Cold.

This was my morning.

I wore leggings under my work uniform today, and kept them on all day long.

PEOPLE. This isn't normal! Over the last 48 hours or so, the temperature has really dropped.  Husband and I have been freezing and miserable; we aren't used to this stuff.  A beach sounds really nice right about now! Luckily next week we'll be in warmer weather!  But seriously, I need a nice warm beach.

I'm old enough for this?

Yesterday in church I was asked to become the new 'Mia Maid' advisor. { = Leader/Sunday teacher for 14 & 15 yr old girls}.  I'm the least excited about the teaching part, but I'm excited about becoming a part of their awkward teenage lives.  I remember my leaders at that age playing a big role in my life, so I hope that I can live up to that for these girls. It's a little bit nerve racking, but fun at the same time.

Today it started off by going to a youth activity for all boys of girls in our church ward of the age of 12-18.  We went to a neighboring town to let them ice skate, as me and the other leaders watched and laughed when they fell  them. I layered up, but still froze my butt off.  I kept my layers on for few hours after too, my AZ blood isn't use to that!  Wish me luck with these hooligans.

Legal Cars

Our cars are finally legal in the state of MD. The MVD wasn't even horrible like everyone set me up for, the counter lady was lovely, so I even wrote an email expressing that she was wonderful and should be awarded for her excellent customer service.  {Too many companies only hear the bad, right?}

Left: Yay! Our cars are finally legal!  Right: Wait, how much did I just pay for this? These plates are ugly.

Today we stripped our cars of their AZ pride, and slapped the new plates on.  I don't feel as cool anymore, not being able to roll around with a west coast plate on the east coast. We are just another one of "them" now. How boring!

Training

Last week I had training at RC Georgetown. To be honest, it isn't very aesthetically pleasing on the outside (it used it be an old factory) but it is beautiful on the inside. Georgetown is SUCH a cute area, I must go back and enjoy it.  We received training on Mama Mio products, which I am now pretty excited about.  And the best part about it?  The representative gave us all a free product of our choice!  I hope I picked the most expensive one. ;)  I just got it today and can't wait to use it, after I've used it for a while, I'll tell you how it is! (maybe)

Happy Weekend Everyone.

Grandpa "Tick"

A week ago from this past Saturday, my dear Grandpa, and last surviving grandparent, passed.

I honestly hesitate to write about such an influential and wonderful human being he is/was, because I am not naturally elegant with my words, nor could probably every fully portray the feelings I have about such a wonderful man.

My Grandpa was the one of the most selfless people I've ever known, coupled with hard working, and even had a great sense of humor. I have many great memories of him and what kind of person he was during his life, and I have prayed to God that I'll never forget that.

The funeral in NV this past weekend was beautifully done, and even though there were many tears in the congregation, it was a wonderful celebration of his life, and knowing that one day we will be reunited with him again through God's love and mercy and through Christ's Atonement.

I am so happy for him to be reunited with his wife, and many other family and friends who have gone before him.  I envision him walking freely with no pain nor ailments with a big smile on his face and that brings me happiness and peace. All those who knew him were touched by his example of how to be a man, a father, a husband, and a productive citizen.  I look forward to the day when I can see him again in his perfect state, and with open arms says, "Welcome home, my favorite grandchild."   (ok, I had to pull a funny somewhere) 

Me and Grandpa

Him in the middle. He was SO handsome! My Grandma did well.

The physical representation and reminder that my Grandparents are now reunited.

What a beautiful thing.

Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013

For those of you that don't know, I got a job!  The convenient part is that it is the exact same job I was doing in Phoenix (working at a spa), but this time I "upgraded" and will be working at a Ritz.  But honestly I don't really care about that part, I'm just glad I'll be bringing in an income. I was kind of wanting to go down a different career path, but beggers can't be choosers, so this will do for now.

Today was my first day at work and it was....interesting.  In vague trying-not-to-say-too-much terms, let's just say that it is going to be a big adjustment in more ways than I expected, and I hope changes can and will be happening in the near future.  

So tonight, we reflect on what a good year it has been to us, and look to the future in hoping that it'll be memorable too. How are we celebrating tonight?  Sleeping! We considered being adventurous in DC, but naaahhhhh....New Year's has notoriously been pretty lame and just a disappointment year after year for the most part, so now I don't really bother going out of my way to do anything spectacular.  Maybe things will be different in the years to come, but this night, is not that night!

Have a safe and Happy New Year, you crazy animals.

Christmas

Christmas this year was low key and enjoyable, we were able to fly home to AZ to spend it with my family.  It was a very short trip of just a few days and a lot of traveling ( 1 hr to Baltimore airport, 4-5 hour flight, 4 1/2 hour drive to parents' house/hometown) but it was still well worth it. It was also great to be able to enjoy a short visit with my Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, and Grandpa. Grandpa has been in the hospital recently, but luckily was able to go home a little before Christmas thanks to my loving and supportive family members.

What happened to when we were students and had 3 weeks off to enjoy the Christmas season?  I feel like it came and went in a blink of an eye.  I still have our small amount of Christmas decorations up, and sometimes still listen to Christmas music- don't judge!  Not to mention I went a little crazy in post-Christmas shopping for Christmas decorations, and I'm excited for next year's decorating!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas with your loved ones.