from last year, but I wanted to show you what our stockings look like. My mom crossstiched the pictures and made the stockings herself. Isn't she talented?
And no, we don't have our stockings. They stayed with my parents. They'll be used whenever we go there for Christmas.
These are the outdoor snow pictures. We had a lot of fun.
Art was being silly on purpose, which is too bad, because the pictures turned out pretty good. Maybe I should just crop him out.
Art, Wayne, Joe, and Phil
YMCA, just in case you can't see that.
Sisters!
(These pictures are also on Facebook, so if we're friends, you can also look at them over there (and comment!).
So that's winter. That's Christmas. The snow is almost gone, and so are the holidays. It's been good!
December 24, 2008
It's Christmas Time
We hosted a Christmas party for our friends and immediate family (Art's siblings Mari and Joe, and our friends Phil, Wayne, Sozan, and Jeremy) on Monday. I cooked and cleaned all day; definitely a first for me. Sozan helped with the cooking for a couple of hours, then spent the rest of the afternoon shoveling everything in sight. It's hilarious to watch that woman shovel snow. She's originally from Texas. Use your imagination.
The guys spent most of the evening playing games. Believe it or not, we had a really hard time convincing them to eat! I guess Settlers of Catan is highly addictive. Let's see if I can recall what we prepared:
Rice
Slow cooker lasagna
Three types of chicken
Meatballs
Lumpia
Cheese ball
Cheese cubes
Spinach dip
TONS of mashed potatoes. WAAAAAAY too many.
Three types of chips
Three boxes of crackers
Cake
Homemade taco dip
I think that's it. Believe me, there was a lot more uneaten than eaten. And I won't even mention the food that was brought but not even prepared. We had a feast! What's funny is that by the time I announced that dinner was officially ready, I wasn't really hungry. I guess I snacked more than I thought I did. All that work, and I couldn't even enjoy it. But I tried. I ate anyway. It's not considered gluttony at Christmas, right?
We had a Secret Santa gift exchange. I got new slippers, dice (because I love playing dice so much, and I kind of stole Wayne and Sozan's dice), and TWO puzzles! The limit was $25, so I kind of can't believe that I got all that. I've already started one of the puzzles (surprise surprise), and it's tough, which is good.
After we all opened our gifts, it was back to the games. I'm sorry I don't have any photos to show you. I was so busy having fun that I forgot to take pictures!
Yesterday was spent mostly recovering from the party. Aka, cleaning.
And today? Christmas Eve? Was perfect.
It's been snowing like crazy, so the world is so white and beautiful. Art and I opened our gifts from each other, and watched a couple of movies. Right now, we're eating leftovers, and as soon as I hit "publish", I'm going to back to my puzzle.
I'll be honest. It finally happened. I miss my family. But this is not a sad Christmas season for me. I got a white Christmas, wonderful new friends and family, and my most favorite person here beside me (that would be Art). I have no complaints. No tears.
No matter who you are, and where you are, I pray that today finds you full of peace, and surrounded by love. Merry Christmas everyone.
The guys spent most of the evening playing games. Believe it or not, we had a really hard time convincing them to eat! I guess Settlers of Catan is highly addictive. Let's see if I can recall what we prepared:
Rice
Slow cooker lasagna
Three types of chicken
Meatballs
Lumpia
Cheese ball
Cheese cubes
Spinach dip
TONS of mashed potatoes. WAAAAAAY too many.
Three types of chips
Three boxes of crackers
Cake
Homemade taco dip
I think that's it. Believe me, there was a lot more uneaten than eaten. And I won't even mention the food that was brought but not even prepared. We had a feast! What's funny is that by the time I announced that dinner was officially ready, I wasn't really hungry. I guess I snacked more than I thought I did. All that work, and I couldn't even enjoy it. But I tried. I ate anyway. It's not considered gluttony at Christmas, right?
We had a Secret Santa gift exchange. I got new slippers, dice (because I love playing dice so much, and I kind of stole Wayne and Sozan's dice), and TWO puzzles! The limit was $25, so I kind of can't believe that I got all that. I've already started one of the puzzles (surprise surprise), and it's tough, which is good.
After we all opened our gifts, it was back to the games. I'm sorry I don't have any photos to show you. I was so busy having fun that I forgot to take pictures!
Yesterday was spent mostly recovering from the party. Aka, cleaning.
And today? Christmas Eve? Was perfect.
It's been snowing like crazy, so the world is so white and beautiful. Art and I opened our gifts from each other, and watched a couple of movies. Right now, we're eating leftovers, and as soon as I hit "publish", I'm going to back to my puzzle.
I'll be honest. It finally happened. I miss my family. But this is not a sad Christmas season for me. I got a white Christmas, wonderful new friends and family, and my most favorite person here beside me (that would be Art). I have no complaints. No tears.
No matter who you are, and where you are, I pray that today finds you full of peace, and surrounded by love. Merry Christmas everyone.
December 21, 2008
Global Warming My Bippity Boppity Bacon!
So Art and I went grocery shopping yesterday. In a BLIZZARD. Art's reasoning? "I don't want to get caught in the storm." See, apparently, we were supposed to get a bad snow storm at 4am this morning/last night. Art didn't want to be stranded at our house for two days without groceries.
We departed at around 11pm. The roads were full of snow, it was windy, and it was snowing. Visibility was at a minimum, road conditions were next to crap. I don't know about you, but I'd say the storm had already arrived.
Also? We were not exactly in danger of starvation. I mean, sure we needed more milk, and some extra foods for our Christmas party tomorrow, but Art's "Auntie" Cora made sure that, if ever we were trapped in our house, we could survive for a year or two. She's the one who gave us a rice dispenser for a wedding gift. And the TWENTY POUNDS of rice to go in the dispenser. That rice will probably outlive us.
So venturing out in the "not-storm-except-it-was-a-storm" wasn't entirely necessary. But still fun. And by fun, I mean incredibly nerve wracking.
In other news, remember when I told you about one of my favorite blogs, Cake Wrecks? And by the way, even though the premise of that blog is to show disastrous cakes, every Sunday she features beautiful cakes. And today is Sunday. So go check out the pretty pastries.
Anyway, my point is that Cake Wrecks is ONE of my favorite blogs. My other favorite blog is Bye Bye Pie. If you EVER need a laugh, or a little pick-me-up, just head on over there, because it is HILARIOUS! She can take the most mundane situation and make it funny. I don't know how she does it.
(Btw, she calls herself June, because her first blog was called Bye Bye Buy, and it was all about how she wasn't going to buy anything for a whole year, and she called herself June Cutoff Cash, and if you don't get the play-on-words, then you must be REALLY young. And Bye Bye Pie is about her being more healthy this year, so her new name is June GonnaEatThat. And she calls her husband Marvin Gardensalad, and if you don't get THAT one, then.....well, then you might live in a cave).
So ANY-DANG-WAY (as June would say), I lovelovelovelovelovelove Bye Bye Pie. I get excited every time I see that she's put up a new post. I can't wait to read her blog everyday. And I try to comment every now and then to show my appreciation.
Well. She recently started something called "Comment of the Week." Basically, she picks her favorite comment from that whole week, and that person gets to glow and gloat for seven days. GUESS WHAT: this week, she picked MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! I know this makes me the biggest nerddork in blogland, but I feel almost famous, and so privileged. If you click on the link, you can read my comment, and what others have to say about it.
This just makes my Christmas. And Art's eyes might be permanently rolled backwards. According to His Majesty, I am the epitome of ridiculousness. Who cares. This might be as close to blog heaven as I'll ever get, so I'm going to enjoy it to the fullest.
We departed at around 11pm. The roads were full of snow, it was windy, and it was snowing. Visibility was at a minimum, road conditions were next to crap. I don't know about you, but I'd say the storm had already arrived.
Also? We were not exactly in danger of starvation. I mean, sure we needed more milk, and some extra foods for our Christmas party tomorrow, but Art's "Auntie" Cora made sure that, if ever we were trapped in our house, we could survive for a year or two. She's the one who gave us a rice dispenser for a wedding gift. And the TWENTY POUNDS of rice to go in the dispenser. That rice will probably outlive us.
So venturing out in the "not-storm-except-it-was-a-storm" wasn't entirely necessary. But still fun. And by fun, I mean incredibly nerve wracking.
In other news, remember when I told you about one of my favorite blogs, Cake Wrecks? And by the way, even though the premise of that blog is to show disastrous cakes, every Sunday she features beautiful cakes. And today is Sunday. So go check out the pretty pastries.
Anyway, my point is that Cake Wrecks is ONE of my favorite blogs. My other favorite blog is Bye Bye Pie. If you EVER need a laugh, or a little pick-me-up, just head on over there, because it is HILARIOUS! She can take the most mundane situation and make it funny. I don't know how she does it.
(Btw, she calls herself June, because her first blog was called Bye Bye Buy, and it was all about how she wasn't going to buy anything for a whole year, and she called herself June Cutoff Cash, and if you don't get the play-on-words, then you must be REALLY young. And Bye Bye Pie is about her being more healthy this year, so her new name is June GonnaEatThat. And she calls her husband Marvin Gardensalad, and if you don't get THAT one, then.....well, then you might live in a cave).
So ANY-DANG-WAY (as June would say), I lovelovelovelovelovelove Bye Bye Pie. I get excited every time I see that she's put up a new post. I can't wait to read her blog everyday. And I try to comment every now and then to show my appreciation.
Well. She recently started something called "Comment of the Week." Basically, she picks her favorite comment from that whole week, and that person gets to glow and gloat for seven days. GUESS WHAT: this week, she picked MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! I know this makes me the biggest nerddork in blogland, but I feel almost famous, and so privileged. If you click on the link, you can read my comment, and what others have to say about it.
This just makes my Christmas. And Art's eyes might be permanently rolled backwards. According to His Majesty, I am the epitome of ridiculousness. Who cares. This might be as close to blog heaven as I'll ever get, so I'm going to enjoy it to the fullest.
December 19, 2008
American Thanksgiving
Here are just a few pictures from Thanksgiving. This wasn't my first American Thanksgiving, but it was my first one with Art's family.
The Spread
Family Picture!
Me carving my first turkey.
I quit as soon as this picture was taken. I was too nervous about screwing up. Art's dad took over after that.
It was a great evening (and very filling). Art's parents didn't take ANY of the food home. Somehow, we managed to stuff all the leftovers into our fridge. Some of it is STILL there.
The Spread
Family Picture!
Me carving my first turkey.
I quit as soon as this picture was taken. I was too nervous about screwing up. Art's dad took over after that.
It was a great evening (and very filling). Art's parents didn't take ANY of the food home. Somehow, we managed to stuff all the leftovers into our fridge. Some of it is STILL there.
December 17, 2008
I'm Pretty! And This Is a Gun!
So one weekend we were going to go to a local gun and knife show.
But we were too late.
(The boys are supposed to look sad here. Mari accidentally made Wayne smile)
So we had a gun show at Wayne's house instead!
This is the picture that inspired the title.
Art and Wayne look pretty Bad A, don't they?
Mari......doesn't exactly look Bad A.
A couple of weeks later, we had an early Thanksgiving with Wayne's grandparents. The guys and I did some target practice on a couple of innocent pumpkins.
Yup, that's me. Shooting a gun. I hit the target. :) Then I stopped.
This is definitely a first for me. I guess it's a little redneck, huh?
But we were too late.
(The boys are supposed to look sad here. Mari accidentally made Wayne smile)
So we had a gun show at Wayne's house instead!
This is the picture that inspired the title.
Art and Wayne look pretty Bad A, don't they?
Mari......doesn't exactly look Bad A.
A couple of weeks later, we had an early Thanksgiving with Wayne's grandparents. The guys and I did some target practice on a couple of innocent pumpkins.
Yup, that's me. Shooting a gun. I hit the target. :) Then I stopped.
This is definitely a first for me. I guess it's a little redneck, huh?
December 16, 2008
Meme: 2008 At A Glance
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
I got married. I moved to a another country. I went hiking. I tried sushi. I deadlifted 115% of my body weight. I played a World War II board game. I watched a UFC fight. I made dinner. I shot a gun. (Pictures to come)
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I remember that I made a resolution last year, but I don't remember what it was. I also learned that it's easier to keep a resolution if you start it at a different point during the year. There's so much pressure with starting a resolution on New Years, and that makes it harder to stick to it.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Define "close". I know several people who gave birth, because we attended the same church.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope, but a friend of mine very recently lost his mother. I hurt for him and his family.
5. What countries did you visit?
Canada and the US. I've never been off the continent. I need to do that one of these days.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A car? I didn't need one until I moved, but so far we're surviving without a second vehicle. Honestly, we're not lacking for anything. We might have little, but we don't lack.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory?
March 15 (when the company I worked for declared bankruptcy) and July 19 (our wedding).
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Planning a wedding.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not exercising.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I have bronchitis (but it's almost gone!)
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A bed. It's SOOOOOOOOOOOOO comfy.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Sarah Palin. Now there's a good politician if ever one existed. Fighting corruption, even within her own party? Unheard of. She's got good, old-fashioned values, she isn't afraid of having unpopular opinions, and she handles everything with class.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The leaders of the political parties that lost in the Canadian election. Seriously you guys. Grow up. Just because you're unhappy with the way things turned out doesn't give you the right to try and overthrow the Prime Minister. Okay, I'm done.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Half went to the wedding. The other half went to living expenses once I moved.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I think we've established the fact that getting married trumps all other events of this past year. I'm trying to think of something else I got excited about too. Seeing Mount Rainier up close was pretty exciting/breathtaking. Having my mom and sister and niece here was tons of fun too.
16. What song/album will always remind you of 2008?
Unfortunately, Disturbia by Rihanna. Art and Wayne will never get tired of singing, "Bum bum be-dum, bum bum bee da dum" in the most annoying voice they can muster. Most of the time, a little dance goes along with it.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: happier/sadder, thinner/heavier, richer/poorer?
Happier, heavier (by four pounds) and poorer (financially). But I feel rich. And I'm not just being cheesy. I love my husband more everyday, I have the best in-laws, amazing friends, and a wonderful church.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Being thankful.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying and stressing.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Having our friends and Art's siblings over. Lots of food, and a Secret Santa gift exchange. I think we'll also attend Mass with Art's parents on Christmas Eve (they're Catholic).
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Before I got married: Art. After I got married: Mom.
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Every day. :D
23. *There used to be a question here, but it was so stupid, I removed it.*
24. What was your favorite TV program?
I've never been much of a TV person, but I like watching What Not To Wear.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Those market research people who keep calling for Joe, even though I've told them MANY times that he doesn't live here anymore, and would they please remove our number from their listings.
26. What was the best book(s) you read?
At first I wasn't sure I'd be able to answer this question, because I've read several, and they were all great. But I'm going to have to go with the book of Daniel, from the Bible. I did a Bible Study on it with my church, and WOW. It is JAM PACKED with amazing and powerful lessons and revelations. I still haven't blogged about it, because it's way too much for even a few posts. But I want to try and tell you some of the things I learned. Someday.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Do you mean that I started listening to an artist I've never listened to before and now I love them? I guess Muse. Art introduced me to Muse, and now I like them.
28. What did you want and get?
A perfect wedding. And a spousal visa.
29. What did you want and not get?
A greencard. We were misinformed about what my visa would allow me to do. We thought it meant that I could work. But we were wrong.
30. What were your favorite films of this year?
I saw both Batman movies this year, and they were amazing. I also saw 27 Dresses, and I loved it so much, I bought it!
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 23, and I had to look back on my blog to see what I did. I know I was at Youth Group on my actual birthday. But the day after, we had a small party at home. We had dinner and watched the movie Fracture.
32. What's one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Well, it would have been nice to be able to work and contribute to our income, but I don't want to be ungrateful. God has been so good to us this year, it would be "shame on me" for complaining about anything. He always knows what's up ahead, and He's always taking care of us.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Before the bankruptcy, I was always dressed in office-appropriate attire. Once my job there was done, it was jeans and t-shirts and sweaters. Casual, sometimes even schlumpy.
34. What kept you sane?
God. And blogs.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I was going to make a reference to teenagers, but I know plenty of adults (my age and older) who obsess over celebrities. I am not one of those adults. Although I love Josh Groban, but that's not isolated to 2008. I will always love him.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The election. Specifically, all the questionable associations, behaviors, and beliefs of Obama. But I promised I wouldn't speak of it again, so I'm just going to leave it at that.
37. Who did you miss?
My niece, Kiera (who is scooting now! Click on the link and watch the video). Also, my friend Kat. And she's calling on Thursday!
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Oh boy. I met a few of Art's friends and co-workers for the first time. But I would have to say Art's friend Cameron. I met him mere days before the wedding. He's a good one. I'm glad Art has a friend like him.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
I re-learned to trust in God when the future is scary and uncertain. But I suspect that I'll always be learning that lesson.
For instance, not having enough money to buy toilet paper is not the end of the world.
Neither is having your car break down.
Neither is having your brother-in-law's car break down shortly after that.
Neither is losing a job (that happened to both of us this year).
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"In Christ ALONE my hope is found, He is my life, my strength, my song.
This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, and strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all - here in the love of Christ I stand.
I got married. I moved to a another country. I went hiking. I tried sushi. I deadlifted 115% of my body weight. I played a World War II board game. I watched a UFC fight. I made dinner. I shot a gun. (Pictures to come)
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I remember that I made a resolution last year, but I don't remember what it was. I also learned that it's easier to keep a resolution if you start it at a different point during the year. There's so much pressure with starting a resolution on New Years, and that makes it harder to stick to it.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Define "close". I know several people who gave birth, because we attended the same church.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope, but a friend of mine very recently lost his mother. I hurt for him and his family.
5. What countries did you visit?
Canada and the US. I've never been off the continent. I need to do that one of these days.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A car? I didn't need one until I moved, but so far we're surviving without a second vehicle. Honestly, we're not lacking for anything. We might have little, but we don't lack.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory?
March 15 (when the company I worked for declared bankruptcy) and July 19 (our wedding).
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Planning a wedding.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not exercising.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I have bronchitis (but it's almost gone!)
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A bed. It's SOOOOOOOOOOOOO comfy.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Sarah Palin. Now there's a good politician if ever one existed. Fighting corruption, even within her own party? Unheard of. She's got good, old-fashioned values, she isn't afraid of having unpopular opinions, and she handles everything with class.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The leaders of the political parties that lost in the Canadian election. Seriously you guys. Grow up. Just because you're unhappy with the way things turned out doesn't give you the right to try and overthrow the Prime Minister. Okay, I'm done.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Half went to the wedding. The other half went to living expenses once I moved.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I think we've established the fact that getting married trumps all other events of this past year. I'm trying to think of something else I got excited about too. Seeing Mount Rainier up close was pretty exciting/breathtaking. Having my mom and sister and niece here was tons of fun too.
16. What song/album will always remind you of 2008?
Unfortunately, Disturbia by Rihanna. Art and Wayne will never get tired of singing, "Bum bum be-dum, bum bum bee da dum" in the most annoying voice they can muster. Most of the time, a little dance goes along with it.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: happier/sadder, thinner/heavier, richer/poorer?
Happier, heavier (by four pounds) and poorer (financially). But I feel rich. And I'm not just being cheesy. I love my husband more everyday, I have the best in-laws, amazing friends, and a wonderful church.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Being thankful.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying and stressing.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Having our friends and Art's siblings over. Lots of food, and a Secret Santa gift exchange. I think we'll also attend Mass with Art's parents on Christmas Eve (they're Catholic).
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Before I got married: Art. After I got married: Mom.
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Every day. :D
23. *There used to be a question here, but it was so stupid, I removed it.*
24. What was your favorite TV program?
I've never been much of a TV person, but I like watching What Not To Wear.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Those market research people who keep calling for Joe, even though I've told them MANY times that he doesn't live here anymore, and would they please remove our number from their listings.
26. What was the best book(s) you read?
At first I wasn't sure I'd be able to answer this question, because I've read several, and they were all great. But I'm going to have to go with the book of Daniel, from the Bible. I did a Bible Study on it with my church, and WOW. It is JAM PACKED with amazing and powerful lessons and revelations. I still haven't blogged about it, because it's way too much for even a few posts. But I want to try and tell you some of the things I learned. Someday.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Do you mean that I started listening to an artist I've never listened to before and now I love them? I guess Muse. Art introduced me to Muse, and now I like them.
28. What did you want and get?
A perfect wedding. And a spousal visa.
29. What did you want and not get?
A greencard. We were misinformed about what my visa would allow me to do. We thought it meant that I could work. But we were wrong.
30. What were your favorite films of this year?
I saw both Batman movies this year, and they were amazing. I also saw 27 Dresses, and I loved it so much, I bought it!
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 23, and I had to look back on my blog to see what I did. I know I was at Youth Group on my actual birthday. But the day after, we had a small party at home. We had dinner and watched the movie Fracture.
32. What's one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Well, it would have been nice to be able to work and contribute to our income, but I don't want to be ungrateful. God has been so good to us this year, it would be "shame on me" for complaining about anything. He always knows what's up ahead, and He's always taking care of us.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Before the bankruptcy, I was always dressed in office-appropriate attire. Once my job there was done, it was jeans and t-shirts and sweaters. Casual, sometimes even schlumpy.
34. What kept you sane?
God. And blogs.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I was going to make a reference to teenagers, but I know plenty of adults (my age and older) who obsess over celebrities. I am not one of those adults. Although I love Josh Groban, but that's not isolated to 2008. I will always love him.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The election. Specifically, all the questionable associations, behaviors, and beliefs of Obama. But I promised I wouldn't speak of it again, so I'm just going to leave it at that.
37. Who did you miss?
My niece, Kiera (who is scooting now! Click on the link and watch the video). Also, my friend Kat. And she's calling on Thursday!
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Oh boy. I met a few of Art's friends and co-workers for the first time. But I would have to say Art's friend Cameron. I met him mere days before the wedding. He's a good one. I'm glad Art has a friend like him.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
I re-learned to trust in God when the future is scary and uncertain. But I suspect that I'll always be learning that lesson.
For instance, not having enough money to buy toilet paper is not the end of the world.
Neither is having your car break down.
Neither is having your brother-in-law's car break down shortly after that.
Neither is losing a job (that happened to both of us this year).
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"In Christ ALONE my hope is found, He is my life, my strength, my song.
This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, and strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all - here in the love of Christ I stand.
December 15, 2008
Pictures of Our Humble Abode
Are you ready for another all-picture post? Warning: there are lots of pictures. It's hard to capture your living space accurately without a 360 degree camera. But I tried.
So this is our house from the outside, standing in the street. You would think from this picture that we live in the middle of a forest, but trust me: there are houses beside and behind. It's not a particularly pretty neighborhood, but it's quiet.
Those are the lovely rhododendron bushes I had to trim drastically. I'll take pictures of our yard again in spring, when they're in bloom. And that's not our car. And now there's snow on the ground, and that one tree doesn't have leaves, but other than that, it looks the same. Oh, and take note of the "front" door. We don't use that door. We use the door in the carport.
This is what you would see if you were standing in our front door (the door we actually use). I was literally standing in our doorway when I took this picture.
Kitchen is to the left, laundry room is to the right. Kitchen table is shoved in between the washing machine and the wall. Just in case it wasn't obvious, we don't eat at it. We put our mail and laundry stuff on it. Just beyond is our living room.
This is our kitchen from the opposite side.
You can see all our crystal sitting on top of the cupboards. It's up there because we don't use it. Not exactly earthquake-safe, but thankfully, earthquakes only come around once or twice a century.
I had to sit on our washing machine to get this picture. Small house much?
If you zoom in on the wallpaper, you can see the flag pattern. Our house has a slight nautical theme. Sail boat wallpaper trim, flags, and buoys. And blue carpets.
Still sitting on the washing machine. Don't look at the rotten bananas on the counter. I'll make banana muffins one of these days.
And then I had to sit on the counter to capture this one. Behold our laundry room.
This is our living room. Taken from the doorway between the kitchen and the living room. It also happens to be our dining room.
That wood stove is our "fake fireplace." It heats so wonderfully, but we're not using it this year. It runs on propane, and propane is EX-PEN-SIVE.
Just another view of the left side of our living room. These pictures were taken at night, but right now, during the day, those blinds are open, and we can see our front yard and the street. As I'm typing this, I'm waiting to see the mail lady pull up in her tiny jeep and put something in our mailbox.
Take note of the Christmas tree. All three feet of it. There are a few more decorations on it now, and a few presents underneath.
Living room from the other side. I am sitting on that couch as we speak.
Living room again, but this time standing by the wood stove. Art spends a lot of time at that desk. He's sitting there right now, actually.
Standing in our bedroom door. The comforter was free, from Art's parents. At least it wasn't the "orange one" I heard about. It actually kind of matches. Not that I care. It's warm, and it was free, and that's all that matters.
Beside the bed, left of the doorway. Night stand, and a closet. That closet has exactly zero items in it that belong to me. In fact, the only thing is this entire room that belongs to me is my pillow. And yes, we have a football nightlight. Is that a problem?
At the foot of the bed. Art's laundry baskets, desk, and bookcase. Things you can't see: all the clothes I threw behind the other side of the bed. We don't own a dresser, so Art is forced to keep some of his clothes in laundry baskets on the floor.
This is what I see from my side of the bed. Cool.
This is our bathroom.
Less nautical theme, more "green" theme. If you could see exactly two centimeters right of the edge of the picture, you would see the open door. That's how tiny our bathroom is.
One cabinet below the sink, and one cabinet above the toilet. Art loves his shaving and facial care products.
At least it's really easy and quick to clean.
If you walk out of the bathroom and turn right, you'll see this: the spare bedroom.
Also known as "my" room.
That's my laundry basket, and everything I own is in the closet that you can't see, just to the right. My room/the spare room is also a storage room. I know it's bad to refer to them as "my room" and "his room", but that's the way it works right now.
And that's the end. That's our house. And it's almost never this clean (but I try).
So this is our house from the outside, standing in the street. You would think from this picture that we live in the middle of a forest, but trust me: there are houses beside and behind. It's not a particularly pretty neighborhood, but it's quiet.
Those are the lovely rhododendron bushes I had to trim drastically. I'll take pictures of our yard again in spring, when they're in bloom. And that's not our car. And now there's snow on the ground, and that one tree doesn't have leaves, but other than that, it looks the same. Oh, and take note of the "front" door. We don't use that door. We use the door in the carport.
This is what you would see if you were standing in our front door (the door we actually use). I was literally standing in our doorway when I took this picture.
Kitchen is to the left, laundry room is to the right. Kitchen table is shoved in between the washing machine and the wall. Just in case it wasn't obvious, we don't eat at it. We put our mail and laundry stuff on it. Just beyond is our living room.
This is our kitchen from the opposite side.
You can see all our crystal sitting on top of the cupboards. It's up there because we don't use it. Not exactly earthquake-safe, but thankfully, earthquakes only come around once or twice a century.
I had to sit on our washing machine to get this picture. Small house much?
If you zoom in on the wallpaper, you can see the flag pattern. Our house has a slight nautical theme. Sail boat wallpaper trim, flags, and buoys. And blue carpets.
Still sitting on the washing machine. Don't look at the rotten bananas on the counter. I'll make banana muffins one of these days.
And then I had to sit on the counter to capture this one. Behold our laundry room.
This is our living room. Taken from the doorway between the kitchen and the living room. It also happens to be our dining room.
That wood stove is our "fake fireplace." It heats so wonderfully, but we're not using it this year. It runs on propane, and propane is EX-PEN-SIVE.
Just another view of the left side of our living room. These pictures were taken at night, but right now, during the day, those blinds are open, and we can see our front yard and the street. As I'm typing this, I'm waiting to see the mail lady pull up in her tiny jeep and put something in our mailbox.
Take note of the Christmas tree. All three feet of it. There are a few more decorations on it now, and a few presents underneath.
Living room from the other side. I am sitting on that couch as we speak.
Living room again, but this time standing by the wood stove. Art spends a lot of time at that desk. He's sitting there right now, actually.
Standing in our bedroom door. The comforter was free, from Art's parents. At least it wasn't the "orange one" I heard about. It actually kind of matches. Not that I care. It's warm, and it was free, and that's all that matters.
Beside the bed, left of the doorway. Night stand, and a closet. That closet has exactly zero items in it that belong to me. In fact, the only thing is this entire room that belongs to me is my pillow. And yes, we have a football nightlight. Is that a problem?
At the foot of the bed. Art's laundry baskets, desk, and bookcase. Things you can't see: all the clothes I threw behind the other side of the bed. We don't own a dresser, so Art is forced to keep some of his clothes in laundry baskets on the floor.
This is what I see from my side of the bed. Cool.
This is our bathroom.
Less nautical theme, more "green" theme. If you could see exactly two centimeters right of the edge of the picture, you would see the open door. That's how tiny our bathroom is.
One cabinet below the sink, and one cabinet above the toilet. Art loves his shaving and facial care products.
At least it's really easy and quick to clean.
If you walk out of the bathroom and turn right, you'll see this: the spare bedroom.
Also known as "my" room.
That's my laundry basket, and everything I own is in the closet that you can't see, just to the right. My room/the spare room is also a storage room. I know it's bad to refer to them as "my room" and "his room", but that's the way it works right now.
And that's the end. That's our house. And it's almost never this clean (but I try).
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