I work at both Noodles and Company and an after school program called PLUS Time.
I work at Noodles on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
I work at PLUS Time on most Tuesdays and Fridays.
So yes, Thursday is my night off from work. Why Thursday? Because I have a night class on Thursdays from 6 to 8:50.
This week at Noodles I am scheduled 24.5 hours. At PLUS Time I signed up for 6 hours.
I am absolutely exhausted!
I am currently writing this during my break at Noodles, in an attempt to sort of de-stress. Is that even possible?!
Today I work here from 12-2, 3-8:30.
Tomorrow I'll be here from 11-4, 4:30-7.
It's just a rough week.
At least my bank account will look a little nicer...
1/31/2015
1/26/2015
Invitations, Catering, and the Guest List...Oh My!
Folks, it's about to get crazy here.
We're quickly approaching the 6 months mark until the wedding. That means things begin to get finalized!
So scary!
Yesterday, Trevor and I finished designing our invitations. They look pretty dang snazzy. We also ordered them! We got 40% off for Vistaprint! Plus 50 free envelopes! Win-Win! I am so excited/nervous/scared/impatient to get them.
Along with invitations came finalizing the guest list. What an incredibly tough task.
Some people will receive a special edition digital invitation which will link them directly to our wedding website, rather than a paper invite. While I certainly hope this does not offend anyone, I know it will help save on costs in a lot of ways: stamp purchases, invitation purchases, envelope purchases, etc. The main missing component of our guest list now is people's address (both physical & e-mails). So don't be surprised if you get a text or Facebook message from me soon asking for either!
One large cost that is scary to think about lately is food. Catering is so damn expensive! We've had two people from my church congregation say they may consider making the food for us if we discuss details with them sometime. So hopefully my dad and I can set up a Skype conference soon to get things figured out.
Through all of the stress planning a wedding has caused me, I still am sure I am less stressed than most brides.
I have an amazingly wonderful fiance who has been so supportive when I am in the midst of a freak out (which happens regularly).
All in all, I know the most important thing about the upcoming day is that I will be married. If the food runs out, or is burnt, or no one shows up, or too many people show up, none of that matters--I'll me married to my best friend.
Only 188 days!
We're quickly approaching the 6 months mark until the wedding. That means things begin to get finalized!
So scary!
Yesterday, Trevor and I finished designing our invitations. They look pretty dang snazzy. We also ordered them! We got 40% off for Vistaprint! Plus 50 free envelopes! Win-Win! I am so excited/nervous/scared/impatient to get them.
Along with invitations came finalizing the guest list. What an incredibly tough task.
Some people will receive a special edition digital invitation which will link them directly to our wedding website, rather than a paper invite. While I certainly hope this does not offend anyone, I know it will help save on costs in a lot of ways: stamp purchases, invitation purchases, envelope purchases, etc. The main missing component of our guest list now is people's address (both physical & e-mails). So don't be surprised if you get a text or Facebook message from me soon asking for either!
One large cost that is scary to think about lately is food. Catering is so damn expensive! We've had two people from my church congregation say they may consider making the food for us if we discuss details with them sometime. So hopefully my dad and I can set up a Skype conference soon to get things figured out.
Through all of the stress planning a wedding has caused me, I still am sure I am less stressed than most brides.
I have an amazingly wonderful fiance who has been so supportive when I am in the midst of a freak out (which happens regularly).
All in all, I know the most important thing about the upcoming day is that I will be married. If the food runs out, or is burnt, or no one shows up, or too many people show up, none of that matters--I'll me married to my best friend.
Only 188 days!
1/23/2015
Wifely Duties
A little over a week ago, Trevor and I went over to his friend Jimmy's apartment. Him and his girlfriend cooked enchiladas and had a few friends over to enjoy a good time.
After supper we played Cards Against Humanity-one of my current favorite games.
However, if there is one thing I have learned from the game (which i have learned a lot from) it is that who you play with does determine a lot of the game's fun.
It was a little awkward playing that night in my opinion. I didn't really know what cards people would truly appreciate or not.
At one point the infamous "Wifely Duties" card was played.
The term wifely duties always gets me thinking.
I thought I would see what Urban Dictionary defines it as to include that here, but nope. Nothing! How does Urban Dictionary not have a definition for that?!
Anywho..
If wifely duties are truly just things you do as a wife I see no issue with the term. However, if these are pre assumed duties-I do see an issue. I do not think anything should be assumed going into a relationship. In fact that is how huge arguments and issues occur and get started.
I do however think that women and men should each have their roles in a household. If one person does all of the work, that is fine, as long as the couple has discussed it.
Personally-
I look forward to getting to make dinner.
I don't look forward to always cleaning, but sometimes I do enjoy it! Luckily Trevor is a tidy guy, so I don't think he'll be too much of a problem.
I also enjoy doing laundry. Here in Saint Paul, a good chunk of the time, I do Trevor's laundry anyway because it's cheaper at my place.
I am not too concerned about fulfilling my wifely duties. Not because I will be forced to, but because I know they are ways I will be able to love and serve my husband. I mean let's face it, food is the way to a man's heart!
I cannot wait until my everyday chores I am doing already, become "wifely duties."
After supper we played Cards Against Humanity-one of my current favorite games.
However, if there is one thing I have learned from the game (which i have learned a lot from) it is that who you play with does determine a lot of the game's fun.
It was a little awkward playing that night in my opinion. I didn't really know what cards people would truly appreciate or not.
At one point the infamous "Wifely Duties" card was played.
The term wifely duties always gets me thinking.
I thought I would see what Urban Dictionary defines it as to include that here, but nope. Nothing! How does Urban Dictionary not have a definition for that?!
Anywho..
If wifely duties are truly just things you do as a wife I see no issue with the term. However, if these are pre assumed duties-I do see an issue. I do not think anything should be assumed going into a relationship. In fact that is how huge arguments and issues occur and get started.
I do however think that women and men should each have their roles in a household. If one person does all of the work, that is fine, as long as the couple has discussed it.
Personally-
I look forward to getting to make dinner.
I don't look forward to always cleaning, but sometimes I do enjoy it! Luckily Trevor is a tidy guy, so I don't think he'll be too much of a problem.
I also enjoy doing laundry. Here in Saint Paul, a good chunk of the time, I do Trevor's laundry anyway because it's cheaper at my place.
I am not too concerned about fulfilling my wifely duties. Not because I will be forced to, but because I know they are ways I will be able to love and serve my husband. I mean let's face it, food is the way to a man's heart!
I cannot wait until my everyday chores I am doing already, become "wifely duties."
1/22/2015
Why I Want to Get Married Young
There are a million or two articles out there today about why certain people are glad they got married young. And there are just as many articles giving reasons as to why you shouldn't.
So why am I engaged at 19?
Here is my take on young marriage.
Trevor and I will be getting married on August 2, 2015.
He will be 21 and I will be 20.
He will have finished three years in college and I will have finished two.
Many people have suggested we push the wedding off until we are done with school. Even family members have told us to do so. They claim we will have more money to live off of then.
I beg to differ. At that time we will be paying off student loans and will never have any time when there is not a payment due.
Another thing.
Many people have asked if I know that Trevor is actually "the one".
Personally I do not believe that there is one single person out there for every person.
I do not think it is predestined who you will fall in love with and spend your days with.
God has given us the ability to love. And I think you can love anyone.
I am in love with Trevor and he is my best friend. So yes, I know he is the one I want to marry. No part of me doubts that in any way.
He is the one I want to spend my life with and to wake up next to every morning.
I am certainly not getting married purely for the reason of wanting to have sex (as was suggested by a lady cutting my hair when she found out I am 19 and engaged).
Am I worried that we'll ever get divorced?
NO.
We are both God-loving people. We have a healthy relationship now. And I do not doubt that if our relationship were ever to fall apart we would seek help from a pastor or counselor.
We are also doing pre-marital counseling with the pastor that will be marrying us. We took this awesome questionnaire and will be using it to guide conversation during our sessions. Personally, I am quite excited!
If my thoughts on getting married young aren't enough for you--that's okay.
I know marriage isn't for everyone. And certainly not for some people that are younger.
But I do urge you to not be afraid of it.
Also,
Here are some more interesting articles:
5 Good Reasons to Get Married Young--> I only like point number 5.
Hey Young People: Now's the Time to Get Married and Have Kids--> No, we're not going to have kids right away!
Marrying young...And why you need to shut your mouth about it
So why am I engaged at 19?
Here is my take on young marriage.
Trevor and I will be getting married on August 2, 2015.
He will be 21 and I will be 20.
He will have finished three years in college and I will have finished two.
Many people have suggested we push the wedding off until we are done with school. Even family members have told us to do so. They claim we will have more money to live off of then.
I beg to differ. At that time we will be paying off student loans and will never have any time when there is not a payment due.
Another thing.
Many people have asked if I know that Trevor is actually "the one".
Personally I do not believe that there is one single person out there for every person.
I do not think it is predestined who you will fall in love with and spend your days with.
God has given us the ability to love. And I think you can love anyone.
I am in love with Trevor and he is my best friend. So yes, I know he is the one I want to marry. No part of me doubts that in any way.
He is the one I want to spend my life with and to wake up next to every morning.
I am certainly not getting married purely for the reason of wanting to have sex (as was suggested by a lady cutting my hair when she found out I am 19 and engaged).
Am I worried that we'll ever get divorced?
NO.
We are both God-loving people. We have a healthy relationship now. And I do not doubt that if our relationship were ever to fall apart we would seek help from a pastor or counselor.
We are also doing pre-marital counseling with the pastor that will be marrying us. We took this awesome questionnaire and will be using it to guide conversation during our sessions. Personally, I am quite excited!
If my thoughts on getting married young aren't enough for you--that's okay.
I know marriage isn't for everyone. And certainly not for some people that are younger.
But I do urge you to not be afraid of it.
Also,
Here are some more interesting articles:
5 Good Reasons to Get Married Young--> I only like point number 5.
Hey Young People: Now's the Time to Get Married and Have Kids--> No, we're not going to have kids right away!
Marrying young...And why you need to shut your mouth about it
1/21/2015
State of the Union
I'm not one to get involved in politics.
I do not like confrontation, especially when it comes to the topic.
While I identify as someone who is conservative and normally sides with republican views, I still have one thing that is of great importance to me.
Respect.
I understand that not everyone will agree with me on this, but I feel that it needs to be put out there.
Yes, you may not agree with the statements of our democrat president-but you give him respect. He is our elected leader, so you still have to deal with what has been decided on within our country.
I definitely do not agree with his views on gay marriage or abortion, among other things-but I respect him as a human being and an elected official.
Many of you democrat fellows probably are glad to hear that right now, but I have something to say to you as well!
You should offer some respect up as well.
The current speaker of the house is a republican. Yes, I am speaking of Boehner.
Obviously Boehner does not side with President Obama on all of his brought up points in the State of the Union-so why would he applaud or stand up for every single aspect. If there was a republican president, I highly doubt that any democrat would be critical of a democrat speaker of the house for not applauding every point brought up by that president. That's how politics are.
Have some respect for members of the opposing parties of your own. They may not have the same views as you, but they are still humans. I pity those that do not know how to respectfully interact with other Americans.
One more point to address.
I, as a republican and conservative American, do not agree with a lot of Obama's policies. But that does not mean I disagree with every single one. You cannot honestly tell me that you think Boehner disagrees with every single aspect that Obama presents. I am sure they probably do not see eye to eye on everything, but I bet they have a few things they can agree on.
It bothers me to no end that so many people assume that if you are republican you hate Obama or completely disregard anything he says!
Now do you see why I avoid the topic of politics?!
End Rant.
I do not like confrontation, especially when it comes to the topic.
While I identify as someone who is conservative and normally sides with republican views, I still have one thing that is of great importance to me.
Respect.
I understand that not everyone will agree with me on this, but I feel that it needs to be put out there.
Yes, you may not agree with the statements of our democrat president-but you give him respect. He is our elected leader, so you still have to deal with what has been decided on within our country.
I definitely do not agree with his views on gay marriage or abortion, among other things-but I respect him as a human being and an elected official.
Many of you democrat fellows probably are glad to hear that right now, but I have something to say to you as well!
You should offer some respect up as well.
The current speaker of the house is a republican. Yes, I am speaking of Boehner.
Obviously Boehner does not side with President Obama on all of his brought up points in the State of the Union-so why would he applaud or stand up for every single aspect. If there was a republican president, I highly doubt that any democrat would be critical of a democrat speaker of the house for not applauding every point brought up by that president. That's how politics are.
Have some respect for members of the opposing parties of your own. They may not have the same views as you, but they are still humans. I pity those that do not know how to respectfully interact with other Americans.
One more point to address.
I, as a republican and conservative American, do not agree with a lot of Obama's policies. But that does not mean I disagree with every single one. You cannot honestly tell me that you think Boehner disagrees with every single aspect that Obama presents. I am sure they probably do not see eye to eye on everything, but I bet they have a few things they can agree on.
It bothers me to no end that so many people assume that if you are republican you hate Obama or completely disregard anything he says!
Now do you see why I avoid the topic of politics?!
End Rant.
1/20/2015
To Do...Eventually?
Have I mentioned how much I hate growing up?!
I am so beyond stressed already this semester-it's crazy!
Last night my roomies (well the two that are also ED majors) and I are were discussing interviewing this semester to get into the ED program.
Scary,eh?
I still have one of my MTLE (Minnesota Teachers Licensure Examinations) tests to take {I signed up shortly after the discussion--FEBRUARY 10!}.
I have my entire efolio to do.
I have several letters of recommendation to have written.
I have two human relations papers to write for classes this semester.
That's just a little insight of what my "to-do list" looks like currently..
Maybe I should have bought that adorable Shit To Do book at Typo yesterday!
I am so beyond stressed already this semester-it's crazy!
Last night my roomies (well the two that are also ED majors) and I are were discussing interviewing this semester to get into the ED program.
Scary,eh?
I still have one of my MTLE (Minnesota Teachers Licensure Examinations) tests to take {I signed up shortly after the discussion--FEBRUARY 10!}.
I have my entire efolio to do.
I have several letters of recommendation to have written.
I have two human relations papers to write for classes this semester.
That's just a little insight of what my "to-do list" looks like currently..
Maybe I should have bought that adorable Shit To Do book at Typo yesterday!
1/19/2015
The Compliment
There are a lot of diverse people that I work with at Noodles & Co. Our store is right off a bus station and metro train station-so basically anyone can get there via public transportation.
One of the guys I work with is an older African American man. He has a fascinating accent, in my opinion.
He talks down to a lot of my coworkers. Many of them dislike working with him. He takes his time in front of house and is a bit slow if he's on the line in back of house. Along with this he has a bit of a short temper with some of my coworkers. There have been multiple occurrences of him raising his voice at someone who has worked at Noodles much longer than he has.
However, for some reason, he likes me.
Yesterday he was filling in stickers for food in back and I was filling bags up front. He asked me if I am the way I am because of how I am raised.
side note: everyone there found out I am a pastor's kid and treats me like I'm the most innocent girl in all of existence because of it. extremely annoying.
Anyhow, I was not sure how to answer this question. I mean how does one know how much how they were raised has impacted them?! I said I don't know. But then he said, so it's just who you are? I just kind of shrugged my shoulders. He told me how he really enjoys working with me because I keep things calm up front. I may not talk much but I still keep things under control. In addition to that he told me he appreciates seeing someone working with so much motivation and who gets things done.
Coming from a guy who does not particularly get along with all of his coworkers, I took this as a great compliment.
I'm glad someone has been noticing the continual work I am putting in at Noodles.
One of the guys I work with is an older African American man. He has a fascinating accent, in my opinion.
He talks down to a lot of my coworkers. Many of them dislike working with him. He takes his time in front of house and is a bit slow if he's on the line in back of house. Along with this he has a bit of a short temper with some of my coworkers. There have been multiple occurrences of him raising his voice at someone who has worked at Noodles much longer than he has.
However, for some reason, he likes me.
Yesterday he was filling in stickers for food in back and I was filling bags up front. He asked me if I am the way I am because of how I am raised.
side note: everyone there found out I am a pastor's kid and treats me like I'm the most innocent girl in all of existence because of it. extremely annoying.
Anyhow, I was not sure how to answer this question. I mean how does one know how much how they were raised has impacted them?! I said I don't know. But then he said, so it's just who you are? I just kind of shrugged my shoulders. He told me how he really enjoys working with me because I keep things calm up front. I may not talk much but I still keep things under control. In addition to that he told me he appreciates seeing someone working with so much motivation and who gets things done.
Coming from a guy who does not particularly get along with all of his coworkers, I took this as a great compliment.
I'm glad someone has been noticing the continual work I am putting in at Noodles.
1/18/2015
Lots of Thoughts
School always makes me look at things in a whole new way.
I guess I think about different things more philosophically perhaps.
Right now it feels like I have a lot thrown at me.
I want to be an adult. But at the same time, I wish being a little kid and being carefree.
Planning for the wedding has not been as tedious as it was earlier on while choosing date and location and whatnot.
Last night Trevor and I were grabbing sodas from the vending machine. He mentioned how the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra was starting their new set of symphonies they would be playing. He said that he would love to again. The Ordway is a beautiful place to listen to amazing, high class music. I said I would like that as well. Being at the Ordway and listening to such fine classical music really makes you feel like an adult. Not old, but sophisticated and like you have your lives together.
With everything Trevor and I are handling right now, I certainly do not feel like we have our lives together or figured out at all.
We don't have an apartment figured out for next year. We have no clue where we will live at all.
We have basically no furniture for next year. I am not staying with a twin bed for two people!
We are both still in school and neither of us have schedules figured out.
I will have the option to student teach wherever I will like, so potentially out of state if Trevor and I would like to move from Saint Paul earlier than me graduating. That is something that will need to get decided on sooner rather than later for budget reasons.
We both are unsure of what our job situations will be like next semester. We only have one car so we will need to get new jobs closer to our nonexistent apartment.
It just feels like everything is compounding quickly.
Don't get me wrong, I am beyond excited to get married to Trevor.
I do not want to push off the wedding or move in together before marriage or anything that may be suggested.
I am content with our decisions because I do feel they will be the best for us.
| 196 days until we finally get married. |
Now to stop stressing and get some homework done!
I guess I think about different things more philosophically perhaps.
Right now it feels like I have a lot thrown at me.
I want to be an adult. But at the same time, I wish being a little kid and being carefree.
Planning for the wedding has not been as tedious as it was earlier on while choosing date and location and whatnot.
Last night Trevor and I were grabbing sodas from the vending machine. He mentioned how the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra was starting their new set of symphonies they would be playing. He said that he would love to again. The Ordway is a beautiful place to listen to amazing, high class music. I said I would like that as well. Being at the Ordway and listening to such fine classical music really makes you feel like an adult. Not old, but sophisticated and like you have your lives together.
With everything Trevor and I are handling right now, I certainly do not feel like we have our lives together or figured out at all.
We don't have an apartment figured out for next year. We have no clue where we will live at all.
We have basically no furniture for next year. I am not staying with a twin bed for two people!
We are both still in school and neither of us have schedules figured out.
I will have the option to student teach wherever I will like, so potentially out of state if Trevor and I would like to move from Saint Paul earlier than me graduating. That is something that will need to get decided on sooner rather than later for budget reasons.
We both are unsure of what our job situations will be like next semester. We only have one car so we will need to get new jobs closer to our nonexistent apartment.
It just feels like everything is compounding quickly.
Don't get me wrong, I am beyond excited to get married to Trevor.
I do not want to push off the wedding or move in together before marriage or anything that may be suggested.
I am content with our decisions because I do feel they will be the best for us.
| 196 days until we finally get married. |
Now to stop stressing and get some homework done!
1/16/2015
Week One
Well the first week of second semester has come to an end.
Man did it ever drag!
I am taking six classes:
THL 270-Our Living Faith (m)
KHS 110- Dynamic Health and Human Movement (g)
BIO 100- Biology Today (g)
MUS 121- Listening to Life: Global and Popular Music (g)
ED 330- Human Diversity and Relations (M)
ECE 324- Language Development & Emergent Literacy (M)
|m=minor| |M=Major| |g=gen ed|
I have a rather interesting mix of classes. Obviously I am still finishing up a few of my gen eds. I think next semester I will just have one and the rest will be for my major/minor!
Along with ED 330 and ECE 324 I am required to complete human relations hours. I need to do 15 hours for each class. ED 330 will have the focus of different cultural groups other than my own. ECE 324 will be focusing on English language learners. Some of these hours I will complete at work at PLUS Time, so I will not have to go out of my way for those. However, not all of my hours for all of my human relations reports can be done at the same location. I still have two more reports to do in addition to the two for these classes. One of the reports I have completed the hours for already.
It will certainly be a busy semester.
|In Wedding News|
Wedding plans had slowed down a bit last semester, but now they need to pick back up!
Exciting things to mark off the list: bridesmaids' dresses, officiant, possible catering services, ceremony musician, [invitations nearly finished, guest list almost completed]! Big things are happening! Only 198 days!
Man did it ever drag!
I am taking six classes:
THL 270-Our Living Faith (m)
KHS 110- Dynamic Health and Human Movement (g)
BIO 100- Biology Today (g)
MUS 121- Listening to Life: Global and Popular Music (g)
ED 330- Human Diversity and Relations (M)
ECE 324- Language Development & Emergent Literacy (M)
|m=minor| |M=Major| |g=gen ed|
I have a rather interesting mix of classes. Obviously I am still finishing up a few of my gen eds. I think next semester I will just have one and the rest will be for my major/minor!
Along with ED 330 and ECE 324 I am required to complete human relations hours. I need to do 15 hours for each class. ED 330 will have the focus of different cultural groups other than my own. ECE 324 will be focusing on English language learners. Some of these hours I will complete at work at PLUS Time, so I will not have to go out of my way for those. However, not all of my hours for all of my human relations reports can be done at the same location. I still have two more reports to do in addition to the two for these classes. One of the reports I have completed the hours for already.
It will certainly be a busy semester.
|In Wedding News|
Wedding plans had slowed down a bit last semester, but now they need to pick back up!
Exciting things to mark off the list: bridesmaids' dresses, officiant, possible catering services, ceremony musician, [invitations nearly finished, guest list almost completed]! Big things are happening! Only 198 days!
1/11/2015
Books Blues
This semester I am taking 17 credits. The same as the past two semesters, so I'm not too concerned. However, this semester, 17 credits comes in the form of 6 classes and about 11 books.
Yes, 11 books.
How can I possibly afford 11 books?! 6 of them cost $420.
I don't think anyone should have to pay money for books for gen ed courses. I certainly don't want to be spending over $100 on a biology book.
I'm going to have to pick up a few extra hours at work to ever make back this money.
There goes anything nice for my wedding.
Yes, 11 books.
How can I possibly afford 11 books?! 6 of them cost $420.
I don't think anyone should have to pay money for books for gen ed courses. I certainly don't want to be spending over $100 on a biology book.
I'm going to have to pick up a few extra hours at work to ever make back this money.
There goes anything nice for my wedding.
1/09/2015
A Bit Frigid
Oh, Minnesota.
Your winter has finally come.
Yesterday, (when I finally did wake up) it looked like I was trapped in a snowglobe.
I also had to get to Noodles & Co for work. I took the Metro from Trevor's apartment and made it barely on time due to a slight delay.
We were so slow that I was sent home an hour and a half early. Due to the awful weather, we had super low sales.
This morning when I woke up I checked to weather.
A lovely -2 degrees. Felt like -24 degrees. wut.
It felt great to walk outside with Trevor to McNally where he had a studio session.
Ugh.
Well I knew the winter would eventually come. And let's face it-Midwest winters are never kind.
Your winter has finally come.
Yesterday, (when I finally did wake up) it looked like I was trapped in a snowglobe.
I also had to get to Noodles & Co for work. I took the Metro from Trevor's apartment and made it barely on time due to a slight delay.
We were so slow that I was sent home an hour and a half early. Due to the awful weather, we had super low sales.
This morning when I woke up I checked to weather.
A lovely -2 degrees. Felt like -24 degrees. wut.
It felt great to walk outside with Trevor to McNally where he had a studio session.
Ugh.
Well I knew the winter would eventually come. And let's face it-Midwest winters are never kind.
1/08/2015
Christmas 2014
Now that we are almost a week into 2015, I should probably get my act together and fill you in on how my Christmas season went.
Let's just say it was quite interesting.
December 24
Christmas Eve has always been when my family cooks and celebrates our Christmas. It has just fit in well with my dad's schedule with preaching-thus convenience.
This year, Trevor and I went to church at OSLC for the 1:30 service. This left time to get some cooking done afterward. We also went to Celebration for their 7:00 service. After that we headed to his place so he could put on some more comfortable clothes. I'm a stickler for dressing up for Christmas church. This resulted in these adorable photos.
Let's just say it was quite interesting.
December 24
Christmas Eve has always been when my family cooks and celebrates our Christmas. It has just fit in well with my dad's schedule with preaching-thus convenience.
This year, Trevor and I went to church at OSLC for the 1:30 service. This left time to get some cooking done afterward. We also went to Celebration for their 7:00 service. After that we headed to his place so he could put on some more comfortable clothes. I'm a stickler for dressing up for Christmas church. This resulted in these adorable photos.
After my dad finished church we all sat around and watched "Elf" while opening gifts. I got my sister fuzzy slippers, lotion, and a huge mug. I got my mom a wine glass and wine rack. I got my dad a bacon bowl mold and beer flavored jelly beans. And I got Trevor two PacSun shirts.
December 25
Trevor's family always opens gifts Christmas morning. I have never had this tradition, so it was kind of cool to take part of and enjoy. It was fun to watch his younger sisters open their gifts-I miss being young. His family even so kindly gave me a Doctor Who puzzle!
December 26
On the 26th we travelled to La Valle to my mom's side of the family. Trevor was unable to come along because he was playing in a show that evening. The entire time at my grandma's was awkward and uncomfortable. With the exception of going exploring on the farm with my cousins, Ahren and Jake, to take photos.
Here are some of the shots I got.
Also a large portion of the time at my grandparents included my grandma throwing random junk at me to take for my "new home". Now realize, the wedding is in August. We are not living together yet, we won't be until we get married. I do not have room for random stuff for my new home. One, I have no idea what the size of our first place will be, but I expect it to be puny. This will leave no room for miscellaneous objects. Two, I do not want a bunch of outdated junk that has been sitting around their house forever. Three, Trevor was not along to see any of this stuff so it was purely up to my discretion to make the decisions of what to take.
The only good thing out of the day was that Trevor and I have cupcake stands to use at the wedding now.
December 29
Rice Lake is so beautiful in the winter. I finally was able to see my grandparents' (on my dad's side) new home. It is beautiful! Not that I expected otherwise. Trevor and I drove together and made a photo stop on the way by the Chippewa River.
It was a good time at my grandparents, like always. We even had competitions at who could get the highest and lowest blood pressure. I think it's going to be a new tradition. For the first time ever, we did not have a sit down Christmas meal. It was so weird! I love grandma's sit down dinners! Grandma and grandpa even sent us away with plenty of soda from their soda fridge (yes, they have a fridge for soda and beer in their garage).
Christmas 2014 was quite a hoot. I cannot wait until next Christmas! It will be my first Christmas as a Rodriguez and I cannot wait to spend it as a married woman. Who knows what type of Christmas traditions Trevor and I will implement in our home, but most likely it will not include taking our blood pressure.
1/06/2015
Jenner Lips
If you followed the previous controversy over Kylie Jenner's lips, you may find this article quite interesting.
I love following the Kardashian family, and recently watched a few episodes with Trevor. Obviously he was not in love with it, but I like to keep up with them (see what i did there, eh?).
Anywho, read this if you are at all interested in lips or the Kardashian/Jenner clan:
http://www.bustle.com/articles/48332-i-took-kylie-jenners-overdrawn-lips-out-in-public-heres-how-my-friends-family-and?utm_source=FBTraffic&utm_medium=bhouse&utm_campaign=CMfacebook
I love following the Kardashian family, and recently watched a few episodes with Trevor. Obviously he was not in love with it, but I like to keep up with them (see what i did there, eh?).
Anywho, read this if you are at all interested in lips or the Kardashian/Jenner clan:
http://www.bustle.com/articles/48332-i-took-kylie-jenners-overdrawn-lips-out-in-public-heres-how-my-friends-family-and?utm_source=FBTraffic&utm_medium=bhouse&utm_campaign=CMfacebook
1/05/2015
Oatmeal
I fear for my life that I have become a coffee snob.
The big city is fabulous, but also spendy. My chai tea latte habit has taken to a whole new level. I can barely survive without some form of chai in my system! I have resorted to keeping two boxes of chai tea in my room (one caffeinated, one non-caffeinated). New low? Possibly.
Anywho,
I am sitting here with the love of my life at the Eagan Starbucks.
I, of course, ordered a grande chai tea latte & a blueberry whole grain oatmeal. He ordered a white chocolate mocha.
As much as used to be a heavily caffeinated Starbucks gold member, I am now more of the liking of Caribou. *hold your chin up, young one. i know it's shocking.*
Don't get me wrong, chai and oatmeal from any coffee shop will be forever cherished in my heart. However, Caribou does it right.
The big city is fabulous, but also spendy. My chai tea latte habit has taken to a whole new level. I can barely survive without some form of chai in my system! I have resorted to keeping two boxes of chai tea in my room (one caffeinated, one non-caffeinated). New low? Possibly.
Anywho,
I am sitting here with the love of my life at the Eagan Starbucks.
I, of course, ordered a grande chai tea latte & a blueberry whole grain oatmeal. He ordered a white chocolate mocha.
As much as used to be a heavily caffeinated Starbucks gold member, I am now more of the liking of Caribou. *hold your chin up, young one. i know it's shocking.*
Don't get me wrong, chai and oatmeal from any coffee shop will be forever cherished in my heart. However, Caribou does it right.
1/02/2015
Resolutions or Not
Not everyone makes the infamous "New Year's Resolutions."
I used to make a point of making a few, and often forgot them within a week.
This year however, I am not going to make any. Instead, I am going to make lifestyle changes.
Here are the few areas I am going to make changes in:
I used to make a point of making a few, and often forgot them within a week.
This year however, I am not going to make any. Instead, I am going to make lifestyle changes.
Here are the few areas I am going to make changes in:
- Health (Physical)- In high school, I played sports. I was overall in shape, ate semi healthy, and never really put on weight other than muscle. Now, halfway through my sophomore year of college, I have not put on any weight (woohoo), but my muscle has turned to mush. I'm getting married soon, and I do not want flabby arms! Time to make myself get back into the swing of working out!
- Health (Mental)- Staying mentally healthy has been a recurring challenge for me since high school. It is not something I enjoy admitting that I have struggled with. While 2014 was my best year of handling it since my struggle with self harm first began, I know I still have a way to go. I had a lot of improvement this past year but I am going to encourage myself to make longer strides.
- Pray- I have been a Christian my entire life, yet I struggle with consistent prayer. While I feel this may bring hypocrisy upon my name, I know it is something I desperately need to work on. So this year is going to be a slow and steady improvement on my prayer life and my relationship with God. I am taking a theology course entitled "Our Living Faith" so I hope that it will assist my journey.
- Give More- In a time with little money, I have become greedy. I do not share my love, talents, money, and other blessings as I should. There is so much more of me that people should get to experience.
- Organize- In past years I have been a rather organized person. I would have to say high school was the peak of this. Here in Saint Paul, my stuff is a wreck! I need to get back on my game and clean and maintain. This will also assist with wedding planning.
While a lot of these changes are huge, I know it will take more than just a day to accomplish them. These are large tasks I have set up. I am going to write them out and post them in my room so I am reminded of them daily.
Hopefully I stick with them longer than I have stuck with resolutions in past years.
Do you have any resolutions you have made? What are they? How do you plan to stick to them?
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