My Adorable Husband

I am going to brag about my hubby a little here, so if it bothers you, let it. 

When I met Richard 5 years ago, the first week of December 2004, I had no idea what was in store for me over the next 4 years, or the journey I would take that would end with me as his wife. We faced a lot of hardships from the get go. Different backgrounds, different ways of being raised and then there was the slight age difference. I had just gotten out of a pretty serious relationship because of some difficulties and wasn't exactly ready to hit the ground running with another one. Little did I know, that first six months we dated, some pretty weird things happened. First, we met off of a website called HOT or NOT. (www.hotornot.com) they had a little meet me part of the website where if you mutually wanted to meet the other person, there was a chance to. We talked for a couple weeks via chatting online, and then proceeded to talk on the phone a couple of times. We later met that first week of December 2004 to go Christmas Shopping and later went to eat. The first weird thing that happened was, right off the bat for some reason we kissed each other at the exact same time, as we were about to walk out of the door to his room. It was a light peck, but it was weird how it just happened like that, and afterwards we both, looked at each other like, "oh, okay now that that's out of the way", and we went on our merry way. 

Six months together, and then we broke up. While we were broken up, we were both dating other people, or so I thought. Richard spent that time after we had broken up, trying to win me back. Looking back at it, this was when he really put the moves on hardcore. He was seriously romantic almost to the point it was overboard because we weren't together. Strange, yes. Worked out though, we got back together and then later broke up a second time this time for a much shorter period. 

During that week or two period, Richard really found out what he was missing and ended up asking for me back. I took him back, but I was certain that we would do things differently and that if our relationship was going to go anywhere, we would be together a year solid, before anything else happened. We had both gone through some changes at this point, I had been to a Women's Weekend through Sterling Institute of Relationship. All I can say about that weekend, is that it was worth every penny that I spent going to New York in May and coming back more in control of myself, and on better footing. Richard went to a Men's Weekend , six months later and we were rocky for a bit after that, but once we got through it, we were solid. 

We have faced tough times in our relationship, and it has tested our patience, strength, and our forgiveness for each other. I am so grateful to be blessed with a husband who is so patient and forgiving. He teaches me how to be a better forgiving and patient person. He has also taught me how much the gospel means to me, and that starting over from the basics isn't always a bad thing. That no matter what, I am forgiven by the Lord and have a place in his heart. When I am at my worst, and feel ugly and down. He makes me laugh, and helps me realize what it is to be a child again. We have a mutual love of Anime, and we love to cook together. 

Sometimes, he doesn't always do the small things that other guys do, but he doesn't forget about me. He knows that we have special dates from our relationship. We however are both known to forget the actual days though. We are also able to have our own independent things, and things we do together. Richard supports my love of learning, reading and attending college. He doesn't always understand that I always want to be taking classes, but he knows that I never want to not be learning. I support Richard's business, his love of people and his zest for life. Whenever something bad happens, such as last year and the 4 deaths of close family members in one year and 2 in one month within a week of each other alone, he was right there helping me smile and remember the good times. 

I am grateful for such a wonderful caring man that is my husband, best friend and lover. I thank the Lord for every moment I spend with him, good and bad. Because you can't have the good without the bad. Richard honey, I love you very much! Happy 1 and 1/2 years of marriage a little early, and Happy 5 years of knowing each other this month!!. 

16 Things

Rules: Once you are tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 16 Random Things, facts, habits or goals about you. At the end, choose 16 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you!

Once you have been tagged, you have to write a note with sixteen random things, shortcomings, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, chose sixteen people to be tagged. Listing their names, and why you chose them. You have to tag the person who tagged you. 

1. I love school

2. Served in the US Marine Corps

3. My ancestors came over on the Mayflower

4. Had Lazy Eye Surgery at age 5

5. have few friends, lots of aquaintences

6. long to have close set of girlfriends to talk to and confide in

7. joined mormon church at age 21

8. Never got to celebrate my 21st birthday because I was in bootcamp

9. Never had a close relationship with my parents till after the military

10. I didn't get asked out on a date till I was 16, didn't actually date till I was 17. 

11. I consistently get called "too nice", I live by the Golden Rule, I only wish more people did

12. I have been married previously (long story, bad story, yucky part of my life)

13. My Husband served in the US Army

14. My In Laws, used to think I wasn't the best person for my husband, sometimes I think they still think he could do better. 

15. I love all people, no matter who they are. 

16. I don't like talking on the phone very much unless I am close to that person, this goes along with a couple of the other stuff about me. I keep myself in a shell most times, and don't tell a lot about myself to people. I am still learning how to make friends again. 

I tag, Shannon McKemie, Allison McKemie, Holly Runion Kaufman, Christy Mann Semsen,  Valerie Evans, Shauna Rissi, Robyn Johnson Gadd, Piper Marquette, Lisa Marie Barlow-Wadvogel, Betsy Hite Scott, Brooke Skarda, Danielle Brown Lathrope, Wendy Nettleton, Lauren Nordeman Goulette, Peggie Lee Bernal, Kimberly Johnson Dowdell

Twlight

So, it is now December and I am finally getting around to posting about Twilight. I must say, I am not one to be up with the trends or even read Vampire Novels. Being LDS though, the buzz around sacrament was that there was this amazing writer who had such depth and character definition that you couldn't put down the novels. I love to read, it is a constant pastime of mine when I am not busy with classes, homework and the like. So when I bought Twilight for myself, I set out for the adventure, everyone had been telling me about. Little did I find out though, this book had been around for awhile. By the time, I had started to read it, the word of mouth buzz was amazing. I started reading it right before the fourth book was released. The book was true to the buzz and as soon as I made it through chapter 3 I was hooked. 

I fell in love with Edward and his protective ways of Bella, and the idea of him being a vampire didn't sound so awful when I got to understand the coven's way of life. A couple of ladies that I work with, also were reading the novels around the time the movie was coming out. I finished all four within a week between full time school, full time work and married life. My sweet DH didn't understand the idea of a book that you couldn't put down. Bella was such a depth of character and Edward had so many twists and turns and ways in the first book that I couldn't understand till I got further into the novel. I am the kind of girl, that will read the novel and then go see the movie. I don't like seeing the movie and then reading the book. I didn't have a group of girls to see the movie with, so my hubby and I saw it together. 

I am so out of the loop when it comes to having close girlfriends. It is things like, books and movies and discussing personal lives and relating them to characters that women understand more than men. I am working up to the point to where it feels comfortable to be around more women and make lady friends and trust them. This has been a hard move for me, due to the past issues I have had with women friends.

 Enough of that though, the movie was amazing. I wish it had more of the interaction between Edward and Bella. I thought that the conversations they had in the book gave it so much, and when things like that aren't included in a movie, then you don't understand all of what is going on. 

Overall, the movie was well done, and well thought through. The sequences where Edward shows Bella a Vampire in the light was so cool. Also, Bella's Lullaby is amazing. I can't wait to get the soundtrack. 

Word

Taking a post from my friend Betsy who is so clever, I had to do this one

you must answer the questions with one word, one word only!

1. Where is your cell phone : Purse

2. Where is your significant other: North Carolina (it's a state..gimme a break he is on a business trip)

3. Hair color: Red

4. Your Mother: Housewife

5.. Your Father: Analyst 

6. Your Favorite Thing: Honeybear

7.  Your Dream Last Night: scary

8. Your Dream/Goal: Professor/Housewife

9. The room you are in : Bedroom

10. Your Hobby: School

11. Your Fear: Death

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years: Utah?

13. Where were you last night: Home

14. What you are not : Unemployed

15. One of your wish list items : Children

16. Where you grew up: California

17. Your TV : eh

18. What are you wearing: comfy's 

19. Last thing you did: work

20. Your Pet: Cat

21. Your Computer: Apple

22. Your Mood: restless

23. Missing someone : DUH!

24.  Your Car: Honda

25. Something you aren't wearing: shoes

26. Favorite Store: JCPenney

27. Your Summer: Fast

28. Love Someone: yes

29. Favorite Color: Pink

30. Last time you laughed: work

31. Last time you cried: unsure 

To Do Lists

Just thought you might want to see a picture of me and my sweet hubby from the reunion. Now that it is over, I have been thinking about what I would like to accomplish in the next ten years of my/our lives. Seeing that this past ten years has flown by so quickly, I remembered what I used to do in US Marine Corps Bootcamp while on rifle watch. I would write down to do lists of everything I was going to accomplish. Now if I could only find those lists and be able to cross some things off. Here is an idea of what one of my lists would look like

To Do 

1. Graduate Bootcamp

2. Graduate Fullerton College

3. Find Man of my Dreams, marry. 

Hahaha, it wasn't exactly like that, but you get the idea. I would methodically write down things I wanted to accomplish in the next couple of days, weeks, and months, then gradually work up to years. That do list strategy has helped me in other parts of my life. Such as when I was finally discharged and went back to school, I used it to get through classes and decide how to approach the next decision. I also learned how to prioritize my goals and activities surrounding the outcome, I would like to happen. I think that graduating from Parris Island South Carolina on April 20, 2001 taught me more than I can imagine even at this point in my life. 

10 Year High School Reunion

How do I start, I spent the entire day getting ready for this event. I let myself sleep in till around 9. I went and got breakfast and got my hair done by my stylist Abby who is just awesome. That was from 10:30 till 2:00ish. From there, I ran some errands and checked on our kitty cat Patches. Then it was off to the salon for manicure, pedicure, waxing etc. (I am new to waxing...ouch) Won't go into details there. By the time I finished with my nails etc, it was time for my makeup appointment at the Brea Mall, Estee Lauder counter to be pampered. It was super crowded at the mall, and there were a lot of high schoolers having manicures, pedicures and make up appointments to. It was El Dorado (my alma mater) and Troy High School Homecoming Dance that night. Needless, to say, the mall was crawling with people. I am super glad that I had an appointment and that I was able to get a parking space. By the time, I finished with my make up appointment it was nearly 6. This left me barely any time to get something to eat and get back home to change and pick up the hubby for the reunion. 

When I got home he was chilling out, watching Smallville on the computer. I decided to rest for a little bit and then we got called by my friend Penny and Kari asking where I was. We left right after they both called. We got lost trying to find valet parking at Downtown Disney, as I haven't had an annual pass in quite a while. I am too busy with school and marriage at this point to worry about having an annual pass. There was parking lot trolls in the small downtown disney parking and luckily we got our car valeted and made it in by 8:30. Later than I expected, but hey it happens. 

When Richard and I came in, we checked in and they gave us name badges with my senior picture on them (sigh of relief- I had amazing senior pictures and chose my favorite one!) We went up the steps to the house of blues and immediately our picture was taken, made it about halfway up and I am greeted by my old chum Lee Noellette. Lee and I go way back, at one time people thought we dated, but that never happened and we were just really good friends. Lee was gracious at the reunion and excited to meet the man who caught my heart and make sure he was good to me. Once we got there, I noticed that my sweet hubby and I were the most dressed up couple there. We got quite a few looks last night from being so dressed up. I couldn't imagine wearing jeans to a reunion though. Plus I wanted to look good, but that was more for me than for others. I like to look pretty and have a reason to dress up, even if it is just a little bit. I was so taken aback by the atmosphere of relaxation and just chilling out with old high school buddies. I had gone in with the expectations that our class would still maintain the cliques and that people wouldn't talk to certain people. There were a few that were that way, but nowhere near enough to even say that it was a problem. I really felt our class had overcome the high school BS and was ready to just really get to know people for who they are. 

What really came as fear and not wanting to go, turned into, I am really glad that I did. I saw people that I grew up with as far back as Wagner Elementary School and Tuffree Junior High.  I got some really great compliments, but a guy named Darrell Gates really took me aback when he was saying "No F--ing way, Monika McKemie?", You have got to be kidding me, not to be a jerk, but WOW." That was one of the highlights of the night. For those of you that don't know Darrell Gates, we grew up together and he saw me through all these awkward stages of life. He knew me before I was ever confident, or thought I was pretty. Darrell was a guy who dated all the prettiest girls in school. At one point I had a crush on him, but wouldn't ever say anything because there was no way that I would be able to even go on a date with him. When he hugged me and told me that I just about cried. 

My sweet hubby spent the night getting to know people that I grew up with and making new friends. He wasn't around me much the entire night, but love each other so much that he doesn't need to be around me every moment to know that we love each other. He pretty much acted like he graduated with my class. The House of Blues was an interesting venue and the atmosphere was that of a bar/club. The survey they handed us at the beginning made no sense with the setting and atmosphere and I am sure most people just threw them away. 

All in all, it was a very interesting night to see how much people have changed and what has been going on in their lives. I never thought I would even care to attend my reunion, or see people who thought who knows what about me back then, or that they would even care to say hi to me now. I was very lucky that my class matured enough to hang out and be who they were together in the atmosphere and the time. Don't let your dreams run away without you, What I learned most from this evening, was keep your dreams alive, keep your goals in sight and don't let other people dictate your life. That was on other hand, what I have learned in the past ten years and I was glad to see that other people felt the same way. What I got from other people and the event, was to just be who you are and be okay with it. 

Thank you to the El Dorado High School Class of 1998 for sharing memories and becoming better people together. Hopefully the next ten years bring more memories and a closer bond between us. To my sweet hubby, I love you more than words can say!

High School Reunion

So my darling hubby convinced me to break down and go to my high school reunion which is next weekend. I am scared, nervous and a tad bit excited. It is homecoming weekend for my Alma Mater, so I decided to put together a Homecoming Football Tailgate party/come watch football with us and break out your letter jackets. My hubby is excited to meet all the people I went to High School with and find out what kind of a person I was back then. 

Hopefully all goes well in that department, because I have no idea what people thought of me then. So this weekend is doing all the pre reunion things. I have to clean house, because next weekend we have activities every single day of the weekend and pray that it stays clean. Do all my homework for classes ahead of time, because nothing is going to get done next weekend and read ahead. I feel awkward because I haven't yet earned my BA and I feel like most people will make this a success contest of who has the most this, or who etc. 

I also feel strange, because I haven't kept the circle of friends that I had in High School. After High School we all went our own ways. Which in a way I guess has been a good thing. I have gone on my own journey, joined the Marines and went through quite a few trials to end up where I am now. 

Ten years ago, I thought I would be much further along then I am now. I hope that the next ten years only bring more accomplishments and happiness.