2 years later...

in a little over a week, it'll have been 2 years since I graduated from college.

time flies.

what exactly have I done in the last 2 years? I couldn't exactly tell you, but it has been wonderful and challenging and an adventure.

Current obsessions

1) Trader Joe's Turkey Meatballs - I've been obsessed with these for the past 4 years, but I hadn't made it a public declaration...until today. these are the best.

2) Homemade zucchini soup - I know, I know, it is summer and not soup time, but my love for it was rekindled last weekend. yum.

3) Shutterfly - too many hours have been spent making customized photo books. so fun!

4) Biking to the beach - I have zero gas guilt, the fresh air awakens my love for living on the coast, plus I get vitamin D while I ride plus the tan once I get there. and yes, I smile the entire 15 minute bike ride. so what?

honeymooning.

my brother and his wife (woah - still throws me for a loop to say he has a wife) are currently honeymooning in Maui.
they keep posting beautiful pictures on Facebook.

enter: jealousy.

honeymooning looks like fun. I would like very much to be on a honeymoon in Maui right about now...

dear future husband,
where are you? am I allowed to honeymoon without you? that would be weird. I guess I will wait for you to sweep me off my feet...but could you hurry, please. thanks.

a little funny for Friday...

laughter really is the best medicine.

please feel free to laugh out loud at these. it's free-ing. try it.

and happy Friday!

--------------------------

Dear iPhone,
Please stop spellchecking all of my rude words into nice words. You piece of shut.
Sincerely,
Every iPhone User

Dear Noah,
We could have sworn you said the ark wasn't leaving till 5.
Sincerely,
Unicorns

Dear America,
You produced Miley Cyrus. Bieber is your punishment.
Sincerely,
Canada

Dear Yahoo,
I've never heard anyone say, "I don't know, let's Yahoo! it..." just saying...
Sincerely,
Google

Dear 2010,
So I hear the best rapper is white and the president is black? WTF happened?!
Sincerely,
1985

Dear Windshield Wipers,
Can't touch this.
Sincerely,
That Little Triangle

Dear girls who have been dumped,
There are plenty of fish in the sea... Just kidding! They're all dead.
Sincerely,
BP

Dear World,
Please stop freaking out about 2012. Our calendar ends there because some Spanish d-bags invaded our country and we got a little busy ok?
Sincerely,
The Mayans

DAY 30

...a picture of someone you miss.


...Kjersti.
she's off traveling the world. I fully support this adventuring, but I miss her lots.
thank goodness for phones, e-mail, and Skype!

-------------------------------------------------------------------

and that, my friends, is the end of the 30 day photo challenge.

to be honest, I had fun. I kind of wish it wasn't ending...maybe I'll surprise you with some random photos every now and then just to add some spice to your life (and mine).

DAY 29

...a picture that can always make you smile.

call me a cheater, yet again, but these two pictures tie for the win.

they make me smile (and laugh) every time.

DAY 28

...a picture of something you're afraid of.



being old and alone.

I fear old age because I really don't want to physically fall apart, lose my mind, become senile, or have to say no to things I love simply because I'm old.

also, I do not want to be alone. my husband and I better die together - just sayin'.

DAY 27

...a picture of yourself and a family member.

me and my older brother, somewhere around 1989.

deer caught in the headlights and cute. the perfect sibling pair.

DAY 26

...a picture of something that means a lot to you.

one word: family

DAY 25

...a picture of your day.
I promise I didn't plan this - it just happened.

my day?

well, my brother is getting married today!

my day will be spent in a beautiful horizon blue dress...

hair curled. silver shoes. bouquet in hand.

DAY 24

...a picture of something you wish you could change.



...the number of children who have no parents/family.
also, the hoops that one has to go through to adopt one of these sweet faces. it should be a process, but it should not be an impossibly long and expensive process.

DAY 23

...a picture of your favorite book.
I read A LOT.
no exaggeration.
I read about one book per week, sometimes two.
if it's really good, I lose track of time and read late into the night/early morning. it's bad.
I love to read.
and I also love this book. it is definitely in the top 10 of my favorite books.

if you need any recommendations for authors that write amazing fiction, please ask. I have plenty of suggestions for "edge of your seat" suspense, action-packed books.

DAY 22

...a picture of something you wish you were better at.



yoga.
and flexibility, in general.

could this be me one day? yeah, right.

DAY 21

...a picture of something you wish you could forget.



...my 95 lb. body.
and yet, remembering makes me so thankful. God is good. God is incredibly faithful.
He heals. He carries. He saves.
I am alive because He gave me life.

DAY 20

...a picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

Cinque Terre, Italy.
especially the town of Vernazza.

no question about it.

DAY 19

...a picture and a letter.

and how about some cute student drawings? okay, I can definitely give you some of that.

or how about that one time I got asked out in 5th grade? and then again in 6th grade? by the same boy, of course. he had a way with words and drawings.

DAY 18

...a picture of your biggest insecurity.

...my body. in a bathing suit.

I just feel so exposed.

there, it's been said.

DAY 17

...a picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.



antibiotics for staphylococcus aureus.
literally.
what DID people do before there were easy access antibiotics?
if it weren't for these lovely white pills, I would not have a right hip, nor would I have either of my armpits.
as for staph, BE GONE. forever. thanks.

DAY 16

...a picture of someone who inspires you.

that "someone" is actually two people (gosh, I'm such a cheater): Laura, on the far left, and Joni, with the short blonde hair.

Laura is my friend, confidante, advice-giver; she is a mom and the way she mothers and lives her life inspires me. Joni is my friend, spiritual mentor, and an encourager; her love for the Lord and her desire to serve Him 100% is amazing and absolutely inspiring.

10 years of inspiration...and many more to come. love these girls.

oh, and FELIZ CINCO de MAYO! margaritas and fish tacos are on tap for my night. yum!

DAY 15

...a picture of something you want to do before you die.



hike Half Dome in Yosemite.

shoot. I would just like to GO to Yosemite.
yes, I am 24 years old, born and raised only 5 hours from this national park and I have never been. big 'ol sad face.

DAY 14

...a picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.



Janna - best friend since 1st grade.
life would be pretty horrible if she were not in it.

DAY 13

...a picture of your favorite band or artist.

again, this is impossible. I don't have a favorite.
I have favorites, but I don't have one favorite.

Joshua Radin.
one of my first loves.
SoHo - summer 2008

DAY 12

...a picture of something you love.

TEACHING.