Through My Eyes

Updates!

2010-02-04T07:39:00.001-08:00

Well, its been a while since I have been on here...and one of my previous posts said this about Justin:

I can't imagine having to say goodbye again for the 3rd deployment. Having him home with me everyday is an incredible thing. Its a constant that I never knew I would enjoy so much.

Funny how life gets thrown around on you so quickly. I'm an A-type personality, and a little OCD. Everything has its place, and our life is always planned to a "T". Because of this, I know that God had me marry a man in the military to learn that I cannot have control over everything, and to learn that HE is in control, and to learn the virtue of patience. But man, has this been a tough one. 24 hours notice and your life is turned around. This has been MUCH harder than any previous deployment, mostly because I NEVER thought I would have to do it again...EVER! And the even harder thing is that I have NO idea when he will be home. We have heard anywhere from a few months to a WHOLE year. Do you know how much we have planned this year? Besides all of the basic holidays that I thought we would never have to miss together again (like birthdays, Valentine's Day, Easter, etc), my graduation is fastly approaching, and that is one of the BIGGEST events of my life minus our wedding and child birth. So much family is coming out for the event, and I can't imagine Justin not being there for it. We also have a big trip planned to go home for a wedding, as well as many other things. Sigh...its been a little crazy. But alas, besides my few ranting moments (like above), I am staying strong and knowing that this is much harder on him than it is me. I know that my support, love, and prayers is helping him, so that is what I am trying to focus on. I've just been praying though for news about his schedule. Just some notice about when he will be home. Its hard looking in your future and having no idea what it holds for you. Thankfully, I am staying SUPER busy with my last semester of school, and work is keeping me super busy as well. I just started a new Bible study at my church with a good friend, so that has been uplifting as well. I'm just ready for to have him home...for good!

We got a big snow storm last week, and it was stunning. Felt like a bit of home away from home. About to start some homework since I have a break in between classes. Gotta use the time when you have it.

Blessings.

Hello 2010

2010-01-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

Well its been a busy jump start into the New Year! I start my last semester next week, and started back with KPMG yesterday. I am going to be working 20-30 hours a week through the end of May, while doing school full time. I am not quite sure how that is going to happen, but I am looking forward to getting some work in with KPMG before I start full time in the Fall. And besides, the money is AWESOME. I just keep telling myself that I will be done with school before I know it.

Justin is currently sick. I haven't dealt with him being sick in a LONG while. And of course, the one time that he does get sick, it lasts for days. Poor guy. But, I made my yummy homemade chicken noodle soup recipe that I have been filling him up with, as well as lots of oranges and water. Hoping that he gets better soon.

Justin is also going back to school next week. He hasn't attended school since High School, and now that his 4 years with the military is done, he decided to take a few classes a semester and get his AA in Photography. With the handy GI Bill, we were able to make that happen for him.

It has been quite cold here...currently 30 degrees at 6:30PM. BRRR. However, we aren't getting the snow that I love from back at home. Guess thats what we get for living so close to the beach.

Looking forward to my last weekend before I am owned by school and KPMG. Justin and I are starting to volunteer this weekend for a local animal shelter, and have also started a new Church that we love. So it should be a wonderful weekend together (minus the below-freezing temperatures).

Love to you all and a Happy 2010!!

Preparing for the New Year

2009-12-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

As I sit here eating a warm homemade pumpkin muffin, its hard to believe we only have a few days left of 2009. At this moment, I am thankful that Justin decided not to re-enlist in the Navy as his aircraft carrier is preparing to leave Saturday morning for another 6-8 month deployment. The ship seemed to have just gotten back (which it pretty much did!) and I can't imagine having to say goodbye again for the 3rd deployment. Having him home with me everyday is an incredible thing. Its a constant that I never knew I would enjoy so much. So today, I decided to take our Christmas decorations down, but wanted to put up a few pictures of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
First off, we treated ourself to traditional crab on Christmas eve. With some melted lemon butter, french bread, baked brie, and roasted garlic, the menu was delicious.

Our Christmas morning was wonderful also. Though it was difficult being away from family, we enjoyed the simplicity of being together with our animals and enjoying each other's company
That night, we did a nice prime rib with green beans and festive mashed potatoes that were delicious. The whole holiday was wonderful. I have been reading a lot (on my 3rd book since Christmas break). I'm anxiously awaiting for my Barnes and Noble Nook to come in. A few more weeks and it should be here. I start back with KPMG a week from Thursday. I'm not sure how I am going to do school and 24 hours a week of strenuous tax work, but I keep telling myself that its my last semester of school EVER (at least until I get my MSA), and I can handle a few months of stress. Besides, we need the money and the experience from working through this tax season will be wonderful.

Justin is currently at work and I am sitting at home, bored. About to vacuum and take the trash out, as well as run some errands. I always thought that being a "stay at home wife/mom" would be fun, but I have to do something! I think my dream situation would be working from home. Then I can tend to all of the domestic things that mean so much to me and Justin, while still bring in substantial income in for the family. Hopefully one day I can have a tax prep business out of my home. But in the mean-time, Corporate America is where I will be...in towering high-rise buildings on the 21st floor of Dominion Tower. Nevertheless, I am not complaining...just describing what would be an ideal situation.

Well, off to do some stuff. Getting excited for Olive Garden for dinner tonight...even though its a farewell dinner for our dear friend/neighbor before he leaves with the USS Eisenhower on this coming deployment.

Happy New Year all!

Holiday Excitement

2009-12-22T09:21:00.000-08:00

Holy Mackeral! I just LOVE the Holidays. I think that I have officially decided that once Halloween hits till the New Year is my favorite time of year. I've been trying to soak up as much holiday goodness as I can, because in years past, it seems that once Christmas is here, its over with so fast.

I've only been out of school less than a week and have tried out lots of great new recipes and baked pumpkin muffins, blackberry scones, vanilla sandwich cookies and gingerbread cookies. Christmas music has been on in our home non-stop, all paired with the smell of fresh pine (which is from my hot oil burner, not a real Christmas trees...stupid apartments for not letting us have real trees). I had some of my lovely girls over to decorate Christmas Cookies.

And also got a little painting done too I'm really loving the mixed-media thing right now. What a great release to get all of those creative juices flowing!

Tis the Season!

2009-12-19T13:40:00.000-08:00

Wow! How wonderful it feels to be DONE DONE DONE with this semester. Only one more to go and then I am DONE with my undergraduate degree! I have only been out of school for about 4 days and have already baked blackberry scones, pumpkin muffins, vanilla sandwich cookies with chocolate fudge filling, a delicious caramelized onion pasta and on to a shrimp orzo for dinner tonight. Man it feels good to have time to cook!

We are SUPPOSED to get snow tonight, but being so close to the ocean doesn't always allow that to happen. It is 34 degrees out so I hope we do get some. Justin and I took a drive North to find some snow with Ellie all tucked away in my arms in her bright red festive sweater, but we only had rain freeze on our car. No snow. Sigh. But, we are home now and got laundry going and candles lit and the lights on our Christmas tree. This really is my favorite time of year. Tomorrow I am having some girls over for tea and scones/muffins and to decorate Christmas cookies. Tonight, I will hopefully get to some reading or painting. We will see what way I decide to go.

Nevertheless, I am blessed this Holiday Season and am so thankful for what I have!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

Wow! I cannot believe that tomorrow is DECEMBER! Thankfully, I'm not feeling much holiday stress this year. I have sent out all of my Christmas cards, finished all the shopping, have everything wrapped, and presents shipped back to California. Quite an accomplishment before December. But I'm hoping that with those things out of the way, I will be able to study for finals better, as well as enjoy the REAL reason for the season.

Thanksgiving was amazing. Justin and I went down to visit my cousins in South Carolina. We have been down there once before and get along with them SO well. We had a great time cooking, visiting, playing with babies, and just being together. We tried to make due since we couldn't be back in California. And I have to say, with me being the baby in the family on both sides, it is really a special time right now in my life that I am finally able to bond with my older cousins/siblings. Now that I am older, I am able to connect with them better and form a great relationship.

The Thanksgiving dinner was amazing! We went ALL out with the food. I made a pumpkin pie....my first pie EVER (I'm not a great baker).

And then I decided to make a berry pie that is a family recipe....and look what happened
Apparently I haven't mastered the art of pie crust crimping or whatever you call it. At least it tasted good. Justin and I munched on it before we tossed it and decided to buy an apple pie on the way to South Carolina.

Nevertheless, the food was FANTASTIC. Honestly, the holidays are my favorite time of year. Could I listen to any more Christmas carols? NOPE!

Governmental Accounting and Cars...lovely

2009-11-23T19:07:00.000-08:00

So, Monday of Thanksgiving week and all I can think about is what Pumpkin Pie recipe I'm going to use for the pie we are bringing to our cousins in South Carolina that we are sharing Thanksgiving with (as well as lots of appetizers).

However, this day did not allow me to get in the mood for the holidays yet. First, I have a ridiculous hard midterm tomorrow nightin Governmental Accounting. Hardest class of my life. Maybe its hard because I am really not interested in the topic, and maybe its hard because its only a lecture and I forget about it once class is over...but at this point, I am lost and am BEGGING for a C in this class...which is very weird for me as I am still holding on to my 3.96 GPA (and lets not get to the subject about why its not a 4.00). So, needless to say, I have been holding back tears all day because of this midterm. Secondly, I had to take my car in to the dealership to get some noises looked at, and after being there 4 hours trying to study, they had to keep my car over night to fix a bunch of stuff I don't even understand that is going to cost us an arm and a leg. So, I had to reschedule my nightly Premier Designs plans to close out a show, and had to have Justin come rescue me on his way home. Then as Justin went to his nightly job while I decided to try to study more, Justin calls and has a shard of metal through his tire and can't drive on his car. So, now we get to go get a new tire tomorrow, and go rescue my car. And then take a midterm. BLAHHH!!!!! This is a complain blog. But sheesh, what a day! Trying to keep God as the focus and know that this is all small stuff in the grand scheme of things!

It's November!

2009-11-14T06:14:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't been on here in ages! It is now mid-November and a lot has happened! We got a kitten for a 1 year anniversary in July, and I finished my summer internship at KPMG, LLP. They offered me a full time position when I graduate this next May, which is spectacular, since starting salary is a nice chunk of change. School is going well, but is hard also. I am still working here and there with the catering company, and also doing Premier Designs which is just fabulous. Helping me make some money, without having to work at an hourly job. Justin is doing spectacular, but is working a lot! We are loving the non-military lifestyle though and having a actual routine. My parents are here this weekend and I haven't seen them since March, so that is just a blessing. We decorated for Christmas last night...I know I know...we are a little early. But I just thought it would be a special memory to decorate with my parents. Well, I'm off to make popovers and cinnamon-honey-butter for breakfast while everyone is still sleeping. Too bad I have to grind my coffee beans (hopefully it won't wake everyone up!). Oh, and I attached some pictures of my Fall Party that I had in October. Enjoy!

Sweet Decorations!

Sweet Girls!

Bobbing for Apples!

Pumpkin Carving!

Favors! Love the heat embossing on the tags!

Back to Blogland

2009-06-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

Wow, so I think it may be 3 months since I have been on my blog, and there is so much to update on!! I'll give you all just a quick list:

1: My husband is home...for good! And it is just amazing.
2. I'm working full time this summer for an internship with KPMG...the Number 4 accounting firm in the entire world. Can we say $21 an hour?
3: I got my hair cut before Justin came home again! Super funky and spiky...and a little reminiscent of Kate Gosselin

4: Justin got a fulltime position working for a construction company on salary. So that is very exciting! Still will need some more money to come in though once my internship ends and I go back to school to finish up my bachelors. I am very proud of my man.
5: I painted a picture. Check it out:

6: I'm loving having my husband home. Especially when he surprises me with a long-stem rose just because he loves me. Or I come home from work and the house is vacuumed and the laundry is done.
7: We've been bbq-in a lot. Yummy chicken, corn on the cob, and twice baked potatoes.
8: I have a newfound love for fireflies
9: We are buying a second car soon! YA!
10: We feel blessed...especially this morning. Woke up and had yummy coffee, homemade popovers, and bacon. Now drinking coffee in bed for a bit, then up to the Botanical Gardens to take pictures, test driving some cars, then taking the puppy to the dog park.

LIFE IS GOOD

Snow Day in Hampton Roads, Virginia

2009-03-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

So I was blessed with a three-day weekend as a snow day was called this cold and snowy Monday morning. With temperatures not even moving out of the 20's today and with a 1/2" of snow on the ground, a snow day was much needed, especially since Hampton Roads natives don't know much about driving in the snow. Nevertheless, I didn't want to go out either! The snow froze on the roadways and I still have icicles hanging from my car. Needless to say, I am thankful for the snow day. Though I don't have much school work to do, it was nice to have a day to just drink hot cocoa, get ahead on some studying, and now making some homemade chicken noodle soup. Though I don't have anyone here to share it with, its nice to have the home smell so good with snow flakes still falling outside. Snow usually never sticks here in this part of Virginia because we are SO close to the ocean, so it never gets cold enough on the ground for it to stick. Though it has snowed here before, this is the first day since I've moved here where it has actually accumulated on the ground!
So, Ellie got to play in the snow for the first time. She chased snowflakes and I attempted to throw snowballs at her...unfortunately the snow was frozen to the grass so that didn't work out to well. As I'm watching the evening news right now, there are accidents every where. So even though this snow is nothing comparison to that in NorCal, it is still a danger and I'm blessed to have a warm home to stay in.

How Long Has It Been?

2009-02-27T05:46:00.000-08:00

Its been a while I say since I have posted in my blogger world. I'm starting to get settled with the fact that Justin is gone on deployment. It has been a week now and I think I have another 3 months to go. Lovely. I've been really busy with school and am actually flying back to California March 6th to be with family for my spring break. And then, my lovely cousin Samantha is coming for a week towards the end of March to celebrate my 21st! Oh Dear, good times ahead I am sure. It will help break up the time when the man of my dreams is out to sea fighting for our country. I have only heard from him once this entire a week...a short quick email. So, at least I know he is alive. He is working really long hours (16-18 hrs a day I think?!) and is on nights, so he is exhausted. Check out the pictures below to see the mighty IKE leaving on deployment...along with the 6000 sailors on board.

I think the hardest part was listening to the national anthem while all the sailors manned the rails of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. The images make me so proud. I miss you sailor.

What a Posh Pooch

2009-02-14T14:47:00.000-08:00

Well, Ellie had quite the Valentine's Day today. She was treated to a day at the Posh Pooch Dog Spa as a Valentine's treat.

It was her first time at a groomers, and with her undercoat coming through, it was necessary that we got this done. They said that she was a very hyper pup and was wiggling all over, but she did not bark or bite! Quite impressive for a pomeranian I think...and so did they! They thought she was so cute and such a little love bug. And look how cute she is!

Complete with little pink dotted bows! How posh of her!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T14:40:00.000-08:00

Well, it is our 1st Valentine's Day together as a married couple. Too bad Justin has duty. Its a bummer, but he surprised me last night with my favorite flowers...tulips!!

He also brought home a ridiculously large "Love" balloon home that is hidden in the bedroom because Ellie is scared to death of it! He also ordered food for us that we ate while watching a movie he got and sipping on a lovely bottle of California Shiraz!

A Day at the Park...the Dog Park that is!

2009-02-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

So, after a few rain-free days, we figured Ellie needed to release some pent-up winter energy at the local dog park.

Ofcourse she wanted to play with the big dogs! Silly Girl!

Look at her go!

She made a new friend! We love this little girl! She slept and slept after her play time. Too bad she had to get a full bath because she was super muddy! Tisk Tisk!

Justin's 22nd Birthday, Feb 6th 2009

2009-02-14T14:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my dear husband. I went a little crazy and decorated the apartment. I figured he deserved it and would love it...complete with a cake too!

Yay to Dollar Tree Decorations and Wrapping Paper!

Pretty Presents and Yummy Cake

The Birthday Boy Opening Presents

A new external hard-drive to store all of our pictures, music, and documents...2 days too late after the computer crash of 2009. Ironic, isn't it?

Ellie found a new toy!

Back to Blogworld

2009-02-14T14:09:00.000-08:00

After my recent disappearance from technology during the malfunctioning computer, I am back up and running with a brand new 320GB hard-drive in the computer, but missing all of our old files. Its a bummer, but hopefully we can recover them at some point. Anyway, more posts are coming today to show the past few weeks of things that should have been blogged but just haven't made it.

Thursday...

2009-02-05T06:22:00.000-08:00

Alright, so it 9:23 in the morning, East Coast time. I've been up since 5:45, showered, took J to work, went to class, and am now on my break working on a public computer instead of my adored Macbook because why? Oh, well maybe because my computer CRASHED! Yes, thats right. The Mac that cost me over a grand is now in capoots as I say. The poor piece of technology has an appointment tomorrow at the Genius Bar in our local Mac store, so hopefully they can help bring the computer back to life. Otherwise, we lost over 4000 pictures, a music collection that has taken over 5 years to create, and all of my important documents that I need. And I'm sure you're asking why I don't have any of that stuff backed up? Well, Justin's birthday is tomorrow and ironically I bought him an external hard drive so we could backup all of our stuff (music, pictures, etc). Funny that the computer crashed two days before the gift was given. And to top it all off, if the computer is dead, we must find the money to purchase another one. Does anyone have a $1000 laying around?? Lovely. And even more fitting is that I was just about to pay off an ENTIRE credit card, which would leave us only one credit card to deal with. I guess that won't be happening for a while. My mom laughed at the situation and said: Well hun, thats just life. Your father and I have been trying to get ahead for the last 25 years, and as soon as we get in a position to pay something off, something happens. Oh how I love married life. Well, I do love married life, so ignore the past sarcasm. But I miss the ease of paying my credit card off every month and not having bills. But unfortunately, things happen and debt is created. So, wish us and my dear computer luck tomorrow with the "Geniuses" at Mac. I'm trying to think optimistic, but from what I've heard about the problem that the computer is having the outcome is not the best.

Sunday...yes.

2009-02-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

So, its Sunday morning (actually more like afternoon!) and Justin and I just woke up about an hour ago, snuggling the puppy in our big bed. We then dragged ourselves into the kitchen to make yummy pancakes, bacon, and freshly brewed coffee in our french press. I think today is just going to be a nice lazy day filled with laundry, dishes, yummy food, studying, and ofcourse...the Superbowl. We have the opportunity to go to Hooters for the game with a bunch of friends, but there is a part of us that just wants to hang out at home. Tomorrow Justin has duty and I have lots of homework to do, so it will be a nice day to study. Justin and I still have so many things to do though: take down Christmas lights, nail up a few things, work on applications and resumes, and a lot else. Wish us luck accomplishing all of those things!

Justin...NOW!

2009-01-25T18:28:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I'm feeling a little lacking of patience (what's new??). I know how people say that Military Wives are so strong and don't complain and just take these times of separation in stride...but apparently I am not one of them right now. But that's okay, I like to go against the grain most of the time anyway. You know, with getting married young, moving across the country, among many other things, I guess it just comes with my territory to not fit in with the stereotypes. So, that means that I'm going to be the one to complain. So, here it goes: I want my husband back and I want him back now! Well, that felt good. A little childish...but good. He was supposed to come back Tuesday, but I'm now hearing Wednesday. I guess one more day isn't that bad. But when the man is only going to be home for 3 weeks, that one more day matters. Because after that, the dang boy will be gone on deployment...possibly up to 6 months if he extends in the Navy (we will see if that happens or not). And we have lots to do when he is home. Besides celebrating his 22nd Birthday and our 7th Valentine's Day, we have to do a lot of job searching for him, trips to the Reserve Recruiter, people we need to visit with, church events, and above all, spending some nice quiet time together.

So, I've been preparing for the 3 week extravaganza (I like that our marriage is measured in short bursts of chaos...but soon that will just be a past memory!), by shopping (yes to $160 on groceries at the Commisary), redecorating (poor Justin is not even going to recognize this pace between all the new throw pillows, new plants, and new canvas print), and reorganizing (too bad I moved all his stuff! Yikes!). So the spring cleaning (or late Winter cleaning?) is complete, and I feel very rejuvinated. So, I'm hoping these next few days will go by quick so I can enjoy everything with my husband...the love of my LIFE!

BLAH! Can you tell by the way I wrote this blog that I'm feeling a little mumble-jumbled, impatient, crazy, and a little off my rocker? Well if so, your assumptions are COMPLETELY correct... Sheesh.

Speak With Love (SWL)

2009-01-16T18:36:00.000-08:00

A dear friend of ours, Travis Wright, came up with Speak With Love, a new organization targeted towards those in our world that seem to have been forgotten. The organization is meant to be a "beacon of hope and a reminder to the world that LOVE STILL EXISTS". Travis is an amazing man with a heart on fire for Christ and filled with the motivation to make our world a better place. I've included an excerpt from the organization's webpage: www.speakwithlove.org. I ask that you consider supporting this organization and keep Travis as well as Speak With Love in your prayers.

"True LOVE speaks without words. It’s universal. It needs no translation. LOVE is a language we all speak. It’s what we all desperately long for.

SWL is about reminding the world that LOVE STILL EXISTS.

SWL isn’t about words, it’s about breathing LOVE into them. It’s about impacting the lives of others with LOVE. It’s about speaking a greater truth through who we are, what we do, and who we become...

SWL is about living our lives for each other.
It’s about not having to carry the burdens of life alone.
It’s about reminding the world that the answer is LOVE…

SWL is about TRUTH.
It’s about HOPE.
It’s about LIFE.
It’s about TODAY.
It’s about having faith in TOMORROW…"

School Starts...

2009-01-12T09:09:00.000-08:00

Well, school starts today. Lovely. I am not looking forward to it in the slightest. I am usually somewhat excited about starting a new semester, but right now, I have no desire or motivation. I think its just because this semester looks like its going to be really hard. But oh well. I will just do the best I can.

So this weekend I didn't get as much crafting done as I wanted. I prepped a bunch of sewing projects for the future, but I need to go to the craft store and get some muslim and satin ribbon. However, I did completely reorganize the house. I feel so much more at ease now because I can actually breathe in my closet and my laundry room. Why is reorganizing so invigorating? Also, my inspiration journal is being filled as each day goes on. I will post some pictures soon!

Justin called :). The ship is still planning on arriving on the 27th. So 15 more days to go. He is working really long hours and says the work is hard, but everything is going well. I cannot wait for him to come home.

New Pictures from Empire Mine

2009-01-09T15:50:00.000-08:00

Well, when Justin and I had our quick trip home, he went shooting (photography) with a friend of ours, and in the midst of it, his friend took some great shots of us! Justin also learned a lot that day about his new camera: Canon Rebel Xti. His dream is to eventually become a wedding photographer (and me a wedding planner, so we can open up our own wedding business), so it was great that he learned so much that day from this guy who has taken lots of photography classes. Justin will eventually be able to take some photography classes once he is out the Navy. Anyway, enjoy the photos!

Eggplant...

2009-01-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

So, I tried eggplant for the first time tonight...and I cannot decide if I like it! Justin and I eat zucchini ALL the time, and I guess I was just expecting it to taste exactly like zucchini...but, it doesn't! And I can't tell if I like it. I ate all that I prepared, but I just don't know. Its like sweet, but peppery, and some other taste I can't put my mouth on. I prepared similarly to how I saw it done on Rachel Ray: Grilled like a steak, topped with other yummies (I did my favorite marinara sauce, and sauteed mushrooms), and then topped with fresh parmesan and mozzerella...and then zapped under the broiler to melt the cheese. Lots of yummy flavors, but I just can't tell if I like it. I'll have to cook it for Justin once he is home to see what he thinks. Does anyone have any good recipes for eggplant?

A Day to Create...Finally

2009-01-07T16:40:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I finally got around to create my inspiration Journal that I have been wanting to make...especially since one of my resolutions for 2009 is to actually keep an Inspiration Journal. So first off, I should give credit to those that inspire me: Donna Downey and Amy Butler. I actually got the idea of Inspiration Journals from Donna Downey and have made a few just like hers, but I felt that I need more pages than the design she uses for my personal journal. Also, I love every single fabric that Amy Butler designs. So, I got so excited this Christmas when I found some of her fabrics under the tree! (Thanks Mom!). So, this is how the process went:

Some great Amy Butler Fabrics

My New Brother Sewing Machine (compliments of my Mother!)

A plain journal that I "borrowed" from Justin (yikes!)

The cute fabric stitched and ready to go

A home-made button

And ta-da! An Inspiration Journal. I just love the cute little yellow ribbons and the fun Midwest Modern colors. Now...time to be inspired and fill this baby up! Just like Donna Downey says: Live a Life Inspired!

Oh, and by the way, I also turned in an application today to Starbucks, got my oil changed, and did Pilates! PHEW! I'm feeling productive :)

First Night W/O Justin

2009-01-06T18:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, so night #1 without Justin out of what?...3 weeks? Not too bad so far! Got caught up on some much needed magazine reading. Got to love Food & Wine, Living, and The Nest! Best Mags ever. And can't forget Wine Enthusiast. Thank goodness for the dear neighbors for giving me all their old magazines.

And, I'm watching Jon & Kate +8! One of my most favorite shows (plus many others). I'm also staring at 5 loads of laundry that need to be folded. As well as my dear dog...just hanging out.

Anyway, tomorrow I am going to craft. FINALLY! I need to let loose all these creative juices. Between Amy Butler Fabrics and Donna Downey Inspiration Journals, I have plenty to do! Especially because one of my New Years Resolutions is to keep an Inspiration Journal (and work out 3 times a week...which means I better work out tomorrow).

Anyway, I'm hoping to put up more pictures of stuff tomorrow! Be blessed in this New Year!

A Lazy Day

2009-01-04T17:12:00.000-08:00

So Justin leaves tomorrow for 3.5 weeks...Sea Trials...Lovely. Me on the other hand, has nothing to do! Okay, well thats a lie. I start school in a week, so I have to buy books and get prepared for another threatening semester. Also, I need to finish my application for Starbucks and turn that in...and finish Twilight, and create a bunch of things, and finish my painting...OH! and plan my neighbors wedding. So at least I will be busy while Justin is gone.

Though I will miss Justin terribly, it will be nice to have some quiet time. We have been busy since Thanksgiving. Between hosting Thanksgiving at our house, finals, having my best friend stay for almost 2 weeks, flying to California on Christmas, flying back and lastly, hosting a New Years Party, it is time to have so peace and quiet. I just wish I was able to spend some of that tranquility with Justin. And unfortunately, once Justin is back, he only has 2 weeks home until he leaves for DEPLOYMENT...yes, I said it, the D word. But, he will soon be done with this Active Duty Military thing...I just have to hang on for 6 more months. Then we get to live the life of Reservists. YES!

So, I'v added some pictures of the Holiday Decorations. We loved having our house decorated for Christmas and wish we could keep it like this year round. Oh well. I'm sure next Christmas will come fast than expected.

Anyway, more pictures to come soon hopefully! Blessings for a wonderful New Year!

Our Puppy

2008-07-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

With me being the newest resident of Chesapeake, Virginia after Justin and my wedding on July 12th (pictures to come soon) and with the news that Justin is going to be gone serving in the Navy so often, we decided to add a new member to the family: Little Miss Ellie Mae! She is our little "bundle of joy" and is just so much fun to have around. Though she is going through the "puppy syndrome" complete with chewing on everything from fingers to carpet, and still battling the endless task of house-training, she is just a little love. And she keeps me company when Justin is gone!

The Engagement Story

2007-09-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

The day finally arrived. August 30th of 2007 in the warm afternoon in Norfolk, Virginia. A not so whimsical picnic menu of Taco Bell Burritos and Tacos paired with the very beautiful location of the Norfolk Botanical Gardens made a perfect combination for a day to remember. We wasted out time playing with a squirrel that we thoughtfully named Frank, then decided to explore the endless surroundings like usual. The ignorant me played in the willow trees, and remarked on all the beautiful flowers. Justin followed with me, looking a little pale with beads of sweat forming around his brow. I thought nothing of it and assumed the sweat was from the heat of the afternoon. After an hour of frolicking in the gardens, Justin suggested going down a pathway that we had not yet explored. Walking down the rock laid path, I dashed to the fountain to splash the water. After that, Justin led me into an ivy covered gazebo. As I walked in, my attention was distracted by a fast food cup on the bench in the gazebo. I picked it up, complaining about how people leave their trash. As I turned around to show Justin the beverage container, I was astounded by the professionally made banner stretched across the other side of the gazebo that read: Lys, Will You Marry Me? I kept turning where I was met by the love of my life getting down on bended knee. I dropped everything and immediately had tears well up in my eyes. Justin asked me to marry him and presented me with a ring made of a blade of grass. I was delighted at the sight since my mother always told me that the ring will mean the same whether if it is made of grass or of the finest metal. But Justin has always been a joker and brought out another box with the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. We hugged and cried forever and remarked at the beauty of the sign made especially for me. It brought back memories of when Justin had asked me to be his girlfriend in a gazebo years before. Soon after, his friends Shannon and Ashlee, and his roommate Sal came out of the bushes where they had been taking pictures after setting up the sign in the gazebo. They were also the culprits of the litter that was left on the bench. The pictures kept clicking and the tears kept coming as Justin and I began calling all of our families and friends. Our parents had been anxiously waiting for the phone call and my mother claimed that she could not sleep the whole night before as she knew the engagement day was that day. And since that day, Justin and I have never felt closer and have never felt more complete. I can only imagine what we will feel like on our wedding day.

Seeking Creativity...And Patience

2007-09-16T12:56:00.001-07:00

Here I am.

The day before my sophomore year at Cal Poly State University and instead of spending my time mentally preparing for this adventure of education and insight, I decided to take another stab at figuring out how to put this stupid blog together. So, lets see if I get any farther than when I tried 6 months ago.