It's Post-Merry Christmas-Miss-You-Honey Day!

Christmas was very different for me this year, good, but different. Here are some of the most obvious reasons:
- I am married!
- I didn't go have Christmas with my immediate family, but went to Orient, Zach's home
- I hit my elbow really, really hard on Christmas Eve and couldn't use it at all for a couple of hours
- Zach and I have some different Christmas traditions and some compromises were made as we develope our own family traditions
- The family Christmas at Orient with the Saylors and Zellwegers was dif than usual cause two families went to the in-laws for Christmas
- The family at whose house we visited had about 5 little dogs running around all the time. There is a firm "no animals in the house" rule enforced at the Saylor and Saylor and Swope home (though the latter has been getting lax about the rule).

On Christmas Eve, Zach worked on his new truck stereo (merry Christmas, Sweetheart) to get it working by 5pm. Then for the next few hours before 5, we opened a new gift every hour. We draw names in our families, so here's what I got:
- From my bro, Michael: The "together" Willowtree carving (a couple one). I am collecting them.
- From my parents: A cute little snowman lamp with candles (I love snowmen).
- From my in-laws: a Carhart coat (I went to exchange for a smaller size and will have to wait till mid-January, but I needed a work coat and am very excited).
- From the love of my life: ice skates and roller blades, the two activites that he really likes and I know he will do with me. In my stocking, he got me a bluetooth earpiece to go with my phone. I have wanted one for a long time and it was half the price when we opened our new phone account!!

So we are going to clear off the Faith Pond tomorrow after the snow and go skating together. I can't wait!!! Then summer time we can blade on the new path in Ankeny!

It was good to get to know more relatives, but everyone seemed to just want to sit and talk. We played one game and then did a little gift exchange. I came home with a really neat porceline Christmas village set with all the little houses and people. Poor Zach got a worn out wrench, an old; howbeit, washed and non-holey pair of work socks, and a NRA hat. I was able to help out with planning the one for next year. We are going to give gifts of anykind, but that have to do with any Christmas carol or song. For example: my little Christmas town could have gone with "O Little Town of Bethlehem" or "Away In the Manger" could be a box of hay with Baby Ruth or Sugar Baby in the middle. People, well the women that is, were getting excited and having all these good ideas.

My dearest husband had developed a cold on the Sunday before Christmas and he is still getting over it. He was all drugged up and tired on Christmas so we left when most everything died down. We were loaded down with sweets and food that we are giving half at least away since there are only two of us and we really don't need all those sweets. We got home about 5pm and then we were pathetically just sitting on the couch tiredly pondering what to do to bide time till bed time. We started a movie and I fell asleep. After my nap and his just sitting back, we both were starving and after devouring leftover Olive Garden (thanks to wedding gifts) we were both wide awake for the next couple hours. We still crashed at about 9:30, but it was all good. It was a wonderful weekend and between church family and home family, we were able to rejoice of Christ's birth all together for another year!

Right now I am putting in a couple of hours at work washing laundry and little stuff to catch up over the weekend. Tomorrow I get to start shampooing and more shampooing of offices, but it is all overtime. Yay! Plus, it helps the time go by whilst Zach is working and I can't be with him!

A Tribute Short, but So Sweet!

I just have to put this out there. I love my husband so very much and I want everyone who just might read this to know. He is so very incredibly patient with me!!! He is so sweet, says wonderful undeserving things to me, offers to make me breakfast, puts his towels back on the rack, rubs my neck when it is sore, watches old movies with me (even animated ones and marvel comic ones sometimes too), keeps me from falling on the ice, prays with me, willing to listen to my great (though not very often acheived) aspirations, and is teaching me to just sit down and relax. Really so much more too!!!

All my love to you my darlin' and I wish I didn't have to wait till 9:30 tonight to see you!!

3 CD Disc Changer?!...Bonus!!!!

So the last three weeks our little apartment is becoming more and more settled. We rearranged furniture, set up for Christmas, put away trickling in wedding gifts, put up a coat rack (booyah!!), set up high speed internet (long and desperately needed), and such. Little by little the Lord has provided and even in fun little things.

Well, I have wanted a new stereo for a while since my old one was dying early this year. It was a good stereo and my first large saved-up-for purchase as a teen. So well appreciated, it was retired! I have mentioned the stereo to Zach once or twice, but since there are other things that we need way more, I have dropped it.

Last night we were out getting some more things for groceries and those little things that you find you just ran out of when you just got home from the grocery store next. You know. So he asked if I wanted to look at stereos and after making a couple of excuses, was led to the electronics. We were disappointed at the selection at Walmart and Walmart was out of candy thermometers so we scooted on over to Target. Thou beloved Target!!

We found a cool one of a good brand on sale and decided it would do well though the ampage wasn't quite up to Zach's caliber. I double checked and all of Zach's approval and we hoisted it over the to checkout. Got home and set it up and it is so way newer and cooler than the last. Then after playing around for a bit to turn on the tuner, I discovered that it was a 3 disc changer. Bingo!!

So today at lunch I stuck in three CDs cause I could and just listened to "Pride and Prejudice". El Neato!!!

The Ring!

So the ring story really wasn't finished...ha! The ring slipped on well at the wedding as he had lotioned up and then our hands were sweaty. Well, after about 3 days, we were in the Roy and Dale Museum in Branson (fun place and perfect time...Christmas lights, Christmas shows, and all that, but everyone else there was above 50 years old :)), when Zach started fidgeting with his band a lot. I asked him if he was okay. He told me that it was really tight and that he had tried to get it off with soap, but to no avail. About 15 minutes later and while my mood had been somewhat darkened and I was allowing myself some let out steam against Greenbergs, Zach asked if we could leave as it was really starting to hurt. My poor guy!! We drove back to the condo in silence and while his finger was turning a nice shade of plum red.

We put ice on it for a few minutes, then used lotion, and he, amid laughing and thinking it was all hilarious, tore it off finally. Ever since then I have been wearing it on a chain around my neck. He thinks it isn't fair that I get three rings and he gets none.

As soon as we got to Ankeny on Friday, we went to Kohls and checked into a new ring. We struck out. Then we made a last minute stop at Fiscus Jewelers. That proved to work out great! They used a wideband sizer and refigured his size, found one almost identical for half as much, and ordered it. We can even get it engraved as well when it comes in since they do it right there. Yay!! So we should get it no later than Tuesday of next week.

Zach told me and I have heard from other wives, that the rings don't really matter too much to the guys, but it really does to us wives. So we got on it and I can't wait to get it in and on for good on my husband's hand. He really compliments the wedding ring well! Ring three, but at least it wasn't three stikes and we were out!

Living in a Dream

I'm baacck!! So I have been happily...no, very much happily, married for 10 days now. Doesn't seem that long even. I feel like I am living a dream though since reality has yet to hit for me. It has for Zach, but it is all so different for me that I am having fun, but it doesn't feel real yet. Oh, well.

The wedding went well I believe. I think there were just about 300 there and that is even consdering a snowy weekend and Thanksgiving as well. I wonder how many wouldv'e been there if it wasn't a holiday weekend. Some may ask "Did you cry?". Well, I didn't at all. The closest I came to it was when Dad and I walked down the aisle and he was trying to hold back sudden sobs. Actually, I was trying not to laugh or giggle on stage. Zach did well too and didn't cry though he was close a couple of times.

After the wedding we waited around a while and I made a mad dash to the restroom (fun times in those dresses I tell ya). Apparently it worked out well, cause some little kid puked downstairs in the reception hall. Actually they got the leg of the photographer and they needed to clean up. Poor Donna! We got announced and Mr. and Mrs. Saylor and we went in and cut the cheesecake. We were nice to each other, but I couldn't eat any more of the tasty stuff cause I was too excited. I downed a glass of the yummy cranberry punch Mom made and then we started making rounds of seeing people. I was so happy to see the people who came. I got to see my good friend Karen from highschool and her two little girls for a short time. (I was so sad it wasn't longer!) Then an hour and 15 min. after the start of the wedding we were running out of the church whilst birdseed was being flung at us. I will tell you now that while it is safe environmentally, you will have birdseed everywhere for the next couple of days.

We drove off to get a couple more fun pics with Donna and then took off to the hotel. It was a good day and God blessed us in so very many ways!!!

The Longest Day in the World

So today is four days till my wedding and my last day at work till I come back from my honeymoon all married and vacationed. It is the most lonnnnngest day ever though. It started at 7:30 am and will end at 3 and then start again at 4 and end at 5. I am so ready to say I am done with work. Plus I am on my own today and it makes for a very lonely and slow day of boredom. I guess it doesn't help when your mind is really other places the entire time.

We move Zach into the apartment tonight and then do all the last minute little preps. Tomorrow we run around for a hour or so picking things up after I have coffee time with my good friend at 10:30. Then it is off to Creston!! Yay! I get to start putting the corsages and guys' flowers together tomorrow and get started with the decor. I can't wait.

Hopefully tomorrow we also get to pick up Zach's ring. The saga from the entry last posted continues as the factory sent the ring to Sioux City. Seriously, what is in Sioux City?! So they are overnighting it to Ankeny to have it in by noon and before we leave town. Greenbergs was doing okay and I like the selection and sales people are nice, but the service and confusion is getting very frustrating and I can't wait to get the ring and not have to go back!

Only 48 min left!! I need to go work for a little while.

The Ring... My Precious

Ok, so my own ring finger feels so very naked. On Wednesday I had to give it up to have the wed band saudered on. I won't see it till next Wednesday and then I can't wear it till next Saturday. That is wayyy too long, but at least I will never have to take it off again. :)

Well, on Wednesday I also picked up my Groom's ring. Very cool looking and the engraving was fun. Well, my dearest one was sick with some fluish type of bug that day and when we tried it on it was so very, very tight and I had to use lotion to get it off. I was very bummed. I called Greenburgs immediately and explained and they said that they would call and see what could be done the next morning. I was on pins and needles.

The next day I took a sick day because I wasn't feeling too good and cause I really really needed a day off to resituate my head and things for the wedding. I went in to Greenburgs and they kindly explained to me that they titanium can't be resized and since I had it engraved they couldn't exchange it either. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I thanked him and left. I did all I could to not think about it till Zach got home.

My phone ringing "I love you so, would you go with me..." woke me up from a nap and Zach announced he was home. After a few groggy moments, the dilema hit me between the eyes once more and I asked if he could come over and try to fit the ring again. He was soon over and to no avail did the little circle of metal fit. I couldn't hold it in any longer and I was crying and since I hate it when I start crying, I cried all the more. He was actually laughing and saying that it was okay and that we would figure it out and that he is usually the one who does things like this. Also since the engraving was part of the red tape, he now knows what the ring says. He wasn't supposed to know till the day of.

So we went back in to Greenburgs that night to see what could be done. I almost didn't go in cause for some most random twist of fate a family from Creston was in there and talking to some dude. I did go in though and greeted them with a chipper "hello". These two little gals had Zach put the sizer on and voila'!! It was a 10 1/2 like I ordered. The 11 was too big. They asked me for the ring and I went out and got it. He tried it on in front of them and even they were wincing as he shoved it on and pried it off. His finger was all red too, poor guy. They saw that the size difference was drastic. So they are going to talk to their manager and see what they can do since it is somewhat their fault. Then they are going to see if they can get a new one for half price, since we have to buy a new one, and see if they can get it in by Tuesday before we leave on Wednesday.

So even now I sit waiting in suspense, praying that we can get a new one with the engraving t a decent price in time for the wedding. You can all pray too!!!!

Totally Legal on Tuesday

At 1 p.m.yesterday, my fiance, my brother, his wife, and I all took off for the Polk County Records Building downtown Des Moines. We found one last little spot to park in and stuck a quarter into the meter and took off across the street. I was reprimanded for jaywalking, but I have never known a cop to pull over a pedestrian for trying to cross the street when the light wasn't flashing the green walking dude, so I didn't care.

Once we finally got to the Vital Records Suite, we turned off our cells phones as the several laminated signs instructed. The clerk came over and very matronly showed us what to fill out, reminding us that this was a legal document and that we needed to be accurate. Watch out! Zach might end up being the one with the name change. I don't think so! Once we filled it out and showed our IDs, then Michael had to step up and fill out the section of the form to prove that I am not related to Zach (not yet). Then with the last flourish of the pen of my confident I-have-been-here-before brother, they took it away to type up in an even more official document. When she gave it back to check over, I was appalled to see that I was marrying a man born Nov. 7, 2007. Apparently, it was her mistake, and she fixed it. Whew! She showed us where to sign at the ceremony and such and then said that it would be valid on Monday the 12th. Then a co-worker reminded her of the holiday and the validity date was moved to Tuesday the 13th. Unfortunately, that reminded the noterary that the other licenses had to have their dates changed as well. Poor peoples who were misled. I wonder if any of the wedding have to be adjusted. Well, we were wished well and sent on our way.

Then last night after Youth Group and most of the people leaving church, Pastor led us into his office for the last session of marriage counseling. I was expecting this to possibly be a long section. I was very wrong. We went over the high-detailed order of service and after asking if we had any questions, and then what the colors were again so he could buy a new tie for the occasion, he told us that was it and we were ready. I sat there a few seconds, wondering where the rest of the session went to. There has to be more to prep for marriage, but I guess you can't solve and attack every possible problem you may have. More advice maybe?

So we had our last MC session and on Tuesday we can legally get hitched...hummm...ok, nah, I will wait. It is rather tempting, but since we only have 16 days left, I will make myself drag through these last two weeks (seems like months still and the reality hasn't hit either). No worries Mom and Dad.

Snow in the Forecast

Okay, so for those who really know me, I usually pray for snow starting the beginning of November or so. I love the snow as long as I can get to where I need to get to. It was especially awesome when Faith closed for a day because of it and I got a paid day off! Then other days were fun with snowdrift busting (trucks trying to get stuck and then unstuck in the snow on purpose).

This time I am not that anxious, as my wedding is in 18 days and I really want all who can come to come. Snow could be a majorly annoying hinderance. So whilst the snow would be a nice accent to the winter themed wedding, I want everyone to be able to come.

Why this sudden outburst?! Well, snow is forcasted in mid-Iowa for this Friday!! Not so soon, Frosty! You can take this oncoming cold with you too, cause I have a wedding to ready for!

Goodbye roomie!!

This weekend my dear roomie is graciously moving out to her own 1 bed-room just a quarter mile away since I get a new roommate in 3 weeks. It is sad to see her leave and knowing she will be by herself over yonder. Kim has been great! We haven't spent a ton of time together, but we have tons of fun times at random times as we pass each other in and out of the apartment.
What is even more sad, is that I will be gone when she moves and so it will be sort of a shock to get used to. She is there and only a little packed and then when I get back on Sat. night...poof, Kim will be out and gone. Crazy!
I will admit that I am anxious to set up house for my future hubby and I and put all our gifts away. It will be fun to have a little more room and get things organized and ready for us to walk in to when we get back early December. Okay, so I am really excited about all of it!!
I will put out a wonderful recommendation for Kim as she was a wonderful roommate and I am waiting for the right guy to snatch her. In the mean time, I will just leave her a bright little gift for her to find in her new place!

Age Doesn't Really Matter, Doesn't It?

So I decided that I was going to finally use my pork loin roast that has been in my freezer for quite a while. Zach had offered one too that he said needs to be used, but I was sure that the age of mine put it in major priority and I really wanted to use it in this awesome plum sauce recipe and I thought that I should be more considerate and use my roast for my pleasure. So I got it started. I was so excited too, cause I got to use my Tru-Thermo thingamajigger. It is great! You set the temp to what it needs to be and then stick the thermo stick into the meat and it beeps when it gets hot enough.

So I mixed the teryaki sauce, fresh garlic, honey, and plum jelly and poured it all over the roast and stuck it in. I went about my business finishing the last two wedding gift thank-you cards that I have left up to this point. I am determined to stay ahead. :) Maybe I am over zealous, but oh, well, I can at least try.

Well, the roast was done to 160 degrees as is the norm for a pork roast and it was smelling wonderful. Even with the burned juices in the bottom of the oven. I really need to get a baster. A spoon doesn't really work. I got the potatoes and peas all done and ready. Zach came on over and he asked what it was. I wouldn't tell him cause he has this hinderance against oriental flavors and the teryaki might put a mental block in his head, so I told him that I would inform him after he tried it.

He was very gracious and honestly, it tasted really good though I forgot to thicken the sauce. I told him what it was and he was nice and said it was good, but it wasn't his favorite. I forced the opinion so I got it. I must have total honesty concerning cooking.

The fun part was that it was pretty tough, like knives needed. Normally, they are tender and easy to cut with a fork. I knew immediately the cause. "So how old did you say your roast was?" I asked. "Oh, from the summer." was the reply. "Haha, have I got you beat!" I added, not in true victory. "How old is it!?" I was asked. I got up to put the dishes in the sink and wouldn't answer. I figure if it isn't bad for you and you won't die, why tell, though it was way to tough for full enjoyment.

"One year?"..."More?"..."Two years!!??" voice getting a little more desperate with each guess. I admitted finally that it was closer to 2 years. "Honey", he said, "next time you just chuck it and we will get a new one." "But I couldn't waste it!" I countered, while thinking that that a tender roast really might have been worth it. Oh, well.

So he ate all on his plate, though he still won't eat peas. I even showed him the color it adds to the plate and how it is rich in iron. Both didn't work since he isn't into culinary presentation or iron since he is a guy naturally supplied with a rich amount. At least the roast is gone. Next is the pork chops of Kim's. They are gaining an age reputation in there as well, but I will not be intimidated and they will see daylight soon.

Prunes of Orange Essence

Doesn't that sound most wonderful? I love refridgerated prunes. I get a lot of very weird and questioning looks when people find out! I actually got Dr. Bob (70 something), Larry, my boss (late 60s), and Brock (20s) to try one, most of them actually agreed on their tastiness though not too many adjectives were used. Dr. Bob did ask what other flavors they made them in.

Here are the top reasons why you should try them and even like prunes:
-- they are very high in fiber
-- they are a great quick snack
-- they come in fun resealable bags
-- they come in reg., orange essence, and cherry essence
-- they taste really good
-- last, but not least, you will have to eat them one day for dietary necessities, so might as well aquire a taste.

(Sunsweet should be happy for the little push for their product, and if one of the company reads this perchance they might sign me up for a free box or something)

Paper Chain Gang

Okay, so the paper chain comment is to be explained. I started it two weeks ago. It is red and white. The white links are the normal boring days and the red ones mark something significant, such as each weekend (6, 5, 4, and so forth), a month's mark (Nov. 8th is 6 months), day marks (Oct. 30th is 25 days!), and then the last 10 days (day 10 is a sad day since I have to part with my ring for 10 days :( !) are all in red. This week is the last week that is a full white link week. So very dull and slow!! Then for the next 4 weeks, there are all kinds of fun stuff to celebrate. The most satisfying is the ripping/tearing sound of links being broken and removed. I do believe that the chain has been torn down about a foot and a half since 2 weeks ago. I love coming back to work from the weekend cause I can tear off two or three at a time. Definitely much more fulfilling!!

If ya'll really want to and time allows at your work or such, making a paper chain such as this one is really quite easy and if you can't decided what goal to have, you can adopt mine and count down with me! You can even do different colors than mine, but since mine is a winterish wedding it just seemed appropriate.

I must also put in an acknowledgment to Jessica VDM since she is the one who put the idea in my little brain. Thanks Jess!!

No More Weddings Please...Till Mine!!

We had quite a weekend last week. My dear friend Andrea flew out from her Army post station in AL on Thursday to play in a wedding in Waverly, IA. She traveled on teams with Zach and I for two years, and with the bride of the wedding for one. Anyways, she stayed with me a couple of nights.

Thursday was rather interesting as that was the day that we found out about Grampa and that same night all of us kids and significant others had a conference call with Dad about him. Well, after all of that, Andrea and I were up till 2 am catching up. It was a blast to catch up on everything, especially cause she has a new boyfriend and it is going so very well. Really, I have found that even more when you find your special someone, you really want your single friends to find them too. I am so very excited for her!

After an early day of work on Friday we left early afternoon to drive up north. I am pretty sure that I napped a little on the way up, since there are times that I really just don't remember time passing. We finally got there with plenty of time to spare.

I love not being directly involved in the wedding when I have been in so many of recent. You can just observe and are free to come and go and help wherever. I got to see so many friends that I haven't seen forever. Stories were being swapped this way and that and I haven't talked that much for a very long time! Well...since Thursday night that is.

After the rehearsal, we went back to pay for our hotel, which was the last room around for 15 min. since Wartburg had their homecoming that weekend. With guys out, Zach stayed around for a little while, and then when the guys got back, I went to bed and Andrea went to the hall to talk. I had the hardest time falling asleep that night...two hours of tossing and turning. You'd think I was the one getting married.

The next day the wedding went well. Everyone looked good (I can tell you right off who really looked the best) and the music was lovely. I sat by the piano with a couple of people I knew since most of the people I knew were on the stage. I do regret sitting there though, cause I couldn't see Zach's face unless he turned and that wouldn't be proper up there. Next time, even if it is with strangers, I am sitting where I can see him. The next day he said that it was killing him cause he wanted to look at me several times and couldn't.

After a beautiful ceremony and an adorable reception (to which on the way, Andrea and I drove a little too far and ended up out of town, which in my defense really is a small town and isn't hard to do and the fairgrounds sign was facing the wrong way for us), I finally got to see Zach a little on the ride back home.

The next day, we crashed at my place to watch an old movie and find out how the weekend went for each other. We both agreed that it was good that this was the last wedding before our's. Eloping was briefly brought up, but quickly dismissed. No worries, Mom and Dad!

4 weeks 4 days!!!! Paper chain is shrinking!!

A Praise and A Prayer

Happy Friday to you all!! 5 weeks for me!

Those who read up on Zach's thumbs are probably wondering how they are and in the least, if they are still attached. To everyone's relief, they are both still attached. He did cut the left one down to the bone and got 7 stitches. The right one had a chunk of flesh taken out. He was stitched and bandaged up. He even drove home with totally numb thumbs. It made for interesting hand holding this whole last week. I bandaged him when I could though, he refused to wear the Dora Band-Aids that I wanted to stick on. So after a week of inconvenience and a little pain (or a lot depending on the accidental impacts on the wounds), he is doing great and handholding is practically back to normal!!

My prayer request is for my Grampa Swopeand my family. We found out yesterday that he has advanced melanoma cancer. It is in his lungs and there is fluid too. Considering all the options, they will most likely giving him a pill. He is advanced and it is very aggressive and the pill doesn't work for a lot of people. So the doctor gave the realistic time frame of 6-9 months to live. He is uncomfortable with recovery from the mild staff infection, but he isn't in pain. He and Gramma are doing well right now considering things. He and Gramma are Christians and we all trusting in the Lord to provide and guide. Hopefully, we will be able to see him in a few weeks down in OK or if they can't come to wedding, then Zach and I will swing back up from our honeymoon and see them. Thank you for your prayers!

A Tribute to Our Men

Have you females ever wished you were a guy so that life would be easier in so many ways, especially in the emotions area? I have a couple times recently. Without getting into the emotional soppiness of it all, I just want to say that men have to put up with so much more sometimes. They have to try to interpret and choose how to handle and reassure their women through their various seas of emotions, even when their women can't fully explain what or why. They have quite a feat! They have to be a sensitive listener and a conquerer of a problem at once.

So I just want to say that I am so very thankful for my man's love, patience, trying to understand, making me try to explain as best I can, and just overall dealing with being with a complicated female. If they all knew how much we love and appreciate them all! Go give your man a hug today!

Boys, Get A Clue!

Yesterday, Zach and I had our few youth group kids that we disciple over for the afternoon. There was three for me and two for Zach. One of his boys couldn't come so we snagged another. We even got to take the new bright yellow church van with backing-up beeping to haul the teens around. It even has the gleeful primary colored writing on the side proclaiming Kids4Truth Club!

The van ride was the only time that we were together. We ate dinner and played around separately for the mental health of both groups. You see Jr. High girls just don't think the same as Jr. High boys. For all of you who have been there or have been around any in the past, I leave all the details to your memory and current knowledge.

There was baked pasta, baking, cider, coffee, and games for the afternoon for the girls. The guys had pizza and video games. At one time the guys came over to drop off a disposable plate for our cookies. Once they left, by unanimous opinion the three locks on my door were locked. I didn't even know that I had three locks. We did allow one cookie a piece to each though.

It really was a ton of fun, though we had to leave early for choir. I was wamped in Clue. I haven't played for about 6 or 7 years. I really need to get in the hang of it again. I love the little people and I kept exclaiming over them. Apparently, the little people have been around for Clue games for a while and the girls were not nearly as impressed. Hey, I got the game brand new for a $1.50 at a garage sale last summer! That has to count for something.

So it was a good Sunday and then to top it off, I got to spend the whole evening after church with my sweetheart. Nowadays you take all the time you can get in the midst of busyness. It is only 5 weeks and 5 days left though! Yay for us!!

Catch-Up and Cut-up!

Welcome to Fall!! Yesterday, a lesson well learned, I forgot my coat as we ran out the door to a meeting with our wedding photographer before Youth group. I thought briefly about running back, but we were already late and it wasn't too bad right then. The rest of the evening my arms assumed the straight jacket position. I did get a coat from Zach later and all was good, but I had the worst time trying to get warm the rest of the night.

All this to say that the weather is changing and it smells wonderful and the sunsets and sunrises are most beautimous! Ya just have to wear warm clothes. This means that I get to pull out my winter tub of clothes. This consists of going through and trying on each to see what fits and then washing them all the the great switch. I have fun finding old favorites and then a few sad moments when I say goodbye to the summer favorites. Great fun, I tell ya!!!

Ahcck! Just a moment ago, my dear fiance called and informed me that he is waiting in the emergency room. He almost took off both of his thumbs about 45 min. ago. Gouged to the bone. He was alone, fainted, woke up and finished the job for about 30 more minutes and then drove himself to the emergency room. Seriously!! So he might need a ride home, or more like it, I will go get him.

This also makes me envision the next couple of days. I will drive more than usual, cook most of his meals (spoon feed him?), carry his stuff, and who knows what. Poor baby! I wonder if I could take sick hours off for him. And man, oh man!! Ouch!!

You know though I have never seen him on pain meds. That might be somewhat entertaining!

The Party of Heros

Every Monday is one of the best shows on TV and it really is pretty much the only TV that I even watch since even the commercials are full of blechh nowadays! Heros had its fourth new episode yesterday. Now there is actually a faithful collection of Hero groupees that gather every Monday night at the Hutchins. I have been invited many times, but can never go since if anything is scheduled it is usually a Monday. I try to remember to tape it or at least ask about what I missed since my poor compy is too slow to FOX 13 shows.
I tried to get Zach to watch it a couple of times, but gave up a long time ago. Well, I tried again, but no go. Well things worked out a little different this time and I was told that I could go if I wanted. I was excited!! I got all my house chores done, went walking, and ate dinner, then at 7:30 I took off to Bondurant. I have never been to house in the dark, so I was watching the clock and also hoping that I wasn't going to get lost in the country and end up driving to IL or something. Thankfully, I remembered and got there just a few minutes before it began.
I stepped into the living room. There were all sorts of peoples there. I was handed a bowl of icecream and cookies, introduced to the sorts of people new to me, and seated. Lots of chatter and then ...silence. Rules are that you do not talk during the show.
Overall it was a good episode and funny too. They always leave you hanging of course. The evening there was topped off by the fact that I was able to hold a few week old baby girl during the last 20 minutes. (I am a sucker for the little ones like that.)
I took off toward home wondering if Zach had gone to bed thinking that I wasn't going to be home till late. I took a much simpler and quicker way. I called both of his cell phones (another whole story worthy of bloggin) and no answer. I was getting a little wimpy now, but I wasn't gonna give and be totally pathetic. I figured that if he was asleep then I would see him tomorrow and if he wanted to say hi to me then he would. I went and soothed myself by playing my piano. About 30 min later...I heard the greatly anticipated "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" play. So I did get to see him for a little bit. It ended up being a really good Monday!

Pepe Le Peeuuww

So we have a family consisting of at least one skunk in the very near vacinity of my apartment. Zach and I were coming home from Wal-Mart, from which we were getting icecream and a game for our date that night. As we pulled in, I saw the headlights flash on a waddling little black thing with a white stripe down the back. I yelled out "Skunk! Stop that was a skunk!" Zach didn't believe me and I was slightly wounded, but I decided right there and then that I had to prove that I was right. That is something that I have to work on, but I reasoned that since it was skunk and had no lasting effect on our coming marriage, it was okay. He lighted up the spot that I was pointing at with the car lights and I jumped out and starting scouting for the stinker. Zach stayed in the car telling me that I would really stink if I got sprayed and that he would be laughing at me without guilt.
I couldn't see it and got back in the card. Next I decided that I needed a flashlight. As soon as we parked, I ran over Zach's truck to grab my flashlight. Unfortunately for Zach, one of our neighbors were coming home from church and questioned my dashing around. Zach had to explain the antics of his "mature" fiance running around chasing a skunk.
I obtained the afore mentioned torch and walked cautiously toward the back of the dumpster, leaving quite a few feet between me and the possible stink. I couldn't remember how far they could spray.
Then as I swept the light over the grass, there I saw the little black and white critter running toward the Faith Drive culvert tail up in all its pathetic glory!! I hopped up and down "I was right! See right there it is!!" Zach had walked up some feet behind me, whether out of pity for me or out of curiousity (I am sure that it was the latter) and saw the object of question. He told me that I was right. Honestly, even though a lot of it was to prove that I was right, I really also just wanted to see the skunk as I have only see one or two in real life. He asked me if I wanted him to follow it and shoot it, but I let him off this time. Also I think that Ankeny has some weird rules of how to dispose of varmits of such and I wouldn't want to get him in trouble.
Satisfied, we went back to apartment and had a good date eating Strawberry Cheesecake icecream and playing Scene-It. I'm sure we were both glad that I wasn't having to be washed down with tomato sauce and anti-stinking agents instead.

UPS' Delivery System Stinks

How many of you have had UPS package slips stuck on your door...first attempt, then second attempt (you leave a nice little note asking the person to leave the package with one of the neighbors), then to your total frustration the final attempt slip arrives and you have to go down to the UPS customer care center? I have full confidence that heads are nodding in agreement at this very moment.
In the lovely town of Ankeny and Des Moines, I must say I have a few things to say about the UPS system.
First of all, they don't have consistent time of delivery. Just when you think you have it figured out, they switch.
Second, I don't believe that they even try to leave packages with neighbors even when they don't need a signature.
Thirdly, and the most annoying at that, is the fact that the customer care center is in DesMoines.
Well, I had a final attempt slip, which by the way was actually a first attempt unless some cruel joke was being played and someone was confiscating my previous slips. I had to go on-line and locate out of 20 UPS places which one was the center and where is was. This is where is gets sticky and stinky. Apparently when you ask for the directions to be printed out, they start you on SE Grand Ave. (Who told them that is where I was starting anyway?) Then to beat that the starting point is marked by an "X". Isn't it well known to the largest percentile of the world that "X" marks the spot -- ending spot?! Then the end location is this little square which is this box.
So I get in my car, after consulting a friend who sees that map as I see it and tells me how I can use 235 and make it easier. Off I go!! Well I think I am doing well and I turn off the interstate and head south. I keep heading south and see nothing close to Hull Ave (which I have heard of but never seen). I ended up about 20 miles more south then I was supposed to be. I stopped and called a man...yes, a man, but at least it was my fiance' who is way more used to Des Moines than I am. While explaining where I am and him looking that up, I realize to my horror the reality and correct interpretation of the map -- the X was the beginning and little box was the UPS store. Disgusted with UPS and myself, I thank him and take off north. Mumbling to myself the entire way how I dislike UPS. I do end up at the Center, knowing exactly where I am and thankful that I don't work in DesMoines any longer.
So to those who have similar experiences I offer sincere and empathetic condolences. Have a wonderful Friday!!!

A Hairy Ordeal

Okay, so some imput from those who know me might be nice here. I have really been wanting to cut my hair again for the last whole summer. Shorter and different from the last short one I had. I have seen pics of that one lately and was reminded that I really didn't like it.
I have asked my main man about it and he is all in favor of me trying it since he said he likes variety. I even pinned his gaze down to get the truth on whether he was speaking such to just be nice or whether it is his honest opinion. My youth group girls flipped out on me though. I figure that it is the best time though since I can grow it out through winter if I don't like it so it can go up in the summer. I almost chickened out last night again. All the models have long hair usually right? Clothing ones and shampoo chicks. I mentioned to Zach last night that I would try a trim for now and reconsider a cut much later. He said that he was hoping that I was going to still cut it. The power of love huh? Well, I guess ya don't know till you give it a try.
So I am looking around and trying to find the right pic and such so I can walk right into the hair place with full confidence that I will like what happens to it. To those who might be panicking at this time, I will wait till after the wedding. So I will just rehighlight for now (getting back more to the darker shade I am) and then cut it in December. (Key in music for Sound of Music's "I Have Confidence").

Marriage Counseling Reality Show?

Hey, so I was thinking if they made a marriage counseling reality show? Some could be very entertaining I'm sure, depending on the counselor and the couple. Our apparently seems to be a lot of fun for our pastor. He was chuckling as we were walking out of the church, commenting "I love it!". I will just assume that is because he says we remind him a lot of him and his wife situation wise. He is a ton of fun to counsel with. We have only hit the foundations of the roles of marriage though. Next time we will discuss communication. We still haven't had a fight, but Pastor wasn't really too surprised and reassured us that it wasn't a bad thing. I wasn't worried, since I have friends who haven't really fought till after they were married and even then they were able to take care of it well.
We were given this homework, which I couldn't decide whilst figuring out whether it was fun or if I even liked it. I hate absolutes that you aren't given a chance to explain. It is this sheet divided into two sections, one for you and one for your fiance'. (Oh and Pastor said that this was a brand new exercise and we are the first ones to try it out. Humm...) Well, you are given four personality adjectives and you have to pick only one to best describe yourself and then in the next section, your fiance'. The list is the same for both. I think that I kinda have an idea of how it is set up. We shall see. Three more sessions of counseling. Well, it is only 7 weeks and 2 days from today. Now I just wait for a little while till I can really do anything more for the wedding. Yay! A little break!

Treat Day!!

On every Wednesday of the week, Maria (my awesome co-worker) and I satiate our junk food tendencies by running out for a really-bad-for-you breakfast. We usually make CJs Bagels our stop. Here we get our breakfast bagels and some sort of other carbohydrate drenched in cream cheese frosting. Then we run over to either Starbucks or Coffee Point and grab some odd ounces of creamy coffee or split a Monster.
This special day used to be on Friday, but was switched to Wed. cause we needed to split the week up a bit. Friday is already cool cause we don't work the next day. So we leave in the morn. early and come back with the laden steamy cups and bags of food. We try to bring the guys at work something once in a while too. The greatest thing about this is that usually we aren't paying for the treats cause as the great housekeepers as we are, people are gracious enough to leave little tips. We also recycle cans. I believe so far this year over the winter, we have made almost $100. Cool, huh?!
May life continue to be full of Wednesdays!! Happy Wednesday!!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!!

Okay, so Zach turned 26 yesterday! Yep, only 4 years from 30 and I reminded him too. Hey, I am only 5 from it so it wasn't too mean. I was postulating on how and what was going to do for the special day. Usually, you can shoot for something comparable to that which they celebrate for you on your birthday, but my case is unusual. Now for those who don't know, on my birthday this last May, Zach and I started dating. It was a most crazy and insane day, but ended well and it was a most great and wonderful birthday gift.
So I knew that I wanted to make oatmeal rainsin cookies as they are his fav. I decided to try a one up on that and tried oatmeal creme pies. That was interesting as marshmellow creme is too sweet. I tried to put in a little butter, sugar, and vanilla. It tasted way better, but the creme was leaking out snail speed. So I quickly finished about 10 and then stuck them in the fridge. I kept a few of the plainos just in case. The new recipe for the regs is quite scrumptious.
So I had dessert down and I was just going to make a mexi dish that he has said that he likes. Then I decided to get a little creative whether he was going to catch on or not. I got a couple of cards, which were quite good ones I should say, candy, and set alarms on my cell phone. It started at 10:26 and went for every 2 hours at 6 different times. Get it? He either got a call or permission to open a card thoughout the day. Dinner was at 6:26 and then dessert and his gifts were at 8:26. He had to play Hangman for the clue for his gift. We just watched "Male Order Bride" and hung out listening to his new CDs. He let me know that he really liked his birthday a whole lot.
I think that I can consider it a success, and honestly, if he is pleased this easy, then I'm going to have a ton of fun with birthdays and holidays!!

On the Road Again??

So since so many of my friends have moved on in life and communication exists through Facebook, Blogger, or the few and far between emails, I decided to try once again to just post. Then whomever feels the urge to catch up with me or just needs some entertainment in the minimal sense now has it.
Also since my job gets so very slow in the winter (and I need to be entertained because of it), I have time to keep up with it.
A salutation to friends and family! Though I can see mostly little bro, Tim on this the most, I hope you feel a little more in tuned now.
Oh, and the Saylor part of the name is such cause "jamierswope" was taken and since it is only 7 more weeks, I took advantage of it.