Closer...

A while back I was reading this post on a blog I started following a couple months ago. It was a quick little post on friendship. Much of what she mentioned is stuff I'd considered before. Since then, I've been thinking about it even more. It's something that continuously pops up. Like the other day, at the wedding we photographed in Wichita. I stood in the bride's room listening to hilarious conversations while I documented the "getting ready" phase of the day. In addition to the hilarious conversations, these girls, these friends were constantly, almost without even a second thought, raising each other up and encouraging one another. It was completely real and genuine and I thought, Yes! That's what I'm talking about! I don't really have any fun "friend" pictures to show with this... but I thought, what the heck, I'll post anyway.

I think friendship is a very funny thing and I think, for we girls especially, friendships can be overly complicated... filled with drama, hurt feelings, grudges, insecurity, and uncertainty. Also, women in general are TOUGH on each other. What starts out as "OMG - can you believe she's wearing those shoes?" and "Lay off, I saw him first!", later becomes, "I would never let my child do that!" and "When is she going to get a real job/get married/have a baby/lose that 30 lbs already?" I've always hated how we treat each other, gossip about each other, and judge each other... I'd wager to bet most of us probably do... and yet... we have continued to do it.

I also think friendships (and relationships in general) can get kind of awkward at different times in our lives... especially when major transitions happen and we change a bit. It happens constantly... although I like to think it will be happening less. Our friends ended up in the opposite elementary school class than us, they got involved in different sports and activities in high school, maybe they even went to different colleges, got married and/or had kids before us. They changed their priorities, some of their likes/dislikes, and maybe even some of their defining beliefs.

I suppose if I had to pick just one positive thing that happened this year, it's that my eyes were opened even more to the important things in life. Now, this is a whole other bag of sour gummy worms in itself... but it does directly relate to friendships.

I think I'm almost to that point where I "get it". I'm not quite there yet and it's easier in some relationships and situations than in others but I'm definitely getting closer. Closer to keeping good friends near, closer to letting go of the bad, closer to knowing my limits, walking on egg shells less, judging less, and simply loving and encouraging more.

Now, good friendships seemed to be based less on actions, similarities, etc... and are based more on a common love for one another, an understanding for one another, and an acceptance of one another (and all that we bring with us). Now, things seem less complicated and ridiculous. Now, it matter less about what we do or where we go together, or even how often we talk or see each other. It matters more about the quality of time together. It matters that we can truly be ourselves, talk about anything, say what we feel, do what we want regardless of irrational expectations, and know that we can laugh with each other, and even at each other and that life will go on. I'll still be me, you'll still be you, and we'll still be friends.

I suppose it will always be a journey... one full of trial and error... one where there's always a little ways to go still... always room for improvement... but it feels good to be getting closer.

I can dig that! =)

PS - I don't typically read "The Message" version of the Bible. But check out Romans 12 and Romans 14

B-I-N-G-O

Friday was my sister-n-law's birthday. SO, what else do you do to celebrate birthdays besides... go play BINGO!! That's right folks. We (Val, me, Cori, my mother-in-law Terese and her friend Melissa) headed down to the big town of Newkirk, to the casino's bingo hall and joined forces with the 65 and over crowd (I kid, I kid... sort of) to play the game of champs! =)

Here we are in the car on the way there. Yeah, I know... not the cutest picture of all time, but I'm posting it none-the-less. (Sorry girls, but I'm documenting life here! It is what it is!) =)


I had never officially played bingo before. Not like real bingo. It was actually kinda fun! *Gasp* I bought my first dauber... orange of course. I really got a kick out of using that thing! It didn't hurt that I came home a winner-winner-chicken-dinner. Yes Maam Sam!! I got a BINGO! $300 in smack-a-roos to put in the ol' piggy bank. I REALLY wish Val would have won, but I'm thrilled to death for some extra cash right now. The games kind of went on for too long and there were a couple of not-very-nice Betties in there, but all and all we had some good laughs and had a fun time. I'd totally do it again!

Here's a picture of my lovely dauber gracing my kitchen windowsill. There's usually a little cross right there but I wanted a picture of my orange beauty, and this place, as bad as it is, had the best lighting that night.


The rest of the weekend was busy but good. I went on a little early morning shopping trip to Target and Kohls Saturday morning, and we had a family celebration for Val at Montana Mike's. Then, Cori, Val, Heather and I went to see No Strings Attached that night.

Sunday, Dac and I skipped out on church (oops) to sleep in a bit, then we headed to Wichita to take Justin and Erica's newborn pictures (well, technically they were Aldrik's newborn pictures) but before we did, we enjoyed lunch together at Panera. It's been a while since we've enjoyed a little date together, so that was a nice treat, albeit a short one. We also ran to Lowe's to pick up some small items to work on the bathroom, a new programmable thermostat, and a new doorbell. We also grabbed a couple new shelves for our laundry room/closet (which I'm super excited about) and a pretty little green bucket for holding ice-melt etc... on the porch. THEN we took pictures. Aldrik was a champ... sweet little guy! I'll post pictures from that over on the photo blog (and maybe a couple here too) soon. =)

Special Delivery

Tonight my friend Kayla and I braved the elements (ok, so the elements weren't really there anymore, but it certainly makes for a more dramatic story) to go see her sister and their brand new addition to the family. Little Mister Aldrik Ryan was born Wednesday evening, weighing in at 8lbs 2oz and measuring 20 inches long. Oh yeah, AND he's real cute too. =)

From what I hear Erica was absolutely amazing and was quite the baby-birthin' stud...er...studette! Both she and Justin seemed as happy as could be and it's already obvious they'll make amazing parents.

I just had my little point and shoot with me tonight but we'll be doing some newborn pictures for them real soon and I'll be sure to share those over on the photo blog.

Would you look at that adorably squishy face! =)

Auntie Kayla and her nephew. She wasn't excited. AT ALL.
My turn. Little man pooped while I held him. I mean, THE NERVE! Obviously he hasn't learned he's supposed to do that only when Dad's holding him. =)I realize now that I didn't get any pictures of the proud new mom and dad! Hmph! Trust me though, Erica looks great and they are just super relaxed and happy, and I'm happy for them!

Edit: Oops, got in too much of a hurry to post this and had a typo in the title for crying out loud! I also neglected to mention that Kayla and I had some yummy Rib Crib after we left the hospital. It was SO good to catch up and hang out for a while. =) Loved it.

Zoom Zoom Zoom

Well, I finally did it. I joined a Zumba class. I have wanted to do Zumba since I first heard about it in college. At first, there wasn't a class offered at a time I could go. Then, I had the whole "get- hit-by-a-car-and-need-surgery" incident the summer before my senior year, so I pretty much laid off the working out (except walking and physical therapy) for quite a while.

Then, low and behold, we moved back here and there are few (this may be an understatement) workout classes offered here. I did try a Turbo Kick class this summer that I was just sure I'd love. It was fun but honestly, it kicked my hiney from here to Sydney. It was just too much bouncing for me I think. =) I continued looking high and low for a Zumba class. Nothing. Until... for Christmas this year I got the Zumba dvd set. I hadn't even had the chance to try it out yet when my Aunt called and said they were starting a Zumba class in Winfield!! We got signed up and last night was the first class.

Review: It wasn't 100% what I was expecting but it was fun. I've missed dancing and I felt like it was a really good workout. You can, in a way, set your own pace and define how much of a workout you get out of it. There were women of all ages, all sizes, and all levels of expertise. I think that made for a good beginner's class. It's also only one time a week and that definitely fits into my busy schedule. Also, since we're keeping it real here... I just enjoyed adding a little salsa flair to my life aaaaaaaaand shakin' my booty! =) Soooo, all in all, I give it a...

Photo taken after Zumba. Don't judge! Can't wait for next week! What fun workouts are you doing? I'm currently loving Zumba and Just Dance II for the Wii. =)

Oh yes it's lady's night...

We've had a pretty good weekend. Friday night, we went and ate Mexican food with Val and Austin (Dac's sister and brother for future reference). Yesterday we took maternity pictures for one of our 2009 couples - Ryan and Amber. They're expecting their first little one next month and I can't wait to meet him. Then, we swung by Biederman's for a light lunch. I had the Cobb salad (minus a few things) and it actually wasn't too awful bad. After lunch it was time to start gearing up for GIRL'S NIGHT!!! YEAH! I'd really been looking forward to it.

Here's me workin' my new belt. =)Me, minus the ponytail. Gasp.
Jana, Kayla, and Tabitha sitting at the bar waiting for our table at Montana Mike's.
Heather and I. She's my inspiration for losing weight. She has been doing awesome!!
Kayla and Tab...
Jana, Heather and I.
The group. We were missing some girls but we're thinking of making this a monthly outing, so we'll catch them next time!
After supper we swung through Sonic then headed back to Heather's for a friendly game of Balderdash and a whole lotta laughs.




Oh man, I love friends you can just be ridiculous with.
I had a blast even though I started feeling like I was coming down with a stomach bug. That was no good! I'm still not feeling 100% but definitely a little better than last night. Here's hoping I can avoid that stuff.

Today we went to church and are now working on photos, house stuff, and.. wait for it... I might just get my Christmas stuff taken down. That would be a whole other kind of Christmas miracle.

Apple Cake

My sister-n-law Valerie (Val, Seester, Vallie, Valejandro...) has a birthday coming up later this month. BUT - to catch her off guard, we decided to turn our bi-weekly "Wii Night" (even though half the time we don't even play Wii) into a surprise party for her!

Wellllllll, she showed up early and so there went the surprise. =) BUT, we still got to hang out with good friends, eat fantastic food (thanks Cori) and we played some Kinect too. We even sang happy birthday to Val and made her blow out the candles. Check out the fabulous apple cake. =)

Sorry, I didn't get any pictures of people because, well, it just wasn't a take pictures of people kind of a night. Let's just say, we don't typically get too dressed up for Wii Night. Sweats are the dress code.

On a side note, Peety went to the groomer this week and he's SOOOOOO soft. He's got himself a girlfriend at the vet that is just in love with him, so he always comes home walking a little proud. I didn't have the heart to tell him he smells like a princess.

Cruisetacular

WARNING - boring girly post ahead! =)

So we're going on a family cruise in March for Dac's parents' 30th anniversary. I'm pretty pumped. I'm looking forward to a BREAK for one, some sun, some relaxing, some un-healthy food, and some fun times.

As part of my motivation, I've created a little "mood board" of possible outfits to wear. =) It includes ideas for travel, hanging out on the boat, exploring the islands, dinner/nights, etc... I know, this is completely ridiculous but I thought it was fun anyway... and it helps keep me out of the cookie jar. Whatever it takes, right?

These are, of course, just ideas (although I bought a few of the items for 70% off last week... just couldn't resist a $2 tank top) and are in addition to T-SHIRTS which we all know I will wear plenty of... it's just who I am. =) It's also changed about 20 times already and I expect it will change some more.