Five Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes

[....Annnnnd some change....] How do you measure, measure a year?  Measure in love.

Two weeks ago C and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary.  Our first year together has been incredible!  Our relationship has been both challenging and engaging, we have grown as individuals, and as a couple.  You know the funny thing though?  I think we both knew that first night, that this is where we would be in our hearts in a year. 

I could just tell, even during our initial awkward cautiousness that first meeting.  And I definitely knew the moment he stole that first kiss.  Our date had only just begun...we had just gotten on our hayride at the pumpkin patch.  C had already pulled the oh-so-smooth arm around the shoulder move, and seated hip-to-hip, shoulder-to-shoulder there on that bail of hay I felt it coming, and the instant it happened, there was no questioning what we had found.  This was different.  It wasn't the obligatory "first date: I had a great time," kiss, and it wasn't the skeezy "I really only want one thing," kiss.   When C kissed me that first time, everything about that kiss was saying "I just HAVE to kiss her because I'm so glad I found her and she's here with me tonight, and I just need her to know!"  Later that night over dinner we had the DTR talk, and there was no mistaking that we were both very serious about growing and preserving this new relationship.

To celebrate this incredible year, C planned a big surprise for me, and we had one of the best weekends EVER!  C had planned this for months, and all I knew was that we were getting dressed up (I had to wear cocktail attire), and that we were going out of town.  I bugged him the next few months trying to draw more clues out of him.  When the big day came I was so excited to don my new LBD that I bought JUST for this date.  I couldn't wait to see him in his new suit.  I couldn't wait to go out all dolled up.  We rode off for our evening of fun and arrived in Richmond.  There we walked a few blocks to the first surprise...dinner at Edo's Squid (sounds gross right?).  This place had some of the most delicious authentic Italian cuisine I've had the privilege to eat, delicious pasta followed by mouth-watering tiramisu.   At dinner we exchanged our gifts.  I surprised C with tickets to an up-coming Caps hockey game, and C surprised me with tickets for the National Tour of Wicked at the Landmark Theater that night!  Full, excited, and ahead of schedule we sauntered around the streets of Richmond periodically stopped by VCU students, or other random passers-by who felt compelled to tell us how great we looked, how beautiful my dress was, and ask where we were off to dressed like we were.  We felt like super models (at least I did)...let's just say...we were HOT!

We managed to find a little bar near the theater...now we must note...we were a tad overdressed for most of the places we went...and this bar was no exception, but we met one of the coolest guys there.  The guy talked to C about working for the national park service because his father worked for Yellowstone.  We talked about making things happen for ourselves and doing what we set out to do, this guy was truly remarkable and I do hope we run into each other again sometime.  After sipping a few drinks we made our way back to the theater to take our seats for the show.  The show was amazing, and being there with HIM was the best part.  He is truly my dream.  I couldn't believe the lengths he went to to give me such a special evening.  Add these to the list of reasons he is amazing: 1. he surprises me, and 2. he enjoys the theater too and will actually TAKE me to see shows!

And yet our amazing weekend did not end there.  The following day we drove back to Richmond for the state fair where we enjoyed the most beautiful day!  We had sunshine, fresh air, exercise, cute baby animals, delicious...bad for you food, and a great performance by The Band Perry.  We almost came home with a bunny...but thought better of it.  All in all the perfect culmination of our incredible first year together, and the best kick off to another year together. 

 "We're perfect together.  Born to be forever dancing through life!"  C, you are the best!

Super Slacker

Peek-a-boo followers!  I know I've been hiding for a while.  I haven't posted in over 2 months!  Things just got so busy...so here are a few updates.

1.  I moved!  Not far from my old place, about 2 more exits up the interstate.  I now live in a 2 bd apartment that I love!  It's still convenient to all the same things I enjoyed before with a few more amenities.

2. I started a new school year in a new school, on a new grade level.  I now teach advanced 6th graders mathematics and language arts.  I am LOVING it!  I see about 84 students a day.  It's a lot...I feel like I'm drowning in paperwork most days which is why I really haven't been on here much, between trying to keep up with the kids in terms of planning, and grading all the papers that come in.  But I LOVE these kids!  They are bright, funny, respectful, and silly!  They make me want to work harder for them.  (Really this is what has eaten up the vast majority of my time).

3. My mom got me a sewing machine...I don't actually have it in my possession yet.  I have to make a trip to go get it, but I'm super excited.  Be on the look out for future sewing projects.

So what brings about my sudden return?  My wonderful boyfriend decided he'd start a blog tonight that he shared with me.  Check out A Gentleman's Appearance. 

He amazes me with his talent and taste.  Yes ladies...my boyfriend has a male fashion blog...yet still wears greasy ripped up camo pants to change the oil in my car, loves the Caps and Skins as well as racing and video games.  He's a musician, lover of God, adventurer, artist, shopper, chef, mechanic, electrician, and the best man a girl could ever ask for.  He's everything I never dreamed I'd have, and in 5 days we will celebrate the journey we've been on for one year and look forward to many more years.  I'm so excited for this weekend because he has something big up his sleeve and he's been keeping it a secret for months now!  All I know is we're going out of town (I think it's in Richmond), we have dinner reservations at 5 for some Italian, and we're dressing up (I bought a new dress and he has a new suit).  I have a big surprise for him to and I can't wait to give him his gift on Saturday!  I'm also thinking we're going to hit up the pumpkin patch where we had our first date this weekend as well, and Sunday we're supposed to go to the state fair!  Looking forward to seeing these guys at the fair.



Well, I'm out of juice for tonight.  Hopefully it won't be another 2 months before you hear from me again.

Nighty!

YUM-O

Last night I invited my dad, cousins and their girlfriends over for a little dinner gathering at my place.  With all this spare time I've had lately on this oh so glorious summer break, I have been cooking and baking all the time, and I wanted someone to cook for!  I was so excited they were going to be coming, and couldn't wait to get into the details of what to make and then of course, actually cooking!

Well, C had Sunday and Monday off, so I went down to stay with him and left to come back home Tuesday, but took a few detours along the way as C's mom wanted to take me shopping! (I can't say no to that...) Soooooo I didn't get home until about 3:00 in the afternoon, to my utter disappointment my internet had still not been fixed when I got home.  OH NO, OH NO...I can't get on Pinterest and find a cool recipe for tonight! Fear Not sweet child!  That's what cook books are for!  I immediately zoned in on a Rachael Ray cook book we had on the shelf and thumbed through till I landed on a great tortellini with home-made pesto recipe, and over the weekend I had also had a delicious caprese salad. DING lightbulb, pasta with caprese salad, GENIUS! ANNNNND then come to find out the Verizon technician was scheduled to come later that day...which meant I would be held hostage at home waiting for him to come...OH NO...I can't even go to the grocery store!!!!  Well after waiting an hour for said technician, I decided to head to the store anyway just praying I wouldn't get the call while I was out...and wouldn't ya know...they called me while I was at the Teets.  "I'm at the grocery store, can you please tell your technician I will be at the house in 20 minutes." (meaning don't leave I will be back soon!)  I come pulling up the street to my house to see a Verizon van leaving, and I stopped in front of him rolled down my window, "Are you going to my house?"  ..."what's your address?"...I give him the address..."yes"...."K great, I'm home now so you can come back." (WHEW talk about the nick of time!)  So...I got my groceries and made it just in time for the Verizon man to come look at our internet.  Internet was fixed in about 20 minutes or so...WOOHOO, and I was already busy preparing for the evening.  Everything was relatively easy to make and tasted delicious.

Dinner is served

Three Cheese Tortellini in home-made pesto, with caprese salad

And for dessert: Pound Cake with strawberries and whipped cream :) Thanks Ben for this!

Left to Right: Ben (cousin), Me, Andrew (cousin), Andrea (Andrew's lady) annnnnd Dad is taking the picture

Dinner turned out to be a smash!  All around good food and good times were had!  Next time you're looking for a good meal!  Come to my little restaurant :)

Bon Appetite!

For Now We Live

This past Sunday I was blessed with a special treat.  Aside from the fact that I got to see the new Transformers movie with my babe (highly recommend), I had the privilege to attend an intimate dress rehearsal for up and coming Fredericksburg based band, For Now We Live, CD release concert!  Hosted in lead singer Ryan French's studio, this show was incredible, and I can't wait to see the full production this coming Friday in Fredericksburg.  The band found its name an roots in scripture, 1 Thessalonians 3:8.

Left to Right: Thomas Johnson, Ryan French, Josh Champ, and Jonathan Wiley

Our music is about pain, loss, regret, happiness, love...it’s about life. It’s about going through life flawed, without knowing what tomorrow will bring, and striving for that better tomorrow in the midst of our failures and imperfections. That’s what we’re about. Live life for today, for that’s what God has given us.-Jon Wiley guitar/vocals

Left to Right: Jason Kahmoreei, David Humphrey

I encourage you to go check the rest of their bio and music at their reverbnation site.  They have an edgy, modern, electric rock sound with lyrics that speak to generations of sinners, searchers, and beautiful hot messes.  These guys are a talented bunch that put on a great show!  If you're in the area and looking for something to do, come check out For Now We Live's CD Release concert at 6:30 The Rubicon Cafe in Fredericksburg, VA tix are $7 in advance and $10 at the door.  C and I will be there, will you?

SHARKFEST! and other assorted adventures...

Aaah, this weekend C and I just decided to pick up and go. OK, so it wasn't actually as simple as I just made it sound...but once we actually figured out where we could and wanted to go, we packed up and hit the road for an easy breezy weekend getaway.  Where did we go?  To non other than my childhood summer vaca stomping grounds, Solomon's Island!

C's dad was able to sponsor us to get us onto the Naval Recreation Center there where we were able to camp at a steal of $40 for two nights!

Friday we grabbed some Chick-fil-A for lunch...and somehow missed the memo that is was Dress Like a Cow Day at the famed establishment...because we weren't dressed like cows we could not receive FREE chicken...but we still purchased out delectable poultry lunches and devoured them!

we did snag these oh so cool cow hats to show our enthusiasm. MOOOOOOOO!!!!!

After lunch we picked up some essentials at the nearby Giant and then proceeded to the island.  First stop, visitor's center.  We quickly discovered two of the town's cute little antique shops.  Yes, C actually enjoys checking out antique shops with me.  One of them used to actually be the town's original post office!  The post office portion of it, a mere set of shelves with cubbies, and a desk is still there and on display.  The woman working there was delightful, and we even got to chatting about her son and my brother both stationed in the middle east right now.  She shared that she makes these cool little neck-cooling wraps to send to her son and the other soldiers, and gladly supplied the directions for me.  Not sure if I'll get one made before my bro's time is up, but still a good idea.  If I actually make one, I'll definitely post it here.

We also discovered that the nearby museum was sponsoring Sharkfest the following day.  SCORE!  We totally knew what we would be doing Saturday.

Later, Corey's dad was finally able to meet up with us and we could check in to our camp site.  After setting up camp, we took the bikes for a whirl around the rec center.  Man oh man, things have really changed since the last time I was there.  The pier and the pool were still there just as I remembered, but the pier's snack stand is no longer operational, and it just wasn't as lively as I recall.  Man, that place used to be hopping with people fishing and crabbing, now, granted there was a storm a brewing and they were getting people off the pier, I still remember there being LOTS more people, and the fact that the snack stand hasn't been operational in years, another bummer.  I ALWAYS got ice cream on the pier!  The pool was just as I remember although they added two water slides and took away one of the diving boards.  I remember the rec. center had more houses you could rent...now it's mostly just campground, boat storage, and RV sites.  I was sure there was more housing than that when I was there.  No matter, we still had a blast.

For dinner we decided to hit up one of the local places, Ruddy Duck.  Unfortunately we were a little disappointed, the food was OK...nothing special, and definitely overpriced.  The live band was the only thing that gave the place character, other than that, it was sub-par.  We wished we had opted for a waterfront restaurant instead and will definitely hit up some place else next time.   That pretty much wrapped up the excitement for that night for us.  We spent the rest of the evening playing cards and just talking in the tent since the storm came in.

Saturday morning, we woke to the cool morning air and the sun shining.  Made some delicious pancakes.

And proceeded to seize the morning with a sunny bike ride around the waterfront section of the island.

After a little whirl around the water, we cycled up to the museum for the much anticipated Sharkfest!!!  The Calvert Marine Museum was actually really neat and they had lots going on with Sharkfest.  We learned that the town in Solomon's Island was originally established as an Oyster town.  There were lots of beautiful boats at the museum, and aquatic animal exhibits as well.

We HAD to take mermaid and pirate themed photos!

 

Fossilized poop anyone?

Sharkfest would not be complete without looking at the innards of a real shark!

These guys came from one of THESE GUYS!

 

We tried to be cute...but then we remembered WE'RE IN A SHARK CAGE!!!!

 

Chesapeake Bay Aquatic life!

WE LOVE OTTERS!!! (Strange but true!)

I want this one...he want's that one...can't we just have both?

 

Gorgeous lighthouse!  We debated about living there...as much as I loved it, I couldn't stand the isolation...C on the other hand was ALL for it!

C is quite the natural lighthouse keeper it appears.

 So after kicking it shark style we loaded up and went back to camp where we enjoyed hot dogs, and lounged at the pool for a bit.  I then proceeded to nap for about an hour or so in the hammock due to a raging headache, meanwhile C packed up most of our stuff so we had less to do the next morning.  C woke me up when he started cooking burgers and corn! Yum!!!  After dinner we got cleaned up and decided to head out for a night on the town.  Things got a little interesting...

Some creepy guy set up camp outside of McDonalds with all these snakes, lizzards, and turtles. Just what I needed right before getting some sweet tea and gelati...

We took our sweet tea and gelati to the river walk for an evening stroll.  Such a perfect night for it.  The rain from the previous evening left us nice and cool.  Found this beautiful little church on the water with pretty stained glass window.

 THEN....we found the TIKI BAR!!!!

Enjoyed one of their signature Mai Tais.  Next time will have to try their famous Orange Crush (made from fresh squeezed orange juice).

All in all, a delightful, easy, and FUN get away that we will surely do again hopefully soon!

 

These are the last words Solomon's Island sends you off with :)

Ciao for now!

Where the Love Lasts Forever

"Where the Love Lasts Forever"
by Hillsong United

Your mercy found me upon the broken road
And lifted me beyond my failing, into Your glory
My sin and shame dissolved
And now forever Yours I'll stand

In love never to end
To call You more than Lord
Glorious friend

So I throw my life upon all You are
'Cause I know You gave it all for me
And when all else fades, my soul will dance with You
Where the love lasts forever

And forever I will sing
Lord forever I will sing
Of how You gave Your life away
Just to save me, Lord You saved me

With You, where the love lasts forever

Everlasting Love

Went to HH with some of my fellow teachers today.  It was a great time, and I fear that we really haven't done it enough and that makes me sad, because now it's nearly the end of the school year and many of us are going different directions for next year, and I feel like I'm only just now beginning to get to know THEM...I mean their hearts, and their inner beings.

The conversation was fun, hysterical, and very enlightening.  I learned some of the dirt/drama going on that I had been completely oblivious to for most of the year (probably better that way...).  But the bigger thing I learned tonight at least about these people and I fear holds true for MANY others, is that they don't believe in an everlasting love.  My heart literally sank at this realization.  I nearly cried driving home from this gathering just thinking about how broken their hearts must be.  I grew up in a home with both mom and dad, they got married straight out of college, and have been married happily for 34 years.  Both sets of grandparents...happily married for 50+ years.  Aunts and Uncles with the exception of two all happily married to their soulmates, with beautiful families.  And above all this I have been raised to know God's everlasting love.  So I have been blessed with a life that has allowed me to fully and whole-heartedly live the Disney Princess world dream.  I have always believed God made a man perfect for me, a prince, that He would prepare to love me and care for me.  To be a living model of God's love for me.  My story has been centered on my search for that, and yes, I have felt the devastation of being mislead.  My heart has known that pain all too well...but one thing it has not known is despair and/or complete disbelief in the possibility of finding everlasting love.  Perhaps, because I already have that and trust THAT love to provide the earthly love I long for.

But now my heart aches for these beautiful people who have bought lies, and have accepted those lies as reality because of the homes they grew up in and the relationships they've experienced, and the absence of everlasting love in their lives.  Oh God, how we need you.  We are a people desperate for everlasting love.  The kind that's better than the movies.  The kind that follows us to the pit of our deepest darkness, to the grave and beyond.

I pray they find love.  I pray they find the purest love, the everlasting love.  I'm not sure I had any good words for them tonight.  All I could do was share my Disney Princess world heart, and the beauty of what I have been blessed with, and love them. I hope they felt love, or saw a glimmer of hope that everlasting love is real.