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Friday, September 9, 2011

Little letters (2)

Dear husband, you have been home one day, and you already made the house a mess. Dear man who caused the black out in all of San Diego, you made thousands of people mad yesterday, including me. However, you did make me realize how spoiled I am, and for that, I'm thankful. Dear downstairs neighbors, I don't want to listen to your rapping all night again. Dear hubby, I love having you home, and I am so excited for our roadtrip!

Friday, September 2, 2011

I'm alive

I'm sorry. I'm a terrible blogger, but at least I admit it.

What can I say? Life got in the way.. (and I also became a poet in the mean time)

I have quite a few post idea's, including a green series, but I think it's only right to tell you about all the goodness thats been going on in my life the past month or so:

  1. A couple months ago, I mentioned that I landed a job at a sub shop even though I had been putting off applying for so very long. Well, all my sandwich-making expertise finally paid off because I am now a supervisor!
  2. Before I moved out here with my hubby, I was going to UofA for business. My first year didn't go so hot, so I decided to take a year off and find out what I really want to do before I waste any more money, thinking I would switch to culinary school. Well after a year of back and forth, I am finally totally confident in my decision! I am starting school at the end of this month to be a financial counselor, and thanks to National University, I will be receiving my bachelor's degree at the same time as I originally planned!
  3. I also mentioned on my blog a few times about desperately needing a new car.. So when all the stars aligned- me finding a job, a big enough down payment saved up, the perfect car, surprisingly low financing.. We purchased this beauty for my hubby, which he occasionally shares with me : )


What has been going on in your life lately?

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Recession blues

I'm going to say something that everyone is feeling... This economy sucks.

Our country is trying to crawl its way out of a recession, but we are just getting deeper.

The stock market fell hard, unemployment rates are still high, the housing market is still low.

I work in the food industry, and since the day the stock market fell almost 500 points, we have been slow. As in, a couple hundred dollars a day slow. Some people lost money when the market fell, but even more people are just plain scared, so they are holding on to their money a little bit tighter.

You know what I'm doing? I'm living my life without paying attention to how bad the recession is. I put a little extra money into savings, and then I make my normal every day purchases. Because I believe that the more people get scared, the less they are going to spend their money, and the worse they are going to make our economy without even realizing.

Don't think for a second that I am not affected by this recession. I am completely grateful that I have a duel-income household to pay my bills. I don't spend like crazy; in fact, I stick to a tight budget, work hard to pay off debts early, and help support my unemployed mother. My husband and I have been planning to buy a car for over a year now, and we finally have enough money saved up for a down payment. Just because the economy has taken a downturn doesn't mean that I am going to be too scared to make a big purchase.

I understand that everyone's situation is different.. All I ask is that you look at yourself, your income, and decide what you can do to help this economy, because we are all in it together.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Construction

If you have looked at my blog lately, you would see that my layout has changed.
I've been messing around with it.. I liked the old look, but I want something a little more simplistic.
So just be warned, I will probably continue to change things around until I get it just right!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Wishing time away

This post is dedicated to all the military SO's out there.

We all do it.
We make countdowns until the day our husband comes home.
We wish the days away until we are in his arms once again.

But have you ever thought that you will never get that time back?
I know we all wish our husbands were home and never had deployments, but the fact is that they leave.
A lot.
It hurts having them gone, but you have to make the most of what you have.

Sometimes I feel guilty when I have fun while my husband is out to sea. He works 13+ hours a day, every day, and doesn't have most of the luxuries that I have. I think its normal to feel this way; I want the best for my husband, and I want him to make the most of his life. So maybe he isn't doing what he wants at the exact moment that he is staring at the ship's chart, but I can guarantee that in 20 years, he is going to look back and say that serving is exactly what he wanted to do.

So use the time away to do things for yourself. Read that book that's been sitting on your bedside table the past few months, go out with the girls, or pour a drink and relax in a bubble bath.



So go ahead and miss your loved ones all you want, but please don't wish the time away.

Monday, July 25, 2011

About me

I added a new page to the top!
So if you want to find out more about me, check it out : )

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Friday, July 15, 2011

Little Letters (1)


Dear Jack, I love that you know your cute. Your newest move, where you stand at the doggy gate, spin on your back legs, all the while looking at me even when your head is upside down, is by far the cutest one. I hope you let me catch it on video on day. Dear Victoria's Secret, I have been trying to decide which top I want to order to match the really cute bottoms I found at Target. Please send me the top that would look the best on me. Dear Husband, I am so proud of you for working so hard to get your esws pin. You are such a hard worker, and I know it will eventually pay off for you.

P.S.
I hit 50 followers! Wooh!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Dreams

I'm stuck.
I don't know what I want to be when I'm older.
Rather, I don't know what to be, and I'm getting older.

Luckily, I have it narrowed down to two.
Unfortunately, they are in a very close race.
When I think I have a winner, another one pulls forward at the last minute.

And the nominees are:
A financial counselor or an event stylist.

I went to school for business management for a year. I only took two business classes in that time, so I didn't really get an idea of it. Between advanced classes, work, struggling to pay bills, Chris leaving for bootcamp, getting married, and the loss of my grandfather, I was beyond overwhelmed. I finished my first year thinking that I would either go to culinary school to become a pastry chef and cake decorator, or become a wedding planner.

When I started second guessing myself, I decided to take a year off. August is quickly approaching, and I am still unsure about what to do.

My left brain and right brain are fighting each other. Have you taken one of those tests before? I always score pretty even, with a few more points on my left brain. I am VERY logical, but I'm emotional and creative.
Financial counselor = logical.
Party stylist = creative.
See my dilemma?

I know I could be a good financial counselor. I have always been a budget-er and planner, so I know that I could help other people with that. But would it be creative enough for me?

It would be so fun to be a party stylist. But could I actually make a career out of pretty things like this?

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Can't I just do both?

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Wednesday Wishes

One. Either this necklace or headband from barberryandlace on etsy. Can you tell that I love etsy yet?


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Two. New glasses. My dog chewed mine, and yes, I have bandaids on the ends. lol

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Three. Some quality time with my husband. He gets home from an underway tomorrow afternoon. I have him for the night, then he has duty on Friday, and I have to work on Saturday and Sunday.


Camping Trip Summer 2011


Go link up with Brooke!

Monday, July 11, 2011

My little letters

I have to mention a few people and do a little explaining here.

I follow a little blog called Adventures of Newlyweds, which I have mentioned on here before.
Once a week, she posts 'Friday's Letters.'
I always thought the idea was really cute, and wanted to copy her idea.
Then one day, while blog-stalking, I saw a link she posted to Today's Letters.
After visiting the blog and reading their headline, "There are many things that can change a life... a letter is one of them," I thought the idea was even cuter.

I love writing letters.
When I buy people cards, I look for ones that don't say much, so that I can fill them with what I want to say.
When I used to struggle with my feelings not being heard when I was younger, I would write a letter.
When Chris was in bootcamp, I HATED not being able to talk to him, but I loved that we were forced to write old fashioned love letters.

So I am inspired by the two awesome people I mentioned above to start my own letters. But since I have such a hectic schedule and a lack of time to blog now, I won't contain them to a single day. Instead I am going to title them "little letters" and write them when the time feels right.

So stay tuned!

Vitamin Water

We love vitamin water in our household.
So when it goes on sale, we stock up.
Example:
(Fyi, we still had about a full shelf full in one of the cabinets at this point)




Whats your favorite flavor?

Friday, July 8, 2011

The joys of a job... and the military

Life has been crazy.

When I first started looking for a job last year, I was looking for a part time job that would help pay for a new car. I now work 35 hours a week, and I contribute very much to our household.

With my extra income, Chris and I have paid off his loan, saved a couple thousand towards a new car and our wedding, made double payments on my ring, and got to go out on a couple adventures (like camping and the lipizzaner stallion show!)

Speaking of which, here a few pictures from the show!
My dream horse!



I'm really trying to make an effort to take more 'adventures' with my hubby. In between underways this summer, we plan to try a couple hikes and visit the San Diego Safari Park!

P.S.
Their are rumors going around my husband's ship that they will have to take over another ship's deployment, in addition to their already scheduled 'underway'. Please keep us in your prayers!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Nothing is set in stone

Military rule #3: Nothing is ever set in stone

Military rule #22: Dates always change

Military rule #47: Plans always have to be flexible

Chris and I first got married in a Chicago courthouse in March of 2010. We planned to have our ceremony with family, friends, and a white dress, in March of 2011. That changed to May of 2011. That changed to March of 2012. That changed to May of 2012. That changed to March of 2013. If that changes again, I am going to stomp my feet and cry like a little girl.

Monday, June 13, 2011

I want to be adventurous.

I've made a list of things I want to do in California.

Its possible that Chris and I will only be here for his first four years, so I want to make sure that we don't move and think, darn, I wish we had gone to ___."

So here is my top 5 list:

1. Disneyland
2. Ridgewood Ranch- Seabiscuit's final home
3. Universal Studio's
4. Seaworld
5. The Redwood Forest

Are there any other 'must see's' that you would recommend?

Btw, you should check out Adventure's of Newlyweds. Ashley (what a great name) and her husband move every three months for his work, and they def take advantage of the traveling. They seem like such a fun, adventurous couple! Reading about their adventures have inspired me to plan adventures for my hubby and I.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Milspouse Friday Fill-in

1. When you vacation what type of vacation do you like to take (beach, historic, adventurous, food oriented, etc.)? submitted by Megan Dub-Yuh

I  think I would have to say historic/ adventurous. Our vacactions are usually to visit family, but now that we have two incomes, I'm sure we will be able to put aside money for an 'us' vacation! I've been on two real vacations- one to Sedona with Chris and one to New Orleans with my sister. I'd say they were both pretty adventurous!

2. What is your best memory associated with a song (you know we all have tons!)? submitted by Ramblings of a Marine Wife
Dare for Distance by Never Shout Never.. When Chris and I first started dating, I asked him to take me to a concert, and Chris totally got hooked on the music. A week or two later, we spent the weekend in Sedona, and thats all we listened to on the way their. It was a really special trip for us, and one of the songs sounded exactly like our relationship, so it holds a special place in my heart.

3. If you had six months with no obligations or financial constraints, what would you do with your time? submitted by Married to the Army
I'm sure most of us are going to answer this way, but I would travel the world with my hubby.

4. What is one thing about you that people do NOT typically notice at first that you wish they would? submitted by Our Motto is Patience
That I am actually really friendly and outgoing. My first impression on people is that I'm shy or a bitch.


5. …. submitted by The Three Turners: It’s a summer of sequels, and if you had to live in one of each of the following “worlds” (there are three total) which would you choose and why?
–X-Men: Be a Mutant, what would your power be? Haha Chris and I beat both of the Marvel ultimate alliance games together, and both times I played Deadpool, who is a super ninja with guns. lol
–Harry Potter: Be a Witch or Muggle? Unlike the general population, I'm not really into Harry Potter so I don't know...
–Twilight: Be a Vampire or Werewolf? A vampire. I want to sparkle in the sun.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Where did the weekend go?

Seriously, where is it?

I've been working 5-6 days a week lately, but luckily I usually get some part of the weekend off.

This week, I had Friday off. After working all week, partying with the in-laws all weekend, working another week, and getting sick, I was in much need of a day off. After waking up with Chris before he left for work, I slept in a little longer. When Chris got home, we went out to eat, shopping, and to the movies. We hadn't had a date night for a while, so it felt really good to spend time outside the house together.

Saturday, Chris' day off, I work 11-6.

Sunday, which was supposed to be my day off, Chris has duty. (I ended up covering an 8 hour shift for someone today).

Tomorrow, Chris gets off at 3, and I have to go in to work at 3. My first time scheduled closing, and its horrible timing. Not being able to see my husband for almost three days is a big deal to me. There are going to be times when Chris and I don't see each other for 6 months, so we like to cherish all the time we have together now.

I'm exhausted, so I am going to go take the dog out, and plop into bed. This week is only beginning... Good luck to everyone who is as ready for it to be over as I am.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Wednesday Wishes (27)

One. Either of these minty green dresses from the River of Romansk shop on etsy. Even though I have like 10 dresses, including about 4 that haven't been worn yet, I can't help but drool over these pretty dresses.
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Two.  My first paycheck. I hate starting a new job in the middle of a pay period and having to wait so long for your first paycheck!

Three. Rose bud ice cubes to put in champagne buckets at my wedding.
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Four. That you go link up at Bright Wishes! Happy Wednesday!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Working lady

I've been MIA in the bloggy world for more than a week!

Life has gotten pretty crazy lately. I started my job last week, and I'm finally getting used to working all day. I'm still trying to balance cleaning the house and working full time though. Although I have always given my mom credit for being a single, working mom, I have a newfound respect for her (and all you working ladies out there). I don't even have kids, just one messy husband, and I am having a hard time working and keeping the house clean!

Tomorrow my in-laws are coming in for the weekend. (Sorry, that means I will be MIA again!) There are going to be 6 adults, one child, and one dog in our one bedroom apartment this weekend. It's going to be very interesting!

Today is wednesday wishes, which I love to participate in, but I couldn't do two in a row without any real posts in between. Head over to Brooke's blog if you would like to participate!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Wednesday Wishes (25)

I wish for:

This "Peachy Keen Necklace." Soo cute.
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Red velvet cake balls. These babies have been on my recipe list for a few months, but I have yet to try them out.
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New tennis shoes. Right now I am wearing an old pair of choach shoes to work, and after only two days, my heels are killing me.

Link up with Brooke to share your wishes!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

I got a job!

Woooooooooooooooh!

After 6 months of filling out applications, 5 interviews, and lots of frustration, I finally got a job!

Unfortunately, it is at another sub shop.. but I have so much experience that he hired me on the spot.
FYI, this is my third job at a deli, and all three times I have been hired on the spot (the first time I was hired as I turned in my application, and the other two after the interview). There have been plenty of jokes in my household (mostly from Chris) but its all in good fun. In today's economy, you gotta go with what you know... and unfortunately, I know subs.

Did I mention that my job is full time? This month marks a year since I have had a job, and although I am excited to go back to work, the idea of working 35 hours a week for the first time is a little daunting. I guess it will be less hours than going to school full time and working part time though.

All in all, I'm pretty darn excited. Chris and I decided that we are going to go car shopping in July! Well, I guess I better go get ready for my first day : )

Monday, May 16, 2011

Operation Petticoat

Yesterday, I went to a photo-session hosted by Operation Petticoat. They are an amazing group of women who have decided to get together and provide a free day of pampering and photos to military wives.

So yesterday morning, the hubby and I, (and Jack of course- he couldn't be left home alone all day!) hopped in the car and drove the 2+ hours to LA. At the salon, all the girls snacked and chit-chatted until it was their turn to be pampered. Chris, on the other hand, took the dog for a walk, skate boarded, and played monopoly on his ipod. He is such a good hubby.

The theme was 1950's pin up. Kat did our makeup, complete with falsh eyelashes, cheek bone hugging blush and bright red lipstick. Sandi curled our hair, and Connie styled it a la 1950's. Carrie, who owns her own vintage style shop, brought in a ton of clothes for us to choose from. My options were a bit limited since I am so small, but we found this adorable pink sheer nightie that was perfect. After all the primping, Jules took our photos as we pretended to be real pin ups.

I had a blast. I absolutely love the 1950's era- I have a folder on my computer full of inspiration, I sometimes rock the red lipstick and bandana in my hair, and my hubby even jokes with me about how I am an 'old lady' by which he means to say, and 'old soul' haha. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am so happy I had the chance to do it! We got a few prints to take home with us, and they will be posting more on facebook soon, so I will post some up when they do!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

My First Car

Today I am linking up with Momma Kat and her writing workshop. Each week, she provides a list of writing prompts; you choose one, write about it, and link up!

I chose to write about my first (and only) car because it is honestly a pretty interesting story.
I think I need to provide some background info first.

Sometime before my freshman year, my grandpa gave my mom his old pick-up truck. About a month after getting my permit my sophomore year, my mom decided to trade in the truck for a new-er car, and goes to the dealership by herself. When my mom calls on her way home, she tells me she is driving a... MINI VAN. I thought she was joking- there was only two us (three with my grandpa) and this was the car I was going to pick up my friends in after I got my license? I almost cried when she pulled into the parking spot.

My senior year, things started to get a little more tough around the house, and eventually we lost the van. By this time, my friends affectionately called her 'Big Bessie.' She was the ultimate get-away-car during a light night t.p. session; I left the door open, and they all dove in as I drove by to pick them up (Don't tell my mom).

Right around the time that we lost the van, I got a second job. I had one day off a week, and I spent that time catching up on homework and sleep. We moved to a new house at the beginning of my senior year, which was 20 miles from school, and luckily a little closer to my jobs. I spent 2-3 hours on the bus a day.. depending on whether I had school and work, or worked both jobs. I know, taking a bus isn't that bad.. except when your 18 years old, taking AP classes in high school, working two jobs, and getting 4 hours of sleep a night. Sitting at the bus stop, I would envision my self in the cars driving by- to this day I am an expert at guessing what kind of car just by glancing at it.

After 5 months of taking the bus, my dad told me he found me a car- a 2001 hyundai sonata. I was so desperate at this point that I would have taken anything, but when I heard it was Pearl white and had a V6 engine, I was ecstatic.

There was only one problem- my dad, along with the car, was in New Mexico. I had no way, nor money, to get there.. except my favorite method of transportation, the bus. By some grace of God, my best friend offered to take the 8 hour bus ride in the middle of the night with me. It was a nightmare. We had to sit in the last row, where the seat backs were straight up, and no one, including the bus driver, spoke english. We missed our bus stop, because only one person got off, and the bus driver didn't understand our question, so my dad had to follow us to the next stop, right at the border of Mexico.

When I saw my car, I was in love. When I drove my car, I was head over heals. Although I wouldn't have considered her a sports car, she did have a V6, and she could go. So later that day, I sped back to AZ with my new car, my new TOM, and an old gun (a lovely semi-automatic 22 rifle) my dad promised me in the trunk. I was under the impression that my gun was supposed to my registered, so when I went through border patrol I almost had a heart attack until they waved us through, but I later found out I was fine.


I had pictures from the first day I drove my new car to school, but they are on an old computer. The only picture I have is this one, when my best friend and I were trying to fit her bike in my car so she could take it to college with her. We eventually took off the handle bars.

I have had a lot of interesting adventures with 'Pearl' (yes, I named my car) in the past three years. It is going to be hard to let her go, but with every mile she creeps to the 200,000 mark, I know I am getting closer to that day.

Do you have memories of your first car that will stay with you forever?

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Wednesday Wishes (24)


One. A fun grocery list pad like this one that will help me stay organized.
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Two. A dress that is as classy and sexy as this one. (and yes, I want the hat too)

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Three. I wish that my pictures this weekend will turn out the way I want them to! I got the chance to have a free military pin-up photo session with the amazing ladies at Operation Petticoat. I'm so excited!

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Monday, May 9, 2011

Bad Puppy

Do you ever wish your puppy could talk? I do. Especially lately.

Sometime in the past, I did a post about our puppy Jack, and I said something like "we potty-trained him in two weeks!" He was originally my sister's dog, and he peed on her carpet at least a few times a day. He has been doing so well..

Last week, he peed in the bedroom, on the carpet, even though there was a puppy pad, three times. We were on like a 3 month spree.

Last night, he peed on the puppy pad three times. Thank goodness it was not on the carpet, but why did he go three times? The first time was less than hour after I took him out for the night! He seriously has used a puppy pad like twice in the past few months, on the weekends when we didn't wake up at 4 am.

I don't know what has gotten into him! Has your dog ever all the sudden had a bad-streak? What did you do about it? We are going to rent a shampooer from home depot.. maybe when all the smell is gone things will go back to normal.


I just wish he could talk to me, and say something like, "Mommy, I peed on the floor because I am mad at you for not playing fetch with me all day." Or, "Mommy, I have a tummy ache, and that's why I went potty four times last night."

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Mother's Day and Mixed Emotions

Mother's Day is kind of a sensitive subject right now, for two reasons.

One. This is my first year not living with my mom during mother's day. Last year I was going to school, but I was still able to drive the 2 hours to go home and spend the weekend with her. My mom and I are extremely close- she raised me as a single mom and I have always considered her one of my best friends. I sent her a gift card to get a pedicure, and I wish I was there to go with her! Plus, it is my sister's first year as a mother, and I haven't even met me nephew yet.
Two. Last month I went in for surgery to have an ovarian cyst removed, and last week I found out that I most likely have endometriosis. Although the doctor gave me a treatment plan for 'until I decide to have children,' I have still been super emotional thinking about the big what-if of infertility.


Chris has duty, so the house is really quiet today. I guess it's Mommy and Jack time - he is my furbaby after all : )

Thursday, May 5, 2011

flower centerpieces

I love flowers, but I know nothing about them.
So when I started thinking about what flowers to use for my wedding, I sort of panicked and decided to do it later. I thought I found the perfect flowers a few weeks ago, but now I'm second guessing my choice for the centerpieces.

I was thinking of using these flowers:

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And making these bottles to put them in:
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But I originally found them on Brooke's Blog!

I'm for sure making the bottles; I think they go so perfect with our country theme! Chris and I have already collected like 15 bottles, and we still have a way to go! The flowers are billy balls, and they are originally yellow. I'm afraid that they are going to look orange when I get them : / Oh, its so hard perfecting all the wedding details.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Wednesday Wishes (23)


My wishes are for:

1. Some pretty  makeup, like the stuff I found on etsy the other day. Not only is it handmade and affordable, but its all natural.
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2. A reusable farmer's egg crate. You might think I'm weird, but I would love it if the inside of my refrigerator was pretty and organized. I want drinks in pretty glass pitchers instead of the ugly plastic bottles with labels all over them, and a pretty egg crate.
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3. Tall Boots for riding. I have one pair, but I left them back home in storage. I figured I wouldn't be doing much riding for awhile, and if I did, I could just wear my cowboy boots. Wrong! Last week one of the groupon deals was for two riding lessons, and I decided to use it as an excuse to ride again and learn something I never did- jumping! They even have horses for advanced riders; I'm so excited!
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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Book Review: Plain Truth

Or should I say author review?

I love books. I love my books to have a happy ending, which is why I don't understand why my favorite author is Jodi Picoult. Maybe this is why:

"These are some of the things I’ve done in the name of research: Watched Sly Stallone on a movie set (for Picture Perfect); observed cardiac surgery (Harvesting the Heart); gone to jail for the day (The Pact); milked cows on an Amish dairy farm (Plain Truth); learned Wiccan love spells and DNA testing procedures (Salem Falls); explored bone marrow transplants (Perfect Match); gone ghost hunting (Second Glance). For Vanishing Acts, I spent time in a hardcore Arizona jail, and met with both detention officers and inmates (learning, among other things, how to make my own zip gun and the recipe for crystal meth); and went to the Hopi reservation to attend their private katsina dances. For The Tenth Circle, I trekked to the Alaskan tundra to visit a remote Eskimo village and to follow a dogsled race on a snowmobile – in January, when it was -38 degrees Fahrenheit. For my upcoming novel, LONE WOLF, I spent time with a man who lived in the wild with a wolf pack for a year – and got to meet some other wolves he has in captivity. " -Jodi Picoult

I love how much research she puts into her writing. Not only that, but she always adds something interesting that doesn't have to be there, and she expands on it: whale watching, an apple farm, astronomy, lost religion. She doesn't just mention them, she gives details, and incorporates them into the story. I have never seen another author do it so well.

I have read 7 of her 18 books: The Pact, My Sister's Keeper, Picture Perfect, Change of Heart, Nineteen Minutes, Songs of the Humpback Whale, and Plain Truth. Does that show you how much I love her writing?

I'm lucky that I picked up The Pact first. It is a tragic love story that was so haunting I couldn't put it down. (It is still my second favorite book today, behind Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte) It also made me want to pick up another one of her books, and another.. I'm also lucky because if I would have been recommended Jodi Picoult, and not The Pact, my logical mind probably would have picked up the first book she ever wrote since I like to do things in order, which was Songs of the Humpback Whale. I was not a fan; I found it awkward; and I also discovered later that she was very inaccurate with her research. However, that is the only one so far I would not recommend.


In Plain Truth, a dead infant is discovered in an Amish barn, and evidence leads to an 18-year-old unwed Amish woman named Katie Fisher. When Ellie Hathaway, a big-city attorney, takes on her case, there is a collision of cultures- the "plain" way and the American system of justice.

I give this book four stars out of 5. I def recommend it!

Monday, May 2, 2011

I'm a proud wifey

Last week, my husband did his board for bluejacket of the quarter.

On Friday, we found out that he WON!

I am so proud of him for all of his hardwork; he truly deserved this.


If you don't know, Bluejacket of the quarter is an award given to one seaman on the ship every 3 months. I am one proud Navy wife : )

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Wee bit wednesday



{one} have you ever been stuck in an elevator?
I thought I was one time, but luckily it only lasted a few seconds. When I worked in the student union at UofA, there was an employee elevator that was super sketchy.. It would always lurch, or the doors wouldn't open right away, and some guy told me it got stuck a few times. Creepy!

{two} have you ever ridden on an elephant?
Yep, when I was little.

{three} have you ever met a well known celebrity?
Not exactly. I met a popular christian band once.

{four} do you have any food allergies?
nope.

{five} do you know how to sew?
I can hand-sew but I haven't used a machine in forever. I hand-made Chris a blanket before he went on deployment last summer!

{six} did you get an allowance when you were young?
Nope.

{seven} how often do you fill up your gas tank?
At least every week.

{eight} have you ever been stung by a jelly fish?
No. I found one at the beach one time, but luckily I didn't step on it.

{nine} have you ever been robbed?
I had my car broken into when I was going to UofA. They stole like $10 and a gatorade lol.

{ten} what is the worst haircut you’ve ever had?
My senior year, about a week and a half before prom. I went to a hair school- big mistake. The girl died my hair platinum blonde, and hacked my hair up. I asked for highlights and lowlights, and layers. Instead she made me look like a barbie with a mullet. So I had to spend the extra money, and go to my normal hairstylist, who had to cut my hair super short, and die my hair dark brown to make it all the same length and color. Luckily, she gave me a discount and saved my hair. It was a nightmare.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Wedding style and colors

One of the first things I was told to do to plan my wedding was choose my wedding colors and style.
I went back and forth quite a bit, but I am finally settled with my decision.

I'm having a country-style wedding in red and blue.
Okay, it sounds a little patriotic, but its not intended to be. Proof:

source
How cute is that? I would love to have those chairs and the table settings at my reception.

Time to go clean up from Easter dinner last night, yuck.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Extreme couponing

Have you seen the show Extreme Couponing on TLC?
They highlight people who pay something like $6 for $600 worth of groceries. People who have stock piles of groceries in their garages, extra rooms, and every open space in the house. People who I would call hoarders.
For example:

Well, after Thursday' shopping trip, I have my own little stockpile:

Yes, that is under the end-table in my living room.. we live in a one bedroom apartment with no hall closet, and the kitchen pantry was full. Don't worry, I'm not going to turn into a full fledged extreme couponer/ food hoarder.. Those people are obsessed. But I WILL tell you about my shopping trip.

On Thursday, I spent an hour cutting coupons, going through my already cut ones, making my grocery list, and comparing the store ads. Then we were off!
First stop was the commissiary..
Then Vons..
Then Albertsons..
Then Fresh and Easy.
Done.
It took 4 hours, and $225, but guess how much we saved... $80!!
The best deal we got? You guessed it, vitamin water!

What's the most you have ever saved during a grocery trip?

Monday, April 18, 2011

wedding planning

Chris and I got married in a courthouse, and since I have dreamed of my wedding since I was a little girl, Chris promised me an actual ceremony and reception.



We were originally going to have the wedding this March, but due to the fact that we are paying for the wedding all by ourselves, we had to postpone it another year to save up.

Right now, our wedding is planned for next May, but nothing is set in stone with the Navy, so who knows.

Since I am having somewhat of a writer's block right now, I figured "Why not write about my wedding planning adventure?"

So expect some wedding posts asap!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

A little more upbeat today

My last post was about my surgery, and how much pain I was in. I will not be complaining in this post. Tomorrow marks one week post surgery, and I'm feeling much better. Still in pain, but not nearly as much.

Good news! I got a call about an interview!
well 2 actually.. Let me explain.
The first was from 24 hour fitness. They called a few days after my surgery asking if I could come in for an interview the next day. I pictured the energy required to get dressed, put real clothes on, walk down two sets of stairs, and drive.. So I said I couldn't make it. Realizing my stupid stupid mistake, I called back, but they already had all the time slots filled. FAIL.
Fast forward to yesterday, 7:30 pm. Another 619 phone call. From who, you ask?
Guitar center!
No, I don't play any instruments, including the guitar. But I have worked for them before, or actually Music and Arts, which they own.
So I'm thinking that I have a good chance at the interview!

Wish me luck!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Wednesday Wishes (21)


I wish:
That my surgery on Friday will go well. I wish that it will make all my pain go away, so that I will not spend everyday like this:

That I could find a job. The most recent place I have applied is Boot Barn, and honestly thats the one I want the most : )
two

That my etsy shop will be succesful! I still have a lot of work before I start selling products, but I'm having fun getting it all ready!