My Husband

My husband cracks me up. He went to work today. Even though J told him he didn't have to start until next week. But he went. And ended up getting paid. For 1 day of work. And what kind of work did he do? He tasted pies and cookies at the local fair. :)



Lola needed some more judges. And J and Paul went to help out. Paul came home stuffed! And told me that was a great 1st day of work. We're already loving our new home. Now, I should probably get started on dinner. I hadn't even thought about cooking. And I'm sure Paul would like something more than just desserts today. ♥E

It's Here!!

Today is moving day. It's a little bittersweet. We're sad to be leaving our "Florida Family." But we're excited to be heading home! Paul and I didn't get much sleep last night. Because somehow, there was still a lot packing left to do. I'm very shocked at how much stuff we've collected. We've only lived here, for just over 3 years.



But we have a lot of odds and ends. Things that needed to be packed well. It's crazy how we finished, giving us just 2 hours of sleep. I'm glad our packing is done. At least for a few days. When we have to begin our unpacking. Now it's time, to move across the country! ♥E

Sunday Stealing: Pumpkin Pie

Tomorrow, the movers come. And we hand over our keys. And take a flight home. So much is on my mind. And we still need to finish packing. Here is this week's Sunday Stealing. ♥E



It’s not really fall in until...You have some pumpkin pie.

What did you need to do in the waning days of summer for it to feel complete? Go camping.

A person I know was wrong for me but about whom I frequently thought after a break-up was... No one.

If you could only attend one major sporting event what would it be? The PBR Finals.

Assuming that you write an anonymous or partially anonymous blog, by what non-physically identifying characteristics might you be identified in a bar? I don't know.

Most blogs cover some sort of niche – personal, political, dating, culinary, etc. What topic, if any, would you like to address on your blog but doesn’t fit into your niche? Politics.

If you could manipulate the time space continuum and give as many as three pieces of advice to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give and to what age of you? At 18: a. A good man is just around the corner. b. School isn't that bad...honestly. c. Life is full of surprises. Never give up.

Who among your friends do you really wish had a blog because their stories, or perspective on something ought to be shared? No, Lola already has a blog. I really enjoy her thoughts on lots of topics.

If you were to take an e-cation (vacation from the trappings of our electronic world,) and assuming that employment obligations would allow it, how long of a break could you take? What would you miss the most, the least? I would take a good month. If I could leave all my responsibilities behind. The only thing I'd miss is my friends. I like to read their blogs and emails.

On September 11th of this year, I attended a couple of parties and was somewhat conflicted by the fact that this ignoble anniversary shall pass with it being just another day in the eyes of many (and in some ways my own eyes as well.) Thoughts? I always think about the events of 9/11/01. That day will forever touch our lives. And I will teach my children about the significance of the day. I feel sad when people forget about it. But like other tragedies in our country, people forget.

How high are your walls? Who was the last person to scale them? What tools should would-be climbers have on their belt? My husband and only a few people really know the real Em. I just think you need to be truthful and honest with me. Then I'm able to let you in.

The sexiest thing a man or a woman can say to you (or has said to you) is: My husband telling me that I was sexy no matter if I was covered in mudd, working on our garden. Or all dressed up and ready for a date. :)

Closing this Chapter

It's crazy. In 2 days, the movers come. And we decided to take the day off of packing. We wanted to go to the lake one last time. It was an incredible day. Just me and Paul enjoying one of our favorite parts of Florida.

This chapter of our lives is quickly closing. We're both a little sad. We're leaving a part of our lives behind. Friends we've made. A routine we were used to. A life that we enjoyed.



As I look around tonight, our house is almost completely packed up. I hope we finish before the movers get here. But it's a little sad. I mean, this has been our home. And now, we're leaving. It's a little like a break up. I know, it's just a house. And a state. But it's still tough.

I know that the next chapter of our lives is going to be a good one. I'm excited. So is Paul. We hope to start a family in a few years. And all of this, it's worth being happy and planning a bright future with my husband.

But it has been an emotional day. Something about the lake just made me realize how final this was. And it made me sad. I'm going to miss all of this. I cried a lot today. Paul and I took a bunch of pictures of our favorite spots around here. And lots at the lake. It really was our favorite place to be.

I'm ready for what's ahead of us. All we have to do is get our stuff loaded and moved. Oh, and turn over our keys to our landlord. But this is something that we both need, and want. And we really are excited about moving home!! ♥E

Last Day at Work

Today was my last day of work. It feels strange even typing that. It was my first professional job. And I loved it. I loved the people I worked with. The location. Everything about my job. And here I am leaving it.



I packed up my office. And was very tearing eyed. Why? I really don't know. Our office isn't anything too special to cry about. It's a large room. With a bunch of desks. All of the RDs share it. But it was a nice place to be. A comforting place. A warm environment.

And then, my coworkers through me a "Going Away" party. Presents included. I cried. I couldn't help it. They are so much like family. I'm going to miss them. I'll never forget my first job. It was a good experience. I just hope my next job is just as blessed. There are so many good memories over the last few years. I did my internship at this hospital. And was offered a job here. The people will always have a special place in my heart. ♥E

Sunday Stealing: Pretty Woman

We're still in the middle of packing. It's a little overwhelming. But it must be done. And with any sort of luck, we should be moved soon. Fingers and toes crossed.

Here is this week's Sunday Stealing. A continuation of last week. ♥E



27. Do you prefer to sleep or eat? Eat. I like food a lot.

28. Do you look like your mom or dad? A little of both.

29. How long does it take you in the shower? I don't know. It usually takes me about 45 minutes to completely get ready.

30. Can you do the splits? Yes.

31. What movie do you want to see right now? Pretty Woman

32. What did you do for New Year’s? We had friends over to our house.

33. Do you think The Grudge was scary? I didn't see it.

34. Do you own a camera phone? Yes

35. Was your mom a cheerleader? No

36. What’s the last letter of your middle name? E

37. How many hours of sleep do you get a night? 6-7 hours

38. Do you like Care Bears? Yes

39. What do you buy at the movies? Popcorn

40. Do you know how to play poker? Not well.

41. Do you wear your seat belt? Always!

42. What do you wear to sleep? PJs

43. Anything big ever happen in your hometown? Not really.

44. How many meals do you eat a day? 3 meals and 3 snacks.

45. Is your tongue pierced? No

46. Do you always read MySpace bulletins? No. I haven't signed on for a long time!

47. Do you like funny or serious people better? Funny.

48. Ever been to L.A.? Yes

49. Did you eat a cookie today? Yes

50. Do you use cuss words in other languages? No

51. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads? Pay.

52. Do you hate chocolate? No, I LOVE it!

53. What do you and your parents fight about the most? We don't really argue.

54. Are you a gullible person? No

55. Do you need a girl/boyfriend to be happy? No

56. If you could have any job (assuming you have the skills) what what would it be? An author.

57. Are you easy to get along with? Yes.

58. What is your favorite time of day? Early morning, when the sun is rising.

Our Saturday

How are we spending our Saturday? Packing. I know. It sounds so glamorous. But it needs to be done. I can't believe, how much stuff we've accumulated over the last few years. It just makes me wonder.



I'm completely exhausted. And it's not even 2pm. I'm thinking we might have to do takeout again. And hopefully, we can get the main living areas all packed up by Monday. That's my plan. I never realized how much work was going into our move.

Paul is also working on the yard. We have a lot of plants we want to take with us. Hopefully we're able to take them with us. And that they survive the move. There is so much to do. And not a lot of time. I better get back to work. ♥E

On Our Way Home

We're on our way home. Right now, we're in GA. stuck. Our flight is delayed 3 hours. I wish we were already home. Because I'm tired. And not a big fan of airports.



Paul and I are definitely moving. And all I can think of is packing up our home. I think I'm just anxious to get home and pack. I already miss the SW. And our family and friends. Is that crazy? I think it is. But I don't care. We're ready to be home. Where we belong.

Paul has a job. We have a place to live. And I've already had 2 job interviews. We're ready. And I personally, can't wait to be moved. But it's also going to be sad leaving our home. This is where we've lived for the last few years. As newlyweds. And we have a life here. It's going to be tough. But it's time. ♥E

Sunday Stealing: Mountains

We leave back to Florida in 2 days. So we're taking full advantage of the time we have here. Lots of dinners with friends and family. Enjoying the southwest. I never thought I'd miss the desert as much as I do. Funny, huh? Well, here is this week's Sunday Stealing. ♥E



1. The phone rings. Who will it to be? Probably my parents or in-laws. They call us on Sunday nights. I love having the time to chat. :)

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? Always, I hate when there are all kinds of baskets blowing in the wind.

3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? More of a listener.

4. Do you take compliments well? Not really. I don't understand why people would compliment me.

5. Do you play Sudoku? Lola is really getting me into it. I will probably start doing the ones in the newspaper.

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive? Yes, I grew up in the mountains. I think I would be OK.

7. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? All the time. My Dad loved to take us. :)

8. What was your favorite game as a kid? I liked to play Candy Land.

9. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was married, would you? No. I'm a happily married woman.

10. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? If I was single, yes. My husband and I aren't from the same religious background. But we make it work. :)

11. Do you like to pursue or be pursued? When my husband and I were dating, I liked being pursued by him. I"m a little old fashion here.

12. Use three words to describe yourself? Calm, a planner, and Health conscious.

13. Do any songs make you cry? Yes. If you really listen to the words of songs, they have a lot of meaning and emotion in them.

14. Are you continuing your education? I want to. I already have a Master's degree. But I'm looking at maybe going back to school again.

15. Do you know how to shoot a gun? Yes, my Dad made sure of that. For protection and for hunting. But I never went hunting.

16. Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth? Yes. When I was younger, my friends and I liked to do that at the mall. :)

17. How often do you read books? All the time. I really like to read.

18. Do you think more about the past, present or future? The present.

19. What is your favorite children’s book? Brown Bear, Brown Bear

20.What color are your eyes? Brown

21. How tall are you? 5'5"

22. Where is your dream house located? At home. Near family and friends.

23. If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed? My husband.

24. When was the last time you were at Olive Garden? About a month ago.

25. Where was the furthest place you traveled today? To the mountains.

26. Do you like mustard? Yes

Home

We've gotten so much done this week. I'm sad that our vacation is almost over. I'm going to miss our family and friends so much. But it was a good trip. And hopefully, really soon we will be back for good.



I had a few interviews. And I'm anxious to hear back from the hospitals. I really want to try and get into pediatric nutrition. It seems like such a rewarding area to work in. And Paul and I are really coming along on plans. All the pieces seem to be falling right into place. Just like we dreamt they would.

Most of all, it was just nice to be around all of our loved ones again. I've missed them so much! We've had a great life in Florida. But this is where we belong. And this week, it's really solidified that for us! ♥E

Friends

Tonight we went to see our friends. They have a band, the BBs (for short.) And they had an incredible rehearsal. They're getting ready for a big gig. And their boss was there.



My friend Lola is their main singer. And the only female. I'm pretty sure her boss is in love with her. I'm thinking, they might even be dating. I'm not completely sure. But he was so cute with her. She was late and exhausted...because she was coming from work at the hospital. But the minute she got there, he was trying to get her a plate of food.

Somehow, Lola convinced everyone to watch some TV. I just think she was tired. And while she ate and relaxed a bit, everyone took to the TV or to talking. Which was also nice. The 2 of them sang a few songs together. And well, you could definitely see the sparks flying! Which was nice.

But the band is incredible. They're still playing right now. And it sounds amazing! I hope we get to hear their show. I would really enjoy it. Everyone in the band is so super talented! I miss getting the chance to listen to them. Before we moved, we'd go to their gigs all the time. ♥E

Sunday Stealing: French Bread

Paul and I had an amazing time yesterday and today. Yesterday, we took a drive through the mountains. It was beautiful! I just love all the small towns. The friendly faces and welcoming attitudes. It was amazing!

We went to the Chili Festival today. So much fun! We have so many great memories of this event. It was great timing to come home at this time of year. :) And to get to spend so much time with our friends. That was the best part! And here I go with another round of Sunday Stealing. ♥E



1. When you go to Wowmart, what one thing do you get every single time, besides a funky-wheeled squeaking cart full of frustration? French bread. I have a bit of an obsession with their french bread. :)

2. What is something that people are currently “into” that you just don’t get or appreciate? Buying homes that they can't afford.

3. What is something that really hoists your sail that other people might feel “ho-hum” about? Not caring about their children's diets. You know, it bugs me that they'll spend $1000's on video games, then stuff their kids with junk food. Spend some money on decent food.

4. Favorite song to sing in the shower or car? I know this is going to sound weird but...Shania Twain's "From This Moment."

5. A really great salad must have this ingredient: Avocados. Yum!

6. What advice in a nutshell would you give to new bloggers? I don't know. I'm a new blogger myself. But probably to carve out some time in your week to blog.

7. What was the alternate name that your parents almost named you? Do you wish they had chosen it instead of the one they gave you? Grace. But it's my middle name. So I don't think they have many regrets there.

8. What in your life are you waiting for? Nothing really. Paul and I are happy in our life. We want to have kids in a few years. But other than that, we are right on track. :)

9. You get a package in the mail. What is it, and who is it from? Probably something handmade from Lola. She always sends the best little packages when you least expect them. I love it!

10. Today–what song represents you? Shania Twain's "Forever and For Always." Love it! And it reminds me so much of Paul and I. :)

11. What is one thing that blogging has taught you about yourself? I'm a pretty random person. And I should probably more organized.

12. How are you going to (or how did you) choose the clothes you’re wearing today? What do they say about you in general or specifically how you’re feeling today? I was looking for something very comfortable to wear. My style is very casual on the weekends. Mostly because I have to dress up so much for work. And it generally shows that I'm approachable, happy, and a pretty carefree person.

Me and My Girls!!!

It feels so good. My friends and I got to hangout today. It was amazing! It made me think of days past. All the time we spent together as interns. And this was our song. Unwritten. Our stories were unwritten...

Then Vi left us. She went to Dallas. Got into a great nutrition program. Now she is kicking butt. Doing a great job. And is an amazing RD. I graduated. Paul and I got married. And we moved to Florida. Making our lives work. Both of us going to school and loving life as newlyweds.

Lola, she was younger than us. More ambitious than Vi and I. She is still writing so much of her story. But every time I hear this song, I think of the 3 of us. Learning our way around the hospital. Loving our jobs. And being the best of friends.

It's good to be back home. And to get the chance to see my girls. They're so much more than friends. They'll be my sisters for life. I'm so proud of the job Vi is doing. And Lola. Wow! She is kicking butt. I'm so proud and happy for her. Who would have thought we would have come this far? And here we are, breaking all the rules. Writing our stories. And making amazing lives for us. Filling up all those blank pages. Showing people that we can make a HUGE difference in the world. Thank you girls! I can't wait to see what we're all doing in 10 years. :) ♥E

We Made It!

We made it home. Well, not really our home. But where me and Paul went to college. I'm originally from small community, about 90 minutes away. So it feels like home. And it's just like I remember it. Great friends. Fresh green chili. And a beautiful culture. I'm very excited about being here!



While we're here, we're going to be looking around for a house. And maybe some jobs. We have a serious itch to move back. But most of all, we're going to enjoy ourselves! I'm so glad that we're here. And I really can't wait to enjoy everything here! ♥E