Too many things that I want....

I was browsing online at Anthropologie... I just love their stuff!!! The closest one we have is over an hour away so I never get to go there, but there so SO MUCH that I want!!!

My thoughts exactly

I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will get better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he / she handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."

I've learned that life sometiems gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

-Maya Angelou

WOW

I know I've already posted a lot today, but I am in LOVE with these Sofas by Designer Hans Hopfer from Roche-Bobois. I saw an ad in my Elle Decor magazine and bookmarked the page. Today I went online to actually see a few other pieces of furniture. Don't these sofas look so comfy??? I would probably put some in a child's playroom or basement TV room. I could definitely get into a good book lounging on one of these!!! My favorite is the multi-colored one. It is called Mah-jong.

Look at the table we are going to get!! I am so excited! Right now we don't have a table. Our last apartment didn't even have a dining room area, only a bar, where we had two stools. But since we moved into this new apartment, we have a place to put a table so the other day we went to look for one and both Adam and I fell in LOVE with this table! So, we're gonna get it soon :^) And I'm excited!

Oh yeah... and I also posted a picture of me in Japan with my friend Emy when I was little, just because reading Memoirs of a Geisha made me sentimental. I want to go back to Japan now and wear kimonos again!

One of my biggest dreams is to travel all around the world. I love learning about different cultures and being a part of them. While I was reading Memoirs of a Geisha memories just kept on coming back of the smells of Japan, the sights, the rice fields, school, and wearing kimonos. And then that made me miss Thailand and all the people there. I just love the beautiful characteristics of each culture, and MAN! I want to travel!!! Hopefully one day we will be in the position to do a lot of that... and take our children...so they can ALSO appreciate the different cultures like I have.

Accomplishment!!!

One of the main reasons why I have neglected my blog this past week is because I have been reading NONSTOP! I am in a bookclub and the book this month was "Memoirs of a Geisha". (actually, we got to choose between two... Wicked or Memoirs of a Geisha) I chose Memoirs for a few reasons:

1. I gave the book to my sister, Chelsea, for Christmas. She is not a reader at all and yet finished it in 3 days. It had to have been a good book

2. I lived in Japan when I was younger for 4 years

3. There was a movie made from the book, and I thought it would be interesting to read the book and then watch the movie, because I had never done that before.

So, I started the book over the weekend and although I had to work a lot this week, I read every free chance I got. I could NOT put it down! It is such a beautifully written book. And then, last night, I finished it. That is the first time I read a novel all the way through since high school! And it felt so good. Of course, this was one of the reasons I joined the book club in the first place, was to broaden my horizons and try new things... along with some other projects I have started and other 'groups' I have joined. I definitely want to read more books now.

Of course we are going to watch the movie ASAP!!!

My candy heart...

Your Candy Heart Says "Hug Me"

A total sweetheart, you always have a lot of love to give out. Your heart is open to where ever love takes you! Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a surprise romantic evening that you've planned out Your flirting style: lots of listening and talking What turns you off: fighting and conflict Why you're hot: you're fearless about falling in love

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

Sick :^(

So, I am at home sick today. All by myself. Sad. I will probably spend the day reading blogs that I love and my Real Simple magazines. Then I will probably sleep, and watch a sappy movie. I wish I wasn't sick because, well, we just got a new apartment and our tax return so I am itching to buy new things for our place... such as a dining room table which we lack at the moment. The weird thing is, I NEVER get sick. I have never called into work sick since I've worked where I work. But this time it got to me. It had been going around and I caught it. Might as well make the best of it!! I mean, this is the first time in a while that I have had the chance to write in my blog.

Valentine's day was the best in my life. Mine and Adam's first. We didn't have much money so we didn't get eachother anything. Valentine's day has become such a commercial holiday anyway, and people think they need to buy something to celebrate. We cooked dinner together (he grilled the stakes and I did everything else) and watched TV together. I was so proud of myself. I don't cook often, but I want to be a good cook. I tried some new things that day such as making my own mashed potatoes from new potatoes (like the ones they have at Applebees) and it was a success! And I didn't even follow a recipe! I just boiled the potatoes, drained the water, added some butter, evaporated milk, salt and oregano and voila! I must say it was DELICIOUS. I also made some cous cous, green beans and honey buiscuits. We had strawberry sparkling cider too! It was great. THEN... my surprise for Adam... I have a friend at work who is really moving up in the Country Music Industry (I really mean it when I say he will be famous someday... in fact he's been on Nashville Star). I arranged for him to come over and sing a song for Adam... God Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts. The lyrics are sentimental to us. Adam had no idea I was going to do this and so he loved it. This guy has an AMAZING voice. Wow. Anyway, that went well. Then Adam gave me the sweeted card ever... I really am so blessed.

Lyrics to Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts:

I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you
Every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

So much has happened!

Well, Adam and I are all settled into our new apartment now! It's so nice to have a larger space... the living room is a little small, but we love our new apartment. Every day either Adam or I say how much we love our new apartment. But I know that in a year or so when we get our own house there will be even greater satisfaction. I will soon have pictures to post, and more things to write about.

Haven't written in a while...

I can't believe how long it has been since I've written a post! I really had wanted to write at least once a day when I first stareted this blog. But to tell you the truth, I don't have much to write about! Today is Wednesday and it is going wonderfully.

Today I am loving...

• The fact that I have wonderful friends who encourage me on! I have started my card business and already have 47 orders!! I am thrilled.
  
• My husband... we met for lunch at Arby's and had turkey bacon wraps and great conversation. Love that man! I am so incredibly blessed. Just thinking about him brings a smile to my face.
  
• Our Truck. It's so fun to drive, and today I am appreciating it very much
• Lists... I have this sudden urge to make lots of lists!
• My new heat embossing tool. I love what I can do with that thing!
• The light snow falling outside... not too cold but so peaceful
• The fact that I am moving into my new apartment NEXT WEEK and it has a fireplace!!! Yippee! So excited about that.
  

Well, it will be a pretty busy next few days. I am going to have to make a bunch of cards (which will be a fun thing to do), pack, and get a new haircut! On top of that I will be going to my very first scrapbooking club on Friday and then to my friend Amy's book club on Saturday! I love my life right now!

I have such wonderful friends!

14 series pendant lights by Omer Arbel
MUJI Puzzle Cookies

Both found on this new place that I discovered: http://www.betterlivingthroughdesign.com
It's incredible!! Anyway, I love that light fixture.... it's beautiful and the puzzle cookie cutters are ingenious!! I want to make everyone some puzzle cookies!

Okay... I have such wonderful friends at work. They encourage me so much. Yesterday my friend Amy straight out told me that my life needs to start NOW. She said that I can't wait to start living my dreams and start my little business until it's too late... so, I am starting it... kind of... giving it a trial run at least before I make any major commitments. I don't want to let out my idea until everything is all set it stone, but for now, I am starting it off with making cards. I don't mind telling other people that because a lot of people make cards :^) So, I am going to start with Valentines cards. I have already recieved an order of about 30. I don't want to overwhelm myself at first because it's still a trial run, but it's gonna be fun! Amy is spreading the word to help me out. Whenever someone has a birthday at work, I make the Birthday cards, so a lot of people already know my style. It makes me so excited. I'm still not very knowlegeable but I have SO many ideas! I guess that is why I am starting to take some classes so that I can learn new techniques and expand my possibilities. My mom and I actually attended a stamping class over the weekend and I learned a lot. I learned how to emboss using stamps, embossing powder and heat... which is so cool!! I wanted to try and save money by not buying a embossing heat tool, but figured out later that hairdryers don't work (although my class teacher told me they would). So, Adam said I can get one :^) I am SOOOOOOOOOO excited, and so grateful for my supportive friends.

I don't know how many people actually read this blog... I've started it more for my own good because I like to keep a journal and I find it easier to make time for typing rather than writing sometimes. Also, it's a place I can keep a record of all the cool websites/blogs that I find. Just an explanation for any stragglers who happen upon this blog... but you're certainly welcome to read.

BTW... jusut updated my links on the left... catagorized them a little better for my own sake. Some day (soon I hope) I will have a website for all this stuff.

Collage

I got bored last night and pulled out my flower punch and started punching all these different textures and patterns from magazines and catalogs and paper I just had laying around. It was fun! I actually gave me some other good ideas for collages and scrapbooking :^)

Feeling better than ever

I have felt SO GOOD the past few days. I have been eating pretty well and going to the gym religiously. I have always 'liked' going to the gym... never really felt like I hated it, but now I LOVE it and get all giddy about going. I don't know what it is! Even when I go to my kickboxing class in the mornings at church, I STILL want to go to the gym as well! And eating... I've started bringing my lunch to work and I pack it full of stuff. That has really helped me to eat better. Today I brought Healthy Choice soup, two Gala apples (my fave), Kashi granola bar, sliced cucumbers, rice cakes and a sweet potato. That should last me for my 8 hour day at work. Oh, and I brought some Lemon Zinger herbal tea. I really like sipping on herbal tea throughout the day because sometimes I think I eat out of boredom, and having something to sip on keeps me busy. I don't add any sugar to it, so it doesn't always taste the greatest, but it still manages to taste good enough for me to enjoy.

SO anyway, ever since I joined Gold's Gym I have been going to the same location... it started to get a little out of date but I still loved it. When that Gym first opened, there was a nice fountain in the entrance and the Cardio Theater was my favorite thing to do. Even when they opened a brand new high-tech gym across town, I preferred this location. First of all because it was familiar, second because the new gym was where all the college kids went to pick up the opposite sex and show off. Then they closed my gym :^( They built another new one to replace it. I was so sad... almost felt like I didn't even want to work out anymore. We went to the first new one a few times but it was always SO crowded... with good-looking, intimidating college kids. Then a friend at work told me to try the NEW new one. I was a little skeptical that it would be the same, but she said there weren't a lot of crowds and that it was just as nice but cozier. So Adam and I checked it out last night and my friend was right! I have found my new favorite place to go, and I love it. It is in an area where a lot of families live, so there aren't nearly as many young singles go there and there are open machines! Although it's a little bit farther, we are going to start going to it. I could spend all day there!!!

On top of finding my new favorite gym, there are some other good things that came out of going to the gym yesterday!!! I saw one of my good good friends there that I haven't seen or spoken with since the day I got married! (6 months). We talked for forever and it sure was nice. She invited me to come to Yoga with her from now on... I've always wanted to do that!! Just never by myself... and now I have a friend to go with! We got to catch up on a lot of things. It's just always so nice to run into an old friend... one you've had for a long time... one who even if you don't talk to each other for six months, you just pick up where you left off like there's never been any absence from each other. I love that.

I have been doing pretty well on my New Years resolutions so far. I have been trying really hard and it has all paid off. Things that used to take a lot of effort are becoming easy and natural. I am on the road to doing more things that I love... I have joined a book club, a scrapbooking club, a cooking club and sewing group. Haven't started any of them yet, but I am looking forward to it! I have learned to have more patience with the people I seem to spend the most time with... (people at work). I have developed my faith more and am starting to become closer to the person I want to be. It just feels great.

My Weekend

My weekend was wonderful! Can't say I got much accomplished except for a lot of rest and time with Adam. I definitely would not call it a waste of time though. Adam and I went shopping and bought ALL health food. It's wonderful. As long as there is no junk food around the house, I can usually go without it. But since I consider myself a sugar addict (although I love healthy food as well) being around sugar is not a good thing. Adam and I have discovered the most delicious and wonderful snack. Kashi Granola bars. All natural and delicious! We also love their Shredded Wheat Cereal with Rice Milk. I started looking at the ingredients on regular cereals and can't believe I don't know what half of that stuff is!! So I'm excited that I have found some delicious organic cereal that doesn't have all that hydrogenated stuff in it.

Working out has been going great. I am falling in love with going to the gym now that I have my MP3 player. It's just so handy, and I can even listen to my favorite music while I am lifting weights and doing abs. Love it. I went to Kickboxing class this morning but feel I could use another workout this evening. I am actually very excited about it. I want to run on the treadmill in the Cardio Theater as I listen to my favorite music. It is so relaxing for me. As part of my other goals, I have signed up for a scrapbooking group , a cooking group, a sewing group all of which meet once a month, and also a book club that my friend at work started. So I feel my life will start to be more enriched. Now if only I could accomplish some of my other wants... like getting a bike and going on lots of bike rides, getting a NICE digital camera and learn to take wonderful pictures, and start painting again. I'll eventually find time for all of that :^P

tons of cute stuff!!

I was just looking around during my lunch break and found all this cute stuff at The Buckle and Anthropologie!!! Too bad one of my New Years resolutions is not to spend as much money :^(. But I know that I will be better off for it. Today I have been keeping really busy at work. So, I'm off to work again. Break time is over!!!

Saying Goodbye to the tree....

I'm always so sad when the day comes to take down the Christmas tree. But then when it was down, I realized how muchspace we had been missing in our small apartment... which reminds me, we are moving into a larger apartment. Our goal was to be in a house by now, but we've relished our first 6 months together and our freedom a little too much to be ready to move into a new house. We decided to save a little more, become a little more responsible before taking on that big step. Good idea... but our apartment now was just WAY too small (even with the tree down), so we just switched to a larger one bedroom. The floorplan is great, and I will get my very own walk-in closet and my very own bathroom sink... and a FIREPLACE! I know it won't be cold too much longer (in fact it's been quite warm now... yesterday was in the 60's), but at least next year we will have a real place to hang our stockings!

Yesterday was a 'getting started' day. The first day of the year was our 'lazy' day. I had to work yesterday because we had to close all of the business for the year, but as soon as I was finished they let me leave a little early. Adam picked me up and took me home. When I came home, the WHOLE APARTMENT was spotless! Don't get me wrong... Adam helps out around the house, but I also know he loves to relax on his days off... not clean. I have a sweet husband. He even organized all the kitchen cabinets and took out the garbage! Our bed was made too, with two of my stuffed elephants sitting side by side. (this made me smile) The first thing I usually do when I get home is clean, and I had NOTHING to clean yesterday. After watching the Ms. Fitness competition on TV (if that doesn't motivate you to get in shape I don't know what will) we went to go see about moving into a larger apartment. We move into our new place on February 1st. I am really excited! I keep on looking at the floorplan to decide where everything is going to go. I guess the interior designer in me...

Then we took down the tree. Adam's guitar now fills the place where the tree once was. I got him a guitar stand for Christmas so he had a place to put it and display it. I hope it will encourage him to play it more... I love hearing him play the guitar and and I love it when he sings... especially the songs he has written for me. He is very talented. My parents were so sweet and bought him a guitar tuner as well... the exact one he wanted... and he was so excited about that.

Well, back to work today. I don't go in until 12:00 so I had time this morning to do some things. I got to read all my favorite blogs and discover some new ones I would like to start reading everyday. There are so many talented people, and I would love to get started on some things of my own soon.

My goals for this year:

1. Not that I am fat, but I certainly need to lean up. That I will do... and I will change my diet!! More vegetables, more fruit, less sugar... even on holidays... I will not let food run my life and I will have more self control!!
2. I will be more consistant in going to the gym and I will work hard!! May be I can get myself to go to the gym twice a day... I LOVE going to the gym, so it SHOULDN'T BE HARD!
3. Be more patient... with my sweet husband who puts up with me so much... with my coworkers, and with drivers on the road... I make mistakes driving too!!!
4. Do a daily act of kindness, big or small.
5. Be more dedicated to reading the scriptures and learning about Jesus Christ, because by learning about him I will better know what I need to become.
6. Pray more... a lot more!
7. Spend more time with my family... make sure they know I love them. Know what's going on in their lives... both my immediate and in-laws.
8. Be better with my money... don't be an impulsive buyer like I sometimes am... even though it DOES make me feel better. Actually balance my checkbooks! Maybe I could take a money-management course?
9. Take some time out of every week to do something I love... paint, scrapbook, watch a movie, go on a date with Adam, make things, go on a hike... whatever!
10. Keep a better journal

Bringing Blessings to others

"Brothers and sisters, boys and girls, we can all be a little kinder,a little more patient, a little more helpful. We can all reach out to the very many who are in distress for any number of reasons. We can replace anger with love. We can put selfishness out of our lives. We can get on our knees and pray to the Father in the name of Jesus, and then stand on our feet and reach out to bless the destitute, the poor, the oppressed, and those in trouble. . . .

"May each of you have some selfless, long-to-be-remembered experience in bringing blessings to others."

-Gordon B. Hinckley

What a wonderful Christmas!

This Christmas was so wonderful... on top of all the thoughtful gifts I recieved, I loved every moment spent with my family and friends... and the sweet peace I felt in my heart as I pondered on the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. The following is what I received from my sweet husband:

1. Sony mp3 player (mine is pink) with an arm band. This will be PERFECT for when I go work out! I can also go running with Solomon (my little brother) who is training for football.
2. J. Lo Glow lotion
3. The most comfortable sweater from the Gap... light blue sherpa.
4. Pajama pants from American Eagle. (cute cute cute!!!) One is red plaid and the other is white with little penguins all over it. Love it!
5. Lots of cute earrings!
6. Neat little stocking stuffers...including facials, lotions and other little goodies

From my family:

1. Victoria Secret PJ's from my mother in law
2. A new knife set from my brothers (much needed)
3. Pots and Pans from Chelsea and Shawn (also much needed)
4. Beautiful sterling silver large hoop earrings from my mother and father
5. Cool software for my computer
6. A new Lexmark printer/scanner/copier from my parents. Woo hoo!
7. A Play With Your Food 2006 calander from Chelsea... a tradition.
8. Some money from my thoughtful Grandparents.
9. Other small things.... my mom thought it would be funny to put a pregnancy test in my stocking! Silly woman... she really wants us to have a baby.

It was such a happy Christmas for me and I am so thankful for my many blessings.

Merry Christmas!!!

I love this painting by Greg Olsen. I always have a sweet feeling in my heart as I think about Jesus Christ as a tiny baby... and I always wonder how it must have felt to be His mother. To me, this picture just portrays a beautiful feeling of peace and love. The look of adoration is on the faces of baby Jesus' parents. I am so grateful for the many blessings that have come to me through Jesus Christ and His Gospel. This Christmas, I just want to ponder on the miracle that happened long ago, when our Savior was born in a humble stable.

I haven't written anything in a few days... for obvious reasons considering the time of the year. But lots of fun and exciting things coming up!! Tonight my family will have a small get together, and then tomorrow I will (eek!) start and finish my Christmas shopping. In the evening we will go to Adam's parents house and open presnets and eat dinner. On Christmas Day, we will spend the day at my parents except for when Steven, Adam's brother, calls from Chicago. (he is a missionary there). I am very much enjoying the season although I wish that there was snow on the ground! It IS supposed to snow on Sunday, but we'll see... I have pretty much all of my shopping to do. I say this every year but next year I will try and get it all done early! Traffic in Lexington, KY is the worst. Seriously. I have bought all of Adam's stocking stuffers. I'm excited to open mine :^) I did convince him to give me a few of the things though... (I'm sneaky) He got me some earrings, a facial, and my favorite.... a small Franklin Covey monthly planner. I love it! He is so sweet... that little planner will help me out a ton!!!

My life

Explanations...

I don't even really want all of those things for Christmas, but they are just things that I've been wishing for for a long time. Most of all, I wish to see smiles on all my loved ones' faces, softened hearts, and a WHITE Christmas!

1. DVD Camcorder... I want to record things that go on in my life, special moments or just everyday moments.
2. Jeans from the Buckle... these BKE jeans are the best in the world and are so comfortable and fit me perfectly.
3. Jonathan Adler stationery from seejanework.com. I love cute stationery!
4. MP3 player... I love listening to music while I work out at the gym... I would love to have this so I don't have to borrow Adam's everytime.
5. THIS Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT 8.0-Megapixel SLR Digital Camera... I could FINALLY start fulfilling my dream to do photograhy!! I may have to save up myself for this one.
6. Silk Quilt from Anthropologie.
7. These red plaid pajamas from Victoria's Secret. SO soft!!
8. Jewelry from the Buckle.
9. Necklaces from smallthingsdesigns.com.