The Miller's :)

Bed Hog

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:06:00 +0000

The last couple mornings I’ve been waking up with something pushing up against my back.

It’s not the most comfortable. In fact, it’s completely uncomfortable.

But when I turn over to see what it is, I can’t help but smile.

What can I say, I’m a sucker for a snuggler.

Especially when they’re extra warm fluffy!

My name is Laura Miller and my dog sleeps like a human. On his back. All fours pointing skyward. Apparently Toby’s got some back pain problems as well :)

The Everyday

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:31:00 +0000

Do you ever feel like you’ve gotten sucked in the monotonous loop the everyday?

I think I have over the last five months. But the thing is, I think I kinda love it.

Even though it means I’m out of the house every morning before my Mister and pup pup are even out of bed.

And even though it means that I come home some nights after everyone’s sitting down for dinner.

And even though it means my life isn’t near as exciting as it was this time last year (come on, I was living in China folks!).

I wouldn’t trade it in for everything.

Because right now even though my everyday is 100% predictable, it means nights spent with family.

Weekends spent with friends.

Sundays spent teaching the most excellent class of 5-year-old munchkins.

But most importantly, it means my everyday is spent with my two favoritest folks in the world.

Could life get any better? I submit that it can NOT!

So, as far as this blog is now concerned, it’s going to be a celebration of the everyday for awhile.

After all, it’s the everyday that makes us who we are on those exciting days!

My name is Laura Miller and I’m in love with normal. Especially when that means sweat pants and a 10-day marathon of How I Met Your Mother. Best show on TV ever!

Perfect Fall Morning.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:36:00 +0000

Step One: Go to Waffle House

Step Two: Eat an All-Star

Step Three: Go pumpkin picking at Cagle's Dairy Farm

It was a perfect morning!

Boring.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 02:27:00 +0000

It hit me this evening.

Somewhere between squeezing icing in my mouth like cheese wiz (as dessert, of course) and plopping myself on the couch for entirely too much television/photoshopping time, it just hit me.

I’m boring.

Terribly, terribly boring.

At least on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Fridays and Saturdays are pretty okay. I don’t work then. So I do some fun projects.

Sadly, since I’m weekending on the weekend, by the time Monday roles around I restart my boringness and never blog about my projects.

Like my picture shelves:

And Chris’ $5 score of a thrifted bag:

And my recovered $6 thrifted chair, my awesome chevron clock, and a couple other things.

(not pictured. I’m too boring to have taken pictures yet)

One word, my friends. Boring.

Want to know what’s even worse?

I decide to waste a post about not posting.

I’ll get on it this week.

My name is Laura Miller and I currently have a sink full of dishes, a chair full of clothes to be folded, and a stack of magazines to pull recipes out of. But what am I doing instead? Sitting on my couch. Doing nothing. Talk about la-ha-ha-zy!

So. Stinkin. Handsome.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 01:36:00 +0000

Dear All-

My husband is pretty much the bees knees!

Who can say no that face?

I can’t.

(just ask my bank account.)

I’m so happy I married him when I did in the place I did.

It’s pretty great!

My name is Laura Miller and my husband is better than yours. Just sayin’!

Bath Time.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:58:00 +0000

Bath time can be a sad time in the Miller house.

Poor, poor Toby. My fluffy boy goes from looking like this…

... to looking like this.

Want to know what makes it even more humiliating?

Having a friend ‘laughing’ at you the entire time.

But, it’s not so bad. After bath time you get to look crazy getting the water out of your ears.

Then you get rubbed and patted and snuggled and de-matted.

And don’t forget about the after bath time kisses.

Those are my favorite.

My name is Laura Miller and I think it’s funny that my dog looks like a greyhound when he’s wet. Silly dog.

Top 3 Things from the Last 3 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 05:14:00 +0000

Remember that one time that I used to blog?

That was fun.

Back when I had approximately 13 hours of free time everyday.

But now, it feels like I have about 13 minutes of free time everyday.

Isn’t it funny how life does that?

So, in honor of my blogging return, I thought I’d fill you in on the top 3 things that have happened in each of the last 3 months.

June

June 3rd- Chris, Toby and I all flew back from Zhongguo to Meiguo. None of sat next to one another. Consequently that meant I was blessed with an open seat next to be on a 12 hour flight. It was beautiful.

June 14th- Put my big toe in the other side of the Pacific ocean with Chris’s family out in California. It was a beautiful trip filled with beautiful people and thousands of dolphins (you should really go dolphin/whale watching next time you’re in the San Diego area)!

June 27th- Baby Brooke was born!! She’s a very cute little girl with a precious personality. Consequently (in a good way!) I got to hang out with my neice and nephew for a few days while mom and baby were still in the hospital. Those kids are pretty awesome!

July

July 5th- I started my job with Alpharetta Eye Care and an Optometry Tech. So far it’s been great! I love the people I work with and enjoy helping people see better.

July 7th- We got to celebrate my Grandpa’s birthday. He’s pretty much a rockstar. When I grow up, I want to be just like him and my Grandma. I couldn’t have asked for better forbearers!

July 12th(ish)- Chris started officially working for Ecologix. He’s in the marketing department and absolutely loves everything he’s learning. Not gonna lie, I’m kinda jealous that he’s learning all these graphic design programs that I haven’t had the time to touch :)

August

August 11th- Chris became an official BYU graduate (remember how we walked back in April 2010?!)! Consequently this meant we had to start paying for big boy health insurance. Ta-ta Student Health Center! I will not miss you!

August 15th- Our anniversary. We celebrated by visiting a couple parks with Toby. Consequently (in a good way!) I got the most precious picture that was ever taken of a pup pup.

August 31st- My birthday! It ended up being an extended celebration which I absolutely loved. Consequently this meant that I indulged in four different desserts and added approximately four inches to my waistline, but it was very well worth it!

In other news, we’re officially moved in to my parent’s basement apartment while we’re trying to save all our pennies and dimes for Chris to (hopefully) start an MBA program next fall. Pictures of that are to come!

My name is Laura Miller and I forgot was busy felt like. I seriously thought I was losing some cognitive function over the last few months. Thankfully I’m getting back on top of things again!

Done and Done.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:05:00 +0000

Hey Folks!

The gang is leaving China today. We’re pretty dang excited.

(Not excited about having to take separate planes. But, it was worth the $500 in savings!)

This week as been great! So great that I’ve only edited a handful of pictures.

Here’s one of my favorites.

The whole week as been awesome.

Even Toby’s been on vacation, too! I think he’s going to be really sad to leave his new best friend.

But it’s for the best! You just can’t beat American soil :)

I promise a full recap of the last couple weeks after my little toes have dug themselves in to the grass that I grew up with!

My name is Laura Miller, and as sad as I am to leave China, I am just as happy about being able to eat a grilled hotdog. And Sonny’s. The end!

Poor Lucy

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Tue, 24 May 2011 10:12:00 +0000

Dear Lucy,

I’m so sorry.

Don’t as me how, but this weekend I managed to yell at you.

How could I ever yell at this face?!

Especially when that cute little face is approximately 8,103 miles away from me.

You see, Toby is a very silent dog. We’re lucky if he barks a handful of times a week (and that’s, like, singular ‘bark’ tally). And even when he does bark, it usually sounds like shoes squeaking on a clean gym floor.

But not this weekend.

This weekend, well, Toby would have made you proud.

During Sunday afternoon nap time Toby managed to let out a solid roo-roo-RUFF just like you.

And for no apparent reason… just like you ;)

So what were the first words out of my mouth?

“LUCY! Er… Toby?!” I was very confused. In which case caused Chris to wake up thinking we were in Georgia.

And then all of our dreams crashed when we realized we were Lucy-less and America-less.

Sorry, puppy. I promise I love you.

-Your Big Sister

P.S.- Toby is getting excited to move in with you! Just don’t teach him about that voice of his… we kind of love his very Chinese demeanor.

My name is Laura Miller and I am so insane I’m moving a dog 8,103 miles to a completely different hemisphere. Is there a frequent flyer program for my furry friend?

Rough Riding

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Wed, 18 May 2011 12:18:00 +0000

I’ve learned a lot of lessons since moving to China.

But there’s one particular lesson I’m reminded of every time we leave the house.

You see, not too many people own cars here. Especially your standard blue collared worker.

There’s no complaining when you *think* you can’t move something.

Because, these people, they find a way.

All of these pictures have been taken within the last 24 hours!

A rickshaw and a paper collector…

A motorcycle turned trike and a door delivery.

Cardboard collectors.

A police bike with a side car and a garbage collector.

A styrofoam man and a… I’m not sure? Kind of looks like wannabe furniture.

A side of a shop and a DRINK FRIDGE! Cah-razay!

A propane delivery man (we have a ‘Dear Mister Gas Man, Please Don’t Crash” song we sing whenever we see them…) and a MONSTER LOAD.

And my favorite cargo. When most kids see the white folks, they flip around so they can watch us. It’s cute :)

So, there you have it! Typical traffic down here in Quanzhou. It’s definitely an interesting experience!

Chris and I were commenting on what life is going to be like when we actually drive like civilized people… I never thought it would be hard to switch back to the way we’ve driven our whole lives!

My name is Laura Miller and I’ll show you some traffic pictures after we sell the moped…. I don’t want anyone flipping out on us :)

Good NEWS!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Sat, 14 May 2011 02:36:00 +0000

Dear America,

I’ve had a roller coaster of an emotional week.

Did you know that?

I started off thinking I wouldn’t be able to see you for another year.

And honestly, I was completely fine with that. I still have a very long bucket list of things I want to see in Asia.

But then we got the call.

The call saying your mission is over.

Complete.

And originally I was sad to be leaving China. Really sad.

Probably too sad.

But then I thought about so many things I love. Like driving. Hotdogs. Family. Clear blue skies. Being able to just open a door for the dog to go out. Swimming. Not seeing little kids pee in my grocery store.

You know, the basic stuff that makes my entire world go round.

So, here’s to you, US of A, over the last 10 months I have become horribly more aware of how much of an American I am.

And how much I love you. And miss you. And need you in my life.

-Your Devoted Citizen

My name is Laura Miller and I’m already apologizing for my customs official when I re-enter the US sometime this June. I’m pretty sure they will be kissed and hugged.

I Feel Sick…

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Thu, 12 May 2011 11:34:00 +0000

So, I know I said I was going to blog today…

...but I really can’t bring myself to do it.

You see, my digestive system has been more than ornery today (and suprisingly, Chris and his iron stomach have had a hard time the last 24 hours as well). So we decided to take it easy with a Castle marathon.

*Note: Castle is a show about a homicide detective.

Around 6:30p I finally find the guts to eat some toast for dinner.

So then we decided to head to the kitchen…

and then we noticed a bunch of people crowding around the waterway right outside our kitchen window…

and then we noticed the body floating in it…

and then my heart sunk to my shoes.

And now I have no more appetite.

For food or homicide shows. At least for now.

My name is Laura Miller and I’m one of those people that always gets a little sad when they hear an ambulance. This was a little much. Especially since it took an hour to pull the person out from the time the first (and only) police officer arrived on the scene. Their poor family.

I Would Blog Today….

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Wed, 11 May 2011 13:32:00 +0000

I would blog today…

...but I currently have approximately 15 bug bits on my right arm and 3 on my neck.

I kinda look like I have chicken pox.

I also am pretty hopped up on benadryl, so I’m pretty sure whatever I would write about would make no sense anyways.

I have a hard enough time with grammar when I have all of my faculties.

(It’s a side effect of listening to Chinese English all day).

My name is Laura Miller and I think I’m going to plant a lavender carpet in my house. Either that or mounting a bug zapper. Either way, I’m going to bed now!

Note to Self: Be careful what you pray for…

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Tue, 10 May 2011 13:44:00 +0000

Laura, Laura, Laura…

...we’ve been over this before, haven’t we?

You know, when you actually offer up a sincere prayer, you can pretty much guarantee that the message will be received.

So, next time your husband get’s eaten alive night after night by mosquitos when you haven’t been bitten ONCE, don’t go all hero and pray for those dang mosquitos to attack you one night instead of your spouse so he can get a good night’s rest. (…Especially when you know that in the back of your mind, you were secretly hoping your sincerity would cause a ‘well, I’ll just spare both of you tonight’ response).

Because, I can officially guarantee that you’ll wake up 8 times in the middle of the night… all to monster bites.

(This also might be a lesson on asking for things insincerely… we all know the Man Upstairs has a good sense of humor!)

My name is Laura Miller and I am so happy to be on antimalarials right now. Like, really happy….

Mother’s Day.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Sun, 08 May 2011 13:12:00 +0000

Happy Mother’s day to all you ladies out there!

I’m lucky to have a lot of awesome mother’s in my life.

Both of my sisters are officially mammas. And excellent ones at that.

And then I have my mamma. She’s just the best. I know, you’re thinking your mom is the best, but seriously now...

Would your mom keep a straight face if you told her your goal in life was to own a zebra?

Mine would.

I know because she did.

So to my mom (and to all of you other mothers out there) who support your kids in whatever their dreams maybe, I love you for it.

And I allllwwwaayyysss will.

My name is Laura Miller and I’m hoping my mom enjoys her Mother’s Day dinner more than I did… more on that tomorrow!

Oh, to dream…

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Sat, 07 May 2011 13:51:00 +0000

There’s a lot of things I miss about living an American lifestyle.

There are very few things that I miss almost daily.

But there is one thing that I do constantly dream about.

Just ask my dishes…

They’re feeling a bit cramped today.

Actually, don’t ask them too many questions, because they may tell you more about their frequency in my sink than you need to know…

Oh, to own a dishwasher! Someday!!

My name is Laura Miller and you know something is wrong with you when you’d rather blog about the dishes in your sink than actually spend that time washing them… Oh well.

No Comment.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Fri, 06 May 2011 12:06:00 +0000

Wednesday morning was not a good morning in the Miller household.

So not good, that by lunch time, the delivery man brought these to the door.

What is it about flowers that just kind of make you forget about the (censored censored censored censored) that managed to bend you over and around like a pretzel?

It also helps when someone remembers that Gerbera Daisies are your favorite flowers to look at…

And Lilies are your favorite to smell…

While I have no comment on the circumstances that brought such a pretty arrangement to my table, I will comment on the fact that I absolutely love them!

My name is Laura Miller, and for the record, I’m not a yeller. So don’t think there was some crazy smack down that took place at my house. I’m a fan of letting inner torment do it’s job… I’m not sure which one is worse?

The Fruit Lady

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Thu, 05 May 2011 12:38:00 +0000

So, you know how China has over 1.3 billion people?

Yea, that’s kind of a lot.

And a common problem when you have that many people is, well, you just have to find something for them to do with their lives.

But don’t worry, China has taken the courtesy to create a variety of jobs that would never exist in the US.

While there’s a giant list (that includes crossing guards when there are flashing signs, security guards in every building, and serviced gas pumps) today we’re going to focus on those employed at the grocery store.

When we go to the grocery store, the following generally happens:

1) We park the bike. Depending on the establishment, after locking up your moped you then pay someone hired by said establishment to watch your bike for you (but don’t fall for this little trick… it being stolen is just as probable).

2) Actually walk in to the grocery store. There’s a couple people here. One to hand you a basket and greet you (which I’m down with) and then another to make sure your purse or man bag (because those are legit here) isn’t too big to stuff full with a packages of seaweed. Or something.

3) Immediately notice that EVERY AISLE in the grocery store has 1-2 associates just standing there. Waiting. Like a lioness on the hunt…

These workers, man, they’re serious about their jobs. And when they see a Laowai coming, it’s like we’re fulfilling their entire purpose in life.

You think I’m joking. But as far as this store is concerned, these were literally bred and groomed from birth to know which type of cooking oil is best. Which brand of halved walnuts won’t kill you. And don’t even get me started on the pickled egg and meat aisle. Those guys just suck you in.

But, that’s just the ‘ordinary’ staff. The true hero at the grocery store is the fruit lady.

Poor, poor fruit lady. When she sees a Laowai coming, all she sees is a strip of meat that solely subsists on cheeseburgers and fries. Before we reach the counter, she’s taken a silent vow to educate our poor unfortunate souls about the world of fresh food.

And my husband, my sweet husband. He’s so good at waiting to tell me the little morsels of wisdom that fruit lady so willingly gives.

Because, you all know me. I would start laughing in her face. Literally.

You would too if…

While weighing our potatoes, we were told “These potatoes, they grow in the ground, so they have dirt on them. You need to wash them before you eat them.”

Wow! To think I could have died from pesticide poisoning! Maybe you can come over to my house and I’ll show you how to wash fruit with fresh water instead of the bucket that’s been sitting in the back of your shop for the last week? Oh wait, I don’t know what I’m talking about because I’m an American. My bad.

But as bad as that is… the winner of the cake goes to the following…

Hey, Laowai, those are bananas. They’re for eating.

O.h. m.y. g.o.o.d.n.e.s.s.

I’m speachless. Truly.

Did you know about a fruit called BANANAS?!

Thank you, fruit lady. When I saw that bunch of golden yellow objects that looked like a group sausages in raincoats, I just kept turning it around and around to find it’s purpose. Who knew, that in a grocery store, the product would actually be fit for my consumption?! Ingenious!

I can’t believe that someday, someday I’ll be wishing for a middle-aged woman to tell me about potatoes and bananas. China, you’ll always have a special place in my heart.

(and stomach)

My name is Laura Miller, and the most ironic thing about the grocery store is while there are approximately as many workers as there are customers, somehow they’ve deemed bagging unnecessary. The whole experience just baffles me.

Look out my window and what do I see…

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Wed, 04 May 2011 12:09:00 +0000

As we all know, it’s no surprise that I’m a Latter-day Saint.

And the thing about us Mormons, we have some silly (yet completely awesome songs) about the seasons.

A favorite for this time of year? Popcorn Popping.

The original lyrics go something like this:

I looked out the window and what did I see?
Popcorn popping on the apricot tree.
Spring has brought me such a nice surprise!
Popcorn popping right before my eyes.

I can take a handful and make a treat.
A popcorn ball that smells so sweet.
It wasn't really so, but it seemed to be-
Popcorn popping on the apricot tree.

Well, when Spring first started, I could totally relate.

Just look at those blooms! Totally popcorn ball worthy!

But now… now the song goes a little bit like this….

Looked out my window and what did I see?
Big black rain clouds smirking down at me.
May has brought me such a solemn week
Monsoon storms, oh the havoc you wreak!

You should look outside at our water way,
The trash is flowing faster than a bird of prey.
Rain, I wish you would just go, but it’s safe to say,
You’ll probably steal my thunder til the end of May!

At least there’s one good thing about all of this Monsoon business- our waterway is no longer green!

And during the brief periods the rain lets up, it actually smells somewhat fresh outside :)

But… seriously… this is my 10-day weather forecast…

(the only reason it doesn’t show the rain from the last 5 days is because

communist China don’t publish them types of numbers online.. yes, I'm Southern.)

Please pray for me and my sanity. And the people I live with who are subject to it…

My name is Laura Miller and living in China has taught me a lot of things. Like how awesome afternoon storms are. None of this raining for weeks junk.

My Best Friend.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Tue, 03 May 2011 12:02:00 +0000

Since moving to China, I’ve had two best friends.

The first one I married. The second one I bought.

Isn’t it crazy that you can just go out and by a best friend?

Who knew that I could fall so deeply in love with something so fluffy.

But, then again, how could you not fall so deeply in love with that face?

And this one.

...and this one.

I’ve had a lot of awesome dogs, but Toby has seriously rocked my world.

Who knew how good it would feel to have something soft and fluffy follow you around all day when you’re home alone.

Someone who will literally shove themselves between you and the kitchen counter while you’re doing dishes so they can lay on your toes.

Someone who will readjust themselves a half dozen times while taking a nap along your thigh to make sure they’re as close to you as possible.

Someone who will run to your aid every time you sneeze.

..and someone who will always to try to take the opportunity to lick your ears (and nibble your toes) whenever it’s presented.

Who would have ever guess that the terrified little puppy we brought home who didn’t know how to stand on hardwood and wouldn’t eat chicken out of my hand would turn into such a snuggle bug.

Toby, you’re the best dog ever. That’s why we had a birthday celebration in your honor on Sunday.

Pictures of the event to come!

My name is Laura Miller and I love my dog more than I love a lot of people. Nothing against you, of course.

Call me crazy…

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:36:00 +0000

Dear Workers of the World,

There’s a movement I would like to start across America. It’s ingenious, actually. But as we all know, the success rate of new movements is never very good.

You ready for this? This crazy hair-brained concept?!

It’s called ‘Doing your job’.

You know, it’s this novel idea where you actually do the job you were hired to do. None of this lame clocking in from 9-5 to fill a chair. But actually trying to, heaven forbid, put some real effort in.

Which, when you decide on a career that involves customer service, this step involves you actually helping the customer.

You know, like maybe double checking paperwork so it doesn’t have to be submitted three times.

Especially when that paperwork directly affects the ability for someone to, as an example, literally allow their body to function.

I know these ideas may sound a bit radical. But I think it helps if you put yourself in the shoes of the person you’ve decided to spend your career helping.

So next time you’re hurriedly filling out paperwork, such as, for example, Rx refill forms, maybe it would be good to pretend that it’s YOUR digestive system that will begin eating itself if you didn’t get that medication.

Believe me, it’s not pleasant.

My name is Laura Miller and I’m pretty sure the workers of the world are out to get me. Obviously that’s not true, but when you only get 3 hours of sleep, it’s pretty much expected.

Blah.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:29:00 +0000

Today was exceedingly ordinary.

That’s okay though, some days I just like a little bit of normal in my life.

Although, I’m pretty sure my definition of ‘normal’ has drastically changed from what it was a year ago.

It hit me while we were at the Grocery Store this afternoon (during the 1-2 lul). Somewhere between walking past the tofu section and getting a little nauseous when observing the meat-crates (kinda like these ones we pictured when we first moved to Nanjing).

Kinda like that, but those ones are nicer.

Something slapped me upside the face this afternoon and told me that shouldn’t be normal.

Seeing chicken feet at my grocery store shouldn’t be normal. It shouldn’t be normal that the only prepackaged refrigerated meat isn’t really ‘meat’ but organs (lung, heart, kidney, liver, instestines… you name it). I’m supposed to think twice when the dried meat/fish section is bigger than the bread aisle. It should make me twinge when I have to look at congealed blood while debating whether or not I can afford the cheese.

But sadly it doesn’t. Now the fish section on the other hand, now that still makes me light headed. It’s monstrous.

At least some things don’t change.

Speaking of things that don’t change, a few of my saving graces in China include the following:

Normally I’m not a fan of US corporations sprawling across the far reaches of the Earth, but being an American in an Asian world, I’m suddenly all for my local McDonald’s and Coke products.

My name is Laura Miller and I realize I need to start taking pictures of all this stuff. Don’t worry. I have officially vowed to never leave the house without my camera again.

My Little Supine Sleeper

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:59:00 +0000

Master Toby sometimes forgets he’s a dog.

For instance…

...every morning when I wake up, I look down to find him like this:

Crazy dog. And fluffy dog (actually, very fluffy dog) for that matter. His back legs look like they belong on a sheep!

Back to the matter at hand. This silly supine sleeping style. We try explaining that puppies are supposed to sleep on their tummies.

But he just won’t have any of it.

“It’s more comfy like this, mama! You should try it!”

My name is Laura Miller and I know I’ve been in China too long when I started narrating for Master Toby. You wouldn’t believe some of his philosophical insights! Cough, cough…

Pleasantly Pituitaried.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:46:00 +0000

Dear Pituitary Gland,

I love you.

Literally. I feel like I need to bake you a yummy loaf of zucchini bread as a thank you.

Seriously, how did you become so ingenious?

This whole ‘endorphins from exercise’ thing pretty much rocks.

You see, today was pretty lame for the most part. One of those days where you decide all the cards are kind of stacked against you. But honestly, trying to plan the next 6 months of your life is just insane when you have absolutely nothing to start your planning off of (we’ve chucked the 5-year plan out the window… that got waayy too stressful).

This of course, led to the usual downhill spiral stress brings to my life here in China. The instant need to move back to the States, sprawl out in a piping hot bath tub (legit HOT water?! WHAT?!) and read some Jane Austen. Because, you know, that scenario would just totally solve all of life’s problems.

In the middle of my entertaining pity party, I somehow mustered up the energy to tell internal conflict to take a back seat while I got my exercise on.

And I pushed myself super hard. I’m pretty sure my left gluteal muscles is wondering what they did to deserve such pain.

Sorry gluteals, I promise you’re appreciated. Because of you, my bum bum is still perky. Thank you :D

Anyways, after half hour of some crazy sweating (it’s gross to sweat through a sports bra right? check yes) it totally hit me. The way those endorphins manage mix and mingle with their opiate like affect, it just makes me feel like I can live in China for 6 more months.

Well, as long as I exercise at least.

My name is Laura Miller and I hope my body’s epinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine aren’t offended- I know you contribute to runner’s high, too. Now off to find a Snicker’s bar…

Oil Pastels: Take One

noreply@blogger.com (Laura (and Chris) Miller) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 11:23:00 +0000

Happy Easter, everyone!

I wasn’t really expecting an Easter gift this year, but guess who knocked on our door in the middle of our opening prayer for church.

(Chris and I live in the boonies- being the only members of the LDS church within a 50-mile radius at least, we have the pleasure of doing church on a conference call over Skype. Pretty awesome!).

Well, half way through our opening prayer the mailman starts buzzing.

Hello oil pastels!

The Mister and I were so excited for your arrival!

And we’ve been coloring all day

Want to see mine?

..if you promise not to laugh?

First, an epic fail of trying to recreate a print I love…

Which is when we realized it would probably be smart to do a tutorial or two. So we did some apples…

And then tried a sunflower (Chris’ is way better)…

Then I decided to ‘branch out’ to try some tomatoes from a print I liked…

We then took a break for Easter din din which consisted of chicken, broccoli, and dressing with gravy.

After which I finally said good night to the oil pastels with a sunset (you know, to practice blending colors).

Over all, I was pretty happy to spend a quite afternoon with my love. Making some ‘art’ (HA!) while listening to our favorite hymns made beautiful by Lex De Azevedo. Definitely a better Easter than I ever thought it’d be (it’s hard being so far away from home on such an important holiday).

My name is Laura Miller and I love learning new things. I also missed my family today. I love them. But, more importantly, I love my Savior. I’m so happy we have an Easter to celebrate. He is Risen!