Monday, May 23, 2011
Brotherly Love
"Sis, when you and Jake get married and move in together, I think you should take baby steps. Like, first bunkbeds, then move into trundle beds, then 2 twin sized beds a foot apart, then finally a queen....but with cardboard in the middle." Aaron Morris age: 15
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
swoon.
Brief list of things I adored about the Royal Wedding
1. LACE! ARE WE KIDDING ABOUT THAT GOWN?!?!?! 
2. William and Harry. Having 4 of them, there is a very special place in my heart for brothers.
3. The Queen's attire. Duh.
4. Kate's brother read Romans 12! My favorite chapter of the Bible EVER! I cried.
5. The Beckhams. Too hot for their own good.
6. The kiss on the balcony. Swoon. swoon. swooooooooooon.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
just a thought...
Does anybody ever see the things people post on Facebook and then wonder if they ever plan on applying for a job? Just leave your body shot pictures on iPhoto, people. Ay yi yi.
Monday, April 25, 2011
just good ol fashion joy!
I was quite the grumposaurus rex this morning when it hit me that spring break is officially over. Now, as I'm sitting here on the 3rd floor of the FSU library, I am suddenly overwhelmed with joy. Yeah, sure, maybe I failed my 30 day challenge, but my cup still runneth over.
Here I am doing a research paper defending Dr. Seuss while the girl next to me has a million biochem text books open. This isn't just another "Liberal Studies majors have it easy" brag-fest. I just truly truly 100% am beyond obsessed with my career of choice. All I want to do in life is sit and read books to an autistic child. Obviously this isn't all my job will entail, but that little image makes my heart all melty!
Also, I've made it a habit of checking my email every 3 seconds for RSVP's. I literally almost get chocked up every time I see another person who is so so so precious to us say they are coming. It's overwhelming. June 17th is going to be the legitest day ever :)
Lastly, it's such a relief to have had such a productive week. Yeags and I got some fun crafty projects done plus worked on our slideshow PLUS picked out our wedding bands. Sidenote: It was our bright shining lucky day because after being totally confused why my top 2 choices of bands were completely different prices when they had the exact same layout, carats, clarity, and color we went with the one that was half the price with the other (obviously). WEEELLLLL after we left the place (which is the cutest family owned place with the sweetest people you'll ever meet) we got a call that they hadn't marked the ring up yet and the tag was the wholesale price. They kindly offered to still give it to us for that price and we excitedly accepted. So basically we got my band for 1/2 of what it was supposed to be. Amazing right?! Plus it's going to be the most beautiful wedding set I've ever seen. PLUS Jake's ring is super rad too. Except he doesn't officially now which one I'm going to pick. Poor guy needs a little fun in his life too.
Anyways, just needed to document this current joy. Back to One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.
Here I am doing a research paper defending Dr. Seuss while the girl next to me has a million biochem text books open. This isn't just another "Liberal Studies majors have it easy" brag-fest. I just truly truly 100% am beyond obsessed with my career of choice. All I want to do in life is sit and read books to an autistic child. Obviously this isn't all my job will entail, but that little image makes my heart all melty!
Also, I've made it a habit of checking my email every 3 seconds for RSVP's. I literally almost get chocked up every time I see another person who is so so so precious to us say they are coming. It's overwhelming. June 17th is going to be the legitest day ever :)
Lastly, it's such a relief to have had such a productive week. Yeags and I got some fun crafty projects done plus worked on our slideshow PLUS picked out our wedding bands. Sidenote: It was our bright shining lucky day because after being totally confused why my top 2 choices of bands were completely different prices when they had the exact same layout, carats, clarity, and color we went with the one that was half the price with the other (obviously). WEEELLLLL after we left the place (which is the cutest family owned place with the sweetest people you'll ever meet) we got a call that they hadn't marked the ring up yet and the tag was the wholesale price. They kindly offered to still give it to us for that price and we excitedly accepted. So basically we got my band for 1/2 of what it was supposed to be. Amazing right?! Plus it's going to be the most beautiful wedding set I've ever seen. PLUS Jake's ring is super rad too. Except he doesn't officially now which one I'm going to pick. Poor guy needs a little fun in his life too.
Anyways, just needed to document this current joy. Back to One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Day 28 :)
Something I dream about.
Literally, I dream about solving murders with the cast of Criminal Minds and that Jake and I will forget to say our vows at the wedding.
BUT
Figuratively, I dream about spending every day of my career life giving love to children who need it. I dream of giving them the comfort of knowing they are understood. I dream of reading them stories and teaching them simple things like how to order at a restaurant and that a smile means happy. I dream of the possibility of being able to show a glimmer of God's love to His very own angels.
Ps.
Literally, I dream about solving murders with the cast of Criminal Minds and that Jake and I will forget to say our vows at the wedding.
BUT
Figuratively, I dream about spending every day of my career life giving love to children who need it. I dream of giving them the comfort of knowing they are understood. I dream of reading them stories and teaching them simple things like how to order at a restaurant and that a smile means happy. I dream of the possibility of being able to show a glimmer of God's love to His very own angels.
Ps.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Day 27 :)
A picture of a smiley face, heart, peace sign, or some other symbol of happiness.
Hahahahahaha this is without a doubt, one of my favorite pictures EVER. Jake, Eric, Aud, and I went camping and boating with the Yeagers a few summers back. To keep with Yeager tradition, the first night at Shaver Lake always includes Shaver Lake Pizza. When we brought it back to the campsite, we found this little guy. Amazing, right?!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Day 26 :)
A blog that makes me happy.
As you can see HERE, around this time last year, I developed a MAJOR girl crush on JJ Heller. She is just one of those people who I feel like would be my real life bff. A couple weeks ago she played at our church. After service Jake and I were talking about possibilities of what her real name might be. This lead me to a google search, which lead me to her blog. We never found out her real name, by-the-way, so, JJ, if you're reading, we're stumped! :) Anyways, her blog truly is lovely. The Fi and I are currently all about home decorating, since it is suddenly a reality in our life, and JJ is totally cute and creative. See for yourself!
PS. Complete coincidence that our blog names are similar, but another clue we would be besties!
PS. Complete coincidence that our blog names are similar, but another clue we would be besties!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Day 25 :)
Post a sticky note or sign somewhere with a nice message.
Ok, Ok, Im cheating again. My camera is currently MIA and PhotoBooth makes words backwards, so I desperately searched through iPhoto until I found this. It's the closest to a sign with a nice message that I have. This was during one of the last weekends of camp. The majority of the counselors left for the weekend and a couple of us stayed behind to hang out with the Rowdy Kids (aka The Walker Girls lol) After a night of making friendship bracelets, I decided to make my very own starbucks in the cabin :) Props to Alyssa Walker for doing a fabulous mermaid lady. hahaha
Moral of the Story: I miss camp. Hardcore. Still.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Day 24 :)
Dedicate a post to somebody telling them what I think about them.
The most comforting feeling is knowing you have somebody who will- without a doubt -love you unconditionally for the rest of your life. Luckily I have a handful, but on this particular day, I think it's important to reflect on one.
Ash,
Thank you for never judging, always praying, endlessly loving, and forever being my best friend. I hope you're proud of your strength, beauty, and faith. I definitely am.
Day 23 :)
An activity I find fun.
I was going to be predictable and pick ballet or reading, but then I found this picture and couldn't resist. Fearing my life on the tube makes me happy.
PS. This will be my and Jake's first married summer at Shaver! A select few will understand the true excitement of that statement.
Day 22 :)
A picture that gives me hope.
With all of this talk of prenups, affairs, separations, and divorces, its nice to know there are people who have accomplished what Jake and I have set out to do.
Day 21 :)
A picture of the last time I was happy.
Today!
I just saw the sample of our invites and I have a weekend's worth of DVR to catch up on. YAY!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Day 20 :)
Happiness in my own words.
Happiness is knowing I am fearfully and wonderfully made. It's knowing I am treasure, sacred, and His.
(Ok, ok, I got a little help from Psalm 139 and MercyMe)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day 19 :)
Something I found while searching 'love' on Tumblr.
Whoever took this picture took it from mine and Yeager's future home.
also...I should probably start looking for a new nickname for Jake.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day 18 :)
Something on my Dash that makes me happy.
Note: This challenge was intended for Tumblr, hence the dash. Since this is blogger and there isn't a dash, I'm changing this completely to: Something in my room that makes me happy.
Note: This challenge was intended for Tumblr, hence the dash. Since this is blogger and there isn't a dash, I'm changing this completely to: Something in my room that makes me happy.
My trusty ol' yellow vans.
Day 16 :)
Describe the happiest day of my life.
Note: This will all be trumped on June 17th, but for now...
Note: This will all be trumped on June 17th, but for now...
December 5th, 2010. Yosemite at The Falls. Snow. Red rose petals. Guitar. These lyrics: Let's settle down, Darlin' won't you share this life? Before God, I will declare you 'wife'. A brilliant carat. Wet knee. Yes. Hugs and Kisses. Friends. Family. Cake. Toasts. Love.love.love!
Day 15 :)
A TV show that makes me smile.
CAUTION: READ ENTIRE POST BEFORE YOU JUDGE ME!
CAUTION: READ ENTIRE POST BEFORE YOU JUDGE ME!
Yes, I admit it. I love the shore. A few weeks ago, Jake even tried to stage an intervention. He claims that reality television causes him literal stomach aches, but you all should know that when it is on, he will sit and watch and even let giggle at 90% of the things Pauly says. But, anyways, I started off watching this show just because I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I wasn't initially impressed. However, I live with Jake's cousin, who is the queen of all things reality, so I usually wound up on the couch with her as she caught up on her DVR. I started falling in love with these guidos and guidettes. Jake and I always talk about my strange connection to people. So often I create these instant relationships with people. For example: I contemplated inviting our bridal registry consultant to our wedding. I can't help that I became besties with him as he was offering us a lesson in cutlery 101. Now, this quirk of mine doesn't limit itself to real life people. I feel like I should be double dating with Jim and Pam, drinking coffee with Lorelai and Rory, and now, getting my GTL on with the cast of the Jersey Shore. Even if America and Italy disagrees, I think they are good people with good hearts :) We have some things to learn from them, like how loyalty in friendships and what makes a relationship unhealthy *cough Sammi and Ron cough* It's fascinating. It's a people watcher's dream! You know you agree.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Day 14 :)
A conversation that makes me happy.
Ash: If my heart were a meadow, you make the sun shine, the grass grow, and the flowers bloom.
Karissa: :) If I was Ron Burgundy and you were milk, you would not be a bad choice.
Ash: if Regina George was going to pay me a million dollars AND be my best friend forever if i put you in The Burn Book, i still wouldn't do it.
Karissa: If you were a guitar amp you would go all the way to eleven.
Ash: you are the chile to my mango.
Karissa: you are the roller to my blade.
Ash: you are the sparkle and fizz in my diet pep.
Karissa: you are the glorious and treasured burnt sunflower seed in my 50cent frito lay bag.
Ash: if you were a human raised by elves who decided to go on a journey to the Big Apple to find your father, i would be your New York companion, eating gum off everything, building phenomenal Lego creations, ripping beards off fake Santa's, and go around congratulating every single "World's Best Coffee" shop.
Karissa: If I were hannalee and you were home, I would turn towards you.
.....
........
Ash: If you were Daisy who just spazzed out and killed Myrtle by running her over, I would tell everyone it was me who did it.
Karissa: If you were an Invisible Man, I would see you.
Ash: If you kept having to go back in time to save some punk kid who would father your ancestor, i would risk my life and my future and go back with you.
Karissa: If you were Ti Moune and I were Daniel, I would not marry Andrea even if it would ruin the Beauxhomme legacy.
Ash: If YOU were Daniel and I were Ti Moune, I would give my soul to the God's so you could live .
Karissa: If you were garlic cheese toast, I would never burn you, no matter how ADD I was.
Here's the deal. My best friend, Ashley, and I are really hilarious. I don't care if you think that's tasteless of me to say. It's true. This is a conversation we had a couple years back. Luckily I had it saved, so I can go back and bask in it's beauty. Unless you are one of our best friends, you will more than likely not understand all of the references, but try your hardest. Some of them allude to things we love in life, some are to our favorite movies, and (being the nerds that we are) some of them are about books we have read together through our journey as honors and AP English students.
Ash: If my heart were a meadow, you make the sun shine, the grass grow, and the flowers bloom.
Karissa: :) If I was Ron Burgundy and you were milk, you would not be a bad choice.
Ash: if Regina George was going to pay me a million dollars AND be my best friend forever if i put you in The Burn Book, i still wouldn't do it.
Karissa: If you were a guitar amp you would go all the way to eleven.
Ash: you are the chile to my mango.
Karissa: you are the roller to my blade.
Ash: you are the sparkle and fizz in my diet pep.
Karissa: you are the glorious and treasured burnt sunflower seed in my 50cent frito lay bag.
Ash: if you were a human raised by elves who decided to go on a journey to the Big Apple to find your father, i would be your New York companion, eating gum off everything, building phenomenal Lego creations, ripping beards off fake Santa's, and go around congratulating every single "World's Best Coffee" shop.
Karissa: If I were hannalee and you were home, I would turn towards you.
.....
........
Ash: If you were Daisy who just spazzed out and killed Myrtle by running her over, I would tell everyone it was me who did it.
Karissa: If you were an Invisible Man, I would see you.
Ash: If you kept having to go back in time to save some punk kid who would father your ancestor, i would risk my life and my future and go back with you.
Karissa: If you were Ti Moune and I were Daniel, I would not marry Andrea even if it would ruin the Beauxhomme legacy.
Ash: If YOU were Daniel and I were Ti Moune, I would give my soul to the God's so you could live .
Karissa: If you were garlic cheese toast, I would never burn you, no matter how ADD I was.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Day 13 :)
A movie that makes me happy.
I love ALOT of movies. However, I must confess, if it's my turn to pick what to watch on a Friday night at home, I will most likely pick one that I have already seen 10 times and Dan in Real Life will be one of my options. I just love it. It's one of those movies that makes my heart feel good. Here are some reason to love it.
1. BEST SOUNDTRACK EVER! Honestly, that cd got me through some super hard times a few years ago. Sondre Lerche is right up my alley, he will always have priority on my iTunes.
2. Steve Carell and Dane Cook. Need I say more?
3. The precious little vacation town. I just want to spend every summer of my life in that house, on that lake.
4. It's just simply comforting. A great movie to pop in when life is being difficult. I promise it will calm you down and cheer you up!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Day 12 :)
A picture or description of someone who makes you happy.
America, meet my brothers :) I didn't want to play favorites, so today you get a picture and description of all 4 of them! Yes, four.
Meet Wes: You see the charming tall kid, punching the charming second tallest kid? That's Wes. He is one of the funniest people I know, and he doesn't even realize it. He also happens to be a literal genius. Confused about animal science or WWII? Wes is your man. He is gentle and loving but fierce and blunt. He will most likely get a fancy scholarship to a fancy university and become MUCH more successful than me. I'm totally ok with that.
Meet Aaron: Or as I like to call him Kaaron, or sometimes when I'm reallllly sassy, Shaaron. Aar is far more sensitive and loving than his sarcastic comments and stink eyes make him out to be. He has truly developed a funny bone these past few years, which makes me so very proud. Aaron is our little athlete and works it on both the football and (more importantly) baseball fields. He's by far the brother I fight with the most, but it's just because he's passionate (*cough dramatic cough*)
Meet Keaton: Keaton, whose gorgeous eyes you can see peaking over my shoulder, is one of the most beautiful humans I've ever seen. He also is way funnier than me, which I rarely admit. K-mac is in that awkward 10-year-old phase, but I honestly can't wait to see how totally rad he is going to become. He is a not-so-secret snuggle bug and his big sis is still his first love. He also has a Yugioh card collection that will put your little brother to shame, so there!
Meet Kade: Hurri-Kade continues to blow me away. He is just this funny, composed, mature, and insightful man locked away in this little body. He comes up with the most profound and witty things while coloring in his children's menu. It's just amazing. Plus, he is totally a stud. The kid has the ability to win any woman over with his precious little eye squint. Like Keaton, I am so stoked to see teenager Kade. 5 minutes and you'll want him as your bff.
Meet Wes: You see the charming tall kid, punching the charming second tallest kid? That's Wes. He is one of the funniest people I know, and he doesn't even realize it. He also happens to be a literal genius. Confused about animal science or WWII? Wes is your man. He is gentle and loving but fierce and blunt. He will most likely get a fancy scholarship to a fancy university and become MUCH more successful than me. I'm totally ok with that.
Meet Aaron: Or as I like to call him Kaaron, or sometimes when I'm reallllly sassy, Shaaron. Aar is far more sensitive and loving than his sarcastic comments and stink eyes make him out to be. He has truly developed a funny bone these past few years, which makes me so very proud. Aaron is our little athlete and works it on both the football and (more importantly) baseball fields. He's by far the brother I fight with the most, but it's just because he's passionate (*cough dramatic cough*)
Meet Keaton: Keaton, whose gorgeous eyes you can see peaking over my shoulder, is one of the most beautiful humans I've ever seen. He also is way funnier than me, which I rarely admit. K-mac is in that awkward 10-year-old phase, but I honestly can't wait to see how totally rad he is going to become. He is a not-so-secret snuggle bug and his big sis is still his first love. He also has a Yugioh card collection that will put your little brother to shame, so there!
Meet Kade: Hurri-Kade continues to blow me away. He is just this funny, composed, mature, and insightful man locked away in this little body. He comes up with the most profound and witty things while coloring in his children's menu. It's just amazing. Plus, he is totally a stud. The kid has the ability to win any woman over with his precious little eye squint. Like Keaton, I am so stoked to see teenager Kade. 5 minutes and you'll want him as your bff.
I love my brothers, and I'm 100% positive that I wouldn't be nearly as cool as I am now if it weren't for all of them. Playing army and constantly having to put down the toilet seat is good for a girl. I wish they were all with me all the time. They are just the best.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Day 11 :)
A story of something that made me happy today.
For the past few weeks I've been on Youtube for hours, listening to the tracks from Adele's new cd, 21. I'm all about that girl. Like, obsessed. I haven't bought music in quite some time (which I am VERY ashamed to say). Since Limewire isn't free anymore, I've been music hungry.
Yesterday, Jake and I were shopping in Target. I was trying to rush him past the entertainment section because he will spend an hour browsing through every.single.dvd. Then I saw the Adele album resting on the shelf.
"Uggghhh. I want that soooo bad." I told Jake. Of course, he knows I wouldn't buy it. I've been mega budget conscious lately with the wedding and the fact that we are on our own in 3 months. Jake isn't careless about money by any means, either. The moment I finished my sentence, he picked up the cd, threw it in the basket and kept walking.
"No! I don't need it!" I said, putting it back on the shelf.
"You're getting it! Come on, " He answered, putting it back.
I let him win, for once. I did want the cd. It wouldn't hurt to splurge a little on some good music. He, of course, insisted on paying for it once we got to the register. I bought him a burger later in the day to show my appreciation. Moral of the story: I'm thankful to have someone who wants to spoil me, who wants me to be happy. Yes, it was just a silly Adele cd, but it meant a lot to me. It's the little things, right? But really, its the big, lovely, beautiful, super meaningful things hidden within those little things :)
Ps. The cd is phenomenal. I'm constantly looking for places to drive to so I can jam in my car.
For the past few weeks I've been on Youtube for hours, listening to the tracks from Adele's new cd, 21. I'm all about that girl. Like, obsessed. I haven't bought music in quite some time (which I am VERY ashamed to say). Since Limewire isn't free anymore, I've been music hungry.
Yesterday, Jake and I were shopping in Target. I was trying to rush him past the entertainment section because he will spend an hour browsing through every.single.dvd. Then I saw the Adele album resting on the shelf.
"Uggghhh. I want that soooo bad." I told Jake. Of course, he knows I wouldn't buy it. I've been mega budget conscious lately with the wedding and the fact that we are on our own in 3 months. Jake isn't careless about money by any means, either. The moment I finished my sentence, he picked up the cd, threw it in the basket and kept walking.
"No! I don't need it!" I said, putting it back on the shelf.
"You're getting it! Come on, " He answered, putting it back.
I let him win, for once. I did want the cd. It wouldn't hurt to splurge a little on some good music. He, of course, insisted on paying for it once we got to the register. I bought him a burger later in the day to show my appreciation. Moral of the story: I'm thankful to have someone who wants to spoil me, who wants me to be happy. Yes, it was just a silly Adele cd, but it meant a lot to me. It's the little things, right? But really, its the big, lovely, beautiful, super meaningful things hidden within those little things :)
Ps. The cd is phenomenal. I'm constantly looking for places to drive to so I can jam in my car.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Day 9 :)
A site that makes me happy.
Derek Tipton's Photography Blog
Our amazing engagement pictures from our amazing photographer!! Does this count? It's a website and it makes me REALLY happy. When we were planning our e-session, Jake and I knew we wanted to do something personal and unique. We had seen the same beach, park, and downtown (insert city here) shots before, and while those are all absolutely beautiful, we wanted ours to have a little more meaning and truly reflect our story and who we are as a couple. Luckily, our genius photog, Derek, listened SO well and captured all of those things PERFECTLY! (At least I think so :))
We started the day off in the theatre at our high school. For those of you stalkers who don't know my life, Jake and I met and began our relationship there our freshman/sophomore years. We were both active in drama at the school and continue to be huge fans of theatre, so it served as an absolutely stunning backdrop for our photos.
We continued on with the 'high school sweetheart'theme and took some more shots around the school (gym, stadium, wall we hung out at, etc) They turned out oh-so-cute!
Then to finish up the day, we headed to the outskirts of town to this beautiful open field full of yellowweeds wildflowers :) Yellow is my all-time favorite color of the whole universe and Jake is starting to love it too. Yay! But, more importantly, it is our wedding color.
We are SO happy with how they turned out and can't wait for the wedding pics!....or the wedding! :)
Derek Tipton's Photography Blog
Our amazing engagement pictures from our amazing photographer!! Does this count? It's a website and it makes me REALLY happy. When we were planning our e-session, Jake and I knew we wanted to do something personal and unique. We had seen the same beach, park, and downtown (insert city here) shots before, and while those are all absolutely beautiful, we wanted ours to have a little more meaning and truly reflect our story and who we are as a couple. Luckily, our genius photog, Derek, listened SO well and captured all of those things PERFECTLY! (At least I think so :))
We started the day off in the theatre at our high school. For those of you stalkers who don't know my life, Jake and I met and began our relationship there our freshman/sophomore years. We were both active in drama at the school and continue to be huge fans of theatre, so it served as an absolutely stunning backdrop for our photos.
We continued on with the 'high school sweetheart'theme and took some more shots around the school (gym, stadium, wall we hung out at, etc) They turned out oh-so-cute!
Then to finish up the day, we headed to the outskirts of town to this beautiful open field full of yellow
We are SO happy with how they turned out and can't wait for the wedding pics!....or the wedding! :)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Day 5 :)
A song that makes me smile.
More the memories than the song. This was mine and Jake's anthem. Many nights were spent driving around the streets of Coalinga in Jake's white Chevy with Dashboard on repeat.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Day 4 :)
A picture you think will make someone else smile.
This won't make EVERYBODY smile, but it will definitely make Grace Fredericks smile. hahaha
Day 3 :)
A text that I saved because it made me smile.
me: send me a funny text so i can update my blog. i erased my inbox and i have been stressing out over this.
ash: did you read mine?
me: yes. but i can't steal it. we have to recreate something funny.
ash: unlikely.
me: huh? what's unlikely?
ash: ......that we recreate something funny.
me: omg. you're worthless.
me: send me a funny text so i can update my blog. i erased my inbox and i have been stressing out over this.
ash: did you read mine?
me: yes. but i can't steal it. we have to recreate something funny.
ash: unlikely.
me: huh? what's unlikely?
ash: ......that we recreate something funny.
me: omg. you're worthless.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Day 2 :)
A quote that makes me smile.
"Love made you admire funny things about a person, like how good she was at remembering to return her library books and at slicing cucumbers very thin. She was a veritable wonder at pulling a splinter out of her foot." (Ann Brashares)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Day 1 :)
Day 1: A Picture Of Me Smiling
I couldn't help but be joyful at my personal happiest place on earth, The Rowdy Ridge Gang Camp.
30 days of happiness
So, technically this fun little challenge is supposed to be done on Tumblr, but I hate Tumblr and I decided to rebel and do it on here, my trusty ol' blogspot. The rule is once a day, I complete another one of the challenges in order. I'm mainly doing it to remind me to give my poor blog some lovin. She has been DYING for some attention, and God knows she needs it. Anywho, should be fun. You should try it too! :) I'll post Day 1 right after this. Stay Tuned.
Ps. Pretty Things got another facelift. It needed yellow. Ya dig?
Ps. Pretty Things got another facelift. It needed yellow. Ya dig?
30 Day Challenge
A Picture of you smiling
A Quote that makes you smile
A Text that you saved because it made you smile
A Picture you think will make someone else smile
A Song or Song Lyrics that make you smile
A Picture of someone fameous smiling
Something you found when searching “Smile” on Tumblr.
Something you found when searching “Happiness” on Tumblr.
A Site that makes you happy.
A Youtube Video that makes you happy.
A Story of something that made you happy this day.
A Description or Picture of someone who makes you happy.
A Movie that makes you happy.
A Convo that makes you happy (from a movie or chat or whatever)
A T.V. Show that makes you smile
Tell about the happiest day of your life.
What Inspires you?
Something on your Dash that makes you happy
Something you found when searching “Love” on Tumblr.
Define Happiness in your own words
A Picture of the last time you were happy.
A Picture that gives you hope
An Activity you find fun
Dedicate a post to someone telling them what you think about them (positive things)
Post a stickey note or sign somewhere with a nice message. (take a picture and post it)
Promote a blog that makes you happy
A Picture of a heart, smiley face, peace sign, or any other symbol of happiness.
Post something that you dream about.
Make a list of 50 reasons to be happy daily.
Reflect on the past 29 days, has your life gotten better? Do you feel any differently about things around you?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11
A few weeks ago, Jake was house-sitting for a family friend. After a long night of wedding brainstorming I found myself stretched out on the family's oversized and overcomfied leather couch. My ice cubed feet were resting on Jake's lap where he had snugly tucked them under a heavy afghan. He had his Bible out and was reading me Song of Songs. My mind was an absolute train wreck with the clutter of prices and venues and shades of yellow, but I was quickly stunned with a surge of comfort and peace. At that moment I doubted there was anybody quite as lucky as me.
For my whole humble 21 years of life, I've been continually familiarized with the concept that as a female, when you get married, YOU (and a various collection of close fellow females) are responsible for the wedding plans. It's just what happens. The bride buys the magazines, makes the phone calls, books the vendors. The groom smiles, nods, and shows up (of course with a few exceptions here and there about details he actually cares about). Even post engagement, we got multiple sets of advice from married friends who told us to let me plan the wedding and Jake take care of the honeymoon stuff. I should have known Yeager would be an exception.
A couple days ago we met with our totally awesome photographer. We did the technical things like give our deposit and sign our contract. Then we started throwing out times, places, and ideas for our engagement pictures. It was not until I had been carelessly giving my ideas and answers for 3 minutes that I looked over and noticed my cute little fiance jotting down notes of everything being said. You see, our 'wedding bag' is located in Jake's room. It's filled with our 'wedding binder' that he organized himself (with the exception of me going with him to Walgreens to buy it) and wedding magazines that we have purchased, looked through, and dog-eared the pages of together. I have literally not made ONE decision without discussing and debating it with him.
That night on the leather couch listening to Song of Songs, I realized how thankful I am to have a partner...through EVERYTHING! From wedding plans to growing in faith, I can walk confidently knowing that somebody has my back. During that particular week there were so many times I suggested going to the courthouse and spending the rest of the money on a trip to Ireland. After a quick chuckle, Jake would assure me that everything was going to work out. I trusted him, and now here we are with all the big things out of the way! To be quite honest, for such a wedding nut, I couldn't have accomplished ONE thing without him (with the exception of picking out the most perfect gown on the planet).
Thank God for wedding planning fiances and strong spiritual leaders. Thank God that I have both of those and so much more in-between.
For my whole humble 21 years of life, I've been continually familiarized with the concept that as a female, when you get married, YOU (and a various collection of close fellow females) are responsible for the wedding plans. It's just what happens. The bride buys the magazines, makes the phone calls, books the vendors. The groom smiles, nods, and shows up (of course with a few exceptions here and there about details he actually cares about). Even post engagement, we got multiple sets of advice from married friends who told us to let me plan the wedding and Jake take care of the honeymoon stuff. I should have known Yeager would be an exception.
A couple days ago we met with our totally awesome photographer. We did the technical things like give our deposit and sign our contract. Then we started throwing out times, places, and ideas for our engagement pictures. It was not until I had been carelessly giving my ideas and answers for 3 minutes that I looked over and noticed my cute little fiance jotting down notes of everything being said. You see, our 'wedding bag' is located in Jake's room. It's filled with our 'wedding binder' that he organized himself (with the exception of me going with him to Walgreens to buy it) and wedding magazines that we have purchased, looked through, and dog-eared the pages of together. I have literally not made ONE decision without discussing and debating it with him.
That night on the leather couch listening to Song of Songs, I realized how thankful I am to have a partner...through EVERYTHING! From wedding plans to growing in faith, I can walk confidently knowing that somebody has my back. During that particular week there were so many times I suggested going to the courthouse and spending the rest of the money on a trip to Ireland. After a quick chuckle, Jake would assure me that everything was going to work out. I trusted him, and now here we are with all the big things out of the way! To be quite honest, for such a wedding nut, I couldn't have accomplished ONE thing without him (with the exception of picking out the most perfect gown on the planet).
Thank God for wedding planning fiances and strong spiritual leaders. Thank God that I have both of those and so much more in-between.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
orange blood.
Yesterday I had the joy of subbing at my old high school. Working at the schools in my hometown has been a blast. It's fun to see faces I know, sit in the lounge with teachers I've had, and teach in classrooms that I have been taught. Even though I've been doing this for a while now, there was something a bit more magical about being at the high school campus.
At the end of the day, I was walking from the classroom to the office. The school was pretty quiet. There were a few students still lingering around, but most had sped off the moment the bell rang. As I walked across the campus, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia. For a moment I went back in time. Obviously, I didn't graduate too long ago, but I realized how much has changed since then. That school was my entire life 4 years ago. I looked at the snack bar where I bought my daily sugar cookies at brunch. It was always a good day when they took them out a little early to leave the center nice and doughy. I saw the stage in the quad where my best friends and I would sit in the mornings before school. We would let our feet dangle off the edge and sip our Starbucks (but only if it was a Wednesday). Of course, we all had oversized sunglasses that allowed us to be creeps and stare at all our classmates. I stood for a moment in the long hallway that connects the two wings. Jake and I walked that hallway every day my freshman year. He would meet me after Lab Bio, and we would head to the other wing. Somedays I would wear his hat. We laughed the whole way, and Mr. Tashima was usually waiting outside to greet me to English. He would grin as I gave Jake his hat back and said goodbye before he continued onto Art. I think Mr. Tashima knew I liked Jake before I did. As I was leaving the office, I saw the auditorium. Nothing about high school beats eating Taco Bell in between rehearsing scenes, singing karaoke during over-nighters, doing relaxation exercises in the green room, learning some good ol' Katie Delano choreography, and desperately trying to have a ghostly encounter with the lady in white. As I was leaving campus, I took one last glance and spotted Tom Lucero's classroom windows. Between drama, AP, and Journalism, he pretty much owned our life junior and senior year. Like I always do when I think about those classes (my favorite classes) I felt a bit of jealousy and possessiveness. When I was in high school it seemed like we had such ownership over certain traditions. I just can't seem to picture other students messing with the Elvis phone or passing out in the Editor's station in Journalism. They shouldn't be able to make an I heart Gatspy club or a video as cool as The Golden Gnome in AP English. Tom can't write songs about them or get choked up at their graduations, which we all collectively can be a witness to
Roaming around the high school yesterday made me re-realize how thankful I am for it. Sure, it doesn't have a plethora of AP classes or mega funding for extracurricular activities, but being back on campus and working next door to teachers who taught me was humbling. I realized how much so many of them do care, and how so many of them did their best to give me and all CHS students the best experience they could. Sweeps and all ;)
I left the school and got a burst of inspiration. I realized why I wanted to be a teacher. I pray that someday I can provide memories, experience, and knowledge to kids so that someday THEY can strive to do something good and maybe even write a blog about it :) Anyone game for a walk down memory lane?
At the end of the day, I was walking from the classroom to the office. The school was pretty quiet. There were a few students still lingering around, but most had sped off the moment the bell rang. As I walked across the campus, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia. For a moment I went back in time. Obviously, I didn't graduate too long ago, but I realized how much has changed since then. That school was my entire life 4 years ago. I looked at the snack bar where I bought my daily sugar cookies at brunch. It was always a good day when they took them out a little early to leave the center nice and doughy. I saw the stage in the quad where my best friends and I would sit in the mornings before school. We would let our feet dangle off the edge and sip our Starbucks (but only if it was a Wednesday). Of course, we all had oversized sunglasses that allowed us to be creeps and stare at all our classmates. I stood for a moment in the long hallway that connects the two wings. Jake and I walked that hallway every day my freshman year. He would meet me after Lab Bio, and we would head to the other wing. Somedays I would wear his hat. We laughed the whole way, and Mr. Tashima was usually waiting outside to greet me to English. He would grin as I gave Jake his hat back and said goodbye before he continued onto Art. I think Mr. Tashima knew I liked Jake before I did. As I was leaving the office, I saw the auditorium. Nothing about high school beats eating Taco Bell in between rehearsing scenes, singing karaoke during over-nighters, doing relaxation exercises in the green room, learning some good ol' Katie Delano choreography, and desperately trying to have a ghostly encounter with the lady in white. As I was leaving campus, I took one last glance and spotted Tom Lucero's classroom windows. Between drama, AP, and Journalism, he pretty much owned our life junior and senior year. Like I always do when I think about those classes (my favorite classes) I felt a bit of jealousy and possessiveness. When I was in high school it seemed like we had such ownership over certain traditions. I just can't seem to picture other students messing with the Elvis phone or passing out in the Editor's station in Journalism. They shouldn't be able to make an I heart Gatspy club or a video as cool as The Golden Gnome in AP English. Tom can't write songs about them or get choked up at their graduations, which we all collectively can be a witness to
Roaming around the high school yesterday made me re-realize how thankful I am for it. Sure, it doesn't have a plethora of AP classes or mega funding for extracurricular activities, but being back on campus and working next door to teachers who taught me was humbling. I realized how much so many of them do care, and how so many of them did their best to give me and all CHS students the best experience they could. Sweeps and all ;)
I left the school and got a burst of inspiration. I realized why I wanted to be a teacher. I pray that someday I can provide memories, experience, and knowledge to kids so that someday THEY can strive to do something good and maybe even write a blog about it :) Anyone game for a walk down memory lane?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Grandmas are funny
Grandpa John: Don't get married, Karissa. It's all downhill from there.
Nana Mary: Don't say that! They will be so happy!!
Grandpa John: All I'm saying is why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free?
Nana Mary: JOHN!!!! Stop it!! Jake hasn't gotten any milk!!!! Has he? Jake hasn't gotten any milk, right Mija?!
Me: No Nana. He's actually lactose intolerant.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
New Year, New Yearnings
Hi. Happy 2011! Every time I see 2011, I gag. I feel like we should have flying cars and Bicentennial Men in every household. Oh well. iPads shall do.
First of all, do you dig the new style? And name? I do. I've wanted to scrap the Karissa Explains It All for a while now. I know, I know- it was witty. I've just used it since literally 2006. I've also been wanting to incorporate this lovely and heart-warming Philippians verse for a while, then suddenly it all came together. Since I blog about my life and my life is filled with pretty things, I figured it would be apprope. Disclaimer: the fact that my picture is under the title does not suggest that I think I am a pretty thing. I simply put it there in hopes somebody important stumbles across my blog and wants to give me a reality show. Now, lets continue onto cliche blog topics.
I typically hate resolutions. Mostly because I forget them before we make it to February. this year I am hoping the this old bloggy will help to keep me accountable. I can't narrow things down for the life of me, so here are some of the top goals for this upcoming crazy and exciting year.
1. be more consistent in bible readings. i have this really great system of an at home, all alone study. Problem: one missed day leads to two leads to five. i need experiment with what times work best for me. most of the time i just remember at the same time i remember to do homework: when i'm half asleep.
2. bulk up for wedding. please don't judge for how manly this sounds. i just don't want to be a scrawny bride.
3. drink more water. i need to accept that h2o won't start tasting like peach tea or coke any time soon.
4. maintain relationships. weekly phone calls or texts to out of town friends. coffee dates. check ins. prayer sessions. i could easily be a better initiator.
5. develop organizational skills. yeeeahhh....maybe Yeager can help me with that one.
6. become a professional ballerina and/or Natalie Portman.
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