Please Pray

I know this is a little late to be posting this, but just a quick note! Josh has an interview today with Cowlitz County PUD. He's a little nervous. I am too! If you could please say a little prayer that he does well that would be wonderful. He is already surrounded by so many wonderful people praying for him, but a few more prayers couldn't hurt. I will post more later! Thank you so much. Have a blessed Monday!

Alyssa

Random Thoughts

I don't have anything to blog about really, but I thought I would let you see a few of the thoughts that go on in my head on a day to day basis. I've always been a doodler, my mom is too. I doodle while I talk on the phone, will I watch movies, basically whenever I feel like I'm not busy enough with whatever else I'm doing. I usually have to be doing something with my hands to be content. Josh asks why I can't just sit and watch a movie. I get to antsy. I always need to be doing something else. So, like I said here are some of the thoughts that I had the other day as I was on the phone with the leasing office of our apartment and while I was searching the internet because I was bored.

The new biz cards!

The close up

Hope you have a wonderful, blessed Sunday!

Alyssa

My Bucket List

I think as we grow older and work over comes our lives we tend to forget about the things that we wanted as a child, and even the things we really want as adults. There are always the immediate wants, and even needs that we come upon on a daily basis. For instance we need more laundry detergent, we need more food in the refrigerator, and we always need more money. And while those things are needed we rarely stop and take just a few minutes to think about what we really want in life. Some things we really want are material things, and others are not. I don't see anything wrong with wanting a few material items. I love gadgets of all sorts, and I love lots of different things, but there has to be room for those other things that make us happy as well, and things that we can do to make others happy also. So, with our current state in this seemingly never ending nomadic lifestyle that Josh and I have become so accustomed to, I have had some time to really think about some of the things I want in life. Some are probably unachieveable, and my life will be no less special in the eyes of God and in the eyes of friends because I didn't finish everything on my list, but I'd at least like to check off a couple. At least just to enjoy life a little more and leave with the satisfaction that I did a few things. So here is my bucket list. At least the first 100 things on my bucket list.

These are in no particular order of importance, I just typed what came to me in the moment. I'm sure there will be a hundred more things I want to do tomorrow. You don't have to read through this whole post, because I know it's long, but if you do, I hope some of the things I have written stirs a desire within you to take the time and do the same. Take the time to realize your dreams. They are beautiful.

1. Make a difference in someone else’s life.
2. Spend a whole day lying in a field of grass with not a care in the world.
3. Celebrate a birthday at a wine bar in Italy.
4. Read all the books want to.
5. Own a villa in Provence, France or Tuscany, Italy.
6. Go on a wine tour through either of above countries, or Napa California.
7. Find a niche I can carve out for myself in photography.
8. Find a way to use my profession to give to families that are dealing with Parkinson’s.
9. Be the person God wants me to be.
10. Always do things that would make my dad proud.
11. Write a book.
12. Have children
13. Raise my children to be good and moral human beings.
14. Read my bible more.
15. Learn how to speak French and Italian
16. Laugh more.
17. Love more.
18. Spend an entire evening having conversation with friends and/or family over a delicious meal, and amazing wine.
19. Really take the time to learn yoga.
20. Dig deep and find who I am as a creative person and what I want.
21. Buy that 5D I’ve been drooling over.
22. See Paris again.
23. If I do go back, get up the guts to buy something wonderful to bring back.
24. Find peace within myself.
25. Never stop learning and gaining wisdom.
26. Become a better photographer.
27. Be a person that someone else looks up to.
28. Let my friends and family know how much they have touched my heart.
29. Have wonderful relationships with friends, family, and even my clients.
30. Continue to be me.
31. Continue to improve the person that I am becoming.
32. Go Sailing.
33. Be a good wife.
34. Be a good mother.
35. Go to Washington DC.
36. See a Van Gogh painting in person.
37. Learn to bake better!
38. Dress amazingly.
39. Try Sushi
40. Run barefoot
41. Build our dream home.
42. Take more bubble baths
43. See Michael Buble, Billy Joel, and Tom Petty in Concert.
44. Write more.
45. Visit the museums I’ve always wanted to see.
46. Learn to sing La Vie En Rose in French, not just English.
48. Be a master organizer.
49. Take a 103 day cruise with my husband.
50. Swim with dolphins.
51. Create something.
52. Take photos people fall in love with and can’t get enough of.
53. Donate a lot of money to causes I believe in.
54. Have breakfast in bed.
55. Go to a bed and breakfast and spend the entire day in bed if I want to.
56. Paint more.
57. Feel inspired.
58. Actually do the things at Christmas that I’ve always wanted to do.
59. Have a Great Love.
60. Leave behind words and a life to encourage others and inspire them.
61. Live well
62. Learn to dance.
63. Keep the friendships I have, but build new ones as well.
64. Learn to ski.
65. Spend a Christmas in the mountains with close family.
66. Find the time to scrapbook.
67. Spend the money on the wonderful creative things I see online.
68. Drive Faster.
69. Become a member of the SWAT team. (Childhood aspirations).
70. Help someone in a significant way. Not for me, but for them.
71. Listen to Christmas music with my kids, starting in February.
72. Be young at heart.
73. Keep the dreams I’ve always had, and never let go of them.
74. Achieve some of my childhood dreams just like Randy Pausch would want me to do.
75. Swim in the Mediterranean again. And next time don’t be so scared of running around topless.
76.Make memories.
77. Eat pizza on the sidewalk in the middle of the night in Rome again.
78. Go to Greece.
79. Name my kids weird names that no one else will like because they aren’t as cool as me.
80.Have a rose garden.
90. Spend time on the front porch with my coffee, my husband and my rocking chair.
91. Don’t be afraid to fail, and don’t be afraid to succeed.
92. Always tell my children how wonderful they are, and give them encouragement.
93. Buy the bathtub couch from Breakfast at Tiffany’s and put it in my office.
94. Design children’s clothes that are beautiful and simple.
95. Learn about people. Always listen with an open heart.
96. Always see the wonders that God has created and try not to take it for granted.
97. Be stronger.
98. See the winter and summer Olympics in person.
99. Continue to love the job that I am doing, and continue to be inspired by the people I work with.
100. Have a beautiful and full life.

Look What My Wonderful Husband Made!

So, It has been a decade again, and I am working up some stuff to write about, but I'm not quite there yet. In the mean time I would like to make you jealous by showing you what my wonderful husband made me (and him) of course for dinner the other night. Josh is a huge fan of Mexican food, and while I'm not, I usually get forced into trying most things because Josh wants it so much. We are having Tamales soon, at Josh's request, I'm not really looking forward to it, but I'm sure I will end up liking it in the end, like I did with this meal. These are Flautas from a special interest magazine put out by Better Homes and Gardens. This magazine, we only have one copy mind you, is a must have for Josh. I cannot believe how many times he has looked at the pages, and he has reminded me many times that I am NEVER, and I repeat, NEVER aloud to get rid of it. So, I'm assuming that we will be willing it to one of our children, or even a grandchild when the time comes to pass it on. Yes, it is that important to him, i am sure.

Like usual, I was very leery about this meal, but I was completely and pleasantly surprised that I actually really liked what Josh made. Not that he never makes anything good, he is a great cook, but like I said, I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food. I'm looking forward to having them again sometime. So, without further delay, Josh's beautiful meal. He even plated the meal just so, to make the food look even more delicious than the picture in the magazine. Thank you so much sweetheart for the wonderful meal! I love you so much!

I promise, for those of you who are interested, I will have something entertaining to talk about soon. I'm working up something good. I can feel it coming. I hope you are having a wonderful Sunday!

God Bless,

Alyssa

Because Maybe I'll Need It Again Some Day!

I'm wondering how two people can collect so much "crap," I mean completely valuable things in such a short amount of time of being married. On the 24th, Josh and I will have been married for 9 months... I think I counted right. And I cannot even begin to fathom how much "valuable" irreplaceable stuff we have purchased within the span of these nine months. I do have to admit that we started collecting well before we got married. We started purchasing things together while we were in Germany last year, so almost 8 months before we were married we were already gathering this items, in preparation to display them proudly throughout our house. But, the real question is, "How much of this stuff has any value, and how much of it do we actaully take pride in?" I could probably do away with half of this stuff and not miss it, but there is that small chance that I may need it, and why buy it again later if I already have it now?

I remember as a child I refused to get rid of anything. Barbies, dolls, dress up clothes, crayons and markers were pushed strategically into my bedroom closet, and held captive in there for years in fear that they would all come rushing out if I was to open the door. My dad made shelves in my closet to hold "shoes" in other words, yes there were shoes on that shelf, but it was also a place to hold more stuff! I had stuff everywhere, and when I mean everywhere, I'm pretty sure that in every nook and cranny there were remnants of me. I had barbies in plastic containers, a load of dolls in the huge drawers that made up my bed. Not only did I have clothes in a dresser and my closet, but I also had another huge drawer under my bed full of clothes. Clothes were prominent in my life, although I look back now and wonder what I was thinking. I think all of us have those thoughts at some time. I had things in the extra bedroom, I'm sure stuff stashed away in my brothers room. And random things hiding throughout the house, and at least 5 pairs of shoes strewn throughout the house. Oh, what makes a house a home.

I remember going through things when my mom said it was time to get rid of some stuff and just bewildered at what to get rid of. Everything I had, had some sort of sentimental value. "Grandma gave me that for my birthday when I was five." I would say with a look of shear horror as my mom would start to place it in the "Get rid of"box. She would reply with the, "Grandma won't mind if you get rid of it." Have you asked her yourself? I would think sarcastically. My grandma died when I was eight or nine. It's sad that it's been so long I can't remember. Alas, I would end up with half of the stuff from the get rid of box going through it after my mom walked away. My brother was worse though, he kept absolutely every toy he ever owned and put up a huge fight when he was told whatever he had needed to go. I'm pretty sure he kept broken toys... Just in case.

When I moved to Germany I found out what I could live without and what I needed. I had the necessities while I was in Germany. I had a bed to sleep on, blankets, a pillow, I was clothed and fed everyday. I had my camera, I cannot live without one, and I had Josh. Sure I had a few things that I didn't absolutely need. I had a few books, and I had my pictures of my family, that falls more into the category of need, and my mom had sent a sketch book and art supplies. I was in heaven. I lived life without being surrounded by possessions and I felt free, like I could do anything because I wasn't tied down. But somehow it ended up taking a few days to get all that stuff boxed up when it was time to go. I had collected things from around Europe and somehow my crap-valuable things expanded.

And while I would like to live a life of freedom and not have things to weigh me down, I am the first one to say I like pretty things too much not to buy them when I can. I think I like too many different things to never have anything around. I like trinkets, furniture, art, clothes, books just to have books, jewelry, cameras, shoes and electronics. These are the things that surround me now, and these are the things I'm thinking of torching before Josh gets back from school today. The things that bother me the most are those little odds and ends that don't really have a box to go into, so I end up with this small box of Miscellanous (that's how I label it) valuable things and sometimes not, that I don't know where to put, little tiny things like a button for this, or a lid for this. Why aren't they with their companions? Well, I already boxed it up, or I don't know where their companions have gone off to for the time being.

My friend Kendra gave some good advice and told me to start with a room and work from there. I have that in mind when I start, but I've never been one to go from room to room. More power to her that she can do that, but apparently I am to ADD to stick with one place. My mind wanders to something else I need to do, and I abandon that box in the bedroom for the one in the kitchen. Josh followed me around all afternoon yesterday turning off lights in rooms I wasn't in because I had been flitting about so frequently I'd just leave the light on until I got back. Not good.

So, I'm here alone again today, while Josh is at school. I'm taking refuge for a few more minutes in the internet, dreading the start of seperating and boxing. I've done all of this myself, because as I told Josh last night. God just doesn't come down and pack it all for us. Someone has to make the packing happen, and that person is me. Josh said maybe if he prayed hard enough, God would pack up the apartment, but I don't think packing up our apartment is on the top of the list of things he needs to get done this week. So, I'm left doing the labor as Josh supervises as he does so well. Like I said, I could just dump it and tell him God already took care of it and the boxes are already packed in the trailer! That's definitely an idea I am willing to consider.

So where do we find the happy medium? Where do we find that balance of keeping things streamlined but having enough of the stuff that makes us feel like we are at home? I think that is all we want, a place that feels like only "ours." A place to call home. What is your home like? Do you collect things and never put them out? And then collect more? Or do you minimalize? Have a wonderful Thursday! We're getting closer to the weekend!

God Bless,

Alyssa

Save Me!

So, I can't remember if I mentioned packing up in my last blog, but I started last week, but didn't really get into it until yesterday. And today, I am sitting in a sea of boxes that seems never ending, and even worse than that, there still seems to be a sea of pardon my language, "crap" overflowing throughout this apartment... I've set up a make shift desk out of boxes. I could probably just use the table, but for some reason I hate sitting at the kitchen table to work. Josh has set up shop there, the printer and his laptop have called this area home for the last couple months. Leaving Josh and me to sit on the floor at the coffee table for dinner. Terrible I know, what would my grandmother think? The woman who refused to put the container of butter on the table, but instead took the time to place it gracefully in the bowl. My grandma was never a fashion faux pas, and I highly doubt she was anything less than perfect when it came to setting a table. I could be wrong though, but I doubt it.

Anyway, back on topic! There are a few things I hate in life. I know that is a strong word but there are a few things I absolutely cannot stand. Like when I misplace something and can't find it when I need it, but that's a whole different story. On the top of my list is packing. I cringe at the thought, I'm in a bad mood the entire time, and I think of ways to get rid of our stuff... Ways like lining up a big garbage truck and dumping it all out the window, burning our things in the middle of the living room. Leaving all our stuff here and just getting new stuff later. I think better about all of these, and pack with hostility. I know I should just let it go, but it's soo soo aggravating to me! Anyway, obviously I'm taking a break from packing so I don't go crazy! I hope you are enjoying your week! Say a little prayer for me that I don't go insane! Here is a picture of my progress and a cool one, I think of me!






UPDATE: I'm packing again today, but haven't started. I'm sitting in that sea of boxes again wondering where to begin! Any suggestions?! Have a great Wednesday!

God Bless!

Alyssa

BIRTHDAY WEEKEND!

My father in-law asked me how girls can drag their birthdays out for a whole week, getting random things from friends every day in the week leading up to your actual birthday. Not so for me this year. I got my birthday present from Josh a month ago. So no surprise from him, but my mom and brother are flying in, in about two hours to spend the weekend with us! YAY! Only bummer about this weekend? I'm turning 21 and I probably won't be able to have a drink. My license expires on Sunday, my birthday, I sent for an extension (this nice piece of paper that says that in fact I am twenty one and I can still be using my license) but I have yet to see it. So this magical piece of paper needs to show up today, or tomorrow.... I'm really thinking I'm out of luck. I'm a huge loser... Why don't I just get a license here in Idaho? I have to take the written test and I think the drive test to do it. I don't use this word alot, but DUH. I'm telling you all this because I want some sympathy... I'm not huge on drinking, but I've been looking forward to having a drink with dinner and not being the party pooper all the time. I've waited 21 years, isn't that long enough? Well, gotta go get ready! Have a wonderful Friday!

Hopefully there will be pictures to come!
God Bless!

Alyssa