this is katie

Intentional Changes.

2012-01-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

I have spent the first two weeks of the new year brainstorming ideas that I could work on or change. Some people declared theirs "resolutions" and began at the beginning of the year. After being inundated with reports about how unlikely we are to actually effect long-term change if we start on January 1, I was tempted to wait or not announce anything. However, I gave it some serious thought and came up with a few things I have been thinking about or already working on, and created a list of what I'd like to do or accomplish in the next fifty weeks. Here is my list: 1. Finish 12 books. I say finish because I have a few books sitting on my nightstand that I really should get through before I purchase or begin any new ones. 2. Make curtains for two bedrooms and our living room. 3. Train for and consider running 13.1 miles in June in a race. 4. Continue to cook regularly and maybe add in a few more recipes so that Handsome doesn't get bored. 5. Post pictures of wreaths I have made recently to the blog! 6. Order our wedding album before our anniversary in August and order prints... Embarrassing I know. 7. Work on more scripture memory verses and get at least a little plugged in at a church in our new town. 8. Blog more. Even if it means I just get one post posted a month. So, that is all I have. Some of these things have been troubling me for a great deal of time, so 2012 would be a great time to take care of them. I have other thoughts and ideas and little to-dos but I'm thinking big picture here people and I want to set attainable goals that still might do some stretching and make room for growing. I'll try to keep you updated.

2011 By the Numbers

2012-01-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

So it is now the middle of January. I still want to do some form of 2011 recap, so here is 2011 by the numbers!
1: Trip to the Emergency Room,
1: Anniversary celebrated at a very delicious steakhouse, complete with flowers and a bracelet from my man
1: Morning in my old high school
1: New addition to the family! (our 102 lb. bloodhound named Big Baby)
and 1: missed trip to Hawaii! :(
2: Moves! One across the country, one across our town.
and 2: Missed days of work (one following our 1 trip to the ER).
3: Job applications completed!
and 3: Friends having beautiful babies!
and 3: Weeks of eating-in, almost exclusively...the longest amount of time we have avoided restaurants during our entire marriage.
4: Months of school and months of being jobless.
5: Big finals for hubby, but 0 big tests for me!
6: ..is close to the number of times I blogged. So embarrassing.
and 6: times I stepped out of my comfort zone to meet new people since moving to our new town.
7: Trips to Hometown throughout the year.
8: Months of work!
9ish?: Different churches we visited or tried due to trips out of town and our move!
10: (approximately) the number of new recipes we have incorporated into our regular repertoire.
11: States visited including, but not limited to, Washington, Maine, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Texas!
16: Church league softball games
21: times I felt embarrassed or put my foot in my mouth. (I'm guessing here people).
(approximately) 40: Known food allergies
60: Skin tests for hives
(approximately) 80: Prescriptions filled and taken! Sheesh!!
(approximately) 120: Boxes packed and unpacked.
Countless: hugs, kisses, shouts, "I love yous" and "I'm sorrys"
********
And Christmas by the numbers:
We saw: 4 parents, 3 grandparents, 2 brothers, 1 sister-in-law, 4 nieces, 3 family pets, 2 aunts, 2 uncles, 1 cousin, and countless friends and family. It was a busy but full time.

Managing Life With Bumps In The Night

2011-12-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

So, the bumps had returned. So I did the best thing I knew to do: I went online in search for answers! Well, sort of. In all honesty, I went online to get a phone number for an allergist in my Hometown and did what any reasonable adult would do: called my mom and asked her to set up the appointment for me, even though I had looked the number up. I got scared so I had her do it. Pathetic, I know. But, in all fairness, the allergist's office has been my dad's family's doctor for over 50 years! So my mom, dad, and brother are all well acquainted with the office and I knew she would have more sway about getting me in on the exact and only days I would be available for several months.

And sure enough, she came through! They scheduled me, somewhat unwillingly, for allergy tests over the exact two days that I was planning to be in Hometown. They told my mom that there was a good chance the tests would be inconclusive, but I persevered and thought it would be worth going. So I stopped my medicine for a few days, became quite irritable and bumpy and itchy, and then went and got a lot of scratches and a whole bunch of food injections. The tests showed that I have food sensitivities to, oh, pretty much everything that any normal person would like to eat.

Seriously. I'm sensitive to wheat, coconut, garlic, blackberry, cauliflower, strawberry, pear, pea, kidney bean, grape, red and green pepper, chile powder, brewers yeast, oat, rice, banana, pecan, spinach, apple, celery, coffee, watermelon, cow milk, beef, lobster, shrimp, tuna, halibut, apricot and peach.

If you made it through that list you will probably be thinking two different thoughts, simultaneously. Those are 1. Man, that is a lot of food; and 2. There must still be tons of other foods that you are not sensitive to and therefore, what is with all the whining?

I know, because I had these same thoughts for about a month before I got a handle on myself. For a while, I tried to eat other foods they tested that I had no reaction to. Things like chicken, corn, pinto bean, cherry, etc. And I think I was doing okay, but the bumps kept coming and I kept cheating on things like coffee because it can be really discouraging to limit your diet.

But eventually, I realized I needed to see a nutritionist to figure out how to truly eliminate the foods I knew I was sensitive to and how to still eat a relatively healthy diet. The dietician taught me a number of things I never knew, introduced me to foods I hadn't heard of, and advised me of other foods that weren't tested but were in a like family to those I were so I could stay away from them too.

I think it has been almost two months since I saw her, and since that time, I have been doing better at staying with my safe foods and not cheating by eating unsafe foods. I did have one more pretty bad attack and have had some other slip-ups, but overall I'm doing okay with "safe" foods, many prescription drugs, and now, some digestive enzymes.

I'm not sure how long it will take to get over this bout of illness or if it will be something I live with for many years. Right now, this combination of things seems to be working, and I'm trying many different types of cooking and recipes that I likely would have before these issues.

We were trying to generally eat healthy for a while before the bumps started, but in all honesty, I wasn't deterred enough from things like cheese to really eliminate them. But now that I have essentially been forced to rethink food and diet, I don't even miss most of those things we have eliminated. It may be partly because it makes me feel better as far as hives go, but I think I generally feel better in life, too. So I'll keep eating "safe foods" until something changes, and that makes things like preparing my own Thanksgiving a lot less worry free, since I knew exactly what was in everything I was eating.

Things That Go Bump In the Night

2011-11-29T08:13:00.007-07:00

So I have sort of alluded to some dietary changes that I have had to make and how I had to be careful in order to make Thanksgiving "safe" for me to eat this year. I suppose it is time I share in more detail my struggle.
Around May of this year I started noticing little bumps around my elbows. I thought that I was getting spider bites, because it is common for people in the area of the town we were living to have trouble with spiders and the bumps were small. But then the bumps kept appearing, and constantly in new areas. We travelled to our Hometown on Memorial Day weekend and I saw my general practitioner for a yearly checkup. I showed him the bumps and explained that they "come and go. They move around and change colors and it seems like they don't last long, but there were often new ones springing up." He advised that I should see a dermatologist to diagnose the skin condition, but with some clever internet sleuthing I self-diagnosed with hives in a matter of hours, instead of waiting seven months for an appointment with a dermatologist.
And I started self-medicating with a little bit of anti-itch creams and low dosage antihistamines. This worked well and good for a while, except for my occasional bouts of irritability prior to bigger breakouts and sometimes pretty severe itching. But then one night in the middle of June, I woke up and went into the bathroom feeling awfully strange. I turned on the light and standing at the counter I thought that I looked strange. I went and got my glasses from my bedroom and returned to the mirror. My lip was swollen so much that I hardly recognized myself.
So I woke my husband up and asked him to take a picture and email it to me from his phone. He did and I forwarded it to my general practitioner (who regularly emails and texts patients at 3 in the morning--he is awesome by the way). I was quite alarmed at my appearance so, of course, I did as any normal hypochondriac female in the twenty-first century would do: I googled it. After reading a few things, I debated with myself for a few minutes about whether I should wake my husband up to tell him I was going to go to the Emergency Room, at the direction of the interwebs, and decided I probably should.
He wanted to come with me, being the modern day night in shining Tundra that he is, so off we went. He was prepared for an eight hour wait, but we were triaged almost immediately, because they were concerned about keeping my airway open. I was given a quick round of corticosteriods, antihistamines and H2 blockers to stop the allergic reaction I was having. The doctors quizzed me about the time period I had been having bumps, my diet, my soaps, etc., and finally told me that I have angioedema (or swelling in the face) and I probably have idiopathic urticaria (or as we common folk say, hives from an unknown cause). They told me I could keep track of everything I came into contact with and try to determine the cause, but they said I might not ever know and that the swelling would likely not return and that the hives would eventually go away.
My general practitioner set me up with prescriptions for an EPIPEN, antihistamines, and an H2 blocker for the histamine response from my stomach. This combination of drugs made the bumps totally manageable for the rest of June, all of July, and most of August. A few would appear during the night, but I regularly cleared up during the day. So I slacked off about keeping track of everything I came into contact with, and just tried to eliminate common allergens from my diet, from my washing liquids (of all forms) and through other sources. I was perfectly happy with this mode of operation, because the hives were pretty well controlled and because I had heard that hives often last for several months at a time. But time continued on and unfortunately for me, the medicines and my lifestyle changes did not stop the bumps from reoccurring in the night.

Thankful.

2011-11-24T08:00:00.002-07:00

thank·ful (thngkfl)

adj.

1. Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful.

2. Expressive of gratitude: a thankful smile.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I'm thankful that we have loving families at home and they are always available to chat.

I'm thankful that I am not alone on Thanksgiving, even if is just me and my best friend.

I'm thankful that we will have a wonderful delicious meal to eat together and that it will be safe for me.

I'm thankful for doctors and medicines and the internet that help me with what is or can be safe.

I'm thankful for the warm and wonderful home we live in.

I'm thankful that we are making a place and finding our way in a new city.

I'm thankful that Mr. RH brought us here for school because it is so new and so different.

And I'm thankful for the adventure that it is and because it was just what we needed.

I'm thankful that all of these circumstances are for our good beause of Him who I am most grafeful for.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We hope your Thanksgiving is full and warm with contentment and gratitude and love for friends, family, and the Lord who loves you and gave it all for you. God bless.

The Little MacBook That Cost $

2011-11-21T09:30:00.002-07:00

Well. My little newly-returned-regularly-scheduled blogging went to pot last week. I know, enough with the excuses already!! But if you will just forgive me again...

You see, the little MacBook I write my posts on decided to change my lovely plans. He has been (mostly) loyal and faithful and dependable for over four years now, but last week he was so very tired. So tired in fact, that his regular glow just ceased. Turns out his display and backlight need to be changed out! $270.00+ tax. Cha ching!

Oh, and his battery is on the way to the world of fried batteries, too, I guess. The nice genius at Apple regretfully informed me that my battery has stood up for over 808 charges, but that he likely wouldn't last for many more because they are only guaranteed for 300. (I feel the need to express my disgust that 300 full charges is not even a full years worth of charges if you run your battery down daily. Come ON Apple!). But I guess I don't really have room to complain since mine lasted over double that! But unfortunately, he won't likely last much longer. And to replace that is another $99.00+ tax. Cha ching!

So if you are keeping track, the repairs my little guy needs are currently at around $370.00+ tax. And he is already 4 years old, has had to have his hard drive replaced and had his OS updated. So it is not like we haven't already put other money into him. (Well, the new hard drive was actually replace for free, but that is beside the point). And umm, $400.00 is like almost a whole iPad2 and is almost 1/2 way to a brand spanking new MacBookAir. And umm, I'm not working. And umm, it is almost Christmas. And umm, yeah.

So I am trying to decide what to do, if anything at all. For the time being, I'm writing from Mr. RH's desktop. And I'm so grateful for this, because it has an internet connection, a lit screen and a keyboard.

But my little MacBook buddy is sitting in the living room, close to our big living room window, and a couch and television. He is saying that the stationality (I know it isn't a word) of the desktop can't really satisfy me for too long, so I'm still going to have to make a decision. But maybe I can wait to decide until 2012. Or maybe Santa will surprise me and decide for me. Wouldn't that make the timing of this whole thing completely perfect?

I'm here and I'm writing from the comfort of Mr. RH's plush leather desk chair,

Nothing of Substance

2011-11-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

First of all, thank you for the warm welcome back into the blogging world. I didn't know that anyone would realize I was gone, except maybe my husband and mother. And my mother called me very soon after I posted, so I was right about her, but I don't think my sweet man has noticed yet. So I guess that means I'm not that great at making predictions about my life.
Anyway, as I am getting back into the swing of things, I decided to go easy on myself and instead of writing a thoughtful, coherent post, I'm just going to give you a splattering of thoughts. These types of posts happen to be my favorites on other blogs. I think they are my favorites, because they are easy to focus on as you only need a 3 second attention span. Plus, I think it is fun to see random bits of other peoples days and lives and how those moments and thoughts relate to my own.
Thus, we proceed:
1. I have really only been drinking Starbucks Refresh Tea lately, because of some dietary changes that keep me away from cocoa and espresso. In an attempt to be frugal, Handsome and I bought me a nice package of them at the store. This is all well and good, except for the fact that I want my Refresh Tea in one of those dang cute Red cups. I suppose I can wait until after Thanksgiving to give in again.
2. Said dietary changes, espresso and cocoa among others, are also making me a little crazy trying to plan our Thanksgiving meal. Handsome and I may be on our own this year, because we are not going to our Hometown. This is good and bad. It is good because we won't have the stress of traveling before his finals and because I really will know that I can eat everything I prepare. But it is bad because I am having the hardest time figuring out what I can fesasibly prepare that will be edible and safe for me and still resemble a normal Thanksgiving meal, will starve off any feelings of homesickness, and please my Thanksgiving-loving-Husbands tastebuds. Good times.
3. This recipe search keeps leading me to my old favorites like Paula Dean. And I now follow her on Twitter. But man alive, there is not likely to be one recipe of hers that I can use this year which makes me think I should unfollow her on twitter (for the time being). Sad days.
4. I joined Twitter. In case it wasn't clear from the above. I sort of, kind of, love it! I check it on my phone and on the computer and it sort of makes me feel like I am still interacting with people throughout the day even though I am really just sitting at home talking to myself. My username is SageNovember and you can talk back if you want to.
5. On a totally unrelated note, I need to make a trip to Hobby Lobby so I can talk to myself in the aisles there and so I can pick up some beautiful items for projects and crafts. I really ought to do this today as a. I am clean, b. I am wearing clean clothes, and c. my hair is also clean. You would think that this combination of things is normal for most people, however, it has not been a frequent occurrence in my life as of late.
And with that realization, I am off to Hobby Lobby with maybe a stop at Starbucks on the way. :-) Shocking I know.
Don't worry. I'll be back soon and I'll be writing,

Major Changes.

2011-11-07T19:17:00.000-07:00

I keep not writing, because I haven't written. Logical huh? Oh, and because I don't like my blog design anymore, but I'm trying to put that aside and put myself back onto the interwebs, because I miss all of my blogging friends.
Anyway, I couldn't quite stir any creativity while at my last job. It required many hours of serious thinking and writing and it also paid me, so blogging had to hit the back burner. Or it got stuffed into the bottom broiler that never gets turned on. However you want to say it.

But now, I'm currently unemployed and feeling quite free and creative and I'm trying not to think about the blog design, all so I can bring you another installment of This is Katie. Good times, eh?

In the 8(+) months since I last checked in, many wonderful, life-changing things have happened.
First, we moved part way across the country. Then I flew back to our old city and I finished out the remainder that creativity-stifiling but very interesting and important job. It had been for a one year term, so I needed to complete that term even though our move overlapped a little.
At the same time, Mr. Rh started grad school and started studying more than we knew was possible.
And while much of this was going on, we also started house shopping. Then we got a new (old) house and moved again(!) while he was enjoying his fall break. This move required many hours of painting, but hardly any repacking since we had the foresight earlier to stop unpacking when it looked like we were going to get to move again. It also involved supervising workers who were making repairs and changing things on our house. After this stint of supervision, I decided I went into the wrong profession and should have been a site manager instead of a whatever I am because for some reason, workers fear me. And all this time I thought I was an approachable, friendly human. Guess I look more like a grouchy boss.
Other than those life things, a few minor things happened too that have required me to start cooking more and crafting a little. I feel energized and excited again. Join me?
I'm right here and I'll be writing,

A Little Miss Fit Update: February 9th

2011-02-10T07:36:00.005-07:00

Made it to the gym last night again. Yay! Spent twenty-five minutes on the elliptical and anotherfifteen minutes of strength training on four machines. Handsome said maybe I should try strength training first before cardio because its easier to have better form and do more reps before your muscles are buzzing from cardio... so maybe I'll try that next time. On the machines I did a seated leg lift, another leg push, seated bench press and a lateral pull down with various degrees of weights and about three sets of twelve reps on each. I have a question about strength training that I need to remember to ask him (or someone).... How long should I wait between sets? I have been waiting as long as I need to feel like I could do it again, but I'm not sure if its long enough or too long. Okay, that is it for now.
I'm here and I'm still writing,

A Little Miss Fit Update: February 6th

2011-02-07T06:53:00.001-07:00

So yesterday I celebrated the Super Bowl by going to the gym.

I had the weight area of the gym almost to myself (thank you football!)

I did about 30 minutes of strength training, doing sets of reps on six different machines.

Today I'll probably need to do some cardio to loosen up what I'm sure will be sore muscles.

I'm here and I'm still writing,

A Pretty Little Holiday

2011-02-04T07:34:00.001-07:00

What is pink and white and red all over?
Valentines Day, of course! I am a big fan of the heart-shaped holiday. I mean, what is honestly better than chocolates and pretty pink hearts and white bows? I know some people feel like the holiday is isolating, because they don't have a man-friend to be all romantical in the wine and flowers type way, but honestly, we all have friends and family members that we LOVE... right? So I don't really see the problem. Anyway.
It seems to me that this year, people are going all out for Valentines Day! And by people, I mean retail stores, advertisers, and television talk shows. I have noticed this somewhat since Christmas, but seeing as the holiday is only ten days away now, they are certainly pushing things now! I think its quite pretty and festive though, so I don't really mind. After a few trips to Target, glancing over a few emails from Williams Sonoma, and watching a Martha Stewart show on the special day, I am more excited than normal. And it has happened much earlier too! In case you are in the mood for a little lurve, these are a few of my favorite things for heart-filled day: First up, X and O S'mores From Williams Sonoma. Handsome and I had a box of WS S'mores at Christmas and they were absolutely delicious. We bought them post-holiday when they were on sale. I had been craving the real campfire variety for quite some time, and the WS marvels were a very good substitution.

Second, little Valentine Petits Fours. I am not even sure that I like Petit Fours, because I have not had any for many years, but these are so cute and bite-sized that I imagine I would like them quite well.

Third, heart-shaped pancakes! This is cute and completely do-able at home. It would feel so fancy with some strawberries and a Mimosa on a Saturday morning near the holiday! Sounds like a fun way to have breakfast!

Fourth, I have a special treat that my man would just swoon for. He is a big fan of shortbread cookies, so these would be a perfect gift for him!

Next up are some heart-shaped soaps! I think these would be nice little gifts for some female family members or to keep in the guest bathroom during the month of February.

And lastly, I think this heart-covered wax paper is perfect to wrap up some baked goodies for co-workers or neighbors or friends is an easy way to spread the love...

What are your favorite Valentine's Day treats and sweets? I'm here. And I'm still writing,

A Little Miss Fit Update

2011-02-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

To keep myself honest and accountable, encouraged and recorded, I might occasionally post work-out summaries on the ole blog.
February 1, 2011:
20 minutes of elliptical
20 ish minutes of learning how to use the weight machines at the gym from Handsome. (thanks). Its wasn't much but it was a good start to the month on a cold winter day.

I Quit My Blog.

2010-11-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

Unintentionally, of course.   Life just got busy the way it does sometimes. You see, Handsome and I have had a pretty different fall this fall. In some ways good and in some ways just flat out different than ever before.
For instance, I have never had a job where I worked forty (and sometimes plus) hours in a week.
We joined a gym and I have never been a member of a gym.
These changes alone have been massive for this little Mrs. and I just haven't had energy or time at night to write messages to you. And I most certainly am not busy writing in the day.
So while you were reading and writing, I was watching re-runs of Dawson's Creek and Felicity (courtesy of Handsome for my birthday).   And I was working out and occassionally cooking. But mostly just really enjoying the hours of awake time that I get with Handsome, away from the stresses of work.
I would like to say for certain that I'll be here and I'll be writing, but I just can't be sure of it. And I don't want to get anyone's expectations up, just to disappoint them later on. But when I feel inspired, or have some extra time, or something special to say: then I will be here. And I will be writing.
Because sheeeeeesh: I have to get adjusted to my working life at some point, right?  I'll hopefully be here and hopefully still be writing,

Ten Things I Said While Handsome Was Watching Football. (aka Things I Would Tweet If I Had Twitter).

2010-10-25T07:33:00.000-06:00

(aka The Conversations I Had With Myself During SNF (Sunday Night Football)).

Today is the first time I ever seriously considered Lasik: I was trying to find my laptop charger, realized my eyes hurt, and hurried to get my contacts out before my computer died!

Stop on this channel! I want to know what show it is. Oh, amazing race? I hate that show, but the place looks cool. Yeah, somewhere in the NW I guess.

I'm not into the outfits this year. Last years vintage styled ones were better.

Honey, please don't make me go to work tomorrow.

We totally should have stopped for donuts for dessert on the way home.

Today I decided what to buy you for Christmas. And I'm not telling you what it is.

Do you think people actually like pumpkin spice lattes or do they just trick themselves into it, because its cool to say you like it in the fall.

I wonder if Rhett is watching his man crush (Favre) right now. ... Yes, I will ask Kelley!

Did you know that my blogger situation is rough, because it doesn't post when I schedule it to? It just leaves my blog empty and makes me look like a slacker!

We totally match right now wearing gray hoodies! Good thing we don't go out like this. People would think we have issues.

************************

I'm here. And I'm still writing,

If You Give a Wife A Zappos Card...

2010-10-07T08:47:00.000-06:00

Handsome just left to go running at the gym. He left me at home with my computer. And with my credit card. And with my birthday swiftly approaching...

Naya.

Ugg.

Naya.

Banana Republic

So... what? A little damage was done? It's certainly not anything that we can't live through! .....

I'm totally kidding. But if I had unlimited funds and closet space (and there weren't hungry children in the world or people that needed their souls to be saved) then maybe, just maybe I would want to indulge myself in all of these fun fall shoes!
A girl can dream can't she?

I'm here. And I'm still writing,

Full(y) Changing.

2010-10-03T19:20:00.000-06:00

I'm coming to you from my living room on Sunday evening. Handsome sits on the couch watching Sunday night football. I'm breathing in the crisp cool air and cozyed up in my favorite fleece (which I've been wearing all spring and summer too because I like it). I'm yawning and thinking socks would comfort my toes, but I haven't sat with still with my computer in a long time so I think I'll just stay right here.
Our weekend was full. And actually our lives have been so full lately. Full of love, of thinking, of activity. Full of family and of friends. So full, that I didn't even remember to say goodbye before I took a pause from blog for life. It is so fun being out of school. I thought working forty hour weeks would be more exhausting than school was...and in some ways it is! Right now its a bit more draining, but I think in ways that I will grow accustomed to soon. In most ways it is such a joy being completely free of thinking-stress on the weekends and when I watch the tele with my man on weeknights. A bit of exercising, a few fun nights with friends, laundry and sleep have been filling up my waking-non-working hours. I have barely been reading or cooking (much to the man's dismay), but maybe soon this workin-life will feel more normal than it has so far. It is invigorating to start a new chapter and to acclimate to it, even if I seem to do so a bit slowly. I'm thrilled that the weather is crisp and a new season (in more ways than one) is beginning.
I'm still here. And I'm still writing,

How I Managed to Drag My Husband Out of the Woods.

2010-09-13T07:12:00.003-06:00

Every so often Handsome or I get this little tickle that makes us want to modify our surroundings. He will likely argue with the above statement, so I'll just claim it for myself: Sometimes I want to redecorate a bit!

Seeing as we rent our little abode and have signed on the line to never crayola the walls with shades of Indigo or Razzmatazz or Wild Blue Yonder, we are stuck with a nice shade of Almond on all of our walls.

Thusly, the redecorating usually involves rearranging the furniture or the wall hangings or occasionally a change of fabric.

Handsome inherited the Al Borlin-esque couch prior to our marriage and he decided that sharing it with me would be quite a lovely wedding gift! Seeing as I had no couch of my own, and the papasan only seats one bum (literally or figuratively) I gladly accepted his gracious gift.

See below:

Now I was certainly a fan of Home Improvement in the glory days of television broadcasting, but since moving in with the husband I have wanted to ~~change~~ cover things up a bit. But seeing as marriage is all about compromise and being a newly-wedded bride with all sorts of hopes to be the best wife ever, I never pushed the issue too much because a certain husband of mine thinks "covers" are umm, how should we say it?, tacky. ugly. cheap-looking. and I could go on.

So I have been living happily in a rustic Oregon cabin in the year 1991 for approximately two years. Until last Saturday night when Handsome decided that our throw pillows have not been adequately supporting his neck. So we left the wooded forrest and headed into town like every other childless couple can freely do on Saturday night and we ventured into another kind of frrest: a forest of throw pillows at stores like Pier One and Tar-jeh and Linens-n-Things.

And once we reach a clearing, after much hiking and debating and after hitting a few switchbacks, we bought a cover. We took it home and immediately blanketed Al Borlin with our Almond canvas colored purchase.

Much to our dismay, it was hideous, but Handsome is not one to give up quickly. So within two or so days we had scoured all of our reasonable options in our city and come across a rich chocolately possibility.

See below:

If you know me at all, you know I won't turn down chocolate. But I'm so glad that Handsome was open to the change, because I'm quite pleased with our fix. It didn't break the bank. We didn't buy new furniture that might not work in a new place when (and if) we ever decide to move. Both of us are happy. And we got new pillows too.

Proving, that compromise and patience is key to a successful marriage. And a little bit of chocolate never hurt anyone.

***********************************

I'm here. And I'm still writing,

Post. Script. Please forgive the lighting in the before photograph. I took the photo and didn't review it before we had already covered the couch. While I'm certain that Handsome would be happy to remove the cover so I could get a better photo, I decided that I would prefer to wait and use a labor request for a more difficult or necessary project. I knew you would understand.

Listed Without Method.

2010-09-10T08:04:00.001-06:00

1. We joined a gym... and I just love having the opportunity to go! This is the first time I have ever really been a gym member (other than in college or paying for pool use for swim team as a child) and so far, it is one of the best decisions we have made. I haven't been brave enough to try a class yet, but one of these days I'll get in there. I'm especially interested in the spin classes and the cardio/weights classes.

2. I'm craving s'mores. But I want the campfire part and sweaters to go with! On the grill or on the stove just doesn't sound appealing!

3. The fall clothes: jackets and boots, sweaters and jeans are really looking nice! This year I won't need as many casual clothes (because of my work dress code), so of course that is what looks the best to me at the stores.

4. I'm having nightmares about my job! Last night I dreamed that I started to get in the shower at the office at 6:45 a..m. thinking I would have enough time to get ready and then realizing everyone was congregating because we were supposed to be there and ready at 7! It was an awfully stinky way to start the first day on job.

5. A yogurt bar place recently opened near our home. We had been to Peachwave before and not been too excited about it. I ~~convinced~~ begged and pleaded with Handsome to go with me to try it and he reluctantly agreed. And I'm happy to say we were both pleased!

6. I'm in the process of closet purging (like as I type). Most of my code appropriate clothing lives in an armoir in one room of our house and most of my (former) daily clothes live in the closet in our guest room. I'm purging that closet and rearranging to try and fit my work clothes in my closet with my casual clothes such that everything will cohabitate peacefully. Thus, (hopefully) making it easier to create outfits in the early mornings.

7. I can't shop online unless I'm looking for a specific piece (like I saw it in the store and want to order it now). I guess I don't have the patience. Catalogs still work for me, but I just can't get into this clicking from one page to the next to the next while every image loads. And then having to open up specific pages for each of the items I might be interested in! Ahhhh. It's enough to drive a girl batty.

8. I also can't get into ballet flats as proper footwear. For one, my feet get cold and two, I don't like the back bottoms of my pants to fray. But dang they are cute on others and boy oh boy do I feel like a frump walking around in clogs!

9. I really wish I was on vacation. Handsome and I had the BEST time last month and I am just smiling as I sit here thinking about it.

10. I never updated you, but my hard drive was wrecked. I lost a little bit of data, but nothing irreplaceable or devastating. My warranty on the computer was out, but somehow! remarkably! my hard drive was still under warranty. So they replaced it on the spot and since then I've had my little mac back and life is good!

I'm here. And I'm still writing,

Big News!

2010-09-08T14:34:00.005-06:00

So earlier this summer I was studying a bit, ahem a lot, for this one test I had to take to make myself employable and licensable in the field I just got a degree. I took the test and haven't thought too much about it since then, except for the occasional nightmare about being late(after the fact is weird I know!) and every so often during a conversation with friends who also took it.  After one such conversation, I was informed of the average number of days to get results. The informant also clued me in to the fact that we were FOUR days from that magic number. I had a couple momentary freak outs in the next three days.
And then I woke up on that magic number day, got my coffee, went shoe shopping and started to run a few errands before I realized that the AVERAGE number of days between the test and the results had passed. That day and any day after was fair game to receive the envelope in the mail...Eeeek! (I honestly can't believe I had forgotten when I woke up that morning, but it allowed me some very quiet uninterrupted shoe shopping time before the crowds hit the stores).   As soon as I realized it could be the day, I prayed to the Lord! I asked for calmness and that I could drive myself safely and also that I would be able to look at my results (if we had them) before any friends called to inquire as to my status.
I raced home in my car. Calmly opened my envelope and....good news! I passed!! And thankfully no one had called yet! I immediately called my husband and parents to share the good news. I guess this means that I am now officially employable and a grown-up (well, after my first pay-check I guess) and all of that!  Thanks for sticking it out with me! I'm here. And I'm still writing,

No more tests. No more books. No more teachers, umm I hadn't gotten a dirty look from a teacher since probably freshman year of high school when I might have gotten in trouble once or twice for chatting (verbally that is, no IMing in class for me!)

Hairstyles of the Young Professional.

2010-08-31T11:00:00.000-06:00

This is my hair.

It is long, wavy and has been making me crazy all summer. It takes a while to fix and it feels hot. I wash it every couple of days, usually blow it dry and run a straightening iron through it. If I don't sweat or put it back that first day it usually looks decent for a few days, but when it comes time to wash it again... I delay and delay and delay because I don't like working on it!
The day I took that picture above was a day that I had let it air dry and then used a curling iron to tame it. I took that photo to send to Handsome so he could tell me if I looked ridiculous or not. I liked it, but that took a good portion of my day too and... I can't wash my hair every single day because its way too dry for that kind of abuse.
I have been in the process of growing my hair out since 2004. I cut it to almost chin length that year in the spring and while I liked it for a little while, I cringe when I see photos from that time period and I basically have told all of my hair stylists since that time that I would like it to grow or I would not like to lose much length if possible and thus, have probably never lost more that 2 inches at a cutting since '04.

But... I just graduated from school and I'm soon to enter the "professional grown up" world. This payday situation and the fact that I have been mostly irritated with my hair (and the way it looks in photos) for the past six months has brought me to googling hairstyles in all of the time that I have been on the computer lately.

I think I am ready for a change. Maybe not of the pixie or chin length variety, but a little something lighter, easier to handle and a bit more polished if you will. A little something that doesn't take so long to fix that I feel like I don't want to work out when my hair looks good, thusly contributing to the strong distaste for photos of self?
What do you think? Should I stick with it a little longer and see if this is a fleeting desire or should I go for a new look? ...a la LC?

Or maybe Gwenny?

Or Claire?

I'm here. And I'm still writing,

So Many Ideas, So Little .... Um, Skill?

2010-08-23T09:29:00.000-06:00

Around the time I was in the last study crunch before my exam, I experienced a little computer issue. Some noises started happening, and I force quit the machine and tried to use the cd's and internet directions on correcting the problem, but to no (personal) avail.

My husband offered to help me out by taking it in and seeing what could be done, but it is my computer and I was with it when the problem started and I didn't want to spend any more time addressing it pre-test, nor did I want him to have to be the bearer of bad news on days when I was close enough to an anxiety attack without bad news. I just figured that such things could not be good for our relationship. So I delayed in taking it. And while I have had access to a substitute computer for sometime, I am unfortunately running out of time with it. Thus, I am quickly approaching a place where I have no choice but to go in. Probably good for me to have that kind of pressure! I have been procrastinating with the repair situation, because I'm nervous about the results.I have already played through all the scenarios and I can't imagine a good one. I picture loosing things I hadn't backed up recently (which is some) or having to get a new computer (because who wants to spend the money) or really just being told I'm dumb because I didn't know how to fix something simple myself. But the point I'm trying to make has nothing to do with garnering sympathy for the technical issues with my sweet little Mac buddy, but more of an informative and complaint with the computer I am using. (And while I'm glad I have internet access, I still have complaints!). For instance, I do not know how to get to photos I have uploaded or to get them into blogger. Every time I start a post or reading something, I get an update notice and then Windows proceeds to count down the seconds until I'm kicked off. It updates so frequently I think, that it makes me not want to get onto the computer at all because I usually spend more time updating and virus protecting or scanning that I do with what I came to accomplish. .... and thus, a combination of these things (added to a little neck strain issue I often experience with any laptop) keeps me off the computer and off the blog. But my husband and maybe the rest of the world will be so proud to find out that I made an appointment and am taking my old laptop in today for a diagnosis (only a mere month after the occurrence that has threatened its life and my blogging existence). I'll keep you posted on that situation and in the meantime, will try to learn how to steal photos of celebrities and paste them into my blog so I can compose a post I have been wanting to write for sometime. Hope you have a fabulous Monday. I'm here. And (I guess you could say) I'm (sort of) writing,

post. script. (Oh, and if you are worried about my neck, know that I have another keyboard I can plug in if necessary that is ergonomic and helps the siutation... but restrains me to the table and desk area of the home which are neither very exciting nor creativity inducing.)

Whoops!

2010-08-17T09:04:00.000-06:00

Hello. I just returned from a spontaneous week-long trip with the Mr. to celebrate our anniversary, his birthday, and my finishing of that test. We had talked about going and made tentative plans, but didn't book a hotel or schedule anything specific and even talked about not going at this point.
But last Monday he suprised me by saying, "Pack up, we're going on a trip." And I can tell you it was a fabulous rejuvenating time! I have yet to upload photos, but these are some highlights:

We golfed, or technically he golfed and I rode and walked along.

We rode bikes on a lake trail and ate dinner overlooking sunset on the lake.

We went to a baseball game last minute and got to it pretty near home plate.

We had many delicious dinners and a few delectable desserts.

We had fun laughing together in the car and thankfully he drove most of the journey.

We shopped a little bit.

And saw some family one afternoon.

I didn't check email, read blogs, or write any posts while we were gone, so I have some catching up to do. Life sometimes interrupts blogging and I think it is a very good thing because all together this trip was some of the most fun Handsome and I have had together. We are both glad to be home, but we made some really good memories.

I have lunch planned with my future employer and some of the people that work with her. I'm excited about it but a little nervous as well, so I'm off to shower and get ready.

Have a lovely day.

I'm here and I'm still writing,

The Longest Day of Cooking of My Life Thus Far. Part One.

2010-08-06T08:26:00.003-06:00

or, yet another detour on the long road to domestication. Or, isn't it true: pride cometh before the fall. I'm not even sure where to begin this post. I had illusions of grandeur apparently when I set out. I was going to share pictures of my perfectly executed, gorgeous prepared meal to take to my friend who recently had a baby. But alas, I have no photos. And I didn't have a salad and I didn't wrap the gift either. Back Story: You see, I missed my friends baby shower. Because I was super selfish all summer studying for that test and I have felt like a jerk, especially after she and her pregnant self and her husband found the time to attend my graduation party. And out of my shame, I didn't rsvp or email or call when I missed the shower. Her baby was due on my man's birthday and I figured he would make his appearance right around his due date. But he came early. And spent some time in the NICU and I didn't even know about it. Umm, because I am not on facebook. Oh, and because I missed the shower. So my friend emailed me the day after my test was over to let me know her beautiful son had come into the world. I promptly called her and told her I would really like to bring them dinner and spend some time with her. And she graciously accepted! So I planned a meal on Tuesday. I decided on a less seasoned version of chicken spaghetti for a number of reasons: 1. I have experience making it.2. It's simple.3. It reheats / freezes and reheats well even for a person who does not like leftovers.4. Chicken is neutral and one of the things they eat.5. Pasta is comfort food. They have had a lot of stress.6. It's Handsome's favorite. I think it is rather delicious, too. And I found a tasty recipe for desert as well. Something I hadn't ever tried before, but thought it looked simple enough. So I scoured our cabinets and drawers, compared to the recipes, and wrote a list. I wanted to shop Tuesday evening, but I was tired. So it didn't happen. But I woke up early and set out to the grocery store. I intentionally went to one of the stores a little farther from our house, because I just knew that there was a better chance that they would have all of the ingredients I needed and thus, would simplify the day even farther. (Part Dos coming next week).

To Do To Day.

2010-08-05T09:44:00.004-06:00

In an effort to keep myself motivated and on track, I'm posting my to do list. I have a strong desire to sit and read for the majority of the day (and maybe throw in a shopping trip if I have a desire to get out of my sweatpants) but I'm resisting the urges and trying to keep myself honest. There are a number of things that must be done and I figure sooner is probably better than later. So, these are the things I have lined up for the day: 1. Clean house. It's been far too long. And Handsome has picked up my slack, so it's time I say thank you to him and get things going. 2. Laundry. A continual must. All of my cute clothes are dirty, hence the sweats. 3. Write thank you cards. I have a number of people who went out of their way to make me feel loved, appreciated, cared for and prayed for while I was studying this summer. It is only right that I let them know of my appreciation. 4. Make an Appointment with a genius. My little Mac is having an issue and I need to take it in. I'm uncertain of the results, which is part of the reason for delay. But I must face the situation, so I'll make an appointment and see when I can find my way to a Mac store. Nothing much and nothing very exciting, but I suppose that it how most day to day life is. Thanks for letting me use this space to stay accountable. I'm here. And I'm still writing,

Goodbye, July. Hello, August!

2010-08-04T07:14:00.001-06:00

First off, you all are so fabulous! I'm so glad to have this community to seek advice from (or from whom to seek advice :) !! ). Thank you for your suggestions. I have some ideas stewing and think I'll be okay for this go around. And I will definitely be experimenting on Handsome with other recipes for my other new Mom friends and then will have a full arsenal of recipes to whip out. So. How are you? I'm doing fantabulous if case you were wondering. I finished "testing" late last week and I have been relishing the period of rest that has been granted me. I won't have any results for weeks to come, but I'm okay with the uncertainty of it at this point and am just trying to enjoy my life, my husband, and my new found freedom. A few things have happened while I have (sort of) been on hiatus (for like the month of July). 1. I got a job!! It is something I'm very excited about. It came about fairly quickly and we finally got around to telling our real life people, so I feel comfortable sharing the fact of it on the blog. It is an opportunity I had thought had passed in September and October when most people were matched, but do to some odd circumstances, a spot opened up. And I jumped on it. And the Lord once again reminded me and Handsome how it has been in His hands all along. I'm really looking forward to the type of work I will be doing and count this as a huge blessing. I'm actually really excited about beginning a career in this field now. 2. I resumed working out (for the umm, like ninth time this year). I have a solid six weeks to get into some good habits and routine and I'm so looking forward to it. Yesterday evening Handsome and I got to go for a little ride. Some of it was uphill and into the wind. Good burn. I am actually hoping that I can feel it in a few days. 3. I finished this lovely book, hopped on Amazon to get what I thought was the second part, only to be disappointed that it won't be out until September. I had heard (and relied in my heart) that it would be out in July. Nevertheless, I loved the first part. If you haven't purchased it, order it now. Or in September when you can enjoy them one right after the other. 4. We spent another weekend at home with the families. I only saw his parents and mine. He saw his brothers family and grandma as well as the parents. It was very pleasant to chat and visit and eat together. I realized I had not probably given full focus to any familial chat in some time and I really enjoyed it. My parents are in the middle of a remodel so it was exciting to see how things were changing in their home and how thrilled they are to be able to get to do something new. So I guess that is really only four things that have occurred up until now, but more things are coming. August is a celebratory month for our families and I couldn't be more excited about it.

I have intentions to keep you posted. Until then I'll be looking for a good book or two or seven to read (suggestions are welcome) and I'll be here. And I'll be writing,