Puppy

We got a dog.  Not just any dog, a pitbull.  I know a pitbull sounds dangerous and scary...at least, those were my first impressions, but I was wrong as wrong can be. Let me explain.  When I very first started dating Siaki he always talked about how he wanted a pitbull.  "Ugh!" was always my mind's first thought.  He would tell me all the time that they weren't dangerous, and they wouldn't eat our kids alive, but in fact, that they were originally bred to be around children.  Fun Fact:  Helen Keller's companion dog was a pitbull, how many of you actually knew that?  Pitbulls are notorious for being fighting dogs, Michale Vick knows exactly what I'm talking about, am I right Michael Vick?  The fact is, it's how you raise you pit.  With all the love and attention we give Slim she'll be a very loving dog. 
Slim is so curious and busy.  She has to check every smell, sound, and moving thing out.  She has so much energy and is so fun to take on walks.  We potty trained her the first day we had her.  She's so intelligent and loving.  She loves to cuddle and give kisses.  She can be stubborn and a little bit of a diva when it comes to sleeping arrangements.  She loves to explore and she loves kids....she's so gentle with them I love watching her with my niece and nephew.  She loves to meet new people and gets really excited when we get visitors!
In the past I've been a cat person...go fig, but after Slim I can't imagine ever going back to cats....sorry fellow cat ladies. 

Happy Birthday to Me

Birthdays come but once a year.  This is a universal truth.  The good thing about getting older is.....um....the amount of experience you gain with another year under your belt?  I guess that's more of a question than a statement.  What I know this year:

*I am extremely blessed.  Ok, I know that even if it's not my birthday, but seriously guys....family, friends, and nail polish have been really good to me this year.

*Trader Joe's has unexpectedly brightened my life with their ready-made salads, organic olive oil popcorn (same caloric intake, no guilt....bc it's organic, duh), cookie butter, and their sample corner.  Thanks be to the Trader Joe's Gods for bringing it to Utah.

*I am even more shamefully addicted to reality tv than anticipated.  SHAMEFULLY.  My DVR list increases each season.  Don't judge. 

*I need wrinkle cream

*Living alone is not as lonely as everyone thinks it is.  Soul possession of the remote control is a serious blessing.  I.e. ESPN is not my fave.

*Walking around Target is my happy place.  I assumed my happy place was Laie, Hawaii where the beaches are perfect and where everyone wears Locals flip flops, I was wrong.  I can't go to Laie everyday...weird.  Thus, Target is my 2nd favorite happy place (if we're keeping tabs).

*Rugby isn't the same if Manti and Mikey aren't playing *gasp* did I really just type that?  Sacrilege.

*I only have eyes for Siaki.  The other day at Walmart I passed this guy who was obvi a Calvin Klein model but all I wanted to look at was my burley, unshaved, Tongan hottie who acts like he's white.  Who could ever want more?

*I am a lot more patient than people give me credit for.

*The outdoors is medicine to my soul.

*I still love Pink, in fact, on Wednesdays we wear pink.

*I am practically a professional chef....practically. 

Kneader's has the best breakfast I've ever had....like...ever

He changed our oil....talent people, talent

I don't know why I love this pic of Siaki, but I love it.  Maybe it's bc it's a candid shot of him, maybe it's bc he's gaming, maybe it's bc he looks like he's trying to be a model...I just don't know. 

Just a little somethin'

Ok folks, you want drama?  I'll give you drama.  Not really, but considering this is sort of a journaling outlet I like to be honest....I don't really mind people knowing my business....uh...well....most of my busiNASS.  I have had my degree for 6 months now, and I have yet to find a job.  I stopped looking in January just b/c I got so discouraged.   I recently began looking again and sometimes I get so annoyed with cover letters, resumes, letters of recommendation etc that I just have to quit applying.  Do you guys have any secrets or tips? 

My dad definitely has enough motivation for the two of us as it is the topic of our conversation ever MWF.  I spend my afternoons with my dad.  He is a great source of joy, and also a great source of frustration....I mean the kind of frustration where he makes jokes about you and you're like *haha sympathy laugh" you're so funny dad, but for reals I am trying to find a job so you don't have to make fun...kinda thing....anybody know what I'm talking about?  Honestly,  these past 6 months have been kind of like an undercover blessing.  Since I don't work in the day I can work out in the morning and spend time with my dad in the afternoon.  I mean, I'm obviously the favorite...everyone knows it so I don't mind writing it down, but I've come to love him and learn more about him than I ever thought I would.  Hmmphf, who would've known.

Siaki and I are still going strong.  I love him.  Do you ever have those times in a relationship where you're like "uh....is this who I'm supposed to be with?"  I had that ONE time in the beginning of our relationship.  I prayed about it (too personal?) and have known ever since.  I guess that's why I stick around after a year and a half....almost 2 years now...can you believe it?  Hopefully we'll get married by the end of the year.....fingers crossed, everything crossed.  I feel blessed to have him in my life.  We are literally exact opposites.   He is very logical and I am emotional.  He is extremely rational and I am irrational.  He fixes things I break things...no really, I'm super clumsy.  All in all....we work well together.  Lucky us. 

 

Laki & Leila watching the horses.  Laki protects Leila like a good big brother.

Me & Becci at her bday party.  19 years as best friends....cray

I seriously LOVE this picture.  She is somethin' fierce.

Me & Jeanette at Bridle Veil Falls

Out at Daybreak feeding the ducks with Papa.

I seriously love this boy so much

Laki learns a lesson from Daddy on how to BBQ.  He learns from the best.

I love this pic.  Look how small Leila looks next to her Grandpa. 

Family Dinner outside, perfect weather.

Gone Green....(as in the month of March has)

Well, if you can believe it March has come and gone leaving us with a stormy April that is not going unappreciated.  What was my March like you ask?  Birthdays.  Birthdays, and more birthdays.  Siaki/Jack's birthday was on the 2nd.  Can I just express how much I love to be spoiled, but even more so.....I love TO DO the spoiling.  He kinda deserves it, so, any judgments that you pass will probably not be given two shakes.  Sorry about it.  This month literally flew by.  I can't even tell you what happened this month because my life is so uneventful that even if I dared write it you'd most likely fall asleep (face first on the keyboard).   With that being said: here are some photos (which is basically what we all look for....photos.....does anyone even actually READ the blogs besides me?)

Laki & Leila love playing in the water whether it's inside or outside

Laki's goal at this moment in time is to be the Red Power Ranger, he's just about there

It's only March and we've already been on 3 hikes. So, so ready to be outdoors

 St. Patrick's Day pedi....can't pinch me

My "little" brother became one year older this month

Siaki & I took a day off and drove up  Big Cottonwood canyon and had ourselves a little adventure. We found several good views and took a lot of pictures that I know would bore the heck outta ya, so this is it.

One of my new fave places to eat.  Texas de Brazil.  Oh....my....goodness.  My taste buds are still reeling. 

Auntie Jen, I need you to hold me and watch me play this game.  Auntie Jen, are you watching me play this game?  How I love this little boy. 

EXPERT kite flyer

Professional bubble blower

Laki picked out the cheapest kite b/c it had "Cars" on it....that thing took a beating

Cute?  I love this face.  I love this man.

While Jack was getting ready for one of our hikes (by making his own bandana) I decided to cause a little mischief.....if laughing is not a daily part of your relationship I feel a little bad for you....this guy makes me laugh on my WORST day, I just feel so lucky to have him....literally, like I hit the "Jack-pot."

Gushy Love Stuff

Feb is one of my favorites months of the year.  It's the month of love.  When I was in elementary school I ALWAYS looked forward to Valentine's day.  Building V-day boxes and then reading all the Valentine's you received was so fun and exciting.   When I was single I loved Valentine's Day.  I think it's such an encouraging holiday.   Whether you're single or taken it promotes either the possiblity of love or the celebration of a relationship that means a whole lot to you.  This is my 2nd year with an actual Valentine (last year was my first....totes worth the wait btw) and much to my surprise it exceeded last year's. 

*WARNING.....gushy love stuff approaching*

Jack and I have opposing schedules, I hate it.  He works in the day and has school at night, while I have the day free and work at night.  Not ideal right?  My brother Mikey says that "that's life".....my brother, the Alchemist. 
I went downtown and picked up lunch from one of our fave spots "Moochies."  Guys, bible, if you haven't tried it get down there.   BEST.SANDWICHES.EVER.  I took it to Jack's workplace and we ate in the car on his 30min lunch break...that probably sounds like the most pathetic thing ever, but for the romantics that we are it was perfect.  Literally, perfect.  

I worked at night and after I got off Jack brought over dinner from my favorite...the Olive Garden. I decorated my teeny tiny apartment in the most romantic way possible.....it was a little pitiful (work with what you've got right?)....but it was something we've never done before, and it was, in its purest form, romantic.  When Jack walked in the door he had flowers, food, chocolates/treats, and a teddy bear (which I later named Gucci....incidentally was going to be the name of our first dog, a pitbull according to Jack...hmm....we'll see right?).  Being the dramatic that I am, I screamed when he walked in the door b/c I was so surprised.  I wasn't expecting anything...like....at all.  We ate dinner and watched a movie, and then went about our everyday lives the next day.  Lucky me.  Lucky, lucky me. 

Oh Hello, January

Um, you guys.....I kinda feel like I'm the luckiest girl I know.  No wait, I'm not trying to brag, bible.  I'm just saying that I am VERY aware of my abundant, plethora of blessings.  In fact, I'm so aware of it that I'm scared.  I'm scared something will happen and it will all be taken away from me, that it might be time for another "test" if you catch my drift.  Please know that I have my fair share of trials (who doesn't),  but the good definitely outweighs the bad. 

This holiday season seems like a blur.  There were a lot of parties, family, fun, & outings.  It definitely is a magical time of year, and I wanted for nothing.  I think that's what it's all about.  Loved ones, get-togethers, food, positivity, new goals, new possibilities! 

This year I tried something new.  I made goals for myself, but I also made joint goals with Jack....it was.......new...I've never made goals with another person.  I liked it.  We have each other to keep each other accountable, and motivated....perfect situation right?

Thinking about 2012 I have nothing but happy sentiments, and gratitude.  I had a lot of adventures with Jack, earned a Bachelor's Degree, grew closer to family, discovered a different meaning of patience, made some pretty big goals, & cultivated new found "talents."  In reflection of the year I honestly can't think of any bad moments, I'll count my lucky stars for that one.  I hope it'll stay serine and calm this year.  Fingers crossed, everything crossed.

Not everyone that I network with has instagram (where I post all my "important" photos) so I thought I'd include some pix of this holiday season just for kicks:

Siaki took me on a date to the Natural History Museum and he got really into it

Christmas Bingo on Advent Sunday (Laki and Mom)

Oh my gosh....this is my Steve Madden bag (that might as well be my baby) I got at my work xmas party.  Best xmas party ever.

 

 

Spent a lot of time with this little dream

Downtown Salt Lake City during the holidays was magical.  Pictures don't really do it justice.

This was my FAVORITE gift I received.  I had mentioned how badly I wanted one but never thought it would be a reality, then.....it happened.  It was one of the best surprises I've received from Siaki

Laki and Mikey on Christmas morning

Kitty in all her glory!

I think it's safe to say I love this guy so much.  Such a wonderful holiday season!

 

Perfect Timing

Frequently, when I come home at night I see several deer in the field behind my apt scaveging for food.  The mountains are no less than 30 miles from my back door so I know they've made a long cold trip.  The novelty of deer in my back yard excites me, I love it.  It never gets old....."LOOK AT THE DEER!" I hear this on the regular, like almost everyday. Jack mentioned "I wonder why they're always down here?"  And, of course since I'm an overthinker I thought and thought and thought about it with no real intent for a solution...just thought about it because.  You know what my conclusion was?  I'm glad I'm not a deer.  I'm glad that I have a warm, inviting, cozy apartment to come home to.  I'm glad it's fully stocked with delicious food and a big bathtub for taking long, hot baths.  I'm glad that my parents live right down the road and have a substantial food storage (for emergencies....obvi).  I'm glad that I get to see the people that I love daily. 

This month has been interesting, I've had a couple curve balls thrown at me....no sweat of my back.  It's interesting to see that in the lowest times of my life I am the closest to my Heavenly Father.  I know, I know the talk of religious stuff might off-set some of you, well too bad so sad.  I have had a hard reality check and all I can say is, I am blessed....super blessed.  So.....thanks.  Perfect timing.....thanksgiving.....perfect timing.