Last summer we were one of 23 couples that we knew getting married in 2008. This summer is shaping up to look similar, and we've been in Philly for the first wedding of the season - Adam's cousin's wedding. Adam was one of the groomsmen and I'll post photos soon enough.
I'm listening to the song they danced to for their first dance - "Lullaby" by The Dixie Chicks:
"How long do you wanna be loved? Is Forever enough, is Forever enough?"
I told Adam before we left STL that I'm going to renew my vows to him with each wedding we attend. I might have to sing along, too.
Sunday, April 26
Thursday, February 26
You and Yours
You & Yours
Answer these questions about you & your significant other.
What are your middle names?
Alene and Jude
How long have you been together?
1.5 years
Who asked who out?
He asked me out – I was oblivious that ‘this guy’ could be interested in me at all.
How old were each of you when you met?
We were each 23 and 29.
How old are each of you now?
24 (almost 25) and 31
How tall are each of you?
He's 6’3” and I'm 5’4”
Whose siblings do/did you see the most?
It’s pretty equal – we probably see his side of the family more frequently, but we spent almost 3 weeks straight with my family over Christmas.
Do you have any children together?
Not yet, a few years out.
What about pets?
Do books count? No, we keep talking about getting a dog, but the house (or a place with a yard) has to come first. And he wants a purebred, and I don’t care that much.
Did you go to the same school?
No, I went to College in St. Paul, he in Chattanooga. He and my sister went to school together a few years before we met. We go to the same graduate school now.
Are you from the same hometown?
Nope.
Who is the smartest?
He’s smarter, but I think he’d argue the opposite.
Who is the most sensitive?
Me. Me, me, me.
Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Right now, it’s probably Frank and Helen’s, a pizza place that’s been locally owned since the 60’s. Adam could eat pizza twice a day for meals and not ever get sick of it. No. Really.
Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Hmmm. Well, going to Montana, but we flew, so that was about 6 hours of travel. We’ve driven to Philly twice. The last time was pretty rough, since we were only there for 3 days before we returned to STL, and it’s a 15 hour drive.
Who has the worst temper?
I get irritated more frequently, but when he’s mad, he’s pretty mad.
Who does/did the cooking?
I do the lunch and dinner cooking. He cooks breakfast daily (old fashioned oatmeal.)
Who is more social?
I think we would have said me, no question, before we got married. Now that most of my life consists of talking to people for 8 or 9 hours a day as a part of my job(s), I’ve become quite introverted during my off time. Other ways to say that are “I’m just plain tired” or “protective of my time.”
Who is the neat-freak?
We’re about the same at tidy-ness. We both start to feel it when the apartment gets messy - which usually comes after a particularly hectic week with a long paper or big test. He’s an Organizational genius, and I’m the scheduler extraordinaire.
Who wakes up earlier?
Me. He gets up 15-30 minutes later. Except Saturdays, but that’s usually because of my internship. I’m usually up around 7 on Saturdays and he gets up an hour or so later.
Who has the bigger family?
Our immediate families both are 5, but I think my extended family is slightly larger. Not by much though.
How do you spend the holidays?
We alternate holidays. We’ll see what happens next year – Thanksgiving will likely be traditionally at his family, Christmas at mine, since each of our families tend to major on those particular holidays.
Who is more jealous?
Me, though I don’t like to admit it.
Do you have little pet names for each other?
“Sweetie” for both of us, “honey” and “baby” sometimes. He’s started calling me his Sprightly Chickadee, from a Ray Lamontagne song.
How long did it take to get serious?
About a month. We didn’t mess around.
Who eats more?
Sometimes, to my chagrin, me. EXCEPT when it comes to pizza. Him, no question.
Who sings better?
Me probably, but I love to hear him sing. Especially when it’s along with a song in the car, after we’ve both been quiet for a while.
Who does the dishes?
Him, most of the time, though I wipe down the kitchen and put the food away usually.
Who snores?
Neither – it’s made the marriage adjustment much easier. Maybe when we’re sick, or something.
Who’s better with the computer?
Apple or PC?
Who drives when you are together?
Him. He gets nervous when I’m driving and saying mean things to the cars around us (cough. Raging.)
Who is the first to admit when they're wrong?
Usually he does, which is bad. I shouldn’t be so stubborn.
Who kissed who first?
I wanted to, but he kissed me first.
Who has more tattoos?
He does – 3 to 0.
Who eats more sweets?
Him. I’m all about the crunchy-salty. He’s all about the ice cream.
Answer these questions about you & your significant other.
What are your middle names?
Alene and Jude
How long have you been together?
1.5 years
Who asked who out?
He asked me out – I was oblivious that ‘this guy’ could be interested in me at all.
How old were each of you when you met?
We were each 23 and 29.
How old are each of you now?
24 (almost 25) and 31
How tall are each of you?
He's 6’3” and I'm 5’4”
Whose siblings do/did you see the most?
It’s pretty equal – we probably see his side of the family more frequently, but we spent almost 3 weeks straight with my family over Christmas.
Do you have any children together?
Not yet, a few years out.
What about pets?
Do books count? No, we keep talking about getting a dog, but the house (or a place with a yard) has to come first. And he wants a purebred, and I don’t care that much.
Did you go to the same school?
No, I went to College in St. Paul, he in Chattanooga. He and my sister went to school together a few years before we met. We go to the same graduate school now.
Are you from the same hometown?
Nope.
Who is the smartest?
He’s smarter, but I think he’d argue the opposite.
Who is the most sensitive?
Me. Me, me, me.
Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Right now, it’s probably Frank and Helen’s, a pizza place that’s been locally owned since the 60’s. Adam could eat pizza twice a day for meals and not ever get sick of it. No. Really.
Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Hmmm. Well, going to Montana, but we flew, so that was about 6 hours of travel. We’ve driven to Philly twice. The last time was pretty rough, since we were only there for 3 days before we returned to STL, and it’s a 15 hour drive.
Who has the worst temper?
I get irritated more frequently, but when he’s mad, he’s pretty mad.
Who does/did the cooking?
I do the lunch and dinner cooking. He cooks breakfast daily (old fashioned oatmeal.)
Who is more social?
I think we would have said me, no question, before we got married. Now that most of my life consists of talking to people for 8 or 9 hours a day as a part of my job(s), I’ve become quite introverted during my off time. Other ways to say that are “I’m just plain tired” or “protective of my time.”
Who is the neat-freak?
We’re about the same at tidy-ness. We both start to feel it when the apartment gets messy - which usually comes after a particularly hectic week with a long paper or big test. He’s an Organizational genius, and I’m the scheduler extraordinaire.
Who wakes up earlier?
Me. He gets up 15-30 minutes later. Except Saturdays, but that’s usually because of my internship. I’m usually up around 7 on Saturdays and he gets up an hour or so later.
Who has the bigger family?
Our immediate families both are 5, but I think my extended family is slightly larger. Not by much though.
How do you spend the holidays?
We alternate holidays. We’ll see what happens next year – Thanksgiving will likely be traditionally at his family, Christmas at mine, since each of our families tend to major on those particular holidays.
Who is more jealous?
Me, though I don’t like to admit it.
Do you have little pet names for each other?
“Sweetie” for both of us, “honey” and “baby” sometimes. He’s started calling me his Sprightly Chickadee, from a Ray Lamontagne song.
How long did it take to get serious?
About a month. We didn’t mess around.
Who eats more?
Sometimes, to my chagrin, me. EXCEPT when it comes to pizza. Him, no question.
Who sings better?
Me probably, but I love to hear him sing. Especially when it’s along with a song in the car, after we’ve both been quiet for a while.
Who does the dishes?
Him, most of the time, though I wipe down the kitchen and put the food away usually.
Who snores?
Neither – it’s made the marriage adjustment much easier. Maybe when we’re sick, or something.
Who’s better with the computer?
Apple or PC?
Who drives when you are together?
Him. He gets nervous when I’m driving and saying mean things to the cars around us (cough. Raging.)
Who is the first to admit when they're wrong?
Usually he does, which is bad. I shouldn’t be so stubborn.
Who kissed who first?
I wanted to, but he kissed me first.
Who has more tattoos?
He does – 3 to 0.
Who eats more sweets?
Him. I’m all about the crunchy-salty. He’s all about the ice cream.
Tuesday, February 17
Catchup
I've just spent the last hour looking at new templates (thanks Addie!) and trying them out on my other (the movie) blog. I'm tired, and I keep thinking that I'm copying the illustrious Ms. Morstad (soon to be Mrs. Bedford).
That said, the feeling from the last few weeks is Tired. Even working for Peacemakers I've never been so tired. Of course, at PM, even if you're giving a lot of yourself, it seems as though everyone's ready to emotionally give to you, too.
Counseling? The question to ask is "what is therapeutic for the client?" Which means, you're generally just giving of yourself, and relying a lot on Jesus. Which I need to do more of.
Things of life that should be updated: The car is sold, but not the way that I wanted. I was taking a left and was hit by a guy in the rear-passenger side. So we got the Honda hauled to the collision center, and being as we didn't have collision insurance on it, eventually sold it to the little man who worked there. (it would have cost 116% of the cost of the car to fix the damage.) We're still waiting on the two insurance agencies to hammer out liability. Hopefully we'll get something from the insurance agency.
It's been a tough couple of weeks, and truthfully, I feel as though sharing my complaining attitude online is tantamount to sharing via a bullhorn.
On the other hand, our 6 month anniversary coincided (somewhat) with Valentines day, which helpfully occurred on a weekend. Therefore Valentines for Hannah was on Friday ("The Duchess" and Chinese food) and Valentines for Adam was on Saturday (steak. Lots and lots of steak dinner. with Creamy Mashed potatoes and corn. But the steak was REALLY good.)
So that's the update. More to come. (Hopefully a story of lots and lots of rest.)
That said, the feeling from the last few weeks is Tired. Even working for Peacemakers I've never been so tired. Of course, at PM, even if you're giving a lot of yourself, it seems as though everyone's ready to emotionally give to you, too.
Counseling? The question to ask is "what is therapeutic for the client?" Which means, you're generally just giving of yourself, and relying a lot on Jesus. Which I need to do more of.
Things of life that should be updated: The car is sold, but not the way that I wanted. I was taking a left and was hit by a guy in the rear-passenger side. So we got the Honda hauled to the collision center, and being as we didn't have collision insurance on it, eventually sold it to the little man who worked there. (it would have cost 116% of the cost of the car to fix the damage.) We're still waiting on the two insurance agencies to hammer out liability. Hopefully we'll get something from the insurance agency.
It's been a tough couple of weeks, and truthfully, I feel as though sharing my complaining attitude online is tantamount to sharing via a bullhorn.
On the other hand, our 6 month anniversary coincided (somewhat) with Valentines day, which helpfully occurred on a weekend. Therefore Valentines for Hannah was on Friday ("The Duchess" and Chinese food) and Valentines for Adam was on Saturday (steak. Lots and lots of steak dinner. with Creamy Mashed potatoes and corn. But the steak was REALLY good.)
So that's the update. More to come. (Hopefully a story of lots and lots of rest.)
Wednesday, January 21
Short updates
Ok, so it's just as bad as it ever has been - as far as updating the blog goes.
I'm trying to be committed to 5 minute updates. It’s 1:20 pm. I’m at work (gasp!) and hiding the fact that I’m updating my Montana-and-other-parts-of-the-worlds friends by typing this out in my email, cutting and pasting. Shhhh.
Update 1: I’m going to be a bridesmaid for the 6th time! More to come in the next few days. Adam and I will be having the lovely future bride and groom over tonight for dinner.
Update 2. I’m jealous of Addie Morstad’s web design abilities. I’m hoping that she’ll share some of her secrets.
Update 3: Classes start up next week. I’m presently working 20 hours in the Admissions office at Covenant and seeing 10 clients per week. Along with 7 hours of class time and an hour and a half of supervision, I’m running from 8 am to 5 pm most nights. However, I just found out that I will not have to work or see clients on 4 or my 5 weekday nights – yay
I'm trying to be committed to 5 minute updates. It’s 1:20 pm. I’m at work (gasp!) and hiding the fact that I’m updating my Montana-and-other-parts-of-the-worlds friends by typing this out in my email, cutting and pasting. Shhhh.
Update 1: I’m going to be a bridesmaid for the 6th time! More to come in the next few days. Adam and I will be having the lovely future bride and groom over tonight for dinner.
Update 2. I’m jealous of Addie Morstad’s web design abilities. I’m hoping that she’ll share some of her secrets.
Update 3: Classes start up next week. I’m presently working 20 hours in the Admissions office at Covenant and seeing 10 clients per week. Along with 7 hours of class time and an hour and a half of supervision, I’m running from 8 am to 5 pm most nights. However, I just found out that I will not have to work or see clients on 4 or my 5 weekday nights – yay
Tuesday, December 30
Just can't let go
Well, this blog has been languishing for the past year or so, averaging about a post a month.
But I'm not letting it go. First, I decided to change the banner and my photo (both having been up for over a year). And second, I figured out how to post without having to sign out of everything google and sign back in with my old handle. Now this blog is associated with my new google account (since marriage) and I'll be automatically able to post.
An additional part of the problem has been our relative "poverty" level - we've decided against getting internet at the apartment. It's a $15-60/month investment that we aren't too keen on exploring because of our budget. Two, no internet at that house helps us study. Three, we have free high speed internet at the school (and our jobs), which gives us incentive to spend our work/internet time there, and spend our time together and on class reading while at the apartment.
But that all equals to my not having a lot of accessibility or time to post. Every 6 months or so, I decide to put more energy into posting (in order to keep up with friends and journal the day to day things of life). And usually I'm a bit behind.
Oh well. I'm just not ready to let it go, yet.
But I'm not letting it go. First, I decided to change the banner and my photo (both having been up for over a year). And second, I figured out how to post without having to sign out of everything google and sign back in with my old handle. Now this blog is associated with my new google account (since marriage) and I'll be automatically able to post.
An additional part of the problem has been our relative "poverty" level - we've decided against getting internet at the apartment. It's a $15-60/month investment that we aren't too keen on exploring because of our budget. Two, no internet at that house helps us study. Three, we have free high speed internet at the school (and our jobs), which gives us incentive to spend our work/internet time there, and spend our time together and on class reading while at the apartment.
But that all equals to my not having a lot of accessibility or time to post. Every 6 months or so, I decide to put more energy into posting (in order to keep up with friends and journal the day to day things of life). And usually I'm a bit behind.
Oh well. I'm just not ready to let it go, yet.
Monday, December 22
The Last week + Plans
Monday: Final Exam (Theories & Techniques in Counseling)
Tuesday: Flight & Travel
Wednesday: Sleeping in
Thursday: Dinner with Family
Friday: Christmas Shopping (not completed)
Saturday: Papa Murphy's Pizza (Adam: Very happy)
Sunday: RMCC, Christmas Choir, Thinking Putty & Great Dinner!
Monday: Christmas Shopping aborted, Haircut; Addiction, thy name is Cesar Millan
Tuesday: ? + Christmas Shopping, Choir Practice
Wednesday: Cookies, Happy Birthday Jennie!, Frantic wrapping
Thursday: Happy Christmas!
Tuesday: Flight & Travel
Wednesday: Sleeping in
Thursday: Dinner with Family
Friday: Christmas Shopping (not completed)
Saturday: Papa Murphy's Pizza (Adam: Very happy)
Sunday: RMCC, Christmas Choir, Thinking Putty & Great Dinner!
Monday: Christmas Shopping aborted, Haircut; Addiction, thy name is Cesar Millan
Tuesday: ? + Christmas Shopping, Choir Practice
Wednesday: Cookies, Happy Birthday Jennie!, Frantic wrapping
Thursday: Happy Christmas!
Sunday, October 19
Influence
Marriage changes things. I'm the one who seemingly influences Adam many times, but he'll be happy to know his influence on me is clearly showing tonight.
A bowl of cereal has never been an appropriate meal (in my mind), unless it's 6:45 am. Not in Adam's world. A bowl of cereal is a most excellent and desirable dinner, oftentimes.
Since Sunday dinner was huge, and I had no need for another large meal, I thought I'd skip dinner and just head to bed. Homework has kept me up later than I suspected, and so the rumbly in the tumbly began.
And I reached for the cereal bowl.
A bowl of cereal has never been an appropriate meal (in my mind), unless it's 6:45 am. Not in Adam's world. A bowl of cereal is a most excellent and desirable dinner, oftentimes.
Since Sunday dinner was huge, and I had no need for another large meal, I thought I'd skip dinner and just head to bed. Homework has kept me up later than I suspected, and so the rumbly in the tumbly began.
And I reached for the cereal bowl.
Wednesday, October 8
Things
It sounds windy outside. I don't see the tree outside our balcony moving.
I don't want to go grocery shopping.
I can't decide which grocery store to shop at
I need to go to three of them to get different things at good prices
Adam is studying Hebrew
I'd rather watch him, with the the glow of the "dining room" lamp illuminating his profile
Grocery Store.
Ugh.
Funny.
Sad/Poignant.
We're going to Schnucks. Aldi another Day. Trader Joe's yet another.
I don't want to go grocery shopping.
I can't decide which grocery store to shop at
I need to go to three of them to get different things at good prices
Adam is studying Hebrew
I'd rather watch him, with the the glow of the "dining room" lamp illuminating his profile
Grocery Store.
Ugh.
Funny.
Sad/Poignant.
We're going to Schnucks. Aldi another Day. Trader Joe's yet another.
Saturday, October 4
Elegance
Adam handed me the water I asked for -- in one of our Crystal wine glasses. Water, garnished with ice.
And it does make me feel a little more elegant, yes.
And it does make me feel a little more elegant, yes.
Friday, October 3
Fear in the City
I'm required to write response papers on the Theories and Techniques chapters I'm reading each week. So in that spirit:
A "Response post" on the Sex in the City Movie
"We're just two adults who have decided to get married."
While Adam's proposal was very romantic, we had talked about and even planned aspects of our wedding before the proposal. We had decided weeks before that we WERE going to be married, it was just a matter of time.
I think one of the most steadfast things about our marriage is that Adam once stated (and we both understood) that Love is --yes, about passion, friendship, romance - but it's ultimately about a decision.
Charlotte (reading Page Six) "'Proving to single gals everywhere that there can be a happy ending over 40'"
SITC writers just addressed one of the biggest fears and questions that American women have today. (Am I too old? Will this ever happen?)
Big: "young Lady, you need to get glasses."
Carrie: "No I don't, I have yours."
(I just liked this one. Yay for sharing stuff in marriage!)
Big: I want you. That's what I want. I coulda just gone down to City Hall."
Expressing the view of engaged men everywhere. Big weddings are always for the girl (and misc. women around the bride), very rarely does the groom care whether or not the wedding is large. Adam and I were really tired of the overwhelming-ness of a big wedding by the end of our engagement, and we were only engaged for 4 months!
Ok, the food in this movie is RIDICULOUS. They could only eat and spend this way if they were making a hollywood salary.
Miranda: "No I'm not all right. You two are crazy to get married. Marriage ruins everything."
So, you have the "forever single and loving it,"as typified in Samantha and the "Marriage/Relationship fulfills all" as typified in Charlotte. But the paragon of "marriage eventually dies a horrible death" is Miranda. The sad part of watching this character (and those in real life that believe in that philosophy) is that she doesn't see what she did to contribute to the breakdown of her marriage. She says the above to Big, who realistically is battling his own fears that his marriage to Carrie will break down.
Big calls Carrie and in one of the better, understanding, Carrie-as-counselor moments, she tells him that "it's me you're marrying. It's me and you." And that's very true. Commiting to one another, when you suspect that it can get bad (as exemplified in Miranda and Steve's relationship) is frightening. Fear raises a big, unabiding head. And you have to realize that the other person is in it, all the way, and that you're committed to being with one another.
So, for the last 10 minutes I've been wondering what bothered me about the climax of the "jilted at the alter" scene and it's this: Carrie, the night before is understanding and calm, but when it comes down to it, what does she scream at Big when she sees him after flees? "I am humiliated!" Now, yes, there are many things we can say about that, but it seems as though 1) it's not authentic to the "it's you and me" thing she said and 2) It's about her humilation, not his fear.
"Is it all about putting his needs before mine? Is it all about the other person? Is that Love?"
Miranda jumps in: No. that's marriage." Obviously, being all about the other person to the sacrifice of even your own wants is a negative thing to the SITC powers that be.
Dang, the writers are hitting on every fear!
Charlotte: "Because I'm afraid something bad is going to happen! I have everything I've ever wanted. I'm so happy that I'm terrified. Nobody gets everything that they want."
Yes! Carrie finally get's it: "And Miranda, in that article, I did not say 'we' once. The whole wedding was my point of view."
The final answer overall in the movie is to risk for a relationship, which is true, but it's tainted with the idea that you will not be whole unless you love yourself. This, enhh. Not so true. I would agree that a person needs insight into themselves, but much of that comes with being in relationship and seeing yourself as you really, really are: the good and the bad.
Forgiveness is a main theme, but what forgiveness means or encompasses isn't discussed much. (In the end, Steve and Miranda go to counseling and decide to put the past behind them.)
It was a good movie overall, probably put it in the 2.5 star category (not high enough to own, just rent).
A "Response post" on the Sex in the City Movie
"We're just two adults who have decided to get married."
While Adam's proposal was very romantic, we had talked about and even planned aspects of our wedding before the proposal. We had decided weeks before that we WERE going to be married, it was just a matter of time.
I think one of the most steadfast things about our marriage is that Adam once stated (and we both understood) that Love is --yes, about passion, friendship, romance - but it's ultimately about a decision.
Charlotte (reading Page Six) "'Proving to single gals everywhere that there can be a happy ending over 40'"
SITC writers just addressed one of the biggest fears and questions that American women have today. (Am I too old? Will this ever happen?)
Big: "young Lady, you need to get glasses."
Carrie: "No I don't, I have yours."
(I just liked this one. Yay for sharing stuff in marriage!)
Big: I want you. That's what I want. I coulda just gone down to City Hall."
Expressing the view of engaged men everywhere. Big weddings are always for the girl (and misc. women around the bride), very rarely does the groom care whether or not the wedding is large. Adam and I were really tired of the overwhelming-ness of a big wedding by the end of our engagement, and we were only engaged for 4 months!
Ok, the food in this movie is RIDICULOUS. They could only eat and spend this way if they were making a hollywood salary.
Miranda: "No I'm not all right. You two are crazy to get married. Marriage ruins everything."
So, you have the "forever single and loving it,"as typified in Samantha and the "Marriage/Relationship fulfills all" as typified in Charlotte. But the paragon of "marriage eventually dies a horrible death" is Miranda. The sad part of watching this character (and those in real life that believe in that philosophy) is that she doesn't see what she did to contribute to the breakdown of her marriage. She says the above to Big, who realistically is battling his own fears that his marriage to Carrie will break down.
Big calls Carrie and in one of the better, understanding, Carrie-as-counselor moments, she tells him that "it's me you're marrying. It's me and you." And that's very true. Commiting to one another, when you suspect that it can get bad (as exemplified in Miranda and Steve's relationship) is frightening. Fear raises a big, unabiding head. And you have to realize that the other person is in it, all the way, and that you're committed to being with one another.
So, for the last 10 minutes I've been wondering what bothered me about the climax of the "jilted at the alter" scene and it's this: Carrie, the night before is understanding and calm, but when it comes down to it, what does she scream at Big when she sees him after flees? "I am humiliated!" Now, yes, there are many things we can say about that, but it seems as though 1) it's not authentic to the "it's you and me" thing she said and 2) It's about her humilation, not his fear.
"Is it all about putting his needs before mine? Is it all about the other person? Is that Love?"
Miranda jumps in: No. that's marriage." Obviously, being all about the other person to the sacrifice of even your own wants is a negative thing to the SITC powers that be.
Dang, the writers are hitting on every fear!
Charlotte: "Because I'm afraid something bad is going to happen! I have everything I've ever wanted. I'm so happy that I'm terrified. Nobody gets everything that they want."
Yes! Carrie finally get's it: "And Miranda, in that article, I did not say 'we' once. The whole wedding was my point of view."
The final answer overall in the movie is to risk for a relationship, which is true, but it's tainted with the idea that you will not be whole unless you love yourself. This, enhh. Not so true. I would agree that a person needs insight into themselves, but much of that comes with being in relationship and seeing yourself as you really, really are: the good and the bad.
Forgiveness is a main theme, but what forgiveness means or encompasses isn't discussed much. (In the end, Steve and Miranda go to counseling and decide to put the past behind them.)
It was a good movie overall, probably put it in the 2.5 star category (not high enough to own, just rent).
Saturday, September 27
Thank You's
Much of today was spent being grateful for what we have. Lots of people have been sending gifts and also have been probably been wondering where the thank you notes are...!My problem is that I cannot make myself write a generic thank you note. I've talked with other brides, and they say they have about 4 different templates that they use. Me? no, I actually TRY to use a template, but I feel as though a person spent time and effort on a gift (or gave us cash - which turned into the sofa I'm sitting on right now) and I want them to know how we're using what they gave us!
So each note becomes a little bit personal -- which means it took me an hour and half to write 12 notes today.
But they are getting done! And as I write them, I remember how gracious our friends and family have been.
and the image is not actually my thank you notes...but they're pretty!
Thursday, September 25
Housing Crisis
Nearly 60 percent of the loans were made in California, Florida and Arizona, where home prices rose — and subsequently fell — faster than almost anywhere else in the country.
Yahoo News/The New York Times
So, What NYT is telling us is that the mortgage lenders, home buyers and home builders were dumba**es, Sold people homes and gave them mortgages for WAY over what those people could afford, because basically, everyone "should" have the American dream.
I know I'm not sounding very hardcore republican right now, but a bail out will only do so much, and I'm not really for it that much. Frankly, Americans need to have a very long lesson in personal financial responsibility, work ethic and humility. If you can't afford it, don't buy it.
Yahoo News/The New York Times
So, What NYT is telling us is that the mortgage lenders, home buyers and home builders were dumba**es, Sold people homes and gave them mortgages for WAY over what those people could afford, because basically, everyone "should" have the American dream.
I know I'm not sounding very hardcore republican right now, but a bail out will only do so much, and I'm not really for it that much. Frankly, Americans need to have a very long lesson in personal financial responsibility, work ethic and humility. If you can't afford it, don't buy it.
Wednesday, September 24
Listening to:
But this is the way I need to wake I wake to you
You never left me all that I had dreamt had been untrue
Open my eyes, I see sky
Oh oh oh, oh oh
The way you keep me on my toes,
I, I,I will be fine
just say you'll stay forever mine
till we fall asleep tonight
Joshua Radin
feat. Ingrid Michaelson
Unclear Sky
"Sky"
(Our first dance was a Joshua Radin song, so his songs have special meaning to me!)
Tuesday, September 23
Best
As I was making tuna casserole for dinner tonight, I was trying to figure out what standard wedding gift I will get everyone who marries within the next 40 or 50 years.
I started out with the little colander. It's cute, it's practical, it's great. Then I thought, no, the really helpful and great thing are those little, tiny white spatulas. They get all the soup out of the can (and honestly, it was a wedding gift because we used money donated, not because we unwrapped it as a gift. But I knew I wanted one!)
THEN I thought, "no, it's this little tiny casserole dish that came in the package of three knock-off-brand Pyrex dishes. I bought it a while back when I was on campus, making dinner and didn't have a pyrex dish. Originally I thought the little one would be the one I use least. Oh no! I use it most! Mini Casseroles for Mr. Porcella and me.
But then I changed my mind. Nope, it's the slightly-larger-than normal toaster oven...which actually I've been using more as a mini oven than as a toaster, and it's GREAT. it cooks, and we don't heat up the entire apartment.
So basically, wedding gifts are great. They make making dinner so much better. I used to have to figure out how much of a recipe I could fit into this or that wrong-sized dish. No longer!
And with that, I'm sitting down to watch "Opportunity Knocks" and write Thank You notes.
I started out with the little colander. It's cute, it's practical, it's great. Then I thought, no, the really helpful and great thing are those little, tiny white spatulas. They get all the soup out of the can (and honestly, it was a wedding gift because we used money donated, not because we unwrapped it as a gift. But I knew I wanted one!)
THEN I thought, "no, it's this little tiny casserole dish that came in the package of three knock-off-brand Pyrex dishes. I bought it a while back when I was on campus, making dinner and didn't have a pyrex dish. Originally I thought the little one would be the one I use least. Oh no! I use it most! Mini Casseroles for Mr. Porcella and me.
But then I changed my mind. Nope, it's the slightly-larger-than normal toaster oven...which actually I've been using more as a mini oven than as a toaster, and it's GREAT. it cooks, and we don't heat up the entire apartment.
So basically, wedding gifts are great. They make making dinner so much better. I used to have to figure out how much of a recipe I could fit into this or that wrong-sized dish. No longer!
And with that, I'm sitting down to watch "Opportunity Knocks" and write Thank You notes.
Wednesday, September 10
A day
We've consolidated our music onto my iPod, and two seconds ago Rachel Yamagata was singing, "He lights a lamp inviting him, He's a bandit and a heartbreaker, Oh, but Jesus was a crossmaker."
The first time I heard her light voice and the chords that remind me of Simon and Garfunkle, Adam and I were driving down to he Covenant housing to drop him off at the end of the night. I'm still amazed at the power of music to bring a scene directly into my mind's eye.
He just walked into the kitchen to pour himself a bowl of cereal...Which I suspect is "Chocolate and Peanut Butter Spheres." What? Kix, but flavored by Chocolate and Peanut butter. Why don't they call it Peanut Buttery ChocoBlast Kix? Because we just returned from what Adam calls the Thrift Store for Food, "Aldi's". (It's a super inexpensive grocery store -- German style! yay! ....and you don't get the best quality food, but when you're working part time through grad school, you shop at the cheapest thing available.)
Life has been good, and we're on the eve of our 1 month anniversary. Hebrew has dominated his studying, "Integrative Psychotherapy" has dominated my reading. We've got 4 couples coming over to hang over this weekend - whoever thought that newlyweds hide away got it wrong.
I guess the best part is waking up in the morning - usually having kicked off all of the blankets, or stolen all of them, and knowing that he'll be there for the next night too.
The first time I heard her light voice and the chords that remind me of Simon and Garfunkle, Adam and I were driving down to he Covenant housing to drop him off at the end of the night. I'm still amazed at the power of music to bring a scene directly into my mind's eye.
He just walked into the kitchen to pour himself a bowl of cereal...Which I suspect is "Chocolate and Peanut Butter Spheres." What? Kix, but flavored by Chocolate and Peanut butter. Why don't they call it Peanut Buttery ChocoBlast Kix? Because we just returned from what Adam calls the Thrift Store for Food, "Aldi's". (It's a super inexpensive grocery store -- German style! yay! ....and you don't get the best quality food, but when you're working part time through grad school, you shop at the cheapest thing available.)
Life has been good, and we're on the eve of our 1 month anniversary. Hebrew has dominated his studying, "Integrative Psychotherapy" has dominated my reading. We've got 4 couples coming over to hang over this weekend - whoever thought that newlyweds hide away got it wrong.
I guess the best part is waking up in the morning - usually having kicked off all of the blankets, or stolen all of them, and knowing that he'll be there for the next night too.
Friday, September 5
Quote
"Well, the point is, we all agree that it's a ridiculous place to live."
My boss,
after a office-wide discussion of the drop in temperature from Wednesday to today, and in the recent St. Louis past.
My boss,
after a office-wide discussion of the drop in temperature from Wednesday to today, and in the recent St. Louis past.
Sunday, August 17
Married
Well, it's been 2 months since I posted, and I'm sure almost no one is reading this, except the random family member or those with an RSS feed.
Truthfully, one of the reasons I didn't post was that each time I thought up a post during my engagement I wanted to complain. Spending two months with all of my earthly belongings at one apartment, but sleeping on a blow up mattress at another was enough to drive me a little crazy and make me a bit ungrateful (although I'm abundantly grateful for my female roommates who allowed me to stay with them).
On top of it, I dealt with many of the questions and decisions having to do with planning a wedding, but never was able to see those small things that indicate that you are, in fact, getting married.
So having a wedding seemed surreal. Even getting my hair and makeup done seemed as though I was just playing a bit of dress up.
But at the end of the day, I was pronounced as having a new name, and was Adam's wife.
Sunday, June 22
Blogging...slowly
I'm always yt (<--- Adam's addition, as he just reached over and stabbed at the keyboard with his finger) Anyway, as I was saying, I'm always glad that Molly and Addie update their blogs semi regularly. It makes me feel like I'm keeping up with my friends back home, and even some of my STL friends.
My personal blog? pathetically, woefully neglected.
So, the quick and dirty in 4.5 seconds:
Friday was the last day of class, which now opens up 12+ hours a week for me to do things other than study...work, wedding, things like that.
Both Adam and my cars have things wrong. Mine is likely a mildly annoying and moderately expensive muffler/exhaust problem. Adam's is almost definitely breaks, and not the "cheaper" break repair. Anyway, we're looking for God's provision in that area.
Our future aprartment (he's presently living there) is very bare, but it makes for memories that I'm sure we'll look back on and laugh about. ("Remember our first meal in our first apartment..where we sat on the floor, balancing our pizza and cheap wine?")
I'm working a lot. Weddings are expensive, and I'm not really talking about our own. Presently we know 17 couples getting married this summer (this SUMMER!) even though we're only invited to about 10 of them. Target, here we come!
Adam translated 1st John, and we read through it together. To quote Miss Molly Routson, 'You really CAN trust your translation." That said, 1st John is convicting and it was really good for us to read through.
Life is busy, but when is it not? We're both looking forward to the end of July, and the conclusion of Adam's Greek class. Then, Wedding and hanging out for a few weeks before classes start up again.
My personal blog? pathetically, woefully neglected.
So, the quick and dirty in 4.5 seconds:
Friday was the last day of class, which now opens up 12+ hours a week for me to do things other than study...work, wedding, things like that.
Both Adam and my cars have things wrong. Mine is likely a mildly annoying and moderately expensive muffler/exhaust problem. Adam's is almost definitely breaks, and not the "cheaper" break repair. Anyway, we're looking for God's provision in that area.
Our future aprartment (he's presently living there) is very bare, but it makes for memories that I'm sure we'll look back on and laugh about. ("Remember our first meal in our first apartment..where we sat on the floor, balancing our pizza and cheap wine?")
I'm working a lot. Weddings are expensive, and I'm not really talking about our own. Presently we know 17 couples getting married this summer (this SUMMER!) even though we're only invited to about 10 of them. Target, here we come!
Adam translated 1st John, and we read through it together. To quote Miss Molly Routson, 'You really CAN trust your translation." That said, 1st John is convicting and it was really good for us to read through.
Life is busy, but when is it not? We're both looking forward to the end of July, and the conclusion of Adam's Greek class. Then, Wedding and hanging out for a few weeks before classes start up again.
Thursday, May 29
I fell off of the face of the earth
There's a deep part of me that wants to go to each of my friends and say, "I'm sorry. I know that engaged girls fall off the earth, and her friends are all wondering where she went and why she hasn't been around." When I was single, I assumed it was because there was this lovely world that I wasn't a part of, consisting of only the fiance and fiancee.
But instead, I have fallen off the edge of the earth because life has come at me so fast I barely have time to ...well, do anything anymore. It's a huge week of transitions.
Adam is starting Summer Greek and Exegesis (one of the hardest classes), I'm working, I have class, I'm starting a Counseling internship, we're both moving, my roommates are moving (so the really great year of living together is closing) and, oh, this little thing of planning a wedding in 10 weeks.
And it's Adam's birthday. Today. So off I go to try to (in the midst of packing, Greek class, Thank You Notes) let him know that I really do love him to pieces.
But instead, I have fallen off the edge of the earth because life has come at me so fast I barely have time to ...well, do anything anymore. It's a huge week of transitions.
Adam is starting Summer Greek and Exegesis (one of the hardest classes), I'm working, I have class, I'm starting a Counseling internship, we're both moving, my roommates are moving (so the really great year of living together is closing) and, oh, this little thing of planning a wedding in 10 weeks.
And it's Adam's birthday. Today. So off I go to try to (in the midst of packing, Greek class, Thank You Notes) let him know that I really do love him to pieces.
Monday, May 12
Finals week
Good:
The feeling when putting a textbook up on the bookshelf for the last time, knowing that you read it thoroughly, and didn't bomb the test. And it's now on the shelf.
Bad:
Dogearing books. According to my Fiance.
"Do you DOGEAR books?!"
"...uh, no, of course not. Only when I'm writing a paper, referencing the book and it won't stay open. Kinda."
The feeling when putting a textbook up on the bookshelf for the last time, knowing that you read it thoroughly, and didn't bomb the test. And it's now on the shelf.
Bad:
Dogearing books. According to my Fiance.
"Do you DOGEAR books?!"
"...uh, no, of course not. Only when I'm writing a paper, referencing the book and it won't stay open. Kinda."
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