Chloe is the cutest!!

This post is totally self-indulgent. I just think my cat is so darn cute!

While doing through old boxes in the storage unit, I came across all of my old Beanie Babies. I sorted through them and organized them in an attempt to sell them. [Still working on that...] Anyway, two of them didn't make the cut. The little pig has a ripped tag [and was my first one so I'm cool with keeping it a little longer] and Pooh Bear cause it's not a real TY Beanie. [So lame, I know.] Ok - stay on track Rach - I pulled those two out of the protective plastic case and lay them on top of the box. The next day, I got home from work to find Chloe has dragged them off the box and had the pig in her mouth, tossing her into the air, then swatting at it. SO CUTE. I am telling you all...she is a dog, trapped in a cat's body!

I tried to snap a picture in mid swat, but was a little late. This is the best I could do...




She had also kidnapped Pooh, but she was being much sweeter with this one. This is Chloe, curled up on the mound of blankets on the couch with Pooh. How stinkin' precious?!



And asleep with Pooh.

Awwww our little furbaby!

Thanks for letting me gush :)

More Polar Bear Attacks...

Polar Bears are still my favorite animal ever...


These are pictures of an actual polar bear attack
in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada .


These pictures were taken while people watched and could do nothing to stop the attack! For some reason, not a single person tried to help the victim during this struggle.

Fortunately, reports from the local newspaper say that the victim will make a full recovery.


Beware...it's scary....

















Tee hee hee. All together now....Awwwww!!! :)

Ryan's Jeep - Vent

So, Ryan's Jeep has been having some starting issues. It has a new starter in it but if we run errands in it, after the 4th or 5th "stop and start"...it gladly stops, but then wont start. We have to sit there for 20+ minutes waiting for it to stop throwing its tantrum and get us home. Other than that little issue, its one of the best cars we've ever had.

Ok - on to the vent. Ryan is out of town for work again this week so we used this as an opportunity to take it to the shop. And wouldn't ya know it...the car is running like a dream. It will not "duplicate" the issue!! They have been starting and stopping it all day. No problem. GRRRRR!!!! Our wonderful mechanic of going on 10 years [shameless plug - Kane's Auto Repair in Lewisville] said he would keep at it tomorrow. Sigh. Really, oh Jeep of ours? You pick now to be reliable?

Ryan is gonna be pissed at you when he finds out...

[A Slightly Delayed] Weekend Wrap Up

It was a busy weekend. And it went by much too fast.

Friday - I got off work a bit early [YAY!] just in time for Ryan to call and say he was back from his business trip. I got to pick him up, which I love. I feel like a giddy school girl when I drive closer and closer to his office. So silly! Anyway, I planned to try and make it to church with my Mom but she had a job interview [PLEASE pray she gets this job!!!!!!] and it ran late so Ryan & I stayed home and spent time cuddling on the couch. Bliss.

Saturday - I had a spa appointment with my Mother-in-Law at the Coldwater Creek Spa in Flower Mound. [And, I know you are wondering...NO I do NOT usually visit the spa. I'm generally to cheap, broke, whatever to go, but I had a generous gift card from said Mother-in-law, so we went together.] I had the most amazing pedicure of my life. Seriously. If you ever have the extra cash...do it. The Essential Pedicure. Wow. It's worth the $50 plus tip. [I know, I know. I had a gift card, remember?!] They sit you in this huge recliner and soak your feet. Then they put an aroma-therapy neck wrap on you. Then they lay you back in the recliner, put a warm and wonderful eye press on - and pedicure away!
Ok anyway, after the pedi we had brunch, then I had to run some quick errands. Then we headed out to my cousin's house in Dallas for dinner. It was delish and great catching up with them. Frankie gave us a little acoustic show, and my cousins were blown away. I don't think they knew how good he is. Mike [one of my cousins] video taped some of it...I'll post links when I get them.

Sunday - Easter!!! I love Easter, for all the right reasons. And our beloved Pastor Tom gave an amazing sermon. It's his last Easter at our church [Methodist ministers move churches ever 5-8 years] so we all paid especially close attention. ;) Ryan, Mom and I met Ryan's family for lunch. Then we worked on my Mom's house some [we move in less than 2 weeks!!] then Ryan, Mom, Frankie & I went to dinner at Outback.

In other news, Ryan JUST discovered this blog. Even though I talk to him about it. Apparently, he does not listen. The good news is, when he stumbled across it, he didn't complain about it. YAY! ;) [For those of you who know my darling husband, you will understand why it's a miracle he didn't have some snide remark about blogging.] Maybe I can even convince him to blog someday!! What? That's pushing it? Oh - sorry dear. ;)

xoxo

My Latest Obsession

You may remember, Ryan got me a Nintendo DS for Christmas, along with a few games. [Brain Age, Personal Chef Cooking and Tetris.] Those are my favorite kind of games...the thinking ones. Recently, a new game called Professor Layton and The Curious Village came out. [Recently, as in...like a week ago.] I told Ryan that I really wanted it, thinking my birthday is in a few months.

Ok, so on Sunday, Ryan took off with out telling me while I was busy cleaning, packing and doing laundry. I was pissed. He finally came home and after about 30 minutes on the couch with him looking at me and me giving him dirty looks ;) he said "I need you to drive me to Radio Shack. I'm low on gas." Of course I sharply replied "Well, why don't you just go GET gas." After a few minutes of back and forth I gave in.

I get into my car and what do I see?! Professor Layton and The Curious Village staring at me!!!! He found it on sale since it just came out and bought it for me!!!! [He also moved my XM to a more suitable place in my car!] I couldn't believe it!!! So - he is out of town for work this week, which means I've had some good quality time with the Professor. This game is SO much fun!! It's a 9 chapter mystery and you have to solve all these riddles and puzzles along the way to crack the case. This game was made for me.

Here's the premise : "In the curious village of St. Mystere, townsfolk greet each other with riddles, lock their doors with sliding puzzles, and hide their secrets within brainteasers. When a wealthy baron passes away, his will reveals an elusive treasure hidden someplace inside the village. Now it's up to Professor Layton to untangle St. Mystere's riddles and puzzles, find the hidden treasure, and crack the case."

Thanks Hubster!!!! And if you have DS - at least RENT this game!!!

xoxo

Weekend Wrap-Up!!!

I totally blame my friend Courtney for getting me started on the Weekend Wrap-Up. ;)

As you all know from Friday's blog - Frankie had his first gig at R Bar in Denton on Friday night and it was a HUGE SUCCESS!!!! He did amazing, sounded incredible and really worked the stage and the crowd!! He sang several originals and a few covers, including the surprise he'd kept from me, "Lola" by The Kinks [one of my favorite songs], which we later joked made us think of "Yoda" the less-well-known spoof by Weird Al. Anyway, so many of our friends came out and I want to THANK YOU ALL!!! It meant so much to both of us!! Here are a few pics from the show. I'm such a proud big sister!!

He's just so cute!!!

Saturday, we got a late start, as we stayed out until 2am [!!!!!!!] which is SO out of character for us. When we finally rolled out of bed, we both had a hard time actually getting anything done. We pretty much laid around and watched TV most of the day. I fell asleep at like 2:30p and woke up 45 minutes later with a random burst of energy, so I ran a couple of quick errands. We also went grocery shopping around 8p...then came home and crashed. Haha. We are so old!!! OH!! And at the grocery store Ryan decided he'd tortured me enough with his nightly snoring and he bought some Breathe Right strips. Much to my surprise, they really seem to work!! YAY for not having to roll him over 10 times a night!!

Sunday, I woke up with a killer headache, thanks allergies, but once I kicked it, we did a good amount of packing and cleaning since we move in a few weeks! [Yikes!] We also did laundry, yay.

So now, it's Monday [BOOOO] and I am simply counting the minutes until 5p. We are both really tired...which is so lame, but are "schedules" got all messed up this weekend. But it was SO worth it. :) Anyway, Ryan leaves tomorrow morning for another week long business trip. He thinks I like the "alone" time when he's gone, and in 5 years I might, but right now I really don't like when he travels. Luckily, I have Chloe to keep me company. ;)

xoxo

Frankie hits the stage TONIGHT!!!!

Today's blog is for FRANKIE!!!! :)

My uber talented brother hits the stage tonight with one of his best bud's George. He is playing at R Bar in Denton. In case any of you are in the area with nothing to do...Doors open at 9p and he takes the stage between 930-10p!!

I am just so stinking proud of him!!! YAY Frankie!!!!

I cannot wait...he has kept most of it a secret from me because he said there are "surprises" that I have to wait and see. EEEEE!!! I am so excited!!!!!

I DID IT!!!!!

Ok, let me preface this blog by saying, I don’t cook. My Mom is convinced that I CAN cook, but most of what I try, Ryan doesn’t like. But, he is a tough critic. He was chef in a couple different restaurants before he started his current career. He has a gift. He is one of those people who can dig through the pantry and throw 6 random ingredients together and make it delicious. I, however, do not posses that gift. I must have a recipe. [I kind of wonder if it’s on OCD thing?] He does 99% of the cooking at home. Every woman on my Mom’s side [and my Gram on my Dad’s too] can/could cook. And they do/did it well. My Mom says it’s cause I haven’t had much practice. Let’s just say, my confidence is lacking. Well, until last night that is…

As you may know from a prior blog, I dove into the world of coupons and with it, have come across lots of recipes. I had printed a few out, but hadn’t had the confidence to try them on my foodie husband yet. Well, last week I saw one of the recipes I’d printed out on my friend Christina's blog so I decided, what the heck. I’m doing it.

Last night, I made Ranchero Beef Taco Casserole from the Campbell’s website. YUM!!!! It was so good!!! Usually, if I cook, Ryan takes a few bites and I can quickly tell by his face that it’s lacking. Well, last night, I timidly watched him take a few bites…and then a few more. After a moment I asked “Well…?” And he broke into a smile! I DID IT!!!!! I made something my husband likes!!!! Now I know I can do it…I just need to try more. And I think he rather liked being able to sit on the couch watching TV and unwinding while I made dinner.

Here is the recipe: [I plan to tweak it a little…next time I will use Fritos or Tortilla chips instead of regular tortillas to add some crunch.]

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
3 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 cup Pace® Chunky Salsa
3/4 cup water
8 corn tortillas (6-inch) OR 6 flour tortilla (8-inch), cut into 1-inch pieces
2/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:
Cook the beef in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is well browned, stirring frequently to break up meat. Pour off any fat.

Stir the soup, tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, salsa, water, tortillas and half the cheese into the beef. Spoon into a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Cover.

Bake at 400°F. for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

YAY!! :) I felt very domestic - and I loved it!!

xo

Good News is GREAT on a Monday!!

As many of you know [and some may not] my Dad was diagnosed with Throat Cancer in 2007. It happened so fast it still makes my head spin. He never felt bad, just one day he had a little bump, which rapidly grew into a softball size lump, growing under his skin on his neck. It was one of 3 tumors he had removed in an emergency neck dissection only a few days later. He then had to undergo both chemo and radiation. It was very rough. And terrifying.

OK - on to the GOOD NEWS!!!! He goes in for follow ups every 6 months now, and he met with his oncologist and radiologist today and they both concluded that he is still CANCER-FREE!!! Every time he has a good check up, they push back the next appointment, so he doesn't have to go back for 8 months! I'm not sure exactly when they will get to call is "remission" but I am just soooo happy to hear my Dad say the words "cancer-free"!!!!

Praise God!! HE is Good!!!!! :)


My Dad with me, Ryan & brother Frankie at our wedding!


I love this picture. My Dad seeing me for the first time on my wedding day...it brings tears to my eyes everytime...he so easily could have not been there...but by the Grace of God - HE WAS!!! I love you Daddy!!

Prayers for Stellan

http://www.mycharmingkids.net

My prayers and thoughts are with you, Mck family.

xoxo

I love "gifts for no reason"!!

I really do love them. You know, when you get a gift out of the blue just because. They make me all warm and fuzzy inside. Well, I got one last night.

Ryan had gotten XM radio in his car and I was growing increasingly jealous. ;) I mean, there are SO many stations to chose from and they are 99% commercial free!! Well, he had told me about this fancy new one that has a color screen [no other model has had this prior] and the ability to save songs and artists to a "play list". I was drooling.

Skip to last night. He ordered me one!! It got here yesterday and he installed it for me!! It.is.awesome. I'm in love. He is excited that I finally share a tiny little part of his obsession with electronics. ;) Anyway, here are a couple of very blurry camera phone pictures of my new XM radio!! YAY!!






Thanks Hubbs!!! :D

So Exciting!!

What, you ask, is so exciting?! Well, Ryan & I met with DeVry University [yes, it is an accredited Univ.] last night and Ryan is ready to start school!!! I've been encouraging him for years and he finally feels like it's the right time. We did tons of research before meeting with them, comparing all our options for him to complete a degree. We chose DeVry for lots of reasons. Mainly, Ryan is NOT a "sit in a lecture, tons of pre-reqs" kind of guy. He wants as few of the "pre-reqs" as possible and he wants hands-on. That is exactly what DeVry is. He will have to take about 5 pre-reqs like Comp 101, Public Speaking and College Algebra but he can test out of any of those he wants. After that, it is purely Engineering classes.

He knows it will be hard. The advisor must have said it 20 times during the 2.5 hours we were there. But, Ryan is smart, especially in this field. [By the way, "this field" is Electronics Engineering Technology.] Essentially, he will be getting a 4 yr Bachelors in a 3 yr accelerated program.

I simply could not be more proud of him. Hopefully all the other pieces will fall into place and he'll be able to start in April!!!

xoxo

Case of the Mondays

Yup. I've got a bad case of the Mondays.

I don't feel 100% . Pretty sure it's just allergies. It really makes me hate Spring.

I don't like to start the week with negative emails from the boss first thing. Starts my week on a sour note.

And the biggest one...Today marks the 6 year "anniversary" of one of my best friend's death. Emett Bolin was killed in a motorcycle accident 3/16/03...exactly one month and two days before his 20th birthday. I hate calling it an "anniversary" but, that is what it is. I am trying really hard not to be sad but I've been fighting back the tears on and off today. I am trying to celebrate the 19 years he did get. But, maybe it's because it was sudden and he was so young...I can't help but still feel sad. He was an only child, and his Mom passed away from cancer one year ago January...so really, the sadness I feel is probably thinking about his amazing dad, Tom.

This is my favorite picture of Emett & I. Probably shouldn't have posted this...might cry now. [Deep breaths, right Mom?] But, I never want to forget his face. I am blessed that Ryan knew him too, in fact Ryan was the only guy Emett ever thought was good enough for me, because he [kind of] understands what a special friend he was. Like my big brother...that kind of friend. RIP Emett..."I know you're smiling. I know you're singing. and I know that you're in a better place where angel's wings caress you but, I still miss you." 4/18/1983-3/16/2003

After work, I plan to hit the couch and not move until I hit the bed. The day is 1/2 over. I just need the strength to make it through the other 1/2.

Sorry for being such a Negative Nancy. It's just one of those days.

xoxo

Another "Seinfeld" post

In other words, it's about nothing. [Get it?! Seinfeld?! Yikes...that was lame. Ryan is rubbing off on me!!]

Anyway, I have a case of the Monday's. I am tired [here's your nickel Mandy...] although I don't hold Daylight Savings totally responsible...it certainly contributed. So did my allergies. I had a very sleepless night. Being tired on a Monday doesn't work very well for me. And Ryan had to get up at 5:15am for work and I swear I had just fallen into a deep sleep when that stupid alarm went off. He got up and I rolled over to sleep until 6:30am but I didn't really fall back asleep. Mostly I lay there with my eyes closed. Needless to say, I am trying [and possibly failing] to fight the urge to chug a Dr. Pepper.

Also - TODAY IS MY MOMMY'S BIRTHDAY!!! Happy, Happy Birthday Mom!!! I hope your boss let's ya go early!! I love you!!

Oh! House is on tonight! I just got excited! Ryan & I love House! I love a lot of TV, but it's rare that Ryan likes something that isn't building cars, houses or motorcycles...or taking them apart...or cooking something. Really, there are a lot of shows he watches just cause I am...and knows he can complain till he's blue in the face, but I'm still gonna watch it. :) Good little husband.

Chloe was getting a lot better and not licking her "hot spot" at all!! The hair was even growing back...but last night Ryan & I noticed a patch was thinning out again. So, we ordered her a soft e-collar that she will wear during the day while we are gone. [Thanks for the rec Grammie!!] We can't afford to take her to the vet every 10 days for more shots so, we will see if this helps first and then, if not, we will take her back. Since it's psychogenic and not some illness that could kill her, we find this an acceptable alternative for now.

Well, that's probably more than any of you wanted to know, but there it is. I told you this post was about nothing!!

xoxo

I am going to a Coupon Queen!

I've officially jumped on the money-saving band wagon. Since we are diligently saving for a house, especially after April, I have recently started researching lots of different ways to save money. I'd been toying with the "coupon" idea for a while but this morning a lighting bolt was sent from the Heaven's in the form on a news spot! I watch NBC local news [& the Today Show] every morning and this morning they had this lady on: http://mommyswishlist.blogspot.com/
She got the ball [in my head] really rolling. One thing that Ryan & I really didn't want to give up was eating out...well this Mommy has links to about 20 restaurants that give away free or 1/2 price food on bdays, anniversaries and for signing up! I'm all over that one. Plus, by eating out I feel like I'm helping the economy, right?! [Just smile and nod people!!] Not to mention other coupons and money saving tips.

Next, I went to coupons.com and the P&G ESavers websites and signed up there. The cool thing about P&G is that is will link coupons to your Kroger Plus card [which is where we shop] so if you forget the actual coupon at home, there will be some linked to your card! Also - did you know that in Texas, Kroger will let you double and triple coupons? They will double coupons up to .50 and triple up to .39 - For example if I have 3 (three) .30 coupon for 3 Dial Hand soaps that are on sale in the store for 1.00 then the system will take off .90, .90, .90 making them .10 each!!

The Mommy's Wish List blogger recommends you make a binder to keep all the coupons in, and I am going to do this. She recommends keeping it in your car at all times, except when you reload it. I will do this too. I am so bad about walking out the door without stuff.

From there I hit several other sites, all about "coupon-ing". One is a local group http://www.sistersofsavings.com/index.php who offers a seminar for $45 [10% of that goes to a local charity!] to teach you "the ways". On one of their news spots, one of the sisters got $252 worth of groceries for $32!!!

I also came across sites for a similar practice with clothing, cosmetics, pretty much everything you can think of! The only thing I'm still looking for are tips to saving on gas...

Anyway, I am ALL IN! I'm sure this new obsession will drive Ryan nuts...until he sees how much we are saving!! :)

xoxo

Success!!

Well, we took Chloe over to my Mom's tonight to see if all the kitties would get along and it went WAY better than I expected!! They did a lot of growling and a little hissing at first but Chloe relaxed very quickly and fell asleep on my Mom's couch! My Mom's cats were a bit more unsure but started to warm up slightly after a few hours. I think they will adapt and acclimate to each other just fine after a few days. So - the decision is final. We turned in our 60 day notice to the apartments and the last weekend in April, we are moving in with my Mom. I feel really good about this decision because we are helping her out, and it will help us out too.

On a "cutie Chloe" note - On the ride home from my Mom's Chloe was meowing and meowing in her crate so I let her out [I'm so bad, I know] and she hopped up in my lap and stared out the window the rest of the ride home! She is such a dog-cat.

Updates!!

Well, we are back from our honeymoon. We got back last week but I hadn't felt motivated to blog. Our trip was...OK. We have fun about 40% of the trip. For one, I didn't feel 100% from having the flu until like the very last day [which we spent mostly in the airport] and for two, it rained EVERY SINGLE DAY. We had about 3 hours of clear skies one day and that is it! So, we are already starting to plan Honeymoon Take 2 for 2010. [By the way 2010 feels strange to type...]

We took Chloe to the vet last night because she's been licking this one spot on her hip bald and it's gotten really bad. We searched online and there are a list of things that an cause it, so we decided to seek professional help. You are all going to laugh to know, the vet is 99% sure it's a condition called Psychogenic Alopecia. In other words, I have a neurotic cat. How very fitting. They gave her some meds and hopefully she will improve. Sigh.

Ryan & I also made a really, really big decision. Saying it out loud is gonna be weird but...we have decided to move in with my Mom for a year. Yup. You read that right. Here is why:
1- My Mom is having some financial struggles right now and if we help her with her mortgage/bills she won't have to sell her house in this market. [Sorry Mom, if you want me to take this off I will...]
2- Splitting my Mom's expenses will allow us to live totally off my paycheck, which means we can save EVERYTHING Ryan makes for that year. This means we will have the down payment for our own house in one years time, instead of the 5 years it would take with our current expenses.
3- We will also have the means for Ryan to finally go back to school. This is HUGE for us and will open soooo many doors for my wonderful husband.

It might be a bit crowded until we all get used to it, but I think it will be a win/win for all in the end. The thought of owning a home in a year feels so amazing. We have one final test before we finalize the decision and that's to make sure Chloe and my Mom's 2 cats will all get along. They are all very sweet, laid back kitties, so I am sure they will adjust to it but we are gonna have a test run on Friday. Wish us luck!! I love my Mom's cats [I rescued them off the side of 35!] and she loves Chloe...let's just hope they all love each other!!

Ok - that's enough rambling for today!! :)

xoxo

Flu & Honeymooning

I've been sick since Saturday, which was Ryan's birthday. I starting feeling puny Friday night and was in bed by 8:30. I woke up Saturday with the full blown flu. Sunday and Monday were the worst. My sweet husband had to take his big Cedia exam Monday [which he PASSED!!!] and then he took the rest of the day off and took me to the doctor, where they confirmed....flu. Ryan was soooo good to me while I was sick. He got me whatever I needed. I looked really, really bad [REALLY bad] and I kept saying "I don't know how you can even look at me." [Pity party, much?] and he just kept telling me "You're my wifey. I love you." I guess I tested that "For better or worse, in sickness and health" stuff. He passed that test too. ;)

Anyway, today is my first day at work this week...and my last before we leave for our honeymoon in San Francisco tomorrow. I am excited for the trip, but I still don't feel 100% so, I told Ryan, don't be surprised if I sleep through the first day. Now, I just have to survive the plane ride with a head full of congestion and pressure. Wish me luck.

I'll post pictures of our trip when we get back. :)

My Sweet Husband!

So, my last blog was me b!tching about Ryan traveling too much. Neither of us like it, but it's required for his job. Tough beans.

Anyway, a week or so ago I had been telling Ryan how I wish I could justify spending the money to get a manicure & pedicure before our San Francisco honeymoon next week. I figured it fell on deaf ears.

Well, Monday when I got home from work Ryan was out running last minute errands for his trip. I walked into the bed room, and on the bed there were two boxes of candy [one Russell Stover's, one big *Reese's heart] AND a gift certificate to my nail spa!! On the envelope he wrote "Sorry I've been gone so much. Enjoy a mani & pedi for our honeymoon. I love you! Your Husband - Ryan". And, this won't surprise a lot of you, I totally burst into tears!! I thought it was so thoughtful of him AND it meant he really was listening to me. Haha.

He's so sweet :)

*Disclaimer - I DID check the recall list to be sure Reese's do not contain salmonella. The Hershey's website says : No products made by The Hershey Company, including items and brands in the iconic Reese's franchise, are affected by the recall of items produced by the Peanut Corporation of America. Hershey does not purchase any peanut butter, peanuts or peanut products from the Peanut Corporation of America. Peanut butter for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups is made in Hershey facilities under the most stringent safety and quality standards.
All of our products with peanuts or peanut butter are safe to consume, including Hershey's, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Reese's Big Cup, Reese's Fast Break, Reese's Crispy Crunchy, Reese's Whipps, Reese's Sticks, Reese's Clusters, Reese's Pieces, Nutrageous, Hershey's Kisses with Peanut Butter, Hershey's Miniatures, Mr. Goodbar, Payday, Take 5 and 5th Avenue. This includes all seasonal treats and items sold to other food companies and used as ingredients in other products. Cool. I ate some last night and live to blog another day. ;)

xoxo - Rach

Just a vent

I am going to use today's blog to vent. Ryan has been traveling so much lately and I hate it. Last week he was gone Mon-Thurs. This week he will be gone Tues-Fri. Next week he will be gone Mon-Thurs then we leave Friday morning for our Honeymoon in San Francisco. He is not even going to want to go, he will be so sick of traveling!!! UGH!!! I'm sure it's cause we are newlywed's. I bet if we'd been married for 20 years I'd been fine with it. But I freaking miss him when he's gone!!

But - on the plus side, we DO leave for San Francisco in 11 days and we will have 10 days [7 days in Cali, 10 days off work] together, no work, no interruptions. Just us. It will be the first trip we've ever been on, just the two of us. I just hope he's not too pooped to enjoy it!!

The Newlywed Survey!

The Newlywed Survey
Ryan & Rachel

When did you get married? November 8, 2008.

How long did you know each other before you started dating? ​A long time. We first met when he was in 7th grade and I was in 8th. Then we started dating when I was a senior and he was junior.

How old are each of you? I’m 25 and he will be 24 in like 10 days.

Whose siblings do/ did you see the most? ​Mine.

Do you have any children together? ​Not yet!

What about pets?​ Chloe!!

Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?​ Probably money.

Did you go to the same school? ​Yup!!

Are you from the same home town? Yes :) And I really love that.

Who is the smartest? ​We are both smart in different areas.

Who is the most sensitive?​ I am. But he is a pretty sensitive guy. I love that.

Where do you eat out most as a couple?​ We eat at a lot of different places. Used to be Chili’s.

Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?​ Florida. And we will be in California in 17 days!!

Who has the worst temper?​ Um…that’s probably even.

Who does most of the cooking?​ He does.

Who is more social? ​Me. By a long shot.

Who is the neat-freak? ​He is. I am about the kitchen, though.

Who is the most stubborn?​ RYAN FOR SURE. I hear he gets that from the Niemann side ;)

Who hogs the bed? That’s pretty even too. He hogs the actual bed, but I hog the covers.

Who wakes up earlier? ​We get up at the same time.

Where was your first date? ​Chili’s :) This just made me smile ear to ear. He was soooo nervous he could barely eat.

Who has the bigger family?​ It’s pretty close, but his is slightly bigger.

Who said "I love you" first?​ He did.

How long did it take to get serious? A week. Haha. We both knew it was special and we were dating exclusively after like 2 dates. It was actually really cute. We were in my parent’s driveway watching the stars and he looked over at me and said “Will you be my girlfriend?” Of course I said yes. [And then we had our first kiss.]

Who eats more?​ Oh, him for sure. Haha.

Who’s better with the computer?​ He is.

Who drives when you are together?​ Usually Ryan. I don’t really like driving.

Who picks where you go to dinner?​ Usually I go through a list and he finally picks one.

Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong?​ Whoever was actually wrong.

Who takes out the trash? Ryan.

Who wears the pants? ​It’s mostly even. ;)

Who has more tattoos?​ Ryan. He has one. [I have none.]

Who eats more sweets?​ Probably me…unless we are talking ice cream. Ryan is an ice cream junkie.

Who does the cleaning? Mostly me. Sometimes I make him help.

What is your secret to a happy marriage? I don’t think there is a “secret”. It’s all open knowledge. Communication, trust, being each other’s best friend and of course, love. It doesn’t mean we will get it right all the time. It just means we have the tools to be happy. :)

This Blog's for YOU Obama!

This is an amazing, monumental day for America.

Everyone will have a different image that will stay in their minds forever when they think of January 20, 2009. For me, it was the sweet, little 90-year-old African American man crying his eyes out watching Obama speak. For my brother, it is the security guard at an office building he delivered to, waving his arms in the air as Obama was sworn in. What will it be for you?

Sadly, something else is sticking in my mind. The snide, borderline malicious remarks of others. All day long I've seen Facebook status after Facebook status “The world is ending” and “I refuse to watch TV today.” UGH! Can’t you see?! This is so much more than politics!!! I am so sorry that some uncouth, disrespectful people booed at Bush. I would never do that. I’m sorry “your guy” didn’t win. Just get past it. Please. Get past it and look at what this day means. Don’t make it about Democrats and Republicans. Make it about PEOPLE. I know some people are going to be closed-minded and bitter regardless. Fine. Stay off my blog.

To the rest of you; this is what will define our generation!! This beautiful day when our voices were heard and, finally, race didn’t matter. I get choked up even typing those words. This is an amazing, monumental day for America.

Today we remember MLK, tomorrow we recognize Obama...

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook and I had to share it. The more I read it, the more powerful it becomes. I urge you to read it a few times, as I have, and really let the words sink in.

"Rosa sat...so that MLK could walk...so that Obama could run...so that our children could fly."

Regardless of your political views, this is an amazing week for America. I could not be more proud of this country. Obama, I believe in you!

My Brother, The Model

So, my brother is a good looking kid. Always has been. Apparently, others are noticing too. :)
Frankie has recently started modeling for a couple of photographers' and I wanted to share a few of my favorite of his pictures. I think they are pretty awesome. But, I am biased.

[You can click on the picture to make it bigger :) ]

I'm slipping...

I am getting so bad about blogging!! I lack motivation. Our lives are a bit boring these days, so I don't have much to talk about. But, here is a semi-update.

Our current lease is up in April, and so we started to look at other apartments. Not because we don't like ours, we do, but we were just seeing what else was out there. And we pay kind of a lot for our little one bedroom so we just wanted to compare. We found a few we like, but have decided to stay put. We will save around $600 [deposits, admin fees, pet fees, moving costs, etc] if we just renew our lease here. We are really trying to save as much as we can to buy a house, so it seemed silly to spend so much just to move into another apartment.

We have watched A LOT of movies lately. After the holidays, things really slowed down for us. [Poor Ryan is dying over here!! He loves having stuff to do.] We have Blockbuster Online so we get movies in the mail. It's the best $20 a month we spend, in my opinion. Anyway, we have seen lots of good ones recently. Eagle Eye, Wanted, Pineapple Express, Step Brothers, The Number 23 [Well, I liked this one, Ryan didn't], Hancock and Kung Fu Panda. I told you we watch a lot of movies...!!

Other than that, we go to work and come home. That's about it. Haha! We are toying with the idea of getting another cat, because Chloe seems lonely when we get home from work.

Well, we are about to watch two more movies, so I better finish up. Today, it's Death Race [Ryan's pick] and Burn After Reading [my pick]!

xoxo