I used to be embarrassed...

I was born with a hyper-sensitivity to what other people think of me. Sometimes it is a blessing, most the time it is a curse. However, I feel that I have made STRIDES of improvement in this area lately as I grow into my adulthood. I'd like to share with you a few things that I used to be embarrassed about, and how I feel about them now.

I used to be embarrassed that my mom delivers the mail. Now, I like it because I know she is a hard working, dedicated employee.

I used to be embarrassed that I have 2 webbed toes. Now, I show them off because they make me unique.

I used to be embarrassed that I did not have a wardrobe full of Abercrombie & Fitch clothes. Now, I have no desire to wear clothes that expensive.

I used to be embarrassed that I am from the Mid-West. Now, I LOVE it and am extremely proud of it.


I feel that my embarrassments have matured, and so have I. For instance:

I am embarrassed that my dogs sneak into the neighbor's pool. However, it is something that we are working on, so I can get over it.

I am embarrassed that my dogs poop in the neighbor's yard. However, it is something that we are working on, so I can get over it.

I am embarrassed that I have "love handles". However, starving sucks. I try to work out frequently and it is still a goal of mine to have a "nice" stomach.

I am embarrassed that my now fiance broke up with me a couple years ago. However, it made him realize that (DUH) I am the one for him, and now our relationship is amazing!

I am embarrassed that we live with my parents. However, someday I know I will miss being able to see them everyday.

I am embarrassed that our engagement will end up being 2 years and 2 months long! However, we are working hard for our wedding and nothing is being handed to us. I think we will be stronger and happier because of that.

Anyone brave enough to tell me what you are embarrassed about? ;)

Engagement Party

Although I have been engaged for a year and a half, Andrew and I were living on the opposite pole of the country for the first year of our engagement. Now that we are back in "the Mitten" (Michigan), my parents decided to throw us an engagement party. Of course, they had to couple it with a celebration of their 28th wedding anniversary. The picture that was included in the invite is #3 above: their wedding photo and a photo from our engagement photo session.

The party was great. Old friends, old family, new friends, new family, tons of food and of course...quite a bit of drinking. I thought i'd share a few pictures and details:

Picture #1. Sangria! I found a yummy recipe by Emeril Lagasse and it turned out great. My instructions/adaptations can be found here 

Picture #2. Myself with one of my besties and also bridesmaid, Courtney.

Picture #3. The aforementioned invitation picture.

Picture #4. A "party ball." My mom is in love with "Art deco" things from the '30s and '40s. She filled her party ball with vodka and redbull (she's not playin' around....), and was offering/forcing people to take pumps/shots all evening. Mom knows best.

Picture #5. Cake Pops! I got the recipe from my favorite blog "Little Miss Momma" here

Picture #6. Myself and the man of my dreams

Picture #7. Snipped some flowers off a bush in my parents back yard to make some pretty and simple centerpieces. Anyone know what type of flower/bush this is?

Up In The Air

Me, our husky, Svedka, my fiancee, Andrew, and our Lab/German Shepherd mix, Jameson

Ever since my fiance, Andrew and I got engaged in December of 2009 (yes, we have been engaged that long...), ALOT has been "Up In The Air": my job, his job, where we will live, what kind of life we'll be able to live and the list goes on....

A year ago today I was living in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Andrew was on the practice squad for the Miami dolphins, and I was 4 months in at my new job as a logistics coordinator for an international importing company. We were renting a small house with a yard close to down town. We didn't know many people. We spend a lot of time just the two of us and our dogs.

Now, we are back in Michigan, both living at my parents house...with our 2 dogs. I know, sounds horrible right? Actually, I LOVE it. I think that most young people feel an "itch" to get out of dodge and try something new. Me? I had that itch for a long time. Before Florida I spent time living in Arizona and Washington, D.C. Turns out, for me anyway, nothing is greater than being within a few miles distance of your family and your closest friends.

Andrew is done with football. He has lost 50 pounds and feels great. He just started a new job yesterday. The international importing company allowed me to stay on and work "virtually" from home. That means A LOT more time to take care of the "FIANSE" and the pups. Plus, office life is NOT for me (BLAH...)

Although last year we had quite a bit more money, we were lonely and didn't know if our livelihood would be there for us from one day to the next. Now, we are surrounded by family and friends, and our summer has been PACKED with fun "shenanigans". There is still A LOT "Up In The Air." But I think I like it that way. And there is no place like home :)