To those who serve

Its hard to be a part but not a part of the military life. There’s so much I don’t know and am outside of given I’m not married to a military man, but only dating him; however, its still very much a real aspect that affects every day of my life. Being honored to know and love someone who willingly joined our US military to serve our country is just that, a real honor.

He endures more than the average man his age, and faces many hardships and uncertainties that are more than some people could bare, but he does it because he wanted to be in the military and he’s proud of that. He knew the risks before joining and knows them now and still chooses to serve. Many men and women have sacrificed their lives and when people say it was a waste, it makes me sad. No one who joins the United States military would ever believe losing their life for their country was wasteful.

With that I’m forever grateful to G-man for willingly and unselfishly serving our country each and every day and to all of those who bravely gave their lives so I could sit here in my freedom to write and say what I want. I remember you today and every day.

                                                                                USS George Washington

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A test, a prayer and a sneak

This very morning I’m testing for the position I mentioned yesterday. It’s a 3-4 hour long test and since I’m writing this beforehand, I’ll be honest and say I have no idea what it’s going to entail. Well, I have an idea but it could be nothing like what I’ve conjured up in my brain.

So if you’re inclined, pray. Pray that I pass to move on to the interview process…which will also take 3 hours. who wants to be in an interview for 3 hours straight?!? apparently >this girl<In other exciting news, I’m getting my hair colored tonight…by my friend…from a box.

I trust her.

~~~

If you haven’t yet, I think its time you make the grilled chocolate sandwiches I went on and on about last Tuesday. If you’re still unsure about them, you can read Casey AND Amanda’s reviews on them since they trusted me.

~~~

The photographer from last week, who also is my good friend, knows what she’s doing. There’s no doubt about that. She also knows the difficult position she and I are both in with being able to post photos of G-man. So she used her Masters brain, and brilliantly created ‘blog-able’ images for both of us to use.

Silhouettes and blurred shots. Can’t get any more ‘obscure’ than that. To say I wish nothing more than to show my favorites to you, would be an understatement. But I also like being on G’s good side and will respect his wishes of not having any photos of him on the blog. And friends, for the record. Its hard. I’ve debated making my blog private so I could share ‘us’, but haven’t quite been able to do it. I like you all and getting to meet so many new people by being public is what I enjoy! If I had gone private when it originally crossed my mind, I wouldn’t have met my 2 newest and already dear friends, Casey and Amanda. So I struggle with the idea of being ok with not making anymore friends if I went private, and I don’t think I’m ready for that.

So, until I’m ready, I’ll stay public and refrain from showing photos of my love and continue showing the vague shots I’m given.
photos courtesy of Erin Pasillas Photography


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Back to reality

Normal days again over here. I had a sneaking suspicion that his flight would get delayed Saturday morning and secretly hoped for it.. no one likes a 5am wake up call. And thank the good Lord, it was. By 3 hours. So getting a little more time with him was the perfect way to end his time here.

After I dropped G-man off and got back home, I admit, I did very little. Anything that constituted being hygienic was not a priority. I made matters worse better by walking in 108 degree heat for 20 minutes, so its safe to say afterward, it was good I was all alone. though I still get botox, so it certainly wasn’t as bad as it could have been.

As always, his time here was nice. short, but nice. I may have unknowingly fibbed a bit on his excitement for getting photos done, but we made up for that little hiccup in our communication by eating out at the absolute best restaurant in the world…or in my area, any way.

To all my local friends, if you have never been to Schoolhouse Sanger, you must make reservations and go now! Hands down the absolute most delicious restaurant in this area. And this is saying a lot if I’m willing to share a place close to where I live. The food is grown right on their property, they pick fruit right from the orchards across the street, ice cream is made fresh daily from a local creamery, and they create these phenomenal mind blowing dishes in the absolute best atmosphere I’ve ever been in.

We left our cell phones and camera at home, but I was wanting to channel Jenni at story of my life, to share pictures and a review on this place. I’ll just have to return to get my chance.

~~~~~

A lot is happening soon in my little world that I’m getting mentally ready for. Tomorrow will shed some light on one thing and later this week, I’ll share a little more, but I’m prepping, and preparing and all around excited (mostly) for it all to happen.

While G was here, we made an entire day of driving to the big outlet mall in Gilroy (home of the garlic) and shopped. His suggestion even, so you know it was one to be capitalized on. He gifted me with 3 pair of socks and makeup. I knew I loved that man. We did a lot of mundane things while he was here and I wanted nothing more. Mundane to many is a treasure to me. Sitting together watching 24 and Arrested Development at night, every night is what I relish.

Having him scrub my entire apartment down the day before he leaves (without me knowing), while I’m at work so I won’t have to clean for awhile, is just one of the reasons I’ll keep him.. I mean, love him deeply.

I get to see him again in just a few short days, and I’m eagerly counting down until I see that face again, that most handsome face of his.

What all did you get to do this weekend? Did it get blazing hot where you are?

Random photo of my niece when I was in Utah. I have a lot of catching up to do with this blog. This little darling texts me just about every single day and I can’t say enough how much I love that.

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One of those great weeks

Happy June! This month is going to be one of those months that will aide in a little life shift for me. More on that another day but let me just say how happy I am. G-man is here and we’ve been enjoying our time together. Cooking dinner, desserts (sharing a recipe tomorrow), and have been staying unplugged from everything and its been quite nice.

Saturday, we went back and forth with what movie to rent and as rare as it is, we got a movie I wanted. The Impossible. I’ve wanted to see this movie since it came out in theaters, and once G-man saw it was based on a true story, he was convinced to get it.

We were gripped the entire time. From beginning to end I was either on the verge of tears or crying..from beginning.to.end. and a certain someone was sniffing next to me too from time to time.

After we finished, we sat there in silence and then agreed to watch it all over again with the Director’s commentary and immediately pressed play. It gave so much more insight to hear them talking, explaining the scenes and how real everything was, including hearing from the mom Maria who the story was about.

We couldn’t stop talking about it afterward, its that moving. If you haven’t seen it yet, I can’t recommend it enough. Even G said it was a good pick on my part, and generally he and I don’t agree on movie choices.

This week should prove to be a  fun week. I get him for 5 more days and in that, for the first time ever, we’re getting professional photos taken. This is monumental. And scary. but mainly exciting. Scary only because I’m awkward in front of the camera and get more so when I know I’m being photographed, but I know we’re in good hands with the photog so my excitement outweighs it. Even G-man is excited for it.

still planning on sharing our Tahoe trip, but in the meantime, another moment from there.

I hope everyone has had a great weekend and a fabulous start to their June. Definitely come back tomorrow, because the recipe I’m sharing is a life changer, for sure!

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Long breaks in between

G-man's here and if there's one thing I do, it's take long breaks away from my computer while he's in town. I only get the evenings since pesky work is interfering with those lovely day hours, so the last thing I want to do is lose those precious few hours zoning out staring at my computer screen, ignoring him, so to say there's been no time for blogging is an understatement.

So instead, we're zoning out watching a tv series together on Netflix. I kid. but really.. we just started 24 from the beginning. I've never seen it. I've always ignored it knowing it was on tv forever in a day, but Tuesday night G suggested it and we dove in.

Have you seen it? Did you like it? Slight cheese factor is there but in its defense, it is the first 2 episodes, so I'll keep an open mind.

We’ve kept pretty busy since he’s been there, heading up to Lake Tahoe over the long weekend and that’s a story all in and of itself, so I’ll save that for another day, but it sure was beautiful there.

I’ll be jumping in and out around these parts when I can get some extra time since I have some fun things to share and show, so I hope everyone had a great long weekend and nice short work week.

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A lovely of a time

Happy last week of April, all! I think I could sleep through today. At least one Monday a month should be devoted to napping at work. I have no doubt productivity would be through the roof if every employer would let their people nap instead of work. If it was nationwide, no one would expect to get any answers that day, so the workload would be non existent any way.

Clearly I’ve put thought into this. {we should start a petition}

I had such a beautiful weekend. Started out with the potential to be rocky.. picked G-man up at the airport, only instead of his flight arriving and 10-15 minutes later, picking him up at the baggage claim all happy-go-lucky; I wait over an hour after his plane landed because his suitcase wasn’t on his flight.. and in turn went to Spokane, WA. Its hard to not be upset when it’s a direct flight and they still manage to misplace your luggage. But all was not lost since we went for sushi after and had a fun conversation throughout dinner.
as I waited for G, I got to watch the sun set.

Saturday we had grand plans of driving up to Yosemite for the day and soak in the gorgeous views but since we had to go back to the airport to get his bag at 1pm, there was no way we’d be able to make it, so instead we had delicious Indian food and looked at exotic fish for sale.

I guess old Yosemite photos will have to do for now..


Did you know 2 black and tangerine ‘nemo’ fish are $250?? A small loan might have to be taken out to be able to acquire all the fish he’s wanting one day.

We rented Skyfall and got into a big discussion of whether “M” is his real mother. If you have an opinion in this, do share because I do not believe she is… He even went so far as to text his friend in England to have him weigh in on the idea. It was rather entertaining.

Come Sunday, all we did was talk over coffee. It’s a beautiful thing when you don’t have tv. There aren’t any distractions. When the first thing you’re used to doing is turning it on to catch the news and zone out, it takes a moment to adjust. At one point G-man said, ‘I wish you had tv, but then I’m glad you don’t’. and I feel the exact same way. Its so easy to flip it on and forget the person next to you. They’re there, but you don’t have to say anything. But when there’s nothing, and you want to be ‘entertained’ you reach out to the person you’re with and before you know it, you’re in full deep conversation whereas you wouldn’t be if there was tv.

We sat for hours talking and there was nothing lovelier. The only reason we had to stop was because we had to get ready to take him back to the airport, but everything about Sunday (minus his leaving) was lovely.

What fun things did you get to do over the weekend? I hope you had an equally wonderful past couple of days.

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Another year

Love,

It’s your birthday today! Another year has come and gone and this one is a little hard. I had set my hopes on being with you to celebrate your wonderful day with you; making sure you knew how special you really are to me and in general. But no matter, I have some ideas up my sleeve to be sure you know it.

I don’t want to give them away just yet, but I’ve planned some fun things for you throughout the day, that I’m pretty sure you’re going to enjoy. Especially since I know you opened your birthday card early. Maybe you’ll get teased a little bit over them?? But hopefully you won’t.

I will add this birthday to the list of birthdays I didn’t get to spend with you, but I hope, and pray even more that that list will come to an end after today. But I think knowing what the future is bringing, I’m pretty realistic about it.

Thank you for being in my life and for being my love. My life hasn’t been the same since you’ve been in it and I’m glad for that.

Happy birthday, my love! I look forward to sharing many many more of your birthdays with you.

I love you forever and ever and ever,
Me

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A day late..

Happy Valen…oh I missed it?

Well, I hope you had a warm and fuzzy day yesterday filled with whatever gave you the warm fuzzies. Whether it was a bowl of ice cream, chocolates or the mushy love stuff.

I had the chocolates, courtesy of my co worker.

And before you’re thinking G-man dropped the ball, his gift to me is coming this weekend. So, though I selfishly hoped for the typical flowers or card for today, this weekend really will make up for it 1,000 times over.

The gift starts at 5am Saturday morning and ends Monday at 11pm.. do you see my face for that 5am time?? Someone will have to pour coffee on my eyes. Maybe I’ll take a picture of the 5am face. It won’t be pretty, but I might take one for the team.

In honor of the love weekend, I thought I’d resurrect what I did last year on this very day. We actually celebrated Valentine’s Day a day late..or 2 days late (I don’t remember) all because we thought we’d be cool and celebrate when everyone else was back to their normal lives (and restaurant prices were back to normal). I actually like this idea, and wouldn’t mind continuing it.

One morning I thought it would be fun to make bacon hearts. They of course turned out delicious.

If you ever make these, I recommend using an older pan where the bacon has the ability to stick to it. This has grooves and was fairly new, so the bacon slid right off when I was draining the grease thus tearing my heart(s) apart. I think this would be so cute to make for anyone who’s getting breakfast in bed, or for a little kid one morning. How fun would that be to see it on your plate!?

I wish you all a wonderful 3 day weekend. God bless our past presidents.

I will have a ridiculous amount of things to tell you once I come back from the weekend, so prepare yourself. I can’t wait to share!

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To my one and only

Love, 

I already miss you terribly. This past week of having you around was simply wonderful. Every little thing we did and didn't do was heavenly and you were the absolute sweetest. When you suggested Tuesday night for us to get pizza from our favorite place, and declared it to be the "one and only night we'd eat junk"..deep down I knew it wouldn't be true but laughed and said for us to go for it. And then Chinese happened, pub food followed and a 2nd night of pizza rounded out the week...but not before squeezing in chicken fingers that looked deep fried, because we had to, right?

I still replay you telling me I'm an amazing driver, an amazing cook and an amazing couch friend, over and over in my head. I love all three of your random compliments. The driver one surprised me a bit, and I admit, I almost snorted but you were genuine and it made me misty eyed, if I'm honest. You always tell me you love my cooking, but the couch friend… I loved hearing that most, since its when we talk most; sitting facing each other, sharing whatever we feel like sharing at that moment. I love those times together, watching movies, talking, trading off 5 minute foot massages or even sitting with our computers on our laps with the occasional glance and wink. You too are my amazing couch friend.

>>The song I said always makes me think of us and feel it was written for us, just came on and its only fitting as I write this to you<<

I'm so glad I was finally able to tell you about the flowers you bought me months ago. It wasn't easy telling you the the flowers you spent a lot of money on, were already 90% dead upon arrival, with metal rods holding each one up, not to mention having plastic greenery as "filler"... You had such great and loving intentions and the florist scammed you. It makes me so sad and upset thinking about it. I didn't want to hurt your feelings, but I'm so glad you know now! ...and where to buy from for the future. *wink wink*

Thank you for always offering to give my apartment a good scrub down before taking you to the airport, just so I can come home to a spotless place. It means the world to me that you would scrub my bathrooms down willingly, and it was great walking into a very clean home, albeit a quiet one.

Each day with each visit, I love you more and more. I look forward to the day we won't have long spaces between our times together, but I'm realistic, I know they'll keep happening, especially with your impending deployments. Its the nature of the beast but I'll always be here for you when you get home, no matter where 'home' will be, you can count on that, because I'm pretty totally completely in love with you and I'm not going anywhere.

xoxo,
yours

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Dinners and movies

I’ve had myself a little visitor since Monday night. Ok, he’s not so little, but he’s been here since 11:45pm, Monday night and we’ve been having a ball the whole time. Its G-man in case anyone’s still questioning. G-man is here, in the flesh!

I’m still working every day..though I may or may not have a doctor’s appointment in the city an hour away, Friday afternoon. *cough* may or may not make it back to work…

We’ve spent our time watching movies (some really really good ones), eating out and trading off foot massages, while drinking 20 year old port wine. Didn’t know we like port, but this stuff is delicious! DE-licious!

So as I soak up the time with the love of mine, I wish you an enjoyable rest of your week and I’ll leave you with an amazing sunset (surely you’re not surprised). Courtesy of my iPhone.

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A glimpse of the past

Back from a great weekend, I hope everyone had some fun. I did stuff, I actually did stuff but I’ll leave that for another post later this week.

I’m a member of this photography forum called clickinmoms.com. The name isn’t lost on me, I realize I’m not a mom, but it’s an absolute fabulous photographers forum that will help you grow leaps and bounds in whatever stage of photography you’re in. Doesn’t matter if you’re a novice, amateur, hobbyist or full on professional, you’ll learn so much and grow in your skill. I love being a part of it and have learned so much in the 10 months I’ve been a part of it.

Last week one of the pro’s threw out a challenge to shoot in low light with manual focus and I was pretty eager to test my skills. Ever since I got Monty in November, I’ve taken a major step back in my photo taking skills. It’s been pretty hard to take and rather discouraging when I see my images once I’ve uploaded them.

He’s so different than my first DSLR that we’re taking awhile to get to know each other and its showing in the photos I’m taking. Which is one of the main reasons I haven’t been shooting much nor showing much of anything taken with Monty.

I wasn’t sure what I was going to take a photo of {for the challenge} so I went around my apartment for awhile until I stopped on a photo. A photo that I cherish. One that if there was ever a fire, it would be one of the few things I’d grab if I had time. Its of G-man as a child. One of the only photos he has and it contains one of his favorite memories of all time. Being on stage with Lionel Richie. You can see his joy on his beaming face. What a moment for a kid to experience, and I just love that he was that kid.

What’s even better about this photo is he and Lionel are the only ones that are in focus. All the other kids are moving and blurry, but not them. They’re perfectly still in the moment which makes the photo that much better.

I don’t think I’m breaking any rules by showing this. He’s a little boy in it, almost 30 years ago, so its not like its giving anything away. He looks more like John Cusack in this photo than anyone else. ..maybe it is John Cusack as a kid, who’s to say.

..and I’m sure my watermark takes away from it but I must protect my love, even as a little kid.
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The frame is another thing about the photo I like so much. His mom framed it back in the 80’s, one day I’ll change it out but for now it’ll stay. I like stopping by this photo often in all its original ways. It gives me a small glimpse into his childhood.

(I only used the candle as a light source. It was pitch black without it.)
In case someone’s curious on my settings:
50mm – manual focus
SS 1/125
f 1.8
ISO 5000

So I guess you can consider this your one (and quite possibly your only) glimpse of G-man.

How was your weekend? Bring me up to speed on you.

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Remember when it was Christmas

In case you forgot, I thought I would remind you with mine. I spent it in Hawaii and I am so glad I got to spend this past Christmas there. It was a very memorable one for me.

When I walked into the apartment I was greeted by a beautiful 4ft tree, G-man bought. I didn’t know it until that moment, that he was really in the Christmas spirit this time around. Buying snowflake confetti and Christmas lights. Getting the tree and waiting for me to arrive to decorate it together, stocking hangers, hot cocoa, apple cider and ingredients to make homemade eggnog..just to name a few.

Even going so far as to turn the a/c on high so we could get under the blanket, while drinking hot apple cider. It was great.



We moved the tree around the room, placed it on the side table and used my red sarong as a ‘tree skirt’ and began decorating it. It was beautiful. We would just sit and stare at it each night watching it glow in the dark room.

I hadn’t expected him to get me any gifts. He got me Montague already as an early Christmas present so when I saw gifts under the tree, I was shocked…and then panicked since I didn’t get him many things.

Christmas Eve, while he ran to the mall to get me even more things, I ran a couple blocks down the road to Long’s Drugs (how bad am I!?) and loaded up on all his stocking stuffers and some extra little gifts for him. That night, I crafted. Which is rare for me, but I really wanted to make something special for him, so I used the mug idea I’m sure you’ve seen going around the internet.

I confess, still to this day, I feel guilty I drew California and not my home state of Nevada. I feel like I betrayed it in some way and vow to make 2 more mugs to add to these. A Hawaii mug and a Nevada mug, so NV and MS can be connected (as those are our home states) and CA and HI will connect given his whole time there I’ve been in CA. It only seems fitting I correct it.

When I opened my gift of the {obvious} wine bottle, I was so surprised it was a French wine to remember our time we were in Paris over Christmas and New Year 2 years ago.
The thoughtfulness of that gift meant so much to me. That meant more than the gift cards and even Monty. He’s pretty special this one of mine. I think I’ll hold onto him for a little bit.

We made a traditional Southern Christmas dinner with all things “Thanksgiving”. G-man grew up eating Thanksgiving dinner for both holidays and I got to experience that with him this Christmas. It was delicious and filling and fun cooking alongside him as he worked so hard on all his dishes and pies, while I stood back fighting the urge to make helpful suggestions on how to stir without splashing and keeping from having him do things my “easier” way. It was difficult since I’m more comfortable in the kitchen, but I wouldn’t trade him being there eager to cook for anything.

I now have a glimpse of what future Christmases will be like making these dishes side by side, and I think I like it very much.

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In reverse order

I’m going to go backwards here. New Year’s first and then Christmas, cause that’s how I roll. My own timeline on my own time. This whole, talking about Christmas first immediately after Christmas followed by New Year’s is for the birds, is what I say.

On Monday, I got a call from my Mom asking if I wanted to come up for New Year’s for a big family day and I quickly agreed. I rarely get to see my brother and his family (not to mention I don’t really get to see my other siblings) so I was excited.

I actually got a decent start in the morning. Rarely do I say I’m leaving no later than 9 and I actually leave at 9, but darn if I didn’t do it! I felt so accomplished!

Being that I got such an early start, I was early getting there, so what better way to burn time than to go to Target when everyone else in the world was nursing a hangover? I’ve never enjoyed my time at Target more. It was quiet and peaceful and if it wasn’t for me not grabbing a cart and having to load everything in my arms, it would have been the best time I’d ever had.

I wanted to enjoy my time with my family, so I didn’t hold onto my camera too much of the time, and it was nice. While all of us adults were eating at the table, one of my nieces climbed under to play with a toy. She loved being under the table, and I wanted to get her without her knowing, so while I sat in my chair, I rested my camera against my seat and snapped without looking. Risky but I absolutely love how I got her.

In her element, completely content playing alone.

It was loud almost the whole night, but it was wonderful. It happens just as it always does, the men sit in the living room while the women gather in the kitchen to chat, while the kids ran in and out, up and down. Is it like that at your house? I got to enjoy holding this sweet one for a long time. I love a cuddler.

We played a board game while the kids hung out together and everything was perfect. The jokes, the teasing, the laughter. It happens so rarely. It had been 368 days since I last saw my brother’s kids. Not since last New Years and its been way to long. I love his kids. I get to see them at all different ages and it gets me excited for my future. To be around a cuddly 1 1/2 year old, a quiet and sweet 3 year old, a boy’s boy 9 year old, and a silly, beautiful and growing 11 year old where when she hugs me, her head rests on my shoulder. All different stages and so fun at each.

I’m so glad I went. Everything about that trip was perfect. My sister’s kids. My brother’s kids. Oma, Papa and Auntie Em. I hope its not another year before we get together again.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

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Not all rainbows and sunsets

I feel the good always gets shared with my trips to Hawaii, I never get to tell the behind the scenes of the good. Granted I did talk about the helicopter ride and how it wasn’t as great as I wished, but like any trip, there’s many things that go wrong or not good at all.

I’ve been beyond blessed to have the opportunity to travel there several times and island hop as well, and believe it or not, I always am wishful that everything will go off without a hitch each and every time. And each and every time that is not the case.

I have grand plans to hike Koko Head. I can’t even tell you how much I’ve wanted to hike it, but we always sit around the apartment instead. Its kind of embarrassing really, admitting that we sit around the apartment watching tv more often than not. Believe me, I’m not one to give you tips and advice on the things to see around Oahu because well, I’ve “done them” but not to the full ‘local’ or ‘tourist’ extent. Why?? because that pesky tv…and pure laziness, since I’m being honest.

There’s also little things that creep into the trip that want to create mountains out of mole hills. Getting lost or one person not being in as much a hurry as the other, misunderstandings.. they happen. I think that’s normal for any couple. Its safe to say, and though its irksome at times, we have an argument on every single trip we take. Its silly but it happens.

I was thankful when I read another blogger who admitted that happens with her and her husband on every trip. The stresses always build. Expectations, ideas, plans. They’re all there in both our minds and when it doesn’t work like one imagined, boom! Things get tense. It generally lasts a few hours and after that, everything is grand and the trip is practically perfect.

{Someone should do a study on that.}

But its ok! Its ok we have these spats. G-man and I are very different in our thinking and we’re bound to clash from time to time. It used to scare me. Thinking one fight would lead to an inevitable breakup, but that was in the beginning, in my new relationship immaturity. Now I get things off my chest like its no one’s business…well, I make it his business!

I’ll never forget the ‘one’ in Rome. A doozy that lasted over a day. Imagine being upset with each other for a whole day in Rome! We spent an entire month in a car driving across country without any problems and we choose to have a big fight in Rome!? Craziness, I tell you!

Any way, I hadn’t intended to share any of this actually, at.all.  I had plans to tell you how I found a dead mouse on the floor of the restaurant after we finished our meal.. and how I made G-man take our rental car back after 2 hours because of the ant trail I found in the car, but ‘we’ came out instead. I’m not sure why, but maybe to convey that we’re normal. We fight, we disagree, we aren’t perfect in any way, and I truly hope that I don’t portray this “I travel all the time with my love, life is perfect” persona. Heck, I’m 3500 miles away from the man, things are anything but perfect.

But I love him and he loves me. We work really hard to make it work, with the distance and though it sucks and I’m tired of it, I wouldn’t ask for anyone else in my life. My hope {for the future} comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, and I know there’s going to be a great ending.

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Take me to Kauai

…and he did just that.

Its been a little known fact (that’s had to be repeated…and then repeated again) that I’ve always always wanted to go to Kauai.

We’ve been to Maui, Lanai, Kona, and Hilo. Why we put Kauai off for so long is beyond me…I blame the man.
-Kidding.

But it was high time we made our way over there. He suggested going back to Maui since we loved the Four Seasons there, but he did his research (the man’s a researching maniac), and found the military base on Kauai has beach cottages..like right on the beach! (hence the name..yes yes, I know).

We weren’t able to nab a cottage right on the sand, but we did manage to get one across the street that’s on stilts that looks over the one level cottages. I personally loved this. I loved being up high. We had an obstructed view, but to come out in the morning on the deck and drink my coffee listening to the waves crashing and only the waves crashing was a glorious and relaxing sound.

We made all our meals: big breakfasts in the morning and grilling at night. He watched his football while I watched the waves. 4 unwinding days in the cottages. We only left the base to drive into town to get food, we had little desire to do anything else.

One night as the sun set, we walked along the water’s edge. If you knew us you’d know we aren’t exactly “water” people. Its borderline cold for us…yes, even in Hawaii, so for us to wade our legs in and let the waves crash against us was a big step. But we ended up loving it. The tide would come in a little more and a little more as the minutes passed. The little crabs would pop their bodies out of their hiding places in the sand, and let the water sweep them in only to have the next gentle wave push them back to shore.

We found so much enjoyment watching those little crabs run in the water.

On day three, I finally made my way out to the beach for some true relaxation. While he watched his football, I set up camp enjoying the virtually empty beach. A private beach is really hard to pass up.

I was inspired by this pin and went to work.

Again, I’m thankful for a virtually empty beach as that took me 4 different times in 4 different locations to write. I’m sure I looked a little crazy writing, running to my camera, snapping away, erasing it and moving on 4 times over. But I love how it came out.

I’ve done a bit of sand writing on other beaches on other islands, and I think this might be my tradition. To write ‘love’ or a love message in each beach’s sand that I’m on.

There’s nothing like this little gem. This secret spot that only few get to visit. I’m honored that I had the opportunity to stay there.  To feel the waves and watch the crabs.

But it wouldn’t be a true visit by us without a jaw dropping sunset and an extension in our stay… until tomorrow! Pin It Now!

When the North Shore and a sunset meet

Its been too long since me and a Hawaiian sunset have been together. Far too long. If you’ve been around here long enough, you know I have a down right obsession with them. I would sit and watch them every single night never able to get enough. I probably have over 500 pictures of Hawaiian sunsets on my computer and plan on adding to that number exponentially.

Problem is, G-man’s new place doesn’t face the west where the sun sets. So my view went from this

…to this

Being a sunset lover, it’s a bit of an adjustment but the benefit to the new view is I get to see the sunrises now, and I’ve been able to see just about every sunrise since I’m waking up pretty early every morning here.

Yesterday however, I got my sunset fix and in an incredibly big way. On the North Shore. This is the first time I’ve witnessed the sunset over on the North Shore and it was nothing short of amazing. We weren’t planning on going there, so I didn’t have my new zoom lens but my nifty fifty certainly stepped up to the challenge and didn’t disappoint by any means.

**sigh** oh how I love my Hawaiian sunsets…especially when spent with my love.

Happy Friday, my sweet friends!

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I wish you sick

All last week I had to work and if anyone knows, working while you have a visitor..a visitor you haven’t seen in 5 months isn’t all that fun. I made sure to keep work out of the know with G-man being in town, even though I got asked daily where my car was, I was able to skirt the question each and every time, citing my generosity to others who were in need of it. you didn’t know I was so humble, did you?

So as the days went on I sort of kind of schemed a bit. …just a little bit.

By Wednesday, I had this crazy secret idea to maybe call into work Thursday to spend an entire day with him. This was going to prove a bit difficult since I’m the only one that does my job and they always comment on how hard it would be for them if I wasn’t there. We had gone out to eat with friends and their 1 1/2 year old (who was sick) and as we were walking out to our cars, she called out, ‘this sounds mean, but I hope you get sick!’ My first thought was, that that wasn’t very nice of her to say, but then the mice started running and I figured out what she meant…and laughed back.

But as the night progressed I was starting to have second thoughts and feel guilty about it all. especially when another girl had just been fired days before for always calling in… It’s one thing to call into prison whenever I wanted. I had 100+ co workers to fill in for me, but here there’s no one!

I was still on the fence about it all when I went to sleep but then 3am hit. I was rudely awoken to being sick. Honest to goodness sick. Went to bed feeling great, woke up barely able to breathe! - Let’s pause and thank God for that one! - You can bet I picked up that phone at 7am to call my boss saying I wasn’t coming in. It got worse throughout the day but we still went out shopping…even though I wanted to lay on the floor at Best Buy, I was so weary.

All throughout the day I couldn’t believe I actually got sick but knew no matter what I had to go into work the next day. How bad would that be calling in 2 days in a row!? As my co workers began arriving they were stressing to me to go home. (its always good when they see that I was telling the truth, you know?) Finally the boss showed up and (though reluctant) let me go “home” at 1.

Only, I didn’t go home. >>evil laugh<< I drove to San Francisco to meet up with my love who was already there to enjoy our last weekend together, and if you follow me on IG, you’d know I showed the first ‘face’ picture of him. Cause I’m generous like that.

crossing over the bay bridge


It may be odd, but I’m thankful God gave me sickness to spend a few extra hours with G-man. It was needed and appreciated. Pin It Now!

Hit and miss

I guess part of me knew to warn you of my scarcity through the interwebs this week but part of me figured you’d know this. I’m just about not touching my computer in the evening and for only 20 minutes in the morning before going to work.

My days and evening have been as follows…

Ride to work with G-man, where he takes the car. He returns to take me out to lunch (a true treat) and returns again to drive me home from work where he insists I go workout while he makes dinner. Keep in mind, I work 25 minutes away from home… and when he cooks, its not your chicken and 2 veggie sides. They are elaborate dishes. Dishes that I never knew existed..dishes that I never knew he could cook.

He doesn’t like to cook. He says it all the time. The quicker and easier it is, the more he’ll actually do it, but the past 2 nights, he’s chopped, mashed, cooked, sautéed, baked and expanded into 12+ ingredient meals. Let me say they have been absolutely delicious. Aaaalmost better than my cooking….almost.

Ok, it is better. It’s been blowing me away when he calls me at work to read me a recipe that he wants to make, using words like polenta, southwestern pizza, portabella mushroom sweet potato wraps… I can’t confirm or deny if tears were springing to my eyes as he read each and every recipe over the phone , in pure joy and gratitude over his eagerness to serve me in this way.

Even though I feel like I don’t have enough time in my day to get the things I normally do done because my sole focus is on our time together while he’s here, I’m still happier than if I were able to cross those things off my lists. My time with him is far more important that that phone call, tweet or email…as I like to say (to myself), that’s what work is for…play time.

So, I hope you excuse my infrequency here, while I enjoy the time remaining with my man. Hopefully this jelly will hold you over for a bit. (from the Monterey Bay Aquarium last weekend)

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A thankful me - 30

Guys. Its Monday. I’m exhaaaaausted! This {extended} weekend has drained me completely, let me tell ya! I left Thursday during after work and drove the 3 hours to the central coast…Monterey to be exact, to meet up with all the ladies for my friend’s bachelorette party.

Friday was all about getting things prepared for the rehearsal, while Saturday consisted of everything wedding. And gosh, let me say, it was the most beautiful wedding’s I’ve ever seen..let alone ever been in. I was blown away by every single detail. The love that every.single.person had for the bride and groom was mind blowing.

Of course, I’m going to go into greater detail later, but I have to gush over the gorgeousness of everything…ESPECIALLY the bride!

But I probably should tell you the best part of my weekend…. if you follow me on twitter and instagram you already know.

My companion is here. My love, my man, my G-man.

He flew in Friday to be my +1 for the wedding and it couldn’t have been any sweeter of a reunion. I’m not sure if you noticed the numbers at the end of some of my posts over the past couple weeks..Leanna was the only one that asked me about them, but that was my way of counting down to seeing him.

So he’s here and I’m loving it and couldn’t be more thankful for my time with him. He brought an extra birthday gift to boot..without me knowing.

My own iPad!!! I’m pretty excited over this.

Thank you everyone for your wonderful birthday wishes all throughout the week. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday month, week and day. It was all unbelievably special, thanks to every single one of you.

I’m thankful for everything involving the past 4 days.
To be part of a beautiful wedding, my love as my date, connecting with all the beautiful bridesmaids, seeing so many old friends that I didn’t know would be there, safe traveling and the generosity of friends.

I hope you guys had a great weekend. I can’t wait to show you all the pictures I have from the weekend. Another bridesmaid took a bunch of pictures (that I’m waiting to get) since I left my camera in my room but G-man, how I love him, took this as I was coming back down the aisle.

A good preview picture, don’t you think??

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A thankful me - 27

Its safe to say when the weekend is nice and relaxing, I don’t dislike Monday as much. That’s true for today. Truthfully, I don’t normally dislike Monday any way. Sure it’s the start of the work week, but it isn’t the end of the world. My weekend was great. Did I really do anything? No. But that’s what makes it great for me.

Among some extra special things, of course.

Saturday, I puttered around the apartment, sipping on my coffee, enjoying the fact I had no where to be or nothing (beyond cleaning) to do. Texting and talking to G-man off and on while lounging on my couch. He asked if I was going anywhere or hanging at the apt. all day (making ‘convo’ as he claimed) when a good 30 minutes later, I see a guy walking through the complex (I have a view of the entrance) with flowers in his hand. He turns toward my door and I said (to myself) what is this!?

Flowers. for me. from the love.

It took a good hour for it to click why he asked if I was hanging out. I should have known with the ‘making convo’ bit something was up. But I was so happily surprised.

Later that night, my sister in law who just got skype a week ago, wanted to skype. I can’t even tell you how excited I was. They live far away and I haven’t seen them in 2 years. The second I logged in, it was already ringing and my brother was sitting on the other end…not knowing what he was doing. A minute later their video was up and there sat my brother, their youngest and my sister in law.
she could very well kill me for this picture, but I thought it was hilarious. they were so cute

I can’t even explain how hilarious it was. It was only their 3rd time ever skyping and my niece was loving seeing herself on the computer. She kept making faces and waving. The kids were kind of tripping that I was on the computer talking to them. They took me on a tour (even though I’ve been there) down into their theater room since their 10 year told them at 10pm, he was bringing friends over for a movie night.

Summer fun!

It was a blast and I can’t wait to do it again. Its so nice having the kids see me as opposed to them not knowing who I am when I call for birthdays. Technology is amazing.

I’m thankful for:
- finally finally finally editing a friend’s pictures from mooooonths ago. Somehow she doesn’t hate me
- finally getting on my 2nd friend’s pictures to edit…from months ago #slacker
- getting beautiful thoughtful flowers from my love
- a nice recovering weekend after an insanely busy work week
- online shopping. Its so convenient…its too convenient
- a fun part time job where I can make people laugh all night long
- signing up with Redbox and within a week’s time getting 3 free blueray movie rentals.
- skyping with my family, even if my nephew had more important things to do than say hi to his aunt…boys. I heard him ask my brother, ‘is that your sister?’ …uh, or your Aunt, buddy! At least the girls loved me
- getting a clean bill of health from my new dentist and getting a thank you gift for choosing their practice

- recovering this sad wilting basil plant from the grocery store and giving it a fresh start. I cannot wait for fresh basil!

- mom pinning how to properly trim a basil plant so that I can make sure it grows and grows.
- all of you for giving me unforced compliments last week. It really wasn’t my intention when I posted about it last week so know they were all genuinely appreciated!

I think that’s the most I’ve been thankful for in a long time. What about you? Keep the flow going and fill up the comments with your thankful hearts.

O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For his lovingkindness is everlasting. 1 Ch 16:24

in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ. 1 Th 5:18


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