Pura Vida

9.19.2010

Sunday Special - Allison H

Today's special focuses on a friend I have had since high school and she luckily has been one of my greatest friends ever since. Alli has always been a person that truly knows who I am and has loved me for all of my characteristics. I feel the very same way about her; I know who she is, I know some of her secrets, many times, I know exactly how she feels. She has been a fantastic shoulder to lean on and a supporter of all I do. And I couldn't be prouder of her with all she has done! Alli followed her heart and became a nurse and she now works at the UW hospital in Madison, basically a dream job for her. I am so happy and so proud that she could accomplish these things and she did them with such independence and grace.

Now, after having achieved many personal goals on her own, Alli has met her soul mate! Alli and Paul will be married on May 14, 2011, less than 8 months away :) Everything is happening so quickly, but I think God has blessed these two with confidence and undying love. They know they are 100% right for each other and that their lives are meant to be spent together! I know how it feels, I knew I loved Ryan and wanted to spend my life with him after only 4 months. But we were only 18 and that felt so soon...but we're married now, so I can truly say that when you find the right person, you know it and you can't wait for that wedding day to come!

Alli, I wish a world of happiness and love for you and Paul throughout your wedding preparation and lifetime of marriage. You are an amazing light in my life and I am excited for us to be a part of each others' lives as we begin our own families. I love you Baaba!!

Me, Steph, Alli

Iowa City Junior Year

Ames Summer 2007

Madison 2009

At my rehearsal

ENGAGED! Paul & Alli

Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

I'm new to this whole blogging thing, but I want to be committed...so while browsing other blogs, I stumbled upon this challenge and thought it would be a good idea for me. It truly has been a great outlet for me to be able to share some of my life...even though I think only like 2 people actually read this! Haha...but that's OK. This is more set up as a prep for when something exciting does happen. Already did the wedding thing, but I wanted to have this blog in case we moved or started a family so that our friends and family can keep up with our lives and see pictures of what we are doing. I decided to do this challenge so I would get used to blogging often. After it's over, I probably won't post everyday, but at least I'll think about my blog and remember to post often.
If you are thinking about starting a blog, just do it. The best part is that I in a few years, I can go back and read about it and when facebook goes south and I delete it (I'm just assuming that'll happen), I have my blog full of pictures and memories and comments from friends.

9.18.2010

Day 26- Introduce your family

I'm a post behind, so I am doing two this morning! Let's meet the wonderful people that have put up with me for 24 years and counting:

My mom

Meet Beth, my mommy! My mom has been fantastic throughout my life. There are many things I could not have gotten through without a little push or inspiration from my mom. Throughout high school, my mom attended every concert, every play, and even my pitiful tennis matches! My mom and I have gotten even closer as I've gotten older, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here. I love you mom!

My dad

Meet Paul, my daddy! My dad has always been involved in my life, and as I've met people and gotten older, I've learned to really appreciate that. When I was younger, he would coach my basketball and softball teams. And like my mom, he attended all of my events as I got older. My Dad has always been someone I can look up to spiritually because he is very involved at Church and I truly enjoyed singing in the Church choir with him. I am definitely daddy's little girl, I love you dad!

My sister

Meet Emily, my 21-year-old sister. Emily is getting her degree in nursing with the intention of working in a psychiatric hospital...boy is she brave!! Emily is the best sister in the whole world and my best friend. Like I mentioned in my Sunday Special post about her,I look up to her in many ways. I love you sister!

My brother

Meet Alex, my little brother. Alex just turned 10 last week and he is in fourth grade! He has occasional been the bane of my existence, but usually he is the light of my life. :) I could not have asked for a sweeter or more caring little brother. He has had his moments where he makes me want to pull my hair out, but more often than not, he makes me laugh and smile. I love you Alex!

Day 25- What I would find in your bag

Well, I just spent a significant amount of time yesterday complaining about my purse and how I can never find anything in it because it's too big and it accumulates stuff. So I think some purse shopping is in order to find a smaller, or at least more organized purse so it doesn't take me 5 minutes to find my car keys! But here's what you would currently find in my bag:
1. Two wallets, one I use often and one that has other cards and the checkbook which I hardly ever use.
2. Receipts and coupons scattered at the bottom (I need to clean it more often!)
3. Chapstick
4. Mirror
5. Keys
6. Camera (I ALWAYS have it with me)
7. Flip Digital Video Recorder (I almost always have this with me too!)
8. Female necessities
9. Mints
10. Cell phone
11. iPod
12. Medications
13. Often times, a book, in case the mood strikes me to read :)
14. A to-do list or shopping list or both are ALWAYS in my purse
15. Pens

9.17.2010

Day 24- Another picture of your friends

OK, these are pics of my engaged friends! Had to pick a theme this time...had way too many pictures on my last friend post...lol. Here's a little shout out to Alli, Stephanie, Emily, and Ashley!! Can't wait to see who's next!! =)

Summer 2007 - Alli

Summer 2010 - Stephanie

Winter 2010 - Ashley

Summer 2007 - Emily

Fall 2008 - Jessi

LOVE YOU GIRLS!!

9.15.2010

Day 23- Something you crave for a lot

This seems like a silly post, but I don't have a lot of time to write right now, so I'll just go with it. I suppose there are a few things I crave often:

1. Friend time, I absolutely love when I have time to chat, and especially have time to hang out with my friends.
2. Professional back-rubs...and I've only ever had a 10 minute one. But I hint to Ryan all the time that his wife could really use a good rub-down from a professional. I have yet to receive that gift. LoL
3. Taking pictures...many would say I take too many. I don't believe there is such a thing as taking too many pictures.
4. CEREAL. My all-time favorite food! I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and you can bet I have before. But I definitely try not to!
5. Sailor Jerry & Diet Coke. OK, before you think I'm a lush, I only crave it when it's time to party...but nothing satisfies my taste buds like a good Sailor Jerry & Diet Coke.

Well that was a pretty random list...oh, lists, that's totally another thing I crave! My day is not complete unless I have made at least one list and checked things off of it. It's comforting OK! =)

9.14.2010

Day 22- Who is the last person that you met

Meet Jackson!

Ryan and I went over to Emily and JB's house on Sunday. Emily helped me create my resume for jobs on the Arsenal, which was a pain in the you-know-what. But we had a great time hanging out with the Ruiz family and I especially loved hanging out with Jackson, their son!

Jackson is a very happy baby and he was very excited to have visitors. He jumped up and down and greeted us with some lovely sounds.

He loves to make faces so you laugh and smile. Emily said "The sun rises and sets on Jackson." I believe it, you can't help but love this little child!

Jackson loves to play peek-a-boo, but I didn't want him to cover up his smile!

As you can tell, he loves to get his picture taken. He is such a ham and is going to be a total heart-breaker. I had so much fun playing with Jackson. I got to feed him and he fell asleep in my arms.

By the end of the day, he was pooped! But I had a great time meeting him and hanging out with the family. I can't wait to hang out with them all again!

9.13.2010

Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy

Snail mail! Enough said...

Sunday Special - Ashley Morrison

This Sunday Special kinda fell into my lap because on Saturday, I got a phone call from Ashley in the afternoon telling me that her and Andy were engaged!! You should have heard the squeal that erupted from my throat! I am so excited and happy for them. =D

Ashley has been the best friend I could have ever asked for. She has been there for me through some of the hardest times...but also for the little things when I just need to hear her voice. Ashley is the type of person you strive to be, and the type of person you want your kids to grow up to be like. She is amazingly crafty, caring, selfless, and full of love. She is so great at reminding her friends (and her fiancé!) how much she loves them and misses them. Ashley and I send emails to each other during the work day, and when I get one, even three sentences long, I smile and my day gets a little brighter.

Ashley, thank you for everything you have done for me and all of the love and support you have showered me with! You are the greatest. And as you begin your wedding planning process, I hope I can return the favor and be there for you as much as you were there for me. I love you!