Christmas!

My goodness, Christmas went by so fast! I know that it always does, but I had been feeling like the days were going by at a pace I was comfortable with...and suddenly it is December 27th. Yikes.

We definitely took advantage of the holiday season and did plenty of Christmasy stuff.

1. We went to WildLights at the Woodland Park Zoo. It was their first attempt at Zoo Lights, and was maybe a little bit disappointing. Most of the Zoo was closed off, with only the reptile house being open to see animals...I know that in the evening the animals have been put to bed...but if there isn't anything to see, then the entry should be cheaper. They did have a reindeer, which was a highlight. There were a few light structures put together in the shapes of animals, but mostly they just put lights around the trees and buildings. I mean, it wasn't awful...we enjoyed walking through and chatting with our friends...BUT, I think the Woodland Park Zoo can do a better job...hopefully next year.

2. We went to a holiday concert. Usually I go to The Round's Holiday show, but we missed it this year. I was also hoping to make it to the Cathedrals show...but again, that didn't work out. But boy, we did go to a Holiday Spectacular...the "The Surfjohn Stevens Christmas Sing-A-Long Seasonal Affective Disorder Yuletide Disaster Pageant On Ice"...woo. There was a giant wheel of fortune type wheel that was spun to decide which song we would sing next. There was confetti galore, blow up unicorns, dancing and singing, lights....it was a little bit crazy...but a lot of fun. My favorite parts of the show didn't include all of the craze...my favorite parts were when they sang slow, pretty Christmas songs. It was definitely an event to get into the holiday spirit.

3. Christmas parties. We went to a few, and I LOVE Christmas parties.I just don't feel like there are very many opportunities to get dressed up anymore...but Christmas parties invite sparkle. I also love all of the tasty treats that come out. I tried a new appetizer that I found on pinterest that turned out to be a big hit...I thought they were pretty (and again, sparkly), but they were actually pretty delicious too. The cranberries were soaked in maple syrup overnight and then rolled in sugar...then put them on top of some brie and a cracker...easy and yum. And then, of course, Christmas parties are a time to see some of your favorite people that aren't just family. I don't actually like the white elephant gift exchanges...probably more just right now because I don't have ANY room for stuff I don't need! But, those are still fun to open and laugh.

4. Christmas movies...Brian and I were Christmas movie slackers this year. I didn't see Christmas vacation until...like the 23rd. Miracle on 34th St was on at my parents house on Christmas Eve, and then Home Alone was on at Brian's parents on Christmas Day. I found Love Actually on sale at Target the day after Christmas, so we watched that one a few days late. We got a few in at the last minute.

5. And then the crazy family running around for the actual Christmas days. We did the same thing this year as last...didn't want to leave any family traditions out between the two of us, so we spent a good amount of time on the road going from one place to the next. It really isn't as bad as it might sound...we start up in Shoreline for an early-ish dinner with the Terreson's and grandparents, then to my grandma's in Des Moines for the end of the meal/present opening. There are always a ton of people there, so the present opening is crazy chaos...everyone tearing packages apart at once- kids pulling their new toys out (Brian finding the cool boy toys and joining in on that playing). Then we drive down to Bonney Lake and catch up with my parents. Go to sleep there and wake up Christmas morning to Santa's surprises, and delicious Christmas bread. Then we pack up the car and head back up to Shoreline for 'Christmas Morning' (afternoon) with the Terreson's and then to grandparents for dinner. Busy, but great. We have done this for two years now, but I think we might change the plan up next year...we'll see...we need to create some of our own traditions.

6. And then one of my favorite traditions is getting up early (ish), and meeting my mom for day-after-christmas-shopping. We used to get up at the CRACK of dawn to hit up the Disney store...but the Disney store isn't what it used to be, so it isn't much of a priority anymore. We still get up earlier than we need to (every year we say 'we really could meet later') and wander around a mall together. Mostly just to chat and sit in a Starbucks. I love it.

And now Christmastime is over for another year. Sad. It's kind of like leaving Disneyland...you know you will be back, you know Christmas will come again in a year....but it just seems SO FAR AWAY.

A Five Pointer

I want it to snow. We haven’t even had any close calls…where you are sitting in anticipation wondering if that giant raindrop was actually a snowflake on the windshield. I tried that once a few weeks ago…it was very clearly a raindrop and there was no sign of snow in the forecast, but I still wanted to believe that just maybe...Brian said no way. If it isn’t going to snow in real life, I want it to snow on my blog…but I just don’t want to go through the hassle of figuring out the code stuff (I did it last year and it wasn’t that big of a hassle, but the wordpress bloggers automatically got snow on their blogs without doing anything…I’m thinking I should move over… for effortless snow, among other reasons!). 

My blogging has been so random, unorganized, and far between this year. I think about things I want to write and then I don’t do it. In an attempt to be more organized (and feel like I have some sort control in my life), I’m going to attempt the bullet points again. Maybe a Friday Five will be a new years goal? 

·       1.   I finished my first quarter back at school! I turned my final in last night, and am now just awaiting my quarter grade. The class I took was Lifespan Psychology, which was super interesting…though maybe wasn’t super great for my already over-thinking about everything self. I think this was the first class in the history of any class I have ever taken where I actually did all of the reading. It is also most certainly going to be the highest grade of my college career…perhaps a correlation there? Maybe. Or maybe I know that my grades really count right now for getting into nursing school, so I went after every point possible. Regardless…the first quarter is over, and it was great. I love school. Next quarter I am taking an Anatomy class with a lab…which means I have to actually ATTEND school. And probably dissect stuff. I think this class will definitely be more challenging, but I am super excited! 

·         2. Along with a new class in January, I will be starting a new job! I am going back to the nanny gig. I found a new family to work with that seem great- I really enjoy chatting with the parents, and am looking forward to taking care of their two kiddos. Per usual, I have had some anxiety about the change- changing jobs, working with a new family, wondering how my days will be taking care of a toddler and an infant (sometimes those days can get loooong)…but I spent half a day with them today- we are easing in so I can learn schedules and the kids can get comfortable with me while their parents are still hanging out- and it was great. I know there will be some long days, and some challenging days…but it’s also going to be a lot of fun…legos, science center, coloring, laughing….it’s hard to think about your own worries when you are hanging out with a kid. 

·         3. I want a cat. I have been interested in getting a cat for awhile…Brian and I have talked about it- him getting one at his house or me getting one at mine (when I lived in my old place), and we decided it would be best for us and the cat if we waited until we are living in one place. But Brian’s roommate has been catsitting his parent’s cat this past week- Poof (that’s the cat)- and boy has it rekindled my cat needs! Poof looks like my favorite cat from growing up (Grizzles), though he isn’t quite as friendly…not that he isn’t, just mostly shy. And then I discovered one of my friend’s blog, and she is a big fan of her cat and just got a new kitten, and the pictures she has posted are KILLIING ME. Luckily Poof has really grown on Brian too, so I think there could be a kitten sometime soon after we get married. 

·        4.  Does anyone have any makeup brand recommendations? I’ve never been much of a makeup person…as in, I think it is too expensive and I have no idea how to put it on. So I occasionally wear mascara and chapstick. In my old age, I am starting to think that maybe I should invest in a few key pieces and learn how to put this stuff on. But, I don’t know which brand I should look into. I want simple and easy…basically just natural. I’d prefer something that will last awhile, since I don’t put it on all the time. Something that isn’t going to kill my skin. I’m also thinking about wedding makeup, so ideas there too…help?

·         5. Finally, Brian has been having to work in the evenings and so we have been spending time in a few different coffee shops (I don’t have to go with him obviously, but I loooove sitting and ‘working’ in coffee shops so much…I think it is fun to be here with him while he works, and I pretend to work)…we have been to Chocolati a couple of times because they are open late. Both times we have sat a table with ‘dates’ happening at the table next to us…funny and awkwardness. And I have to say, I LOVE the chocolati hot chocolate. Brian isn’t a fan…and I know it is horrible for me…but it is such a treat…like drinking melted chocolate. Mmmm. The peppermint patty has been the ‘special’, so I really treated myself. 

All for today…next post will be a roundup of the holiday to-dos we have been up to… busy busy with Christmasness! Now if only it would snow!

Happy Marriage Equality Day!

I love seeing the pictures of couples lined up to get their marriage license today! Holding hands and celebrating together! It makes my own (upcoming) marriage feel more real and important. I didn’t post about this when Ref 74 first passed, because I still had some bit of doubt that it was real- I actually had dreams about ballots being recounted- but seeing the pictures today and the joy on the faces of those relationships finally being recognized equally- I finally feel confident that it is real. Congratulations and best wishes to all those soon-to-be married folks! 

The holidays have arrived! I stopped at the bank on Tuesday and the bank gal greeted me nicely and said ‘so are you all ready for the holiday?’ And I automatically gave her an emphatic NO! which came out almost Scrooge-y. I had a moment of panic and then realized- hey lady, it’s only December 4^th. C’mon…let me ENJOY the season! The build up and preparation is just as important and magical as the actual day!

Brian and I went and picked up ol Doug 2 on Sunday night. Last year we names the Christmas tree Doug, as in Douglas Fir. Well, when we got to the Christmas tree farm (just kidding, we went to the Fred Meyer parking lot), we were in search of the perfect Doug 2…and we discovered that our Douglas Fir from last year was actually a Noble Fir…how silly we felt. Apparently another name for the Noble Fir is Christmas Tree. Our tree is still called Doug though. Anyway…so we found the perfect tree, brought the car around, and were given about 50 feet of string to tie the tree to the top of Brian’s Camry. We tried, we really did. But there was no way we were going to get that tree from Ballard to Phinney- up the big hills, without Doug ending up on the side of a road or on someone else’s car. Brian made a brilliant suggestion that I scoffed at and then realized was perfect. So here we are, in the car, with ol Doug in the backseat- top and bottom hanging out the rolled down windows. No big deal. The car smelled great. Why buy a tree car deodorizer? Just put a TREE in the car. 

I just got an email from theknot (I signed up because I needed some kind of checklist) that reminded me that today is December 6^th- and we are 4 months out from the wedding! How crazy! We met up with a friend on Tuesday who is helping with us our invitations- which I am so excited about! And I got my dress…which I am THRILLED about. I was having a hard time imagining myself in a wedding dress, because I just don’t like them that much. I tried on a bunch of dresses that were fine and I’m sure would work out fine, but just nothing that I would totally look forward to putting on…and then I found one that is SO much more ME than any other…it is not a traditional wedding dress at all. I hope Brian will be okay with that. :)

 

I went to an info session at PLU today about their Masters program for Nursing. I feel pretty confident that it is the route I want to go. Cost, time, opportunity- it just makes the most sense. And as much as Tacoma doesn’t thrill me, I do like the idea of being at PLU. There is still quite a while before applications and such (program would start June 2014 at the earliest), but that is going to be my goal. It is obviously quite competitive, but I actually left that info session feeling more confident than I did at the North Seattle CC Associates Degree program. 

Okay…must go…since I am in Tacoma, I get to visit my dad at work!

Thanksgiving week!

Oh my...can you believe it is Thanksgiving week? I can't, but I love it! I'm going to be honest here- I don't really like Thanksgiving that much. The food is fine...not my fav...I do enjoy that it is the one holiday of the year that we get two days off of work. And of course, I think it is great to have a holiday that focuses on the blessings in your life...that is never a bad thing (though I think most holidays do that). For me, the real thrill of Thanksgiving is that Christmas is close by.

I do think it is important to wait on the decorating and the music until after Thanksgiving...the whole enjoying one holiday at a time thing...but I CAN'T WAIT to find a Christmas tree and decorate it. And listen to Christmas songs. And see the lights on the houses (and the Woodland Park Zoo has WildLights this year!). And wait for the snow that may or may not ever fall. Drink peppermint hot chocolate. Satsuma oranges (I already finished off a box of those). Think about getting crafty for gifts and decorating (doesn't usually happen, but the intention is sure there). And sparkly clothes for Christmas parties! Sigh and Swoon.

I've had some time off from work (more on that another time), and have gone from feeling guilty about watching Kelly and Michael each morning, to LOVING it. Oh, Michael Strahan is way more fun to watch than Regis was. While I should be spending some of my extra free time cleaning, studying, planning a wedding, etc...I have really used this time to watch Kelly and Michael. And a few other shows....

I know I have written about Parenthood before, and this is still one of my very favs. I think I cry in every single episode, but somehow it doesn't seem over the top. I have been keeping up with the new show Nashville. I'm still not totally attached...the characters aren't likeable enough...you don't know who to root for. But something keeps me watching....probably Connie Britton (seriously, go watch Friday Night Lights right now!). The show that I get the biggest kick out of (how old am I...biggest kick out of?!) is Don't Trust the B in Apt 23. Which is the worst name for a show. But the show has James Van Der Beek as James Van Der Beek. He makes fun of himself as Dawson Leary, and there are so many fun Dawson's Creek references...I regularly laugh out loud...with Brian teasing me constantly (he didn't watch Dawson's Creek...too bad for him)...they recently had an episode where he was trying to get the cast together for a reunion show and they all refuse because they hate him because he didn't pay his share of the canoe cast gifts at the end of the series....not as funny in blog form. If you watched Dawson's Creek- definitely check out Don't Trust the B.

Okay, enough, enough. I have homework to do. I'll stop with the TV talk...I've been reading books as well...maybe I'll post on some of those next. I've also been running. I do get off the couch!

Later...

An update finally...

Oh, it is certainly time for a blog update, it has been quite a while!

So much to catch up on, it's hard to think of where to start. I have had a weird last month or so.

Just to catch up on the last few months of activity...BT and I went to Boston and NYC...had a super fun trip that went by waaaay too fast (per usual with vacation, right). Boston was just as magical and wonderful as I remember it from college when I was certain I would live there one day. I love to walk the Freedom Trail and get a dose of history and still be walking right through the city. And I love Mike's. NYC was so much better than expected (from me...I just have never really liked it very much)...it was definitely a different experience having Brian's sister with us to show us around. The city felt much less overwhelming having someone who knows it! There were four baseball games...two at Fenway, one at Yankee Stadium, and one at Citi Field. All really fun experiences...Fenway was beautiful.

I started coaching a 2nd/3rd grade basketball team at the Boys & Girls Club again...which I LOVE. The girls this year are mostly 3rd graders, which means they are a little bit taller, a little bit stronger, and a little bit more coordinated. Last year I had mostly 2nd graders, and they had a tough time throwing the ball high enough to hit the rim. We have had three weeks of practices, and our first game is this weekend. Exciting!

I just completed my midterm for the class I am taking this quarter. I was feeling really nervous about taking a class...for a couple of reasons. First, I haven't been in school in almost 8 years...that's a long time to not worry about studying or taking tests or doing assigned reading. Second, I just haven't been feeling overly confident in my intelligence. I feel like that is a weird thing to say...I had been feeling like I wasn't learning anymore, my brain wasn't being challenged...not necessarily that I wasn't smart, but that I was losing capacity to get smarter. And then finally, just being concerned about having the time for school. BUT, I have loved it. I am doing well in the class, I feel like I am really learning and grasping concepts...it has made me feel more confident. Sooo, today is registration for next quarter, and I am planning to take two classes. Once again, a little nervous, but certainly feeling more confident.

Brian and I have been moving along in our wedding plans...kind of. We have the date and venue confirmed. That was a huge relief. We are getting close to picking our caterer. We decided on some colors. we had the opportunity to bring our moms to the venue (which felt reassuring to have other people say they liked the place as well)...I have tried on a million dresses and am feeling a little bit stressed about that at the moment. I have liked plenty of dresses and would be thrilled to wear any of them...but they are all just way too expensive. Why can't I just find a nice Anthropologie dress to wear? And not the BHLDN line, because those are still wedding dress prices. I want to pay for a nice dress that I love...like at Anthropologie. Bah.

I have also been struggling a lot with anxiety recently. I mean, I have always been a worrier...but this feels different. I know that I am in kind of a weird spot in life at the moment, which I'm sure has something to do with it. I am living in a place that I know I won't be in for long...aka, do I even want to unpack anything, when I know it will need to be repacked in a few months anyway? I have started school for a new career path that I am very excited about, but still feels like a long way off and a lot of hard work and possible failures to get there. My jeep just broke down...which we all knew was coming- she has been such a trooper for so long, but means we will need to buy a new car....which we knew we would need to do in the next couple of years anyway...but still...we are spending ridiculous amounts of money...wedding, tuition, new car, new place to live soon, etc at a time when I wish I was just putting everything into a savings account for the future. And...I'm getting MARRIED. Which, I have to say, of all the different things causing anxiety for me, getting married is the one thing that is NOT stressing me out. It is the one aspect in all of this that makes me feel really GOOD and not scared and calms me down. I am so incredibly grateful for Brian.

I also know that at times when I am particularly struggling with worry, or anxiety as it is, usually means I'm not spending enough time with God. Every Sunday at church for the past several weeks, I have felt like God is speaking right to me and my situation. I mean, almost word for word what I need to hear. And I feel relief for a few hours on Sunday. And then Monday comes, and I have no idea what I'm doing. Yesterday, our pastor talked about taking an 'airy step' (the phrase came from a hike he went on where the guide book described this leap of death as an 'airy step')...that accepting that things are out of my control, and letting go, and putting all of my trust and faith in God is ALL I CAN DO. Again, it was what I needed/wanted/hoped to hear. And then we had Communion. And somehow I think that made it feel different. It wasn't passed around, or an organized row by row procession...it was sit and pray about what you need to pray about and then come up on your own and take His body and blood. It was like every week I was being told the things I needed to believe, and still wasn't able to listen...and so finally God was like 'fine I am going to give you something physical...take this physical nourishment-Communion- and KNOW that I am with you'. So I am working hard today to fight the Monday anxiety. When it starts to creep in, I'm praying. I have always, ALWAYS been taken care of...what is with the doubt? Working on it big time.  

Have a great week.

Fall is coming

Today feels like Fall and I'm okay with that. I got up this morning and it was chilly out. Football is on. We met some friends for breakfast this morning and we have plans for dinner with friends tonight. I am ALL MOVED OUT of my house, keys turned in. I really couldn't be more thrilled with this Sunday day.

I always forget about how much work it is to move out. There is the packing, which always starts with great intentions of going through the masses of stuff amassed and getting rid of as much as possible. But by the end, I have lost patience and am just throwing stuff in boxes, no organization, just jamming stuff in and taping the box up. And then once the packing is in process/done, comes the furniture moving. Ish! I put some of my furniture up on Craigslist, hoping to have it picked up and not have to do anything with it myself. But then once people started emailing me and requesting my address, I got nervous. I don't want strangers coming into my basement house. I ended up giving people the street names, but not the address, and said the furniture would be out on the sidewalk. Pretty much got rid of everything I needed to in about 30 minutes. Awesome. And then comes the cleaning that goes along with moving. My landlord provided a checklist, and I paid for a 'task rabbit' (website where you can find someone that can help you with just about any task you have) to come help me clean. It was a long couple of days, Brian was an unbelievable trooper/helper, I am sore and bruised and tired, but I have turned my keys in and am OUT. Sigh. 

Last night we went to a dance party...the same dance party that we won Best Costume for last year- last year was the Hipster theme and Brian went as Sufjan Stevens and I was Bon Iver. This year the theme was 'Stars and Stripes'...we had a little different take on the theme and did 'Stars IN Stripes', as in celebrities that went to jail...Brian was Lil Wayne and I was Lindsay Lohan. We won Best Costume again. Oh the pressure for next year's costume!

Random food note...Brian and I try to get lunch food for the week, to avoid going out to lunch too often, sometimes we get stuff for sandwiches, sometimes we get Trader Joe's frozies....well, last week we were at Target on Monday night, so I picked up some Kashi frozies for the lunch week. So Good! I mean, it isn't like a gourmet meal or anything, but for a frozen microwave meal, REALLY tasty. 

Okay, I must get some cleaning done.

Engaged!

So much has happened since I last blogged, my goodness.

Let’s see…I got ENGAGED. Whoa, big news. (though I’m guessing anyone that reads my blog is probably already aware of this one). Short version- It happened on National Relaxation Day, and more importantly- Felix Hernandez’ PERFECT game. We had plans to head out to Whidbey Island already, so I didn’t think twice when Brian suggested we have a date night out there (instead of the salmon bake we had planned to attend). We went for a walk, he did the whole down on one knee speech, he had called both my mom and my dad the previous week, he had purchased a ring without any help from me- and it’s beautiful and I love it and absolutely would have been the ring I would have picked myself. I was speechless and shocked and pretty much the only thing I said was yes. I hope he knew how excited I was, because boy, I sure didn’t show it. Ha. You never know how you are going to react in a situation until you are in it…turns out, rather than cry or jump or whatever, I turned silent. I just wasn’t expecting it…I figured with the amount of time we spend together, I would have some kind of idea ahead of time.

Naturally, after the engagement comes the part that I have dreaded for pretty much my whole life…the wedding planning. Bah. I have never really liked weddings that much, and I have certainly not been planning details from childhood. I have always felt like weddings are way too ridiculously expensive, particularly at a time in your life when you are probably more in need of a savings account than a party. Every wedding story has the tale of the mothers controlling the details and the event turning into something that is far from who the couple is (we don’t have this problem…both sets of parents have been nothing but encouraging and helpful…sooo grateful!). Or people plan things at their wedding because they think it is something they are supposed to do, rather than something that means anything to them at all. Etc. Not to mention- I personally, am NOT good at making decisions…like small, non important ones, like the napkin color. So the idea of having small decision after small decision, a thousand little details STRESSES me out.

BUT…as the planning process has started, of course some of my feelings about it all have changed. I start thinking about details and getting ideas. And luckily, Brian and I are pretty much on the same page about the tone of the event. Brian is totally involved…he cares about the decisions, so it isn’t just up to me (phew!)…I go back and forth every day about cost. I mean, it is ONE day. Like five HOURS of one day. BUT, the five hours of one day that we will talk about for the rest of our lives. The one day that you keep pictures up in every house you live in together. Back and forth, back and forth. Ahhh…looking forward to having the big details nailed down and confirmed.

I am moving again. In an effort to save some money pre-marriage, and to get out of my spider house, and really, because it will be fun to have a roommate and company again…I’m moving BACK in to my old apartment with Catie. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m NOT looking forward to packing. This week. Because I have to be all out by Saturday…(my own doing…I said I could be out early if he finds someone to take the lease). It’s doable…but it’s going to be tough. The plan is to get rid of as much as possible. I’m hoping to pretty much live out of a couple of suitcases for the next 7 months. I’ve done it before…totally possible. I am scared to clean/pack under my bed…I am afraid of what giant house spiders (that’s a real thing) are lurking under there. But, after this week it will be done.

Also on the agenda for the week, we have to get ready for our Boston/NYC trip next week. Things have been so crazy around here that I don’t feel like the trip has been given it’s due excitement and preparation…I really haven’t thought about it too much because it has always seemed so far away…but here it comes next week! Eek.

Besides all that…I am supposed to be doing a half marathon in less than a month. I haven’t run in like 2 weeks, and I haven’t run more than 6 miles period due to my knee. Every time I run, I feel about a million years old because my knee feels like it is going to fall off at any moment. So that should be a fun event…at least my aunt (who I am running with) is in the same knee injury boat so we can limp the race together. Knowing her though, she will grimace through the pain and get her best time yet…

That’s all for now. Happy back to school. Happy end of summer. Happy Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Updates!

Oh my, I am tired. I have been working a lot of hours lately and in an effort to not give up any after-school activities, have taken to going in bright and early. Which I do prefer to staying late, but my head has started to have that haze that I had each day when I opened at Starbucks (not to worry, I’m not going in to work THAT early!). But such sacrifices must be made in order to keep up the fun post-work activities. 

A couple pieces of exciting news, catch up of activity, and a horror story to follow...

1. First bit of very exciting news- my little sister has finally announced to facebook that she is pregnant (aka, I can talk about the news I heard back on the 4^th of July)…and not just regular ol pregnant…TWINS! Oh my. The weekend before she told me, I had just been telling Brian that I bet she would be having another kid sometime soon (she is such an amazing mom…it was only a matter of time)- and then a few days later she sent me the ultrasound picture…with two little blobs. As the aunt, I am so excited for a little pair of cuties…but thinking about my sister, I can’t even imagine how overwhelmed she must be feeling (she told me she isn’t focusing on that just yet, just working on getting past the nausea)…but I have to say, if anyone can handle it, she can. I have been so proud of her as she has grown up and continued to step into new responsibilities and handled everything with such grace. And, I know that she has a great support system around her of family and friends- I’m hoping that these new additions will force her to ask for help though!

2. Second bit of exciting news- one of my very best pals got engaged last week! And while that is exciting news on a personal level in itself, they somehow ended up with an internet sensation engagement story. Joel managed to figure out a way to get Jen out of the house and down to the capital area in Austin (where they live), and got down on one knee, while they had the whole pretty park area to themselves, and popped the question…very sweet, private moment for the two of them. I woke up the next morning with a text from Jen and a picture of her hand with the ring on. Great news! Turns out, they weren’t totally by themselves and someone managed to snap a beautiful picture right at the moment he asked…and then posted the picture to the Austin sub-reddit, hoping the couple would find it. Long story short, friend of a friend, etc…the picture found them, and they have since been blogged about, interviewed, on the local news…so fun! And what a cool thing to have a truly genuine candid shot of the moment. Meanwhile, they are in Paris at the moment inhaling croissants, strolling along the Seine, and probably being super mushy and romantic. They had the Paris trip planned for a while- and let’s be honest, we all figured the engagement would happen there-but now they get to just relax and enjoy the trip without any of that kind of pressure…love it!

3. Here is the transition point between exciting news and activity catch up...Entercommies are champs of the Summer kickball league! Woot, woot! I’ve had so much fun playing on the team this summer…they used to be a little bit intimidating to me (I mean, they are superstars compared to the Bahama Bombers team), but this past season has been great. It helps that we were undefeated. I’ve moved from the outfield to third base, which I like (outfield is such pressure!), and have been focusing on the art of bunting. I’ve known most everyone on the team for quite a while (everyone worked at the radio station at some point), but it has been fun to see them each week…they are so encouraging on the field…it isn’t intimidating at all. Anyway…Champions. Feels good. Fall ball has already started. 

4. We saw the Dark Knight Rises for the second time last night. We saw it the first time during opening weekend…did the whole sitting for a couple of hours outside of the Imax theater to insure good seats…for sure a great movie…though it was hard to let myself get immersed in the movie because of the Colorado shooting…the movie is super intense and I was constantly thinking about those people sitting in the theater, enthralled in the movie, and then the confusion and panic that ensued after. I could imagine being in the movie and not understanding that what was happening was real. I was hoping I’d be able to relax and enjoy the movie a little more the second time…but not really. I still found myself glancing at the exit doors every so often, and jumping a little every time someone stood up to go to the bathroom. BUT, it is a great movie…particularly in the giant Science Center 6-story Imax theater…also fun to pick up little things along the way that you missed the first time. Ohhh, and we ate dinner in the Center House before the movie..I hadn’t been there since they remodeled…there are some pretty tasty food options now. I ate at the little pie place…had a chicken pot pie for dinner and took a little berry pie into the movie with me. Yum!

5. Tonight is movie night…in honor of the Olympics and America…we are watching Captain America, and planning to BBQ out in the backyard before. I decided to make some ice cream again…I had been on a big ice cream making kick for a while there, but haven’t made any in quite a while…I looked up different recipes and decided on a Tin Roof Sundae…which has a vanilla ice cream base. And called for actually using vanilla bean to soak in the milk custard. I’ve never used REAL vanilla bean before…sliced open the pod and scraped the seeds out…mmm, smelled so good. I had to make the milk custard base last night so it could chill in the fridge overnight…I snuck a little taste of the mixture this morning and I think it will be a good batch! Have to add the chocolate covered peanuts and a fudge ripple too! Planning to make little ice cream cone cookies as well…we’ll see how much time there is after work.

6. And finally…eek, the scary story! Last week Brian and I were hanging out at my house. I was in the other room when Brian came running out of my room… ‘Eryn, you know I don’t normally get freaked out by spiders, but…’, and then he described a monster of a spider that crawled out from behind my dresser, ran across the floor and under the bed. He made a claw with his fist in describing the size. As mentioned MANY times in my blog, I don’t love spiders, but they sure seem to love me, and so I manage to deal with them. I was picturing a creepy wolf spider that nobody wants to deal with, but rolled my eyes a little bit. BUT, also knew I probably wouldn’t get great sleep knowing there is a large-ish spider under my bed…so we decided to hunt it down. I got some cleaning spray and a shoe, Brian had a curtain rod…he stood on top of the bed and rustled it…I was watching the sides, waiting for the critter to escape. And I saw him. He crawled out behind a large cookbook I had sitting next to my bed. Despite the thickness of said cookbook, I could see the spider over the top of it…he was THAT TALL. I froze. I let out a scream (I don’t scream). I whispered to Brian…we exchanged spots- him on the floor with the curtain rod poised over his shoulder like a baseball bat. I crouched down low and started spraying the cleaner at it…didn’t even phase him! But he did move…and Brian started swinging, getting pieces of him, but he kept running. Finally, with a loud crunch (I’m not exaggerating, it was loud), he was finished. We both let out a sigh, but didn’t let our guard down, fully expecting him to somehow come back to life (as they always do in scary movies). Brian stuffed the giant spider body under my bookshelf, out of sight, where he still is now. Shudder. I know it sounds silly, but this spider was LARGE. I mean, what had he been living on in my room to get to that size? He was like a daddy long legs on steroids…so tall. Ugh.

Do you have shivers? If not, would you like to stop by and take the spider corpse out of my room?

That’s all for now…have a super weekend!