27

27 years old. 27 weeks pregnant. Birthday post written on the 27th. (Okay, admittedly, that last once is a bit of a stretch.) Coincidence? Fate?

This year, my amazeballs husband surprised me with a delicious birthday breakfast feast, consisting of whole wheat blueberry pancakes, hash browns, bacon and blueberry sausage. Behold the glorious meal below:

Birthday breakfasts were a big deal in my house growing up, so this was a fun way to start my birthday. The husb also came through with a thoroughly thoughtful gift that will be perfect to have as we start to document our growing fam. I was totally surprised and pleased by this wonderful present.

Work also provided another surprise, which involved a rendition of "Happy Birthday" (which was slightly embarrassing) and some yummy chocolate cake during one of my meetings. Just fyi, chocolate cake makes meetings better. Trust me on this one.

The evening was spent at a local favorite establishment followed by a quiet night at home. All with my favoritest person. Not to mention all of the calls, texts, fb and b-day card love I received throughout the day.

Thus, in all, I'd say it was a lovely 27th birthday.

27.

"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game."
-Walt Whitman

I believe that my love for baseball began inside the womb. Perhaps it was because my father was watching a double-header whilst my mother was in labor. Perhaps it's because of my Italian ancestry-- that my great-grandparents came through Ellis Island and embraced this pastime with an almost religious fervor. Regardless of the reason, this sport has always been as organic to me as the blood that flows through my veins.

I think the intricacies and subtleties of the game are what appeal most to my intellectual sensibilities. And it is the only sport that produces a unique amalgamation of self-mastery and teamwork that's fine balance is only achieved by those who truly understand it.

In perfect congruence to my reverence for the sport as a whole, is my love for the New York Yankees. In my mind, this team truly personifies the heart of the sport itself. Though I think that there have been some questionable decisions made during the Steinbrenner reign, I cannot discount the genuine, classy and humble players that have had the privilege of donning the crisp, pinstriped uniforms that have become ubiquitous with baseball itself. Legends like Mantle, Ruth, Gehrig, Maris and DiMaggio all contribute to the legacy of this team and of this inimitable game. One of my favorites quotes about the Yankees is simple, and comes from Joe DiMaggio (one of my heroes, by the way):

"I'd like to thank the Good Lord for making me a Yankee."

This year, it was thrilling to watch my team (primarily four of my favorite players of all time) reclaim the World Series title. I have such a soft spot in my heart for Jeter, Mo, Pettitte and Jorge, that I got chills seeing them all hold that hallowed trophy, and all contribute to a great season overall. These four play because they love it. You can see it in their faces... the passion, the drive, the almost-boyish elation. They are the epitome of class and are all what a baseball player should be.

So happy 27, Yankees. Here's to many more.

Pool/Getty Images

(top photo courtesy of Anthony J. Causi/Icon SMI)

It's baaaack

and I couldn't be more excited. Even if it is on Lifetime.

things about spring that i find to be quite lovely...

warm(ish) weather

daylight savings time

gregory's birthday

my birthday

lilacs and peonies

... and tulips

easter

easter candy

general conference

BASEBALL

sitting outside watching baseball

watching gregory play soccer

walks and bike rides

flouncy skirts in spring colors

the smell of fresh cut grass

what do you love about spring?

for christmas...

the husband gave me these pretties. and i think i'm in love.

with him, of course.
but pretty booties with shiny soles don't hurt either.

A few of my favorite art pieces

It is no secret that I am an art freak. I saved an entire half of a day for the National Gallery when I was in London (I was only there for two and a half days) and devoted a large chunk of my New York time to the Met. I love the beauty and the sophistication of the classics and the eclectic uniqueness of the modern. I am constantly astounded by the talent that these artists possessed... it truly moves me. Thus, I decided to share a few of my very favorites with you, my lovely readers, so that you can also enjoy them. Though I have only seen one of them in real life, I hope I can see the others one of these days.

Paintings

Water Lilies by Claude Monet
This is my favorite of his entire series, and I am sure it is breathtaking in real life. I have seen a version of this scene, and it is absolutely beautiful. Monet had such a delicate touch to his work. It creates this amazingly ethereal look that absolutely entrances me.

Woman in White by Pablo Picasso
Before his cubist days, Picasso delved into more literal subject matter and form. The first time I saw this painting I was 16 and it left such an impression upon me. I think the lines are so beautiful and communicative. I could look at it for hours.

Rami di Mandorlo in Fiore by Vincent van Gogh
This is probably so phenomenal to view in real life because of all of the impasto that van Gogh implemented in the creation of his works. Having seen other paintings by this artist, I can only imagine the richness in color and in technique that would become obvious when viewing the painting live.

Madonna of the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci

This is a closeup of the angel in the foreground of the painting. I saw a study of this at the Met and think it exemplifies Leonardo's thorough mastery of the human form. His works never cease to amaze me, even though I have studied so many.

Sculptures

La Pieta by Michelangelo
This is my most favorite sculpture in the ENTIRE world. I hope that some day I can see it, and I will inevitably cry because it is so beautiful. I have such a respect for Michelangelo. He was able to form such delicate shapes out of pieces of marble that no one else would dare touch. I love the dichotomy of agony and tenderness that resides in this work. It is one of the most amazing things ever created by man. And I mean that.

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa by Bernini
I love the drama of this piece. Bernini was another artist that was able to capture the subtle nuances of emotion in his works. I like the exhibitionism of this one, and the background really adds to the dramatics of the piece as well.

The Kiss by Rodin
My second favorite sculpture of all time is sometimes regarded as controversial. You know, because they're kissing and they're naked... and whatever. BYU had to refrain from showing this piece when the Rodin exhibit came through because of this fact. However, what I see is the very essence of love, timelessly embodied (which is why the subjects are sans clothing) and tenderly expressed. The forms in this piece are both breathtakingly simple and thoroughly emotional. I can't get over how lovely it is.

Well there you have it. Just a few of my fav pieces of art in the world. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

When you have a gratitude attitude

On the eve of the great day of Thanksgiving, I thought it would be fitting and prudent to share some of the things that I am grateful for. So this won't necessarily be the most original post, but it will be one of my most sincere. Lately, there have been a few, shall we say, "difficulties" that have surfaced in my life and in the lives of people that I love. And these events have given me pause and have caused me to evaluate what is most important in my life. Through all of this introspection, I have come to one emphatic conclusion:

I have been blessed...

by husband, who I love more deeply than I ever thought was possible and who is my best friend. He is my favorite person in the entire universe and we have so much fun together. [I obvi could go on and on and on, but you get the idea. :)]

by a phenomenal family with kick butt parents who have always been a source of love and support. And my siblings are the best siblings of all the siblings. This also includes my amazing extended family and in-laws as well. Just fyi.

by my beliefs. For the knowledge I have of the nature of God and of Jesus Christ. For the fact that I know that Jesus is my Savior, that there is a plan for us all, that we have a purpose in this life and in the life to come.

by my friends. Who come from California to attend my wedding... who drive an hour just to have dinner with me... who keep me sane at work... who find me via the blogosphere... who constantly support me and lift me up through various means. I treasure you all.

by the beauty of my surroundings. I live in a beautiful place. And my apartment's not bad either. Especially when husband's in it. (Because, in case I haven't told you yet, he's pretty good looking.)

by the knowledge I have acquired over the years. Not saying I'm the brightest bulb in the tanning bed, but I love the fact that I have the ability to learn. To expand my knowledge in whichever direction I choose. I had the blessing of attending school and receiving a higher education, which I realize is a gift. Not everyone is afforded this same privilege. I am lucky to be in the circumstance I am in.

by my job. So maybe I don't love it all of the time. Maybe I don't love it most of the time. But the fact that I have a job that pays me well during this difficult economic time is such a blessing.

by the people who surround me. I have decided that I need to exercise more patience. The people that I interact with on a daily basis (in the form of angry callers or verbally abusive transients) have helped me to develop this trait. I have a long way to go I fear, but think I am improving little by little.

I think I will stop there, just so I don't bore you all with a list that could go on indefinitely. I just love this time of year because it affords us all a moment that we can stop and contemplate the blessings and goodness in our lives. It is a time where we have the opportunity to shed the worries that plague us all and feel happiness for the blessings we do have.

Happy Turkey Day everyone. Eat lots of pie. :)

(PS, if anyone can tell me where I got the inspiration for the title of this post, you're my new favorite person.)

my heart's hurting...

just a little bit. i'm glad it's friday.

and i'm ecstatic that i get to go home and be with him

What I wish I was wearing right now

So it's a Friday here at the good old TSG, and finding that I was not needed to write the copy I thought I would be writing, I decided to put together an outfit that I'd buy if I had no budget. Enjoy.


First off, the dress. I love the classic and simple silhouette and the delicate pleating. Its champagne tones really appeal to my aesthetic, and reminds me of the tones and colors I wanted for my wedding. (Which will be a year ago on the 19th... crazy how the time flies!) I think it's ladylike and yet also exudes a flirty and fun vibe.

I will admit that the choice of this cardigan is a bit monochromatic and that the length of it is probably a hair too long for the dress. But, I absolutely love the detailing of the garment and think it compliments the dress nicely. I actually like the fact that the outfit is so monochromatic yet constructed of different fabrics with different textures.

Though I usually favor a taller, skinnier heel, I think these shoes and their detailing flow perfectly with the style of the dress and cardigan. And it would be nice to not get my heels stuck in the gap of the sidewalk for once.



I featured these earrings as one of my items of the day. I like the delicate look of them. I also think they compliment the dress really well. I actually had a pair similar to these, but they were really cheap and hurt my ears.




I really like the vintage feel of this ring. I love it because it's stackable and because it would be a perfect right hand ring. I love the fact that the yellow gold looks antique, like it was passed down from your grandmother or something.


So there you have it. A horrendously over-priced yet thoroughly adorable outfit. And if anyone finds a ring that looks like the one pictured above that isn't so effing expensive (it doesn't even need to be gold or have real diamonds, I just wouldn't want it to turn my finger green) please send the info my way. I'm on the hunt.

i am loving...

ee cummings. his form is so expressive, free and beautiful. his conceptual understanding of love is so wonderful and oft times quite poignant. i fervently wish i had a gift so incredible. i obviously enjoyed "i carry your heart with me" so much that i made it a permanent fixture on the blog. here is another one of his brilliant works that i completely adore:

somewhere i have travelled,glady beyond

somewhere i have never travelled,gladly beyond

any experience,your eyes have their silence:

in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,

or which i cannot touch because they are too near

your slightest look will easily unclose me

though i have closed myself as fingers,

you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens

(touching skilfully,mysteriously)her first rose

or if your wish be to close me, i and

my life will shut very beautifully ,suddenly,

as when the heart of this flower imagines

the snow carefully everywhere descending;

nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals

the power of your intense fragility:whose texture

compels me with the color of its countries,

rendering death and forever with each breathing

(i do not know what it is about you that closes

and opens;only something in me understands

the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)

nobody,not even the rain,has such small hands

Enjoy.

A pic from the honeymoon that makes me happy

Instead of curling into a ball...

Some days I want to curl up into a ball and hide under my desk. Dramatic, certainly, but that doesn't mean it's not a valid feeling, or that I'm completely neurotic... maybe that last bit's debatable...

Anyway, instead of lamenting about things that will cease to matter as soon as I acquire the proper perspective, I choose to review the last three books I have read. Yes, in the past two weeks I have completed three books, all markedly different, yet all incredibly great in their own way. What can I say, I am a total nerd. Here they are, in the order I read them.

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

By now, I think it's obvious that I am quite the fan of Rand's work. Currently, The Fountainhead sits atop my illustrious "Best Books EVER (non religious edition)" list, and this tome is not far behind its predecessor.

Rand presents us with a world in which the individuality and accomplishments of man are threatened by the mediocrity of society. She polarizes her characters as being wholly self-oriented and driven or thoroughly impressionable and vapid. Man's true purpose is to progress, to work hard, to constantly improve upon himself, regardless of the cost. He must fight against those who wish to exploit and destroy his personal prowess by any means they deem necessary.

Though she works in extremes, Rand weaves an epic tale that lauds the abilities of mankind, and fights the mundane, lackadaisical nature of those not willing to put forth the effort to excel. Her prose is beautiful and complicated and effective. I think if I could write like anyone, I would choose to write like Ayn Rand.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Though a marked shift from the ofttimes exultant tone of Rand, The Host was also an enjoyable read.

A lot of Meyer's critics claim that her writing is pedestrian and that comparing her to JK Rowling is an affront to literary society as a whole. I say that those who typically offer such criticisms can't even write their criticisms clearly enough for me to take them seriously. Sure, she's no literary wunderkind, but she certainly currently has command of her genre, just as Rowling has command of hers.

One of the things I find so compelling about her works is that they could've come from my brain. That's the first thing my mom said after she read Twilight; that it was something she could see me writing. (I wish... I'd be RICH.)

In this novel, she explores the idea of what it really means to be human, to be autonomous, to possess our own free will. What would we do if that were stripped from us? Also, her treatment of the power of love (physical and emotional) is quite astute and believable. And sensual too. (I was gonna use a word that starts with an "or" and ends with a "gasmic," but I'll stick with sensual. That's one thing she and Rand have completely in common.)

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Last, but not least, is Coelho's simple tale of a young shepherd in search of his personal destiny.

His words form a beautiful parable with lush, universally religious undertones, with a sense of hope emanating throughout. The purity of the young shepherd is refreshing and calming; it's a smooth read from beginning to end.

Though it's a quick read, there are layers of meaning throughout, which ensures a delightful read for both the speed readers and the contemplative readers out there. And I can't tell you how nice it was to read something that was so inspiring and uncorrupted. It's a G rated book in an R rated world; how revitalizing.

I am now imbuing myself with the wonderful world of Jane Austen in the form of Mansfield Park; I'm sure you'll be getting my feedback about this book in about a week.

I am SUCH a book nerd.

The best birfday evs

This year, my lovely day of birth fell on Memorial Day, which is always a treat. This year was especially exciting because it was my first as a married woman. And I'll just tell you right now, my dear husband did not disappoint.

First off, he made me my favorite breakfast, Quiche Lorraine, and it was phenom. Then he gave me the best presents EVER which included a gorgeous new baseball glove, a bunch of baseballs, a bat and an equipment bag. He even had me unwrap the new glove he got for himself so we can go and play catch. If you know me at all, you know that in my eyes these gifts are absolutely flawless. My husband knows me well.

The rest of the day was great because we didn't have to "do" anything. We just hung out and went to dinner at Red Rock and had a fun, relaxing day off. I think the best birthday present a girl could ask for is to have an amazing and thoughtful husband and a great family, both of which I am blessed to have. So yay for being 24.

I heart baseball season

As I sit here and gaze out at the street, I can't help but feel a little giddy. Because I happen to be munching on some seeds (of the sunflower persuasion)... and am going to my little bro's baseball game after work. I love this time of year.

Ever since I was a young child, I have been transfixed by the game of baseball. I love to play it, to watch it. I love the mental acuity that is required to play it well. Those who do not understand the game think that it is just a white trash beer fest consisting of fat guys trying to hit the ball, but that's basically just in Boston. (ZING!)

To play it well, a player must be both athletic and intuitive. That's probably why I've always loved it, the subtle nuances of the game that separate the true fans from the beer drinkers. I love trying to figure out what a manager's going to do... is he going to pull the pitcher out and put in a lefty... is he going to call for a hit and run? SO great.

And yeah, I'm a die hard Yankees fan and always will be, even though I loathe the Steinbrenners and A-Rod and wish they could pull their heads out. I've been this way since birth, and I don't really care about the people who give me crap about it. Though it does suck that Boston's been good. (Note the above comment about Boston.) To me, the Yankees are baseball, and the Yankees/Bo Sox rivalry is so compelling because it's the oldest in sports. Last night marked the 1,995 game they've played against one another. I mean, that's impressive for real. So as long as you're hardcore, I respect you, but if you bought the hat and think that makes you a fan, I think you should stick to another sport.

Anyhoo, I'm just happy that for the next 5 1/2 months I'll know what's going on in the world of sports and that I get to sit back and enjoy my favorite time of the year.

Why Easter candy is the best candy

(On a serious note, Easter is by far my favorite holiday. Ideologically, it is such a deep and introspective time, and I love that it celebrates Christ's sacrifice for us and His resurrection. It also signals the beginning of spring, the renewal of all living things. And all that other good spiritually and intellectually satisfying stuff.)

Ironically, I will segue into a commercialized facet of this glorious holiday. Typically I abhor the commercialization of a religious holiday in any form, but what I find refreshing about the commercialization of Easter is that it is funnier and slightly more bizarre than other holidays. I mean, a bunny that lays eggs? GET SERIOUS. I also find that there is not that typical push to buy extravagant things and whatnot, which is nice. And, let's be honest folks, Easter candy is HANDS DOWN the best candy.

As a connoisseur of the Reese's peanut butter empire, I have to say that Reese's peanut butter eggs are unequivocally the best tasting of any other Reese's shape. The Christmas tree? Not so much. The standard peanut butter cup? Good not great. The egg? Phenomenal. Umm, and do I really even have to mention the utter chocolified deliciousness of the Cadbury mini egg? Do I? I think they speak for themselves. As yummy as they are bad for you... sigh. Last but not least, the Starburst jelly bean, lovingly packaged in a plastic egg, just in time for Easter. Pretty much the three best candy choices for your holiday needs.

So kids, enjoy this Easter, welcome the spring, and down some of the aforementioned candy. I promise you will not regret it.

Gotta love the shuff... and Hemingway should've taken some happy pills.

So yesterday I was driving home from another fantastic day at work, and I decided to mix it up a little bit and set my ipod to shuffle. To my utter delight, the good ol' shuff surprised me with a throwback. I'm talking about "Always on my Mind" by Brandy. From her original album, circa 1994, Brandy. (Oh my, the originality.) I mean, my eleven year old self thought Brandy was off the chain. (Author's note: this was also just a year or two after my affinity for MC Hammer and other rap music began to creep into my previously innocent musical world... just fyi.) And yeah, I watched "Moesha." I won't even lie about. In my defence, Usher was on that show. And Ray J. And that dude that was on Save the Last Dance who kinda resembles 2Pac. (Which men I realize are not super relevant in the here and now... but I'm still a fan.)

Anyway, my little blast from the past made me contemplate my musical taste (some might say lack of taste... but those kind of people most likely listen to Garth Brooks so I don't care what they say... he hee) throughout the years, and I'm surprised by how much I loved R&B and Hip-Hop even from a young age. I mean, I got into the Fugees when I was in the 6th grade. I hearted the (edited) 2Pac in junior high. I'm pretty hard core for a white girl from the east side. HAHAHAHA. But I just thought it was funny that my affinity for those genres came at so young an age. Yay for old favs.

On a completely unrelated note, I just finished reading For Whom the Bell Tolls, yet ANOTHER horrendously depressing literary masterpiece from our friend, Ernest Hemingway. I have to say I have a love/hate relationship with his tomes, because they are so beautifully crafted and yet so cynical and defeatist. I actually deluded myself into thinking that perhaps, this time, Hemingway would allow his protagonist to be happy, to be truly fulfilled. Silly me. Of course he couldn't do that. After reading this, The Old Man and the Sea, A Farewell to Arms and The Sun Also Rises, I've decided that I think I prefer The Old Man and the Sea. At least there's no romantic relationship and at least nobody who you want to live dies. However, I am addicted to his writing style. All his faults aside, he is a brilliant and phenomenal artist. But bless his heart, even though the love of his life left him, I think he just needed to take some happy pills. Instead becoming a bitter alcoholic. Maybe that's just me though. Shrug.

Next up Atonement, and the completion of The Audacity of Hope. Should be interesting.

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

I just wanted to give a shout out to my incredible father on his day of birth. Dad, thanks for always being such a great example and for being such a great father in general. Hope you have a good one! Love you!

So This is Christmas

I'm glad it's snowed the last few days. Not because I love a fifty minute commute or because I like being cold (please note the sarcasm), but because I love white Christmases. It firmly cements the feeling of Christmas in my mind for some reason. I would have an issue with it being 90 degrees and balmy outside. I'm probably not alone on that one.

Anyway, this Christmas season has been crazy, yet enjoyable. It's my first with Greg, and so it's been fun to try to divide ourselves into five and fulfill all our families' Christmas traditions as well as trying to establish our own. We went to Festival of Trees this year with a bunch of friends. We've had some great Christmas parties, with more to come. We bought and decorated an amazing tree (I will insert all pics later; they're not on my compy yet), which I think is pretty great for my first attempt. We have darling stockings that my mother miraculously unearthed at Target last Tuesday. And we have each other... which is best of all methinks.

So amid all the commercialization and all the hype, let's all remember why we're really celebrating this holiday. (And no, it's not because the pagans wanted to celebrate the winter solstice). Let's look beyond the presents and the other superfluities and remember that our Lord and Savior began His miraculous life as a defenseless and humble child. Let's focus on how we can better reflect His spirit and actions in our lives. And I know that I need to get off my "don't play Christmas music until after Thanksgiving" soapbox and reflect on my life and how I can improve it.

People never cease to amaze me

For those of you who know me well, you can at once recognize the dichotomous nature of the title of this entry. Indeed, the word "amaze" is ambiguous here... is it a positive term or a negative one? I have been ruminating over this question since early this morning, where I had an experience that would definitely fall under the "negative" category, which I will not elaborate upon because I am trying to be more positive about my working conditions these days. Instead, I have chosen to use this experience (and the culmination of other similar situations) and infuse it into a larger discussion about how, truly, the actions of other astound me on a daily basis.

It is intriguing to me how mankind in general can be so good and so bad at the same time. The time in which we live is the embodiment of the "it was the best of times and it was the worst of times" idea. When Dickens coined that line, I think he realized that throughout the ages, man would continue to get better and continue to get worse as he gained intelligence and exceeded his forefathers. I don't think anyone back then could've conceived of a time like this, where so much of the world is ravaged by unrest in so many forms. Hmm... I'm digressing just a bit. I want to discuss this topic on a more individualized basis.

Since I am so apt to focus on the blatantly obvious and negative scenarios that could illustrate this point, that is precisely what I'm NOT going to do. So no discussions of the boss that tries to break you or the guy on the freeway that speeds up when you're trying to get into his lane. No, I am going to talk about the people who I have observed that prove that this world can be and is the best place to be; that we can be intrinsically good instead of intrinsically bad.


Well it's going to be totally redundant if I discuss my incredible husband for the millionth time, but he truly fits into this category. It's often the small, simple things that matter the most: having dinner ready when I get home from a long day at work, starting my car in the morning so it's all warm when I leave, doing the laundry, making my lunch... it's all of those things that amaze me. That someone is that aware of my needs. That someone loves me and appreciates me enough to think of the small stuff. Incredible.


That kind of service reminds me of my parents and extended family too, for that was where I learned that the world is what you make it... so why not make it a better place to be? My parents amaze me because they never cease to serve others and not themselves. Because my dad is willing to wake up at five so I can get a deal on a Christmas tree... or because my mom always is the first one to take somebody a meal when they need it. Like I said before, it's those small and seemingly simplistic actions that can provide the difference and form someone into a better person.

At the rate I am going, I could go on for quite sometime, but the last person I would like to discuss is actually a few people. They are the people I worked with in Africa. I actually received a couple of really sobering emails from James, the president of Reach the Children Uganda. They discussed a family whose matriarch was severely burned in a freak accident, and a trio of mothers ravaged and dying of Aids. I don't bring this up to sensationalize or to commercialize such suffering; rather, I wish to tell you all of the great work that is done to help these families. When I was down in Uganda, I was overwhelmed at the love that James and his coworkers and volunteers had for their fellowman. We visited the poorest of the poor, the sickest of the sick, and we helped them. James helps them on a daily basis. And he doesn't just throw money in their faces, he rolls up his sleeves and works along with them, so they can sustain themselves. He, and the amazing people that are affiliated with him, love and serve their people with no hesitation. And that truly amazes me.

So how's that for looking on the bright side peeps? We may unearth an optimist after all. Enjoy a couple pics from Uganda and one of my faves of Greg and me.

Blessings

I find I have the propensity to be quite cynical at times, to look at the dire situations that face us all and feel overwhelmed. It's so easy to become enmeshed in all the problems and to forget all the blessings that it's sobering. So that is why I choose to be positive and list some of my blessings. (And I have just realized that this post unintentionally coincides with the season of Thanksgiving aka the wiping out of an indigenous people... ok, that last part was a joke. Kind of.)

Anyway... take this morning for instance: Greg had to leave earlier than me because he was flying with his dad this morning. So he says he's leaving, and (unbeknownst to me) proceeds to make me a lunch and move my car into the garage, all whilst I am getting ready downstairs. So I wasn't late to work today, because my baby made me lunch. (I think the cheesiness may trump the cynic in me one day, I really do.) He's just a blessing in general.

I was thinking of other blessings, too. Like how we don't have to walk three miles for our water twice a day and carry it on our heads, or how we don't have to worry about car bombs exploding around us, or how we don't have to worry about whether our home will wash away in the rain. A little dramatic, maybe... but true, nonetheless. I've seen it for myself, and we are blessed.

I am blessed to have a knowledge of God and an understanding of why I am here in the first place and an idea of what my purpose is in this life. I have a great family and extended family and I seriously had the best wedding ever. (Sorry to everybody else, but I totes did!) Even walking outside and seeing a beautiful sunset or an evening with lots of stars elicits a sense of gratitude within me because I live in such a beautiful place. So even though this post may come across as trite or cheesy or whatever, I don't really care. Because since I have so many things to be grateful for, it would be really selfish of me not to acknowledge it.

P.S. As you can see, I have interspersed these comments with a few honeymoon photos... because it's my blog and I can.

Yay for Greggy!

Hey all, you'll have to indulge me a little bit with this one because I'm going to brag about my way awesome husband, and how he is absolutely dominating at his place of employment. He works at a software company as an Assistant Account Manager... and he is by far the most successful of his group. He just helped substantiate a major deal for the company, and so I just wanted to publicly congratulate him and to say how lucky I am to have such a great, hard-working husband.