aaron & amy d.

The end

2008-11-17T09:03:00.001-08:00

I'm starting my blog over. Mr. D is making me a header but until then, you can now find me at:

http://www.notesbyamy.blogspot.com

See you there.

Election Party

2008-11-08T20:07:00.000-08:00

Aaron and I threw an "Election Extravagazna" with my brothers & sis-in-law. On the Facebook event, my younger brother Matt wrote the description as:

"It's Obama vs. McCain. The outcome decides whether or not the Eley family gets relocated to Canada for the next 4 years."

It looks like we're staying in the United States.

A hot tub is awaiting my arrival.

2008-11-06T12:51:00.000-08:00

Image from Flickr: Biggles1067

Husband reserved a hotel room tonight in Park City.

We're celebrating my job promotion to a writer, my first article completed, his first freelance job offer, the election outcome, my first time voting, my cut-off from giving plasma, one week with no Cafe Rio, our decision not to move and stay in our current house, buying a full tank of gas under $40, the arrival of the holiday season, making it through Salt Lake's first snow storm of the year, his success in almost getting the BYU-H server up, our washer/dryer and gas oven, my skin showing small signs of adjusting to drier climates, and anything else we deem worth celebrating.

Chills

2008-11-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

I really love this video.

So grateful to have been a part of this.

Hello Sick Day, I've been waiting for you

2008-10-31T10:33:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning with my old friend UTI. For those of you who don't know what this is, thank your lucky stars. UTI hasn't been around though since Aaron & I were in Nice, France last May. He was not welcome as I was backpacking in Europe sun-bathing in the French Riviera getting ready for my over-night train to Florence. Forunately, he got the hint and left without any help from any pills. But this morning as I helped Aaron carve his pumpkin for work, UTI decided it was time to poke around in my bladder and make for my kidneys as fast as he could. Lucky the nurse practitioner fit me in right away and now I'm on some fun prescriptions that make my urine orange.

So I'm taking in the weekend a bit early. As these wonderful prescriptions kick in, hopefully I'll be as effective as Erin was on her sick day. I shall spend this afternoon taking picture of the Fall leaves before they leave me.

Vote or Die Part II

2008-10-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

Learn the issues and vote people.

Finally...

2008-10-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to:

- Sleeping in
- Making homemade chocolate chip oatmeal cookies for my brother
- Pilates
- Shopping
- Sleeping in
- Sunday dinner with my family
- Making a new blog header
- Whipping up some pumpkin butter
- Did I mention sleeping in??

Have a fabulous weekend.

Food Storage Monster

2008-10-21T10:20:00.001-07:00

I'm not gonna lie. Food Storage freaks me out. It's daunting. It's expensive. And the first thing that pops into my head when I hear those words is old ladies with hair nets canning surrounded by 70's-style wall paper. However, I'm a big girl now and it's time to just buckle down and do it. Forunately, I found this blog which helps break it down to week-by-week tasks. I think I can handle that.

So bring it.

Tagged

2008-10-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

Miss Emerson tagged me which is nice because she is the ONLY one who ever tags me. Thanks Emme for reading my blog and making me think other people do too!

I am: a one and only.

I have: a great circle of people around me.

I Think: too much. (I'm keeping your answer for that one Em)

I Know: that I should go to the Temple tonight even though I'm in a bad mood and feel nautious.

I Want: to have baby one day.

I Dislike: gossip.

I Miss: high school. I realize how silly that sounds, but life was easier, my friends were closer, and I said "good night" to my Mom every night.

I Fear: losing my husband.

I Feel: anxiety 80% of the time. Darn those genes.

I Smell: nothing at the moment.

I Crave: nothing. The nautious feeling is taking over.

I Cry: about happy things as much as the bad.

I Usually: feel like I need to lose weight. I'm learning acceptance.

I Search: other people's blogs for people I may know. I love finding long, lost friends.

I Wonder: if I'm prego. This nautious feeling is making me wonder.

I Regret: regretting. I'm stuck.

I Love: my family.

I Care: about civil rights. (Original E?)

I Always: ask Aaron D. for a shoulder massage.

I Worry: about my brother.

I Am Not: a good dancer.

I Remember: random things about random peoples' lives. Example? My sister-in-law's husband knee hurt when he proposed so he had a hard time kneeling. I heard that once and for some reason it's stuck in my brain. Ask me about the periodic table though and I'm lost.

I Dance: in the car 100% of the time when I'm not in the drivers seat.

I Don't Always: stick to our budget. Anthro & J. Crew have just had too good of sales lately.

I Argue: about politics. For a liberal girl in a mostly conservative state, I've gotta stick up for myself.

I Write: a column in Ski Racing as of yesterday! Promoted to an editor!

I Win: at getting Aaron to give my shoulder massages.

I Lose: my cell phone.

I Wish: I was more confident.

I Listen: to my Ipod.

I Don't Understand: a lot of people.

I Can Usually Be Found: on my computer at work.

I Am Scared: of strangers. Those kindergarten classes really had an affect!

I Need: Aaron.

I Forget: peoples names. Give me 3 tries.

I Am: trying.

What I'm doing tomorrow

2008-10-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

The best part? There will be a table for Nie!

I've been telling Aaron about Christian & Stephanie quite a bit as I've read about them on Cjane's blog. The other day I had my computer up and Aaron saw a picture of them, then replied

"THAT'S the Stephanie you've been talking about?"

Turns out they were family friends before he moved to Hawaii and lost touch. It's a terrible way to get reacquainted with an old friend, but we love reading Courtney's updates. Their story is a daily testament to the blessings that can arise from trials, if we let them.

A Great Subscriber

2008-10-10T09:42:00.001-07:00

I received the following email from a Ski Racing subscriber today at work after I helped him with a subscribtion glitch:

"The whole world is coming to an end and fortunately I am more worried about
my ski Racing magazine than I am about my 401K. Thanks for looking into this
for me."

I am grateful for this man and the thousands of other Ski enthusiasts.

Taking note

2008-10-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

At times I use my blog as a sort of "saver" of the things I love and want some day. I know if i just write it down somewhere it will get lost and then the one day I think "Hm...it's time to buy a crib" I won't know which one I'll want and it will be a stressful, hectic disaster. However, if I put a pic and link on the blog, well, there's a little more less of a chance it will be a stressful, hectic disaster.

With that said, one day I shall have:

from here. And it will be grand.

"Vote or Die" -Emme

2008-10-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

The Process of "Nesting"

2008-10-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

While Aaron & I lived in Hawaii, we did our best making our little home...well..."homey". I think we did pretty good but now that I live in the mainland and don't run the risk of things rusting or have to worry about moving, I've been having so much fun decorating our place! It's definitly a process (we arrived in SLC with no furniture whatsoever so it can get pricey) but I'm loving it.

The newest stage in this adventure is finding rugs. It's turning into a desperate situation seeing as our dog is terrified of walking on hard wood and that's half of our house. I found the one pictured above at westelm.com and I love it! I'd like to get it as a runner between our kitchen and our front door (not a big house) so we don't have to keep carrying our dog out the door to let him out.

However, here's the predicament. This rug would therefore being in our living room and our coffee table is black as well as our cabinent that holds the tv. The rug is brown. Would it be terrible to have a brown rug next to a few black accent furniture? I've never liked to mix black and brown but am wondering if it'd be okay to in this situation.

**Update: Bought the rug. Who cares if it mixes? It's fun and I love it. The End.

That's Incentive

2008-10-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

I joined a gym a few weeks ago. It's just around the corner from my work, has everything I would ever need, is extremely clean and is only $10 a month.

But that's not why I joined.

The first Monday of every month is Free Bagel Day.

The second Thursday of every month is Free Pizza Night.

I appreciate that they keep those extra few lbs. on my tush to ensure I keep coming back.

**Side note: Hope you liked the sporatic orange. I love Fall. Happy October!

"One day, when I have a son...(which he did)..."

2008-09-30T09:58:00.001-07:00

Aaron's cousin tipped us off to this show and we're so happy she did. Too bad it only ran for 3 seasons.

Dos Familias

2008-09-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, I woke up to this:

And got to play with this:

And hang out with this guy:

And do some hiking with these folks:

And had this cute boy to hang out with for a whole weekend:

Aaron's parents were visiting from Hawaii for a few weeks so we went and played in Moab for a weekend! I loved it. It was so wonderful to see them. Getting married and having in-laws is a really interesting thing (I don't mean that the way most of you probably think I do). Over night you allow all these people into your life and it's been strange for me to think of every one as 'my family' rather than 'Aaron's family'. But when Mark & Debbie left, I went home and definitely shed some tears. I felt a little hole in my heart but finally smiled when I realized they really are 'my family'.

**And we very much missed Megan and will be visiting her soon!

Weekend with best friends

2008-09-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

I've posted this picture before but nevertheless I flew to Denver yesterday to spend the weekend with these lovely ladies. My Mom just spend the past month fulfilling one of her dreams. She's been in Africa climbing Mt. Kilamanjaro, going on safari's and scuba diving in the Indian ocean. My sister Cassie is turning 15 tomorrow which is crazy seeing as I swear she was just learning how to walk last week. I love these ladies and am so thrilled to be celebrating these milestones with them!

My New Best Friend

2008-09-23T15:36:00.001-07:00

Together we are embracing this new climate of ours.

How Norah Jones Saved My Life

2008-09-18T11:57:00.002-07:00

While I was driving home last weekend, I was flipping through the radio when I heard the familiar words "I don't know why I didn't call" followed by that piano melody every one knows and loves. Despite my love for that song, I switched to another station as fast as I could. All I could find were commercials, so I decided to go back to Norah Jones and embrace the memories that it brought. After all, I kind of owe that album my life.

Since my grand entrance into this world, I have had a developing case of scoleosis and kaiphosis in my spine. For those who aren't familiar with these terms, I'll skip the medical terms and just tell you that basically my spine was jacked up. This hereditary condition not only caused pain physically but was also emotionally incredibly difficult. The summer prior to my Senior year, I decided to face the music and have back surgery. On June 25th, 2003, a team of surgeons placed two rods on each side of my spine and fused togther 7 vertebrae, leaving me with 2 scars I often tell people I fought a bear, shark, etc. to get. The surgery itself went smoothly. It was a day later that proved the most difficult.

I'm not sure whether it was the fact it was hospital food or just food in general that my body wouldn't allow myself to keep any food down. I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, and my body was starting to suffer because of it. The doctor's couldn't get me to simply relax (how you're supposed to relax after being slice open neck to waist is beyond me) and because of the lack of nutrients to my body, I began developing pneumonia. To be honest, as I look back it is all kind of a blur, but I remember being given several priesthood blessings and my Mom staying by my bed side anxiously wanting to help me.

A few hours after one of the blessings, I asked my Mom to turn on the cd player I brought. This surprised her, as I had become strict on no tv watching, barely any talking, and limited moving in the hospital room because every thing made me sick. Nevertheless, she hit play. Norah Jones started playing that piano and within the hour, I fell asleep. When I woke up, I asked for something to eat. And the next day, my body started recovering miraculously quickly. I was told going into the surgery I wouldn't be able to walk until about 3 weeks out. Within 6 days of the surgery, I was walking around the hospital and able to go home.

The entire summer of 2003 Norah Jones was playing in our home constantly. If I felt any pain, it wasn't pain pills I would reach for. It was the play button on the CD player.

Now...Norah isn't played so much at my parents house. In fact, if it comes on in a restaurant or store, my Mom bursts into tears as she remembers those scary first few days in the hospital. I guess I've grown accustomed to staying away from Norah as well...for my parents sake. But last week as I drove down State St. in Salt Lake City, I recalled the blessing those notes were to me that summer. Yep, I let that Norah play loud and clear.

Baby Steps

2008-09-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

SkiRacing recently sent out a press release about their new hires. I'm a blurb compared to Lara (I can only wish to have her career!) but it was still exciting! You can read it at:

http://www.skiracing.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6705&Itemid=2

September's issue also was the first one with my name in it! I may or may not have brought home a dozen copies...

Ouch

2008-09-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been missing this place so bad it hurts.

Love This

2008-09-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

“Jesus has commanded us to be perfect even as God, the Father, is perfect,” taught President Snow. “It is our duty to try to be perfect, and it is our duty to improve each day, and look upon our course last week and do things better this week; do things better today than we did them yesterday, and go on and on from one degree of righteousness to another”
-Lorenzo Snow (in Conference Report, Apr. 1898, 13).

I've felt stuck in a rut lately in terms of personal progress. There a few areas in my life that cause myself so much stress and worry. I know what I have to avoid to not feel that way but sometimes I just fall right back into those poor habits. I feel like I have a cart stuck in a ditch and keep trying to push it out, but every time I'm almost there, I give up and the cart rolls right back in (kind of a strange analogy, I know). I like this quote though, that just take it day by day, trying to do/be a little bit better.

Help

2008-09-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

After 5 weeks of living here, we finally bought a couch last night (Side note: NEVER buy anything for RC Willey. Worst customer service ever). I was hesitant to get this one b/c we have a lot of black in the room as it is and I felt like we needed some color, but we went for it. Now I need help b/c I need to get some decorative pillows to add a little pizazz to our living room!

Any suggestions????

I love these
from Anthropologie....but spending $100 on a cushion isn't something I'm wanting to do right now. Help!

Newest Member of the Fam

2008-09-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you mix a Chihuahua with:

A Weiner dog??

Our new dog! (Thanks Mandi)

Happy Labor Day!

2008-09-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

Spending our Labor-day Weekend in Provo enjoying cooler weather with family & friends. Both of my brothers live in Provo which is making this town my favorite spot in Utah. They are hilarious.

My brother and I came across this shop on Center & University on Saturday.

It's located in an upstairs loft and is full of everything vintage. Definitly worth stopping by next time you find yourself near the Wasatch Mountains.

You probably had to be there for this but I'm posting about it anyways. I've posted about the "Eley Einstein Mornings" before. In Colorado, my parents go out every morning to Einstein's for breakfast. They call it their "Six Dollar Date". Cute, yes?? Well when we're all in Denver it becomes a family affair. Anyways, on Saturday morning I picked up my younger brother from his dorm in Provo and took him to Einsteins for good ol' times. While we're standing in line, we see this guy rummaging through the cream cheese bin. Suddenly we realize it's our older brother Scott! When he turned around and saw us, he shook his fist in the air proclaiming "The tradition lives on"! Needless to say, my parents were very proud.

Something to Get Behind

2008-08-31T22:13:00.000-07:00

Nie Nie's auctions are becoming...well...quite something to say the least. I'm scowering the auctions for something I can afford/use and suggest you check them out (click the link on the posting below). If you don't find anything you like, you can donate directly. However, first and foremost, please keep this sweet family in your prayers.

Jonathan Canlas, my most favorite photographer, has done something quite extraordinary. He is donating 100% of his earnings from family portraits to Stephanie and Christian. He is INCREDIBLE and if I hadn't just taken our 1 year family photos I would jump on that. I'm trying to convince my parents to do an Eley family pic but with my Mom in Africa for the month, it doesn't look like it. HOWEVER, if you're reading this and have been thinking about taking a family photo, NOW IS THE TIME. Jonathan Canlas is amazing (that's the biggest understatement ever). Please check it out!

Next Project: Quilting

2008-08-31T11:09:00.001-07:00

This quilt was auctioned off for Stephanie & Christian's Recovery Fund and I just fell in love with it. Although the price went a bit higher than my funds would allow, I've been looking for quilting classes in Salt Lake so I can one day make one myself. I'm definitely not a sewer by any means but I've got to start somewhere! If anyone has any suggestions of a good place to learn or maybe are willing to teach me themselves (I can provide cookie compensation and all materials needed) that would be great!

Hip & Humble

2008-08-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Next time you're in Salt Lake, go to 7th South & 7th East. There is such great shopping and restaurants there and I just found the cutest store EVER. It's called "Hip & Humble". They have tons of adorable housewares along with great clothes. You will not be disappointed.

Don't forget your dreams!

2008-08-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

At my Senior after-prom, each Senior had a poster display with pictures and a blurb about where they were from, what they were doing after graduation, what they'll miss most about high school, etc. The last question was:

"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

My answer:

"Working for a magazine in New York City."

All growing up I wanting to get involved in the communications field and work for a magazine. Magazines hold marketing, journalism, public relations, everything that has to do with Communications and I wanted to be a part of it. And I was obsessed with New York City. And John Mayer. But that's another story.

Well I may not be in New York City but I AM working for a magazine!!

I am officially the Sales/Marketing Coordinator for Ski Racing Magazine

I coordinate all the print and online advertisements as well as circulation and subscription information. There is a possibility I'll eventually be able to do features for the magazine as well. And I get to go to Vail, Colorado more often for events and Olympics 2010 baby! I feel so blessed to have acquired this position. I know it's a result of lots of fasting and prayers. And again, the Lord has taught me that He will always take care of me.

Need a Life

2008-08-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

I just realized the last three posts were about the Twilight series so that's just gotta stop write now. Um....what to say, what to say....I'm being blessed in so many ways! I continually learn that the Lord always has a great plan for me, always better than I plan for myself. I'm grateful for Aaron and his closeness to the Spirit and his obedience.Sorry for the vagueness but all you need to know I guess is that I'm happy.

Lovely

2008-08-16T12:05:00.001-07:00

I may not have loved the 4th book but that doesn't mean I'm not thrilled that the first movie's release date just got bumped up to November 21st!

"Breaking Dawn" Kind of Broke my Brain

2008-08-06T12:53:00.000-07:00

**SPOILER ALERT**

When my whole "Twilight" experience began, I was so embarrassed to go into Barnes & Noble and head for the "Teen Fiction" section. I was 21-years-old, a Senior in college and I was just in love with these books! I'd call my younger sister to talk about them, knew details about the 'move in the making' and was counting down until the 4th book came out. Sure enough, last Saturday morning I hoped in the car and raced to B&N. I read the entire way home and didn't even noticed when we passed "East High School", which I usually pay homage to for HSM. Wow...someone is just refusing to grow up!

Well I finished the book and am just curious to see if any one else out there thought...well...that is was a little crazy?

The entire "vampire" concept is one that I've accepted and loved in the first 3. And yes, every time I try and tell someone about these books I usually get laughed at once I mention the whole premise. But I can't imagine telling someone about this 4th book. We had vampire, teenage marriage AND pregnancy, 20 characters thrown in, a werewolf falling in love with a BABY....I mean, how many strange things can you throw into a novel and still have it retain it's decency? I will admit that there were lots of good parts but a good half of it was met with my rolling eyes. I can't even begin to imagine how they're going to make this 4th one into a film.

Is it just me??

Alas...

2008-08-01T21:33:00.000-07:00

Only a few more hours people!!!

Positive Thinking, Positive Thinking

2008-07-31T16:19:00.001-07:00

We arrived in Salt Lake last night. It's hot. But our place is cute. And I had an good job interview this morning. (You see how I did that? One negative thought, TWO positive thoughts).

Orejas de las Planchas

2008-07-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

A story from ESPANA:

Our first night in Madrid we found ourselves FAMISHED from all our exploring. We walked past this restaurant which advertised having "Authentic Spanish Food" and ofcourse we were all about living the "real" Spanish life so we went for it. The menu was completely in Spanish which shouldn't be a big deal seeing as I had to take 3 semesters of Spanish in college, but I had no clue what anything was. The only item that looked somewhat recognizable was "orejas de las planchas"...I just couldn't remember what it meant. I couldn't think of anything too gruesome that I learned in Spanish so we went ahead and gave it a go.

When the waiter brought it out, it only took me .03 seconds to remember what that meant.

Pig Ears.

Raw Pig Ears.

Whoopsies....

For the rest of our time in Madrid, we became very good customers at McDonalds.

Can I do it?!

2008-07-21T12:13:00.001-07:00

Our old neighbor Jana has started this blog about her life as a vegan. You can find loads of delicious recipes, tips and personal inspirational stories that are totally attracting me to this kind of lifestyle! I'm going to try it for a week and see how it goes. I'm so excited! I feel like I've slowly been turning to this kind of eating as I only realized a few months ago that somewhere along the lines I became a vegetarian and slightly lactose intolerant. The only thing that will be hard is the chocolate adaptations...Aaron doesn't think I'll last a day....

**Update: I made it 3 hours and then the boiled egg ruined me

Happy Birthday to my Guy

2008-07-19T19:08:00.001-07:00

Look at this suave, sexy boy!
You are all officially invited to the birthday party of the century!

When: July 18, 2009.
Where: T.B.D.
Why: Because Aaron's birthday has been plagued the last two years by my Grandpa's death. Last year, we spent it at his memorial service. This year, I had to leave him behind to scatter Grandpa's ashes. So this man deserves the party of a lifetime when 27 comes around...

Hope you had a wonderful 26th birthday love. Full of Red Robin, Batman and fireworks as I understand it. Thank you for sharing these years with me. I'm one lucky gal. See you in two days...

Help

2008-07-11T08:55:00.001-07:00

Can someone please fix my blog?!

Where to begin...

2008-07-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

How on earth could I possible blog about our 5-week Europe extravaganza?! I'm completely overwhelmed at the idea...and if been avoiding blogging because of it. Europe was eye-opening is so many incredible ways. I could start by talking about how we saw the most incredible art...several of which I had been waiting to see my whole life. Or I could tell you about the different outstanding landscapes which await just across the ocean. Or the food...oh the food! Or how we met up with Aaron's long lost relatives in Holland who treated us like royalty. I could write pages on the things we learned about each other. Spending 5 weeks together 24/7 is something we've never been able to do before (and probably never will again...although I wish we could) and we found ourselves laughing all the time at each other's weird quirks. So maybe you can understand why I have no idea how to go about this...I keep sitting down to go through the thousands of pictures we have, trying to decide which ones to post. It's just not gonna happen guys. Here is Paris & Loire Valley in the tiniest nutshell ever created. And maybe I'll get around to Madrid, Nice, Florence, Rome, Venice, Sweden, Vienna, Salzburg, Germany, Holland, Belgium and London one day...but life goes on and I need to be documenting our summer as well! So new subject...

We finally have a post-Hawaii moving location! Drum roll please....SALT LAKE CITY. Ugh. Sorry to all those Utah-lovers out there. I've just frankly never been one of them. But the husband got a great job offer there so we're going to take it and I'm just going to stick out the next few years with constant reminders that graduate school is less expensive in Utah, that my both my brothers and best friends from Colorado live only one hour away and that I can be enjoying the Colorado Rockies with only a $100 plane ticket from Southwest airlines. I have to remind myself of these things several times a day when the panic attacks begin, but Aaron has assured me several times that this is in no way permanent. He will be working for a company called 'EM Assist' being a web developer. Oddly enough, the job is PERFECT for him and pays much better than we initially thought he'd be getting. And they just opened a Denver office but haven't staffed it with developers yet, but it is something they plan on doing in the next few years so hopefully we can make that transition easily and soon.

Aaron is in Utah right now doing apartment/house shopping while I spend time with family on the West coast. Every summer my Grandparents rent a beach house in Seaside, Oregon where we all congregate for a week. I haven't been in years so I jumped at the opportunity to come this summer. My Mom, sister and I came on Sunday and I have been loving flying kites on the beach, eating taffy on the boardwalk, playing bumper cars with the cousins (most of my cousins are under the age of 10), indugling in the famous "Elephant Ears" (not real, I promise! Just deep-fried goodness), and the annual horse back-riding in Cannon Beach. I need to get Aaron over here.

In a few days, we're driving to Seattle to scatter my Grandpa's ashes in the San Juan islands. I miss him dearly. Being in Seaside, I keep expecting him to walk in the room to sneak me away to drive on the beach in his Cadillac.

Well I guess that's the quickest update on our lives! There you have it. I'll work on Europe pictures and will give random blogs on that adventure of the next few weeks I'm sure.

No place like home

2008-06-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

We're baaaack. Expect pictures soon...

Facebook

2008-06-12T03:12:00.000-07:00

Please look @ my profile on Facebook to see some pictures! We are having an incredible time and are currently in Sweden for the wedding. Will be home in 2 1/2 weeks...

Graduation

2008-05-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

Today was my little brother Matthew's high school graduation! He graduated as a "Dignitary" with the highest honors and scholarship award and sung the national anthem in front of a crowded stadium and his class of 900 students! I'm so proud of you Matty and love you!

Tomorrow is the day we leave for our big Europe extravaganza. I'm nervous, excited, terrified, stressed, sad, happy, ahhhh! I know a bunch of you are going to hate me for this but like I said, I'm a little sad to leave! I just came back 6 days ago and now I'm turning around yet again to leave. I cannot explain how tired I am of the 'coming and going' routine. But I've been going to Hawaii and now Europe so I realize I have no room to complain here.

This is also a huge trip. We're packing a ton into 5 weeks and I planned it all so basically, I'm anticipating lots of disasters. Please just say your prayers that we'll be safe. Last time I was in London there was a terrorist attack planned at a particular museum the day I was visiting this particular museum. Fortunately, lots of men in black uniforms rushed into the area (I had no idea what was going on until the news that night) and we were fine. Last semester in my "Issues of Terrorism" class, I had to watch this documentary on the 3/11 bombings on the Madrid trains and those videos keep flashing in my head. I'm already a girl who has a little anxiety so none of this is helping.

Calm down Amy. It's a once in a LIFETIME chance (and probably one that won't be very available in the future: thank you crashing economy) so shush up and go.

(You like how I talk to myself?)

Help!

2008-05-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

Aaron & I are in charge of my brother's reception music. Does any one have suggestions? It's in our backyard at the end of the month so it will be a bit more relaxing and fun. Our reception was a lot of old jazz music and I'm not sure if that will exactly fit. I'd love to hear any suggestions if you have any!!

2008-05-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

In Denver & I couldn't be happier! We haven't really thought about moving back here right now, we always thought eventually we will, but not yet. However, as soon as our plane began to descend here we started falling in love with this place all over again! Aaron's already applied to a few positions here so we shall see!

Quote of the Day

2008-05-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

This happened this afternoon between my niece Loren and nephew Jake.

Jake: "There is an ant crawling on me! Ahh!"
Loren: "Hold still while I squish it."
Jake: "NO! IT IS A LIVING CREATURE!"

Time to Say Goodbye

2008-05-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Well our bags are just about packed which means it's almost time to say goodbye. We had nice day snorkeling at Sharks Cove and laying out at my favorite spot, Sunset Beach. It was the perfect beach day...the kind where the water is so flat you can walk right into it. And the water is so crystal clear you can see your toes while you swim. I loved just floating in the water, letting the waves pick me up and take me wherever they wanted. I truly don't want it to end.

This has been the first big chapter in Aaron and I's life together. Hawaii is where we met, fell in love and spent our first year and a half of marriage. As we see it drawing to a close, it's devastating. However, I know the Lord has somewhere else He wants to take us now. Knowing that, I'll find the strength to board that plane in the morning. It may be gut wrenching and followed by many tears, but with my hand grasping Aaron's, and the Lord by our side, I'll do it.

I guess for those of you who I haven't known too long, here's my quick Hawaii life story. I came here in January 2006 for what I thought would be only a semester. In fact, after spending a few hours here, I found myself sobbing on Hau'ula Beach wanting to catch the first plane back to Colorado. A few weeks later, things had not gotten any better. I remember being sprawled out on the Little Circle at school asking my Mom on the phone "Why can't I get used to this?" That night, I reread in my scriptures that the Lord will turn our weaknesses into strengths if we let Him. I remember praying so hard that night that I may know why I am in Hawaii and to please help me endure.

The next day, I met Aaron.

And here I am, 2 1/2 years later finally saying goodbye to a place that originally I loathed. However, it now feels more like home to me than anywhere else.

So for the last time from the North Shore of Oahu, Alooooha!

Mahalo Emerson...

2008-05-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

for tagging me!

Names I go by:
1) From almost everyone: Amy (I know, so original)
2) From High School friends: Amers
3) From Aaron: any name but Amy, most often 'Honey Bunches'
4) From the 3rd ward singles ward: Sister Doxey. Nothing makes you feel older.

Two things you are wearing right now:
1) My strapless black J.Crew swimsuit
2) My Target sundress
Just got home from my last beach day as a Hawaii resident;(

Two of your favorite things to do:
1) Sit on Sunset beach reading while Aaron goes surfing (Don't cry Amy, Do not cry!)
2) Snuggle with Aaron while we watch "The Office". I know, such a romantic show.

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1) To have the place I currently live in (Hawaii) and all the people I love here so I never have to leave.
2) To lose the 5 lbs. my Senior paper gave me.

Favorite Pets:
1) Spike. My sheltie-collie mix growing up. Truly the best dog ever.
2) Mr. Bud, aka 'Buddy'. My black-lab who is waiting for me in Colorado.

Two people who will fill this out:
1) Hm...Cierra because she will soon realize work can get boring and will blog more!
2) Erika...as soon as her own Hawaii vaca. ends and she faces retirement, yet again.

Two things you did last night:
1) Held my adorable niece Elle and smelled her hair. It's the best smell in the world.
2) Ate cookies with the family and reminisced on our last 3 years here.

Two things you ate today:
1) Hawaiian Sweet Bread French Toast
2) Ted Bakery's Cheeseburger
** I know. Way to lose those 5 lbs. but honestly, it's my last day here so back off.

Two people you last talked to
1) Aaron
2) Amara

Two things you're doing tomorrow:
1) Wake up at the crack of dawn to catch our flight.
2) Wrap my arms around my nieces and nephew in California!

Two longest car rides:
1) Denver to Seattle.
2) Denver to Rexburg.

Favorite holidays:
1) 4th of July which I get to finally spend with my parents this year!
2) Christmas Eve.

Two favorite vacations:
1) Roatan, Honduras for New Years 2000.
2) The one I'm taking next Friday

Two favorite drinks:
1) Water.
2) Lemonade??

I tag: Cierra, Erika, Megan and...Chelsey!

Wait!

2008-05-11T01:29:00.001-07:00

Sorry but I couldn't resist. How stinkin' ADORABLE is my husband?!

Okay, now I'm off to Foodland.

A few more..

2008-05-11T01:23:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy we did this! I promise to post more later but my body is exhausted from watching "Iron Man" and I still have to go to Food Land for dinner tomorrow night. Peace out.

Sneak Peak

2008-05-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

Natalie Norton is wonderful.

Aiden & the pout

2008-05-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

Apparently Aiden doesn't remember when we lived by him last summer. He's been here for a week and whenever we try to play with him, we get this face!

Prayers are answered

2008-05-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

After several craiglist postings, facebook marketplace pleas, and putting signs up all over campus, we sold our car. Who knew all it took was for me to go grocery shopping to find our buyers??

Picture of the day

2008-05-02T19:48:00.001-07:00

Up @ Pipeline today. A few more pics at my new photoblog here . Don't expect anything toooooo special but it's a way to track my progress.

Europa Part 2!

2008-05-02T00:11:00.000-07:00

I just finished booking the second half of our Europe trip tonight! I realize we're cutting it way close seeing as we leave 3 weeks from TOMORROW...but I think every thing is going to be fine. Minus the part about having to pack up, move, play in California, play in Colorado and possibly squeeze in a Utah run in between now and Europe...but who can complain about that?! Anyways, here is Europe Itinerary: Part 2!

After Sweden, we are going to Siena which is a small town in Tuscany. My younger brother stopped there last month while he was in Italy and raved about it. We found an old mansion that's been converted into a hotel for an incredible price!

Following Siena, we're in Rome for 2 1/2 days. Not very long, but we're squeezing a lot into 5 weeks!
Then off to Venice....followed by Vienna....

Up to Berlin and over to Amsterdam (a late addition to the trip: Thank you Matt Lauer for convincing us to go!)

And a quick stop in Brussels, Belgium before we skip the channel to London for our flight home! I'm think I must be dreaming: somebody pinch me!

I want.

2008-05-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

I took out my DSLR camera a few days ago. Mostly because I want to be a 'Natalie Norton' (she's incredible) and also because I'm photographing my brother's wedding in June. Terrified? Yes. As I've been playing around and doing some researching, my desire for a wide lens in increasing tremendously! Especially for our Europe trip. I think it'd be so fun to have one there. Does any one have any suggestions on a wide lens they have liked or one I should steer away from?

A Good Day

2008-04-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

Well it's now officially official. I am a college grad! Classes finished last week but I couldn't rest easy until grades were posted. Perhaps it's because last semester, the professors failed 1/3 of the Senior papers turned in. And because I took this online class from UVSC that was ridiculous. The final exam was full of "Rocky" and "Star Wars" analogy, two movies I've never had the patience to watch all the way through. And my Humanities class was way over my head. Honestly, I couldn't even tell you what it was about. I just kind of crossed my fingers and hoped for the best when I sat down to write the 5 in-class essays she asked for on the final exam. So maybe you can see why I was a little nervous to see how I came out this semester. And in my "Issues of Terrorism" class, we had to actually "plan" a terrorist attack. Not even kidding, surveillance and all. I've been studying peace-keeping and reconciliation the past 2 years and now they wanted me to plan a terrorist attack?! (Disclosure: It was a totally fake assignment. Don't worry)

However, today grades were posted and I came out with 4 A's and 1 B, walking way from my last semester with a 3.8. I feel pretty good about it. Okay...I feel ECSTATIC! An 'A' on my Senior paper?! I'm still in shock. And how on earth did I guess right on the "Rocky" questions? And even though I got an A in my Terrorism class, you can still sleep well at night and be my friend because I did not enjoy planning that attack. The B came from the Humanities class, which is A-OK because, like I said, I had no idea what was going on.

Now I just hope the goodness keeps on coming because we have our picture date at 4 and a little zit is brewing on the forehead.

Pictures!

2008-04-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

It's 5:30 am and I can't sleep anymore! Remember this post? Well I'm sooo excited because today Aaron and I are meeting with Natalie Norton and are doing this whole picture thing over again. Hopefully this time I'll be happy! (How could I not be? Check out her blog. Beautiful!)

Does anyone else find this a little funny?

2008-04-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

So this is the convo. Aaron & I had today while eating lunch:

Amy: Guess who's a new couple? John Mayer and Jennifer Aniston.

Aaron: What? Isn't she like, way older than him?

Amy: Well isn't Demi Moore way older than Ashton Kutcher?

Aaron: I guess....You know what's cool? You see Jennifer Aniston years after "Friends" and she still seems like the same person she played on the show.

Amy: Huh? What makes you think that?

Aaron: (Defensively) Oprah! When Jennifer was on the "Big Give"!

I don't mean to post this to embarrass my husband and his knowledge of things like "Friends" and Oprah. Honestly! It just shows how wonderful he is because he actually stays in the rooms and watches this stuff with me, and pretends to care at the pointless facts I get from "People" Magazine. He's so great.

Who I'll Miss the Most!

2008-04-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

These are just a handful of the second graders I've been working with this semester. Don't they look fun? Second grade is the perfect grade where you still respect older people (Eeew...I'm "older" people) and aren't embarrassed to have fun with them too. I took some 6th graders to the garden one afternoon....NOT the same. So I stick to these angels.

My New Favorite Snack

2008-04-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

Only 60 calories in 7 cakes! So I ate an entire bag. Oops...

Any one want to buy a car??

2008-04-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

To those who live in Hawaii:

Aaron & I are looking to sell our car within the next month. We have a 1992 Honda Accord LX which as 94,000 miles on it. It's a great car and I'm sad to say goodbye! In the past 2 years, we've replaced the muffler, tires and belts so it's ready for another 100,000 miles according to the mechanics who have looked at it. It has little, if any, rust and is clean! Oh and it's registered too, a rare thing on Hawaii cars. We have it up for $3000, which is less than the blue book rates it. So please! If you're looking for a good, reliable car call us at 808-292-7997!

One piece of news to report...

2008-04-16T13:51:00.001-07:00

Today is our LAST day of college classes!!

Celebration

2008-04-10T16:15:00.001-07:00

Today is the day!

Hawaii Livin'

2008-04-09T23:31:00.000-07:00

I have a question for all you who have lived or are currently living on the blessed little rock in the middle of the Pacific. Am I right in believing it is almost impossible to look good in Hawaii? And am I justified in the fact that I never really dress up and could be turned in to "What Not to Wear" at any time?? I really think there's just no point to getting glamed up for the day here. Here's why:

Reason #1: Why would I put on make-up? The sun is just going to make it melt away. And that is gross.

Reason #2: Why would I invest in "nice" clothes? It's just another thing the salt air and rust will destroy. Yes, my clothes rust. I have no idea how.

Reason #3: If I wear my hair curly, it frizzes. If I straighten my hair, it goes curly with the humidity and therefore, frizzes.

Reason #4. I pay $3.60 for a gallon of gas and $7.00 for a gallon of milk. It's currently not in my budget to look presentable. I'm working off of styles from two years ago when I moved here.

I find myself constantly thinking "Well I'll dress nicer when I move back to the mainland". However, I've noticed a few people who always look cute here, so now I'm wondering if it's just me. Please someone, back me up.

Lately...

2008-04-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

I graduate in 2 1/2 weeks meaning my life now consists of the beach & blogging. Life is good.

Remember that blog about my internship with the local elementary school? Last Saturday, Aaron & I did some work on the garden down there. I go work with the kids on Tuesdays and then sneak down over the weekends to get things ready for the following Tuesday.

And remember when Aaron won that BrainHoney competition? (I write these blogs like people actually read them! Haha, indulge me) Well the company presented him with this huge check! He got his picture in the school newspaper Ke'Alakai which was fun too.

And you may wonder why I put this next picture on. It's Aaron getting ready for something and it's way too dark. But look in the background!

I can't leave this place!

Europe Itinerary

2008-04-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned it briefly before and some people have asked for more details so this one's for you.

On May 23th, the day after my little brother's high school graduation, Aaron & I are off to Europe for 5 weeks! It's a "Way to Get Married and Not Drop Out of College" gift from my parents which we are so excited for! So here's a little overview of our plans for what I call "A & A: Europe Invasion 2008".

Our first stop is:

LONDON!

We'll be here for 3 days gazing at crown jewels and losing weight from not eating English food (yuck) but not to worry, our waistlines will not suffer once we cross the English Channel to....

Paris! Three days here and then
we'll be taking the Eurail to Loire Valley,
which is in the south of France.
They have castles.
Aaron really wants to see a castle.

After a day there, it's a night train ride to Madrid
for a few days, then Barcelona. My Spanish struggles.
I don't know who we'll survive.

Then we're up to Marseilles and over to Florence where we'll catch our flight up to Sweden for my brother's wedding. Also, my best girlfriend Margo is serving in Sweden and will be flying home to Colorado June 12th. Well Aaron & I will be there June 10th so we'll get to see her! Could the timing be more perfect?

After the wedding, Aaron & I will fly to Rome and keep going on the second half of the trip...which we're still figuring out. The tickets are bought and the first half is booked so it feels good to say "We are going!" If any one has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

Brother Dogg?!

2008-04-06T12:29:00.001-07:00

I am officially the most gullible girl in the world. To find out why, click http://www.benderboyz.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/01/# .

I got a pocket, got a pocket full of sunshine...

2008-04-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

Her music has been on "The Hills" AND "Grey's Anatomy", making it a hit in my book! If you haven't checked out Natasha Bedingfield's latest CD yet, I hiiiighly recommend it!

How to feel...How to feel...

2008-04-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

Well I think I'm going to graduate. Not that I was about to fail any classes, but I gave my big Senior presentation yesterday, which turned out not to be as 'big' as I thought..but that's just fine. I've been dreading those 20 minutes for a year and a half and can't begin to explain how happy I am that it's done and that it went well! Oh it feels good not to be having that thought lurking in the back of my mind all the time. I've had my fair share of panic attacks getting ready for it, and Aaron has had to remind me on more than one occasion to breathe (yes, I forget from time to time, perhaps that's why I've fainted more this semester than I have in my whole life). Tomorrow, I plan on taking my pink inflatable tube down to bikini beach and just sitting in the water for a nice, long time.

I think in celebration, I'll buy a little something from my favorite new shop LayersClothing.com . If you've never heard of it, I suggest checking it out. I'm in desperate need of a new swimsuit and think the "Reese" design in purple would work just great.

I'm so glad to be finishing up school but it honestly makes me tear up thinking about leaving La'ie. Especially because we have noooo idea where we're going next. I keep trying to propose a "Highway in the sky" which connects us to the mainland, but it's yet to go through (Could you imagine how long that drive would be?). There's no place better than here. Sorry.

One more month...

2008-03-27T12:21:00.001-07:00

Mahalo Prince Kuhio for being great enough that you have your own Hawaii State holiday right smack dab in the middle of an insane school week. Yesterday Aaron & I enjoyed our day off from school by waking up early to go to Honolulu. I'm trying to pull together a group project that has very little signs of life, so I went to Honolulu to do some research. Afterwards, we went to Ala Moana Mall where Aaron bought some computer gadget with his BrainHoney prize money (I wanted to use it for a trip to Kauai....he wanted a new hard drive...). However, he DID take me out to Red Lobster for some yummy coconut shrimp. Afterwards we decided to do some surfing at Waikiki since we were already down there. We had the best time!

Story: So I caught a wave and am up on my board when this beginner surfer glides into me on his board. I didn't want to fall off because, honestly, I have a hard enough time getting up that once I'm up, I refuse to come down. So right before the guy takes me out, I grab onto his waist just to keep him far enough away. So there I am, riding this wave grasping onto this guy's waist just so I can ride a few seconds longer. When the wave finally died, I turned around to see Aaron laughing his head off along with all the surfing instructors. Does any of this make sense? Maybe you had to be there....

All in all, we had a great holiday. Just 4 more weeks until school will no longer stand between me & the beach....and Red Lobster...

Happy Birthday Meg!

2008-03-25T12:09:00.001-07:00

My sweet Sister-in-law celebrated her birthday yesterday. I'm a day late due to an IDS final project (grr...), but wanted to send her birthday wishes anyway. I hope she had a wonderful day and that this coming year is a special one.

Carrot Cake

2008-03-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

Adding to the cravings by making my Grandma's "Famous" Carrot Cake for Easter Dessert. As my Grandma told me a few years ago, "You can't fail to impress with this one!"

CARROT CAKE

3 eggs

1 1/3 C vegetable oil

2 C sugar

2 C flour

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla extract (not imitation)

2 C shredded or grated coconut

2 C grated fresh carrots

1 C drained canned crushed pineapple

1 C chopped walnuts

Beat eggs sugar and oil together well...add eggs and beat well...add dry ingredients and vanilla and mix together..then add grated carrots, drained pineapple and nuts. Pour into a greased and floured 9.5 X 13.5 in pan (or slightly larger) and bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 min at or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool then frost.

Frosting:

1 cube butter

6 oz cream cheese (sometimes I just use a whole 8 oz package)

2 tsp vanilla

2 C powdered sugar

Cream butter and cream cheese well then add vanilla and sugar. Beat together well.

Cream Cheese frosting = Heaven on earth

Never ending stomach

2008-03-21T21:56:00.000-07:00

The other day my friend Jennie was trying to tell me how you can take out some part of a mosquito's body so that they can't tell when they're full and the "blow up". Yeah, lovely. Well I think somehow that has happened to me recently because I haven't felt full in days. And I'm craving quite possibly the worst food for me. For example...

Last night I'm brushing my teeth when I rush to spit and exclaim to Aaron "OOoo let's go get some Dreyer's Mocha Almond Fudge Ice Cream!"

This afternoon I'm eating a Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich, and I loooove PBJ's. Mid-chew, I suddenly get a craving for Ted's Bakery Cheeseburger. Mmmm.....

When I flew to Dallas en route to New Orleans, the only thing keeping me sane on the 6 hour red-eye flight was knowing that when we landed, McDonald's would be open and I could get an Egg McMuffin.

I ask Aaron at almost every meal (including breakfast) if we can go to Red Lobster and get coconut shrimp and their endless buttery biscuits.

Mm...look at that deep fried goodness.

An hour ago as I was working on our Europe trip (side note: does any one have any connections at all in London or any other city for that matter where we could stay for cheap??), anyways, as I'm working I starting salivating for the Cheesecake Factory's Spicy Cashew Chicken. Oh if we only didn't have Aaron's salsa band concert tonight....

This list could go on for days, but something's wrong because I'm never satisfied or full! And unfortunately, neither my waist line or our bank accounts can afford all this!

Oh and I am not pregnant.

Craw Fish 101

2008-03-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

Has any one out there ever tried Craw Fish? I had the "opportunity" last week in Missisippi. Here's the deal with these interesting things. To eat them, you rip the body in half, then suck the juice out of the head and bite the meat out of the body. Sounds absolutely terrible huh? Well I was so congested the night Kaley's Mom made them that I couldn't taste a thing, so I went for it.

When you eat Craw Fish in the South, you just lay newspaper all along the table then dumb the food out when it's ready. Fish, potatoes, corn, everything!

When I told Aaron about it, his reaction was "Amy...that's...that's kinda trashy." I thought it was pure genius. No dishes!

CGI Recap

2008-03-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

I'M FINALLY HOME! Ack, I had an insane experience trying to get back. I flew from New Orleans to Dallas to find out my flight from Dallas to LA was cancelled. The nice lady at the American Airlines counter told me they had me on the next flight to LA which would put me just in time to catch the last flight from LA to Honolulu that night. WELL when I went to board to flight to California my boarding pass wouldn't work and it turned out they never put my name on the list!!!!! I really hate it when people lose their temper in airports but I suddenly identified with those people because I was furious. They wouldn't let me on the plane and put me on standby for a flight that left a few hours later. Miraculously I got on that plane (the Standby list had 80 people so it truly was a miracle) but landed 20 minutes after the flight to Honolulu took off. So I spent the night in LA and am incredibly grateful to be back.

But it was so worth it...

The conference was amazing. I don't even know how I'm going to sum it up in words! It was basically a very intimate setting with some of our world's leaders, philanthropists and students.

I talked about building peace on college campuses with Gideon Yago (a young but accomplished journalist who reaches out to the youth by working with MTV).

Lance Armstrong spoke to us about the importance we have as the next generation and it's time to stand up and be the new leaders.

I spoke with students from around the world on women's rights an ways to empower women.

I networked with a student from Vanderbuilt: We want to create a college journal that informs students on the campus of things happening in the world, but brings to it a college level (not Wall Street Journal or the Economist, thank you very much). This way we can increase awareness and hopefully increase action.

I received a job offer in New Orleans (don't think I'll take it, but it felt nice).

I finally saw the city and the devastation I've been reading about for 2 1/2 years. The bank under the highway is full of tents with people still waiting for their FEMA trailers.

Bill Clinton spoke to us during 3 lectures. I know it's a very political time right now, and being a democrat in a fairly conservative enviornment means I'm in for a lot of confrontation this time of year. But I'm just going to say it: I love Bill. That doesn't mean I'm voting for Hillary, but I love Bill (And not in a Monica way).

Unfortunately, my flight took off right in the middle of Brad's service project so I was told to just go straight to the airport. Little did I know I'd be stuck in Dallas for 7 hours and could have totally gone. I'm sorry Heidi & Erika.

A great trip and now I'm back to face the music of graduation in a month. It was truly life changing and was probably the highlight of my college experience. I loved every minute (that wasn't spent arguing with the American Airlines ticket lady).

Kaley & I during the closing session.

From Mississippi...

2008-03-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

I'm staying at my girlfriend's house in Mississippi and just got back from the most amazing day at CGI U. Will post more about it later. I've been sick with a bad cold, while Aaron's had the flue back in Hawaii, so I'm ready to go back, make some hot tea and snuggle up with my baby. We can sniff our noses and cought together. I leave tomorrow and will tell ya'll (When in Rome..) about it when I get back to the island.

Sneak Peak: Lance Armstrong..

2008-03-12T18:00:00.001-07:00

I'm off to New Orleans tomorrow with Kaley to try and solve one of the world problems or two. I'm a little sad that Aaron just got back and now I'm leaving, but it's only a few days! I'll be sure to take lots of pics and give a full report when I get back. Mwah!

Touristy

2008-03-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Aaron entered a competition where he had to make an interactive lesson module. He entered a project he's been doing for the school to help students write resumes which you can now watch at www.brainhoney.com because HE WON!! The prize was $1000 which feels wonderful to put in our savings account (and add to our Kauai graduation vacation fund...).

To celebrate this & his wonderful return, we went out to our favorite Thai restaurant in Haleiwa last night. I got super touristy during the drive and whipped out the camera, so here are a few pics.

Rejected and Thrilled.

2008-03-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

Didn't get into BYU's MPA program and I couldn't be more relieved.

He's Still Working...

2008-03-10T00:25:00.000-07:00

"We know not all that lies ahead of us. We live in a world of uncertainty. For some, there will be great accomplishment. For others, disappointment. For some, much of rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow. We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the Polar Star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith."
-Gordon B. Hinckley

Before he passed away, Gordon B. Hinckley wrote the First Presidency message for the March Ensign & Liahona. When I opened up the LDS.org website a few days ago, I teared up when I saw that he had left this final testimony for us all to cherish. President Hinckley left us with the simple message that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. Knowing that, every thing else falls into place. I'm so grateful that I have the gospel in my life. I can't wait for Aaron & I to start our family so I can raise my children with that blessing.

Big Give!

2008-03-09T23:01:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I just turned on Oprah's "Big Give" and they're in Denver!! For the next hour I get to be back "home"! This will just make the next 2 hours and 25 minutes go by that much faster.

Grab your Kleenex Erin!

Missing Aaron D.

2008-03-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

I felt like the blog needed a picture. Aaron's still in Kauai but comes home to me in 4 hours, 29 minutes and counting. I wanted to make him something yummy but used all the sugar earlier last week making Apple Dumplings. Whoops. So perhaps I'll just make sure the apartment is extra clean.

The past 4 days without my best friend have been better than I thought they would be. I wrote a whole 5 more pages on my Senior paper (don't tell but I don't think I could possibly write any more. Unfortunately I'm still 7 pages shy of its required length). On Friday afternoon, my sister-in-law Natalie and I went shopping at Ala Moana mall. They just opened lots of new shops so we had to check them out! And on Friday my friend Kaley & I did some more shopping. Lucky for us, I didn't really find anything I wanted. I even made it to the beach with Nat for a little R&R. So thanks to a few sweet ladies, the days have gone by faster than I thought they would. But 4 hours &...21 minutes could not come sooner!!

I love this guy! Every day I realize how blessed I am to already have my best friend by my side.

Media's Misrepresentation

2008-03-06T22:30:00.001-08:00

Eeeew!! I'm about to post something from my Senior paper. Ack, gross. But I thought it was interesting so maybe you will too.

"The media present a distorted version of cultural life in our country. According to media portrayals:

White males make up two-thirds of the population. The women are less in number, perhaps because fewer than 10% live beyond 35. Those who do, like their younger and male counterparts, are nearly all white and heterosexual. In addition to being young, the majority of women are beautiful, very thin, passive, and primarily concerned with relationships and getting rings out of collars and commodes. There are a few bad, bitchy women, and they are not so pretty, not so subordinate, and not so caring as the good women. Most of the bad ones work outside of the home, which is probably why they are hardened and undesirable. The more powerful, ambitious men occupy themselves with important business deals, exciting adventures, and rescuing dependent females, whom they often then assault sexually (Wood, 31)."

I'm sorry to have subjected you to this. Please forgive me.

Silver & Gold

2008-03-06T13:26:00.000-08:00

Just in case any one else out there was wondering...

Mixing gold and silver jewelry

http://www.youlookfab.com/2006/08/02/mixing-gold-and-silver-jewelry/
August 2nd, 2006

It’s perfectly acceptable to mix gold and silver jewelry, but there are some simple rules that can help you do so with style:

Keep your watch matched to the rings on that hand – it’s a good idea to match the metal of your wedding ring with your watch. You’ll be able to wear a ring in a different metal on the other hand though.
Keep jewelry that is in close proximity the same metal – earrings and necklaces should be the same metal; rings and wrist adornments should be the same metal; belt and bag hardware should be the same metal.
Keep all fine jewelry the same metal – if fine jewelry is all that you wear, it’s usually best to keep it either all gold or all silver.
Ignore the above rules if the pieces that you wear are made of mixed metals themselves – jewelry or accessories that mix silver and gold will allow you match either metal.

A couple of things you don’t want to do:

Wear gold and silver rings on the same hand
Wear a fine gold and diamond wedding ring with a sporty silver watch on the same hand

This is a tricky subject to write about because there are exceptions to every rule. When in doubt, stick to wearing one type of metal at a time.

SuzyJack.com

2008-03-04T11:35:00.001-08:00

I came across http://www.suzyjack.com/ today and want to advise you all go to check it out! It has some very cute, simple items that would definitly add a little creativity to a room. The pictures above would look great on the wall shelves I begged my Father-in-law to put up in our place.

Goals

2008-03-03T16:46:00.001-08:00

Aaron's going on a little trip this week which I am not looking forward to so much. There have been very few times in my life where I've had to sleep alone in a room. My little sister Cassie always snuck into my bed at night growing up, despite the fact she had a very adorable Pottery Barn bed down the hall. In Idaho and New York, Kate was always keeping me up until 2 am, laughing hysterically. When I lived in Hau'ula, I could always count on seeing little Erin in her bed when I'd wake up in the middle of the night to drunk people using our shower in the backyard (true story. I could seriously write a book about my experiences in Hau'ula). So needless to say, I turn into a scaredy cat when Aaron's not with me.

So in order to stay busy and convinced that there are no stranger's creeping up the stairs, I've made the following to do list until Aaron D. returns:

1) Finish my Senior Paper (ugh)
2) Clean out our closet while listening to the new John Mayer CD which I'll be purchasing to get me through this difficult time.
3) Start figuring out what we can toss, sell, or need to pack when we...(tear)...move
4) Get a pedicure and do some shopping....:)

And next week I'm off to New Orleans to spend some time with Bill Clinton and Brad Pitt.

Nursery

2008-03-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

I know we don't have a baby. I know I'm not pregnant. I know we probably won't have a baby for a long time but I saw pictures of this adorable nursery and need to put them somewhere so when that time comes I'll have some ideas.

I thought if it were a boy you could paint the walls a light blue and swap out a few things but a lot of the items would still work!

To help ease the pain...

2008-02-29T12:15:00.001-08:00

I just bought Aaron & I tickets to see Brian Reagen in Denver this May! He's performing May 17th, which will be our first weekend off the island...so I thought this may help ease the pain from leaving Hawaii. Plus we'll be leaving for Europe the next week, so hopefully seeing our favorite comedian and getting ready to travel over another ocean will keep us a bit distracted.

On another note, I would just like to say I love Aaron's twin blonde cousins (is that proper sentence construction? Hm...yes I am getting ready to graduate from college).

Is this strange??

2008-02-28T16:13:00.000-08:00

I realize it's only February but I already know what I want for my Birthday this year. However, I can't decide whether it's sane of me or not so help me out.

New engagement pictures of Aaron & I. Yes, I realize we're already married. But here's the thing. We paid a student photography like $30 to take our engagement photos when we were doing the whole wedding thing. And although I appreciate the time and effort she put in to take them, they're not all what I wanted. And I had like, the biggest zit on my cheek that day. Gross. So now that my acne is finally gone (thanks to a blessed dermatologist I've been religiously visiting), I really want some nice, classy, professional pictures of Aaron & I.

I wouldn't have Aaron take off his ring or anything. And I wouldn't claim them to be my engagement pictures. I just want some nice photographs of us. Am I crazy?? This time of year, being wedding planning season, I do develop an attitude of "I want to re-do my wedding" so it may just be that side of me coming out.

Check out Mandy & Geoff's pictures at: http://canlasphotography.blogspot.com/ I would love to have some like these.

What a day

2008-02-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, this year has been kind of rough for me so far. But no need to dwindle on the negative because I'm really having one of the best days I've had in a long time. And I'm big into lists lately so here we go!

#1) I had two back to back mid-terms in the past 24 hours. One of which was a 7-page essay in the 60 degree testing center where my fingers came on the verge of freezing. The other was a multiple choice exam (I would rather write 7 pages than do anything multiple choice) in my "Issues of Terrorism" class (yes, we are also planning a fake terrorist attack). But I'm happy to report that I nailed them both (I think...)!

#2) Aaron has started applying for jobs, which means our finances my have a future.

#3) I worked at the Career Fair today and received the most incredible lunch from catering services. I know it sounds silly, but I kept reaching into my lunch bag and pulling out more food! And for those of you who know me well, you know food is almost fail-proof in putting a smile on my face.

#4) We found out where we may be this summer, thanks to a temporary job Aaron got...but it's not 100% so I don't want to say for sure but it's very good!

#5) As if things couldn't get better, I found this out:

Aaron will be off-island next weekend, so it looks like I have a date at Ala Moana!

Now I'm just hoping this happiness will continue as I work on my 20-page senior paper.

Announcements

2008-02-24T15:02:00.001-08:00

Speaking of weddings, does anyone have any tips on a good website to order announcements from? I'm trying to help Gabi with this so if you have any ideas please let me know!

Finally!

2008-02-24T10:05:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Scott & Gabi!!

On Friday night my older brother proposed to his long-time lady Gabi, which means a few exciting things:

1) Gabi will officially be apart of the family! She's already been with the fam for Christmas, Thanksgiving, my wedding luncheon, and lots of other things so it's hard not thinking she's not already one of us crazy Eley's. Over Christmas I almost cried when I thought "What if they break up?!" We just love her to pieces and are excited for her & Scott to be sealed.

2) AARON & I WILL NO LONGER BE THE ONLY MARRIED "KIDS" IN THE FAMILY! HOORAY!!!! Although I'm sure Gabi & Scott will handle being married and bunking up with my parents for Christmas much better than we have, we are starting to breath easier when we think of this glorious fact.

3) We're headed to Sweden!!!! Gabi's from Romania and for some reason that means they're getting married in Sweden! So we'll just pop up there for the wedding during our European Invasion this Spring! (More details on that to come!)

4) I may have a reason to spend money on this dress:

I realize this post my come off as very selfish on my part, but honestly, I'm just so happy that my brother found someone that makes him so happy and has decided to go to the temple with her to be married. It truly is the greatest thing in the world. So is it so wrong that while being completely thrilled for him that I find a few reasons to celebrate myself? I don't think so...

Hair

2008-02-23T09:03:00.000-08:00

My hair is currently in this awkward stage as I try to grow it out. I've tried to be patient with it, but how I wish I could just snap my fingers and VOILA

Sisters

2008-02-19T16:43:00.001-08:00

I'm missing you quite a lot today Cassie...

Expansion of Clinton Global Initiative to College Campuses through CGI U

2008-02-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

An article about the conference I'm going to next month. (Total side note: Brad Pitt will be there....)

New York, NY – Former President Bill Clinton announced today that the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) will expand its work to college and university campuses through CGI U, a youth-focused meeting that will bring together students, academics, and social, political, and cultural leaders to discuss pressing issues and ways to bring about global action to solve them.

The Inaugural Meeting of CGI U will take place March 14-16, 2008, at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Students who wish to attend the meeting can apply online through www.cgiu.org. There is no cost to attend CGI U and some travel assistance is available.

Similar to the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meetings held each year in New York City, CGI U will inform and motivate a new generation of young people to act on urgent challenges focusing on the following areas: energy & climate change, global health, poverty alleviation, and peace & human rights. At this meeting, CGI U will:

Identify, cultivate, and engage college students to make tangible commitments to tackle global issues;

Challenge universities to organize research and service-oriented commitments in targeted areas;

Introduce and promote CGI's work and mission to a new, younger audience; and
Connect students, organizations, and university administrators around the world with others working on similar issues.

"Today's college students have an unprecedented capacity to make a difference, both in their communities and half a world away," said President Clinton. "They also have incredible enthusiasm, optimism, passion to learn and a desire to help others. The CGI model is about collective action to make a difference, and it works because people who care come together not just to talk, but to form partnerships to bring about change. It's a model that we know works and by offering it to college students I hope CGI U will give them a new outlet to tackle problems and foster social change."

CGI U will consist of plenary sessions and panel and group discussions that will give students the opportunity to ask questions of panelists, develop ideas and form commitments. Before the event's closing, students will be asked to make a commitment to do something – big or small – to improve the world. Students will also have the chance to participate in a day-long service project sponsored by CGI U.

Students who are unable to attend CGI U will have the opportunity to view all of the sessions through a live webcast via www.cgiu.org. The website will also act as a portal for students to submit their commitments. This section of site will launch concurrently with the CGI U meeting in New Orleans.

About the Clinton Global Initiative
The Clinton Global Initiative is a project of the William J. Clinton Foundation that brings together a community of global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. CGI has approximately 1,000 members, diverse and influential leaders from all over the world, who make tangible commitments to create or support projects within CGI's areas of focus. During the three-day Annual Meeting, attendees participate in workshops and meetings focused on four main topics: Global Heath, Education, Poverty Alleviation, and Energy & Climate Change. Attendees are required to make specific commitments to address one of the topics and report back to President Clinton on the progress made throughout the course of the year. Attendees who do not make or keep their commitment will not be invited to attend future meetings.

For more information, please visit: www.cgiu.org or www.clintonglobalinitiative.org.

J.Crew

2008-02-14T10:58:00.000-08:00

I'm currently coveting this shirt with a cute pair of skinny jeans. AND it's on sale! Hm...maybe a little V-Day present for me...from me...

Valentine's Tag

2008-02-14T09:19:00.000-08:00

Thanks Megan!!

1. How long have you been together? We've been together for 2 years & enjoying blissful marriage for 1.
2. How old is he? 25
3. How old are you? 21
4. Who eats more? When we were dating I could hold my own around Aaron but times have changed and now Aaron is always finishing my plate.
5. Who said "I love you" first? This is a controversial question in our book. Aaron could tell I was trying to say it so he went ahead and said it...kind of confusing I know but ask us in person and we'll share the details.
6. Who is taller? Aaron
7. Who sings better? Both equally talented ;)
8. Who is smarter? Aaron seems to have tapped into this whole other field of knowledge I have no clue about (computers) but ask me how marxism influences the Shakira Pepsi commercial and I'll come back confident. So different kinds of smart in this marriage.
9. Who does the laundry? DEFINITLY combined effort here. Actually I'm just trying to give myself some credit, but it's Aaron.
10. Who does the dishes? Haha same answer as above.
11. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Aaron.
12. Who pays the bills? Amy...although Aaron did pay his credit card bill the other night all on his own.
13. Who mows the lawn? Non-existent.
14. Who cooks dinner? First year of marriage: Aaron. But lately cooking has become my stress reliever so Aaron's getting to try some interesting recipe.
15. Who is more stubborn? We're both the same in a moderate way.
16. Who kissed whom first? Aaron kissed me. He was driving me home when he pulled over the car and asked if I wanted to dance (Aaron's a GREAT dancer). So there we were dancing under the palm trees....the rest is history....
17. Who asked whom out? Aaron asked me out first. He got his friend to introduce us after classes one day, we went out to Mexican food that night in Kaneohe and have been together ever since.
18. Who proposed? Aaron. He came to Denver for my birthday and after going to the Temple with my family we all went out to the Cheesecake factory. When the waitress brought out dessert she put a little box in front of me and whipped out a video camera. I freaked out but Aaron held it together pretty well.

19. Who is more sensitive? Me. I have a very patient husband.
20. Who has more friends? We're about the same.
21. Who has more siblings? Aaron. He's the 3rd of 5, I'm the 2nd of 4.
22. Who wears the pants in the relationship? He wears one leg, I wear the other.

The whole thing is just miraculous to me. I still can't believe I found someone I'm this crazy about and somehow, he's that crazy about me too. I'm the luckiest girl.

Mr. Bud

2008-02-11T13:01:00.000-08:00

Who couldn't love this face?
Buddy has been Aaron's dog for years and made the trip out here with the Doxey clan in 2005. He's really the only other living thing (besides me ofcourse :)) I've seen Aaron show such love for! We've gotten the consent of Aaron's parents that Buddy can come live with us when we get settled (somewhere) in the Fall, which seems only fitting seeing as Aaron & Buddy are so close.

Buddy and I sort of have a love-hate relationship. I'm a dog person and I do love Buddy...but Buddy seems to look at me as the person who stole away his best friend. He never fails to jump up on my pants with muddy paws, stick is muddy feet into my shoes, or sit his dirty butt right on my feet! It got a little better when we moved back up to the Point but I can see revenge in those eyes.

Or maybe not...Anyways Aaron did coax Bud to take a picture with me while we were whale-watching yesterday.

Just look at those muddy paws. They're his main means of attack....

Addicted to Grey's

2008-02-08T16:06:00.000-08:00

One of my best girl's is serving her mission in Sweden and I wrote her the following email this morning. She went through a similar issue right before her mission and thought that perhaps she could help.

Dear Margo,

I have news. It's good news and it's bad news depending on how you look at it and I'm hoping you'll help me figure it out.
I have recently become an addict to "Grey's Anatomy". I am well into Season 2 and had a very emotional night last night after the episode where two patients are stuck together by a pole! I was crying like a baby when they decided that the girl would die.
You may be asking: "How could this be a bad thing?" Well I'm am yet again a Second Semester Senior. I live in Hawaii and right now it's whale season where the whales jump out of the water right outside my window. The weather is beautiful, Aaron wants to surf every free moment we get. However, I'm still in school and have 2 20-page papers due in a matter of weeks.
I DON'T NEED ONE MORE DISTRACTION.
Today in my "Issues of Terrorism" class, my teacher was giving out the homework and I actually had the thought "Hmm....this kind of cuts into my Grey's Anatmoy time". I thought this with 100% seriousness Margo! This afternoon I need to write a lesson plan for my internship and get the rest of my homework done for the weekend so I can spend tomorrow working on my senior paper, but I'm dying to find out what's going to happen between McDreamy and his recently returned wife! (Why on earth does she live in Manhattan and he in Seattle? That's the craziest marriage I've ever heard of). And WHY IS THERE A PREGNANT MAN IN THE HOSPITAL??!?
I write this letter as a call for help. Grey's Anatomy should be at the bottom of my list, but for some reason I insist that it be on the top. I love you. I need you. Oh baby oh baby. (RIP Heath Leger)

Love , Amy