The Ride

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. … Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride”

- Gordon B. Hinckley

I inherited a tendency towards nostalgic thinking from my father and therefore I like to reminisce a lot.  Today was one of those days when my head was flooded with memories of the past, and as I thought of all the many wonderful experiences I've had in life my mind wandered to the above quote. 

My life isn't always as perfect and sugar coated and rosy as it may appear in photographs and edited blog entries and Instagram posts. Usually days are filled with work and worry and dirty kitchen sinks and piles of laundry to do. More often than not I'm bored of my job and sometimes Nathan and I disagree with each other. But at the same time I've never felt so full or happy or satisfied with my life as I have been today. I think of the abundant scenes of beauty and friendship and adventure and love that I have experienced sandwiched in between the day to day hum drums of my existence. And I am so grateful for the simple fact that I've been fortunate enough to live - truly live. To be here on this earth and experience every aspect of mortality, the good and the bad. 

And even though it hasn't been picture perfect, it's been just right for me, so thank you Lord for allowing me 'the ride'. 

A Vacation Much Needed

Nothing is better than ditching work and hitting the road to greener, warmer pastures. Particularly the variety with palm trees and hot tubs in them. Nathan and I had the lovely opportunity to go to the National Finals Rodeo this weekend in Las Vegas. We had a smashing time with Nathan's brother Jarom and our friend Luke. 

We spent some time atop the Stratosphere, something I had not done previously. Heights such as those make my stomach queasy but I enjoyed the view despite my nauseousness. 

 

Here's us watching the pro cowgirls and boys from the nosebleeds.

This morning we left Sin City behind us and drove out to California. We've been poolside chillin ever since with anticipation for tomorrow's Disneyland festivities. Life is good, my friends.

Mission Complete

At last I have completed all of my Christmas shopping and wrapping! Can I get a woot woot? And I only had to inflict minor damage to the bank this year! Y'all should be proud. Beaming proudness.

I also got a new haircut today. I can honestly say I haven't had a haircut I've loved in years. I can also honestly say that I haven't even had a haircut at all for like 1.5 years. So I was a little overdue for a trim. 

Drumroll please......... Bumdummmmmmmmmmmmmmm

JOY TO THE WORLD!!!!!!!! 

(bonus points to those picking up the Christmas vacation reference)

I am quite pleased to have finally found a stylist who can give me a decent haircut. Let us not remember my Joan Jett hack job of 2011. I have been wary of haircuts ever since then, but I think I'm over my fear now. This, much much better. I feel like a new woman. 

Sunday Musings

Well peeps. I got my very first smart phone yesterday, and I have to say my life has changed and I'm never going back to my old flip phone again. In fact I'm composing this post from my iPhone now! Shveetness. Who da thought. 

So I realize this technology is kind of old news to the modern world but I've always been kinda behind on the techno train. I mean honestly my family didn't even have a computer until I was like 14. It is what it is. 

So anyway I'm pretty psyched about the convenience and wonder that is the smart phone. I've got the whole world in mah hands!!! Yeeee!!! 

In other news I have decided to make Sunday my baking day. I have always considered myself more of a savory person as opposed to the sweet tooth type, but since the invention of Pinterest I haven't been able to resist trying out all the baked goods I've been bombarded with from day to day on that lovely website. 

Here's what I made today: 

BROWNIE PIE 

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Mmm. 

Seriously the recipe is as easy as cake too. Haha that's punny. 

1. Melt together over low heat

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar 

6oz chocolate ( I used chocolate chips)

2. Take off heat and add

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/2 t. Vanilla 

1/2 t. Baking powder 

Dash o' salt

1 cup flower

3. Pour batter into greased 9 inch pie tin and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

4. Take out of oven and immediately pour  7 oz of sweetened condensed milk over top.

5. Top with 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips and let cool.

Enjoy!

Thoughts I Be Thinkin'

They say the difference between those that are happy and those that are not, is that the happy ones focus on what they do have, while the unhappy ones focus on what they don't have.

Makes sense. This is one of those glass half empty/full lectures, and currently I feel like I need to give one to myself.

I'm going to go ahead and state the obvious here by saying life is far from perfect, and certainly my own is a prime example of imperfection. I work for pennies an hour, it looks like I won't be able to pursue my career dreams for a while, Nathan won't be graduating school for two more years than we had originally thought, we might never be able to afford babies, haven't been able to ride horses for far too long.. blah blah blah blah blah.

I could go on and list the not so perfect things in my life that I'd like to change, but that would make for an extremely mopey, undesirable, ungrateful, practically unreadable post, wouldn't it? Besides that's not the point I'm trying to get across anyway. I mean it's Thanksgiving for heaven's sake.

So here, I am going to attack you with an assortment of inspirational pictures to make myself (and you, the reader, for that matter) feel good about life.

 

 

A fact that I know to be absolutely true is that God is quite aware of you. He knows your hopes, your dreams and your fears. I don't know how religious you are, and perhaps you are rolling your eyes currently, dreading the thought of reading something of that sort, but I can testify that when you obey God's commandments and when you are striving to build a relationship with Him, he will bless you and honestly your dreams will come true, and they do come true, and you find yourself quite happy and content with your life, even among times of struggle and strife.

 

I can think of a time a while back while I was living in the most lovely mid-western state of Kansas. Living with my auntie and trying desperately to find a job. I searched and searched and would honestly say yes to any offer. However there was one job that I had applied for that I so longed for. It was a position inside of a flower shop. The thought of getting that job was such a marvelous one. How wonderful that would be, I thought. Without counting on it I searched on at other places, applying and interviewing and such and such. Then a few days later a call came, a lady calling about the floral position! I was so excited I could hardly stand it. I went in for the interview and was hired on the spot!

 

The moral of the story is that God loves His children and wants to grant their wishes and dreams and desires. I was searching for a job, trying really hard to get one actually. I honestly didn't care which one I got, but God knew that I really would love that job at the flower shop, it was a dream, a desire, a wish, but not my any means a necessity. I would have been grateful for any place that would give me a paycheck in exchange for work. That was what I had been praying for, is just some work, but God blessed me with that and more. He didn't just give me what I needed, but also what I really wanted. It was a time in my life that I felt really close to my Father in Heaven. A time where I had built a strong relationship with Him.

 

I've been a slacker lately. I have been lazy about my relationship with God and I deserve a good swift kick in the butt for it. Perhaps that is why I have been feeling helpless and like none of my dreams will ever come true. I have become too preoccupied with myself and how much I don't have instead of remembering how much God has actually blessed me with and how much he loves and cares about me and wants to help me achieve the things I want and desire.

 

Time to get back on track, I suppose.



Christmas Crafts

I wouldn't typically consider myself the crafty type, but I've had the Christmas itch lately and along with that has come an urge to craft. So here is my tree skirt I told y'all I was gonna make!

 

 

 

Ouila!!

 

 

 

Just took a few hours of spare time and 4 yards of fabric!

 

Feliz Navidad

 

Admittedly, we did get a little bit over-eager about Christmas this year and have already set up our tree and bought a good chunk of presents (and even wrapped them!). I'm usually the type of person that shuns anything Christmas until the week of Thanksgiving, but for this year I got really excited because hey, this is the first year I get my very own tree in my very own place. Also we are going out of town for half of December so I felt justified setting it up early so we would have time to relish in our lovely décor.

 

So don't judge me, is what I'm really saying.

 

For those of you newlyweds out there that are looking for a nice, yet affordable tree, I suggest your local Wal-Mart. We bought this 6.5 ft beauty, pre-lit I might add, for only 39 buckaroos. That's a steal if you ask me.

 

Since I am housebound today due to my wisdom teeth removal, I have decided I am going to work on this project.

 

 

Isn't that a lovely tree skirt? I really want to make one and since there is so much burlap left over from my wedding all I really need is to go get some red fabric. I'll let y'all know how it goes.

 

Here's the tutorial I'm going to follow, found via pinterest, in case any of you wants to make one too!http://adirectedheart.wordpress.com/2012/12/03/so-you-like-my-tree-skirt/

 

Guess what happened to me today.

 

 

I've always quite enjoyed posting highly attractive pictures of myself on this blog, and so here is another for you, my dear friends.

 

And no... I'm not auditioning for the part of Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carol next month.

 

I got my wisdom teeth out! At the ripe old age of twenty I finally got those suckers pulled, and surprisingly I feel really good about it. An unlucky few depart the realms of oral surgery all swollen and miserable, I mean they are total train wrecks you know, but not me! Despite the fact that I have had to wear this ridiculous head wrap all day, and considering I got four teeth ripped out of my skull, I've felt pretty darn alright (knock on wood, right?).

 

 

Happiest of Birthdays

Happiest birthday yesterday to my handsomest man! The ripe old age of 24 looks good on you. I hope you don't disapprove of me disclosing your new age in public.

 

Thanks for your sweetness and gentle hand that cares for and helps me.

 

You are so strong, hard working, wonderful and kind.

 

I love you mucho.

Frivolous Thinking

If I were a rich woman undoubtedly I would throw out my entire wardrobe and buy a new one. It hasn't been changed much from the way that it was when I was a sixteen year old, but hey, what can you do when you make minimal dollars an hour and have to feed yourself and a crazy food eating 24 year old man with it?

This is the number one item on my wishlist right now. The lovely, the beautiful - pink leopard print nikes. I quite admire these, don't you?

Leopard has been a bit of an obsession of mine lately, which is strange coming from someone who used to shun any variety of animal print, but I am a woman and therefore am allowed to change my mind at will. Heck, when I was fourteen years old I vowed that I would never wear makeup, and clearly THAT little idea has changed.

Open Season

With fall comes all sorts of exciting things, for some it means pumpkin spice candles and cable knit sweaters. For us it means blazing orange and tromping around the woods in search of big old bucks with big old antlers. This year was my very first deer hunt, and while I didn't end up bringing home anything, I sure had a lot of fun being out with my husband, brother and grandpa freezing our butts off in the great outdoors.

The Simple Things

 

Making anything from scratch that is supposed to be canned or preserved in a jar has always been intimidating to me, but when my mom invited me to come over and learn how to make peach freezer jam I soon discovered that it is a much simpler ordeal than I had originally imagined.

 

I wish I had the recipe to share with you, but alas I do not. Perhaps it shall suffice to let you know that our peach jam is indeed, delicious.

 

Pictured above is me and my homegirl Cassady Stewart, furiously slicing and peeling juicy peaches for the sugary sweet concoction.

 

Now that I have graduated from making jam I would like to go on and learn how to make pickles. Any good recipes, peeps?

The D-land

There are those that like Disneyland, and there are those that do not. Can I just start out by saying that if you number yourself among the 'do not' group I am automatically going to assume that you also do not like kittens, or babies or warm blankets.

As a young teenager I went through a bit of a Disneyland obsession phase. I had Disneyland t-shirts, Disneyland posters, a Mickey Mouse bed spread, as well as mounds of other various memorabilia from the Happiest Place on Earth. Then I grew up and now I have a big person bed spread and my walls are no longer adorned with pictures of Disneyland, however I still consider myself a huge fan.

I was privileged to go on a girl's only trip to the D-land just a few weeks ago and oh how wonderful it was! And not to cause too much jealousy but I am going again in December! Life is sweet, my friends, life is sweet. I love Disneyland not for the thrills, but for the magic and for the good times with all of my family that adores it not equally, but almost as much as I do.

Also I would like to give a birthday shout out to my best friend, Shelby Frampton, who is currently on a mission in Ohio. We have now officially been best friends for 12 years. Happy Birthday Shelbster. I miss you dearly. When you get home we will go to Disneyland together again.

Peace out y'all.

Huckleberryin'

 

Upon the mountainsides of Teton Valley, Idaho, there is a special little berry that can only be found within a three week window in the summertime at certain elevations and in certain climates.

 

They're quite particular little fellows.

 

You can't buy them at the store, and you can't grow them in your backyard.

 

And that my friends, is why huckleberries are so special.

 

I always look forward to huckleberryin' season because after you've licked all those purple, sticky juices off your fingers from pickin' you get to go home and make homemade huckleberry ice cream, cheesecake and shakes. Which, as you can imagine, are quite delicious.

Cheer

Currently nothing is occurring in my life that I find worthy of blogging about and so I will share these sage words with you.

 

 

 

 

 

Mmm, yes. Something I find difficult to apply to myself at times. As I look back on my 20 years of earthood I realize that at all ages I was always wishing I was in a future situation in life. For example,

 

 "I wish I was old enough to drive."

"I wish I was married."

"I wish I was in college."

"I wish it was summer."

"I wish I had a better job."

 

It's just an assumption, but I'm guessing most of those phrases seem familiar to you. How often do we forget to enjoy the time we have now, hoping for some distant achievement or situation in life to come to pass? A guilty pleasure I partake of almost everyday. So slap yourself in the face gurrlll cuzzz...

 

You gotta stop dat!!

 

I heard once that the most forgotten commandment is to be of good cheer. I think when God told us to be of good cheer he meant to enjoy each and every part and stage of our lives, because I mean the alternative just isn't fun, and time just goes by too quickly for us to waste it away dreaming of better days.

 

Food for thought.

 

 

 

 

 

Goodbye July

I really like myself, I just thought ya'll should know. I began thinking about it just now and I remembered what a cool human being I am. In fact I believe all people should feel that way about themselves. Just think about it, "I am cool!!"

Great, now repeat; and keep telling yourself that every day.

As I finish up my final essays and tests and such I feel as though I should begin to see the craziness of my life wind down, but we shall see. Out with the old crazy and in with the new is how it usually goes. Perhaps someday I will have a week or so of normality, a girl can wish can't she?

I will be SO unbelievably grateful when classwork is over because seriously my schedule has been driving me nuts. Want to see what I've been doing everyday for the past 3+ months. Here, take a gander...

6:30 AM: Oh, hello familiar annoying alarm sound. *snooze*
6:45 AM: Muster all effort to get out of bed. Roll slowly, one inch at a time now.
7:00 AM: Ah, the loveliest part of the day, hot shower.
8:17 AM: Holy shiz, gotta get to work!! Hurry it up honey and grab the keys we gotta go!!
12:07 PM: What's for lunch today? Leftover pasta, surprise, surprise.
4:36 PM: Yay work is finally over. Honey please come pick me up.
5:37 PM: Should really stop procrastinating those 17 essays that are due tonight at 11:59.
7:43 PM: Alright, alright alright... time for homework. Bravo, self. Way to stall for 3 hours.
10:53 PM: *eyes drooping* ...time for bed....

Rinse, lather and repeat.

Needless to say, I have been in need of a little more spice in my life.

 

 

Wise Words From A Cowboy

 

Thank you, John.

An Interview With My Main Man

Ok, are you ready for your interview?

Yes.

First question - tell us about where you are from?

I am from a magical place where if you want it, you can get it. ... *laughs* ok don't put that in there. Don't say 'magical'. Ummm. I am from...a town that teaches... where am I going here? A town that teaches good... haha ok I don't know what to say, just say I'm from Driggs.

Where is Driggs?

Driggs is located west of the Missippi.

...Ok, what is your full name?

Nathan Wayne Hartshorn

Do you like your name?

Yes, I like my name. I like who it represents. Pretty much I like myself.

What do you like to do for fun?

I like to spend time in the outdoors. This can include anything from camping to motorbiking, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, and going to the carnival. I like to go out to dinner, too. I enjoy that.

Tell us about your favorite thing to eat.

Hmm. My favorite thing. A good rib-eye, cooked to perfection with just a little bit of red oozing out of it and a crispy outer layer, seasoned with um, ... oregano?? No, no what am I thinking? No no just put 'seasoned to perfection'. NO, put "well seasoned". With maybe some french fries on the side. NO, no... baked potato. Oh and a glass of mountain dew.

What would you say is your best quality?

My kiss-able-ness.

I don't think that's a word.

It is if you are in my dictionary.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

An old man I guess. Um, in reality I don't know what that means... "What do I want to be when I grow up?" I want to be an old cowboy that sits on his porch you know, that drives around in his truck and looks for trouble and goes to all the local stores and buys a bag of seeds and a cup of coffee... well not coffee, hot chocolate; and B-S's to everyone in town. Actually that's not my personality, but maybe it will be when I get older.

You come from a small town, so what's it like living in Utah Valley for you?

It's a different life than living in Idaho, that's for sure. It's a lot more crowded and busy. It feels hard for me to breathe, because I like to get out into the open and into the woods. So being around all these people drives me nuts actually, but at the same time it is fun and definitely more convenient. There's definitely a lot more work opportunities here. I just miss the easy life... the laid-back life I should say.

What is the 'laid-back' life?

Just being able to take a moment and kind of ponder and think about ..ya know, stuff. We don't get those moments too often. Just being able to sit out on the porch and kind of go at your own schedule.

What's it like being married to me?

It's awesome.. because being married to you is one of the greatest -

Ok wait, let me rephrase that, what's it like being married?

Well it's a lot easier than I thought, to be honest with you. Well.. so far, haha. It's enjoyable.

What's your favorite thing about being married?

Having somebody there at your side that's... having a best friend that you are connected to beyond just emotions. Someone that is always there for you. Lives with you, understands what you are going through, loves and supports you in every way. Cares for you. Shnuggles with you. You don't get very many friends that can shnuggle. You should only have one friend that can do that, haha. Although me and Dalan have shnuggled a few times. Just kidding we haven't.

What is your life's motto?

Well I've always lived by 'work hard, play hard'.

Very nice, thank you for your time with this interview.

I didn't really have a choice...but you're welcome.

Secret Ambitions

I have a secret ambition to become a florist. I attempted to make that ambition a reality for a while, and now it is barely hanging on by a thread but that is a story for another day. Anyway my dear friend Laura is being wed this summer and has asked me to be her florist. Here are some of the pics of her bouquet I made this last saturday for her bridals.

 

Some of my other projects.

 

 

I know I am not a professional by any sense of the word but it is a nice hobby to toy around with. Perhaps someday I will fulfill my dreams of opening a flower shop, who knows.



Chia Power

No, this post is not about these guys (as much as I love the furry little fellas)

But rather, about these guys:

 

 

CHIA SEEDS

 





What I formerly believed to be a 'weird hippie food' type of thing, has turned into one of my favorite ingredients! Since I have been taking this online nutrition class I have started on a bit of a health kick. Notice I said 'a bit' I haven't given up my Diet Dr. Pepper or french fries or anything! Don't panic. But I have become rather interested in developing a healthier eating pattern.

Also you should know I work as a therapy aid at a rehab and nursing facility and so I see the repercussions of bad health habits in our patients every single day.

So between the class and my job I have realized I need to start being better.

Enough side tracking though, back to the chia seeds. Apparently they are considered one of those 'super foods'. Like kale, for instance. One tablespoon of these little puppies equals 20% of your daily fiber. So for people like me, who find themselves constipated all the time because they never eat enough fiber, this is like the holy grail of all foods. Another cool thing about them is that the longer they sit in liquid the squishier and bigger they get! They are incredibly absorbant and so they make great puddings and work well in smoothies and oatmeals. They are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy metabolism.

Here is a link to my current favorite recipe that includes chia seeds:

http://www.theyummylife.com/Refrigerator_Oatmeal

This overnight refrigerator oatmeal is delicious, delicious, delicious and the website includes all sorts of different flavors for it! My favorites have been the peach melba and the chocolate banana!

The only downside to chia is that like most health foods, they are expensive. I bought a little bag for like 12 bucks at Good Earth, but really even a 12 oz bag is gonna last you a long time because you aren't supposed to use cups and cups of it. You just throw on a teaspoon here and there to all your favorite recipes, and that is really all you need to enjoy the benefits of it.

Next I want to try quinoa! Has anyone had any success with cooking with this ingredient? Let me know your experiences.

Whoever is interested in starting healthier eating habits and really just a healthier lifestyle I recommend the blog - Undressed Skeleton. I came across it on pinterest one day and it is absolutely amazing. It is written by a girl who struggled with being overweight her whole teenage life and was made fun of horribly for it. Her blog is about her road to weight loss and good health and how she maintains it! Her story is truly amazing. Go check it out!

http://undressedskeleton.tumblr.com/mystory

Parties and Such

 

 

Yesterday was my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. So we threw a party for them. Conveniently it was close enough to the fourth of july that we were able to celebrate with fireworks. Can I get a hoo-ray?

 

Some of my fondest memories are those of my family get-togethers. The Abbott side is incredibly loud and opinionated and so gatherings with them always proves to be rather interesting.

 

My poor husband isn't used to so much ruckus though, hopefully he doesn't disown me.

 

Also today I tackled not one, but two pinterest recipes! Please hold the applause.

 

First off - fried zucchini...

 

 

Battered and deep fried in Crisco! Seems a little counter productive to my health goal of avoiding fried foods, but whatever. They tasted muy delicioso.

 

And secondly, these super good, quick and easy garlic knots:

 

http://pinterest.com/pin/198369558558435935/

Cooking has proved to be a challenge for me, among other things since I have been going to school and working full time, but I do really enjoy the days that I can actually prepare scrumptious dishes. We have been eating a lot of frozen stuff and fast food lately... so don't feel too bad if you don't ever get the chance to cook either!



Happy Independence Day

 

I am proud to be an American.

 

After all what would the world be like without hamburgers, cowboys and amber waves of grain?

 

Here's to all the many wonderful freedoms we enjoy because of those that have fought and sacrificed for it!

 

Summertime Blues

At one time I was motivated to do my homework. I would spend hours a night getting things done before hand. Now, that has all changed. I have skipped out on doing homework on monday nights for the past three weeks, I've refused to do certain assignments altogether and missed various online meetings. Intentionally.

This is kind of a pattern that has occured every semester since I have started college though, so I am not in the least bit surprised by my behavior.

I am awesome like that. I am also only three weeks away from getting my associates degree!! You can do it, Hannah. Hold out just a little bit longer.

Please enjoy this highly attractive picture of me refusing to do my homework. YouCam always accentuates my good looks, I think.

Thank you and goodnight.

Just Fishin'

 

 



I bought Nathan two brand spankin' new Cabela's campchairs for our (six month!) anniversary, so we decided to put them to good use and go fishing up at Tibble Fork Reservoir. For those of you familiar with Tibble, you will understand that it is usually crowded and the fishing is absolutely terrible. If you do catch something it is a small fry. People fish the crap out of this place and so the fish that are in there have attained some smarts and avoid your hooks and bait at all cost. Leaving you fruitless.

But we went up there. We weren't in it for the fish anyway, I'd like to think. We were just there to relax, and what a successful night of relaxation it was. No fish, but lots of good times.

Do any of you remember the game Roller Coaster Tycoon? I have recently had an itch to play it. I think I will go purchase myself a copy.

6 Months

Well we have officially hit the six month mark of our marriage! Not very long in the grand scheme of things but we try to find any reason we can to celebrate so I will consider this a major milestone.

I feel as though the older I get the faster the time flies. I hope it doesn't go too fast. I want to enjoy life each second it gives me, especially with that sweet husband of mine.

Being married is awesome. They say that the first year is the hardest, and I suppose that is true in some aspects. Learning to share everything about yourself and your life with another is not always these easiest thing, but I have found marriage to be more rewarding and satisfying than any other experience I have known. Marriage puts you through the ringer sometimes, but that is a good thing because you come out more refined. I have to admit that some of my weaknesses have been magnified lately, but it has helped me to realize what I need to do to change and so I feel as though slowly I am becoming a better person through my marriage. Also the fact that I am on birth control makes my emotions go crazy and I feel as though I have become a slightly more aggressive person as a result, but we're working on it, haha.

I would definitely recommend marriage to anyone, but a word of caution, it is hard work, it is not easy, it is emotionally, physically and spiritually trying at times, however if you are willing to put in the effort you will find that the results are magnificient.

I love my husband, I love being married. It is truly the best.

Love you sweet pea.

Life is Like a Lemon Drop

I have posted absolutely nothing substantial in the past two months and figured it was about time I got some of those thoughts out that have been bouncing around in my brain. Blogging is a type of therapy for me, it keeps me sane; and heaven knows I have been on the brink of insanity the past little while.

Sometimes... life is like a lemon drop. You gotta suck on the bitter to get to the sweet part. Pistol Annies taught me that.

Prior to this stage in my life I had never truly understood what it meant to live for the weekend, and now I have had a crude awakening. 60+ hour work weeks are certainly not meant for everybody, and anyone who claims that they are for them are absolute loonies.

My husband and I are both currently going to school and working full time. Meaning we both work our eight hour work days and then go to school all night long. Literally, all. night. long. and then we go to sleep. And this repeats itself Monday through Friday every single week.

So quite literally, I live for the weekend.

I have never experienced something quite so emotionally, physically, spiritually draining in my short life, and it has been difficult to deal with.

I am SO looking forward to the day that I can come home from work and actually relax. Like, you know, go for a drive if I want to, or kick back on the couch in my pajammies and watch a movie, or you know, pursuing my hobbies that have now become altogether lost, and other normal people stuff.

I recognize though that, just like Pistol Annies say, sometimes life is like a lemon drop, and you gotta suck on the bitter to get to the sweet part.

Fortunately the bitter always eventually goes away, and usually when it does you come out a little better and a little more accomplished than before. 

Here's us at the Strawberry Days Rodeo this weekend!

The Evolution of the Swimsuit

This woman has got things right. This video is definitely worth watching.

http://www.qideas.org/video/the-evolution-of-the-swimsuit.aspx

I married a very hot man.

This Ain't My First Rodeo

We are officially moved in, the last box was unpacked a few days ago, so now we can consider ourselves settled.

Of course there's still the new couch I want and the shelves I want to hang, among other things; but those will have to wait until wealthier times come to pass.

The new job at the nursing home is going great. I chat with old people all day. It's quite nice actually. They say funny things.

Nathan got a job at a paint store. So proud of that young chap.

With our much busier than normal schedules we have taken to eating microwaveable dinners.

You know... cup o' noodles, corn dogs, tv dinners, and let's not forget our good friend mac and cheese.

The lack of crock potted, delicious meals may in fact put a decrease on my awesome-wife points, but I'll have to deal with that until the crazy mayhem of juggling full time school and work end.

 

 

In other news summer has decided to start making an appearance. An appearance I am quite pleased about. If you had lived through -25 degree whether this winter you may feel similarly.

 





The Move: A Video Diary

 

Disneyland

Right now, I am suffering from severe Disneyland withdrawals. I mean my most recent trip was four months ago! I think I'm due for another trip!

If my husband read this he would roll his eyes at me. He is not quite as in love with the D-land as I am. He insists we don't need to go again for another year. Pish posh, I say. Eventually I will convert him!

 

 

 

Don't tell me these pictures don't make you long for the happiest place on earth, too!

 

 

Let's Pack Up the House

I had to put in my two weeks notice today at work, which was mildly depressing to me. I have quite enjoyed my job as a Broulim's Checker. However, the next three weeks are full of all sorts of new beginnings for the hubby and I, which I am excited about.

It's official! After three stress filled days of apartment searching (which is my absolute least favorite thing in the world. It causes me severe orneriness), we finally found a charming little basement apartment in Cedar Hills, UT to live in for relatively cheap; and it also has really cute robin's egg blue colored cabinets. Bonus.

Also, another bonus is that I landed a job at a nursing home as a therapist's aid! Cool deal, full time and everything. Thing's are all falling into place. I like it when that happens.

Nathan and I will both be going to school, and working full time so our lives are going to be rather hectic for the next little while, but you know what they say.

It is what it is.

That is our family motto, by the way.

In other news, Easter was fun.

 

The Easter Bunny brought Nathan a Duck Dynasty shirt. Score.

 

We dyed eggs.

 

A made weird smiles at the camera.