Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Remember this guy?

This whole bus gig is turning out to be more awkward than I thought. When I get on the bus in the evening I immediately start scanning for an open seat (sometimes people have to stand because it fills up). The second criteria on my mind: a small, thin person (don't judge me, I'm not discriminating). Today I glanced around quickly and saw 3 open seats. Next stop: small asian guy. Perfect. I sat down and started to get settled in when I realized I was sitting next to the sleepy guy! I recognized him by his hot pink ipod nano... I thought it was odd for a guy to have a hot pink nano the first time he fell asleep on me and so it stuck with me. What a way to identify someone. Anyways, true to form he immediately started dozing off. This time i leaned far enough away that he was about an inch from my shoulder. I'm akward. I don't know how to handle this.



Next on the akward list: this guy at my bus stop. He waits there every day. He wears the same black new balance shoes, rolled up levis, formal black and white tweed coat complete with fur collar, and, always classic, a black bowler hat. You can tell from the description of his outfit he's odd, but that's not all. He proceeds to stand directly in front of where the bus pulls up and swishes open it's doors. This wouldn't be a big deal if he were to get on the first bus to pull up... but he doesn't. He just stands there in the way and stares at you when you give him the look like "hey dude I need to get around you," and proceed to scooch around him. Weird.

Viva Mexico!

So we're going on our honeymoon! (finally!!!) We're so excited. We'll be be staying at Royal Haciendas in Playa del Carmen (just south of Cancun inland from Cozumel). Things we plan to do: see the ruins at Chichen-Iza (or as my German coworker calls it, "chicken-pizza"), see more ruins at Xel-Ha & snorkel at Tulum, take a ferry over to the island of Cozumel, eat lots of tacos, and spend lots of time playing on the beach. We can't wait. If anyone has any tips for us please do share!





We must thank our wonderful parents. Mom: Thanks for letting us use your timeshare! Ray & Diane: Thank you so much for the flights! We are sooo blessed to have such generous and wonderful parents.

P.S. We're also going to Hawaii with Curtis's family in June. Seriously, seriously blessed. What a year!

New Beginnings.

I made these invitations and programs for our Young Women New Beginnings event. Our theme is virtue (the new value). It was a fun little photoshop project! I didn't realize how much I've missed the p-shop! (I'm such a nerd).



Thursday, February 19, 2009

Obama For Your Mama

When I worked for Allen+Philp Architects back in AZ I worked on a resort and spa project in Paradise Valley called Montelucia. It was such a fun project to work on and the team of people who created it were even more fun. It opened 3 months ago and I'm proud to say that it was deemed cool enough for The President to stay at. How cool is that? I wish I was there to see it completed.

Here's a link to an article about it:
http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2009/02/17/20090217obamavisit0217-ON.html

And the link to the resort website for more photos:
http://www.icmontelucia.com/



I feel like a proud parent. This was the office baby for the whole 2 years I was there.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Must Love Dogs

For those of you who don't know this about me I LOVE dogs. Actually I love all animals in general but those furry friends hold a special place in my heart. I grew up having a dog or two or three in my home all my life. Since moving out 8 years ago I feel an empty space deep down inside not having a pet (except when I lived with Chels & Molly-poo). There's just something about coming home and always having someone there waiting, happy to see you every time. They know when you're happy, they know when you're sad and they're there to give you a big sloppy kiss whenever you need one. They are easy to please, just a little scratch or treat and you're immediately on the top of their priority list. I guess one of the things I love about dogs is that they are so uncomplicated. They love you no matter what, and they adore you if you show them any attention whatsoever. I made Curtis promise me before we got engaged that I could have a dog (or two) eventually. I can't live without one. It's almost a deal-breaker. He agreed so one day, when I'm not gone for 12 hours every day, expect one of these cuties in my home to love all you want. I will.







My mom let's me borrow this good guy whenever I need to get my fix.



Another thing I love: leaves. They're so pretty! Saturday, Hayden and I went for a walk/jog/run and I took a few pics of our 'hood.



Nothing Short of Amazing

Curtis showed me this video and I was floored. This girl is 20 and I wish I could be so articulate about my beliefs. She did an amazing job explaining our church and beliefs in such a non-threatening way. I'm always worried when religious topics come up for fear I might offend someone. Curtis is much better about this than I am. Yet another reason I admire him. I've done some thinking and I've decided it doesn't have to be a threat. I don't get offended when others share their beliefs with me... in fact, I'm usually intrigued and inquisitive. So it's official, I'm going to share more and worry less.

I am so grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have purpose in my life that I wouldn't have otherwise. The teachings of my Savior Jesus Christ make me want to be a better person and give me the tools to do it. More gratitude is in my heart than I can begin to express. I love my Savior and am so grateful that I have His church on this earth today.

If you have a moment you might check this video out. I'm proud of her faith and courage. It's something for me to strive for.