Showing posts with label Grown ups. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grown ups. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Holiday Advice

I don’t know about you, but I love Thanksgiving and family activities. Maybe it is because I have a super small family and I am not yet married, therefore I am not trying to juggle multiple families.

My obligations are limited. I choose to kick it with my mom all day and cook. I get to pick out our cooking jams aka kitchen dancing music and make pies. No seriously, that is all the responsibility I have.  So… that is pretty awesome. My mom often tries to make me watch football, but I can usually get out of it.

Many people say that the holidays are stressful. I totally get that! If I had kids or more than one family to answer to, they probably would be! As this is not my situation, I would like to dish out some baseless and gratuitous holiday advice. When I say baseless I really mean it, my only commitment on Christmas Day is my commitment to not showering until at least 1pm.

Here it is:
Do what you want.

I know it sounds selfish, but it is to save your sanity! My dad decided many years ago that they were never going to spend a holiday on the freeway. And you know what!? I am incredibly grateful for that decision. They did what was right for them (and us) and invited everyone to them instead of trying to please everyone else. Everyone was included, so it really just became their call at that point. I’m sure there was some initial drama involved, people probably called them selfish or whatever… but in the end it led to happy, low-stress (for the most part) holidays extending throughout my childhood.

So that is my advice. It is my final word. Just do what you want! And when I am married and I am talking about how much I hate the stress of the holidays, please send me this so I can be pissed at how ignorant to family dynamics I was at this point in my charmed, employed, un-married life.

Here’s to your very own Norman Rockwell holiday season.


Gobble gobble. Psych! We are having prime rib. Seriously.

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Tuesday, November 06, 2012

What, Me Worry?

This is a line that my dad likes to throw out there. If you ask him why he is saying the same annoying thing over and over, he stares at you and says, “Alfred E. Neuman!” As if I am supposed to know who that is and what it means.

Sorry Dad, but I didn't read Mad Magazine in the 1960s. Anywho, I think good ole Al has it right though. We don’t need to worry about it! Reality is this: All things will work out for good. All challenging things will eventually come to pass.


Right now one of my challenges is not necessarily personal, but instead in response to others reactions to me. Everyone else seems much more concerned about my life, love life, future plans etc. than I am. New internal response: What, Me Worry?

Another thing I think needs a mention today is the election!! Woohoo! Today is Election Day! I know a lot of people get all stressed and wigged out about their candidates today, but to me Election Day is the coolest thing. We have the right to voice our views and participate in democracy. Does it get much cooler?


I am not super political, but I am a human. And one thing that has really irked me this political season has been the way people have treated each other. It is like people think the internet makes them anonymous, or that not physically being next to someone when hurtful words are used makes them less offensive. Well, it doesn't. That person is still going to read those words. As an observer, it is honestly embarrassing. If you are one of the mean aggressive ones, you should really be embarrassed.

Election Day is exciting. We are officially all participating in something together! And no matter how the races (big and small, state or national) turn out, they are a done deal. It is my hope that after the fact we can just drop the angst and come together! no matter if your chosen candidate is elected. We are a lot stronger when we are united!

In conclusion:


I hope you all rocked the vote! Remember when MTV did “vote or die?” That was a little aggressive.

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Thursday, November 01, 2012

We don’t actually know what we look like.

It isn't like we see our faces all day. I know my hands and nails pretty well. I think they are okay. And I like to paint my nails because it makes me feel put together. I have decided that this is because I literally look at my hands on my keyboard ALL DAY. It is other people that have to look at our faces. Your co-workers and friends probably know your face a lot better than you do. I bet you know details about your significant others face that they don't even know.

I have some friends who are absolutely beautiful! And to be honest, they probably don’t realize how babelicious they are. It isn't like they look at themselves all day. They stare at their computers until it feels like their eyeballs are bright red and about to fall out of their heads. When you feel like a zombie, you assume that you look like one as well.

How I (and probably many others) feel after work:
- My skin feels greasy
- My eyes feel dry (I have now rubbed them, therefore mascara flakes now sit on my cheeks)
- My legs feel like they only half work
- I am hungry enough to eat a meal, but know I should only have a snack (it is confusing)
- I know my make-up came off, but I don’t care
- My outfit feels stale
- My hair is now misbehaving (depending on the weather)
- I need to brush my teeth but opt for gum instead

I assume this is how everyone feels after an 8-hour day at their computer. BUT when I meet my friends for Happy Hour they all still look solidly decent after a long day at work. When we feel nasty, we assume that we also look nasty. We do not see ourselves all the time, others do. In conclusion, this is why we do not always feel the confidence that we know is in us.

Have you ever looked at a picture and thought, “wait, is that me?” It is my guess that you have. That is because you don’t spend your entire day looking in a mirror or at pictures of yourself ala Kim Kardashian. Congratulations for not being a narcissist!

We don’t know what we look like because we spend all of our time looking at other stuff. You are probably good looking. Give yourself some credit.

One Direction had it right. You don't know that you're beautiful! It's okay, why would you?


PS. These guys look like little girls. Nice voices though... call me in 10 years.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Chelanigans

This past weekend I went up to Lake Chelan, WA to celebrate the 26th birthday of one of my dearest friends. We have known each other since age 12, so yeah, we have celebrated a lot of birthdays together. And let me tell you, they just keep getting better! This celebration was no exception… we managed to get into some chelanigans! (That is a play on the word shenanigans. In case you don’t get it. It also happens to be the name of a bar in Chelan, but that is neither here nor there.)

The whole area was majorly smoky due to wildfires, but that didn’t extinguish our good time! (pun intended)

We spent most of the weekend laughing, snacking and wine tasting. You know that sounds like an awesome time! Don’t deny it.

Off we go! 

Roommates! 

The Sassiest vineyard. Hard Row to Hoe


See how smoky it was!? 

Cheers from the birthday girl! 
Off to get my hair done! Oh sorry, did you think I was going to write about the NFL refs? Ha! I crack myself up.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

How to glow like J-Lo.

I got a facial yesterday and now I am glowing like J-Lo.

I recently changed my skin regimen (thanks to my friend and MK consultant Nicole) and have noticed a big difference in my skin and how my makeup goes on. Who knew the importance of good moisturizer? Not just  any moisturizer, but good moisturizer. I use Mary Kay and love it. I also use a Clarisonic and can tell the difference in my skin when I haven’t been using it. Totally worth the investment.


I know we are young, but it is really important to start taking care of your skin early. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to look like a California Raisin.


This post is my version of an after school special. 

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Friday, August 31, 2012

Get your armor.

I hope you started singing Jordan Sparks after reading that title! I do realize that probably a majority of you never understand my obscure pop-culture references. Meh. We carry on.

I guess there is a need to follow-up after my last post. How do I stay confident doing things alone? Glad you asked! Well, it is super shallow.

When I show up to events alone or just need some extra confidence for the day, I try to make sure I am feeling sassy and put together. How do I do this?

Step 1: Lipstick (My summer color is called Love Test)
Step 2: Freshly painted nails


Seriously, if I am wearing lipstick I feel unstoppable. The same goes for freshly painted nails. My outfit feels complete and I feel like I can do anything!


I have been wearing Love Test a lot this summer. Last fall and winter I rocked a berry shade. It of course depends on your skin tone. Go to Sephora and try before you buy!


If it is not a time where I feel like I need extra confidence. Like going to the store or errands or really any time it isn’t a date night… I am just in yoga pants (not that I do yoga. I find yoga super boring). I do things alone dressed scrubby all the time. But if there is insecurity accompanying your alone time, try to be put together and don't forget your armor!... aka lipstick.




How do the rest of you embrace your singledom? Is lipstick one of your weapons too?

My final pieces of advice are to not take yourself so seriously:

"Learn to laugh at yourself more freely. Don't take yourself or your circumstances so seriously. Relax and know that I am God with you. When you desire My will above all else, life becomes much less threatening. Stop trying to monitor My responsibilities--things that are beyond your control. Find freedom in accepting the boundaries of your domain." -Jesus Calling

And spend time with people who build you up! Even if they live far away.

Just hanging out with my peeps.

Happy Labor day weekend friends!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Table for one.

As a single 20-something I do a lot of things alone.

This past weekend I was alone for most of the weekend. Not like in a weird or depressing way, just alone. Not to be confused with lonely.

My friends were busy or out of town, my parents were in Black Butte, my sister was running Hood to Coast. This all added up to me spending the weekend alone.  This is something I have grown accustomed to. Don’t get all depressed for me. I'm not sad about it or anything, I just wanted to share my experience in case anyone is having a similar one.

I used to always have someone with me. I wouldn’t do anything alone. Seriously nothing. During college I went to the grocery store with roommates. I never got a pedicure alone. Even if I was just running to grab a coffee, someone would join the party.

Here is an example of the co-dependence I had in college. These are my friends napping at my house as I got ready for my sorority formal. They were simply there to keep me company as I primped:

Lauren and Marina keeping me company (circa '09)

These days I go it alone more often than not. Part of it is that I don’t live with 4 other girls anymore! Also, I have a full-time job and I am not in a relationship.

And to be honest, I have kind of enjoyed this transition and time in my life. I like going to coffee, contributing to the community crossword and lingering there for a bit to people watch. I like the independence and have learned to embrace the alone time.

I am of course saying these things in a Destiny’s Child ‘Independent Woman’ moment. Call me in a month when I am desperate for a relationship and I’ll eat these words while wallowing on my personal island of loneliness.

I have yet to eat at a sit down restaurant alone. But when I do, I will be sure to let you know. I mean, I have eaten at a restaurant where you order at the counter and say “for here.” But I haven’t done the menu at the table with a cloth tablecloth thing alone.  Do people do that? Or is that reserved for the fancy confident single ladies of Sex and The City and Nicholas Sparks novels?

For now I leave you with this:


Tuesday, July 03, 2012

They got married in McCall, ID.

This past weekend I went to McCall, ID for a very special wedding. I am at the age where I am going to a number of weddings, and I will say that this wedding was one of the most genuinely joyful weddings I have ever been to. There was so much love from everyone it was almost overwhelming. All of the love and joy wasn't just coming from the couple, but also from the families. It was a very special day.

My favorite parts of the evening were the vows and the toasts. You may be thinking “Really? Those can sometimes be cringe worthy.” I hear ya. But it did not apply at this wedding. When the vows and toasts are genuine and filled with love nothing can beat them.

I will just let the pictures speak for themselves. Also, can we please ask ourselves one question? HOW did people plan weddings and parties before Pinterest!? Amber killed it with the details!


Look beyond the signs at the beautiful backdrop. 





See the river back there? It was beautiful. 

Sam and Am are man and wife!


Didn't I tell you!? Joy!

Spence and Mama Jo. My sassy parents.




Do you see the campfire? There were s'mores ready for us to roast and the sign read: "s'more love?"

The bride read a letter that she wrote to her future husband in 2007. They married a “short” 5 years later. It was seriously the sweetest thing I have ever seen at a wedding. I will promptly be writing my own letter with the hope that I too will get married at some point… I better get writing if it will take 5 years.

Lastly, note how blonde my hair is. It is officially true. Blondes have more fun. This is the blondest I have ever been and all three of the Strahan women had way too much fun this past weekend. It is also true that misery loves company. Sayings are sayings for a reason.

Congrats Sam and Amber! Enjoy Switzerland!


Thursday, June 28, 2012

"Just some old guy."

Last weekend I went to Chez Jose with my sister on Saturday night. It was delish as always. Amazing warm salsa etc. Then something disturbing happened. Don’t worry; it had nothing to do with Chez Jose or the food. They are still in my top 3 restaurants.

As Lindsey and I were sitting there chatting, sipping our margs, chomping on fresh tortilla chips and salsa…

I interrupted her: “Dude! Oh, never mind. I though I saw Nate Nathanson but it was just some old guy who looks like him.” (Names have been changed. Obviously.)

My sister then continued talking…

Until I interrupted her again: “Crap! Oh my gosh it IS him! No way. No freaking way. We are old enough to mistake someone we knew in high school for an 'old guy.' This just got weird.”

Lindsey: “Sick. Apparently we are old.”

We are at the point in our lives that we may not recognize people from high school anymore. I literally haven’t seen that guy in 10 years. The worst part about this particular scenario is that I thought he looked old. I am absolutely sure he doesn’t look old, but he doesn’t look 17 anymore either (which is probably a good thing).

The weird truth is that we have memories of what people from different phases of our lives look like. Yet, after so much time passing we may not recognize who they are now.

You would think Facebook would remedy this for us… apparently not.

Why don’t we do a Then and Now? Cameron, don’t be mad at me for this.

2006 VS 2012

Only a 6 year difference and we look so much wiser. 

Am I the only one this has happened to? Please say no.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Living in the in-between.

I apologize in advance for the non-funny that is this post.

Lately I have had some overwhelming conversations with myself, with friends and with God. If I took a moment to listen to what God has to say back to me maybe they wouldn’t be that way… alas, I am a blabberer… even in prayer.

I have been recently been plagued by the stagnant state of my life. I know I am where I need to be, I am just used to living with the “next thing” in sight. Throughout my life there has always been something next, whether it was an impending graduation, getting a new job, moving out etc. Now I am living. This is life and I am living it! Don’t get me wrong, I am happy! It is just weird. Some of my friends had grad school next and are in that, with graduations and careers to look forward to. Currently some of my friends are changing jobs, moving cities, studying for the GRE, or are in relationships that will turn into a marriage within the next couple of years. It just makes me feel… stagnant.

Stagnant is the only word I can think of to describe how I feel. I know I am doing important things in my life and that I am right where God wants me. It is just a different state than I have ever been in before. There has always been a life-moving-something ahead. I am not looking for answers really, just more so wanted to share my experience right now. Just in case any of you 20-somethings are going through the same life evolution (and evaluation) that I am. You are not alone!

I can’t wait to see what is in store for my future! Maybe that is my problem. I just need some patience! Deep breaths… in the mean time, let’s get some fro-yo.

Now let’s think about the other kind of Sirius:

Sirius Black

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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Congrats! You win a participation award.

Hi friends. It is time for me to talk about the participation award. I totally hate them. But do you want to know who hates them more? My mother. She will rant about how stupid the idea of a participation award is. I have always wondered why she feels this way, but now as an “adult” I think I know where she is coming from.

If we are trained since childhood that if we try hard (or really just show up) we get a trophy or ribbon, what is going to happen to us as adults?

I try hard at my job.
Does that mean I am going to be super rich? No. But they should probably give me extra money for showing up. Someone else got the promotion I was up for? Where is the freaking consolation prize? Not even a boom box or pair of rollerblades? Damn you Legends of the Hidden Temple.

I “put myself out there.”
So my good friend is engaged. I’m not, but I actively make myself available to potential dates. I have had long term relationships before. They just happened to not work out. Do I get a participation diamond ring? I partook in the love thing… where is my jewelry?! Did I miss the party at Round Table Pizza when they passed them out?


I have come to loathe the idea of the participation award as much as my mom. We all participate in life as much as the next person; it just isn’t our time to come out on top… So let’s wait and see what the future holds.

It has taken me 25 years to accept this. Therefore, I think we should start these lessons earlier in life. When I have kids, I am going to hide their soccer trophies.






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Thursday, May 10, 2012

Thursday thoughts: Life, fun, sun, unicorns and moms.

Do you people ever feel like you don’t have time to live your life? Today this is what my thought process was in the car:

- Okay, I don’t have time to stop for an Americano. Annoying. Crap, I forgot to grab my lunch. Too bad I over slept… again! Boo. But really, who needs to wash their hair?
- It is so pretty out!!! Look at the river. I love Portland. All I want to do after work is walk outside.
- After work I need to go to Costco to buy laundry detergent and towels. Then I need to go to Freddie’s and get some food. I should also swing by Sephora… I guess that one can wait… but I want to get there before the weekend hits.
- Too bad I didn’t get home until late last night. I really needed to fold clothes and vacuum. Cheer tryouts > chores. So whatevs. New squad new year! It is crazio how fast these years go.
- Maybe if I get home by 8 tonight I can do a little cleaning.
- I guess I won’t be going on a walk in the beautiful weather after all…
- Oooooh and there is a new Parks and Rec! Nice.

Yes people, that was my morning thought process. Pretty much verbatim of what went through my head. I love this phase in my life. It is awesome! I am only responsible for myself. I have a job and I have commitments etc. But in general, I am only answering to myself. Yet somehow, the hours in the day run out so fast! Do the rest of you ever feel like you are losing your mind?

And while we are thinking about this, in honor of Mother’s Day, let’s please take note of how we consider our lives busy… now think about our mothers out there who managed children, households, jobs, personal lives and somehow found time to nurture their marriages and get to the gym at least twice a week. Are you serious!? Moms, you deserve more than flowers on Mother's Day. You deserve a trophy made out of solid gold, a mini unicorn, a puppy that stays a puppy forever (yet acts like a trained dog) and an endless supply of chocolate truffle cake.

My mom is the freaking best EVER! She is loving, awesome, fun, funny, understanding etc. And I know it wasn’t a cakewalk to raise my sister and me. She deserves all of the aforementioned items. But I think she would prefer lemon bars over chocolate truffle cake.

We think we are hilarious (even when other people don't). Like mother like daughters! 

Give your mom a big hug and kiss this weekend. She had to deal with you… and you were probably a devil child.

I know this post took a weird turn from being about busy schedules to how awesome our moms are… but that is just how my mind is running today.

Time for another cup of coffee! Okay okay. I’ll have decaf.

Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Heartbreakers and broken hearts.

Breakups totally suck. From temporary ones like Cory and Topanga, to perma ones like Brad and Jen, breakups are just no good.

I have been in discussions with many of my people as of late that revolve around the breakup. Ahh the breakup. We have all had them, we have all supported a friend through one and we all despise them. Having not been in a relationship or breakup in a few years, I get to look at this as an outsider. So just accept my perspective for now.

You can be terribly broken and devastated from the ending of a relationship. Right? Well, here is the piece that baffles me… somehow it is always worth it to take a risk the next time a potential relationship is on the horizon. Does the good of a new relationship always trump the bad of a previous? Or is it the hope that this new one won’t end? (ie. marriage) And just because you are married doesn’t mean the relationship is all unicorns and rainbows. Every relationship has its own unique set of challenges. Yet somehow we are always willing to jump in feet first and take the plunge into the complicated depths of love, or like, or lust (depending on who you are).

Does a “single” status really just mean that someone is willing to get hurt again? And no, I am not talking about Facebook… you socially networked weirdos.

Please remember that this is all theory and I personally do not have a lot to go on. Just bear with me through these thoughts.




As the people in my life have been through breakups over the years, each breakup was completely different from the next. I am going to exclude myself… yet I of course find it completely kosher to discuss the personal lives of my friends… duh.





From the many different breakups in our lives we have learned this: When there is bad blood between exes, the consoling is easy because you tell the dumpee that they are better off. When there is still communication between the exes you tread lightly because you never know how they are feeling on any given day. When things just end, they just end and you comfort your friend as they deal with the heartbreak. But in complicated matters of the heart, new scenarios arise. Why? Because no two relationships are the same and therefore no two breakups are the same. You can learn from your past, but when it comes to breakups, chances are each circumstance is a whole new ball game. As humans who are wired to learn from our experiences, this is incredibly frustrating.

I so wish there was a standard. A cookie-cutter break-up if you will. If this existed, we would all know how to deal and we would all know how to best support our friends when they have a turn in the gloomy land of the breakup.

That is all I have to contribute today. I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine! Assuming you live in PDX.

Peace Out.

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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Traditionally Portland

Huber’s is a key Portland establishment that has been serving turkey and cocktails since 1879. They made it through the prohibition (serving Manhattans in coffee mugs) and continue to be a favorite spot among Portlanders. Nowadays they are famous for their turkey dinners, fiery Spanish coffees and classic ambiance.

With a rich history and tradition, as well as the ability to make reservations for happy hour (which goes until 6:30), it is an altogether win!

I went last night for HH with some friends. Of course I ordered a Spanish coffee!

Such a handsome bar.

Spanish Coffee! 

My sister asked the man making the Spanish coffees how many he thought he had made since working there. He said, "I have no idea, I have been here for 22 years." AMAZING! 


My apologies for the iPhone photos. I was doing so well using my real camera!

Thursday, January 05, 2012

Boys to Men

Boyz II Men, A B C, B B D

Here is a little bit of my perspective on the shortage of men, as well as some insight from Ms. Mindy Kaling.

Excerpt from Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

Men know what they want. Men make concrete plans. Men own alarm clocks. Men sleep on a mattress that isn’t on the floor. Men tip generously. Men buy new shampoo instead of adding water to a nearly empty bottle of shampoo. Men go to the dentist. Men make reservations. Men go in for the kiss without giving you some long preamble about how they’re thinking of kissing you. Men know what they want.

Boys are adorable. Boys trail off their sentences in an appealing way. Boys get haircuts from their roommate/friend, who “totally knows how to cut hair.” Boys can pack their whole life in a duffel bag and move to Brooklyn if they need to. Boys have “gigs.” Boys are broke. And when they do have money, they spend it on a trip to Colorado to see a music festival.”- MK

Yes Mindy. I agree. It is the boys who simply do not know what they want, and if they do, they still aren’t able to articulate it. AND we always fall for them! What is that?!

So where are all of the men? They are on the way! They just haven’t grown up yet.

What spurred this thought? Well, Marina and I were driving home from Seattle and had both noticed that one of our good friends ordered an Americano at breakfast. I know this seems minuscule and not a big deal, but it seemed grown up! Yes, many of us commonly order an Americano at Starbucks, but he didn’t even like the taste of coffee when we were in college. It is kind of refreshing to see people you love and have known forever start changing from being boys to being men. Even if it is a gradual process and we see it in little stupid ways like a coffee order, I swear these guys are starting to take ownership over their lives in real ways too. I love it!

So don’t stress ladies. There will be a plethora of men before long. We just need to wait a little bit longer and give them time to get there!

I was just going to post the audio link to this… but then I watched the video. It is too hilarious not to post! Those outfits! Bahaha


Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Mishmash moments: Long weekend activities.

With such a long weekend many things happened! I am trying to figure out how to post about everything. The posts are coming out of order. So just relax about it. For now I will post a mishmash. (As I wait for my sister to send the Thanksgiving photos…hint hint) I need to post a brunch review from this weekend too. Jeez! Too much stuff! I guess it is a good problem to have.

The Mish:
On Saturday I went wine tasting with my friend Caitlin’s family. We headed out to Dayton and went to some fantastic wineries. I love that the NW has wine country. Who doesn’t want to be known for something as classy as wine!? Fine by me! It was a lot of fun. I have been friends with Caitlin since middle school. That being said, I am very comfortable with her family… and they expect my crazy. I really appreciate relationships like that. Super lucky! It was a lot of fun and tasting the just bottled new releases made us feel extra important.

Domaine Serene

Red Ridge (They had snacks!)

The Mash:
Libby and I also made Christmas happen in our apartment! We got home from brunch on Sunday and it just needed to be festive! We had gone to see the tree downtown the night before and it really felt like Christmas time was here. Libby and Chris quickly organized a romantic tree cutting date to Sleighbells. Later Libby and I trimmed the tree with our hodgepodge of ornaments and proceeded to watch TV in our reindeer antlers. Yes, we sat there for at least two hours in our reindeer antlers whilst watching Kardash. I have a feeling I will be glued to this season of Kourtney and Kim Take NY… mostly to watch the marriage fall apart. So gross and depressing of me.

I love Christmas in PDX!

Please ignore our demon eyes.
Our tree is almost as big and fancy as the tree downtown! 




Sorry about the crappy iPhone pictures.


Happy kickoff to the holiday season! I need to watch Home Alone soon…

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

#RosenfieldSkaarWedding

Wedding Weekend! I know it is Wednesday… just get over it. I am behind with my blog posting.

I was in central Oregon for a long weekend to celebrate in the union of my lady friend Erika and her hunky fireman Kasey. It was such a wonderful weekend full of love!

We started the weekend out right (as a bridal party) going out to an awesome dinner where people bought us drinks etc. When I arrived, my gurl Chelsii was explaining what a hash-tag is to some of the bridal party. It was hilarious to hear Chelsii explain what a hash-tag is and how we use it incorrectly in our attempts to be funny. Erika was stoked that she had her own wedding day hash-tag.

There were many high points to the weekend. I have a couple that stick out beyond the actual wedding part. The trip ended up being a cultural experience of sorts. The first cultural experience was when my beer was opened with a can of chewing tobacco and the second was doing some country dancing. I have seriously not had that much fun dancing ever! SO FUN! I was flipped over! Multiple times!... And I am not a petite girl. I freak-yeah love country dancing. I had no idea what I was doing, but with a good lead there is really nothing to it! The bad new is this: Where the hay-diddle-diddle am I going to find a cute guy in PDX who truly knows how to dance like that!? The people at the country themed bars in Portland are just city dwellers being posers for the night. Such a shame.

Now back to the LOVE. Erika is one of my first friends to get married. I can still count my married girlfriends on one hand. Well… one and a half hands… Jeez! Today I found out a different friend is preggers... I am having trouble with this growing up stuff. Anywho, the wedding day was perfect. Erika was calm cool and collected. Her hair was flawlessly coiffed and the dress fit just right. I’m not saying there weren’t a couple stressful moments leading up. There may or may not have been an emergency late night trip to the store after the rehearsal dinner…

Photo op in the backyard before the rehearsal dinner

Emergency trip to Walmart. Don't worry, the crisis was handled. 

Erika's wedding day breakfast of champions. Now you know what the BM mix was for!

Beautiful bride getting ready! 

Erika was clearly beyond excited to be married to the love of her life! Kasey is the greatest guy and I couldn’t help but shed a few salty tears as he read his vows to my friend. It is comforting to know that he is going to be the one there for her from now on. 

Erika looked regal on her big day. Just beautiful! Take a gander: 


Pre husband and wife


Married!!
Ahhh Love. Maybe we will meet again someday. In the meantime I am happy to celebrate the love of others. Congrats Kasey and Erika!