Life, Love and Remembrance

Via

    Tyler came home Saturday!!! Yay! :) I made us a nice dinner of baked chicken, potatoes (which I boiled, then put in oil in a pan) and broccoli. It was delicious. Sunday, I made my first ever cheesecake from scratch. Wasn't half bad...meaning, it was lumpy but still tasted good. I took a look at a few different recipes and tried to make it my own. It was just your basic cheesecake (cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, eggs...crust with graham crackers and butter) with a sour cream topping. The topping consisted of sour cream, sugar and vanilla, and was really good!
    It's so great to FINALLY have Tyler back. I mean, I did deal with back pain (which is pretty much better), internet/phone problems (which is also solved as of Friday) and other things by myself, but I'm glad I don't have to do it alone anymore.
    Thursday, the in-laws will be here. Tyler and I are excited, but we would also like some more alone time before he has to go train again. Ah well. We have lots of exciting traveling ahead of us at least :).
    I guess I got to finish up my cleaning and stuff before they get here haha. Last night there was this really intense/cool storm, so there's all these leaves in the apartment. Also gotta fold laundry. ugh. I don't hate it, but sometimes it just takes so long.

 *****

    Before I go, I wanted to touch on 9/11. 10 years ago yesterday, I was in 8th grade...I was coming from band (we had band class before school started a couple days a week) to my classroom. I walk in the teacher and some of the kids that were already at school were fidgeting with the TV. I asked what was going on. "one of the World Traders was just hit by an airplane!" What??? What does that mean? I was so confused, and to top it off, I had no idea where the World Trade Centers were. Embarrassing? Probably. So, I ask and was told New York City. We FINALLY find a station that came in on the TV (not in Spanish haha) and start to watch. I remember sitting there, more people are coming in, but we're still all starring at the TV, trying to figure out what this means for us.

Via

I remember seeing the second plane hit the second tower live. I remember watching people jump from the towers, wanting to die from that fall rather than burning or being crushed. I remember watching both of the towers collapse live. I remember the Pentagon being hit live. I remember the other flight crashing in to the Pennsylvania field. I remember not really having class that morning. I remember finally "having" class in the afternoon, but not really because the TV was still on in the background and some kids were taken out of school by their parents. Once I went home, I learned that even certain buildings in Dallas were evacuated just as a precaution. I remember people scrambling to call their friends, family and loved ones in the New York area. I remember people also trying to get in touch with those they knew who worked at or near the Pentagon. I remember Peter Jennings trying to get in touch with his son and crying on air. I remember this day, and will never forget it.
    This morning, Tyler and I were watching CNN International before he went to work. There was a segment about people in Afghanistan not knowing about 9/11. Everyone seemed so shocked, but if you think about it, why would they know? How would they know? They live in a world that's basically in a different time. What was shocking to me however, was the fact that interpreters for the US military forces and the Afghan Army did not know what 9/11 was . I feel like that would be an important thing to tell the people who are helping you. What also shocked me was this, why has it taken 10 years for this to be a thing? Why has no one tried to explain this to them before? Maybe some have and we just don't know about it.
    This was a terrible day for America that will clearly never be forgotten. I hope those who were directly affected have found some peace, and know that their loved ones did not die in vain (military included in this)...their lives/service will never be forgotten. 

   

On My Own

"Pretending he's beside me. All alone, I walk with him till morning. Without him, I feel his arms around me...And when I lose my way I close my eyes and he has found me." - On My Own, Les Miserables

Well, Tyler's gone, so I have the house to myself for a bit. It's a happy/sad. Happy because I'll have the car to myself and get the apartment all clean with no interference. Sad because, well, he's gone and I don't get to see/be with him for awhile. :( Time for some movies and girl time! Oh yeah, I also have to get the spare room ready for when my parents come in a few weeks :)

Thursday Tyler took me out to dinner at our favorite little Italian place. It was a nice change since we don't eat out all that much. Friday Tyler left (sad day). Then today, I went to a Flea Market in the morning with a neighbor. Unfortunately, I didn't find anything :( . Ah well. Now I'm watching another neighbor's precious little Yorkie, Radley, while they're on a vacay. He's so cute! I'll be sure to put up some pics soon.  How's everyone else's weekend thus far?

Happy Days :)

   Ok, it's been awhile, and I apologize for this, but there has been A LOT going on. Thursday was Tyler's and my 2 year anniversary, so we spent it where we got married, at Angel's stadium in Anaheim, CA, watching the Angels kick some Mariner ass, haha.

   Friday I picked a friend up from the airport, picked up my wedding dress and got ready for the "wedding" on Sunday. Saturday we had a rehearsal in the morning (because there was a wedding at the location that night), and then had a lovely brunch at a local country club.

Some of the people at the Rehearsal Brunch. Look at all the rainbow colors! hehe

   This past Sunday, I got to re-marry the man of my dreams, my hubby, Tyler, in Our Celebration of Marriage. It was so much fun! Everyone looked great, it went basically without a hitch, the food was amazing, the pie was delicious and everyone looked like they had a good time. We also lucked out and got some furniture for free! The company who rented the furniture to the couple who had a wedding there the night before,  forgot to come and pick it up, so I could use it. Win. At this beautiful outdoor location, not only did we have lots of food a drink (lots of wine of course), we had a great DJ and lawn games. Yup, you heard me right, we had lawn games...croquet, horse shoes and corn hole (aka bean bag toss). I didn't tell many people about this (just family), because I wanted to be a surprise, even for the wedding party. People loved them! If you have an outdoor location with some space, some games might just be the thing you're looking for.I finally got the day I had dreamed about for so long. I got to walk down the aisle, have dances, wear a gown etc. It was one of the happiest days of my life. :)
   Anyway, here are some pictures via friends and family from that day. Professional pics should be available in like 2 weeks! Enjoy. :)

Wedding Party

Here I come! hehe

Kiss

Apparently something was funny in the ceremony haha.

Father/Daughter Dance

Parents :)

First Dance. :)

   I felt good in my dress until I saw a few pics of how unforgiving my it was. I couldn't wear spanx, etc. because you could see the lines, yes, even the ones that were seamless. Maybe I just should've worn them anyway. I thought that I looked pretty good, but some pics I feel I look like a fat cow or pregnant. I'm not either, though it would be interesting to find out what people think of me, like, do people consider me to be a "bigger" person? I know everyone said I looked gorgeous, beautiful, etc., but I just wonder, ya know? No, I am not fishing for compliments here...ha; I'm just a HORRIBLE critic of myself. Who isn't though? Well, I'm one of the worst I know. Le sigh. Ah well. I did get angry that all my working out and eating better apparently didn't pay off. Ok, ok. I guess it did, because I learned to enjoy working out. Sorry to vent, I know I did look beautiful, and I did love that dress. :)
   Saturday night, my throat started to hurt, but on Sunday, I was able to ignore it for the most part until we got to the hotel Sunday night. Oh man. My nose started acting CRAZY. Ugh. Of course. Worst part is, I still have it! I think it started as an allergy thing, but now is more of a cold. Ugh. So, it's Wednesday night, and I think I'm still jet-lagged. Also this cold thing doesn't help with the energy level.

Days 21-26: wishes, a favorite or two and love

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget
There are many things in my life I'm sure I wish I could forget, but would that make me the person I am without them? Who knows. Not really sure of one specific thing that I wish I could forget, so I'm going to move on...

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
I wish I was better at a lot of things...I mean, I'm decent at many things, good or even great at some, but if I had to pick just one thing to be better at, I think it would be dancing. :) 

 

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book 
As you can probably tell, I’m not very good at the “favorite” questions. I dunno, for some reason I just don’t like to pick favorites all the time. It’s hard for me to pick my favorite books, but I’ll try and pick some I enjoy :)
"The Bible"…why? Well, being a Christian woman I like it and believe in it, but from a book perspective, I just think it’s a great collection of stories.
"Twelfth Night" - why? It’s hilarious and I do love me some Shakespeare
"Pride and Prejudice" - I do love me some Jane Austen. Strong female character, great love story…need I say more?
That's just a taste... :) 

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change
See day 21...but I guess if I could change one thing it would be to not be as much of a pushover. Good news, I have been getting better...slowly. 

Day 25 - A picture of your day

Image from Google Images
 My day was full of cleaning and being lazy haha. I mean, I did just get back from a weekend trip...

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
I mean lots of things mean a lot to me...my life, my husband, my family and friends...Then I could go into the material stuff that means a lot to me...but eh. 
But, if I have to pick one thing, it would be love...love of my husband, friends, family...love. What is life without love? 
“Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring.”
- Oscar Wilde

Image from MeHeartWeddings

Day 14: Can't live a day without you...

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

Yes it's my wonderful husband, Tyler. I know, I know. I've been posting about him sooo much. Sigh. But it's true, I can't imagine my life without him. 

Day 9: Yup I'm behind...oops...

After this post I have one or two more and then I'll be caught up. haha oh me. 


Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

 My husband and my parents...need I say more?

SNAPS Class: Day 4

   On Thursday, we learned how to take the bus and went from base to downtown. We walked around the city and got a quick tour of everything important and were realized to go explore for ourselves. It was a really fun time to hang out with some girls, chat, eat, shop...you know. A group of us ended up going to the mall and of that group 4 of us had the most amazing sushi! It was set up in the traditional conveyor belt style and had two levels! It's almost like the image below, but it was covered in glass and had two levels. The staff there was so nice and helpful as well!

via site

   After our delicious sushi, we walked around the mall some more, then left and made our way to H&M. I of course had to buy some leggins and a new sweater. How can you not get anything there? haha. To end our trip we went to the backery to get some treats and bread. mmmm. What a great way to end the day huh? After that, we headed back to base where I hung out with my new friend Gabby until Tyler got off work.
   Now, here's the funny thing about that. Gabby and I hung out at her place for awhile, then headed over to the library to get some books. After that, she had to leave to meet some people and I went to the computers there where I saw another girl from our class, Aimee. Turns out she lived close to me and could pick me up the next day to go to the train station! Success! Usually Tyler would come home to drive me, but getting me soemwhere by 8:30, was going to be impossible for him. Aimee then left and I was still waiting for Tyler. His meeting was at 5, but it was now pushing 5:40...where was he? Then I got a call from him. He had already gone home and realized I had not come back via taxi. Oops. Yup, that's right, he forgot me. I even sent him a reminder text! Fail Tyler. Once he came to get me we splurged and got some Pizza and girl scout cookies. :)
Thus, I digress...it was all and all a good day :)

How I Met Your Mother and Real Life

   One of my favorite TV shows How I Met Your Mother. Tyler is really the one who turned me on to this show, it's his favorite currently airing show. Anyway, I've only really be religious about watching all of this past season, season 6. Other then that, I just catch How I Met Your Mother on re-runs. I recently decided since Tyler has all the seasons, why not start from the beginning. I realize as I'm watching them that I haven't really seen a lot from season one. Then I remember something. WARNING! SPOILER ALERT! I remember an episode where Lili and Marshall aren't together and she has to move in with Barney. But, in season one they get engaged and are planning their wedding, how can this be? They're like the Corey and Topanga of this show! They've been together 9 years and are finally getting married. Well, Lili wants to see if she's any good at her art so applies for an art fellowship in San Francisco. Her and Marshall fight and she breaks it off and leaves for San Fran. I bawled.
   Now, you may be asking yourself, why I am telling you about How I Met Your Mother? Well, here's the thing. Lili had been freaking out about getting married. She was saying stuff about how she hadn't done all the things she's wanted to do yet, how she's only ever really been with Marshall, should she date other people, etc. etc. I myself remember freaking out about similar things before tying the knot, but my conclusion was different then Lili's was at first. I realized that, why would I give up the love of my life for chance? Maybe isn't a choice. Sure I would love to grow and find myself, but why can't I do that with Tyler? Why can't I do any of these things with Tyler. I love him. And that's all I needed. Don't worry, Lili and Marshall get back together and she realizes he's the only thing she really wants and wants to do things with him alone, blah blah.
   Freaking out before you get married I feel is completely normal. It is a HUGE commitment. Things don't magically become perfect or better just because you get married...things take work, love, trust, hope, faith, commitment, etc.
   Part of the reason I may have freaked out even more was because I was so young. Yes, I will be one of the first to admit it. We were both 21, he was off to A-stan and I was entering my senior year of college. When I look back, I do not regret getting married that young, heck, I married the love of my life, why should I? Sure we spent a year apart, which sucked if you wondered, but I still don't regret it. Some may say that I was married to young, I should  have waited, I should've have moved to Germany, but I don't think any of those things are true. Yes, I could've have waited, and while I agree I was young, I don't think it was a mistake. I also don't think moving to Germany was a mistake either. I JUST graduated college May 2010, many people travel and take breaks after they graduate. What do you think I'm doing? I'm living abroad and traveling. Bonus is that I get to do it all with my wonderful husband, Tyler. When else am I going to have to awesome opportunity to live in another country and travel all over Europe? Sometimes I think, man, what would life be like if I would have stayed in California...what job would I have? But then I think, who cares? I'm with Tyler, in Europe! Awesome. I can worry about a career later. I mean, I don't honestly even know what I want to be or do.
   Thus, I digress. People, including myself freak out and worry to much. It is natural to do, especially before big moments in your life. I'm trying to not do it as much, but it's hard. Just a work in progress, much like life. haha.
   I hope everyone has a great day! :)