Dear Hubby

Romance Spotlight: Emily

Hello everyone and welcome to another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT! Emily from Sweet Bella Roos is here to share her love story with us. Be sure to stop by her blog and say hi!

Take it away Emily!

Hi there! My name is Emily and I blog over at Sweet Bella Roos. I am a proud mama, firefighter's wife, wannabe baker & blogger. Lover of all things vintage, turquoise, & handmade. Hater of veggies, sushi, & waking up early. I was so excited when Mackenzie asked me to post about how I met my Hubby. Seriously, how cute is her blog? Pretty sure I have every 'I Love Lucy' episode recorded. It's a sickness ha-ha. Plus, I have to admit, I think our love story is pretty cute. I mean who doesn't love a story about star-gazing, swine flu, and Steak and Shake? (For those of you on the West Coast, Steak and Shake is a burger place here... not quite as famous as In-N-Out). 

 

James and I met in a college astronomy class. The fact that we both ended up in that class was completely random fate because he didn't need it for his degree and just decided to take it as an elective, and I had just decided to switch from BioChem II a few weeks before the class started. A few days before the semester started I came down with Swine Flu. Let me just tell you that was as awful as it sounds. I-felt-horrible. By the first day of class I had been on meds long enough to not be contagious anymore, but not long enough to not look like death anymore. I barely got up the energy to shower, threw on a sweatshirt, put my hair in a ponytail, and headed off to class. This class was a lecture/lab combo and that night we had both. I was just expecting to go over the syllabus and return as quickly as possible back to my bed, but my professor of course had other plans. When he asked us all to get out our "star wheels" (which of course I didn't have with me) I started to panic. I immediately began to scan the room, knowing I need to make friends fast to find someone to share with me. Of course I picked the cutest boy in class, who just happened to be sitting on my row. When we got outside I introduced myself, which went something like this: Me: Hi, I'm Emily. Is it cool if I share your star wheel? I forgot mine. Oh and by the way, I promise I'm not dying or contagious... even though I look and sound like it... but I'm on meds and my doctor says I'm fine. James: Uhh, sure. Yep. I was smooth, and clearly he was into me. So after spending an hour outside in the freezing cold of January (coughing like crazy), class was over and I thanked him for taking pity on the sick girl. We didn't have class again until the following week but this time he came and sat next to me. I couldn't tell if he was shy or "just not that into me"... but I felt like he needed an encouraging nudge to ask me out (ha-ha). So the following night I told him how I hated that class was so late (7-10pm) because I didn't have enough time coming from work to grab anything to eat and by the time we got out of class I was starving. Which of course opened the door for him to ask me to go grab a bite to eat after class... which he did. Now if you ask him, he will tell you that he had been planning that all week and that it was totally his idea. So after class we went to Steak and Shake because that was one of the few places nearby still open. I actually hate Steak and Shake ha-ha. We ended up talking the entire night until they finally kicked us out at 2am. From there we were inseparable in class. (Did I mention he had the highest grade in the class? Did I pick wisely that first night or what ha-ha!) I found out that he had the last season of 'Lost' on his iPod and soon we began going over to each other's house after class to watch it. About 6 weeks later we took a trip to Houston together and when we got back he said "I love you" for the first time. I had already known for weeks that he was the one.

So when people ask us how we met, we love to say that we met 'gazing at the stars'... sounds more romantic when you leave out the part where I was coughing up a lung with the flu. :) James proposed to me under the stars a year and a half after we met and we were married the following Fall. If you would like to see pics from our wedding (and see how our ties to astronomy made an appearance) you can view them here or here.

Thanks so much Emily! Loved it!

Be sure to stop by again for another ROMANCE SPOTLIGHT!

Happy Dating!

Seattle's Top 10 Dates

I've decided to start a top 10 dates list for different cities in the USA. Since I grew up in Washington I thought it would only be appropriate to start with good ol' Seattle. 

(Photo sources #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10)

In No Particular Order:

1. Ivar's Fish Bar- I don't like seafood. Not in any shape or form...except Ivar's. It is so good! But food isn't the only attraction at this waterfront restaurant. Feeding the seagulls that swarm this place has been a favorite past time of visitors for years. This gem was founded in 1938. 

2. EMP (Experienced Music Project) - Yes, that is a building in the picture. No one quite knows what it is supposed to resemble. I have heard everything from a smashed guitar to a wad of play dough. Either way, it's a cool place. It is the best music museum you will visit in your life. I could seriously write a whole post on this place but I will refrain and just say its well worth a visit!

3. Ferry Rides - These are great for several reasons. You enjoy a beautiful ride in the sound, you can tag you car along if you like, it's relatively cheap and very safe.

4. Seahawks Game - If your hubby (or you) is a football fan, you must see a Seahawks game. I'm not too into football and neither is Hubby so I have nothing more to say on this.

5. Space Needle - A MUST if you are in Seattle. But, you MUST be loaded. Well, at least not poor law students like us. It is pretty expensive but a staple in the Seattle experience. Did you know that the restaurant spins? Talk about a great view while you dine!

6. Mariners game - Visit SafeCo field and catch a Mariners game! The roof is retractable. Kind of necessary in a rainy city like Seattle but a nice touch. 

7. Agua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club - How cool is this place? It's a canoe/kayak rental AND a restaurant. Enjoy a kayak ride together and then top it off with a meal while watching others paddle away into the sunset. 

8. International Fountain This one is free people! And check out the size of this thing. Gigantic fountain + hot day = great FREE date!

9. Pike Place Public Market - Another must do in Seattle. The world famous Pike Place Market. It's fantastic. If nothing else, just watch the fish throwers. They are amazing, and hilarious. You can even check them out on youtube. 

10. Seattle Underground - Who knew Seattle had an underground right? I didn't and I grew up in Washington! It is literally part of the "original" Seattle, before they elevated the streets in the mid 1800s. The ceiling is the sidewalk! Crazy right? Definitely worth seeing. 



Hope you enjoyed this top 10 list from Seattle.
Coming soon, Washington D.C!
Leave a comment about your best date and it may end up on your city's top 10 list!

Happy Dating!

Argument Crowns

I hate to admit it, but Hubby and I have had arguments in our marriage. 

Not a lot. 

Not very often.

But it does happen every once in awhile. 

And let me just explain a few things about these "discussions". 

Hubby is a fabulous debater. He was on the debate team in high school as a matter of fact and even went to state. His debating skills helped in his decision to become a lawyer too. Since he argues like one already he figured, why not?

Ok not really but it seems like it sometimes. 

And then there's me. 

Your typical female. 

You know how it goes. He says something and I reply with, "what you really meant by that was..." I have also been known to pull the "you just think I'm fat" card. 

Ridiculous I know. 

"Disagreements" can do that to you I guess. 

During one of these "talks" Hubby was being particularly clever in his pre-lawyer skills and interrupting a lot. I was being especially feminine and being over sensitive. At one point I even said in a moment of frustration "You are the interruption king!"

And that got me thinking....

I went into the next room and came back with this little creation.

(Please excuse the fact that I can't spell "Interruption" correctly)

We both had a good laugh. 

I had to make myself one of course.

Completely with glitter, flowers, and pearls.

Totally old school here. Construction paper, glue sticks and scotch tape. 

Ever since then, the rule has been that we must wear our crowns during an argument. 

And you know what?

They don't last very long.

These crowns of ours really help us realize how silly we can be.

(The Interruption King and The Over Sensitive Queen)

We usually end up laughing. 

What bad habit do you have?

Try making crowns for you and your spouse. 

I swear they help!

And send me your pics!

I want to see your creations!

Happy Dating!

(The Over Sensitive Queen)

I'm not Funny

Did I ever tell you guys that sometimes I have double standards? It's true.

For instance, Hubby and I have this rule about not eating in bed. Ever. 

But today I couldn't help it!

To give myself some credit, I normally don't. I really am pretty good. Today I caved though. I put our little girl down for a nap and pulled out a chocolate protein bar (which is the closet I get to a real chocolate bar these days -darn it) and a glass of milk. Nothing sounded better than curling up in bed, turning on one of my favorite "I Love Lucy" episodes and munching on my imaginary twix. 

(Image Source)

So I did.

I know, I know, it's terrible. 

But I tell myself that being the Mom comes with certain privileges right?

Please tell me I am not the only one.

If you haven't noticed, I have been MIA for the past month or so. 

For a lot of reasons. 

Life has been hectic for one. We moved here to Boston, Hubby started a new job AND law school. We didn't have any of our own furniture so we have been sleeping on the floor and made cardboard bookshelves (which are surprisingly sturdy).

Back in Virginia I had a really awesome group of friends. I mean really awesome. I got together with at least one of them every day. Seriously. They all had kids close to my daughters age, and our husbands got along great too. I couldn't have asked for anything better. And then we moved. We are slowly meeting people here but it's not the same. Since Hubby is in law school and working I rarely see him. I guess I have been a little lonely if I am completely honest. I know it will pass. I will make new friends and get used to the new place but it's just different ya' know? My poor friends in Virginia are probably getting a little annoyed with me. I call, text, and skype with them all the time. And I am beginning to notice that I am the only one calling them. Are you trying to tell me something guys? Maybe three times a day is a bit much?

(Thank you Ashton)

Mostly, my heart aches for my little girl. I just about loose it every time she asks to play with her old friends. It is unbelievably hard to say "I'm so sorry honey, but we can't play with your friends today. They don't live close by" or to watch her try and hug them through the computer. 

Getting our regular date nights in has been tough too. Any law school wives out there with suggestions? Finding a minute together at all is tough let alone time for a date.

Also, I am incredibly intimidated by all of you. Yes, you. You are all such wonderful bloggers, writers, photographers, and so creative! I am not so good at any of those. I have a terrible camera, am completely clueless when it comes to anything computer/blogging related and not a great writer. 

And here is why:

I am not funny.

(You have no idea how hard it is for me to admit that)

I can't tell you how long I have struggled with this either. It has taken me 22 years but I have finally accepted it. 

I am not funny.

You see, my family is hilarious. My Dad is the best story teller alive and can get a crowd rolling on the floor in 5 minutes. My sisters are right up there with him and one sister in particular does an awesome job or showing her sense of humor on her blog. But not me. I am just not funny. Doesn't every family have one of those? Well, in my family it's me. I'm the odd one in every sense of the word. I am taller than all the girls. I refuse to take medicine and live on the east coast. I hate coke and am the only one who can't tell a good joke. I have wanted so badly to be funny my whole life but I'm not. I'm like Al Borland from Home Improvement.

(Image Source)

Let me prove to you how not funny I am. When I attempt to tell a joke, I usually get to the punch line and look at the person and wait for the expected laughter. 9 times out of 10 though, they look at me and go "...uh huh" or "go on". I then sink into my chair and say "never mind".

The only time my husbands laughs at me is when I am mad. Apparently, I am hilarious then. Which just makes me more mad.

Still not convinced? Read my old blog posts. I tried to be funny in every single one of them. Looking back I don't even think they are funny. Now that's just embarrassing.

So, long story short, I haven't been blogging lately because I am a little lonely, not able to date much and coming to grips with the fact that I am not funny. Or a good blogger. 

Whew! 

That is a load off my shoulders!

But I am still here. I will get going again. I just need some motivation. My strategy right now is to not look at anyones's blog. Because if I do I start thinking "Wow this is amazing....wow this makes my stuff look like crap" So please don't be offended that I haven't been commenting lately. 

It's a compliment really.

I have a few ideas floating around in my head on how to get date nights going again and a few changes to my regular posting format. Is that even what it's called? Told you, clueless. 

Thanks for your patience!

Be back soon.

Happy Dating!

River Walk

We made it!

 I now live in BOSTON!

We still have a lot of unpacking to do and need to figure out where things are, but we are here.

And safe.

And missing friends....

Anyways,

Neither Hubby nor I have ever been here before so we have a lot of exploring to do. 

To kick off our Boston dates, we decided to take a stroll along the Charles River.

There is this great walking trail by our apartment complete with hundreds of geese and ducks. 

It was a perfect day for a walk like this! We did lots of exploring, talking and making silly faces for the camera. 

After some flexing and karate kicks, we fed the geese some bread and headed home. 

Taking a walk is a fantastic date because

1. Its FREE!

2. You get in some exercise - which is always a bonus

3. Plenty of time to chat and enjoy the view

4. It's a great way to explore a new neighborhood

Stay tuned for some more dates from the Boston area!

Happy Dating!

Photo Shoot

For our date today, we had a little family photo shoot!

My wonderful neighbor from Something Swanky took them for us.

 While we were up there it started raining! We had to pack up everything and go sooner than we expected but it was still fun to get some pictures with my two favorite people.

We even took some in the rain just for kicks and giggles. 

I have to be honest here people. When Hubby and I look in the mirror, I don't think we are an ugly couple....

But whenever I see a camera, something happens. 

I don't know what it is.

My eyes shrink, my cheeks triple in size and don't even get me started on my thighs.

Apparently, I don't know how to smile either. 

Anyways, lets just say pictures can be deceiving. 

At least thats what I am telling myself. 

But on a completely different note, this date is totally FREE!

Just grab some props from home, and a friend to take the photos.

Pinterest is crawling with photography ideas that I just love.

Hubby wasn't too excited about a lot of them but I did convince him to do a few. 

Before your shoot, find a few poses that you want to try. 

Or have an awesome photographer who will help you create them like we did!

Thanks Ashton!

A few posts ago I mentioned that we are moving. 

Now that we have an apartment all ready to go, I think its safe to announce the location on the blog.

We are moving to BOSTON!

I am so excited! 

And sad.

Our whole life together has been here in Virginia. 

We met here.

Dated here.

Had our baby here.

Have amazing friends here.

Virginia really is for lovers.

But I am so excited to start a new adventure in Boston! I am sure that there will be tons of opportunities for FREE dates up there. I have never been so if anyone has any suggestions please let me know!

Wish us luck on our move!

I may have a few more posts from Virginia but look forward to dates from the Boston area in a couple weeks!

Happy Dating!