I will no longer be in my early 20s as of April. And as Dearest has so kindly pointed out, I'll have to update my blog info. After 21, birthdays weren't a big deal anymore. There was nothing to look forward to, like being able to vote or (legally) drinking. But with 25 rounding the next corner, it's made me think about how much life has changed.
-My "just out of college" job has become my career. Truthfully, I didn't expect to stay with the bank this long, though I can't really say I had a different plan. I'm enjoying where the job has taken me and I can see myself staying with them, at least for the next 2 years.
-My taxes have become more complicated, yet I have less W-2s. I've had years where I've had 2 or even 3 different jobs, yet with Turbo Tax, this year's taxes are more confusing and complicated. I'm sure it only gets worse with kids and a mortgage.
-Speaking of mortgages, Dearest and I have had serious discussions about buying vs. renting. When I say serious, I'm talking graphs and spreadsheets and calculations. (Yes, apparently that's what happens when you marry an engineer.) If you asked me what a mortgage was in high school, I probably wouldn't have had a clue what you were talking about.
Another big thing that's changed is... the end is in sight. The end of Dearest's time at University and the completion of his degree, that is. It is so much in sight that when I bought a planner for work, his final day was on it! (And yes, I squealed for joy, even if the planner is 2 years and his last day is on the last page. Technicalities.) Just being able to see that day reminds me of the awesome future that is soon to come.
Now, onto planning our trip to Italy after Dearest's graduation.... :)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
Another Year
I love New Years. Not quite as much as Christmas, no holiday could ever top Christmas for me. But New Years is pretty phenomenal. The parties are top notch, dressing up is a must, and everyone is just happy and excited. The fun times aren't what really make me love New Years though.
To me, New Years is a time of reflection. It makes me look back on the year and think about what I've learned and how I've grown- as a person, not height wise obviously. :) Last year, I was reflecting on the major life changes- marriage and a big promotion at work. This year, it's been all about growing as a person. I pushed myself both mentally and physically and I've come pretty far. From being a stronger leader at work to upping my self confidence and to being more comfortable in my skin, it's been a big year for me.
I've discovered I'm capable of things I thought weren't possible, like running a half marathon. I'm excited to say that running has become a huge (and enjoyable) part of my life. Dearest and I are going to make it a new tradition to run at least one event a year. We're planning for the Disneyland 1/2 again in September, hopefully setting a new personal best.
This past year has also held a lot of change for me and Dearest. After he transferred to the 4-yr University, there was a shift in our life. The talks became more serious (though we still get in some good tickle sessions). There's less fantasizing about what we'll do when he's done with school and more serious planning about where we want to live and when and how many kids we want. It's crazy to think that we just spent our 5th Christmas together!
In true New Years fashion, I'll throw out some resolutions for 2012.
~I will be more healthy and exercise to make it to my ideal body. Setting a specific weight goal never works.
~I will dedicate more time to my hobbies, like photography.
~I will be a more adventurous cook.
So as sad it may be that another year comes to a close, I feel rejuvenated and excited to embark on another year!
To me, New Years is a time of reflection. It makes me look back on the year and think about what I've learned and how I've grown- as a person, not height wise obviously. :) Last year, I was reflecting on the major life changes- marriage and a big promotion at work. This year, it's been all about growing as a person. I pushed myself both mentally and physically and I've come pretty far. From being a stronger leader at work to upping my self confidence and to being more comfortable in my skin, it's been a big year for me.
I've discovered I'm capable of things I thought weren't possible, like running a half marathon. I'm excited to say that running has become a huge (and enjoyable) part of my life. Dearest and I are going to make it a new tradition to run at least one event a year. We're planning for the Disneyland 1/2 again in September, hopefully setting a new personal best.
This past year has also held a lot of change for me and Dearest. After he transferred to the 4-yr University, there was a shift in our life. The talks became more serious (though we still get in some good tickle sessions). There's less fantasizing about what we'll do when he's done with school and more serious planning about where we want to live and when and how many kids we want. It's crazy to think that we just spent our 5th Christmas together!
In true New Years fashion, I'll throw out some resolutions for 2012.
~I will be more healthy and exercise to make it to my ideal body. Setting a specific weight goal never works.
~I will dedicate more time to my hobbies, like photography.
~I will be a more adventurous cook.
So as sad it may be that another year comes to a close, I feel rejuvenated and excited to embark on another year!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Oh, Martha...
Is it me, or has someone hit the fast forward button on the life remote? September went by in the blink of an eye and October is quickly coming to a close. We're a little less than a month away from Turkey Day, which means for our house, the Christmas music has begun! I'm definitely lucky in the sense that Dearest doesn't freak out when I turn on the Christmas station on Pandora... in the beginning of October. :) Listening to Jingle Bells on a misty morning drive to work with my scarf and the heater blowing really gives me the warm holiday fuzzies.
I've been brainstorming more about holiday decorations around the house. Past years we never fully embraced our home; since we moved every year, I never put a lot of effort into making the house a home. But after we passed the 2 year mark, it was evident we aren't planning to move (at least that's the plan). I made curtains for all the windows- the wood blinds are so boring. This year for Christmas, I really want to go all out. I blame that on Martha Stewart...
I went online to look at Martha's website for some holiday dinner party ideas for our upcoming dinner. This year Dearest announced that he wants to cook and that I should host. Translation: Dearest wants to pick the recipes and I can actually prepare the food AND I can host. What love. ;) Anyway, what I thought would be a few minutes on her website ended up being hours and left me with a craving to be crafty, so I headed out to the craft store. You can guess what happened next... But now I've made cute invitations!
I have officially decided that Martha Stewart needs to come with a disclosure:
"Reading of any material by Martha Stewart with ignite the crafty person inside and cause you to rush out to the nearest craft store and spend more than you'd like to admit. Women: do not be alarmed. Husbands: Come on, we know you've spent more on sporting event tickets."
I've been brainstorming more about holiday decorations around the house. Past years we never fully embraced our home; since we moved every year, I never put a lot of effort into making the house a home. But after we passed the 2 year mark, it was evident we aren't planning to move (at least that's the plan). I made curtains for all the windows- the wood blinds are so boring. This year for Christmas, I really want to go all out. I blame that on Martha Stewart...
I went online to look at Martha's website for some holiday dinner party ideas for our upcoming dinner. This year Dearest announced that he wants to cook and that I should host. Translation: Dearest wants to pick the recipes and I can actually prepare the food AND I can host. What love. ;) Anyway, what I thought would be a few minutes on her website ended up being hours and left me with a craving to be crafty, so I headed out to the craft store. You can guess what happened next... But now I've made cute invitations!
I have officially decided that Martha Stewart needs to come with a disclosure:
"Reading of any material by Martha Stewart with ignite the crafty person inside and cause you to rush out to the nearest craft store and spend more than you'd like to admit. Women: do not be alarmed. Husbands: Come on, we know you've spent more on sporting event tickets."
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Woes of a Housewife?
Since Dearest went back to school and I've been working full-time, I have always been excited about the future when he'll be working and I'll be a housewife... until today. After transferring this Fall, Dearest just started his first semester at a 4yr university. His schedule has been so hectic with him leaving in the morning before I wake up and coming home after I do. I put in a solid 9-10 hours at work, so you can only imagine how long he's gone. While it's only 4 days a week, it's still hard.
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. For me, not so much. When Dearest and I first started dating and moved to a different town together, he began to work 2 full-time jobs. 8-5p at a bank and 6-the wee hours of the morning doing security. I would visit him on his 30 minute lunches just to be able see him. I really struggled with the separation, even to the point of wondering if we weren't going to work out. Before you start thinking "OMG! Are they going to get divorced?!" don't get your panties into a bunch. That was a long time ago when our relationship was just budding. We've since grown together and it's gonna take a heck of a lot more to break us up. :)
The time apart sucks at times, but it's good for us. It gives me time and space to grow and be me and spend time with my friends. (HINT HINT)
And it gives me time to blog and pick up after my messy husband that I love so dearly. ;)
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. For me, not so much. When Dearest and I first started dating and moved to a different town together, he began to work 2 full-time jobs. 8-5p at a bank and 6-the wee hours of the morning doing security. I would visit him on his 30 minute lunches just to be able see him. I really struggled with the separation, even to the point of wondering if we weren't going to work out. Before you start thinking "OMG! Are they going to get divorced?!" don't get your panties into a bunch. That was a long time ago when our relationship was just budding. We've since grown together and it's gonna take a heck of a lot more to break us up. :)
The time apart sucks at times, but it's good for us. It gives me time and space to grow and be me and spend time with my friends. (HINT HINT)
And it gives me time to blog and pick up after my messy husband that I love so dearly. ;)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
First 1/2 Marathon- Done!
Yup, that's right! I ran my first half marathon AND finished! Over labor day weekend, Dearest and I headed down to LA to put our endurance skills to the test. What had been an idea over Christmas dinner turned into a commitment back in the spring and just over a week ago, turned into a reality. Along with three of our cousins, we ran the 13.1 mile Disneyland half marathon as first time racers.
We left the hotel at 4:30am, runners bibs pinned to our shirts, ipods charged, and fitness packs stuffed to the brim with fuel for the run. It didn't quite set in until we got to the race start and saw the thousands of other runners. As we made our way through the crowds, I saw a guy with bib #11 and squealed to Dearest, "Look! It's #11!" Random, I know, but seeing as how the numbers are determined by expected finish time and we were in the 12,000s, #11 was a hero in my eyes.
The sun began to rise as we headed off. If there's one think Disney knows how to do well, it's entertainment. Mickey and Minnie were there to send us off at the start line with music blaring the the energy pumping. As the last corral (G), we started about 35 minutes after the first corral left. Dearest made the mental note, so we'd be able to track our progress at each mile marker.
At mile 1, the adrenaline was still flowing.
The course took us through Disneyland and California Adventure, with a little "behind the scenes" running as well.
We then headed out to the streets of Anaheim. This is probably where I got worn out the most. The sun was beating down on us and the water stations seemed too far apart.
Angels Stadium was a good pick me up. It was definitely exciting to see crowds of people cheering you on. I confess I'm not much of a baseball fan, but it was pretty cool to run on the field.
Back to Disneyland we went. During our training, we never made it more than 8 miles, so hitting that 10 mile marker was an accomplishment in itself. But as we got around mile 11 or so, I wasn't sure I'd finish. It was so great to have Dearest running with me. He says we motivated each other, but I know it was a lot of him encouraging me to keep up with him.
At mile 13, we made our last final push to the finish line- of which I do not have a picture. What can you expect? After running for 13 miles, I wasn't about to waste anytime getting past that finish line so I could rest my weary legs. I am pleased to say, as I crossed the finish (at 2hrs 48 mins), I high-fived Mickey. :)
I am also pleased to say, all 5 of us finished! Kudos to my cousins for finishing! Extra kudos to my cousin who, despite having a baby not too long ago and not being able to train as much as the rest of us, still finished!
Finishing the race has given me a sense of accomplishment and a healthy new lifestyle. I'm cashing in on my reward of a new wardrobe and we're gearing up to head back to the gym. My next goal is the Coast-to-Coast medal that Disney offers. If you run at least a 1/2 in both Disney World and Disneyland in the same calendar year, you get a special medal... Ok, so I'm really after the bling. But I suspect it'll have to wait until we can make it out to Florida.
In the mean time, Dearest and I are planning to do the 1/2 again next year with the goal of finishing under 2hrs 30 mins. Notes for next time: wear a hat and don't let Dearest drink tons of water an hr before the race. I'm blame his pee break for costing us at least a couple minutes. ;)
We left the hotel at 4:30am, runners bibs pinned to our shirts, ipods charged, and fitness packs stuffed to the brim with fuel for the run. It didn't quite set in until we got to the race start and saw the thousands of other runners. As we made our way through the crowds, I saw a guy with bib #11 and squealed to Dearest, "Look! It's #11!" Random, I know, but seeing as how the numbers are determined by expected finish time and we were in the 12,000s, #11 was a hero in my eyes.
The sun began to rise as we headed off. If there's one think Disney knows how to do well, it's entertainment. Mickey and Minnie were there to send us off at the start line with music blaring the the energy pumping. As the last corral (G), we started about 35 minutes after the first corral left. Dearest made the mental note, so we'd be able to track our progress at each mile marker.
At mile 1, the adrenaline was still flowing.
The course took us through Disneyland and California Adventure, with a little "behind the scenes" running as well.
We then headed out to the streets of Anaheim. This is probably where I got worn out the most. The sun was beating down on us and the water stations seemed too far apart.
Angels Stadium was a good pick me up. It was definitely exciting to see crowds of people cheering you on. I confess I'm not much of a baseball fan, but it was pretty cool to run on the field.
Back to Disneyland we went. During our training, we never made it more than 8 miles, so hitting that 10 mile marker was an accomplishment in itself. But as we got around mile 11 or so, I wasn't sure I'd finish. It was so great to have Dearest running with me. He says we motivated each other, but I know it was a lot of him encouraging me to keep up with him.
At mile 13, we made our last final push to the finish line- of which I do not have a picture. What can you expect? After running for 13 miles, I wasn't about to waste anytime getting past that finish line so I could rest my weary legs. I am pleased to say, as I crossed the finish (at 2hrs 48 mins), I high-fived Mickey. :)
I am also pleased to say, all 5 of us finished! Kudos to my cousins for finishing! Extra kudos to my cousin who, despite having a baby not too long ago and not being able to train as much as the rest of us, still finished!
Finishing the race has given me a sense of accomplishment and a healthy new lifestyle. I'm cashing in on my reward of a new wardrobe and we're gearing up to head back to the gym. My next goal is the Coast-to-Coast medal that Disney offers. If you run at least a 1/2 in both Disney World and Disneyland in the same calendar year, you get a special medal... Ok, so I'm really after the bling. But I suspect it'll have to wait until we can make it out to Florida.
In the mean time, Dearest and I are planning to do the 1/2 again next year with the goal of finishing under 2hrs 30 mins. Notes for next time: wear a hat and don't let Dearest drink tons of water an hr before the race. I'm blame his pee break for costing us at least a couple minutes. ;)
Saturday, July 23, 2011
T-minus 42 days
I have never been an athlete; I struggled to complete the required mile of running in middle school, I took swimming to fulfill my P.E. class in high school, and my idea of joining a sport was Dragon Boat. So why, you may ask, am I going to run (and actually be excited for it!) a half marathon in 42 days?
Truthfully, I don't really know myself. I'm sure the fact that the 13.1 mile race is held at Disneyland is a good chunk of the reason. But what I do know is that I've never been more fit in my life... and it's awesome! Dearest and I run about every other night to train, which can be exhausting towards the end, but the motivation of flat abs keeps me going. That and Lady Gaga. She may be odd, but her music is great running music.
We have just 42 days to squeeze in the last of our training before we embark on the race. I'm getting nervous since we've yet to go on a significantly long run. At our current pace for 3.5 miles, we'd finish in 2hrs 30mins, but I'm not sure we'd be able to maintain that pace over 13 miles... Definitely don't want to get picked up by the slow bus. :/ Here's to hoping the atmosphere (Disneyland/California Adventure and the Angel's stadium) will help me get this:
Oooo... Shiny. ;)
Truthfully, I don't really know myself. I'm sure the fact that the 13.1 mile race is held at Disneyland is a good chunk of the reason. But what I do know is that I've never been more fit in my life... and it's awesome! Dearest and I run about every other night to train, which can be exhausting towards the end, but the motivation of flat abs keeps me going. That and Lady Gaga. She may be odd, but her music is great running music.
We have just 42 days to squeeze in the last of our training before we embark on the race. I'm getting nervous since we've yet to go on a significantly long run. At our current pace for 3.5 miles, we'd finish in 2hrs 30mins, but I'm not sure we'd be able to maintain that pace over 13 miles... Definitely don't want to get picked up by the slow bus. :/ Here's to hoping the atmosphere (Disneyland/California Adventure and the Angel's stadium) will help me get this:
Oooo... Shiny. ;)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
"Because of Verve"
In an odd and very unexpected twist of fate, Dearest and I have decided not to move. Mostly due to finances and a lot to do with how much we love our apartment and the location, we've decided to simply tell people we're not moving "because of Verve." And for those of you who know what Verve is, I can hear you laughing. And for those of you who don't.... it's only the best coffee in the world! Okay, okay, I jest. We only know for sure that it's the best in the states. Yes, we've taste tested both east and west. Hawaii was lacking, New York came close, but no cigar. But back to the subject, we've decided to stay. Whether it's a good move, only time will tell. C'est la vie.
In other news, we both turned 24 (GASP!) and sailed right on to our 1st anniversary! We commemorated the occasion by going to none other than Disneyland. Something simple and easy, which was a far cry from what we were doing a year ago. Hitting that one year mark made me think about the one question I get asked the most: "What's married life like?" (Bet you were thinking it was going to be "when are you having kids?" huh? That's question #2.)
Married life... is well, the same as it was before. And that's exactly what we wanted it to be. Marriage doesn't change the relationship or bond we had before, it may enhance it and make it stronger, but it certainly shouldn't change things drastically. At the root of it, it's still the same two people in the same relationship.
In other news, we both turned 24 (GASP!) and sailed right on to our 1st anniversary! We commemorated the occasion by going to none other than Disneyland. Something simple and easy, which was a far cry from what we were doing a year ago. Hitting that one year mark made me think about the one question I get asked the most: "What's married life like?" (Bet you were thinking it was going to be "when are you having kids?" huh? That's question #2.)
Married life... is well, the same as it was before. And that's exactly what we wanted it to be. Marriage doesn't change the relationship or bond we had before, it may enhance it and make it stronger, but it certainly shouldn't change things drastically. At the root of it, it's still the same two people in the same relationship.
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