Subtle Things & The Holiday Season

In one word, this month has been crazy. 
However, let me clarify, that "crazy" has both good and bad viewpoints!


Working in the retail industry is literally insane during the holidays. Einstein described insanity to be "the belief that one can get different results by doing the same thing." Everyday, I go to work, and I expect it to be a completely different atmosphere. "Maybe today won't be busy at all! After all, it is a Sunday night." But, alas, I am proven wrong, and therefore insane. Everyday was just as busy as the last, and the only thing that changed was the patience of the customers. I am so thankful that aspect of the holiday season is over!


School ended after a long three months of class, and with great results! I got straight A's in my classes, and flew through my exams. What did I learn? To never, ever procrastinate again. Next term, I am taking Hip-Hop, Psychology as a Natural Science, Spanish 102, and my Freshman Inquiry class. 1 more credit, but a whole lot more enjoyable. 


Christmas was wonderful with my family. I was able to spend Christmas morning with my siblings and see their smiling faces, and I was gifted wonderfully! My favorite gift? Either "Just Dance 2" for the Wii, or new silverware! Tim and I were completely spoiled. I am sad to see Christmas go, and to have to take down my first Christmas tree in my new home, and despite my discontent with retail in general, I will be really sad to see my hours dwindle after the new year. 


This month has also been a crazy one for my friends! Some wonderful as well as some terrible things are stirring in the lives of my friends, and I only wish them the best. A close friend of mine is going through her parent's divorce, and some disdain in her routine. Another couple of friends is engaged! And although there have been some miscommunication, arguments, and confusion, I really do hope that they are happy and that we can work everything out. Many friends are home from out of state schools, and others are preparing to move out! So many life changes, in such a short amount of time. I cannot believe it's almost 2011, and that I've already completed my first term of college. 


I am so ready for the new year. I need a fresh start, and a drastic change. This time next year, I will be the person I've always wanted to be, and hopefully will have been so for a couple months. I need to be healthier: mentally, physically, and socially.  And most of all, I need to be happier. 

Merry Christmas, and if I don't post again this week, have a wonderful start to the New Year! :)

Subtle Things & Overwhelming Love

Today, I was so full of love - I don't know what it was, but I just felt so much for everything in my life. 

I realized how appreciative I am of my family today - with it being close to Christmas, it's a financially difficult time for many, and they are always willing to help us out. Whether it be donating their used pop cans to us to return for bottle deposits, or buying me tampons when I ran out, my family is always available to assist us when we need it. My brothers give me so much joy; I babysat them last night while my parents went to my oldest brother's school play (which he did a great job in, by the way) and they enchanted me with their personalities and funny comments. My sister is so talented, and I am still awestruck by her work as well as her demeanor. She's so calm and confident; I admire it. This photo is from Christmas last year when we all got our traditional PJs. 

Lately, I've been realizing how much I love my boyfriend. We are both always so busy, and as expected, I miss him all the time. I know that I'm never going to want to be with anyone else. He's patient, loyal, loving, and he's my best friend and I could never ask for anything better.

Finally, I've become a crazy cat lady, and I really adore my kitty. She's my favorite to nap with! :)

Subtle Things & Spontaneous Kittens

SURPRISE! Tim and I adopted a kitten yesterday. :) Her name is Sam, and she is a Bombei kitten, three months old.

We went to the Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter too look around, since we were planning on adopting a puppy. But we went into the cat room, and couldn't leave without this little one. We determined that because a cat is more selfsufficiant, it would be a more appropriate pet choice to fit our always-on-the-go lifestyle.

For those looking to adopt, I highly recommend this shelter. All the animals are well taken care of, particularly the cats, and it's a fairly easy process. All animals are spayed or nuetered and updated with shots and de-worming. It's really a great price too! Kittens are $80, cats over the one year old are only $10, and dogs are $150.

We love her! :D

Subtle Things & Turkey Day

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year, my sister's birthday fell on Thanksgiving. As much as she loves this, because she gets pie for her dessert (she made a cherry pie, in fact) I feel like she deserves a day all to herself.
Happy 18th Birthday, baby sister. Like I said in your card, I truly admire your character and spirit, and I love you with all my heart.

Unfortunately, I worked on Thanksgiving. After work, Tim and I changed, and went to his mother's house for dinner, and then we went to my parent's house for pie and Toy Story 3. I really love my family, and I am utterly grateful for the joy that they bring me. I was talking with my little brothers as they went to bed, and before I tucked them in, I had shown them a photo of the puppy Tim and I are considering adopting. They spent ten minutes screaming out names such as "Tron", "Setharoth" (whose namesake is that of a "boss" in Kingdom Hearts) "Boogy" and "Flower". I love their naivete. However, their creativity inspired Tim and I; if we get a girl, her name will be "Daisy" and if we get a boy we like the names "Bruiser" and "Speedy".

Today was the terrifying Black Friday. I worked at 5:15 in the morning, and had to hunt down a parking spot in the goonies of the parking lot. I promise you, I sold at least 1000 pairs of socks. HOLYGOODLORDINHEAVENJESUS.

School is getting me down. It's dead week! Bah! Yo tengo examen el espanol en el viernes. (I have a Spanish exam on Friday). On Monday I have a 20 minute presentation, and a five page essay outline due (the essay is due next week, along with a website explaining my progress in college, and if I meet the University goals.) And I also have an oral exam for Spanish as well. Eeeegads.

On a happier note, I registered for my second term! I'm taking hip-hop, psychology, Spanish and FRINQ. I think it will be so much fun! I still only attend class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Life busy -- but I am thankful for it.

Subtle Things & A Whole New Ballpark

It's hard to believe that a month and a half have already passed since I last blogged. Man, how life catches up with me. Time to catch up with you! :)  

Tim and I are officially apartment renters! The move only took a day, and unpacking only took a week. Our place it wonderful, and surprisingly enough, we are not financially struggling. Here are some pictures!

Living on your own is such a culture shock.        It took me about a month to realize that I'm not on vacation with my boyfriend; this is my home.

Secret: Whenever I come home, I say "Hi, Home."

Combining two completely different lives is such a task. I mean, trying to change for the better, but make it fair is so diffcult. From little things -- (for example: I drink diet soda, Tim does not. Tim eats peanut butter, I do not.) -- to much  harder, deeper things to compromise. But we are loving every minute of it! I started school on the 27th, and I love it as well. I take the max to class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and I am taking 13 credits. I am taking WR115, SP101, and my FRINQ, none of which are particularly interesting, but I am getting by just fine. Next term, I plan to take WR121, SP102, Hip-hop! and my FRINQ class.

New developments about myself:

I am now officially a Gleek.

I now watch Criminal Minds.

I am in love with crazy P-town.

I miss dancing  more than anything, and somehow, I am more organized in college then I ever was in high school.

 More to come soon!

Subtle Things & Heavenly Rewards

I was working today, and per policy, asked a sweet older gentleman if he had a Rewards card for me to scan. He proceeded to say, "Naw, you get your rewards in Heaven." :)

Here are 7 things that are on my mind everyday:

--> Tim; but that's a no-brainer.

--> How much I am going to miss my family once I'm moved out.

--> Money, money, money.

--> PFC Joshua Christie, and how much I miss him.

--> Ice cream... :p

--> How much I wish I had my driver's license.
--> aaaaaaaaannnnndddddd - how much I love the human species.

I am such a lucky girl.

Subtle Things & My Boyfriend

I love this kid, and man, am I one lucky girl.

We move in on September 1st, and I cannot wait.

There is something about him; this secure feeling. I know that even when things aren't okay, they will be -eventually- because I've got him. He's my best friend, partner in crime, and my secret keeper.

With all this hectic moving stuff, I've seen us solve problems together, budget, prioritize, and cooperate like none other. I've never known someone I work better with. But this isn't just a business relationship; he is the most entertaining person to spend time with. I don't know how to explain it any other way than this: we just, match.

You know how people always say, "you'll just know" that you are with the right person?
Well, I know.

Subtle Things & Life

Now comes the time where everything changes. Everyone is leaving, and nothing is the same.
It's crazy.

Subtle Things & Imperfections

Today was such a good day. I am on the path to health for my body, mind and soul, and I feel so good.

Everything just worked out today. And I didn't feel sick or paranoid, which is such a nice change.

After work, I participated in a Project 365 photo shoot with the lovely Nicole. And this was the product:

Day 63/365. My new favorite. :)

We painted our faces pink, and then pulled off a Cirque du Soliel design on our faces in yellow. Our tongues matched the pink!

However, this magnificent photograph was not the only thing produced this evening. Little does Nicole know, she teaches me new things all the time.

Tonight, I found the beauty in imperfection.

When we painted our faces initially, it outlined and emphasized all our scars and bumps. At first, self conscious, we noticed the imperfections on each other, and relaxed. Despite being covered beyond recognition in mixed pink paint, Nicole is one of the most beautiful people I have ever met. That is the beauty in imperfection; it allows you to love and let go. Nicole and I both have imperfections far more serious than acne, but we love the other, despite. Again, that is the beauty in imperfection.  Having the ability to love another, and look past the bumps and scars.

I love you, Nicole. Good luck in your upcoming year at school, and I have the utmost confidence in your abilities. Thank you for everything.

Subtle Things & Movies

I have found that I am a very picky woman when it comes to movies.

With action movies, I tend to get bored.

With science fiction and gore, I get sick to my stomach.

With inspirational movies and romances, I usually cry.

And I laugh at all the rest.

Except, I cannot handle murder movies and scary movies. They make me want to cry. While my family watches many good movies, I feel bad because my family really likes to watch psychological thrillers, but I just can't watch them.

The Lovely Bones is currently playing in the living room, and I made it to the part when her neighbor "shows her what he made", and then had to bail.

I'm just too light-hearted I guess. Is that bad?

Subtle Things & Regrets

I feel like I could have been a much better friend this summer.

With the upcoming uprooting of my close friends Nicole and Keara, I am reminded of the other important people in my life, that I didn't take advantage of, and I am deeply upset by it.

I would like these two young ladies to know, that I love them so much, and I can't wait to hear from them at school. I'm really sorry we didn't see much of each other this summer, but you know how that goes.

Nicole and I are going dancing tomorrow night with Tim and Elena, and Keara and I will be hanging out before she leaves as well (plans TBA). Thank you for everything you both have given me, and I wish you the best of luck at BYU. I know you will do amazing.
Oh! And make sure to check out Nicole's 365 Project. I personally follow it, and look at it everyday. She is amazing, and so talented. My personal favorites are Days 11, 28, 42, 43, 44, 46, 49. 51, 53, 54, 59, aaaaaaand 61. Watch her progress!
---> Nicole Rose - Project 365

Subtle Things & To Do Lists

Sorry, it's been a while since I blogged last. Typically, I blog at like one in the morning about my day. But I've been so tired lately. No biggy! Life is just catching up with me.

So, now that everything is falling into place, I have so much stuff to get done. Tim and I should be notified of our approval and security deposit in the middle of the week, and from then on, it's saving money, and at the same time, frugally shopping for our necessities.

We have been fortunate enough to have been gifted with all the furniture we need except for a coffee table, which isn't really a necessity. We just need groceries, cleaning supplies, and bathroom and kitchen materials and gadgets. Thank goodness we have the jobs we do! Not only is it steady, but we get discounts on everythingggggg. (and we get boxes fo freeee!) :)

We've officially created our joint bank account and savings account (which has almost $1000 in it as of today!) and are working on canceling out our other accounts. Checks are being made with both of our names on it as we speak! :) Once we get accepted, we also have to change our address with the DMV, the post office, the bank, Fred Meyer... I'm also in the process of washing and separating all my laundry from my sister's. That is a process, just let me tell ya!

Tim and I hung out today. Everyday with him is a good one, even if it's bad. He kissed me today, and I had one of those moments when I realized all over again that I am madly in love. I can't wait to see what our future holds for us.

Subtle Things & Growing Up

I am so excited! Tim and I spent the day touring and visiting different apartment complexes. After being confused and impressed, and not so impressed, we budgeted and found our perfect home! :) The Commons At Creekside are beautiful, and within our price range. Thank goodness we both have stable, secure jobs! Once we apply, and are accepted, we move in on September 1st. I am so happy that everything is coming together, finally, and we will be all settled in soon, and before I start school. They are even a short drive or a decent walk from a max station, but they aren't crime ridden or ghetto like others we have seen. Hallelujah!

Also, so you are aware, know that Lindsay and I, accompanied by the lovely Liz Brelinski and my Tim, accomplished our mission from the other night. :) $2.56 did not go to waste, and great memories and so many stifled laughs were created tonight. I am so thankful for my friends!

Another cute thing --> Today, I was upset (as exciting as all these changes are, I tend to get stressed out and emotional) and my little brothers kept bringing me rose petals and dandelions from our yard before I left. :) Good to see that they are being the chivalrous boys I have hoped they would become. I love them so much, as well as the rest of my wonderful family.

Subtle Things & Emotions

Sometimes there are days where everything irritates me to no end.
Other times, I am easily angered.
And there are even days where the littlest things trigger tears.

Today was one of those "all-of-the-above" days.

Subtle Things & Prayers

This is a short post tonight, I am lacking philosophy.
First, I think my wisdom teeth are finally in need of removal. The whole upper left side of my mouth is in pain. The teeth are tender and it hurts to bite. So unless I have a cavity occupying more than one tooth, my wisdom teeth are the culprits. Anyone who has had their wisdom teeth pulled recognize this symptom? Comment and let me know!

About a month from now, Tim and I will be moving into our apartment. It's amazing how many little things you have to collect to live comfortably in a home! All the kitchen stuff, particularly. We just found a coffee table and matching end tables for $30 on Craigslist. Yes! :) Now we just need a dining room table and chairs, a toaster, and a microwave among other, smaller things. I am so excited for this to all happen. It'll be hectic. But this is what I want, and I am making it happen.

On a final note, please keep Krista Bryant and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Her grandmother is ill and having a difficult time. I love you, Krista, and I am praying for you.

Subtle Things & Best Friends

After spending a wonderful night with one of my best friends, I am going to write about a few of my best friends.

First off, it's Liz Brelinski's eighteenth birthday, and I would like to wish her a happy one. I am bummed I cannot spend her birthday with her, but I will see her soon enough when she is home from the beach. :) Unfortunately, finances and uncontrollable life situations prevent us from moving out together like we've had planned, but we will always be close, and I will always think of her as my roommate. Love you, Gurrrrrl.

Tim and I went on a double date with Ashley and Jimmy on Friday night and it was a blast! :) We decided to shake things up and go to Hooters, and whilst there, we decided that haunted mini golf and Voodoo Doughnuts sounded awesome too! :) It was a relatively expensive night, but fully worth it. We scammed WiFi on Ashley's iPad, saw crazy Portlanders, ran red lights, got lost in P-town, and had a crazy, let loose night. Loved it! For those who don't know, Ashley was my very first best friend; we've known eachother since we were babies. We distance, but eventually get close again. We have so much in common and are eachother's confidants. I couldn't live without her.

And the lady of the hour, and my partner in crime, is Lindsay Adams! She just recently returned home from a term at BYU-I, and I am thankful for her arrival. Tonight, we went to Ava's Rosteria in downtown Beaverton and talked for hours and had a delicious bagel and a weird tasting blackberry italian soda, whilst scheming for rebellion! A $2.56 trip to Winco and construction detours attributed to our wild and firey spirits!

(Because of curfew and chain link fences, our rebellion failed epically.) Fear not, my followers! Lindsay and I will find away!  

For the record, work went a lot better today. Thank you!

Subtle Things & My Little Brother's Birthday

Ian turned 7 today.
He is so adorable, I want to die. I woke up this morning, and ran out to wish him a happy birthday, and he was sitting in his little tighty-whities with his missing front tooth watching Scooby-Doo. He proceeded to tell me that I looked like Daphne, my sister Chelsea looked like Velma, Zac looked like Shaggy, Tim looked like Fred, and our dog looked like Scooby. He's so aware of little nuances and subtleties, like the similarities between his siblings and the characters he watches on TV, or the colors of the stripes on an animals back. He is an animal lover. He is so interested in reptiles, particularly. He loves reading fun facts and hunting for bugs and being a little intellectual boy. I absolutely adore it.

We asked Ian what he wanted to do for his birthday, and instead of going bowling or swimming or having this big expensive birthday party, he wanted to go looking for frogs at a park nearby. Unfortunately, I worked today and couldn't particpate in Ian's subtle birthday adventure, but he had a blast! He didn't need money or friends or anything elaborate to have a great time. He is the only boy  I know that truly thrives on the little things in life. I love you, Ian-Bug. Happy Birthday.

On other notes, work was really difficult to get through today. There is something that happens on the last day and the first day of each month that makes adults horrible to deal with. Perhaps bills and rent or something of the like? I encountered so  many rude people today that it seriously dampened my spirits. Even someone who didn't say a word! They ignored me the whole time and didn't even say thank you. That's what is difficult about working with people. Not unlike the weather, you have to deal with their moods.

I am really missing Josh lately. For those of you who don't know, my best friend left for the Army on July 6th. He is currently at basic in South Carolina, and in training to become a combat photographer. As much as I worry about him, I know that he did the right thing for himself. He is getting a great opportunity to learn about current events first hand, and, as the history guru he is, gets to take irreplaceable stills of future history and commit them to memory, while serving our country. I do have a photo of him at basic, courtesy of Kristen Shafer, and I am lucky to recieve letters from him as well. He looks and sounds like he is doing great, and I am so proud of him.

Subtle Things & Credit Cards

I work as a grocery cashier at Fred Meyer. I love my job because it provides me the opportunity to interact with hundreds of new people a day for a short period of time, and the potential to create a lasting impact on someone. However, occasionally, I am impacted instead.
As per policy, whenever the POS prompts us to, cashiers are required to advertise our company's credit card to qualifying customers. It's a Rewards MasterCard, and helps the customer to earn double the points, and in turn, double the rebates, if the customer is interested. We as cashiers are alerted by a harsh and long- winded alarm when it is time to solicit.
I am checking-out an older man (not in the perverted sense, but occupational) and am prompted to enlighten the customer about the card. I inform him that an application as well as the all the information are being printed on the bottom of his receipt. Instead of the typical "thank you", and display of mild interest, this man says, "Yeah, I don't need any more cards." Before I could respond, he subtly tells me, "I'm trying to get rid of all my wife's credit cards. She died last week."

I sent him away with his receipt, his cash back, Catalina coupons, and my condolences; and he left me with a heavy heart and a hefty head.

I am still stuck on this incident and it's been almost a week. I am so sorry for the loss this man has to undergo, and I pray for him. But little day-mares keep visiting me: my family members, my close friends, or my boyfriend passing away. And it's a scary thought. To be content one day, and to be completely alone the next. I am fortunate that this devastating life experience has not been one I have experienced yet. But I fear for the day it does, because I cannot imagine living my life without the people I love. Or rather, I can, but deeply desire not to. I was impacted by this mans subtle sorrow, and am awakened to the need to appreciate.
"We never never know what we've got until it's gone."
I can promise you now, that I do; I'm getting as much time as I can before it's up.