WILD.

If I had to sum up my life's experiences since the last post I wrote, I would have to say WILD. I kind of feel like I got sucked up in a tornado, and I am still trying to land on the ground.

In a nutshell, I moved. After almost 8 years, I finally busted out of Provo. (And into Orem, but that's just a minor detail)

In a not-so-nutshell, I was supposed to close escrow on February 18th, and was completely strung along by a really clowny lender full of daily empty promises. My apartment lease ended before I had a definite date for closing, so Dan, his mom (who came to help us settle in to the house but couldn't because we didn't have the house), and I were homeless for several days. We had to find out what to do with all of our stuff and where we were going to sleep, indefinitely. That was probably the worst feeling ever, when it sank in. We finally closed and signed our lives away on the day my mother-in-law left (oh, the irony). It was over a month late.

I think I had a heart attack.

Thanks to the help of family and friends, we were well taken care of while we were homeless. We were so blessed, and it makes me want to hug everyone!

Now that the kitchen is unpacked, I feel a little less tornado-ey. My clothes are still all lost in suitcases, but I can deal with that. I have a cupboard that sort of smells like barf, and no matter what, I can't get the smell to go away. This will be the true test of my homemaking prowess, I think. I hope I pass!

But, we have room! So much room! We have the ability to do laundry whenever we want, without trudging through the snow! It feels amazing to not live in 500 square feet anymore.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have LOTS of cleaning to do. If you never see me again, you'll know where I am and what I am doing... still...

[RACHEL]

The end of an era.

On Saturday, I sold my longboard.

I bought it when I was about 20 years old. It was kind of an impulse buy after a particularly awful breakup. I played Freebird really loud (as was the tradition), and then I hopped on Craigslist. I figured, at least I could make one of my dreams come true.

I hated to part with it, mostly for sentimental reasons. So many amazing memories were had with that board. It was a bright spot in a gloomy part of my story. It helped me to smile when it was too painful to walk (I know, I probably shouldn't have been riding it if I could barely walk), it helped me to get back to my true good old self, and it really brought me joy (as well as to all the other people I taught to ride, including Dan).

I sold it to a girl who was probably 14 or 15 years old. Her mom was very skeptical about the sale, and wanted to know why I was selling it. Reluctantly and dejectedly, I said that for a couple of years, I just haven't had the time, between work and home responsibilities; and that it was time to move on. I think she was waiting for me to admit to brain damage or a broken femur or something.

To that girl, I say be safe. And, I hope you have as much fun as I did. And, I hope one day when you're a little older, you get the chance to kiss a hot boy while riding a longboard that is long enough to (snugly) accommodate two. There is nothing in the world more exhilarating than that.

[RACHEL]

Work.

Having a job means some days are like this:

And some days are like this:


Can it be Saturday already?

[RACHEL]
**pictures from here and here.

SERIOUSLY.

This is not an exaggeration.

Today my car got buried in the snow while I was at work. After some pretty-pleases and a good chuckle about what the heck I am doing driving a Prius when there's a foot of snow on the ground, the car got pushed out of its burrow. One of my co-workers that I have known since my early college days turned to one of the other people pushing my car and said, "She's from California, can't you tell?"

We also had this treasure of a dialog--
Co-worker: You're just going to have to floor it and GO.
Me: This thing doesn't really... go...
Co-worker: (realizing the error of his words) That's right, this is a Prius.

Prius, I love you, but MAN YOU SUCK sometimes. Winter better leave soon so I can get back to good with this blasted vehicle.

I also discovered that the random bright yellow strands of hair that I have are transitioning to grey.

All in all it's been one heck of a day.

SERIOUSLY.

[RACHEL]

Wedding ring.

Saving me from wannabe Rico Suave types since 2009... I guess that means I've still got it?

Guy on airplane: I was going to ask you if you wanted a drink, but I am guessing that you are Mormon since you live in Utah. (Does an obvious ring check) And... I see you're more... advanced... than me.
Me: *awkward silence* So... Tomorrow's my anniversary!

In some ways, these three years of marriage have gone by in an instant, but most of the time, it feels like it's always been this way.

Here's to three years of living this blessed 'advanced' lifestyle with my wonderful Dan!

I am such a lucky girl.

Love is the best!

[RACHEL]

California.

Why did I ever leave?
Without fail, this question pops into my head every time I go home. I guess I'm glad I did, since so many good things came my way while I was gone... But, the one thing that I can never reconcile is why I put up with this kind of winter:

It's nice to look at... but not nice to drive in.

When I could be enjoying this:

Nice to look at, nice to drive in, nice all around.

Yesterday my (huge) little brother went to the temple for the first time. It was my first time attending a session at the San Diego Temple, since I don't exactly live in the area anymore :) All I have to say is that it was absolutely gorgeous!! I love how thoughtfully planned that building was, and how strong the Spirit is in the House of the Lord. We finished the night off with a celebratory meal at PF Changs. It was a delightful first day back at home.

[RACHEL]

This weekend.

This weekend was pretty awesome. It might even make up for all the other weekends lately where nothing happened...

First, Dan and I went on a date to the Riverwoods. After dinner, I thought I saw a llama in the distance. Turns out, I wasn't hallucinating. There were tons of llamas EVERYWHERE! We snapped this treasure:

It is probably one of my favorite pictures ever, and yes, I am hugging the llama. I like how it looks like the llama is smiling too :)

After that, we strolled through the shops. We stopped by Blickenstaff's, where it seems we reverted in age a couple of decades, surrounded by all sorts of toys, candy, and games.

Before we went home, we stopped by Williams-Sonoma where Dan let me dream about the kitchen I hope to have someday. He was good and didn't flip out at the price tags on some of the gorgeous items on my "someday" wish list...

The next day we went up to a family party in Plain City where we dethroned the reigning champion of gingerbread houses. (Sorry Uncle Ed :-) ) We won with an amazing barn and silo design:

I made the barn and Dan made the silo. We made a pretty good team :-)

And that was our wonderful weekend!

[RACHEL]