Thankful & Grateful

Day #17:

On Saturday I was grateful for Kelsey! We had a fun time just catching up (yes, we have lots to catch up on after not seeing each other for 2 weeks) and eating at Mimi's Cafe (the chocolate mousse was freaking       a-maz-ing). I'm so lucky and thankful to have such an awesome best friend. She is always there for me, no questions asked, and she accepts me in a way not many people can or do. :D And I can completely be myself around her and she understands!

Day #18:

My 'second family': The Bakers :D Ammon has an amazing family and I've never dated a guy with a family I feel so comfortable with and accepted by. They truly are hilarious, hard working, accepting and loving people. I'm so grateful I fell in love with a man that has a great support system behind him (and behind me now).

Day #19:

My mama! What can I say? She's my mother :) She's always been the most important person in my life. She has taught me almost everything I know and value. Her patience and sacrifice are immeasurable and her love even more. She put her needs and wants aside and worked full time + so Mariah and I could have all the things/experiences any child with 2 parents had. She encouraged & supported me through my dance. She taught me about unconditional love. She taught me to believe in myself and feelings/instincts and to trust myself. Thanks mom :) I love you

Day #20:

Books. Specifically Stephen King right now. I just love the momentary escape they bring while still being very conscious and aware of what you're reading. I've missed reading (I haven't for various reasons) but am loving it just as much as I used to. Also, Stephen King is just such an eloquent writer. He isn't one of those 'hard reads', you know the kind you sometimes read in school or the ones you really have to concentrate on. He isn't an 'easy read' either, the kind you just skim through -half aware. He is this awesome blend of both. Intelligent, intriguing, deep, awesome character development, etc.

Day #21:

My dad and step mom. We (me, Mariah, Mike, Ammon & our dogs) are always welcome at their house and greeted with open arms. They are also always willing to come down and visit us (its a 3 to 4 hour drive from southern Utah). Whenever they come up we go to dinner, hang out, play games, talk, etc. Whenever we go down we go to dinner, my step mom Dana cooks awesome meals, we play super fun games, go fishing, take the dogs on walks, ride 4 wheelers, feed the cows, visit the brand new baby calves, etc. I love that whenever we spend time together its quality time, not just going through the motions and spending any time together. We have all gotten close over the past year or two and I couldn't be happier about it. I love them with all of my heart and I'm very lucky, grateful and blessed to have them.  

Love,

Kxoxo

PS: Tomorrow is Turkey Day! We get to spend the morning at the annual Turkey Bowl (soccer of course) - I love soccer games and spending the time cheering Ammon & the other guys on and visiting/messing around/having a beer or two with the WAGs. Then we head off to Ammon's Dad and Step Mom's for early Thanksgiving dinner (Ed's amazing lamb is on the menu - be jealous). After that we head to my Aunt and Uncle's for late Thanksgiving dinner (my sweet, awesome, handsome, grown up, little cousin Joshy is going to read his mission call! Ah! Yay!). Hope your's is equally as awesome :)

Thanksgiving Thankfuls!

Day #14:

I'm thankful for relaxing nights with Ammon where we just get to do nothing together. Together is the key word. Especially with the holidays rolling in Ammon works A LOT more than usual so getting a whole Wednesday night with him was/is so wonderful and recharging for us as a couple :)

Day #15:

Today (thinking back on last night) I'm thankful for my sense of self awareness. Even though I don't associate myself with the LDS church anymore it still taught me so much about spirituality and self. I'm also grateful for my mom and the faith/trust she puts in me when I have a dilemma. i.e. I was having a dilemma recently and was kind of freaking out (as I tend to do) not knowing which decision to make. She just calmly said, 'listen to your heart/gut and pray about it'. That's it. After still freaking out for a couple days I realized that she (of course - she is a mom after all) was totally right. I had the answer within me all along and once I decided to go along with the way I felt I was at peace again. So whatever you would like to call it: self awareness, the spirit, God, Buddha, indigestion, intuition, etc I am very grateful for it and the peace it brings me.

Day #16:

Now today, specifically, I am grateful for my job. I know that sometimes I can get overwhelmed with the responsibility of it or the mundaneness (apparently that isn't a word but I'm using it anyway) aka sitting at a desk all day but when I really take it all in... I'm extremely lucky to be where I am. I have a job with great people I truly enjoy working with; good benefits (at my age!); Saturdays, Sundays and paid holidays off; and it allows me to go to night school afterwards. I'll say it again: I am extremely lucky.

Love,

Kxoxo

PS- Today I am also thankful for Buffalo Wild Wings giving away free sit down meals on their 'practice before opening night' Friday. I am also thankful for Syd being sweet enough to snatch one for me! And that Kels Jan agreed to join me! Have a wonderful weekend :)

November Grateful Game #3

Day #10:

Saturday I was super grateful for my sweet nieces, nephew, sister-friend & their daddy/husband :) I got to spend Friday night playing and visiting with them all and they just make me so gosh darn happy! Holly and I have been best friends (but really its more than that - which is why I consider her my sister-friend) since I was 8 and she was 12 and we just 'clicked'. I'm grateful that they give me a 100% guaranteed reason to be happy all the time :)

Day #11:

Sunday was Veteran's Day. I am so proud and grateful to have a man who dedicated 9 years of his life (enlisting right after such a scary time - 9/11) to the military. I am grateful to all of the men, women & their families who go through the rigors of being a part of our country's armed forces. And now after knowing multiple people in that situation I will never take them, their families or their service for granted. (And thank you Olive Garden for giving Ammon a free Veteran's Day meal so we could have a much needed date night lol)

Day #12:

Mariah! I'm so blessed to have such an amazing sister :) She has such a sweet heart and soul within her and she just brightens up my day when I get to see her! I'm also very lucky that she invites Athena to her work (doggy daycare) on some of the days that I work so Athena isn't home alone (helps out so so much!). And I am SO grateful that my very best friend is my sister - there is no bond or relationship like it :) I know for a fact (no doubt about it) that we were meant to be sisters in this life together and I'm so happy someone up there got it right.

Day #13:

I'm thankful for nice strangers. On Monday (after my car froze solid over the storm this weekend because I didn't drive it at all lol) I was attempting to scrape my car clean with a broom - laugh all you want! As I was scraping this nice guy in our apartment complex offered to run inside and grab his scraper for me. He could have just ignored me and gone on enjoying his cigarette, etc but he was willing to go the extra mile at 8AM to help out a girl in a pickle (a pickle that was her own silly fault). So thank you nice guy with the ice scraper, people like you really make this sometimes dreary world a whole lot brighter. 

Love,

Kxoxo

November Gratefuls

Day #7:

Walking. I really do love taking Athena on her walks! In the beginning it was kinda hard but now when we go out it really helps clear my mind, my headache and it makes me feel better/healthier since I spend all day behind a desk. I'm also grateful that taking walks was something we always did as a family (with my mom, with my grandma, with my cousins, with my aunt and uncle) because its a great way to pass the time. A lot better than just sitting doing nothing! Also, just a funny memory: there was time during my childhood that when Mariah and I would get in a figh my mom would make us walk to the end of our street and back together to cool off. I always hated it but by the time we got back we wouldn't be mad anymore! Sneaky mom!

Day #8:

Blankies. I had a really wonderful and relaxing time just cuddling with Athena on the couch last night, watching Supernatural and sipping some sangria. Of course it would have been even more awesome if Ammon had been there but baby's gotta bring home the bacon (don't worry I bring home bacon too; I'm no gold digger honey). Its especially nice when our fireplace is on but since I'm always hot (like literally I have the windows open) the times for the fireplace are few and far between.

Day #9:

A car. I'm always very grateful that I have a working mode of transportation to get me everywhere I need to go because although it isn't necessary (public transportation/walking/bike/etc) it really does make things more convenient AND give me more time during the day for more important things. I was/am especially grateful today to have a warm car during this snow storm.


Love,

Kxoxo

Who Am I? Take 2

Who I Am...



I am... really glad the election is over. Good job Mr. President :)


I want... a Nook.


I have... the best Ammon man and Athena lady ever.


I wish... I didn't like chocolate so much.


I hate... spiders. Ah! Even itty bitty ones; yucky and scary.


I fear... Sharks. My #1 fear no contest. Thanks Jaws.


I hear... I shouldn't be too worried or stressed that I haven't graduated yet.


I search... the internet for makeup tutorials, gross videos (think huge cyst popping) & surgery videos (fascinates me!)

I wonder... what I'll be when I grow up haha!


I regret... spending money on my KFC lunch yesterday lol and having too many chocolate chips while cooking dinner.


I love... my mom and sister buckets and bunches.


I ache... to have another puppy. a) Athena would love the company b) I just love puppies (aka dogs)


I always... am asleep when Ammon gets home from work (even if it's only 10pm)


I usually... floss every night. But like right now we're out of floss. And sometimes I'm too lazy. But my dentist got mad at me because I hardly ever did it so I made a commitment dammit!


I am not... the kind of friend who wants to see or talk to (even my best friends) every day. Usually once a week or every other week is good for me.


I dance... in the car like a crazy person. Usually Ammon thinks it's cute and hilarious but when its trafficky or dark it makes him nervous lol


I sing... a lot when I drive.


I never... eat raw tomatoes. EVER.!..!.


I sometimes... fall asleep within the first 15 minutes of whatever movie Ammon and I are watching (I even did it at one of our very first theater movies together).


I cry... when I get overwhelmed and stressed.


I am not always... ready to wake up in the morning but Athena makes sure to get me up once she sees my eyes flutter.


I lose... forks, spoons & butter knives in my purse/bag like nobody's business (I usually have at least 5 when I clean my purse out).


I am confused... by why people who disagree with gay marriage want to prevent gay people from getting married. Especially when most of the people I know who disagree with it believe in agency, making your own choices (good or bad) and not forcing anyone to do what they think is right.


I need... to stop getting headaches every day.


I should... sign up for a Planet Fitness gym pass.


Who Are You???

November Gratefuls Game

So I really like focusing on the things I'm grateful for. It helps me realize all of the wonderful blessings I have and amazing people, places, experiences, etc I'm surrounded by. AND! It helps me stay positive and not focus on the negative. So I'll be posting every few days with one thing for every day in November that I am thankful for :) And I'm really going to start posting with pictures again soon but we are still not hooked up to the damn internet at home because our experience with Comcast & Saveology has been one hell of a joke. Maybe if it gets ridiculous enough I'll do a ranting post about it... eh maybe not. That sounds kind of boring. Anyways!

Day #1: Ammon Man

I cannot say enough how incredibly thankful I am to have this man in my life :) Just thinking of it makes me smile and gives me the warm fuzzies. He may work ALL the time (I may exaggerate a little bit but its a lot), he may tease me relentlessly, he may leave change scattered around our room (drives me NUTS!) and he may wake me up when he gets home from work late just to see me whine in my half asleep/half awake state... BUT he loves me and I love him and he makes me so very very happy :) I have come into my own, in the time I have been with him, in more ways than I can count and I am so grateful that he accepts me (still) exactly as I am. I know I can be (as he lovingly says) 'banana sandwich' crazy but so is he and we have this way of balancing each other out in all the right ways :)

Day #2: Athena!

Oh she's such a ham and goofball. Its very true when they say that Basset Hounds are the clowns of the dog world. I just love her droopy eyes and her smooshy wooshy face and her ridiculously long ears (I'm pretty sure she could fly with them if she actually cared). OH and those rolls! She has so many skin rolls on her back legs when she sits down! Her breath may be horrid, she may smell like corn chips and she may shed like a woolly mammoth but she brings so much joy to my life :) She is my reason to exercise after work (I can't expect her to stay with me inside all night after work after she's been inside the same house all day), she has taught me so much patience and she was/is the first to teach me a little something about loving something/someone more than yourself :)

Day #3: 7 Eleven Coffee :)

Lol yeah, I just typed that. But you must know that my 7 Eleven coffee is half 'Extreme Mocha' and half delicious hot chocolate. Oh lordy its good. Warms my red headed soul.

Day #4: Home

When I first moved out with Ammon and my sister I had The Hardest Time moving away from my mom, grandma and childhood home. Looking back I realize that I was in a little bit of a depression and it was SO hard. Thankfully I had Ammon, Mariah & Athena who helped me tremendously (sweet Ammon was so patient and loving to his crazy girlfriend who cried for her Mama at least once a week). But now I am so grateful that I have found a new place to call home. I have the love and resources within me and around me to plant roots wherever I am and be happy. Its a great thing. We moved around a lot as a kid and my mom taught me that it's not where you are that makes you happy, it's who you are; happiness comes from within. Thanks Mom :)

Day #5: My Opinions

I'm thankful that I have grown and developed into who I currently am over the past few years into someone with her own ideas, beliefs and opinions. And I'm so thankful that they are opinions that I feel so strongly about and that I can be proud of. I'm thankful for the ability we have as humans, a nation, etc to think for ourselves. And I'm especially grateful for a mother who never made me feel shameful or guilty or wrong for believing/behaving differently.

Day #6: Exercise

As much as I sometimes despise it or don't want to do it I'm grateful that we have a means to keep our bodies healthy, strong and happy. It's not so much the exercise that I struggle with (although sometimes its very hard), its more of actually getting my butt up from the couch or not letting myself rest after work (even though it sounds SO nice) before getting my active activity in for the day. Its also really great having Athena as motivation too.

What are you thankful for? Maybe you should do a blog post too!

Love,

Kxoxo

A Day In the Life

I really like 'day in the life' posts by other bloggers. So I figured why not do one of my own since my life is so interesting and amazing... sarcasm my friends. And sorry for the lack of pictures. We are setting up internet soon at our place so I'll add them later :)

6:00 AM: Athena wakes up, gets up from her bed in our room, and jumps up onto my side of the bed. I proceed to lift up the covers, she proceeds to burrow under, and Ammon proceeds to say there isn't enough room. Athena stays where she is, I stay where I am, Ammon stays where he is, and we all fall back asleep.

7:00 AM: My alarm goes off. Hit snooze.

7:15 AM: My alarm goes off again. Hit snooze.

7:30 AM: My alarm goes off again. Hit snooze.

7:40 AM: In an attempt to make myself get up I glance at my Facebook wall (the bright light from my phone wakes my eyes up and reading something wakes up my mind).

7:45 AM: I get up, brush my teeth, wash my face, and do my hair (the term 'do' is relative - usually that means I brush it or put it in a messy bun).

8:00 AM: I start some coffee for myself and whoever else in the house has to be up early that day (sometimes its just me, sometimes Ammon is up by now, sometimes Syd wants some too - it's different everyday because I'm the only one in the house with a set Mon-Fri schedule). I also grab whatever I packed the night before for my lunch and throw it in my lunch pack. Then I grab a PB&J and a piece of fruit or maybe a yogurt to eat for breakfast at my desk when I get to work (this girl HAS to have breakfast).

8:05 AM: I wake up Athena (if she hasn't already stumbled out of the bedroom) and take her potty. Then we come back inside and I give her some breakfast. (I don't know what it is but lately this girl could eat a horse. I mean she's always loved treats but never really cared for her kibble. But now if I'm even 10 min late for breakfast or dinner she's scooching her bowl around, pawing it, flipping it over, etc. Crazy lady :)

8:10 AM: I run into our bedroom, grab a decent looking outfit (I really should plan the night before because it would save a bunch of time), give Ammon a kiss goodbye if he hasn't already left for work, put on some perfume and get my things gathered to go.

8:15 AM: Dash into the kitchen (I say dash because I'm supposed to leave by 8:15 but never get out the door until 8:20), fix my coffee (LOTS of vanilla creamer and a bit of brown sugar - warms my soul!), give Athena a kiss goodbye and a treat, grab my stuff and its out the door to work.

8:30 AM: Clock in. The first thing I do when I get to my desk is check my email/voice mail and follow up with anything from there.

8:45 AM: I usually go through any jobs I have that are in progress in order to prepare for our production meeting or find anything that needs special attention/follow up.

9:00 AM: Production meeting. We go over everything that is currently in house and our time frame for each job.

10:00 AM: The first half hour at work is pretty much the only part of my day that is consistently the same. After the production meeting I do whatever needs to be done to make sure any jobs that are in house go out on time. That can be going down to bindery to help finish a job, taking proofs or tickets to prepress, emailing/calling customers, writing up new jobs, submitting quotes for potential jobs, etc.

5:00 PM: Freedom! I go home :) This is my favorite part of the day.

5:30 PM: Say hi to Ammon & Athena (its Ammon's day off - yay!), eat a snack, take Athena potty, play with Athena and give her some loves, chat with Ammon about his day.

6:00 PM: Take Athena on her walk. My mom used to take Athena on a walk almost everyday which was such a BIG help but now that I've moved out (especially since Athena can be home alone a lot while everyone is at work) I try to take her at least Monday - Friday. Usually on Saturday she goes with me to Ammon's soccer game for a few hours and then Sunday is our day to rest.

6:30 PM: After Athena's walk I sit down for a while, watch some TV or Supernatural (Dean all the way!). Last night Ammon and I went grocery shopping :)

7:30 PM: Usually Ammon or I will make dinner (Ammon is an amazing cook by the way - I'm spoiled in that department) but last night Real was playing at Seattle so we went down to the pub for soccer, beer and BACON! Just so everyone knows - every Wednesday is free bacon night at The Republican (on State Street & 9th South downtown). Gotta represent :)

8:00 PM: Kickoff!

10:30 PM: We go home, I take a bath, and get ready for bed.

11:00 PM: I crawl into bed next to Ammon and watch a little 'Band of Brothers' before drifting off (also found out its what was playing on Ammon's computer when he got shot in the leg - who knew). I just love being able to curl up next to this man and fall asleep with him every night - just that simple thing makes me so very happy :)