Two things

Investigation Discovery

2012-01-25T20:31:00.001-06:00

Tonight is champagne, looking at recipe books, and watching Alaska: Ice Cold Killers on Investigation Discovery. I'm weird. I don't care. I like my life.

List

2012-01-17T21:10:00.001-06:00

1. Nate got an iphone 4. I suppose I'm next considering whatever he gets, I get. February 3 here I come. Please replace my current phone with anything that works.
2. I've ordered new running shoes. I CAN'T FREAKING WAIT to get them. Adrenaline GTS 12 by Brooks. Stability here we come. Hopefully this will correct the problem with my knee and as a result my foot (and of course my hips).
3. I thoroughly enjoyed my bottle of Norton Clasico (from Argentina, literally it was brought to America by my friend Nathalie from Argentina).
4. I enjoyed the above wine with homemade Indian food (including naan).
5. Real Housewives of Orange County is starting up again. Thank goodness! I need something to occupy my time when Nate's in school.
6. Speaking of Nate being in school, I will be painting our living room to pass the time. First I need to recommit to paint colors.
7. I will put my Christmas decorations away this weekend.
8. New Girl is back and I am loving it. (So is Grey's but I haven't caught up yet).
9. I could go for some cold weather. It would certainly make our flannel sheets worth while and perhaps keep me from waking up in the middle of the night sweating and scooting as far away from Nate as possible.
10. I will be finishing my taxes early this year. Hopefully within the first week of February.

Good Things

2012-01-09T20:15:00.002-06:00

First Thing:
My pearls have been missing since August. Yesterday morning Nate found them in his sock drawer. Praise! Nate gave them to me for my birthday three years ago losing them was the worst thing ever. I cried (more than once). What's even better than Nate giving them to me is finding them for me.

Second Thing:
I made my way up to NE (again) this weekend for the wedding of a dear friend. It was a lot of fun and very exhausting. I can't wait to crawl in to bed tonight, sleep in the middle, and be cozy for 8 long hours.

Third Thing:
This afternoon (after my very first filling at the dentist) I went wedding dress shopping with my newly engaged friend Kasondra. It was so much fun! My friend Diedra still works at David's Bridal and she was able to help Kasondra find the perfect dress. We worked together at my very first job at Hancock Fabrics (when I was 16) and she helped me find the perfect wedding dress when I got married. It was also fun to relive the experience of wedding dress shopping. I'm very excited to help with planning and ideas. After I planned my wedding I thought I would never EVER want to do that again but . . . . it's a lot more fun and a lot less stressful than planning my wedding. Tonight I will enjoy a glass of wine, an few minutes of Pinterest and wedding blogs, and some Real Housewives. Yes, this means I will be heading to be around 8:30. Don't judge. It's fantastic.

No Facebook

2012-01-03T19:54:00.001-06:00

First Thing:
No Facebook, I will not be friends with my husband's ex-girlfriend. Please stop suggesting her as someone I know.

Second Thing:
My dearest friend Kasondra got engaged tonight! I couldn't be more excited for her!!! What a fantastic start to 2012!!!

2012 New Year

2012-01-03T10:00:00.000-06:00

First Thing:
Nate and I held our first party ever and I'd like to think it was a success. It was a combination of old friends, church friends, and family. Interestingly enough all the girls spent the first part of the evening in the kitchen finishing up the food and the guys spent time in the living room watching football. We all ended up in the living room watching the ball drop and watching NYE in Big D and toasting at midnight. I think we might make this a tradition.

Second Thing:
Our menu consisted of many delicious things.
I made an ombre cake but used pink instead (I'll post pictures soon).

Source: raspberricupcakes.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I made these coconut truffles again because they are so easy and delicious.

Source: howsweeteats.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Nate and I always make this feta cheese and tomato dip for dinner and I figured I'd actually make it as a dip for NYE.

Source: bbcgoodfood.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Lauren and I enjoyed this for Easter one year while we were in college with our friends Lauren and Tia. They are so delicious and easy to make.

Source: thekitchn.com via Amanda on Pinterest

This was a new dish. I'm still not sure how I feel about it. It was good and easy but I still need to perfect the recipe.

Source: howsweeteats.com via Amanda on Pinterest

We also had the traditional velveeta and rotel queso dip . . . but it was made with white queso so it tasted like Fuzzy's and Nate made his special dip. His dip is an interesting combination and I'm not sure I should disclose what is in it because it might make you not want to try it. It may not sound good but it tastes amazing. It's basically a spicy dip eaten with corn chips.
For drinks we had some sparkling wine with blackberries, beer for the boys, and of course some champagne for toasting.

Happy 2012!

Christmas Recap 2011

2011-12-31T15:41:00.000-06:00

First Thing:
What was Christmas this year for me? It was a whole lot of crazy.

After arriving at the hotel at 9:30 and enjoying a steak and shrimp pasta dinner at the in house restaurant, Nate and I made our way upstairs to our room to end Christmas Eve with some sparkling wine.

Thank you room 704 for providing the start to an interesting and nontraditional (to say the least) Christmas.

We woke up on Christmas Day around 10:00 am and lazily packed our bags to head out to brunch at IHOP. There are many crazy individuals out on Christmas Day. I kept thinking, "What are all these people doing out today?" Then I realized I was one of those. I was one of those who flocked to the only place open at 11:30.

And then we hopped in the car and drove the 5 hours home. This was basically my view driving from Lincoln to Omaha to Des Moines to Omaha to Lincoln to Greeley to Loveland to Greeley to Wichita to Grand Prairie. We then exchanged gifts and after opening the many Christmas cards we received in the mail while we were gone, jumped in the car and headed to Applebee's to enjoy a gift card. Again I found myself thinking, "What are all these people doing out today?"

Second Thing:
Nate kept saying that this Christmas was what we made of it and he enjoyed doing whatever we wanted. He has a point but I still missed the traditional Christmas. I couldn't quite get it to feel like Christmas that weekend although I tried. I guess our Christmas tradition is driving on Christmas and eventually when we stop that madness it won't feel so much like Christmas since we won't be traveling. I know we'll look back on this Christmas and laugh at how unique it was. Until then, I'm still trying to make it feel like Christmas for me.

Chasing dreams in magazines

2011-12-20T17:11:00.001-06:00

First Thing:
I feel like I've spent my life in the car lately. But driving through western Nebraska is made better by eating copious amounts of Planters honey roasted peanuts, jamming out to SK6ers (which is more fun because of the concert last week), and entering in to Colorado. That means we'll soon see mountains and grandma's house. Greeley, we're almost there.

Second Thing:
I can now see the mountains! Be jealous. Although not well enough to take a picture yet.

Holiday Cheer

2011-12-18T20:57:00.002-06:00

First Thing:
I made a wreath! I found this wreath on Pinterest a million years ago and I have loved it ever since.

However, I am not going to pay $40.00 for it on Etsy . . . sorry but it's not worth that much. I couldn't find a how-to anywhere on the internet and thought it couldn't be that hard to recreate. It proved to be a little harder than I thought but I managed to figure it out and make one a little more particular to my liking. I didn't use burlap ribbon (as in the wreath above) and my outer burlap ring is a little different but I am very happy with it.

Second Thing:
My friend Emily blogged about making painted ornaments and figured my skinny, naked tree could use a whole lot more ornaments on it. So I decided to take on the project as well. I chose colors to match our stockings: Evergreen, Antique White, Christmas Red, and Spring Foliage.

I also made twine covered ornaments as well, to match my burlap wreath.

Third Thing:

Our house is finally decorated for Christmas. Really it's just our living room but through the years I expect to collect and make more things in order to decorate the rest of our happy home.

My two favorite things

2011-12-08T09:37:00.001-06:00

First Favorite Thing:
When Nate jumps in and warms up my side of the bed before I crawl in. It's wonderful in the winter with our flannel sheets.

Second Favorite Thing:
When Nate heats my car up outside (even if it'll make him a little late getting to class).

I don't ask for or expect these things; he just does them. He's such a nice husband.

Dreaming

2011-12-05T18:01:00.001-06:00

First Thing:
Nate and I have yet to decorate for Christmas. I'm hoping on Wednesday we can conquer all and put up our tree and I can finish my wreath and ornaments. It will happen and with the way the weather is turning out there might be a fire on Wednesday and a little cocoamotion action.

Second Thing:
I finally found Dreaming Tree wine. I have been looking for it for months (ever since it first came out) and in every grocery store, Target/Wal-Mart, and wine store there is. I think it's finally hit mainstream because I found it sitting on an end cap in Target on Saturday. HELLO HAPPINESS! I haven't opened it yet but I am waiting eagerly for Nate to get home so we can enjoy it with our green chile verde chicken enchiladas. It's the perfect end to a rainy and cold day.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-30T20:53:00.001-06:00

First Thing:
Thanksgiving this year was quite different that Thanksgiving last year.
Nate and I drove up to Nebraska with my co-worker and her husband. We left around 3 on Tuesday afternoon and headed to Wichita where we stayed the night. (I was able to use one of my first comp nights at Hyatt Regency Wichita). We continued our journey to Brainard, NE, a town of 300, and made our way on to Lincoln. Nate and I spent the afternoon reminiscing about old times, enjoying lunch at Doozy's (our very first date), buying Husker Christmas gifts, and ending up at his old Air National Guard base visiting with his former Chief and Unit. We ended the day at Old Chicago with Nate's friends from high school. It's nice to know his friends are now my friends.

For Thanksgiving, Nate's sister came up from KC and his entire family ways together again. It was filled with lots of food, games, and fun. The last time I spent Thanksgiving with his family was four years ago when we'd only been dating two months. Four years is a long time.
On Friday Nate and I headed to the Iowa v Nebraska game (something we hope to make a tradition) and made a quick stop at D'Leon's to enjoy a breakfast burrito. After a successful win (and watching lots of drunk college kids) we met up with our friend Mark and his new wife Ellie at La Mexicana and enjoyed some very strong and very delicious margaritas (the guy even added extra tequila in the bottom of the glass before he poured in the actual margs). Finally we spend the evening around a warm fire watching football and enjoying time with family.

Saturday brought lots more time with family and the wedding of a dear friend, Brian. I was able to see many college friends and catch up on life.
On Sunday we drove the entire way back to TX (after another stop at D'Leon's for breakfast burritos).

Second Thing:
All I want to do is rake the leaves in my yard and set up Christmas decorations. However, I'm not allowed to do either of those things without Nate. He says, "It's part of the experience". We got a pre-lit 6.5' Christmas tree and I cannot wait to set it up. I know a lot of people prefer real Christmas trees and it's the experience of going to get a tree and the smell that makes the memories, but I grew up with a fake tree. My memories consist of my sisters and I "fighting" over who got to put the red or orange labeled branches on the pole. I am exciting to set up our tree, decorate it with our small collection of ornaments (homemade and not), light a fire, and watch a Christmas movie. It's a matter of when. Nate is occupied with finals, guard, holiday parties, and we'll be heading out to NE early this year to Celebrate Christmas so I'm not sure when our house will look festive.

Hallow

2011-11-01T20:40:00.001-05:00

First Thing:
Nate participated in his first Halloween every last night. We caved and passed out candy to the kids on out block. The best costume was a little girl about 9 dressed as an 80 rocker chick. It was very cute! Of course, Nate only wanted to pass out candy to the kids who actually dressed up, not the kids who were 15 and walking around with their friends, without saying thank you and without dressing up.

Second Thing:
I purchased many things tonight in preparation for Christmas decorations. I'm making wooden circle ornaments for a currently non-existent tree, a burlap wreath with a giant red bow (that I'll probably keep up all year round, just like my Husker wreath), and a giant red bow to top our currently non-existent tree. As our house isn't even decorated yet, these few decorations will have to do for Christmas this year.

Third Thing:
I love the show, "New Girl".

Hilarious.

WW . . . WHAT?!

2011-10-27T19:29:00.001-05:00

First Thing:
Our best friend Mark came to visit us and we sure did got to WWE and it is way better than you can actually imagine. At one point about 20 wrestlers went in to the ring to fight until there was one still standing.

Second Thing:
I left for Chicago early one Saturday morning to join my sister and her friend for the weekend. It was fun to meet Jeremy and spend some much needed quality time with my sister. Of course we went to all of the tourist places.

The Bean in Millennium Park.

Navy Pier where we rode the Ferris Wheel and the Swings!

And Sears Tower.

We also ate deep dish pizza at Giordano's and walked around Lincoln Park, buying wine from Trader Joe's, enjoying delicious Indian food, and shopping on the Miracle Mile (which just confirmed my love for Gap). After falling in love with Chicago, I realized I did not love getting home 2 hours later than anticipated because of rain. I might do a more detailed post about Chicago once I get all of my pictures collected.

Third Thing:

The week/weened following Chicago I spent getting sick, being sick, and recovering. Now that I am well, I can actually watch the World Series before falling asleep after the first pitch. Tonight might be the last night and I really hope it is!

Fourth Thing:

Every morning I put my sun shades up once I get to work and I pull my visor down and see this stuck on the inside:

I'm not sure why these are here and I'm not sure why, after every guard weekend, Nate sticks them back up but I really enjoy seeing them.

So much more fun

2011-10-07T22:39:00.001-05:00

First Thing:
Weddings are so much more fun when you don't have to plan them. I'm in Salem, MO this weekend for the wedding of a friend from college/one of Nate's good friends. Thus far, the best part of this weekend was the road trip up here with Nate and his/our friend Jon. I really enjoy getting to know Nate's friends, especially Jon, since he's been a big part of Nate's life for so long. Until this weekend, I'm not sure we've spent any "quality" time together. Neither of us are in the wedding so that provides a lot of opportunity to get to know one another and develop a relationship outside of having Nate in common. I also have the opportunity to spend time with Collin, the photographer/Nate's good friend, who I've also never had the privilege of getting to know beyond Nate. I like hanging out with Nate's friends which often means I'm the only girl among boys (sometimes a very large number of boys like tonight) but i don't mind because he does have good taste in friends.

Second Thing:
Speaking of good taste in friends, our friend Mark, stationed in Afghanistan, is on leave for two weeks and is coming to visit us this next week!!! I can't wait! I believe he's my favorite friend of all of Nate's friends and I can actually call him one of my good friends. WE'RE SO EXCITED TO SEE HIM!

Third Thing:
I enjoyed Martini Asti Sparkling Wine tonight for the first time. It's delicious! : )
The bottle says it's imported from Italy . . . I'm not sure about that but who cares. I'm definitely enjoying it. I'm also watching 500 Days of Summer again while the boys are bowling. I couldn't ask for a better Friday night.

Fourth Thing:
I love my life with Nate. Every time I go to a wedding I am reminded about how great of a marriage and life we have together. He's the greatest and marrying him was the best decision I've made.

Husband

2011-09-26T13:20:00.000-05:00

It makes me laugh when I search for "Nate Norton" and facebook tells me he's my husband. I just might forget if facebook didn't remind me.

Fall is here

2011-09-24T19:24:00.004-05:00

First Thing:
September 21, 2011, was the first day of Fall. Usually in Dallas it doesn't actually feel like Fall on the first day of Fall but today, it did. I was sitting in my car reading my Bible before going in to work and I heard little tinks on my car. The tinks were from leaves the wind was blowing up from the ground and down from the trees. It was a glorious discover. On my walk into work, I almost got goosebumps because of the slight chill in the wind. Best season ever.

Second Thing:
I spent Friday night catching up on Grey's Anatomy and enjoying a Taco Bell dinner date with Nate after his calculus test. I then spent the morning watching Grey's Anatomy until Nate was released early from guard (because he has to report at 4:00 am tomorrow morning but will get released early again!). I enjoyed delicious barbecue from Railhead Barbecue in Ft. Worth. Nate brought home his (and the other boys') leftovers for me to enjoy. Their cup says "Life's too short to live in Dallas", which I find hilarious. It's delicious. Then Nate and I spent the afternoon in bed watching videos. I watched more of Grey's Anatomy and Nate watched physics videos (yes, he's a giant nerd). Now we're enjoying the Husker game and at half time we'll have some chicken burgers. Nate told me he was glad I did nothing today because I work hard all week. Yes, it was nice. Best day ever.

Third Thing:
Nate also gave me my birthday present early. He surprised me with a trip to Chicago to join my sister over her Fall break. I couldn't be happier. My ticket is purchased, my vacation will be paid, and I'll be using my free comp nights at a Hyatt hotel in Chicago. Plus, I'll be seeing my sister Lauren!!! Best present ever.

Hello Rain!

2011-09-16T20:57:00.002-05:00

First Thing:
I love our house. I love the rain and I love having our front door and back door open listening to it. It creates a nice cross breeze in our open living room and makes for a wonderful night of tacos and football with Nate. I welcome you fall with open arms! Thanks for stopping by.

I also welcome listening to Nate play Mumford & Sons on the piano . . . particularly The Cave.

Travels

2011-09-11T21:05:00.001-05:00

First Thing:
This weekend I traveled to Austin to surprise my best friend Lauren. I traveled down with my friend Sarah and Lauren didn't know I was coming until she opened her door. It was so fun to see her apartment and the city through her eyes. Of course we spend nearly 6 hours at a Husker watch spot with the Central Texas Nebraskans. It was a stressful game but the huskers ended up winning, which definitely helped my College Pick ' Em score.

Second Thing:
Nate learned to play When the Rain Comes by Third Day. We had this song at our wedding during the lighting of the unity candle. My dear friend Anna sang, my sister Rachel played the guitar, and my brother-in-law Ben played the piano. It was a special moment. (I wish I could remember every detail of it). I love having this piano in our house!

Antelope

2011-09-07T21:29:00.002-05:00

Not only did we spend a lot of time on and around campus, we spent much of our time at Antelope Park.

Running.

Walking.

Laughing.

Smooching.

**as a continuation of my earlier series about the history of my relationship with the mister

Around the World

2011-09-07T21:27:00.001-05:00

First Thing:
I have moving across the world this year.

Lisa is moving to Bolivia for 9 months to teach 3rd grade with SAM (South America Missions). We've taken countless mission trips together and I can't wait to see what God has in store for her while she's down there.

Jessica is moving to Mali for two years for her assignment for the Peace Corps. Jessica and I have also taken many mission trips together. Living in Mali is going to rock her world and I can't wait to hear about all of her adventures. God will definitely be able to use her while she is there.

Mark is "living" in Afghanistan for the next year . . . with the Army. Although this doesn't sound as glamorous or as fun but he was excited about it before he left (I'm sure it's slightly changed since then). He'll be home May-ish of 2012. But I hope he'll come visit us during his R&R this fall.

My heart longs to travel overseas (not necessarily with the military though). I get a little sad and a teensy bit jealous when I think of all the possibilities. I am thankful for the opportunities I have been presented in the past to travel and serve but I still long for more. I will always long for more. I don't think I'd feel so restless if I had opportunities now. My life took a different path when I graduated from college and married Nate. I either would have gone to grad school, overseas, or worked for a non-profit mission organization (assuming I would have received a job like that). However, I married Nate, found a job at an awesome organization, and have been able to provide for myself and Nate and allow him to go to school. Although my dreams of overseas missions are on hold for the present, Nate has the opportunity to fulfill his dreams of becoming a civil engineer. I love my husband and I wouldn't trade where we are in our lives and what we're doing for anything. In the future I know I'll have my chance to do what my heart truly desires to do. For now, I have the chance to show my husband just how much he means to me and I know he truly appreciates it.

Second Thing:
The weather is much cooler by like 20 degrees. That means fall is coming and that makes me excited. Football on T.V. and pumpkin flavored desserts and open windows and sitting outside with a beverage of some sort. Fall is coming quickly. That also means I'll enter into my mid-twenties and celebrating a wedding and celebrate another three birthdays and visit family for Thanksgiving and attend the Nebraska v Iowa game. There is so much to look forward to this season. I can't wait!

Music

2011-09-02T21:41:00.003-05:00

First Thing:
Nate's grandparents are here! They are our first official house guests! They're here to celebrate the first Husker game of the season. There is much anticipation and build up for the game. I almost can't contain my excitement. This fall, I am planning everything I do around the Huskers.

Second Thing:
With Nate's grandparents came the Husker quilt (which is adorable), two quilts for future grandchildren (one for a little girl and one for a little boy), and a piano. A PIANO. Nate is fantastic at the piano and I wanted to give him one for our wedding, for Christmas, for his birthday, and for our anniversary. However, the timing hasn't been right and I've been hesitant to actually purchase one because I know little about pianos and about what Nate wants in one. Now we have one sitting nicely in the corner of our living room and it's like it was meant to be as our living room now looks complete. Nate can finally practice and play to me. It makes my heart so happy to see him so happy and on the piano. That's how we first met, that's how I fell in love with him, and now that's how we'll be married. I love the sound of the piano filling the house.

Good football and great friends

2011-08-31T20:34:00.000-05:00

First Thing:

I cannot wait for this weekend. In 2 days, 18 hours, 18 minutes, and 38 seconds from when I write this I will be watching UNL vs. Fresno State at Flips Patio Grill.

Nate's grandparents are visiting us for Labor Day weekend and the first Husker game of the season. I have been craving their fried pickles for a very long time. I can't think of a better way to enjoy them then by watching the first game of the season. We will also be hosting our first house guests this weekend and obtaining a wonderful piano to take up a corner of our living room.

Second thing:

Tonight I spent the evening chatting with my dear college friend, Emily. She recently revealed she's carrying a little one and is due in late February of 2012. It's hard to find the time to chat with best friends when our lives fill with husbands, moves, new jobs, new friends, and new babies. I'm so excited for her and her husband. I'm hoping my best friends and I will be able to reunite in the next year or so. It's been too long.

(plus my sister, who also happens to be my best friend)

Cookies

2011-08-21T16:04:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
These cookies are from when we celebrated our family friend's departure for boot camp. It's been about a month and a half since then but I forgot I'd taken these photos. I adore them though and had to share.

Bullets

Flags

Dog tags

Helmets.

Soldiers.

The Good One

2011-08-15T18:44:00.003-05:00

First Thing:
I come home to a house smelling of garlic and oregano. The mister is making his specialty tonight: chicken pasta in a white wine tomato alfredo sauce. Delicious. (He's amazing.)

Now this picture kind of looks like it's some sort of seafood dinner. . . and you may be questioning the tomatoes in the alfredo wine sauce. Don't question it, just do it. The sauce gets kind of pink and there are pieces of cooked tomatoes and it's delicious. And although I'm satisfied from tonight's dinner . . . I can't but think about what tomorrow's dinner will bring . . .

Second Thing:
Tomorrow I get to enjoy Village Burger Bar with my co-workers for a birthday celebration. Normally I get the Chicken Burger with swiss cheese, avocado, bacon, tomatoes, baby greens, and basil mayo (sometimes I sub a turkey burger instead of chicken). However, this time I've been craving a panini and at Village Burger Bar it's basically a grilled cheese on steroids. I think I'm going to go with the Four Cheese & Bacon with tomato, avocado, and basil mayo. Of course all of this comes with a substitute of sweet potato fries because they are DELICIOUS!

Tastes of Home

2011-08-13T19:29:00.003-05:00

First Thing:
Last night was date night with the hubs. Sushi at Nandina's in Lower Greenville. It was our first date in a long time and it was so much fun.

Second Thing:
We attended the Taste of Nebraska with my friend Jen from work and her husband, Pat. The North Texas Nebraskans group brings down Valentino's Pizza, Runzas, Colby Ridge Popcorn, Fariybury Hotdogs, and Dorthy Lynch dressing down from Nebraska and serve it at a local watch site for Husker games. We also became members of North Texas Nebraskans. It made me incredibly excited for football to begin on September 3 against Chattanooga, TN.

Joel Makovicka was also there signing autographs and the brim of Nate's/my favorite Nebraska hat. It was fun to chat with a former Husker player.

We have relocated

2011-08-09T19:30:00.001-05:00

First Thing:
Apparently the first week of August is the worst time to move:
August 1: 107
August 2: 109
August 3: 111
August 4: 109
August 5: 107
August 6: 106
However, we are officially moved in to a three bedroom, two bathroom house. The best part about it? My living room. I no longer have to weave in and out of furniture to walk across the room. The second best part? My shortened commute to work!! Praise! First thing we set up was the bed to rest. Second thing we set up was the living room to relax. Third thing we set up was the kitchen to eat. Now we can conquer the rest of the house.

Second Thing:
I cannot wait to start the nesting process, again. Only this time I will actually enjoy it. Navy slipcovers for the couches and coral walls.
For the living room:

{design seeds}

For the kitchen:

I'm hoping to paint the formica countertops anything but the muted pink they are. If that doesn't work, I'll paint the cabinets a nice stone blue/gray and roll with it.

For the bedroom:

We can't decide on red or turquoise. Still thinking that one out.

For spare #1:

Bright red for the Huskers. Anything related to the University of Nebraska and the Huskers will be in that room including the quilt Nate's grandmother made for us:

For spare #2:

I'm still waiting on inspiration for this room.

Third Thing:

I bought a new pair of shoes last week courtesy of my friend/personal shopper. Seriously, the perfect pair:

Thanks KK!! Love them!

Lots of Thing

2011-07-27T21:18:00.001-05:00

First Thing:
It's been a busy few months. I think that's usually how the summer goes. Lots of changes have occurred.

Second Thing:
A very dear friend of ours is in a land far away . . . camping . . . for the next year. When I first met Mark, I didn't realize how much I'd come to like him and enjoy his company. Little did I realize I'd be filling flat rate APO boxes and mailing them across the seas. He's been a good friend. Can't wait to have him back in the states and at baseball games.

Third Thing:

Mihermana está en México por un mes. Estoymuy emocionada por ella. Volverá unosdías antes de salir de Nebraska.

I'm so excited for her and all she'll learn. Now we'll actually be able to talk about lots of things when we have our "Spanish only" time in the car on road trips. (Although I'm not sure we'll have very many road trips together left in our future, when it's just the two of us . . . listening to Shakira, trying to learn all the words in Spanish, eating Salt & Pepper and Salt & Vinegar chips from Target)

Fourth Thing:

Midnight Blue

Natural Tan

Light Mint

Bright Coral

Nate and I spent the night at Home Depot and Lowes looking at paint samples. Samples to come soon. I think we've narrowed it down to our exact colors and we're excited to move in and paint. Speaking of moving . . . that will be taking place next week. Crazy that we'll actually have space and not hear anyone above us or next to us.

Fifth Thing:

Apparently you can strain your back and pull a muscle by running casually on the treadmill while watching Real Housewives of New Jersey. I learned that the hard way and am suffering nightly trying to sleep and daily driving to and from work. Luckily I have a very helpful husband.

Sixth Thing:

My sister-in-law, Brielle, just posted pictures from Nate's arrival from Iraq.

This is my first sight of Nate after he returned from Iraq.

I love this picture of his family and now my family. So happy he returned.

This is my favorite picture. Walking to my car after picking him up from the Lincoln airport. In the distance are his grandparents. That's what I want to be like when I'm a grandma.

People said

2011-06-20T20:27:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
I can't even remember the number of people who told me the first year of marriage is the hardest. People who I barely even knew told me that (way to be encouraging, thanks). Looking back on this past year, Nate and I have to disagree. Either that or we are in for some glorious smooth sailing. Really it's the first six months that are hard. After that we kind of just forgot about the little things that annoyed us and they don't seem to bother us anymore. I think we have our rhythm down. Of course we expect the next 60 years to have their ups and downs, but I'm no longer going to agree with the statement that the first year is the hardest.

Second Thing:
I think I've started studying for the GRE. I bought an old version of a study guide at Half Price Books (which by the way, it's dangerous to live 5 minutes away from one) last night and I'll need to figure out my game plan for studying.

Third Thing:
Nate and I have started going to the gym in the morning. We wake up at 4:30 and are at they gym by 5. It is fantastic and we feel so good. I will have to start heading to bed around 9:30 but it frees up my evenings and I don't actually feel that tired at the end of the day. I am liking this. Plus it's extra time we get to spend together since he studies all night almost every night. It's the best idea we've had (besides Austin and marriage).

Numero Uno

2011-06-20T20:11:00.000-05:00

Our anniversary weekend started out a little early on Thursday afternoon. {I got out of work around 2:00 instead of 5:00, which was awesome!} We exchanged gifts almost as soon as Nate got home from class, because his package came in the mail and I could hardly wait for him to open it.

Some UA Asset Running Shoes and a few UA Workout Shirts

And much to my wonderful surprise, I opened a tiny little box . . . that contained this . . .

A Trigold ring. Rose gold knot around a white rose band, with a gold back. It's a little big so it'll need to be re-sized very soon. I love it!

That was followed by a bizarre trip to the mall and a brief stop at the arcade for three games of Crusin' World. I have to say . . . it was so much fun and very spontaneous.

That was followed by Bed Bath & Beyond. We desperately needed new pillows and I am in heaven now. It's like sleeping on a cloud.

After happy hour at Chuy's, we took a nap. Yes, we fell asleep at 7:30 pm in our bed and woke up around 10:00 pm. I jumped up, packed for Austin, and crawled back into bed. There is nothing better than a good night sleep in a comfy bed with a cloud-like pillow. : )

Friday afternoon Nate picked me up early from work with a beautiful bouquet of yellow and orange sunflowers!!! Flowers are always unexpected but very welcomed.

The road trip down was accompanied by the sounds of Stephen Kellogg & the 6ers, courtesy of the mister.

Saturday included a trip to the capitol, the Austin Museum of Art, south Congress and Magnolia Cafe.

Then of course, we took a nap. We're big fans of sleeping whenever we can. And followed our nap with a dinner at Stubb's BBQ, where we shared this . . .

I'm pretty sure we've never enjoyed anything so much. Well except for heading to bed slightly early on Saturday night. Yes, we love to sleep.

Sunday was Father's Day and our actually anniversary. It was a special day. To celebrate the two most important men in my life on the same day.

And Sunday evening brought Norton wine. Nate and I saved a bottle of Norton Malbec from our wedding to open on our anniversary. We opened it and it was just as delicious as we remember. Only this time we actually had time to enjoy it.

I also received my first card from Nate (in the history of our relationship, this is the first one). Finally! I appreciate it.

In bed

2011-06-06T19:36:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
Apparently you're supposed to add in bed to then end of every fortune in a fortune cookie and it makes it a lot funnier. It's not so funny when you add in bed after the sentence I'm sick. But my wonderful husband made me some delicious soup and toast with Panera's asiago cheese bread. I always knew I picked a good one but he definitely confirmed it tonight. : )

Second Thing:
Working on a Saturday isn't so bad when my co-workers are so awesome. Although after a crazy rush weekend to Nebraska to visit family and friends (who will soon be going overseas) it makes the week extra long and the weekend extra short.

Invincibility

2011-05-24T21:47:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
We're not all invincible. Even those we think are, are most definitely not.

Second Thing:
We're going out of town this weekend. Only now I wish it was to somewhere else.

Knock, knock

2011-05-10T22:29:00.000-05:00

We left off with our first official date right before Nate left for Kentucky for a month and a half.

Did I forget to mention this was the night of our first kiss? Yes, it was. Right in the middle of the Haymarket.

Most of our relationship (at least the beginning anyway) was spent swing dancing . . .

and spending time at Store Hours events (the college ministry we were involved in).

We also spent time at concerts. (Dave Barnes here but Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers as soon as they're here again)

Acting goofy around campus.

Swimming.

And walks around campus with a Mocha Pacifico from Kopeli.

Little did we realize one of our favorite places (not because of the coffee but because of the atmosphere) would disappear while he was in Iraq.

Second Thing:

I want a good glass of wine and all the rain that happened 30 minutes ago to come back and continue all night.

I WIN!

2011-05-09T23:13:00.001-05:00

First Thing:

Sometimes, when I'm trying to fall asleep, I look at old pictures and reminisce. I was reminded tonight how much I love my husband. It made me laugh thinking about how we began, realizing we had little idea that a roll down a giant hill would bring us to a small apartment in TX. For the next few posts, I will be reminiscing about our relationship and putting my thoughts here. I feel it will really help with my creativity when it comes to Nate's one year anniversary gift (which will occur approximate 41 days from today). I know the gifts are typically paper (but I'm so hoping for a tri-gold ring, which I will blog about later).

The first picture. On our way to a bonfire with a church group. We rolled down the hill together. Before we left we sat on my couch talking about his life.

Our first hang out . . . alone (ooo la la), which is why Doozy's is our place. Finding out we had the same views on the church and religion. Staying out way too late with a a final project due the next day.

Fast forward a few months.

Followed by a trip to the zoo and Wheatfield's (special memories). Followed by a walk, a very long 12 conversation (footsie in the Piper Pit) and an "I like you" at 4:30 in the morning.

The very first day we were officially dating. Following a walk, another longer conversation, and our first public appearance as a couple. (This picture is not what it seems).

After our first official date. Before a long mission trip to Kentucky and some very long telephone conversations.

Limit

2011-05-07T14:18:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
My phone vibrates and I see this scroll across the top.

Nate Norton: Spending some money at the limited huh?

I just had to laugh, because approximately 10 minutes before I received this text from Nate. Apparently his Chase notification texts are very quick. I did spend some money at The Limited.

Nate Norton: I do love you mucho.

It made me laugh. He's not complaining.

Second Thing:

Nate's sick and I feel bad for him. It's the first time he's been sick since we've been married (or even together in the same location). Mostly I think he wants to be left alone (at least that's what I'd want), which makes it easy for me to take care of him. I sure do hope he feels better soon because we're leaving in less than a week for my best friend's wedding!

Sweetly Broken

2011-04-23T15:26:00.000-05:00

at the cross You, beckon me

draw me gently to my knees

and I am lost for words

so lost in love

I'm sweetly broken

wholly surrendered

Summer so soon?

2011-04-20T15:30:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
Nate and I went to a baseball game last night and it just so happened that we sat right next to Greg Maddux and Mike Maddux's parents. Nate was in heaven. It was actually really cool and they were really fun to talk to. Going to the baseball game made me excited for summer when Nate and I can get cheap tickets and enjoy the hot air. After the score last night, I'm not sure the price of tickets will rise much more since it was a complete blowout. I am pretty sure there really were Angels in the Outfield last night. And can I just say, who knew little Roger would grow up to be Tom in 500 Days of Summer.

Second Thing:
After a week-long hiatus (not by choice) from the gym, I am expecting Nate to take me tonight. Monday night proved a little to much. I am hoping tonight will be better and I can get back on track and on to my regular routine without having to slightly backtrack to my I just had dinner routine.

I really want another good hard thunderstorm tonight.

The Good Life

2011-04-15T18:52:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
I wish I was in Lincoln enjoying the sudden snow with good friends. It reminds me of the two snow days we had about 1 1/2 years ago. I want to be cuddled under blankets watching Real Housewives, The Holiday, or Now and Then.

Second Thing:
If I can't actually be in the Good Life, I want to live the Good Life if only for a night. After smelling disgusting trash all day due to the warm weather and excessive wind, it was nice to come home and stick my baked ziti in the oven. So, for tonight, I will enjoy good pasta, good bread, good wine and a good movie. Of course, by good movie I mean 500 Days of Summer. It will be nice to relax and unwind after so many weekends of doing so many things. I might also possibly clean out the back bedroom (which is filled with Nate's military uniforms and other junk) AGAIN! But now, it's time to enjoy my past.

Best night ever!

2011-04-12T21:54:00.001-05:00

First Thing:
I had the best week night ever.
First it was because Nate and I made burgers. Second it was because we fell asleep cuddling on the couch at 6:30 and woke up at 9:00. It was much needed and much loved.

Second Thing:
Taxes are done finally and my doctor says I'm healthy. Score!

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Living Room

2011-04-08T13:19:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
I used to want yellow, turquoise, white, and (brown?) in my living room once we move into a house. I am almost currently rethinking that. Now, I'm leaning more towards dark teal instead of turquoise and no brown. Either way, I am totally in love with this rug and I definitely want something like this in my living room.

Thomas Paul Flock Yellow and Cream Rug from Domestic Modern.

Second Thing:
I am in no way discrediting the wonderful Turkish rug I received as a pre wedding (post birthday/Christmas) gift from Nate after he returned from Iraq. I absolutely adore the rug he gave me and appreciate the thoughtfulness in his careful selection process and the hassle it was to mail it to Nebraska and transport it to Texas and then lay out in our small living room after the furniture had been placed. So I have every intention of using it in our spare bedroom/office once we move. And in my heart the third room will be our Husker room if that's a possibility.

Funny the way it is

2011-04-05T23:05:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
Dave Matthews inspires me in the weirdest ways. I tend to listen to Dave Matthews or Counting Crows while working out . . . while reading the captions of the Real Housewives of the current city for the current season. After my three mile run, I moved to the elliptical which was not located in front of a television with Bravo playing, which is probably why I was more focused on Dave Matthews instead of Gretchen (OC) or Jill (NY).

"Funny the way it is, if you think about it
Somebody's going hungry and someone else is eating out
Funny the way it is, not right or wrong
Somebody's heart is broken and it becomes your favorite song"

At approximately 0:56

"Somebody's going hungry and someone else is eating out"

Second Thing:

It's taken Nate and I a while to find a church we want to become members of and commit our tithe to. However, we have finally found one! New Beginnings and we love it. Although we've forgotten our membership applications quite a few Sundays, this Sunday is the Sunday we will finally turn it in. This means that we will begin giving our tithe here. Previously, we have been saving it and giving it to missions. I have always had a giant heart for missions and Nate just has a giant generous heart and it just seemed right. So now for the connection to the song, to good ol' Dave. "Somebody's going hungry and someone else is eating out". So while I was working out this gave me an idea since we still want to have a savings to give to missions and causes we support. For every meal Nate and I eat out we are going to put the equal amount away in our missions fund. I am hoping this will help us to cut down on our food spending, but also provide us an opportunity to really make it count when we do go out to eat.

Third Thing:

For some strange reason (and this may appear to totally contradict the second thing) I seriously enjoy watching The League on FX. It is hilarious.

Fourth Thing:

While walking to Village Burger Bar with a co-worker, I spotted a familiar face sitting on the patio at Urban Taco. It was the face of someone I haven't seen since probably the wedding (not by choice!) and have been meaning to connect with for the past couple of months now that we actually live in the same area! We kind of stared at each other because it was so out of place and so random. It was the best feeling and such a great start to a fun evening.

Fifth Thing:

On a completely personal note I am so over TOMS. Inquiring minds can know, but we were talking about it tonight at dinner. Yes, I am totally over them.

I love eggs (finally and only one way)

2011-03-28T23:12:00.001-05:00

Thank you CIY for opening my eyes to this ridiculous video. Courtesy of www.iloveegg.com. Wierdo.

First Thing:
Nate and I are obsessed with eggs in cocotte. I found this recipe through a series of click beginning with simplyphoto, which led me to thekitchn, and finally led me here. I cannot get enough of this dish. Nate and I eat this at least twice a week. Once for lunch on Saturday (usually) and sometime during the week for dinner (this past we had it two nights in a row). I'm kind of in awe of the fact that we're not tired of this yet. It is "so good" (for you 500 Days of Summer enthusiasts). I am telling you, make this. You will absolutely fall head over heals for this.

We have eaten this for dinner once a week for about 1 1/2 months.

Seriously. You have to make it. Tuesday night is eggs in cocotte night. I will make it for dinner and YOU will make it for dinner. Btw, I always make mine with sauteed mushrooms in the bottom.

Second Thing:
I have a best friend getting married on May 14th. I recently hung out with her and I cannot express how happy I am for her. Nate was a great boyfriend and we had a wonderful relationship, but getting married took it to a whole different level. He is a better husband than I ever would have thought he would have been and our relationship is so fantastic that I am in awe of it. Just thinking about what my dear friend has in store once she says I do, makes me so excited. Again, I'll say it (and I know it sounds totally cheesy like a Disney movie). I love my husband more now than I ever have and I can't wait to discover how much I'll love him in 63 years. I love my marriage and I love my life! What a blessing Nate is in my life.

I can't wait for you to start your marriage Vanessa! : )

Life

2011-03-19T10:13:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
Nate the great had a birthday on Thursday and we went to Texas Land and Cattle . . . Nate loved it; I'm over steak. But I think he had a good birthday. He's the greatest husband in the world. : )

Second Thing:
Nate is reenlisting today. We'll see where the next 6 years leads us.

Third Thing:
I've wanted to post about quite a few things lately, but after reading The Lone Survivor, nothing really seems that important.

Fourth Thing:
My sisters are coming in to town today for Spring Break!!!!

It's over

2011-02-19T21:15:00.000-06:00

First Thing:
Valentine's Day is over. However, I didn't get a chance to post my pictures of the cookies I made.

Second Thing:
My life can now be over. I have fallen in love with goat cheese. This has been going on for a while but in the last few days I have experienced new ways to enjoy my love. On a burger with lettuce. And now . . . in FISH TACOS! This night has forever changed me and an explanation will be coming in another blog post (to follow shortly). However, this is what my devotion has been given to lately,

Sometimes, I cry

2011-02-12T22:05:00.000-06:00

First Thing:
Nate told me tonight that he loved my family. Not loved as in liked a lot, but loved as in they are his family too. He said, "I love them in my heart". What a nice boy.
Tonight we toasted to the Piper Pit. That is where our life began. I remember playing footsie when he told me he liked me. I remember taking our first pictures together as a "couple" there, right before he left for Kentucky.

While we toasted, I was trying some Beringer White Zin sparkling wine. I highly recommend it. Espeically for Valentine's Day.

I know this is cheesy and no one actually believes it, but I've come to believe it's true. I believe I have fallen more in love with Nate. I love him more today than the day we got married. I love him more today than the day he proposed. I love him more than the day I said, "I agree". I know it sounds totally dorky and like I belong in an LMN movie, but I am sincere. Being married to him is just about the greatest adventure I could embark on.

Second Thing:
Sometimes I still tear up or cry when I hear about military homecomings from overseas. The Coming Home preview on Lifetime made me cry. I was remembering what it was like to have Nate gone and what it was like when he came home. Although when I initially saw him step into the airport, I didn't feel a rush of emotion. However, thinking back on that moment I feel a lot more emotion. Perhaps it's because I know that I will have to go through all of it again, only this time we'll be married. No big deal, though sometimes I cry.
[I would like to say that just because my husband is in the military and has served overseas and will serve again (though, hopefully not), I am not a military wife. I am the wife of a man in the military. It does not define me. I do not want to be dramatic. I am not reaching for someone to call me brave. I love my husband and I love his uniform. I love my country and I love his defense. But my identity does not come from his choice to serve and what follows.]

Third Thing:
Weddings make me happy. Especially weddings of best friends. Today I celebrated the sexy part of marriage at a bachelorette party for a dear friend and had so much fun. I can't wait for her to marry the man God has chosen for her.

Fourth Thing:
Tomorrow I am going to try and find a souffle to enjoy.

You should too.

L-o. V .:.e

2011-02-08T21:17:00.000-06:00

my bed

[going to sleep early and never wanting to wake up]

cupcake wars

[especially the wine and cheese episode]

long sleeve gray striped shirts

[from the limited on sale]

moosejaw's awesome reward points

[because now i live in this sweatshirt]

target's mustard yellow

[in the form of a new shirt]

the best thing i ever ate ______

[fill in the blank. on food network always]

the new blogs i've found.

[simply breakfast.you are my fave.simply photo]

five hundred days of summer

[it will never get old. ever]

being wrapped up in bulls eye quilts

[anytime i'm on a couch]

remembering what i did last year for vday

[and missing my potluck friends]

the mixed cd a dear friend made

[and mentioned in her blog. i still listen to it]

riding in the elevator with alec baldwin

[not even kidding]

watching my husband studying

[and glad it's not me anymore]

pearl earrings nate gave me

[which might just be my favorite gift ever, even more than my ring]

thinking about my wedding

[i thoroughly enjoy being married to a husband who throws his checkbook at my feet trying to get my attention and flopping on the bed with me every day after work]

apple butter and peanut butter

[on toast or in a sandwhich]

i L-o. V .:.e all of these things. it's valentine's season. the season of love [kind of]. not that this means any of you are interested in the little things i think about when i lay on the couch waiting for nate to finish studying. maybe there will be more later. at least until valentine's day.

thank you for reading.

Run

2011-02-07T22:04:00.001-06:00

First Thing:

I went running tonight for the first time in a VERY, VERY, VERY long. If only I went running on a road like this. I have forgotten how much I love running. I had forgotten about that moment when I can't push myself any farther and then . . . I gain a new burst of energy for another mile or two. (Although tonight it was only .5). What have I been thinking?! I've spent the last month or two trying to make myself do P90X. I love Tony Horton and his extreme annoyance when I'm trying to doing Ab-Ripper X. However, after waiting for this knee problem to heal, I was severely out of shape. That provided me with a HUGE lack of motivation for going to the extreme.
Running will bring me back. Running will remind me how much I love to push myself.
It felt so good to finally bring myself to get out there again. This is the first time I am actually looking forward to the stiff hips I will have in the morning. And thank you Nathaniel for my iPod Nano and Nike+ arm band. It really does make running that much more of an incredible experience.

Second Thing:

I miss my sisters. I talked to Lauren tonight for a very long time. Tomorrow I'm hoping to talk to Sarah.

Third Thing:
Nate and I laid on our bed when I got home (after a nice good flop on the bed) and listened to music for about an hour. Hardly saying anything. Just laying there enjoying our life. We have decided that if we have a house next Thanksgiving . . . we will get each other a dog.

Yes, Bean Pie

2011-02-02T21:10:00.000-06:00

First Thing:
Yes, I like bean pie. I wanted to get past this experience as soon as possible. Nate loved it growing up. It looks disgusting before you bake it. It sounds disgusting when you say it. It is disgusting when you read the recipe. However, it is actually pretty good. It's even better when my husband makes it and I don't have to do anything but enjoy it.

Second Thing:
I enjoyed a nice glass of Riesling tonight. More than one in fact. It's because my wonderful husband bought it for me at the store. He bought my favorite brand and type of white wine. We've enjoyed the wine and have already finished the bottle. (shhhh..... don't tell). AND HE BOUGHT ME ORANGES!

Third Thing:
We are presently enjoying the movie RED. It is hilarious. Nate told me Bruce Willis was discovered as a bartender. I'm going to have to research this tomorrow because after the movie, I AM GOING TO BED.

"People mostly get paper cuts, not shot!"
"No, mostly I get shot."

Fourth Thing:
Nate suggested we toast to Doozy's tonight. I cried.
I actually cried.
It's because I miss Lincoln (and because I have such fond memories of the beginning of our relationship). AND BECAUSE IT'S DELICIOUS!

Fifth Thing:
Yesterday, it felt a little like Nebraska. They weather was Nebraska on a good, normal winter day.

Sixth Thing:
Erik Howard. I am praying for you and your surgery. You are the reason Nate and I are happily married. You are the link that brought us together. For that, I love you. For you, I am grateful. You are Nate's dearest friend. Every night we'll pray for your brain tumor. We pray for your surgery. We pray for your recovery. We pray for your healing.

And thanks a million for the wonderful future you've provided me with (MOSTLY thanks to God, but a little to you, ; ) . . . you're the greatest).
Love you always, Erik Paul Howard.

Snow

2011-02-01T15:13:00.000-06:00

First Thing:
No work for me today. The road were (are) terrible and with the idiots who drive in Texas, it could have been very dangerous to travel this morning. Little did I realize that the road in front of my house is closed. Yes. A little side street is close. I cannot leave. I'm assuming tomorrow the roads will be cleared and open for me to drive. Luckily I have Saturday to make up for missing today.

Second Thing:
This snow day means TAXES.
It kind of feels like college. Everyone studying (Nate and Sarah) and me doing our taxes. It's kind of complicated and confusing to do our taxes this year. I was a student for part of it. Nate has to file a state income tax. He has some taxable military income (and some non, while he was overseas). He is receiving two 1099s and a W-2 from the military and another company. Why wasn't a finance major?!

Third Thing:
I love 500 Days of Summer. I could watch this movie every day.
Summer says good in about 15 different ways.
I love that they spend time in Ikea.
You're good.
That's because it is delicious!
The soundtrack makes me happy. Incredibly happy.

The end.

Living Room Coversation

2011-01-30T20:53:00.001-06:00

There is only one thing tonight.

I miss my best friends.

Celebrating Tia's 21st birthday in Omaha.

I miss them. I miss being able to walk in the living room of our apartment and share the latest happening. I miss watching movies and ordering Papa John's (with Parmesan Garlic Breadsticks). I miss the coffee brewing Saturday mornings and us sitting around postponing homework.

I miss margaritas at La Mexicana।

Mostly, I miss the living room talk.

It's hard to find the little stuff worth talking about when I only talk to them once every few weeks or on gchat. It seems only the significant happenings are important enough to mention. It's difficult to remember a month's worth of little things to share every so often. And let's be honest, the significance of the little things diminishes with every passing second.

I miss knowing how they are feeling, what they are thinking, what is making them happy at the moment. I miss sharing them what makes me happy at the moment (the nice thing Nate did for me) and what I'm pondering.

Yes, I miss my best friends. I miss the living room in which we congregated and shared the things that meant so much.

I miss being goofy with them.

I miss laughing at their goofiness.

I just miss being with them.

We live in 4 different states. Texas, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota. The chances of us living even remotely near each other (or in the same state) are slim.

I miss L.A.T.E.

At Em's wedding.

At my wedding.

(Two more left to complete the set)

I have been truly blessed with the best best friends.

Emily, Tia, and Lauren

Cheers to you three.

Thank you for your friendship.

Past

Present

Future

Beyond Scared Straight

2011-01-20T22:25:00.000-06:00

First Thing:
Beyond Scared Straight is probably the greatest television show. It takes at risk kids and shows them the the realities of where there life is headed (jail) if they continue on that path. Inmates lead the kids around the jail pretty much scaring them straight. I was trying to find a good clip to post but really the website has the best clips.
I really feel like this good be beneficial to some of these individuals. This boy, below, is 13 and has already been in trouble with the law for shoplifting. He was crying during one of demonstrations. His life could possible change because of this experience.

I feel like this is the best thing I've come across lately.

Second Thing:
Now that Nate is back in school . . .

I have to figure out what to do while he's studying. First, I would like to update my blog more frequently (and add more pictures). I would like to read more. I would like to go to bed early (except not tonight). I would also like to get caught up on the last TWO seasons of Grey's Anatomy and follow it on Thursday nights.

AND . . .

I would like to get involved in the church we've been attending. We love it and it kind of feels like home.

And this is just because I really love this photo and I miss my sisters and my best friends a lot!

Surprises

2011-01-12T18:40:00.001-06:00

First Thing:
Tonight I will bake a gingersnap crusted cheesecake for the hubs who loves both (despite the fact that he claims he doesn't like sweets).

Second Thing:
Tonight I will cook my chicken pasta in a white wine cream sauce with spinach and mushrooms.

Nate has no idea : )

Wedding Advice

2011-01-05T21:32:00.000-06:00

This advice is unsolicited by all who read my blog. . . However, it is solicited by a dear friend/old roommate of mine who is starting to plan her wedding in the next couple of months. I needed a place to collect my thoughts . . . and that is what a blog is for. . . duh.

First Thing:

This is pretty much the greatest magazine ever. It has the best time line to figure out when to get things done. It has everything from your pre-spa visit to buying the gown listed. Honestly, I would by this before even setting a date.

Second Thing:

The real simple weddings website. This is also a cannot live without. It has checklists for everything. I'm a huge fan of checklists because then I am less likely to forget something.

Third Thing:

I visited this site pretty much every single day. What I love about it is that it had so many "inspirational" and diy thing on it, I just couldn't live without it.

Fourth Thing:
Again, with the websites, I fell in love with following blogs. Wedding blogs. And to list a few . . .


Weddingbee


Style Me Pretty


100 Layer Cake

Fifth Thing:
I organized and I collected. I created a folder to put anything I found in, along with receipts, color swatches, and whatever else I deemed necessary to keep. I also created about a ba-gillion folders for my wedding on my computer along with a folder for all of the photos I collected for inspiration along the way. Then Google Reader became by best friend with all the blogs I was following. I was able to star my favorites and categorize blog ideas with their tags.

So, friend, I hope this helps you get started. If I think of more, I'll post more. I'm so excited for you!

100

2011-01-03T20:48:00.000-06:00

First Thing:
This is my 100th post. Celebration time, kind of?

Second Thing:
I was really looking forward to crawling in to bed at 8:30 and reading a good chunk of my book before I fell asleep. Then I find out that Craigslist Killer is on Lifetime. So of course I want to stay up and watch it. However, that's not such a good idea when Nate's not home . . . then I become paranoid (although I do have some forms of protection close by).

Oh the wonders

2011-01-02T21:19:00.000-06:00

First Thing:
I know it's been a long time. I've had lots of good post ideas . . . but I haven't found the time and thus, I've forgotten them. December has been a busy month, filled with fun, but crazy. I went from a crazy few weeks at work, a Christmas party, an engagement party, shooting at the range (FINALLY), to Christmas!! Nate and I were supposed to leave for CO on Wendesday afternoon, December 22. Instead we left early Thursday morning, December 23. After a 13 hour drive to Greeley, Colorado, we finally made it and spent a quiet evening with family. Friday, December 24 was filled with shopping, and, after years and years, a Broken tradition. My family opened gifts on Christmas Eve, which is something we have NEVER done. I guess this is what happens when someone gets married, traditions go out the window. Christmas morning Nate and enjoyed breakfast and then took left over pizza for lunch on the road. We began our 7 hour (8 with a time change) drive to Bellevue, Nebraska around 11:45. Unfortunately places are not open in small town Nebraska on Christmas day (after 6) and we were starving (poor planning on our part). We arrived at the Nortons' around 8 and enjoyed dinner (!) and presents. Sunday, December 26 was filled with family (and a friend from Iraq) and Monday, December 27 we left around 7. Instead of heading home after our 10 hour drive, we headed to my parents for another Christmas (and then home around 10 pm). Looking back I'm not sure we were even able to breath on this trip. We spent 30 hours driving and roughly 36 hours at each location. I'm not sure we'll ever do that again.
It was an interesting Christmas and never quite felt like Christmas. I'm beginning to think that I need to rethink how Christmas feels now that I'm married. This could, if Nate and I are feeling adventurous, become our new Christmas tradition.
[Our dear friend Mark came in to town on Wednesday, December 29, leaving Nate and I one day to recouperate] It's nice to lay on my couch watching RHoA on Bravo and Iron Chef on Food Network and not have to listen to annoying YouTube videos in the background. I have my house back (now that Nate and Mark are hunting for a few days) and can actually unwind from the crazy Christmas I had.

Second Thing:
My New Year's resolution is to be a less selfish wife. Nate is the best husband (I know I'm biased, but others would agree) in the world.
-He puts toothpaste on my toothbrush when he brushes his teeth so it's ready for me when I brush my teeth.
-He jumps in bed and warms up my side of the bed because I hate crawling in to cold sheets.
-He surprises me with Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream when he goes grocery shopping -(and yes goes grocery shopping!)
-He refuses to let me do the dishes after I cook dinner.
-He cooks dinner for us sometimes and it's delicious (Monday night is burger night)
-He does all the laundry
The list goes on but this post is already extremely long. The things he does for me are so perfectly fit for me. I am going to try and be a lot more conscientious of what he needs from me. I am going to be less selfish and try to be more active in doing things that are perfectly fit for him. I have a concrete list of things. But for now, he's out of town so I can rest and prepare (although some things have been in the works for the past few weeks).

Information Update

2010-12-14T22:19:00.000-06:00

First Thing:
I have some very exciting news to share, but I'm too exhausted to write about it tonight.

Second Thing:
As soon as I see my sisters I'll have even more exciting news to share. : ) And a few pictures to upload.

Third Thing:
I have a HR holiday party this Friday and I'm excited to go. We're having a White Elephant gift exchange and until tonight I didn't have a chance to think about any ideas. However, tonight, Nate and I spent the night brainstorming. . . and I think we've come up with some pretty fun ideas (which I can't share until after Friday).

Fourth Thing:
I'm going shooting again this weekend! It's been a long time so hopefully I still got it. I can't wait to shoot my handgun again (or finally shoot Nate's wedding gift. . . ) I'm excited!

BIG XII CHAMPIONSHIP

2010-12-02T19:15:00.001-06:00

First Thing:
I received the most awesome packages in the mail today. Four I ordered and one that is our (mine and Nate's) first Christmas present . . . together. It's under (or rather behind) our mini tree. The four packages are probably the greatest things I've ever ordered in my life. I can't post about them now because they're Christmas presents, but I will as soon as Christmas passes.

Second Thing:
As most of you know . . . I paint my face for football games. I've done it since high school and I have so much fun doing it. I'm going to the Big XII Championship with a friend (possibly two) and I am painting my face. But I need suggestions. It's Nebraska's last game as a part of the Big XII and it needs to be good. So please leave me suggestions . . . And I'm leaving you with a few photos of previous ideas for inspiration. HELP!

And looking through all of these photos brings back so many good memories and so many good times I miss. I've had such fun as a Cornhusker (though my time as one is not done yet!) and made many dear friends.

GBR

Busy October

2010-11-29T18:58:00.000-06:00

First Thing:
October always seems to be a busy month. This one in particular. I started working and the month flew by. Here's a little recap of the month.
I made Crème brûlée which took up a lot of eggs. It was delicious but not worth making again or ordering in a restaurant (unless it has a gold star). But it was nice to try something I'd never tried before. Now that I have all these egg whites, I'll make an angel food cake with those!

My sister Sarah and her friend Dontay came home for a weekend and they came to the fair with Nate and I. I get so caught up in fun (and I forget my camera) that I don't take pictures. Nate was being a punk and you can hardly see his face.

Now I have a morning commute and an evening commute to work. This is an attempt to capture, with my phone, the beautiful sunrise one morning. I love the sunrise. However, I do not love the sun blinding me because my sunvisors don't block it.

One of my favorite gifts I recieved for my birthday (other than my coat and sunflowers) were silicon muffin cups. So I tested them out and made chocolate chip muffins to go along with the carmel truffle coffee I made with my new coffee grinder. It was delicious. : )

One Friday nigth a friend called with a great deal on Rangers tickets to watch them play the Yankees. We lost that game, but clearly we didn't lose the series. It was the first Rangers game I'd gone to and seen the stadium full. I guess because we were actually good this season.

Why yes, this is Reunion tower and yes I work here. (Not actually in the tower but in the hotel attached to the tower.)

And in regards to my sweet job. I got three free tickets to the Mavs v Rockets game for our company suite. And we received the platinum parking pass so parking was free. We had a full night of fun FO' FREE!!

Not only that, after the Mavs won with .4 seconds left on the clock, they showed the Rangers game one the big screen above the court. So we watched the Rangers beat the Yankees to head to the World Series. (Which you can only kind of see on the screen.)

And then last weekend was filled with baking. Candy Corn

Acorns

And fun leaves.

And there were some pumpkins . . . but those were eaten fairly quickly.

And because the Rangers went to the World Series . . .

And btw. . . I thought I'd posted this already . . . but as you can see it's the end of November and it's just now getting posted. Oops.

The way you do the things you do

2010-11-11T22:31:00.000-06:00

First Thing:
I've kind of forgotten what I felt like when Nate was gone. And as I was driving to work today listening to the radio and the patriotic songs, I teared up thinking about that period in my life. It's strange to think that just a year ago I was preparing to come home for Thanksgiving to plan a wedding with my fiance overseas. Now we're living in the same house, married, following similar schedules in the same timezone.

Our first picture in his uniform and the only one in his blues. On Feb. 14 for a military wedding.

It's interesting to reminisce on those 8 months and to think how little I really had to experience in comparison to what other men and women experience during a deployment to a war zone. But it was still really nice for my husband to say thank you to me. Sitting at dinner talking about those months and having him say thanks and that I did have to go through something more than most people go through. I shouldn't diminish my experiences even though they were minor compared to some.

Early in the morning, 4:30 am on Sept. 4th, on our drive to Omaha for deployment. Lincoln is only 45 minutes away but it was the shortest 45 minutes ever.

That time taught me so much about myself and our relationship. We grew up a lot in those months.

The boys. Right before walking through security. I only wish I had taken a picture of them when they got home. But they all looked so cute (and tired) lined up.

What's bizarre is the lack of recognition Nate wants for his service. He hates it when I tell anyway he's in the military and especially that he served overseas. It's kind of cute, kind of weird, but mostly I respect that. One of the things I love about him. : )

The day he came back. : ) To be honest, I thought it'd be more emotional. Maybe I'm a weirdo. It is nice to have him back though. We had a lot of fun touring the capital again and enjoying some Doozy's.

And of course he slept, a lot, because he was so exhausted. And I studied because I had to. He might kill me for this picture (not that he reads my blog anyway).

Happy Veterans Day. To those who've served their country and to those who served to the fullest extent, thank you. To those who've supported them the entire way, thank you. To my husband, thanks a million. To our best friend Mark, thank you.

I remember sewing the patches for his new rank on his uniforms. It made me feel like I'd be a good military wife. And kind of annoyed that I had to do it on such sort notice.

Oh Mark. He holds a special place in my heart. Probably because he lets me hang out with him and Nate at Old Chicago and because he'll be our first Nebraska house guest. : )

Kindergarten

2010-10-18T19:03:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
It's been a while since I've blogged, but that's because I'M BUSY!!! For once I am busy and it feels great. Today at work I went to Kindergarten. First, I cut out Halloween decorations. Second, I taped some of them up. Third, I pasted. And lastly, I PAINTED!!! It was awesome! : ) I'm so glad I get to start with the fun things in HR before I move on to the more serious and sometimes not so fun parts of HR.

Second Thing:
Nate is the best husband. He didn't have to work this morning and so he cleaned our house, made the bed, did laundry, washed dishes, and is bringing home pizza. And pizza, pizza, pizza, pizza, pizza is our favorite thing to enjoy, especially with Dr. Pepper. And I will say Pizza Hut's Big Italy pizza is the most delicious kind on our list right now.

Third Thing:
As for the Huskers. . .
We did not win and it was our own fault. However, I still love the Huskers and I will always stand by them.
Go Big Red.
And as for the Rangers . . .
Thanks for allowing me the privilege of finally watching a game in a full stadium. However, you lost to the Yankees that. At least you made it up on Saturday.

I LOVE MY JOB!

2010-10-05T19:51:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
So my birthday was on Friday and it was glorious. Nate made it absolutely perfect (along with a few others). A khaki trench coat, pizza and garlic parmesan breadsticks, champagne, and and movies. It was the perfect night in.

One of my best friends, Tia, sent me a beautiful bouquet of SUNFLOWERS!

Not only that, but my new colleagues also sent me a bouquet of flowers to welcome me and wish me a happy birthday. I hadn't even started yet and they made my day that much better! : )

Second Thing:
I really do love my job thus far. They are all so fantastic and I am going to learn so much about Human Resources and the hotel atmosphere. I'm right off the interstate in both places, which rocks because although it takes me about 30 minutes both ways, it's a straight shot and it does flow pretty nicely. I'm excited for all the opportunities this job will provide. And hello, they sent me flowers before I was "officially" employed there anyway. How could I not love this place?
And what a blessing . . . God knows these things.

Thank you God!

2010-09-29T21:31:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
After about 6 months of searching for a job I have finally been blessed with one. And what a long trying time these past 6 months have been. Thankfully God knew all along. I put in an application at the end of July and received a call last week about coming in for an interview. Little did I know I'd be spending about 6 hours "interviewing". However, I loved every minute of it. It was an interesting way of interviewing but such a great experience. So I receive a call today letting me know I can have the job so of course I accept. I'll be working in Human Resources doing all sources of resource-y things for humans : ) I'm really excited about this opportunity and I can't wait to start. Orientation is next Tuesday. However, instead of enjoying this last week of so called freedom, I am going to be cleaning out our guest bedroom. Now that I don't have the no job hanging over my head, I can clean guilt free.

Second Thing:
I'm trying to upload all my wedding photos tonight for the 7th time. Literally, this is my 7th try. Doing this brought a very good memory to mind. After Nate and I left our reception on our way to downtown Dallas for the night, we stopped at the first gas station we spotted for some water. In the midst of everything I think we forgot how thirsty dancing makes us and there were no pitchers of ice water like there was at Plamor. So in our decorated car filled with balloons will pulled up to a gas station and Nate got out in his tux and I was up to my neck in the skirt/train of my dress. Clearly we were JUST married. : ) Everyone honked at us and a bunch of people walking out yelled congrats at me in the car. The chef at the hotel, while we were waiting for the elevator, offered us a free dinner the next night if we were going to be there. (It was a shame we were leaving that night for Aruba, only not really). And on that note, I haven't posted any pictures of the honeymoon. This was on the beach when we were walking the shore and watching the sun set the night before we left. : ) (And because my posts lack photos most of the time).

TEXAS

2010-09-26T21:31:00.000-05:00

Currently I am listening to my husband laugh so hard there is no sound coming out of him. He can't breathe and tears are running down his cheeks. I have never in my life heard him laugh this hard. It. is. hilarious.

First Thing:
I know the official day of fall was 5 days ago. However, TODAY WAS BEAUTIFUL! It was fall and it was glorious. This means:

more foods with pumpkin

the state fair is here (and i'll be attending oct. 3)

camping with my husband

picnics in the park across the street (and lots of walks)

open windows (and a lower electric bill)

birthdays : )

seeing my sisters soon(er)

Second Thing:

I have been working on a little project in honor of the state fair and because I thought they'd be cute. Turns out they are. : )

My Shopping List

2010-09-21T14:02:00.000-05:00

There's only one thing today.

I have a white board in the kitchen where I write down things as we run out of them so it's easier to make my shopping list. Yesterday before bed it had Kraft cheese and Doritos listed on it. This morning when I woke up deodorant was written on the bottom in Nate's handwriting. It looked so funny because it was large for his handwriting. I'm not sure why this did make me laugh out loud while home alone but it did. It's not really funny to anyone else but me but I felt it worth mentioning.

Internet, Yay!

2010-09-20T22:51:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
Our internet is finally working because our router is finally working because it's new! We are officially online and officially secure. Meaning job searching will be so much easier, as will figuring out this doctor business.

Second Thing:
As a result, I can finally upload my wedding pictures . . . which has not happened yet, obviously. : )

Third Thing:
This is unrelated to the internet news but still news. Normally I'm the only one who uses our living room blanket because I like covers and I like warmth. However, last night for the first time since winter 2008 we shared the blanket while watching The Office. It made my heart happy because that means the weather is cooling down slightly and because we shared the blanket. And by the way this is the best blanket in the world.

Wish list

2010-09-16T14:25:00.005-05:00

Soon I'll be 23.

Not the chair (we don't have room for the chair) the colors for my living room + brown.

Yes, this coat, or one very similar.

A Meyer lemon tree. A little one so that by the time I have a house I'll have lots of lemons from it.

I have the ipod, now I just need the arm band, specifically from nike.com please?

Fall weather and fall colors.

This is self explanatory.

And champagne. Because hello, it's my birthday.

And let's not forget a movie I could watch every day of my life. (Although this is the soundtrack, I couldn't find a good picture of the video cover.) . . . A run through Ikea wouldn't be bad either.

Colors and rain

2010-09-08T15:13:00.001-05:00

First Thing:
It's been pouring since yesterday morning and I love it. It means Nate goes in to work late and we enjoy breakfast in bed and puzzles. And today it meant filing all of our documents which means I now have a huge mess in my living room that will probably be here for a while until who knows when... hopefully not past tonight. I have good news though, I now have health insurance and can get my knee looked at. I got my military i.d.,changed my name on the car title, added Nate's name, he got a Texas license, in a month I'll get my new license, changed my bank account name, and I'm waiting for my new social security card to come in the mail.
Second Thing:
I'm trying to decide between red and white in my living room or turquoise, yellow, brown, and white. Either way I'll have white slipcovers for my couches. I need to lighten up the room a little (here's your answer Em). I need help deciding. Nate told me I wasn't allowed to purchase anything until I think about it for about 2 weeks. So if I could get some opinions on the colors maybe I could start sooner. lol. Help!

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Friday's Fill-In

2010-09-04T00:45:00.001-05:00

1. Family Sundays make my week .
2. I'm so glad Nate no longer has to go back and forth.
3. I love a relaxing night of Seinfeld and puzzles.
4. Anything with pasta makes a good meal.
5. I've got the best husband in the world and a nice comfy bed.
6. Nate's hog hunting this weekend: wth!!!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a redbox, ice cream, and jalapeño margs with Sarah , tomorrow my plans include creating a friend's birthday present ;) and the Husker game, and Sunday I want to enjoy a Labor Day picnic with the family.

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The couch

2010-08-31T15:30:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
I will be decorating our living room with our remaining Target gift cards, hopefully this weekend. Since I spend most of my time in there looking for jobs and writing thank you notes, I might as well make it more of an inviting space. I tried to find my ideas on target.com but I couldn't find what I found in the store, so there are not pictures yet. Once I start collecting things, I'll post them.

Second Thing:
Husker football season starts Saturday. GBR. I will be making a shirt with those letters on it and I will be going to a sports bar in Ft. Worth to cheer on my team. I can't wait. However, it does bring back so many good memories that I am kind of sad I won't be with any of my best friends for football season this year. I know that we will all be cheering on our favorite team from four different states.

There is no place like Nebraska . . .

When will this sidewalk end?

2010-08-27T16:24:00.000-05:00

First Thing (and the only thing):
This can't possibly be the end of everything that appeared so promising 12 months ago. On this date exactly one year ago I was preparing my heart to say goodbye to my fiance for 8 months of active duty in Iraq, I was preparing my mind for 9 months of hard work towards graduating and thesis completion, and I was embracing the last months I had with my best friends.
Now my husband is here to stay for at least the next two years, thank goodness, I have a degree and nothing to show for it, and I miss the college environment and my roommates/best friends who are now all over the country.
I keep thinking that this can't possibly be the end of all that seemed so promising a year ago.

There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.

-Shel Silverstein

There is a very long sidewalk I am walking and I can't seem to find the chalk-white arrows that will lead me to the place with the cool peppermint wind. It feels, instead, that I am walking through the dark street winds and bends. Everyday it is more of the same: more of the same questions.

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Address:

Previous Employment:

Education:

Blah. Blah. Blah.

Five on Wednesday, none on Thursday, two on Friday, and Saturday provides the *wonderful* opportunity of more. I have so many user names and passwords that I can't keep them straight. My resumes and cover letters say Amanda Villegas Norton because my email still says villegas without a norton.
It really does seem that this sidewalk will never end. This mundane job of applications becomes a task I despise because of its repetitive nature and its lack of results.
A college degree literally means nothing. All those hours I poured over my books in college to maintain that GPA and graduate with some kind of honor offers me nothing in return but the feeling of inadequacy. I am seriously considering some sort of technical school because maybe that will give me a chance. Maybe I can start in the construction business . . . my husband seems to be bringing home some money.
This joblessness is offering me nothing but feelings of depression and guilt. Guilt because Nate needs to start school and I need to have a job. I need to contribute to our little family.
I'm starting to think I should have a child. . . that way I won't feel like such a bum as a stay at home wife and I'll actually have things to do while I'm at home (besides look for jobs and thank you notes and cooking and cleaning) like take care of a child. That will give me some sort of fulfillment as job hunting leaves me severely lacking in everything but inadequacy and guilt.
But, we can't afford that now. So it looks like I'm out of luck.
I am tired of hearing that something will come and that God will provide. I know that. I really do know that and to be honest sometimes it gets annoying hearing that. I know people don't know what else to say and I know that they are trying to console a bruised spirit. However, I know that God always pulls through . . . but that doesn't stop the present from feeling dreary.
This is a long rambling of thoughts but it was the only way to stop the tears from coming, especially since I'm in a public place and crying accomplishes nothing.

Someday this sidewalk will end and I'll be at the place where the sun burns crimson bright.

Friday's Fill-In

2010-08-27T14:36:00.000-05:00

1. You do your thing; I do mine and sometimes we can maybe do something together.

2. What's next in my life is what's been on my mind on and off all day.

3. Remember when we used to sing . . . you know the rest.

4. Blueberries, making the bed, and cooking showers are three of my favorite obsessions :-)

5. During the last year I graduated, got married, and have no idea what's next.

6. _____ puts a smile on my face. (still thinking about this one)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Redbox and popcorn, tomorrow my plans include hanging out with an old friend and Sunday, I want to try out a new church, and hopefully find a church home? (please)!

Fresh water fish

2010-08-26T18:28:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
Colorado was a blast. I had so much fun hanging out with Lauren and Kyle and my grandparents and I'm so glad we were able to share in Ashley and Josh's special day.

And that is where the fresh water comes in.

They got married up in the mountains at a little lodge tucked away in Allenspark, CO. It was beautiful and so much fun to spend time with family. Not only that . . . but Nate enjoyed himself more than we thought he would since he hardly knew anyone.

Second Thing:

We're having salmon for dinner! That's the fish part. Clearly. And just for fun, here's another picture from the wedding, although I did ditch the cardigan shortly after we got there (it was merely for warmth purposes) and it was nice and toasty outside anyway.

It was the first time I was able to wear my pearls out in public (other than to Sarah's house). And I just love seeing Nate in his suit : )

Blueberries Divine

2010-08-16T21:01:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
I love BLUEBERRIES! Frozen, especially. My project is finally finished and awaiting my husband . . .

Second Thing:
Thursday I'm leaving for the beloved Colorado. While in Denver I'll spend some time with Nate shopping at BB&B for a wedding gift for Saturday. Then I'll spend the entire afternoon/evening with my grandparents looking at my wedding pictures. : ) Friday brings hiking in Estes and a picnic lunch. Saturday means lots of wedding fun, which I'm totally excited about. I'll be able to see a lot of family I haven't seen in a long time and they will all be able to meet Nate (most for the first time). We'll be making a 14 hour road trip home. I love road trips with Nate. Old music. Lots of laughing. Silly pictures. Fun adventures. Mostly making memories.
This trip also means I get to spend a little more time with Lauren and Kyle before the crazy school year starts.

I can't wait!

Plus, Extreme Food Sculptors is on now. : )

My project is finished. Mostly!

2010-08-15T00:13:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
I finished my project/surprise for Nate! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!
So with my matboard of about $10 and my frame (22x28) that I got half off at Hob Lob for $26 (I love their % off sales) and some rulers and a sharp edge I began.

I used Picassa by Google to blow up my picture by 400% and make a poster . . . creating 16 4x6 photos.

I did probably the most amount of math I've done since my thesis and even then the computer did it all for me, so probably since my research methods class 2 years ago. It was simple math however and divided the board up in to 16 4x6 squares with 1/4" in between each.

It took forever to neatly slice through each layer of the matboard. I didn't want little flakey black pieces hanging off the mini frames getting in the way of the picture, so it was a very tedious process.

This is the final project completed around 1 a.m. As you can see . . . my face . . . is cut off and you can barely see it on the other picture next to it. When I was piecing it together it didn't look bad and I thought I'd be able to see it more clearly. But really it just looks like I have half a face. However, I so love the design.

Second Thing:
As a result I had to search through all my other wedding photos to find a picture that was just as fun as this one. I didn't want to settle for a more traditional wedding photo because this isn't a very traditional way to display wedding photos. So I found this picture. And I love it because I am only able to see my face and Nate's face and a little of my sister's face and that's it. The rest are bodies, feet, and hands, which I totally love for some reason. So with more help from Picassa I rotated a landscape photo to portrait, blew it up again, created a poster and then rotated the pieces back to landscape so I can have a landscape photo when it's pieced together. . . . and this is what it should look like . . .

Our faces each get our own square and they're not cut up. Plus it's similar to the other photo . . . we're exiting and it's fun. I am so excited. I can't decide if I should hang it up myself above our bed so he can see it when he comes home or if I should lay it on our bed and let him hang it up . . . after all he's the expert in that kind of stuff. I'm not sure I could hang something this large and this heavy on my wally by myself. So I guess I'll lay it on our bed . . . with a bow?

I'm finally getting crafty

2010-08-10T18:57:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
Sunday when I was perusing Target with my sister because I can't exactly spend money on anything for fun (well almost anything) I saw a picture frame that gave me a little inspiration. A mosaic. So I've decided I'm taking my favorite picture from my wedding . . . I love this picture because we look so happy and you can see the bird seed and the sun and although I cropped it, a lot of our friends and family in the background smiling and laughing with us.

So I've divided this picture into 16 separate photos and I'm going to put them together in a poster sized frame with separators and create my own wedding mosaic. It will go above our fireplace and below our gbr sign (which I love every time I look at it because it reminds me of the good life).

Second Thing:
This is going to be the best surprise for Nate when he comes home. I hope he loves it as much as I love the idea of it. He has no idea but if he reads my blog (which he hardly ever does) he'll find out about it before he comes home. : ) I'm super excited for this because it's my first house project.

My second pair of kakhis

2010-08-08T23:22:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
I wanted to be matchers. So I bought two pairs of pants from NY & Co. at their buy one get one semi-annual sale. My second pair of kakhis in my entire life. I am totally serious. And then a pair of dark gray ones. Perfect fit, perfect fit, perfect length. And as it turns out, I get a military discount there. Thank you and have a nice day, to me. That fact makes me very happy.

Second Thing:
I think that possibly, maybe, Nate and I will be going up for the NE/OSU game and meet up with some friends. I can't wait. I feel seriously deprived of Husker football and it's about to get worse once we leave the Big 12.

Third Thing:
I am buying mason jars. I want to drink our tea sweet with lemon and our striped straws out of them. It will happen before the end of the week. I am also going to paint a canvas for our living room. However, I'm not sure how soon that will happen.

Fourth Thing:
We got a washer and dryer. FOR FREE! I had to scrub them down a little. However, they were free. What I don't understand is how washers get that dirty. Washers. Don't they wash things? They still wash and dry and for that I'm thankful. So praise.

Friday's Fill-In

2010-08-06T21:57:00.001-05:00

It's been a while for these but I've been busy and some of them I haven't liked very much.

1. Life is moving so fast sometimes it's hard to keep up.

2. Pray and keep going.

3. My last text message (or IM) ended in these three words: let's talk soon.

4. Ribs, corn on the cob, and corn muffins is what I'm thinking about for dinner sometime soon.

5. On the 1st day of August my true love gave to me . . . lots of laughs and a movie.

6. Reading road signs and funny voices on road trips makes me lively and energetic.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed alone with out Mr. Husbee? (not so much), tomorrow my plans include a sleepover with my sisters and Sunday, I want to go grocery shopping!

Legally I'm married but I don't have the proof

2010-08-03T15:51:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
The county clerk mailed our marriage license to my new apartment address on July 8th, which was almost a month ago. They have not received it back to due an incorrect address. My apartment complex has not received any mail from any tenants that did not belong to them. The post office gave me a case number and I should receive a call back in two days concerning my lost mail. I'm trying really hard not to be annoyed by this but I can't help it. I'm annoyed. Really annoyed. Can you please tell me how mail sent to Iraq does not get lost but a freaking marriage license is lost in the mail!? I mean really? All I can say is whatever. Technically I am legally married, it's documented with the state and I can purchase a certified copy for $21. Personally, I don't think that I should have to purchase a copy because I didn't lose it. The situation was out of my hands, but apparently I still have to purchase it. I know; I know; I'm still married but still.

Second Thing:
My cheerleading debut begins tonight as I participate in my little sister's cheer show case. It should be hilarious. Almost as hilarious as my music video debut to "Spice Up Your Life" by the Spice Girls. And my husband will be there to cheer/laugh me on.

These are a few of my favorite things . . .

2010-07-29T18:36:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
The anticipation that comes when Nate is about to come home. He surprised me on Monday and Wednesday by coming home early and not even telling me. And yesterday he called when he left work and so waiting for thirty minutes for him to come home was practically torture.

Second Thing:
Visiting my family. It's kind of fun being able to say let's visit my parents. It's also fun swapping recipes with my mom. . . . Like peanut butter banana scones that I found here.

Third Thing:
Being married. I like it when Nate hugs me, tells me he loves me, and tells me he's so glad we're married. I like going out and doing things like marrieds do. Grocery shopping, checking with the husbee to see if we're busy and if we can such and such with so and so. And even though he'll probably deny it, he enjoys watching Chopped on Bravo and Iron Chef America on Food Network with me. This is probably my favorite thing of all. (Especially because we couldn't go to bed the other night until we watched who won Chopped even though we were both exhausted).

Fourth Thing:
This Thursday on Lifetime because Legally Blonde, No Reservations, and Because I Said So were playing today while I watched with an upset stomach and tired eyes. Not only that but Lifetime has moved Grey's from 5-8 pm to 12-3 pm, which is fantastic because now I can watch while I send out resumes and fill out apps instead of when Nate's home.

Fifth Thing:
Getting mail addressed to Mrs. Norton, especially from friends. : )

Sixth Thing:
My wedding photos. I love them but every time I've tried to upload them, something has always gone wrong. One of these days they will be posted and printed and hung around my house : ). This is the last favorite thing because I just received the call and now I'm too excited waiting for Nate to come home to concentrate on blogging. : ) Plus I have to get ready to celebrate a good friend's birthday.

Engage-a-versary

2010-07-24T14:12:00.001-05:00

First Thing:
Last year at this time I was at J. Crew trying on Emily's bmaid's dress. After walking through the Omaha zoo, this time holding hands, with Nate and lunch at Wheatfield's. It was so fun to have a day reminiscent of the beginning of our relationship. If I had gotten my way today would be our wedding day. Luckily I'm already happily married. :) So tonight we celebrate our engagement our marriage and our whole relationship.

Second Thing:
I had hoped to have a lazy Saturday doing laundry, blogging a legit post, hanging out with my family while Nate works, and uploading wedding pictures but my computer is having trouble connecting to my parents internet so I have to briefly blog from my phone which isn't as fun since I don't have a lot of pictures on my phone yet. I guess I could do that now but folding laundry is next on my list. Soon I'll blog about the wedding and post some pictures. When I have working internet again.

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What I love about being married to Nate.

2010-07-21T12:10:00.001-05:00

First Thing:
I love that he never lets me wash the dishes after I cook. What I love even more is cooking the next day and finding things in all the wrong places. I suppose it could annoy me and I could correct him but really it just makes me smile and sometimes laugh. I know he tries and it really is the his thought and effort that make me love this so much. Plus in 5 years I might noy think it's so cute unless I make such a conscious effort to think it is. So the next time ... tonight rather when I find my whisk in the knife drawer I will smile because I can't help it.

Second Thought:
Nate and I conquered fresh Mojitos the other night. They taste so much better with fresh lime and mint as opposed to a pre-made mix. :) Tomorrow night we're having friends over for dinner and will be sharing these refreshing summertime drinks.

Third Thought:
We are going back to New Bethel tonight for the young adults class. I'm excited to see what it's all about. And I'm going to finally get my other set of dishes tonight so I won't have to wash dishes all the time but rather run our dishwasher.

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My husband's home!

2010-07-19T14:12:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
My gingy husbee came home an hour earlier than expected on Friday night and pretty much made my week. It's so nice to have him home because I actually feel married. Saturday we spent all day at the lake for my sister's boyfriend's birthday and Sunday is the first day I felt like we were really husband and wife. We woke up and got ready for church (but not after I surprised him with Texas shaped biscuits and homemade peach jam and gravy for breakfast). It's kind of fun looking for a new church and it's especially fun when I hear Nate say, "I'm Nate and this is my wife Amanda." It's nice because those people will never know us as anything other than husband and wife. Then a delicious Sunday lunch and a nice nap and then entertaining a dear friend last night at our apartment. So now, when people ask, "How does it feel to be married?" I can say, "WONDERFUL!"

Second Thing:
I've been trying to find a time to upload a few pictures from the wedding since I now have all of my pictures from my photog. I wanted to do a few today but currently I'm trying to scramble before Nate gets home to make it look like I got a few things accomplished while he was gone before we try and conquer making Mojitos together. : ) And tonight we're heading out with our gift cards to add a few more things to our kitchen collection and shelving units to our walls.

The pictures are here

2010-07-06T22:30:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
I received the link to my photographs from the wedding today. I LOVE THEM ALL! Except for the fact that I've realized that I make some pretty goofy faces. I can't wait to post a few.

Second Thing:
My mother and I spent an enormous amount of time in Target today finding the finishing touches for my apartment and spending most of our gift cards that our generous friends and family members passed along to us. It looks like that coffee I had with a friend this evening will do it's job since I'm too excited to sleep with all of this around in piles of bags and boxes. Not to mention it's nice to fall asleep exhausted because otherwise I can't fall asleep. I've started sleeping diagonally in my bed and I LOVE it. Unfortunately that will have to change once Nate gets home but for now I can soak it up.

Third Thing:
My old roommate and still best friend is coming to stay with my on Thursday night! I couldn't be more thrilled. And now that I have baking pans, I'm excited to make one of her favorite treats for when she comes.
: )

It's been a while

2010-07-05T01:19:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
Lots of things have happened and I promise that soon I will update . . . but it may be a while before pictures are loaded. I wanted to come home and go to sleep but I think the fact that I'll be sleeping alone in a new places intimidates me. Good thing I am prepared to handle whatever comes my way with two hand guns in the night stands and a new AK 47 sitting in the guest bedroom. Luckily I remembered to get the gun safe key from my HUSBAND (yes, we are finally married). Really though we live in a safe neighborhood but still it's comforting to know that if I don't have Nate here, I have five guns as a just in case. Luckily, I do have Cupcake Wars and a nice cozy blanket to keep me company until I fall asleep and then have to get up and move to our new bed.

Second Thing:
Other than last year's Fourth of July that I spent with one of my dearest friends, this year's was one of the best. Not actually today but last night when I spent all evening waiting for the fireworks show in Omaha with my in-laws playing Apples to Apples and catching up on life. My sister reminded me that it was our first holiday as a married couple . . and it was a lot of fun. Not only that but this morning was our first time as a married couple at church which was another fantastic experience.

So I promise I will be updating more. : ) But for now I'd like to finish Cupcake Wars and fall asleep.
: )

One Week

2010-06-12T23:55:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
It is now crunch time. Literally . . . I need to be doing crunches. The last week is not the time to miss tanning, working out, and dieting. However, time does not permit me to tan, work out, and diet as often as I could before. There is so much to do and so many places to be. Luckily we have a week in Aruba to make it up. We sure did spend 8 hours at a marriage prep class today. . . . not as boring and pointless as I thought it would be. And we had to write letters to each other . . . so I finally got a handwritten letter from Nate. Now I don't think I'll care if I get anything else every again . . . (except for a headboard and a bottom bed frame with lots of drawers).
I can't wait to seen all my friends!!!! It's quickly approaching and they will be here soon.

Second Thing:
My family (and almost family . . . Nate) has/have been amazing thus far and I'm not sure how I'd be able to get everything done without them. My sisters have been so helpful and supportive of this whole process. I love them all!! So thank you.

Are you getting married? Are you married?

2010-06-10T23:28:00.006-05:00

First Thing:
Today Nate and I accomplished a lot of almost married people things. We combined bank accounts and signed up for a credit card and transfer funds. Our associate asked us "are you getting married?" and I said yes and Nate said no. Then he gave us such a funny look. Nate thought he said "are you married?" and we all had a very good laugh for a very long time.Then we bought groceries for our new house together right across from the new Cowboys' stadium. Yes, we live that close to it. Our new rule: Nate is not allowed to boss me in the grocery store. I am in charge of food. I cook. Therefore I decide what to buy. For the next two weeks he's allowed to get whatever he wants. After that . . . too bad, so sad. ; )
Then we went to Verizon and transferred my number and now we have our own family plan. : ) And I have a new phone (also a plus).And for the past few days we have been moving in and unpacking and organizing our new life together. That, my friends, is so much fun.
I picked up my wedding band/engagement ring combo . . . I am so excited to wear it. It looks beautiful and Nate did such a wonderful job picking it out.

Second Thing:
I LOVE MY DRESSERS AND NIGHTSTANDS! They are fantastic. I promised photos and I have finally taken a few. I can't wait until they are full. (Excuse the mess, there is literally nothing in this room but junk and dressers. 5 to be exact. Don't ask.)

This one is technically Nate's.

This one is mine. Designed by yours truly. The drawers increase in size as they go down.One of our matching nightstands. A drawer and two shelves. Made exactly per my requests.

Third Thing:
Did I mention Nate surprised me with a wonderful Turkish (Persian) area rug for our apartment when he returned from Iraq? Because he did and I absolutely adore it. It is set up in our slightly cramped living room. It makes for cozy living quarters and there's lots of seating for our future guests. It's fun and I don't mind. I so love that the rug makes it look more like a home. It may not look like it matches but the camera obviously doesn't pick up the tiny bit of green in it that ties it all together. The pillows will be recovered and we are hopefully getting slip covers. We have a fire place. It's covered by part of a couch and a lamp but when it's cold I am going to have a fire because that's what I've missed the most when living in the dorms. And then I am going to make s'mores because that is what I love the most when I'm near a fire.

Fourth Thing:This is a congratulatory shout out to my old friend Sarah who I ran in to today at Panda Express. It's been about four years and the only way we keep updated on each others' lives is facebook. Apparently she is three weeks engaged. I am 9 days out from my wedding. She is where I was last July. It's so funny to look back at that time and wonder where all the time went. She'll be apart from her fiance these next long months and I can sympathize (and I know another dear friend of mine can sympathize as well). It sucks but it's well worth the stress. So congratulations Sarah and many blessings.
Fifth Thing:
I realize this might be annoying but today I am 8 days out from the wedding and I finally had a wedding appointment with Nate. Our first one. He said it made it that much more real to meet with our caterer and see everything coming together . . . . I've been at that point for a while now (about 3 weeks) so it's nice that we're both on the same page now. I think he likes living in Arlington and I know he's happy I did a good job finding a great deal on an awesome apartment.

Sixth Thing:
I saved the best for last. Although I am excited that I am getting married in 8 days. I am almost just as (if not more) excited to see lots of my friends and a few of my best friends for the wedding. It's been a long time (for some a very very long time) and I really can't wait. I think just this once it might be okay to say more excited than getting married.

I know there are a lot of things but it's just one of those times where my whole life is changing. And I have the picture to prove it.

Friday's Fill-In

2010-06-10T22:10:00.002-05:00

1. Having Nate in the same city again feels great.
2. The solution is love and respect.
3. Now that we're counting down single digits it's getting harder to fall asleep.
4. How about you act like an adult and get over it.
5. P90X is something I highly recommend!
6. Imagine running into such an old friend after so many years, so fun!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Taylor's birthday/house warming, tomorrow my plans include an all day marriage prep class and Sunday, I want to finish unpacking and go to the Batsche's!

11 more days

2010-06-08T15:21:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
Nate comes in today and we're going to move in all of our stuff. . . I'M SO EXCITED! He'll be here in about 45 minutes and then we can start to build our life together. He left at 12 am last night so we could move in today. 12 am! Then he slept for a few hours on the side of the road in a big Penske truck with our car hitched behind and then kept driving. It will take him about 14 hours (just driving) because he left from Omaha and is carrying a big load. I'd like to think it's because he loves me and I'm pretty sure I'm right.
I'll be move all of the stuff that has been collecting in my bedroom into the Penske truck and my entire family and Kyle (who is basically family) will head on over to help us all move in . . . when did I get so old?! I can't wait to see my dressers and night stands. He has put so much time and effort into building them, staining them, and finishing them. I seriously couldn't be more pleased that he took the time to build them for our life together.

Second Thing:
Apparently Spanish presentations didn't end with high school or college. Luckily I'll be able to keep practicing my Spanish. : )

Friday's Fill-In

2010-06-03T22:13:00.000-05:00

I so love these things.

1. The beach is my favorite place to travel to.
2. When I think about my childhood, I often remember playing dainty ladies and dressing up.
3. Laughter makes for a good friend.
4. The wind in the trees, the rain on my skin, is something I love on summer nights.
5. The wedding is nearing and it is so exciting!
6. My best friend knows secrets.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to making the seating chart, tomorrow my plans include seeing Taylor and Sunday, I want to hang out with Karlyn!

Maybe I won't be so broke

2010-06-01T22:43:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
Apparently my senior seminar for comm studies was somewhat useful. I'm prepping for an interview now for a position I really want. It's working for a non-profit. It's using my Spanish. It will provide a nice income for my future husband and allow us to save a lot of money for our house (and babies and grad school!). And it's in Ft. Worth meaning less traffic and a shorter commute because it's close! And it's my only option right now. Lots of prayers at 2 pm would be nice. Please and thank you.

Second Thing:
I am really loving P90X. And I am really loving that my dad has a nice new job! Praise the Lord. I know that God will take care of me and my new family (since he's taking care of my dad and my current family).

19 days!

2010-05-31T12:53:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
We are now into the teens! How exciting! Nate will be here (home) in a week and a half and our home will be set up. I spent all day working on crafty projects for the wedding and today I'm going to work on my potential hair piece. Nate and I will pick the vows tomorrow and then we have so many more things to figure out but I'm sure where the list begins.

Second Thing:
Nate will hopefully finish our dressers and nightstands today! I'm so excited to see them (luckily I only have to wait one more week). It's going to be a surprise but I did get to pick the color and the size of some of the drawers so it felt like I had a little part in it. He's worked so diligently on them all weekend and all last weekend. I'm so thankful for my mister and all of his hard work. I'm so glad that he is such a handyman. As soon as I get them, I'll be sure to post pictures!

New Chapters

2010-05-28T14:28:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
This is all about new chapters, new beginnings, new phases in my life. This weekend I spent a few hours in a coffee shop with two very close friends. It's funny how in high school we were not nearly this close and once college started we became fast friends. They have supported me all throughout college with life, school, Nate, jobs, missions etc. We spent all afternoon catching up on life and reviewing our future plans, sharing our lives with one another. They have been such a blessing in my life and I know that our friendship is not over. We are all in such different places in our lives: spatially, relationally, job wise (financially we're all broke!), etc. but we still have such a strong bond. We're entering a new phase in our life and our friendship dynamics are changing (not ending). I love them and I know we'll still be great friends for many, many, many years to come.
Unfortunately we forgot to take a picture together today to commemorate our last hang out before this phase in our life ends.

Second Thing:
I had such fun at my bridal shower this weekend. I had the chance to see lots of friends that I hadn't seen in such a long time and I was overwhelmed by the generosity shown to me. My sister's were so clever and put so much work into hosting it. And so to recap that wonderful event:

Look at these adorable cupcakes!

Apparently this is what I'll be wearing on the first night of the honeymoon.

This is little Sarah and I. And my amazing silverware the Ramos clan gave me!

And a thank you to those who came (and are reading this).
: )

Third Thing:
Nate and I found an apartment! We have a new address and he'll move in on June 8/9th!!! Then we'll get all set up and after the honeymoon . . . it'll be ours!!! Two bedroom and two bathroom, so we have room for visitors!

I'm so excited! I spent a few minutes this morning looking at HOME magazine and it got me really thinking. I'm going to have a new roommate and I can't wait.

Friday's Fill-In

2010-05-28T13:43:00.000-05:00

1. Potato salad -- the best food to take on a picnic.
2. Summer nights in Texas are the best.
3. In the summer I live in flip flops.
4. To love someone is such fun .
5. I can't wait until Aruba to take a long hike around the island.
6. When I crave food, it's usually Chipotle, potato salad, or Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching Brian Regan, tomorrow my plans include looking for a job and Sunday, I want to tan and decide on a ceremony order!

Friday's Fill-In

2010-05-21T12:07:00.003-05:00

1. Nate Norton never fails to make me smile.
2. I'm looking forward to the wedding and seeings lots of friends.
3. Adam 12 is what I'm listening to right now.
4. Potato salad must have jalapenos in it!
5. Wheaties with fresh strawberries was the best thing I ate today.
6. Today was busy and is getting busier.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to looking for a job and making my hair piece, tomorrow my plans include celebrating my sister's birthday and my bridal shower and Sunday, I want to look through lots of old pictures!

Happy Birthday Sister

2010-05-18T22:54:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
Happy Birthday Lauren!! She's now officially 21 and that makes her kind of old . . . just kidding. We won't be celebrating her birthday until Saturday night but I'm excited to celebrate it with her. : D

Second Thing:
I am so excited that my response cards are coming in and it's like Christmas every day. It's so fun to see the little notes people write on them and to see the people that check "well attend". Tomorrow will be exactly one month until the wedding!!!!! I'm so excited!!!!! Also, I am more than thrilled to go pick up my dress tomorrow. I can't wait to see the bustle and plus, I've kind of forgotten what it looks like.

Third Thing:
My family is addicted to Lifetime Movie Network.

Fourth Thing:
I started P90X yesterday and I love it!!! It's deceptively challenging. When I finished my workout yesterday I thought why are all these people complaining about how hard this is, I feel great. Then I woke up this morning . . . . at least I know I'm getting an excellent workout.

Fifth Thing:
I had a wonderful night out with two very good friends. A merging of the "old" and the "new". : ) Such fun.

The time has finally come

2010-05-16T22:14:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
I'm sitting here wearing a Husker Alumni shirt. It feels kind of bizarre. In three weeks Nate will move down to Texas and it feels even more bizarre. In 34 days Nate and I will "tie the knot". BIZARRE! I can't believe this point in my life that always seemed far away is now just weeks away. Time will fly by and my schedule is packed. Luckily so is Nate's and that means it'll feel like time is going by even faster! It's starting to feel that much more real now that I'm done with school and back at home. It also began feeling real when Nate and I received our first wedding gift. We went to dinner with a wonderful family on Thursday night and they gave us this:

Because Nate is a corn fed Nebraska boy and I am a Husker alum. I LOVE IT! I'm trying to think of where we'll put it in our new home. I'm so excited to hang it up! A big shout out to Randi and her family for being so thoughtful. It's perfect and I can't wait to put it up!

Second Thing:
Nate and I are going to try and buy a house within the next year. I'm so excited. And I know he is too. I'll get to decorate and stop packing/unpacking. He'll get to fix things up and build things and make things the way he wants. : )

Friday's Fill-In

2010-05-07T10:02:00.004-05:00

First Thing:
1. Salsa and chips are what I judge a good Mexican restaurant by.
2. Look at your turkey sandwich, and you've even got mustard.
3. By the time I get home I'll be that much closer to my wedding, and actually have to start looking for a job.
4. Planning meals and having Nate push the cart is what I look forward to most when grocery shopping.
5. And I was dreaming I'd reach for the sky.
6. BEING DONE WITH COLLEGE...is there anything else better?!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to dinner with my grandparents and uncle and then out with my Bible study girls, tomorrow my plans include graduating and spending time with the other mexi-texis and Sunday, I want to visit my mother in law and make carrot cake cupcakes for Lg!

Second Thing:
I am DONE with undergrad.

Third Thing:
I get to see my family today and some of my future family tomorrow! : )

Friday's Fill-In

2010-04-29T20:06:00.000-05:00

1. I was just a little girl from Texas when I knocked on Lauren's door, now the rest is history.
2. I was taking this Spanish drama and I left my book in my room every week because we NEVER USED IT.
3. Why does my time here have to end so soon.
4. Tia Peterson was in my thoughts today.
5. One of my father's favorite sayings was tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are (but he said it in Spanish and it sounded way cooler).
6. Making it inside just before the rain starts to pour--I know that feeling!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sushi with Dina, Phil, and the Mr., tomorrow my plans include attending the graduation of my future sister-in-law and Sunday, I want to spend lots of time with Lg (but will end up writing lots of papers)!

Those lazy days

2010-04-24T18:22:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
I love the days when it storms and I get to stay inside. That day would be today for the last hour or so.
I love the times when impromptu potluck dinners happen. That time would be tonight.
I love watching The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Diners Drive-ins and Dives, and Throwdown with Bobby Flay on Food Network. I especially love it when I'm falling asleep on my futon.
I love when it's quiet in my apartment like it was today.
I especially love talking with old friends and good friends after it's been a while.

Second Thing:
I don't like the end of the semester.
I don't like having allergies because it makes it a little hard to enjoy the spring.
I hate florists and I don't like deciding wedding flowers.
I don't like this sense of apathy I feel.
And I really don't like this headache I've had for five days.

Friday's Fill-In

2010-04-23T13:49:00.005-05:00

1. Where are my college years, they all seem to have disappeared?
2. If wishes were horses then I'd have none.
3. I'd like to see all my friends one last time before I leave.
4. When I was a teen, I thought that these years would never come, that my wedding was too far off, that my husband wouldn't be this good looking ; ).
5. One of my mother's favorite sayings was Jesus in the family, what a happy family.
6. I'd have a hard time doing wedding plans without my mom or my fiance.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to studying? , tomorrow my plans include studying and seeing old friends and Sunday, I want to go to he CSF banquet!

Wasting time

2010-04-21T12:28:00.000-05:00

First Thing:
I've been blogging a lot more lately, probably because I'm avoiding anything productive. Except starting today I actually have to be productive. But I'm going to start being productive after lunch and after this blog post. I am in love with my new ipod that Nate got me. I absolutely love it!!!

Second Thing:
Nate's wedding band is ready for pick up today! However, I can't pick it up until next week when I make it up to Omaha sometime. And when my fiance come back from far away again. (He has a tendency to leave me a lot.) Speaking of him leaving. After we get married and take our honeymoon and come back and settle in . . . he is going to leave me again for about 18 days. He'll have to make up his guard days he missed while he was in Iraq and the only time he can do that is in July. Oh well, story of our life. 18 days isn't really that long, and it'll be split up into 9 day periods. The only thing that's different now is that we'll be married, and I'm sure that adds something to the whole missing each other thing. Luckily, I think this will be the last time he leaves me for a while. Thank goodness. We've spent a week together. We'll spend two weeks together before I go back to Texas. Then we'll spend two weeks together right before the wedding. That brings our actually being in the same place at the same time while we are engaged count to 7 weeks out of the 45 weeks that we will technically be engaged. Interesting. I kind of just want to feel engaged. Is that too much to ask? I guess it doesn't matter. We'll be married and that will be a forever in the same place at the same time (mostly).

Third Thing:
I've been thinking about this for a while, but the other day Nate and I made another important decision. We decided to see each other before the wedding. I always wanted to wait until the moment I walked through the entrance of the church when Nate and I would see each other for the first time. Seeing each other before and seeing each other in the church both have their perks and both have their drawbacks. The more I thought about it, the more I was leaning toward seeing each other for the first time before the actual ceremony.

It will be a more intimate moment, just me, Nate, and the photographers.
It will save a lot of time (and a lot of stress) in the long run.
There will be more flexibility on location and I can get more of what I want in terms of pictures.
There are some really adorable "first look pictures".
I'll actually be able to see his face when he sees me for the first time up close, which is so much better than farther away.
We can kiss before the ceremony! (I don't care if that's silly.)

And so now, I feel more excited about having a first look than I did about sticking to tradition. Mostly, I'm excited that we're under the two month mark in both date and days (past the 19th of April and past the 60 day count). It's coming up fast. I can't wait!