Wednesday, October 29, 2008

A Walk in the Woods

Dear God,
Thank you for the beautiful fall day,
For the leaves that have changed,
The new home and family you have given me,
Thank you for the stillness of the forest,




The Still, Small, signs of life that You have made.

Thank You for the signs of years gone by,
For time that You have created, planned, and overseen,
For generation upon generation that have walked on Your earth.

And, for the very breath you have given me. My Strength, My Hope, My Love.

















Monday, October 27, 2008

Back..

So many posts will be coming soon! I hope you get excited! I am trying to piece them together in my head and seperate one from the other. Posts to expect soon:

Post and Pictures about Ian's week in Budapest
Post and Pictures about Girls weekend in Northern Georgia
Pictures from my walk in the woods
Post and Pictures from our halloween double date/pumpkin carving
Post about what is coming up in November (the list is SO long!)

Well that is it for now. I am hoping to squeeze those in over the next 3-4 days.

For now, I will catch you up on what has been on my mind and what I have been up to.

Adjusting to our new church/finding new friends has been harder than I thought. This weekend was a breath of fresh air. It's been almost 5 months without being near good girl friends, and although Sam is a WONDERFUL friend to both Ian and I, he is no girl. haha. and you know what? That's alright. I think I moved past the "I am looking from people EXACTLY like my old friends here" phase about two months ago. And then, when no one really jumped out at my as someone that I just clicked with, I just gave up. Or rather, took a break from the friend searching.

And finally. About a week ago, it dawned on me that I have 3-4 old friends from back home that live near or around here. Think it's time to rekindle the friendship? I think so.

I was so excited to finally go to dinner with my swim/school mate Kelly. We spent many (about 5) hours a day in the same swim lane each swim season, cracking each other up with our "not caring" attitude towards the competitive side of swimming. We just loved swimming, not racing, though she was always faster than me in butterfly and breast. :) We also always had several classes together, similar family lives, and ran in the same friend circles. You can imagine how we became good friends.

Then she moved away for school and I stayed. And we didn't do the best at staying in touch, except for a lunch in the summer of 2007. And now, we live in the same town. And had dinner. And still have similar interests/goals/friends.

Several others are on the horizon but I won't post about them until I have made contact. Don't want to jinx it!

The trick is to get myself out of this wonderful place Ian and I call home. And go spend time with friends.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Fall Revisited



Last year, on my old blog, I posted this:

Ten Things I Love About Fall:

1. The change in Temperature. You know me, I love summer and the heat, but there is something about a Fall day.
2. Fall clothes!! So much fun, browns and reds and dark blues! AND they aren’t as bulky as winter clothes so you don’t look all manly all the time.
3. The food. That’s right. You can start to eat what would be considered “winter” food when it’s fall, like chili and hot chocolate.
4. Football! “There’s nothing I love more than watching grown men run around slapping each other on the butt.” I don’t remember what movie that’s from but it always makes me laugh.
5. The World Series. Usually. I was oddly uninterested this year.
6. Pumpkins, corn, and gourds. What an unusual season, when we celebrate things that have been picked and are on their way to rotting. Really though.
7. The colors!! Even though here in Florida we don’t get much of a “season change,” I can still imagine what each tree should look like in any other normal state.
8. Leaves to jump on and to crunch.
9. Thanksgiving. Good food. Family. Music. Friends. Hurray!
10. And finally, the end of fall is my favorite, because that means my FAVORITE holiday is coming. I love Christmas. You’ll read more about the 100 reasons I love Christmas later.

HAPPY FALL


Plus, I showed my pictures from the past two pumpkin carving events:


2006

Transformers pumpkin, 2007

More to come on my love for fall and about my exciting weekend plans!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

"all by myself"

  • Ian is "up up and away," on his way to Budapest for a field trip for his Masters program. Quite a pricey field trip if you ask me.

    Anyways, so I am left on my own, pondering the many things I am going to do with all of my free time. I'll start my week off by going to work in the school tomorrow and teaching a lesson using the book "Casey at the Bat," which is one of my alltime favorite children's poems, check it out! Then I am off to Orlando/Oviedo, to visit for the weekend. I should probably coordinate stuff, but I'll finish this post first.

    Other things on my "things to do in order to fill the time" list, includes:

  • cleaning the floors (exciting eh?)
  • finish reading "The Giver" series
  • Read the new Jon and Kate Gosselin book
  • update my blog more often
  • Comment on other people's blogs
  • Watch ridiculous movies that Ian has no desire to watch with me but would probably watch just because he is sweet like that (camp rock, august rush, music and lyrics-don't scoff I'll enjoy every minute of them with my tub of cookie dough, that's right, TUB.)
  • Keep making those ornaments (pictures to come later.)
  • Get excited about girls weekend next week!
  • See what these video game systems are all about. Sam has two of his systems permanently stationed here, so I better learn to like them.
  • Get caught up on my Grey's Anatamy and maybe, maybe, Amazing Race
  • Write some letters to some deserving girls *cough* Courtney and Madison *cough* who so lovingly wrote me back. I was excited to tears to read their sweet notes.

More to come on the week of loneliness/productiveness

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

A Vow

"Ian, raise your right hand and repeat after me."

I, Ian Paisley Galloway
I, Ian Paisley Galloway
Do hearby promise
Do hearby promise
To not steal the sheets
To not steal the sheets......as much as I can help!

20 hours later and I am here to say, my husband stuck to his vow (yes I actually made him raise his right hand and promise this,) at least for one night. We'll see how much it sticks around!

And for the marking of four months of being married, we headed out to a restaurant, which Ian calls, "the crimson crustacean," for a much needed outing.

It was delicious, and I even ordered fish!

Ian got a supremely fishy tasty/smelling meal, which I stared at haughtily but didn't dare taste!

Below is a conversation I had with a customer today over her rewards card/coupon:

Me: Hi, is this all for today?
Her: Yes, but I forgot my coupon at home so if you can just give me one that would be great.
Me: I'm sorry, but I don't have any coupons,
Her: Yes you do, there are some in the trash! Just pull me one out.
Me: I'm sorry, but I am not allowed to dig through the trash to give you a coupon.
Her: Well the LAST cashier did!
Me: Well, I could get fired for giving you a discount you did not bring in.
Her: So you are telling me you are being a good two shoes?
Me: Yes ma'am, I am. I follow the rules so I can keep my job.
Her: *Huff* *Puff* Fine I'll just buy these somewhere else.
Me: Alright, have a great day! (but, being my stealthy perceptive self, I know she is all bluff)
Her: Fine, I'll get these, but I might not be coming back.
Me: Alright, (swipe her rewards card and find her bonus bucks) Ooo look, you have 5 in bonus bucks!
Her: REALLY? Sheesh this is why I love this store....... (long pause while I ring her up,) Well, we'll see if I ACTUALLY return to this store. You wouldn't even give me a discount.
Me: Um... alright. Have a great day!

Sheesh. People. Not that I am worried she's going to go anywhere else. There's only one other bookstore and it is on the other side of town, smaller, and more expensive. Yeah right.

Plus they don't have a stellar, goody two shoes, follows the rules, bonus buck finding, still smiling through a crises cashier. Sure she's going to another store.

*On a whole other note. I MIGHT have been barefoot during this entire transaction. Which I technically wasn't breaking any rules. I HAD my shoes, just not on me.*

Time to go watch the debate

Friday, October 10, 2008

Predictable..

I spent my evening hanging out with my husband. We watched an unnamed, totally not dorky television show, had a delicious dinner, and then began my fun.

Cleaning....with Christmas music. I don't know what it is about the music, but it just seems to urge me on. I guess because I associate the music with the Christmas season, preparing fot our celebrations, and all of the busyness that comes with it. I just clean so well with it on.

Wish I would have taken a "before and after" shot of the apartment. For now, it looks sparkley and clean.

On the forecast tomorrow...staying out of the way of the crazy UF and LSU fans. Tennis. Baked apples. Reading The Great Gatsby. Pancake dinner. Working on my annual Christmas ornaments/dreaming up Christmas cards. Watching Persuasions, the movie. Getting our rings cleaned and checked out. Evening walk. Florida game.

Oh, and of course the Georgia game.
Sounds good to me.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Bad combinations...

Today there are torrential downpours and horrid winds.

Bad day to wear a white shirt...

And skirt.

At least I have a sense of humor about it.

:)

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Uneventful

Today my day was spent reading, working, cleaning, and working on our puzzle.

Oh, and listening to ridiculous people discuss politics in a very ignorant fashion. From both parties.

And apparently (according to these people) McCain is just going to fall over dead one day because of his four minor cases of melanoma.

Also, I finished the puzzle! I took a picture and then took it apart. I am so glad to have my family room floor back!

Ian had group meetings everyday this week after work and school, so it's basically just been me, on my own, all evening.

Dinners are a little eclectic. I mean, who wants to cook a WHOLE dinner just for yourself? And then not have the ingredients around to cook when there are actual human beings around.

Benefits of having husbandless evenings: lots and lots of DHC "multiples," shows and a little bit of animal cops. Both shows that he is not particularly found of.

Don't worry honey, I will watch Ultimate Fighting Champion later with you.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Feeling the 'gimmes' comming on..

For the past couple o days, I have had the uncontrollable urge to say "oooh, I want that," with every passing glance of storefronts, newspaper ads, and commercials. So, in order to combat the "gimmies," I wanted to let you know a few things I am thankful for.

I am thankful that we have a great working dishwasher and oven.

Along the same lines, I am thankful we were able to move into a safe apartment complex, near a great church, that would probably be given 4 or 5 stars.

I am greatful for our beautiful office, where I escape to in order to turn off of the "wantings." Except when I start looking at our books and researching new books and authors. Then they come back. Haha. But still.

I am thankful that Ian and I both have jobs that are bareable and that are relatively flexible.

I am thankful for my parents paying for my cell phone still so that I can keep in touch with everyone.

I am thankful that I finally got approved as a substitute and am waiting to hear the next step in this process.

More "thankfuls" are coming in November. I plan to list at least one EACH day in November. Which is kind of a double whammy. Not only am I going to come up with more than 30 thanks, but am going to attempt to post everyday for a month.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

The Weekend Was a blur and...


Someone threw a book at me today.

Also, I heard the funniest "joke" in the checkout line. Of course, lots of people try to crack jokes about not needing a bag in order to "save the plastic trees."

Hardy Har Har
But tonight, the joke was actually funny. Kind of. I was taking this guy's email down for his rewards card, and he said joeschmoe @ hotmail.com then his friend said "don't you mean hot male .com?"

I thought it was pretty clever

Below are some pictures from my weekend. Some MIGHT be from when I was driving, but who knows. A few are from when I got to meet my new "cousin" Jack. Also, I got to see my lovely friends for Rachel's surprise birthday party. And we had fun. Lots of fun.

And then I had to come home.
























Thursday, October 2, 2008

Thursday

Sorry folks, no pictures today. For two reasons.



1. my camera battery died and had to recharge.

2. by the time it was recharged, absolutely nothing was going on.



But don't worry, I will make up for it this weekend, you'll see.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Wednesday



Ian's Birthday! My sweet husband turned 22! And I decided that this was going to be a really good birthday. You see, we've never EVER gotten to celebrate birthdays together. He was always away at school, or unable to come home, or out in the desert riding camels, so it made celebrating a little difficult (and trust me. Video conferencing for you 20th does not make it "special" at all. not one single bit. Memorable, yes. Special, no.) So here was how Ian's birthday went down:

Maple Sausage + cheese + egg + whole wheat biscuit = amazing.
Read the clock.
6:15= not amazing


But you first must understand the conversation behind it.
Britt- Ian, guess what? I read in a cook book, at work today, about this breakfast food. RR took turkey sausage and squished it into a patty, then added cheese and egg on a english muffin! She called it a breakfast burger! Isn't that a great idea?!
Ian- Um. You mean like a Sausage mcmuffin?
Brit- (dawning realization of the connection between the two) OOOooooooh. right.


He approves. :)
All done with work for the day. Heading out to dinner and a movie. Carrabbas and to see Eagle Eye. Both were great.
We used our wedding photographer's secret of having the groom squat down in order to get him to look more relaxed and not so cheesey. It worked I think!

Talking politics and ignorance on our drive to dinner. And during dinner. And on our drive to the movie. It WAS his birthday afterall, right?


Opening his fedex mailer from mom and dad.... he got scrabble! We love that game.

His loot from me. Here's a good holiday hint. Do alot of shopping at the "bookstore." You can find alot of great things there for everyone AND they gift wrap for free.


His loot. Some of the shirts need to be returned, but everything else was great! Crazy shirt sizes. I bout him 5 shirts all from O N and in the same size (m) and style (fitted,) but only 3 of them fit. Crazy.
This was the birthday banner that I was going to string together for him during my lunch break. Only, I got a call from the county saying I was approved as a substitute and had only 24 hours to get in to get my drug test. Which meant my lunch break was the only opportunity. So here lays the banner. Oh well. We'll use it next year. It's pretty don't you think?

Also, we're trying to start traditions so our first real one that we decided on is this : Tonight, after all of the festivities were over, Ian crawled into bed and I dug out our unity candle from the wedding. I lit it and took it to him, he held it as I snuggled in next to him, and I prayed for him and the coming year. We plan on doing this for each other on birthdays and we'll both do it on our anniversary. I think it's a great way to stay 'united' and to remember that the candle wasn't just a one time thing, it represented a lifetime of unity.

Tuesday... a little belated.



I was just too tired to manage turning on the computer, uploading photos, and updating the blog yesterday. Here was yesterday's events in pictures:
Just another morning breakfast.. in front of some good ol Gilmore Girls. Wish my momma was here to sing the theme song with me!

After leveling the cake, these were the remaining pieces. Nibbled on them here and there.


There was definately a reason I took a picture of my cell phone, but not exactly sure why. I talked to some people today.. including the lovely Mrs. Emily and Zachary and Sophie!


The completed cake. Bulldog colors. Of course, then the cake stand top didn't fit over top of it because it would squish the red icing on the bottom. But not to fear, I got creative by flipping over a metal bowl that my grandma gave me for a lid.

Ian being helpful and getting our salads ready, because I insisted a little shredded cheese on tacos does not count as a vegetable.

Getting the tacos prepped. Notice a theme in the pictures? Sure does seem like a lot of our time is in food prep or consumption.

Yum. We sure do love our mexican food. Alot.
After dinner I got a pretty bad headache. Halfheartedly watched the biggest loser (it just doesn't have much umph this season,) and headed to bed. Leaving in my wake a mass of unfinished chores. For example the dishes....
And hanging up my clean laundry. I feel like I just dropped everything. Probably because I did!