Jason & Rachel

2012-01-26T17:55:00.000-08:00

Mother of a Week

We had a big week. Here. Let me break it down for you:

Monday, Jan. 23: Zak's 22nd Birthday; Ultrasound to reveal Baby Nichols No. 1 is a bouncing baby boy!
Tuesday, Jan. 24: Jason attends eight-hour second interview at the corporate offices of Coldwater Creek in Sandpoint, ID while Rachel sits at home and repeats the following over and over again: "It's all going to work out. It's all going to work out. Yes, you are 5 months pregnant, living in your parents' basement with a bad back and no money, but it's ALL going to work out. It has to. It will..."
Wednesday, Jan. 25: Rachel goes to work and checks her phone every 5 minutes to see if Jason has heard any news about said interview to which he already told her several times the night before, "NO, we won't know until Thursday at the earliest. So, be cool." Yeah. OK, Jason. An hour later, Rachel receives a mysterious text from Jason: "You busy?" Rachel thinks this is a subtle hint to call him. So, she does secretly hoping that there will be good news at the other end of the line...

Jason: "Oh, hey. How's work going?"
Rachel: "It's going. It's work. Just had my last patient before lunch. What are you doing?"
Jason: "Me? Uhh, just hanging around, cleaning up a bit."
This is where Rachel's heart sinks because she suspects Jason still hasn't heard anything, but just when she is about to give up hope...
Jason: "Oh, and uh, Clay called. The job is mine."
Rachel: Silence. No words. Just tears. Can't talk right now, Jason. Rachel has melted in the hallway at work...And then she yells at him for waiting to tell her the news when he'd known for nearly 2 hours! Rachel then runs up and down the halls screaming, "He got it! He got it!" Celebrations and hugs ensue and continue on into the night where she attends mutual with her Beehives who show her the newest 83 (literally) pictures of Justin Bieber on their iPod Touch apps because they KNOW how much Sister Nichols appreciates her some J. Biebs. Yes.

Thursday, Jan. 26: Jason gets his teef cleaned and officially accepts an offer as a forecasting analyst with the corporate offices of Coldwater Creek. He calls and cancels a second interview with a company in Seattle that was supposed to be held Friday (another story for another day). The deal is sealed. We know where we're headed--a little place we like to call, Sandpoint, ID.

These last four months have not been easy for us. In fact, I didn't realize how heavy the burden had become until it was lifted from me yesterday, and I took a deep breath for the first time--my lungs stretched further than they have in a long while. Even though the stress accumulated gradually, it was very real nonetheless. The waiting. The tears. The impatience. The surrender. The endurance. The prayers. The phone calls. The endless resumes. The emails. The faith. The fights. The wishing. The disappointment. The hope. The leads. The interviews. The holding of breath. The dead ends. The hormones (Oh! The hormones). It's amazing what the human spirit is capable of adapting to and coping with. And in that moment when you break through the weight of it all and come out on the other side, things are clearer and sweeter and fresher. We. Did. It. Jason did it! The Lord delivers and led us to where we should be. We want to thank our many family and friends who have kept tabs, pulled strings, said prayers, and sent texts and phone calls of encouragement on our behalf. You know who you are. And you have no idea what your support has meant to us these last few months. We knew we'd get through it somehow, and that's where you guys came in. We stinkin' love you guys!

On my way home yesterday, I found myself sending up Thank-You prayer after Thank-You prayer. I also decided I've been living my life like an egg these last four months--white, round (growing that way, anyway), a fragile, delicate shell, my emotions swaying around inside of me. And then yesterday, I cracked to spew all that I'd been holding inside to end up like a slimy, slobbery, salty mess as I cried tears of relief. It was hard. Yes, it could have been harder. But it was still hard because it was our trial and ours alone. Call me crazy, but I'm glad that we were allowed to struggle--that in infinite His wisdom, a loving Father in Heaven would grant us the experience of tasting the bitter so that we could know the sweet. Jason and I grew a lot both individually and as a couple. Not in a million years would I think that we would be packing up and heading 70 miles up the road to the Idaho Panhandle, but nothing has felt this right in a looong time.

The worst of this particular trial is probably behind us. And now it's on to another. Isn't that how life goes? Isn't that how the littlest things become the most important things (like little baby toes kicking me from the inside). At the end of the day, there is always, always, always something to be thankful for, even amidst the world's hardest days.

But seriously, you guys. I'm SO glad Jason got a job.

More details to come.

2012-01-23T11:13:00.000-08:00

Namesake

It's official. Our baby's name will be: JustinBieber EdwardCullen JacobBlack Jason Douglas Nichols because we are having a...

BOY!

And we're so very excited. Especially if this kid comes out looking anything like his father...Please, oh, please!

2012-01-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

Guess That Picture

Is it:

a) A scoop of vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips on top

b) A half moon

c) The world's largest ping pong ball
d) My baby belly at 4 months

Answer: d) My baby belly at 4 months

Jelly bean has officially grown big enough to bump me out of that awkward "Is she pregnant or just pounding a few too many cheeseburgers?" stage. I'll take it. You know what else I'll take? Those baby kicks I've started to feel. My new favorite hobby includes going to great lengths in attempts to get June bug to move so that Jason can feel them, too (i.e. baby talk, stomach wiggles, and really great dance moves). They have all been mildly successful as far as accomplishing my goal. But my dancing? Well, that's always been successful.

Have a great weekend.

2012-01-10T18:53:00.000-08:00

It's January

But it doesn't look like this outside.

Not one bit.

Where has our winter been this year? I can't decide if I'm complaining or just really confused? I do hate to be cold, but LOVE cancelled patients at the dental office due to snow berms, or rather, my back and neck love cancelled patients. I guess you can't win 'em all--but I will be pretty bummed if we don't get at least one good storm that rolls through the N to the W this winter.

While I've been wondering where all the snow has been, you might have been asking yourself: "Where have you been, Rachel?" (But probably not). Basically, I've had a headache since Christmas thanks to the baby growing inside of me {Dear baby, you're grounded after you're born}. I haven't felt like doing much except eating Gobstoppers and Kiwi Strawberry frozen yogurt with gummy bears and listen to Jason serenade our unborn babe with his guitar. So...

Other updates in these parts include:

Jason is currently in the throws of interviews. Fingers crossed, prayers said!

My back has hit an all time low. I literally laid on the bathroom floor between patients the other day at work in attempts to find some kind of reprieve from the pain. Ugh.

Our computer died. Two bloody years old and it up and gives out on us. Big jerk.

I'm stressed. There. I said it.

Back to my frozen yogurt...

2011-12-30T16:14:00.000-08:00

That's Him. And That's Me.

What you can't see is the bag of almost-entirely-devoured bag of Skittles in my hand. Our babe is going to come out half fruit chew if I don't get a handle on this craving of mine. Oh, and speaking of obsessions, if you are wondering what Jason is so enthralled by, the answer is : Angry Birds. I'm not one to talk. I played my fair share while down in Boise...it became a real problem, actually.

P.S. Christmas was awesome. I failed to take up my usual post as photographer given how I've been feeling, so we didn't get a lot of pictures. But it doesn't mean we didn't have a great time with Jason's family. They always go above and beyond. Thanks Nichols' and Rosenbaum's! How does it always go by so fast?

Happiest of New Year's to you all.

2011-12-29T20:26:00.000-08:00

Dream Rachel vs. Preggo Rachel

Since, I can remember I've have always had two personas: Real Rachel and Dream Rachel. By far, the meanest of these personalities up until this point has been"Dream Rachel." Dream Rachel is my alternate personality that rears her ugly head when I am sleeping. It is not pretty. I have been known to punch and kick and moan in protest if I feel my sleep is being disturbed in the slightest. I used to scream at my sister if she was moving too much. Poor girl. No one, and I mean NO ONE likes Dream Rachel--including myself.

And then "Preggo Rachel" showed up. And she makes Dream Rachel look like the Pope. Oh. Man.

Since being pregnant, I have told Jason at least three different times (and in all seriousness) that I was going to rip parts of his body off and throw them in his face--I will leave it to your imagination as to which body parts I was actually referring to. I have cried in the fetal position and eaten an entire bag of Lays potato chips with french onion dip--not my proudest moment. It is a volatile, fragile state to be living in. Sometimes, Jason just holds me close under his chin and strokes my hair and repeats over and over in a joking, semi-soothing voice, "Oh, sweet Pookie." Ooh, sweet Pookie." What I really think he is trying to say is "Oh, sweet Pookie PLEASE come back." I feel for him. I do. But I feel for me more.

Other random FAQ's about Pregnancy No.1:
Side note: Don't worry, I vow not to turn this blog into a play by play of this pregnancy.

My skin has dried up like crazy! And I itch. All the time. In the middle of the night. In the middle of my back. In the middle of everything it seems.
Jason's putting on his socks so he can go to the store and pick up the following: fruit snacks, Airheads, and Starbursts--tropical flavor. What I'm trying to say is that I can't get enough tangy, chewy, sweet as of late. For a while it was cheddar cheese and O.J. Together. Gross.
I haven't thrown up. At all. Lucky ducky. The 13-year streak lives on!
I sleep like the dead. I wake up every morning with no idea where I've been for the last 10 hours.
I've already busted out the rubber bands for the ol' jeans.
I had to plug my nose with cotton rolls and chew gum under my mask the other day at work. It is just unreal how bad certain things smell. It's cruel, really.
Life seems to be going faster than ever. Between work, photography, launching Mindframe, church callings, Jason's employment search and holiday happenings, everything lately has been a blur. I'm trying to enjoy each moment as I know life is already beginning to change forever--and for the better. But geez, slow down already!
I'm learning right quick what it's like to forget what you want to do and do what's best for the baby (i.e. Farewell NYC Christmas trip 2011! We'll see you...eventually!)
Heartburn. Heartburn. Oh, heartburn.

Please don't mistake my laundry list for whining. Jase and I are so very excited and feel very fortunate to have this little jelly bean growing inside of me! We realize many couples yearn and ache for the everyday discomforts that pregnancy brings. Our hearts and prayers go out to them and their families.

On a completely unrelated note, I wanted to thank all of you for your love and support as we have ventured into the world of non-profit organizations. It means the world to me and my family. I can't even tell you.

2011-12-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

Love,

Jason & Rachel

2011-12-22T20:38:00.000-08:00

Sorry. Another video post. But if you guys haven't seen this, you must. It is to die for--and I'm not even exaggerating. Not even a little bit.

2011-12-18T16:37:00.000-08:00

Did anyone else think this was funny? No? Just me? That's pretty standard.

2011-12-16T22:40:00.000-08:00

Say, "Rachel's Pregnant!"

We told my family back in October that we were expecting. And this is how it went:

Fake family photo-op. Jason: "OK, everybody. Say, 'Cheese!'"

Take Two. Jason: "Michelle. You have to smile. OK, everybody. Say, "Rachel's pregnant!"'

Step 1: Denial and/or confusion

Step 2: Realization and acceptance

Step 3: Tears, screaming, clapping and laughter

P.S. I vow not to make this blog into a play by play of our pregnancy. OK? OK.

2011-12-16T10:09:00.000-08:00

2011-12-12T20:55:00.000-08:00

2011-12-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

Brain Child

Nine months in the making. Check it out {and support it if you can}:

www.mindframemovement.org

2011-12-08T21:36:00.000-08:00

I Love Thee

I was going to bed the other night. When my body slips between those covers, I immediately enter a state of delirium. It's a talent I possess. And also a burden I carry. Jason was busying around the room, putting stuff away. I sensed he was on his way out the door when in my half-drunken and groggy state slurred out loud, "I love thee."
And then we both laughed. Jason first. Because it took my brains longer to process and digest what it was that I said to him. But he couldn't argue with the validity of my statement.
You know what he said back to me?
"I love thee, too."
Best conversation ever. Most medieval we've ever had, too...
And now I have to go because Clark Griswold just uttered the words: "Later, dudes..."

2011-12-06T12:03:00.000-08:00

Jeremy Wilkins: Graphic Designer Extraordinaire

I met Jeremy at Utah State my sophomore year. We both worked the front counter at the Sports Academy in Logan. His sweet wife, Hallie, was a massage therapist there. So, it was basically a party every time I was assigned a shift with those two. I literally looked forward to it. Not only were they hip, but they were both incredibly genuine, down-to-earth, and easy to laugh with. I shared a sense of cynicism with Jeremy about particular co-workers and tennis-playing patrons. We spent many a hour folding white, terry-cloth towels and fake-grinning at people's ridiculous requests and complaints. Since then, we have considered Hallie and Jeremy very good friends. Jason and Jeremy have even found brotherhood in their mutual respect for music and love for the Elixir of Life (i.e. Diet Pepsi). Those are not two things to be taken lightly...
Jeremy went back to school a while back to get his Graphic Design degree from USU. And can I tell you something? He has found his true calling. I know this because I have been working very closely with him on a project for the past seven months. He has been the epitome of hard work and unrelenting dedication. He has not said one negative thing as I have pitched my crazy ideas. Instead, he took them and made them into exactly what I was envisioning. I'm talking perfection, people. Do you know how hard that is?! MY thoughts? It's a scary, scary place. But Jeremy was brave. And he killed it. He is so very talented at what he does.
Check out his stuff: www.jwilkinsdesign.com. You won't be disappointed. Oh, and when you do, keep your eyes peeled for a bit of a sneak peek on my "baby." More on that later...

P.S. Jeremy, is it creepy that I stole this from your blog? If so, I am sorry. But you know I can be creepy sometimes. I'll take it down if you want me to. Just say the words.
P.P.S. Cutest girls ever? I think yes.

2011-12-05T20:44:00.000-08:00

Attention! Attention!

If anyone would like to buy us new phones, we would be OK with that.
Jason's phone is a close cousin to the original Razr (meaning, it's about a million years old). And my phone began having seizures yesterday.

Also, would someone send some snow to the Inland Northwest?! I would just love that. I really would. Especially because I made such a big deal about our snow tires...

Manito Park, 2007

That is all.

2011-11-28T15:03:00.000-08:00

T-Day

I'm not sure I've ever had a bad Thanksgiving. You? It just isn't possible with an enormous amount of food, favorite people, post-meal naps, the Macy's parade, and dare I say a little football? Oh, and the shopping! Geez. I love this holiday. So, so much. I was sad to see it end so soon.

My mom is a master at pumpkin pies. I think it's a "Mom" thing.

I have to admit it, you guys. I'm becoming a little obsessed with Black Friday. I went for the first time a few years ago, and the high of saving hundreds of dollars on a suit for Jason has kept me going back every year since. This year I even went as far to make a "plan" of what was needed where and how we were systematically going to execute said plan. It worked like a charm and has me convinced this is the ONLY way to do it.

Hardcore BFer's.

I dragged Jason with me. And I even got my mom and dad to play this year. Initially, I felt real greedy spending the entire day before giving thanks for what I already have, just to turn around the next day {ahem, or a few hours later in our case} to get my hands on more "stuff." But I seem to always get over that right quick, sadly enough. For the record {and for my own personal rationalization}, I utilize the incredible deals to buy things we need, not necessarily things we want. There's a B.I.G. difference {Like scoring a set of Macy's sheets for $29.99 instead of the suggested retail of $140.00?! Are you kidding me, Holmes?! I've never been so excited over a set of sheets in my life}.

Being out there all morning with the crazy amounts of people running on little to no sleep did take its toll after a few hours, however. Just ask the Target lady I almost took out. I am ashamed. But then not really. She was being absurd. That's when you pack up and head home to take a six-hour recovery nap and stroke your receipt(s) over and over like they're the prize-winning trophy. What?! I worked hard for all that savings!

And the proof lies in the picture.
P.S. Life is good. And not just because I got to go shopping ;) But because I have been blessed with so very much.

2011-11-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

Hey, Thanks.

30 Days of Thanks: The Shallow Version {because we all know every one of us feels grateful for our health, jobs, homes, friends, family, significant others, freedom, and religion. These are "givens." No? Alright. You can judge me if you want for loving the following things, but it's the straight truth}.
1) Banana flavored Laffy Taffy 2) Snow--the big, chunky flakes that quiet the ground and make the world sound more peaceful than it really is 3) Newly-discovered music 4) Movie and dinner nights 5) Spontaneous food moments like these:

Why, hello, Africa!

6) RIDICULOUS YouTube videos that make Jason and I laugh during church. SO inappropriate. I'm warning you. It's the stupidest thing you'll ever watch...

7) Chloe the dog 8) My Sonicare toothbrush 9) Thrift stores 10) Pinterest 11) Breaking Dawn {Freaking loved it} and all things Twilight, for that matter 12) The number "12." It's my lucky number, you know 13) My Young Women at church. They keep me young and are the only group of people to tell me to turn J. Biebs louder in the car 14) The fast lane 15) New windshield wipers and a full tank of gas 16) Memories

17) My Jason + his guitar 18) Cameras 19) Hot showers 20) Cetaphil body cream 21) Road Trips 22) Graduating college 23) Back rubs 24) Sharpened pencils 25) The future 26) Hitting the yellow light when it's closer to green than it is red 27) Really great sneezes 28) Humor 29) The last half hour of the work day 30) Life

Happy Thanksgiving. And Grandma? I miss you.

2011-11-19T09:09:00.000-08:00

Awwww yeaaah.

2011-11-16T17:57:00.000-08:00

Jason & the Case of the Belated Snow Tires

I am in love with my husband. I am. I look at him sometimes and don't know how I got so lucky. I love his smile, his laugh, his 5 o'clock shadow, his sense of humor. I love him right down to his toes.

But I also love to be right.

I asked Jason (a looong) 4 weeks ago to take the car in so the snow tires could be put on. Why so early, Rachel? Oh, I don't know. Maybe so we could avoid the gobs of people and hours of endless waiting and a parking lot overflowing with last-minute-ers and freaks like us. But alas, it seems we wait every year until the first snow. By then, it's too late. It's an absolute nightmare. And it gives me anxiety to be packed in a room with that many people wearing wet boots and oversized coats with grumpy looks on their faces. It ruins the season or something for me. It ruins the magic of snow!
Fast forward 4 weeks to today. Jason took me to work this morning so he could take the car in to, you guessed it, "have the snow tires put on." Today. Today he did this. After the forecast of 4 inches of snow. November 16, 2011.
He went in at 8:30 am.
By 3:30 pm, the car still was not ready.
Let's count it together, shall we? That amounts to: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, NINE hours of wasted time for 4 snow tires. Our car was not finished until 4:30 pm.
You can't see me right now, but I have a smirk on my face. "V" is for victory.
Have I mentioned that I love my husband?

Rebuttal

OK. OK. Rachel got to tell her version of this story, and it's my turn now. Did Rachel mention that we should get the snow tires put on more than once? Yea, probably. But sometimes she mumbles a little bit, and I think my ears are permanently ringing from years of playing the drums, so should I be held responsible for that? I don't think so!
What else would have prevented me from spending a day at the tire shop?? Oh, I don't know, what about the final semester (capstone course, anyone?!) of a little something called an MBA program at Gonzaga University, otherwise known as "Harvard of the Inland Northwest." Did I only have class on Monday and Thursday nights?? Potentially, but my memory is fuzzy.
Also, I can't back this up scientifically, but I think it may actually be dangerous to drive on dry roads with snow/winter tires on your vehicle. Maybe reverse friction or centrifugal force. Either way, I'm not sure it's safe. And what do they say about safety? Safety second? Nay! Safety First!!
In conclusion, I reaped what I sowed today by procrastinating the day of our snow tire replacement. I was lucky that I had a bus pass in my wallet so that I didn't have to stay in the tire store all day today, and the moral of the story is that the tires got changed.

Re-Rebuttal:

The moral of the story is that his wife was right. Period.

2011-11-14T12:13:00.000-08:00

Montvale Hotel

You guys. We have been SO boring lately. It is incredible. I keep wanting to update the ol' blog, but there isn't a dang thing going on! I guess that's OK since the holidays are approaching and it's going to get real crazy real fast. But you know it's bad when your own mother looks at you on a Friday night and says: "Why don't you two go do something?" Ouch. She was right, though. We've been in a bit of a rut. You know the routine: School and work, school and work. And now that Jase has finished the "school" part of that rut, it's like we forgotten that we can do more than listen to Christmas music for fun (OK, that's MY idea of fun).

We were originally planning to head to Victoria, B.C. for the weekend, but some things got in the way. So we settled for a fun hotel package with the Montvale Hotel in downtown Spokane.

I fell in love with this place immediately. Who knew? Downtown Spokaloo has so many places like this tucked away. We may joke a lot about where we live, but it really does have its own sense of charm. The hotel reminded me of the roaring 20's. I got a bit of the "Clue/Tower of Terror" but without the terror vibe. The hotel threw in dinner at Catacomb's restaurant (which used to be the old boiler room for the hotel back in the day), two movie tickets, and a continental breakfast. Yes, please.

We saw Moneyball with Brad Pitt (That man has the bone structure of a God. I'm just saying. Jason knows it, too). It was basically Jason's dream movie: baseball + economics = nerdfest. I did like it, however. Until the second hour when I thought it would never end. Jason wanted it to go on forever and ever. I could just tell. And then he kept asking me which pro baseball team I would like to manage after the movie was over. Answer: The Rockford Peaches. Well, it's true...

I fell in love with that mirror. I kept wanting to "Pin it" on my Pinterest, but then remembered that this was real life and not some virtual realm. I get those two confused sometimes. A lot of times.

We caught up on our Z's, too. It was great. Just great.

Anyone else stoked for Thanksgiving?! I can't even wait.

2011-11-11T18:34:00.000-08:00

Good one, Maria. I'm with you. "Over" is the bestest and only way.

2011-11-11T16:27:00.000-08:00

This is Me

And my very awkward arm that looks a) like a foot and/or club b) like it belongs on someone else's body. My arms and hands do weird things when I'm not paying attention to them. For example, when I'm driving and using my dominant right had to steer the wheel, my left hand will lay completely limp on my left thigh, palm wide open, looking like it's been dead for days. I don't understand it. And it never fails. Every dang time I look down at my lap.

This is completely beside the point. I happened to catch a glimpse of myself in the laptop screen looking incredibly...oh, I dunno. What's the word? Creepy? Eyes wide and locked. Stone-faced. And a look that said: DO. NOT. TALK TO ME, JASON. And here's why: Because I stumbled upon a Twilight Blog at work today but couldn't watch any of the sneak peeks or interviews because I didn't want to get fired even though now my bosses could totally trace my internet history and fire me anyway when they realize what I've been doing between patients. So, long story short, I nearly peed my pants with excitement and rushed home to watch those blessed videos. And now my bum cheeks are numb from sitting on my tush for nearly an hour in my parent's living room as a 25-year-old woman.

My friend Ryan is a psychologist. He's always told me "it" isn't a real obsession until it begins to interfere with normal, healthy everyday activities. Hey, Ryan. Does avoiding exercise and eating and going to the bathroom count as "normal, everyday activities?" Because if so, I've got a problem. And I think it's maybe time to admit it...
I think I'll go do some yoga now. It'll make me feel better about myself in general.

2011-11-06T16:10:00.000-08:00

All Growed Up

He did it. Jason's last official day of classes is tomorrow. He will officially have his MBA from Gonzaga University. Are you so proud of him?! I am! I am!

I love you, Jason. Thanks for all of your hard work on my behalf. And what's that saying? Onward and forward? Onward and forward, then!

2011-11-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

The Trifecta

1. Christmas 2. Bieber 3. Romance

I blame Disney for turning me a hopeless romantic at the tender age of 4.

Oh, and Jason. I'm going to need you to do something similar for me...preferably when it's snowing and preferably when there is some kind of high school dance occurring in the streets. It's been a looong time since we slow-danced. And even longer since we "snow-danced."

2011-10-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Day of the "Un-Dead"

I'm alive! I think I'm getting more and more boring the older I get. I've been feeling a little lack-lustre about life in general as of late. How is October already over?! It seems Halloween sneaks up on me every dang year. This year was no exception. I always have these grandiose ideas of costumes and parties and food to make. And then all of a sudden it's October 31 and I've got nothin'. No costume. No party. No food. Things just get in the way? Is that even an excuse? So, to prove that I really do love the holiday, I've compiled a few photos of some of my killer costumes from past Halloweens. Check it:

Is it strange that Janelle and I used to wear this even when it wasn't Halloween? It's like we couldn't be close enough to each other. We even roller-skated in our front driveways with this puppy on.

Look at those teeth. Oh, geez.

The era of Spice Girls...and skiers?

I'll tell you something else about Halloween. It will always and forever remind me of my lil' sis. I've mentioned it plenty a time on here. Most of you already know the gory details. And so, I will spare you of those. But on this day of October 31 my family celebrates Michelle's fight that began exactly 3 years ago. She made it. We love her. She is thriving. She is alive. Hooray and hoorah!

Happy Day of the Un-Dead, Chelle!

2011-10-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

Why Am I So Bad at Blogging?

I don't have an answer for you. But I do have these answers:

Apple juice or orange juice? Orange. Shaken. Not stirred.
Morning or night? Morning. I get real grumpy at night. Especially past my bedtime.
Sweet or salty? Sweet. It's a problem. It really and truly is.
Ninjas vs. pirates? Pirates. Most def.
Favorite childhood TV show? Fraggle Rock!
Are you a collector of anything? Any magazine that has the Holy Trinity printed in it (K Stew, R Patz, and Taylor Lautner). Also, "good wrapping boxes." Drives Jason cra-zay. And I did just get rid of most of my childhood pig collection...
First thought when you wake up? "Please don't let it be Wednesday or Thursday" (work days).
Video game addiction? Sega's Aladdin. Dang Jafar. I literally threw my controller at the TV set and huffed out of the room. And then I got in trouble.
Bad habits? Listening to the same song over and over again until I can't stand it.
Celebrity crushes? J. Biebs, Dr. Spencer Reid, Tim Riggins
One regret you have? Not buying the Tower of Terror picture on our honeymoon.
Hidden talents? I can roll my "R's." Rrreally. I can.
Pet peeves? People who don't floss and/or brush. Slow drivers in the fast lane. Talking on cell phone and driving under the speed limit (unless it's me, of course).
Pen or pencil? Pencil if it's really sharp or mechanical. Pen if it rolls real nice on the paper.
How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are? 21. Forever. Not to be confused with "Forever 21."
One thing you'd like to change about the world? Selfishness. And mental illness (that's two).
Loves? Jason. Pirate's Booty. Bravo TV. Holidays. The Gospel. Floss. Big earrings. Black nail polish. Dogs. Photos. Road trips. Cache valley. Brown. Diet Coke with extra ice. Family and friends. Muzak. Boots. And this picture...

Photo courtesy of k-white.com

Somethin' about it. Just makes me happy.
Do you know what else makes me happy?? Jason has 2 weeks of classes left until he is DONE with grad school! Holla! Talk to you soon, my friends.

2011-10-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Jason,

...which you've been doing a lot of lately. I'm just sayin.
Love,
Me

2011-10-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

This. Is. Awesome.

Sometimes I don't like video posts. This is not one of those times.

2011-10-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

An Obsession Explained

Great find, Ja'Nette!

I was thinking about you guys today on my way to work. My lovely, loyal blog readers. As many of you know (and are counting down, too), Breaking Dawn is just around the corner--November 18, what?! And I think it's time you all understand why I love Twilight so much. You do know I love Twilight, right? The books (although somewhat poorly written...). The cheesy, sometimes-unbearable movies. The "indie" soundtrack music that makes my brother's skin crawl ("Sellouts!"). The much-too-young and incredibly awkward actors. I love it all. The whole dang enterprise. But before you roll your eyes, here me out.

Summer 2008. I was between my second and third year of dental hygiene school. My family was going through a lot. It hurts even now to think about those days. It makes my heart heavy and my lungs seize up. Jason and I were coming up on our first-year wedding anniversary. We were busy with school and work. And we were very happy. But I was stressed. And I found myself feeling very much alone.

I realize now that those days were plagued with a very real, very deep, and very dark depression for me. I picked up "Twilight" just by chance off my mom's kitchen table. My sister had been reading it. She shrugged it off when I asked her if I could take it home. I was halfway through the dang book by that night.

In the beginning, my fascination was in fact due to the storyline. Forbidden love. A fair-complexioned, ordinary girl meets hunky, perfect guy (it was basically the story of Jase and I. Ha!). The state of Washington--Yello! And then I finished Twilight and started New Moon. And that's when I felt the unexpected catharsis creeping in for the first time since starting the series. That's when my light, summer read turned into a real-life fixation.

"The waves of pain that had only lapped at me before now reared high up and washed over my head, pulling me under. I did not resurface."

-Bella Swan, New Moon, Chapter 3, p.84

"I wished I could feel numb again, but I couldn’t remember how I’d managed it before."
-Bella Swan, New Moon, Chapter 5, p.123

Stephenie Meyer had materialized my emotions in print form. Hokey? Sure. Dramatic? Yeah. But when Edward left Bella in the forest, I literally crumpled in on myself. And when she screams out loud in the middle of the night in the movie, I have to look away. Not because of a teenage (fake) love-story gone awry. But because I was feeling that deep of pain, too. And I didn't know how to recognize it up until that point. I didn't know it was possible to put a finger on what I was feeling. So, to know that someone else had written it within the pages of a book?! Unheard of! And wonderful! And sick all at the same time! It's like Bella became a sister in my puddle of pain (tell me I'm not the only one who relates to characters like this?!) Please!. Stephenie was verbalizing things I couldn't or wouldn't realize I was feeling. Twilight became my escape from reality. A way to plunge my head in the sand just for a few hours and forget the chaos and craziness around me. It was like Lidocaine for my mind, numbing and soothing and painful all at the same time.

OK. NOW you can call me "crazy." Seriously. Judge me if you want. It absolutely sounds ridiculous. And if you didn't think I was a bit strange before, than I most definitely have you convinced now, don't I? But before "Twilight" was a billion-dollar franchise, or a series of marketing ploys that play to young(er) teenage girls, it was a book. And like this book, they have the power to heal and uplift. Enlighten and enrich. And I'm telling you that for me, the whole ordeal was and is so much more than the movies and the fanfare and the media hype (although those are great, too). It's symbolic of a very hard time in my life. A very hard time that I survived. "It didn’t feel like the pain had weakened over time, rather that I’d grown strong enough to bear it." Bella Swan, New Moon, Chapter 4, p.118
And yes. I understand that despite my methodical efforts in explaining my creepy obsession, at the end of the day, it's still a little weird...I guess it's just who I be?!

2011-10-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

The Cush Life

We're surviving the new digs. Consider this post a "postcard" of sorts. Ha. A "Post-card?" OK. I'll be back the second we do something exciting and/or blogworthy. Cheers.
"Jachel"
P.S. Happy October, yo!

2011-10-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

A Done Deal

We did it. We moved. With a little bit of this...

...and a little bit of that...

...we are settled into my parent's place. So far so good. I'm thinking who ever came up with the term "Boomerang kid" was really intending it to be a positive catch-phrase rather than a negative one. Lots of family. Lots of food. Lots of laughing and sharing and helping.
Mind you, we're three days in. Ask us how we're doing in a few weeks and it may (or may not) be a different story.
Oh, and a side note about the move: It. Was. Awful. It never ended. Ever. And between Jason's six plus hours of homework a day and my faulty back, it took us way longer than either of us were anticipating. Tack on two more years of accumulated "stuff" since our last move, and it ended up being the World's Worst Move for us. Ugh. Usually, I'm a little sad to say goodbye and move forward. Not this time. I was ready to get the heck out of there. Goodbye, Timbers! You were good to us. And we will miss you. Eventually.
Onward and forward!

2011-09-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

The Change-Up

Would you believe that that baby is all smiles all the time?! We seem to have the opposite effect on people...

After spending the weekend in Boise with family and friends, Jason and I decided that we should combine our names like all the celebrity couples do. Not only does it sound much cooler, but we figured an all-encompassing name like "Jachel" or "Rason" would be easier for our nephew to call us by as he grows older (Can't believe he's hit the 1-year mark already!). We are the "cool" aunt and uncle, after all. Right, E? Our name(s) should at least speak for themselves...

Also, I'm sorry to have left you all hanging about the big move. Truth be told, it's not that exciting of a deal...I take that back. It's a very exciting deal if you consider packing all of your belongings into a 10 by 20 foot storage unit and moving back in with your little sister (love you, Chelle!) and parents while sleeping in your childhood bed with your spouse. Mmmm. Hmmm.

Our lease on our place was up in August, and the apartment complex was pressuring us to sign another 6 to 12 month lease. But with Jason graduating in November, it's probably not likely that we will still find ourselves in Spokane in 6 to 12 months--assuming Jason lands a job right quick (this is where we cross our fingers, and pray, and hope, and cry when the time comes for us to actually pick up and leave Spokanistan). Moving in with my family and saving some dough seemed like the adult thing to do. And since we've been told we are "adults" for the past eight or so years, we figured we'd better run with it. It's a dang good thing we like my family so much. We're eternally grateful to them for being so willing to have us move in for who knows how long (only for a few short months, right? Right?!).

For now, our little apartment looks like a bomb went off. And my back hurts from stuffing, and hauling, and shoving, and taping, and stacking, and packing, and sighing, and crying, and repeating the process about a billion times over. (Why? How? When did we accumulate so much junk?!) This is basically how we're feeling about the whole thing:

Oh, and I'll try and be good with the blogging thing. I said I'd try. Wish us luck.

2011-09-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

Ahem...We Have A Big Announcement

We're moving.
Thank you.

2011-09-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

Un-Junk Mail

This is Sydney. She is my friend. And we've never met.

I came home from church a few weeks ago to find a curious email in my inbox. I honestly thought it was one of those pesky spam emails. I didn't recognize the name or the subject line: "Sorry to bother you." I tossed it and went about reading my other emails. But something (fate) kept tugging at me to fish that mysterious email from the junk folder and read it. And so I did. And that's when Sydney and I became friends.

Sydney lives in England (What?! SO cool). She is in art school (Also SO cool). She has a legitimate British accent (I'm dying here. Does it get any better than this?!). And she follows our blog (And now I'm just plain at a loss of words...). Over the last few weeks, Sydney and I have been getting to know each other as we have emailed back and forth and back again. It has been so fun--a real, life Pen Pal. Technology rocks my world.

If you want to learn more about Sydney, you can read her blog by scrolling down a bit and following the link "Sydney D." In fact, she could probably use a bit of encouragement over these next few days. Her boyfriend is moving to a different town to begin his schooling. I will be the first to attest that this isn't an easy thing to face (You know, because I have so many boyfriends and all).

So, here's to Sydney! Our British friend! Sending our love from America!
And Sydney, I hope this post didn't creep you out or disclosed too much. As Jason would say, I have a tendency to "come on a little strong." ;)

Cheers! Or should I say Cheerio? Oh, man. I so wish I was British...

2011-09-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

Happy 1st Birthday, E!

We love you, buddy! Can't wait to squeeze on you in a few days.
Love,
Uncle Jason & Aunt Rachel

2011-09-16T15:15:00.001-07:00

Aggie Pride

Yet another reason why Utah State University and Logan, Utah rocks our world (click the link below. I'm sure you knew that. Me? Well, I probably wouldn't have been able to figure that out):

The Utah Heroes - The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Bonfire up Green Canyon in Logan, Utah. 2004.

2011-09-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

Cold, rainy weather. Boots. Pumpkins. Football games. Leaves. Apples. Sweaters & soups. I'm so glad it's here. That's all.

2011-09-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

Day 5: Cozumel

Here's my thought process about these vacations posts: The longer I drag them out, the longer I get to pretend we're still floatin' a boat in the Western Caribbean. But two more of these puppies and then I have to officially snap back to reality (it's kind of like when I wait 3 and 1/2 hours to open my last Christmas present just so the day drags on a liiittle longer). I hate goodbyes, OK? I guess we should get to it.

Things you should know about our day in Cozumel:

It was HOT. I have never felt heat so intense. Ever. In my life. It felt as though the heat waves radiating from the ground alone would give my retinas a sunburn. Wow. I thought I would die. But it was beautiful!

I got sunscreen in my right eye just as we were leaving the boat and could NOT get rid of it. This made me extremely grumpy and induced some serious pain. Jason had to lead me by the hand for the first hour and a half of our time there. It's funny now. Wasn't then. I think he got a taste of what it's going to be like to have a tantrum-throwing two-year-old. Geez.

Bright and early! Let's go! Let's go! Let's go!

The color of the water: Azure. 10 points for the use of the word "Azure."

We couldn't wait to get to Cozumel for one reason and one reason only. Actually, that's a lie, there were a lot of reasons. But one of the main ones? Dolphins! Our "dolphin encounter" may have been one of the highlights of my life. Hands down. We spent just over an hour in the water with these incredible animals and loved every second of it (Shout out to Bena! Best dolphin ever!). If you ever get the chance to swim with the dolphins, DO IT. Just do it. It is unreal.
Bena pulled us across the water on her belly, high-fived, kissed, hugged, jumped, twirled, and even spoke dolphin. I will admit, my "dolphin-speak" was a bit rusty since perfecting it in the 5th grade--anyone else go through a Lisa Frank dolphin phase? No? Just me? But she warmed right up regardless.

Bena also proved to be very trustworthy when she didn't tell anyone about my swimsuit bottoms coming halfway off my tush as she jetted me across the pool. What a peach. And I will never, ever look at a dolphin the same.

The Dolphinaris resort is also where I had the best chicken quesadilla and Diet Coke I've ever had in my life.

After our delicious lunch, Jason and I took a taxi out to Paradise Beach. It was just that...Paradise. Until some gnarly looking storm clouds rolled in faster that we could say "Mariachi Band." We booked it back to the cab after a few hours' time. And then we held hands real tight when we thought we were going to lose our lives on the ride back to town in the torrential downpour. Jase pointed out that the cab ride in and of itself could have been an excursion all its own: "Experience the brink of death as a local taxi driver weaves in and out of oncoming traffic at speeds over 60 MPH. Enjoy the added thrill of hydroplaning and Mexican curse words..."

At the port. This picture is for my Daddy-O. "Better living through chemistry" has always been the mantra in the Nelson household.

Shopping and a downpour. But it cooled things right off! Can't complain about that!

With the weather turning wet and thunder-y, our wild ideas of snorkeling and/or parasailing went out the window. Boo! Oh, well. Gives us something to look forward to next trip? We headed back to the ship for some much needed R&R. We passed this guy on the way. And I couldn't stop staring...Creepy yet captivating.

Home sweet home.

Pulling out of port.

Enjoying another sunset. And this picture:

I've entitled this one "Why don't you just shut up?!" Doesn't he look so mad? I think it was the sunburn talking...

Ahoy! "Ahoy" might be one of the most under-utilized words in the English language.

I do miss "coming home" to this. When we got back from our trip, Jason rolled around in our bed for a good ten minutes lamenting out loud: "Who is going to take care of us?! Who is going to turn down our sheets and bring us food? And fold us towel bunnies?" I knew then we had made the right decision to come home when we did...

...but it was so nice while it lasted.

Five days down! Two to go.

2011-09-13T19:58:00.001-07:00

You're Going to Want to See This...

P.S. Boys, you'll be disappointed--I guess that goes for some girls, too.
P.P.S. Do boys even read this blog?
P.P.P.S. I've been posting a lot of videos lately. Just sayin.

2011-09-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

It Gave Me Goosebumps

2011-09-10T12:34:00.000-07:00

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

We went to the fair. And we had a lot of fun. That's because we're pretty easily entertained. Jason couldn't get enough of the "aminals." And I couldn't get enough of the sugar...

Don't you just hate it when you forget the battery to your good camera at home?! Ooh. I do. I had to settle for the spare camera in my purse (I've got a problem, I know).

Need. More. Food.

This is me in the beginning stages of my food coma...

And with that I will say, welcome fall. It's about stinkin' time (you know you're my favorite). Also, do you think you could tell summer to go away already--These 90 degree temperatures aren't really my thing. It was fun while it lasted, but I'm ready for some Sweater Weather.
Cheers.

2011-09-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

2011-09-08T17:33:00.000-07:00

Oh, Happy Day.

Logan Temple

You know how I know I made the right decision? Because I worked all day. He's been at school all night. I left him with an empty tank of gas. He left me with an empty roll of toilet paper.

And I still wouldn't change a darn thing.

Happy 4th anniversary, Jason D. Nichols. I do love you. Yup. Very much so. Now, let's watch our wedding video so I can cry just like I did four years ago.

Love,
Me

P.S. Does anyone know what the traditional gift for the 4-year wedding anniversary is? I didn't until I was inundated with them today {See above photos for answer. If you still don't get it? I'll given you a clue: Rhymes with "powers." If you still don't get it? Well, you can't be helped...}.
P.P.S. I've got a few more posts to do yet of our vacation. Are you dying to see?! ;)

2011-09-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

Day 4 {Continued}

If you don't want to read the novel I wrote in the previous post, here is Jason's condensed version of what went down in Grand Cayman. Notice how he listens to me toward the end of the clip. Classic Jason and Rachel moment. Me talking and interrupting. Jason getting bored by it. I can't say that I really blame him...

"I have salt on my face..." Story of me life ;)

2011-09-03T15:12:00.000-07:00

Day 4: Grand Cayman, Mon!

Guys and gals. Hold on to your bums. This may be the World's Longest Post {Oh, and cue the Beach Boys "Kokomo" music, please}.
Wednesday morning landed us in Grand Cayman Island. When I think of the word "Caribbean," I think of this place. It was breathtakingly beautiful. And hot. And it might be my new favorite place in the world {and was most definitely my favorite port}. The locals there are all about the tourism business, but not necessarily happy about it {Whatta you mean you don't like working with big, fat, dumb Americans every day of your life?}. We had no bad encounters personally. I just felt real "tourist-y" by the end of our time there. Regardless, we had the time of our lives! The proof lies in the pictures below:

We started our day out with a taxi ride to the Grand Caymanian Resort. I felt a little like Harry Potter in The Prisoner of Azkaban when he takes that crazy night-ride on the double decker bus. Our drive was that wild and our driver's Rastafarian accent was that thick. It was awesome!!

At the resort, Jase and I rented Waverunners to ride out to Stingray City. Our tour guide, Leon, may have been the coolest person on the planet. He was from Jamaica, and I would have paid just to listen to him talk for an hour straight. He had a 13-year-old? kid working with him. And he, too, was so, so cool. His eyes were like a milk chocolate color. When I pointed it out to Jason, he told me to stop being creepy. Noted. But I still secretly wanted a picture of just he and me...I refrained.

World's Luckiest Chicken just chillin'. And these crow-like birds were picking up the pieces of a coconut.

Me and my white legs waiting to load our sweet "ride." After a 20 minute jetski trip {and gallons and gallons of salt water in our faces and down our throats--totally worth it}, we arrived in...

...Stingray City! You guys! This place was incredible! Just LOOK at those things! They swim right up to you like puppy dogs. They are HUGE. And heavy. And according to Leon, always looking for food as they are scavengers. The females are the giant ones, and the males are the little guys. The locals just go out there and play with them, and these animals are exposed to hundreds and hundreds of tourists on a daily basis. I was surprised at how docile they were. It made me real nervous in the beginning {and when I accidentally stepped on one I kept seeing flashes of Steve Irwin in the last seconds of his life}, but it honestly was one of the highlights of the entire trip. And I love the focused look on Jason's face in the upper left picture. That's how we felt the whole time--eager suspense!

Jase and I both got to hold several stingrays and even feed them. Our guides were adamant that we keep our thumbs down as they sucked up the fish we had in our fist, though. Otherwise, our thumbs would go right up there "sucker" or mouth. It was definitely one of those things you can't think too much about. You just have to do it. And then when it's done, you're SO glad you were brave and went for it. I guess that goes for most things in life, right?

This is awesome! Look at that creepy eye on the top right hand corner picture. Crazy. One regret: Not having snorkel gear with us. That would have just amplified the whole experience. Dear stingrays, I'm sorry I judged you wrongfully. Thank you for being gentler and sweeter than I could have ever imagined.

After our jaunt with the stingrays, we took another 15 minute trip {on which we saw a sea turtle and Jason dumped us both from the jet ski} out to Rum Point. It was incredible. If I were ever afforded the opportunity to go back to Grand Cayman, I would like to spend a whole day at this place--for obvious reasons. It is obvious, right?

Soon enough, it was time to head back to Georgetown for lunch and some shopping. Grand Cayman is part of the British West Indies, so it shouldn't have surprised me that they drove on the left side of the road and had "Will & Kate" hanging around. But then again, I'm pretty ignorant...I'm working on it.

"Aargh!"

We had lunch at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville after doing some shopping {Jason wouldn't let me get the t-shirt that said, "I'm the woman to blame"}, and I almost choked on my fish taco when the bill came and we had to fork over almost $60 for lunch. Apparently, the Diet Coke I just had to have was WAY more than I thought it would be--more like the souvenir glass that it came in was way more than I thought it would be. Shoot. Oh, well. We got to bring home a tacky $25 glass that neither one of us wanted nor knew we were purchasing. And now we laugh every time we see the stupid thing.

"Cheeseburger in Paradise!"

Our view from the restaurant. Look at the color of the water! Unreal.

Because the harbor is so shallow in G.C., the cruiseline uses tender boats to take passengers to and from the island. You can see our boat, the Inspiration, parked out at sea. Jase and I did great on the sunburn front until we waited close to an hour waiting to get on a tender to take us back to the ship. See the pink noses below as evidence:

At dinner.
This was about the time of night that my "seasickness" would set in. This made it real uncomfortable to eat all the rich and delicious food. Boo! We'd end up on the Lido deck soon after so I could see the horizon and get some fresh air. It helped. A lot. And it also allowed us to see some pretty incredible sunsets.

Dessert buffet at 9 PM? Sure! Don't mind if I do...

...And this picture says it all. Food, food, and more food. Whenever, wherever. All free--well, not really. But that's what we told ourselves :)

2011-09-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

True Blue

Utah State! Hey! Aggies all the way! Go, Aggies! Go, Aggies! Hey! Hey! Hey!

Oh, and go BSU, too.

Goodbye, husband. Welcome, college football season.

2011-09-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

Day 3 of Our Most Excellent Adventure: Day at Sea

Ahoy! We spent Tuesday cruising the Gulf of Mexico. I will be the first to admit that it's a little creepy to look over the edge of the ship and see nothing but water, water, and more water. But very cool and awe-inspiring at the same time. Jason and I basked in the rays of the sun on this particular day--well, kind of. My fair complexion and I lasted about 35 minutes in the sweltering heat. Don't worry, though. I did manage to pull of some sort of a "tan" by the end of the trip. No lie.

The fog thing again. I just couldn't get over that.

We also ate about a billion ice cream cones, caught a comedy show {well, we didn't "catch one," but we did watch on}, and I fought the world's worst headache and urge to throw up all over our cabin. Thank you, seasickness. By the way, what the heck is that about? I had NO problem the first go-around when I went on a cruise with my fam in high school. Jason dealt a bit with it, too. We're thinking the waters were a bit rougher as a result of being on the outskirts of Hurricane Irene? Who knows. Blah.

Tuesday also marked "Formal Night" on the ship. I felt a little like an 8th grader at Summer Camp or E.F.Y. getting ready for a banquet-style dinner. But it was still fun. And get a good look at those shoes because I'm never wearing them again. Ever. Stupid, stupid, stupid! They were such a good idea in the beginning...

One disadvantage to traveling alone as a couple? There's no one around to take pictures. You would be amazed at how many people freak out when you ask them to take a picture with anything other than a "Point and Shoot." So get ready for plenty more of shots like these 'cause they're a comin.'

A friend.

Sunset from our window.

Comedy club.

On the aft of the ship. Is that what it's called? It was unbelievably windy. And warm. And beautiful. Oh. I am missing our trip already...Anyway, we were wanting to go swimming and/or hot-tubbing, but the pool was always crammed. It is hysterical to me that people have no problem sitting shoulder to shoulder in a vat of bubbling water with complete strangers. Yeah, no thank you.

I like this picture. Not because Jason's eye got cut off {sorry about it}, but because it shows you what a good sport he is as he totes my purse around without complaint. Those suckers can get heavy!! More to come...Are you sick of us yet?

2011-09-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

Don't Stop. Don't Give Up.

It's that easy, guys.

2011-08-31T19:20:00.001-07:00

A Boy & His Bug

This monstrosity was on our porch yesterday morning.

And Jason. Was. Fascinated.

I was actually really surprised at his level of interest. We're talking about the same kid who called me from Sandpoint a few weeks ago begging me to drive up and kill a spider for him {I believe his exact words were: "Rach. We have a situation on our hands"}. So, you can imagine my confusion--and disgust--when Jase took a special liking to the little guy. And by "little" I mean huge. The thing was basically a hamster.

Fast forward two hours later. I look to my right and find my husband digging through the kitchen cupboards holding up a glass jar. "Hey. Where's the lid to this?"
My initial thought: Don't you have grad school or something?
And then the horror struck when I realized what it was he was planning to do.
The next thing I know, he's dashing down the stairs and out the front door where he scooped up Mr. Ponderosa Pine Borer and held him captive for a solid 6 hours.

I've got to hand it to him. Jason did his research and found out all he could about his friend. He peered through the container and studied his every feature at least 15 times. He talked to it, and kept rattling off facts about him {Sick}. He even perched it on the windowsill and propped the lid open so "it could get some air." There was no denying it--my husband was completely and utterly taken with a beetle.

I told Jason if his friend got loose our marriage would be over. Period. It wasn't until AFTER dinner that he decided their afternoon together sooner or later had to come to an end. I think the beetle's drooping antennas tipped him off. So, Jason, being the good play partner that he is, lovingly returned his friend to his "home" across the parking lot onto some shaded rocks.

Well, guess who showed up on our front porch this morning just beggin' for more action? You betcha. Mr. Ponderosa Pine Borer Beetle. Only he was upside down on his back. I told Jason it's probably because he's brain damaged after being hot-boxed for an entire afternoon. He's returning to the abduction site to get some kind of closure or something before giving up the ghost.

I just hope Mr. Beetle doesn't call his friends to rally around our place. Oh, please, oh please.

Bugs: You give 'em an inch. And they'll run a mile. Or crawl. Real slow...

2011-08-31T18:48:00.000-07:00

Days 1 & 2 of Our Most Excellent Adventure

It's raining outside. Really raining. And thundering some, too. Seventy five percent of me is relieved. Truth be told: I'm ready for fall. The other twenty five percent of me is missing the sandy white beaches of Grand Cayman island and Cozumel, Mexico. Boo wah, right?
Just over a week and a half ago, Jason and I boarded a Big Jet Plane and headed for the Western Caribbean where we spent seven heavenly days of our lives {thank you Carnival Cruiselines}.
Let me ask you this: Who thinks that reading about and/or viewing pictures of somebody else's vacation is as fun as scraping your left eyeball out with a spoon? OK. That's a little dramatic. But it is a little like saying "Nanner, nanner, nanner! Look what we got to do and you didn't!" It isn't nearly as exciting for the people who didn't get to go. No? Just me? I'll work on that. And with that being said, you better grab a spoon...

Bright and early Sunday morning. I haven't seen 3:45 am since college--or Black Friday. Yeah. It was Black Friday.

I should have worn my PJ's and then you guys could sing to me this song: "Bananas! In pajamas! Are coming down the stairs!"

Thumbs up, dude! We made it to Tampa, FL. Except I want to call "Tampa" something else every time I say it out loud. Rhymes with "Clampon." P.S. You'll notice that Jason looks super-stoked in 99.5% of these pictures.

University of Tampa. Did you know there was such a thing? I didn't. But I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to life in general. Also, Tampa humidity is pretty horrible. Sweat + flip flops + walking 8 blocks = prettty intense blisters on the first day of vacation. Boo!

These guys were everywhere {Insert Geico Insurance commercial joke here}.

Our hotel Sunday night before boarding the ship Monday morning. It's weird to get out of a pool and not be cold. Not even in the slightest!

Ahoy there, Mateys! Jason thought our ship was a building when we were walking through the cruise terminal. And I thought those glasses looked good on me when I first bought them. Rookie mistake...

We found our room, and the waterslide {along with a random stranger who ruined our picture}, and the TV channel that maps every dang nautical mile and current sea depth {Jason would and could and did watch this for hours on end. I'm not even kidding you one bit}, and the bottomless ice cream machine}. Praise the Foodie Gods!

Take 1: Stoner and creeper

Take 2: "Smile normal or I'll kill you..."

The ship at night. Oooh. Aahh.

It would get so humid on the deck{s} of the boat that my lens would fog up instantly on walking outside. Thus, the radiant "glow" of the Brasserie buffet.

My favorite past time on the ship--sitting in our window sill. I'm pretty easily entertained. Our cabin {M260, if you must know} overlooked the wake of the boat. It pays to be poor sometimes. I'm pretty sure we were one floor up from the food crates and engine room. We for sure would have died first if our ship was the Titanic.

Pook & Pook!

Day 3 To Be Continued. Come back soon. Or not. No, seriously. Come back...I want you to.

2011-08-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

Jason & Rachel's Most Excellent Adventure

We're back. I got a sunburn. And a kiss from a dolphin. But for now, I'm up to my ears in laundry. Stay tuned...

2011-08-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

Livestrong

Jason and Lance: Bosom buddies.

I've called Jason a lot of things since I met him nearly seven years ago. But never before have I called him "Lance." Why? Because that's not his name. Nor is it a cuss word.

But according to the one and only J. Biebs, you should "Never Say Never" about anything. And I started calling my husband Lance on May 23, 2011. That's because since starting his internship 13 {looong} weeks ago, Jason has biked to and from the corporate headquarters of Coldwater Creek. One car, remember? One car with me. That's roughly 16 miles round trip every dang day {except for most Fridays when I picked him up}. This amounts to about 70 miles each week. Jason figures he rode over 700 miles throughout the course of the summer. That's like riding from Spokane to Seattle two and a half times.
What I'm trying to say is this: Jason is basically Lance Armstrong at this point. He is a rock star.
He also lost 10 pounds. And I won't go on bike rides anymore with him because I can't even keep up with him in the slightest. I'll be huffing and puffing and he'll zoom past me like it's nothin'. It's embarrassing when he has to stop and wait for me like a little kid with training wheels.
In the beginning, I felt like the worst wife ever and worried and fretted and thought for sure he was going to get swiped by a car. I had horrible images of him on the side of the road wounded and bleeding! But Jason is tough. And he'll do anything to save a buck or two. He'll be the first to tell you it wasn't easy in the beginning--like when he rode for nearly two weeks on 18 PSI tires instead of the recommended 40 PSI {like trying to push through peanut butter on wheels}. But he prevailed. And just like Lance beat cancer, Jason beat the wind, and the rain, and the traffic, and the flat tires, and the Long Bridge over Lake Pond Oreille to overcome a long summer of hard work and determination.
Are you beginning to see again why I dubbed Jason's "adventure" in northern Idaho as Summer Camp? Cabin on the lake, basketball, biking, and new friends. As we pulled into the garage last night after a long drive home, Jason vehemently declared: "SUMMER CAMP WAS AWESOOOMMME!"
What I think he was trying to say was this: "Please don't ever make me ride my bike again."
OK, Lance. OK. You done good.

2011-08-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

Secrets Don't Make Friends {& The Big Reveal of "Camp Justus"}

You guys. I've been keeping a secret from you all summer. It's been kiiilling me. Many of you already know about said secret. And many of you don't. OK. Most of you do because I'm horrible at secrets! Just horrible. But the time has come to tell you...but don't get too excited. Really. Don't. It's more exciting for me than it is for you.

Jason is moving home.

When Jason was awarded his internship at Coldwater Creek, we knew it wasn't logistically possible for him to drive 70 miles every day to get to a job just to turn around and come home again. Especially considering we drive one car. Count it with me now: one. So, we made the very adult-like decision to have him live in Sandpoint during the week and commute home on the weekends. OK. Let me clarify that. I would commute him home on the weekends. That's 70 miles each way. Four times a week. Shoot me now. Actually, you should have shot me back on June 3 when I never thought I would see the day that I wouldn't have to drive through Newport, WA one. more. flippin. time. But alas, the day has home. It has come! Praise the heavens above and shout hallelujah!

Now for some quality Q&A:

Why didn't you just stay up there on the weekends, Rachel? Wouldn't that have just made more sense?
Oh. Well, I did from time to time. But there seemed to always be something or someone that needed our attention in Spokaloo come Friday or Saturday or Sunday or all of the above. We did all we could to stay in Sandpoint over the weekend when it was convenient. But most of the time, it wasn't convenient.

But weren't you scared, Rachel? All by your loney?
Yes. At one point I thought there was a bat in the ceiling above my bed. And another night, I was convinced there was a chainsaw murderer breathing outside my bolted bedroom door. That was a late night, that one was. Also, I cried more than normal. That's a lot of crying.

Where did Jason live, Rachel?
I'll tell you. Jason lived here at "Camp Justus," or as I like to call it "Summer Camp:"

Bill and Nanette Justus were acquaintances of my parents many years ago. They are now retired and live on the beautiful Lake Pend Oreille. They lovingly opened their home to a poor college kid {and his wife}. We owe them so very much and hope to be able to pay it forward one day. No amount of money {or chocolate} could let them know how appreciative we are to them for their incredible hospitality. Not only were they hospitable, but they basically live in one of the coolest lake cabins in the world. That's a big thing they did--letting a complete stranger move into your basement?! Kudos to them. And points in heaven.

Is that a water bed in that picture, Rachel?
Yes! It is. And there is also a picture of a wolf {not shown} that I coincidentally named Jacob Black. I gave Jacob the sole responsibility of watching over and protecting my husband. Especially from spiders {Oh, man. Do I have a story for you about that?!}

Why do you call it "Camp Justus" or "Summer Camp," Rachel?
Isn't it obvious? Jason was living on a lake. With wolves. And bears. And deers {or at least pictures of them}. He'd text me every day at lunch: "Rach. I just dominated Amir and Cody at basketball" or "Our group played volleyball at lunch today at First Beach." And then he would hit the showers and go for snack time. Don't worry about it, Jase. I'll just be here. Holding down the fort.*

Is this why you've been the worst blogger ever this summer, Rachel?
Why, yes. Yes, it is. I didn't want to spill the beans. For obvious reasons, of course. Although, by now, most of Spokane knows that I've been living at home alone because I can't keep my big mouth shut. Sidenote: the whole experience gave me a WHOLE new appreciation for military families who sacrifice for months and years at a time. I honestly don't know how they do it.

So, what's next, Rachel?
Well, Jason's internship took care of 3 more credits. This means his graduation date has been pushed up to the beginning of November instead of December {ideal}. This also means Jason has 6 credits left until he officially has his MBA {also ideal}. Jason has begun to look for a real J.O.B. None of this summer camp business...just kidding. He did fit some work in up there. I am sure of it.

How will you celebrate, Rachel?
We're going to celebrate big. By going somewhere great.

Enough questions. Can I tell you something, though? All the miles driven, all the ten minute phone conversations at lunch, the emails and Facebook messages, all the meltdowns {always on my end}, and dinners-for-one, and waking up alone were completely and totally worth it. We are convinced that Jason's summer spent at Coldwater Creek has given him the experience and opportunity he will need to be successful in the ol' job hunt. He loved his time there. And I loved that he loved his time there.

But I'll tell you what I love more: Having him home.

*There is also one other big reason Jason's residence was dubbed "Summer Camp." But it's a post all its own. And it's a comin'. Stay tuned.

2011-08-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

Holla!

Oh, hey guys. So...apparently I don't like to blog anymore. I thought the day would never come {and actually, it hasn't.} We have just been so so so busy lately. More on that later. But first thing's first...

Y.E.S. She totally deserved it. And in my opinion, was in a whole category of her own. The girl is a dancing Goddess. And holds more talent in the tip of her pinky finger than I do in my whole body. And I kind of wish she was my friend. OK, I really wish she was my friend. Way to be, Melanie!

Alright. Now that that's out of the way, Doug and Judy came for a visit this last weekend. And guess where we hung out? You guessed it! Sandpoint. I am seriously amazed at all the places we keep discovering in that little panhandle of our neighboring state of Idaho {No, You-da-ho!}. It is literally the gift that keeps on giving. This time we dabbled in the local arts and crafts fair, browsed some pretty cool antique sales, rode our bikes out to Dover Bay {as shown below}, dipped our feet in Lake Pend Oreille, ate lots of great food, and just caught up on life in general. We always love to see Jason's parents come, but hate to see them go. B-Town is plain just too far away for our liking. Jase and I hope to end up closer one day. The weather was gorgeous. And dare I admit my pasty-white complexion turned a little pink on me despite my slathering on the SPF 80 {not a joke. I don't mess around}.

Hey, Doug and Judy! Look over here! No? OK. They were talking to a guy who was trying to de-skunk his very cute doggy. And let's admit it, he was way more interesting than me. Jason, on the other hand, has to look at the camera. He's married to me...

We took a little break from the sun and walked around a few antique stores and sales that were going on. Attention all dental nerds: Check out that early 1900's dental chair Jason is sitting in?! I'm going to be honest with you. It creeped me out. I think it's because it really does look like some kind of torture device. The headrest itself gave me the impression of insect pincers. Also, I kept thinking of it as being "contaminated" by the saliva of people who have probably been dead for 50 plus years. And you know they didn't practice Universal Precautions back then. Am I right? Sick. So, clearly, that's why I made Jason get in the chair. I wasn't taking a chance in that thing! I know better than that...

From clockwise bottom left: Lindsay, Paula, Megan, Janee, Windie, Ashley, Nicole, Dana, Heather (& babe), Me, Tori (& babe), beautiful bride, Nevada, Shawna (& babe).

Speaking of dental nerds, I got to catch up with a few of my favorites last weekend at a wedding I shot for one of my fellow RDH's and former classmates, Nevada. Weddings and babies seem to be the only thing that pull us together anymore. A little sad, actually. But so fun, nonetheless. I don't always love my profession {thank you, defective spine}, but I do love and miss the girls that helped make dental hygiene school slightly bearable.

OK. How's that for a little update? There are plenty more to come! I PROMISE {Seriously, I promise. I can think of at least 3 future blog posts this very minute. In case you really did care...}
Thanks for reading. And by "reading," I mean thanks for checking back and still seeing the same header from last week's post and thinking "Blast! She still hasn't updated!" At least that's what I do...
Catch you later, Gator.

P.S. A very loving shout-out to our best friends, Ryan and Jana, who just welcomed their first baby into their home! Can't wait to squeeze on the little guy. Welcome, Landon! We love you already!

2011-08-05T21:47:00.000-07:00

We're Alive

I promise. Things have been crazy busy for us lately. It seems like all Jason and I do is go, go, go just to run, run, run. And yet, at the end of the day, I feel like we have nothing to show for it all. I do know this, though: I love Chinese food. And I especially love Chinese food when it comes with fun fortunes like these...

Do you think this is some kind of sign from the Cosmos telling us to slow down? It's gotta be bad when a .25 cent cookie has to be the thing to tell you to breathe. Shoot.
We may just heed that advice...

2011-08-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

{August}us Gloop

My Grandma Nelson, circa 1952. {Actually, that's a lie. I have no idea when this picture was taken of her. Let's just pretend that it was around 1952}.

August already?!
Here's hoping the sun decides to stick around for a few more weeks...I said a few more. I don't know how much more my glow-in-the-dark complexion can handle.

2011-07-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

Cousin Ashley Chronicles {Continued}

Aaannnd...I'm back. I don't know what it is these days, but blogging seems to have taken a back seat as of late. Some of you may be saying: "Yeah! What is that about?!" But most of you are saying: "No one cares, Rachel." And you're probably right. But I 'em gonna catch you up anyway.
{Top of the mornin' to ya! The view from our hotel. Oh, and sorry for the bright/blurry picture. Sometimes, when you have such glowing personalities, it blinds the camera completely. Also, you know that I'm kidding, right?}

As I said it my last post, my cousin Ashley and her husband, Randall, came for a visit last week. I've said it before. I'll say it again. Ashley and I are very similar in our personalities, tastes, and interests {did I mention she's a hygienist, too! The Nelson family breeds Tooth Nazis!}.

{Can you tell which one of us was a cheerleader in high school? I'll give you a hint: It wasn't me. Thus, the incredible lack of vertical and general athleticism}.

Ash and I are both a little...what's the word...uptight? Type A? Type AAA? So, in his infinite wisdom, the good Lord placed Ash and I in separate families to maintain our parents' sanity. Instead of sisters, we became cousins. And as cousins, we have developed into the best of friends. And it is great. Ash and Randall live in Utah, so we don't get to see them nearly enough. We played hard while they were here and took advantage of every minute. Here are the highlights from some of our festivities:

Here are the mandatory "couple" photos of Jase and me...because we don't have enough with our arms around each other standing side by side as it is...

After picking Jason up from work on Friday afternoon, we stayed up at White Pine Lodge at Schweitzer mountain. And we wasted NO time in taking ridiculous photos of each other on the balcony. I mean, we were only in one of the prettiest places in the country. What else would were we supposed to do with our time?!

Oh, Randall and Jason! How we love you! You really must spend an evening with these two to understand the incredible wit they both possess. It is unreal. And oh-so-funny. We are lucky girls, we are. Also, they have each heard the "flossing lecture" at least a million times. The next morning, we rode the chair lift to the top of the resort. It was beautiful. As seen:

Here's a little tidbit for you: My dad, Blake, and Randall, are also very similar. It is eerie, actually. The proof lies in the picture below--they're both trying desperately to read/discover/learn/ingest as much history and knowledge about the train depot in Sandpoint, ID, all the while quizzing and posing questions to each other about the surrounding scenery, history and geography of the Inland Northwest including the estimated elevation. Have mercy.

The weather was superb, so we went for a little spin in some kayaks on Bottle Bay.

Oh, hey boys! This picture was taken after they tried to sink the paddle boat by convincing Ash and me that all four of us grown adults could safely and dryly tour the lake on the dang thing. Yeah. Right. It got real sketchy there for awhile. I'm just sayin...We could not get back on the shore fast enough. Nelsons aren't generally what you would call "risk-takers."

We played beauty parlor, too. I did Ashley's hair for the photo shoots we had. And I had WAY more fun doing that than when I clean teeth.

Nelson. Nichols. Nelson {Another tidbit, Randall's last name is Nelson. So, Ashley married a Nelson, and didn't even have to change her name on her driver's license or Social Security card. Lucky duck. And don't worry. They checked the family tree, first...}.

Other festivities not pictured:

A sushi lunch at Sushi Maru
Tour de Spokane {Brief and brilliant}
Round of golf and shopping trip
Hobo dinners and reminiscing around the fire pit
Ice cream, cinnamon bears, pizza, and pancakes. Oh. My. Gosh. I want to puke just reading that sentence...
Power naps
Late night Dateline specials, hot-tubbing, and window shopping
Laughing and talking multiplied by one hundred
An old-fashioned foot race between my brother and father. I am still trying to understand that one?
A free breakfast at Frank's Diner. Thank you, kind stranger. We'll pay it forward--one day. When we're not completely broke...but that could be a while...

Ash and Randall! Come back! Come back! We had way too much fun with you guys.

Love you guys! Thanks for making the trek to Spokanistan. And for acting like it was really cool.

2011-07-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

Ash

This is Ashley.
She is my cousin.
And we are the same person.
I am not even exaggerating one bit. It is uncanny {and maybe a little creepy} how crazy similar we are. The "Nelson" blood runs strong in our veins--take that how you will.
Ash and her husband Randall flew up from the {801} last Thursday to spend five fantastic days with us. It was not even enough time. We. had. so. much. fun {more on this later}. I was real sad to see them go.
Among other things, we had a little photo shoot while they were here in Spokaloo. She might be the cutest thing I've ever seen. And now I am convinced of two things A) I got jipped on the boob genes in the family B) I want long hair--but only if it can look like hers.
Stay tuned...I have to go to the gym now. Have to. For now, this "teaser" photo will have to suffice. I just want to hug her in this picture. Cousins rock!

2011-07-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

Confessions of a Freak

I saw my doctor today. He told me to continue taking the opiate medication he prescribed me for my back pain. I'm not sure how I feel about it. Here's why:

I fished four separate items from the toilet yesterday after accidentally and consecutively dropping them within thirty seconds of each other {Why, Rachel?! Why would you do that? And why would you do it four times! And why were you standing so close to the toilet each time?}.

I watched this video. Twice. Girls {and maybe some boys? That's OK, too}, how did we ever move on from this? I mean, really...

All of a sudden I have this intense desire to learn french. There's something about that beautiful, blessed language. If I learned it, my Cool Factor would literally jump at least 20 points. Period.

I dropped a steak knife on my big toe while unloading the dishwasher last night. Yup. Those steak knifes cut steak alright. And toes. Blast!

I cried over a letter Jason wrote me in 2007. And over the Women's World Cup footage.

I am somehow still finding the time to watch The Bachelorette even though I can't stand it, especially this season. I can't look away. Well, I could, but I can't.

I started packing for a trip that we won't be taking for another 35 days. Whatevs {Also, I secretly hate it when people say "Whatevs"}.

I knocked over my Diet Coke {don't tell Jason about my beverage adultery} and it spewed all over the floor. It was perched on the landing at the top of our stairs--perfect, logical place, Rachel--and I just straight up walked away from it. I could not even deal with cleaning it up right then. And now I'm tempted to get down on all fours and lick the carpet. Now, there's an idea: Flavored carpet...

I bought a new pair of shoes. For $9.98. WHHY. EEE. ESSS. {This has nothing to do with anything, really. I was just excited}.

I have been thinking about the Holy Trinity quite often lately {Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner}. This is never good.

I have felt like this for two days straight:

So, now. I think I'll take a nap. Cheers.

2011-07-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

You-Da-Ho

I looked down at my graham cracker that I was nibblin' on last night and saw this.

The Gem State. In carbohydrate form. It reminded me of those people who see the Virgin Mary in their toast and stuff. I felt inspired! It also made me miss my Jason who was at work at the time. And then I couldn't stop saying, "I Da Ho. No, You Da Ho" like we always do when we're together. I must have repeated that phrase fifteen times. Out loud. Alone.
Other reasons I am proud of myself this week:

I woke up at 6:09 am yesterday morning. I leave for work at 6:20 am. Sa-weet. I opened my eyes and literally had no idea who I was or what planet I was living on. No alarm. No noise. Just me and the sun beams bursting through the window. And then that awful, sinking feeling smacked me right awake when I came to my senses. Raise your hand if you would list that as one of the worst feelings known to mankind {Me! I'm raising both my hands}. My feet hit the floor and I went from being completely sedentary to running 25 miles an hour. I made it, though {Home Alone style}. But I made it. Whoosh.

OK. I guess that was only one reason I am proud of myself. How 'bout some things that made my week great?

I met up with my friend Camille on Monday night. Mill head. Milly Lemon. Mill. Holla! We had frozen yogurt {Red Velvet Cake flavor for me, please} and talked like the good ol' days. We even agreed that the blog world is a dangerous and mysterious and wonderful place. And that we would see each other soon there {she lives in Ooo-tah aka "Utah;" apparently, I have a thing for pronouncing each and every state in a weird way}. Oh, and hey, Russ! Thanks for letting me borrow your wife for an evening. Truly.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson on SYTYCD and "The Moth Dance" made for one epic night of Fox television. Let it be known that I love Melanie and Marko.

You've heard of power naps. But have you experienced extreme power napping? Well, I perfected such a thing last week. I was driving on Highway 2 and literally started falling asleep at the wheel. Like, I started dreaming. It was awful! My eyelids felt like cement! I'm blaming it on the new pain medication I've been taking for my back. I had to pull over and close my eyes for juuust a few minutes. I set my alarm on my phone and everything...for 3 minutes. I slept for 3 minutes. Seriously {I've got places to be, people!}. It worked like a charm. Don't knock it 'til you try it. Jason knocked it. But I don't think he would have been doing all that "knocking" had I ended up smeared on the road somewhere.
Hey, mother of mine! Happy, Happy Birthday tomorrow. Let's eat some cupcakes and go shopping.

Countdown to Cousin Ashley! She and her husband Randall are flying in to Spokaloo to see us next week. And I can't even stand the excitement. We have all sorts of adventures planned...

I guess that's it for now. Thanks for reading. And thanks for being my friends.
I Da Ho. No, You Da Ho!

2011-07-10T21:37:00.000-07:00

The Elixir of Life

Well, hello there, Blogosphere!

I took a much-needed break from the internet--more specifically the Blogging World. It was sucking me in, and I was starting to be feel pretty whiny about my life. I have this theory: The longer I spend reading other people's blogs, the quicker I start to feel that my life isn't as fan-tabulicious as it should be. When that happens, I know I've got to nip it right in the bud. I have far too many awesome things to be grateful for--like a legitimate Slap Chop and a new tube of Tom's of Maine toothpaste {So, suck on that, Blog World}! See?! The "Bigger and Better" Phenomena. It's got to stop. I know better than that!! You catch my drift?

A break I needed. A break I took. And now I'm back.

When I met Jason, I met Diet Pepsi. That's because they didn't go anywhere without each other. I've always been a Diet Coke girl myself. That's just how it's done in the Nelson household. My brother's first words were "Diet Coke." I'm not even kidding you. But I loved Jason, so I would be lying if I said I didn't opt for a Diet Pepsi over a Diet Coke in those early dating years--just one of those compromises, I guess.

The Mr. and I may or may not have skipped Sunday School today for a much needed refueling {OK. We totally did}. We washed these down with the last of his .99 cent 1.5 Liter of Diet Pepsi that he scored at Fred Meyer's yesterday. 'Twas just one of those days. But for the record, we did go back to church for the third hour. I'm just telling you.

Also, we were laughing so hard, that I shot milk and Jillian Michael's Protein Powder out my nose {because three 'S'more's cookie bars and a half a liter of Diet Pepsi obviously wasn't enough}. Jason said something about me and Cody Lundin being bundled in ponchos in the middle of a desert somewhere, and it was over. And just so you know, Cody Lundin is my latest and weirdest obsession on the Discovery Channel. I can't explain it. He fascinates me--something about his unusually gigantic quads, leathery, brown feet, and braided pigtails. I'm going to be real with you--it's been awhile since I've shot milk out my nose. The fifth grade, maybe? And I have yet to do it in my adult life--until today, that is. Sooo, that was one for the books.

What I'm trying to say is this: The trek home for some caramel-colored-carbonated-water was very much worth it. Holy, even. We don't call it the "Elixir of Life" for nothin.'

K. C Ya. Bye.

Oh. And you're going to want to see this picture. We've dubbed it "Shroud of Darkness..."

...or simply, "Jason Creepin'".

2011-07-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

Nancy Pants & a Belated B-day Gift

This is Nancy {and Jason, obviously}. Nancy's real name is Ashlee. Don't even ask why we call her Nancy. But we do. And sometimes we go as far as to call her "Nance" or "Nancy Pants," but this is beside the point. Nance was my roommate at USU. And boy, do we love her.

When I moved home to Spokoma for dental hygiene school, I worried about leaving Jason behind. But then I would tell myself, "But Nancy will be with him, so he'll be fine" {She lived in the apartment upstairs from Jason and his roommates}. And you want to know something? I was right. They became good buddies and had many a crazy adventure {see photo above; and, no, she is not hanging upside down in that picture. And yes, that is a mustache on Jason's upper lip. Sick}. If I couldn't be there, I at least wanted my close friend Nancy Pants there. It was the best scenario possible.

Nance, who lives in Maryland, texted me a few weeks ago to inform me that she had attended a concert of the Rocky Votolato. This was a big deal. This was a big deal because we basically worship Rocky Votolato around the Nichols' household as does Nancy Pants {Jason plans to one day serenade our babies with the musical stylings of Rocky Votolato--and I am very much looking forward to that day}. Not only did she go to his show, but she was lucky enough to meet him...on Jason's birthday. Shut the front door! She explained to Rocky the significance of that particular day in June, and Rocky, being just as awesome as we always suspected, was kind enough to autograph a personal copy of "Makers" in honor of The Birthday Boy. Y.E.S. If you haven't heard Rocky's stuff, please do it now. I mean, right now. You will not want to live any more of your life without his musical genius.

Rocky holds a special place in our hearts. But so does Nancy Pants. Basically, we love them both, a whole lot. Thanks, again, Nance.
Peace. Love. And Rocky.

2011-06-27T15:56:00.001-07:00

Crazy Craft Lady

You know the "Crazy Cat Lady" that everybody makes fun of? Well, you can make fun of me now because I have become the "Crazy Craft Lady." No lie. Not a joke.
A few weeks ago, my friend {Hi, Camille} introduced me to possibly the best thing in the whole wide world: Pinterest.com. I lovingly call it my "happy place" because it does just that--it makes me happy. Since discovering this blessed place on the Interweb, I have found myself spending every. single. second. of my free time "pinning" my favorite things, inspirations, design ideas, and future recipes to try in my very own corner of the Information Highway. OH, THE POSSIBILITIES!!! And then things got out of hand when I started abandoning the laundry, dinner, and dare I say, my personal hygiene? TMI? Probably. But I'm just bein' real with you...

All this time on Pinterest stirred a deep desire in me to do something drastic. I immediately looked around our place and thought, what can I do different, what can I paint, upholster, re-finish, take down, and arrange? My craft bone had been achin' for some serious craftiness for quite some time. And Pinterest was just the trick to get me motivated. Here's what I've done so far:

...that's right. Another excuse to use this phrase: "Awe, Jase! Do you remember the day we got married? I do! Wasn't it so great?!"

Organized and smellin' good.

The yarn bouquet might have been the easiest thing I've ever made in my life.

Rachel's Official Justification for Spending So Much Time Doing What She Did:
1. No babies = me time. I realize this won't last forever. So, I'm going to take full advantage of it now while I can and do whatever the heck I want. If that includes spending a ridiculous amount of time moving a cream-colored saucer back and forth a few inches to determine the best "spot" for it, so be it.
2. These projects cost me next to nothing. A few dollars, maybe? Maybe.
3. I find rearranging and organizing to be very therapeutic for my whacked-out, million-mile-an-hour, OCD mind. Jason does, too. It's called a "distraction technique."
4. I have too much time on my hands. Actually, I don't. I have lots to do on any given day, but like I said, I just abandoned everything else in my life for a few days--I'm telling you! Pinterest holds that kind of power!
5. I know there's more justification around here somewhere. You want to know what the best part about all this is? I'm not even done with all my "craftiness." Stay tuned...

And if you have a minute, check out Pinterest. Just don't say I didn't warn you.

P.S. I survived my bone scan. Results: {Pending}

2011-06-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

And a Very Happy Birthday, to You, Dear Sir

Hey. It's my dad's birthday today. Happy Birthday, you Korean-speaking, crazy-skiing, clean-freak, angel-food-cake-lovin', pill-countin', father of mine! Seriously, dad. I love you. Happy birthday.
Love,
Mini You (aka "Me")

2011-06-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

Hey, Hey

This is Hela {Pronounced Hay-la}. But to me, she's "Hey, Hey."

Hela and I met in the second grade. She wore glasses and was soft--spoken...until we became best friends. She had me over to her house and her mom made peanut butter sandwiches with extra strawberry jelly and we played The Littlest Petshop Board Game. The deal was sealed when I found out we shared the same middle name. We were on the same soccer team together up until high school, and I never envied her role as goalie on the team--too stressful. But she never complained! We fell in love with three blond, "Mmmbop-ing" brothers {and sometimes we would have real fights about who would marry Zac because she and he shared the same birthday}. We made up fake figure skating routines on the black top at recess, wore the same blue sweatshirt day in and day out, and laughed out loud when she accidentally hit Lacey Parry in the back of the head with a tennis ball in the 4th grade {Butts Up can be a brutal game}.

Hela convinced me that Justin Timberlake was just as "luscious" {actual word used in my 12-year-old diary} as the magazines made him look when she took me to my first concert {Ahem, NSync} where I wore denim overalls. We talked boys and swam in her swimming pool in our underwear in a lightning storm and even played strip poker in her parent's camper {Or was it Go Fish? I don't know. I just remember taking my clothes off...}. We rode mini-motorcycles {see picture below} and drove up and down her dad's property in a Chevy Blazer with music blaring because it was the coolest thing ever, and we just couldn't believe her parents were allowing us to do such a thing without our licenses. We spent many a night around the ping pong table in her basement laughing so hard we were either totally silent with tears streaming down our cheeks or dancing around with crossed legs so we wouldn't pee ourselves. And I wasn't just "Rachel" to the Kelsch family. I was "Rach." And because of that, I always felt at home.

After high school, we worked together at the same dental office as sterilization assistants. She swooped in and rescued me from a patient's early morning toast and coffee puke because I was too busy dry heaving after attempting bitewing x-rays {I'm a sympathy puker, OK?!}. It's ironic that I was the one that went on to become a dental hygienist. Ha! Hela also can ski with the best of them, and spent years on the Ski Patrol at Mt. Spokane. I lasted once or twice up at the mountain, and it was probably because boys were involved. Homecoming princesses, football games, tie-dye parties, soccer road trips, haunted houses, shopping sprees, bachelorette parties, and ASB. You will find Hela in almost every picture from my childhood. That's because she was my best friend.

Hela was smart. Still is. She was always smokin' her math and science tests. So, it was no surprise when she announced that she was heading to medical school after graduation. We met up for dinner at The Olive Garden around Christmas time last year, and the conversation picked up right where it had left off. Isn't that how it always goes with true friends?

As time and life would have it, Hela and I haven't stayed in touch as much as we would have liked {I hear med school's a real doozy}. Yesterday evening I found out that Hela has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. She underwent nearly 9 hours of brain surgery today where surgeons attempted to remove as much as they could. I have been sick all day about it and know what I am feeling isn't even a fraction of what her parents and sister are facing. Life is hard. It can turn upside down on you in a second. Literally, a second. I don't know much at this point, but I do know I love my friend Hela. Will you keep her in your prayers? Please. There is no one in the world like Hela.

Hey, Hey,

I know you can't read this right now, but please know that I love you and am praying for you and your family. You can do this. I know it. You WILL do this. You're beautiful and strong, inside and out. Thanks for the years of genuine friendship. I look forward to many more to come.

"She believed she could. So she did." -Anonymous

Love,

Rach

2011-06-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

The Armamentarium of a Dental Hygienist (Scratch that--The armamentarium of this dental hygienist)

Friday morning, I'm having one of these done.Wish me luck.You know how I can get with the whole "needle in the arm" thing.
In other news, it got hot today. As in, I was actually warm from the weather and not my spin class at the gym. My car was hot. My apartment was hot. I went outside with no jacket or sweatshirt...and I wore flip flops. Praise the Sunshine Gods!
Over and out.

2011-06-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

Life Mantra:

Well said. Well said.
And with that I will say: G'night.

2011-06-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

Too. Day.

It was also an Appleseed Cast kind of day. I listened to this song, if you must know. And I turned it up real loud. In the car. Alone. It was that kind of day.

It was also a "I'm going to ignore the fact that my right thumb has been numb since last night for some random reason and instead look out my car window, through the rain, and up the hill at the green forest that looks very much like the foliage in the blessed town of Forks, WA and play like I'm Bella Swan looking for Edward Cullen" kind of day.

It was also a "I'm going to buy that large deLite Gourmet Chicken Garlic Papa Murphy's pizza and wash it down with a Diet 7 Up all by myself and not feel one shred of remorse for my actions, no, not one shred of remorse--my patients can deal with my garlic breath in the morning because I deal with their poop breath every. flippin. day" kind of day.

Hmm. What else? Oh, it was also a "I'm going to strap these so-called medical magnets to my back because I don't know what else to do for the pain and it seems like just the thing that crazy people would attempt and I'm not so sure I don't belong among them at this point" kind of day.

It was also a "I'm going to turn up the music even louder so I can't hear or feel that lag in the gear shift when I'm driving home from work because I really don't want to know if and/or when our transmission will be failing us" kind of day.

It was also a "I'm going to visit this website more than I should ever admit to anyone because I really and truly think that it is that funny {but am sad that my humor threshold has stooped to this level as of late}" kind of day.

But you want to know what kind of night it's going to be? It's going to be a "So You Think You Can Dance kind of night in my sweatpants and Hanson t-shirt with a box of 90 calorie Fiber One Brownie Bars by my side and a bowl of animal crackers with chocolate frosting." That's what kind of night it's going to be. And that, my friends, can only mean one thing: all is right in the world. Peace. Love. Cheers. See ya.

2011-06-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

Sandpoint: Round 2

We went and did it again--we had another incredible weekend in Sandpoint. Seriously, you guys?! You NEED to come see this place to believe it. It blows me away every time I'm there. We celebrated Jason's 26th birthday in style up the mountain and away from the world.

But before we did that, we kicked things off with a good ol' fashioned pizza party in town at Bab's Pizzeria as per Jason's request. Truly, that was Jason's one {and only} wish for his birthday. When I was asking him what he'd like to do for his big day a few weeks ago, he said this {after contemplating it for a few days}: "I think I'd just like to have pizza." Ooh. Kay. Pizza he wanted. And pizza he got. If I know my husband, I know he likes himself a good pizza pie--and a good chocolate cupcake, too. So, that's exactly what he got.
P.S. Those chocolate cream cheese filled cupcakes weren't good...they were blissfully divine {Please know that I am not exaggerating}. Thanks again, Chris, for the recipe! I dream about them. I really and truly do.

After dinner, I surprised Jason with a weekend stay at White Pine Lodge at Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort. This was our attempt at a picture on the way up the winding road. You can't see it, but I'm pretty winded from running from the car to Jason's side...Oh, and how do you feel about that giant pole in the middle of the picture? I hate it. But Jason gave me the kaibosh when I suggested another attempt at a better framed shot. And truth be told, I wasn't going to argue with the man. At least not on his birthday.

Seems like the appropriate caption here is: "Da-da-da-daah!" We made it.

Um, what? This was our view from the hot tub. We were still a bit early for the resort's Summer season, so we were basically the only people there--do I sound like I am complaining? Because I'm not, for obvious reasons.

More trip happenings.

One of Jason's favorite birthday presents: A t-shirt from USU. Go, Aggies! Sorry to any of you Cougs out there. It's nothing personal. Well, it is kind of personal, so...step off.

More of the resort. Do I have you convinced yet? Just pretend like that snow isn't really there...Actually, it's not really snow. It's sugar because this place is so sa-weet!

Happy birthday, to him! Happy birthday, to him! Happy birthday, to hi-im! Happy birthday, to him (biting his nails and all)!

We also found time for some antique shop hopping {Don't worry, men. I didn't make him do it on his birthday}, a big, long, glorious bike ride, the most excellent riverfront dinner at Spud's Rotisserie & Grill--which surprisingly, has also been on my mind a lot as of late {a total shocker, right?}, a drive around town, breakfast burritos, frozen yogurt and some Friday Night Lights action. Spoiler Alert (do not read of if you don't want to know!): Jase got the last two seasons on DVD and we basically devoured them and then I spent the rest of Sunday feeling sadness in my heart at the thought of Coach Taylor anywhere else but Dillon, Texas. But then, the other half of me was so happy that Tammy finally got a break, am I right? And how come Lila didn't come back?! I want to know what happened to her. It's a loose end in my book, and I hate that! And Landry? Aaand moving on...

We had a great time. The end.

2011-06-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

Go, Shawty! It's Your Birfday!

"...We gonna party like it's your birfday..."
I wonder how I was ever truly happy without you. Maybe, just maybe, I truly wasn't.

"Happy Birthday, Darling. We love you very, very, very, very, very, very, very much." Now, let us eat cake! No, seriously. Let us. I've been waiting all week for this...
Me

2011-06-05T20:09:00.001-07:00

Deep Breaths...

2011-06-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

We Heart Sandpoint

I love Sandpoint, Idaho. I. Love. It. Since Jason has been working there during the week, we thought we'd do some exploring. And let me tell you, Sandpoint, Idaho did not disappoint. Warning: Picture overload. Jason just couldn't quit taking pictures. It gets real annoying sometimes...

Jason's got mad photog skillz. Just look at that sun flare!

Really? I mean, really?!

Have I mentioned how much I love Sandpoint, Idaho? I love it like I love flossing, Twilight, Iron & Wine, and food. And that is saying something.

Oh, and I love trains, too. I have this weird fascination with them. I guess I have good ol' Harry Potter to thank for this. We found the train station in Sandpoint (more like I wouldn't leave until we discovered it). And it was awesome! Jason didn't necessarily agree but played along anyway. One day I will ride a train. And one day, it will be epic.

SO stoked?! Just pretend those orange construction cones aren't there. I did. P.S. How long has it been since you've seen a pay phone? It had been at least five years for me...

I want to thank Jason for landing this internship so we have an excuse to play in the backyard of the Inland Northwest. I really do take it for granted sometimes--a lot of times.

Hey, if you come visit we'll take you to these places. Deal? Deal.

2011-06-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

Post No. 402: Concert with the Siblings

My brother has the hookups. Not the "hiccups." The hook-ups. And he "hooked us up" last night by getting us free tickets to Jenny and Johnny (with THE Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley) and Bright Eyes.

Let me tell you why this was exciting and important all at the same time: Conor Oberst is basically responsible for Jason and me falling in love because he wrote this song. As students at USU, we would listen to it over and over and over again as we putted around Logan, Utah in his gunmetal green Xterra holding hands and staring at each other with googly eyes. Classic and timeless. Lately, I've been listening to his new stuff a lot while I ponder a big project I'm undertaking. We owe him our life (kind of, but not really).

And Jenny Lewis is basically everything I'm not nor will ever be (but want to be). She's fun, cute, and quirky, and can pull off granny stockings and patent leather shoes. Remember her in this? I told you! She is that cool. She is also every hipster's dream girl--or so my brother tells me (For further enlightenment about hipsters, click here. You won't regret it). Needless to say, I was excited for last night's show.

But my excitement tripled and then tripled again when we arrived at the venue and found this:

Wha?! Are you for real? Apparently, I underestimated the extent of my brother's "hook-up abilities." We had a private table in a reserved section with a perfect view of the stage. Like, it was a PERFECT view. I've never had seats that good. Ever. For anything. Everything is just cooler when you have great seats. I felt like a celebrity. A very lame one, but still.

I often wonder (too often) if I could give up the privacy of my ordinary life to live the perks of being rich and famous (just for a little while?). The answer is yes. Yes, I could. Well, at least that's what I would of told you last night as I sipped my ice water and watched pure music genius from the comfort of a private table. I'm making this lame, aren't I?

Who, me? Oh. I'm with him ...

Don't let the poor quality of this photo fool you. We really did have a good time. And both bands sounded incredibly good live. Like the real thing. Imagine that?!

My only regret? Not getting better pictures. I smuggled my camera in, but chickened out at the last minute when I had flashbacks of the last time I shot with a zoom lens and got busted (ahem, Hanson). I was basically threatened with death by one of the security guys for taking said pictures with a "professional" level camera (Really, man? Hanson? Who in the world cares but me?). Clearly, I'm over it...

Thanks, Zak and Michelle, for letting me feel younger than I am and for keeping me "cooler" than I would be on my own. And that's a fact.

But seriously, I don't know about this staying up past 10 o' clock crap...

And we missed Jason. Yes, we did.

2011-05-31T17:32:00.000-07:00

I Have A Date Tonight

With these two:

See ya.

2011-05-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

S'Mores, BBQ, and a pooch named Chloe. Thank you to all who have served, who now serve, and who will serve. Because of you, Life. Is. Good.

2011-05-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

Pleasure & Pain

I love these shoes SOOO much. They hurt me SOOO bad. Well, technically only when I'm walking in them. If I just stand real still they are the most comfortable pair of shoes in the world. But you never let 'em see you sweat. Am I right, ladies?! And no, they're not hooker shoes, but I do feel like Jessica Rabbit (minus the bust) when I wear them, so...Also, there is a very high probability that I could eat dirt in these shoes. And hard, but this is besides the point--Focus, Rachel. Focus!

What I am getting at is this (Get ready. I'm about to go all philosophical on you): As I was driving home from work today, I was thinking of the many conundrums in life, the good and the bad, Ying and Yang, opposition in all things, and what have you. Like my shoes. So fun to look at, and when I put them on I feel like a million bucks.They bring me pleasure. Kristen Stewart ain't got nothing on me! But after forty five minutes with those suckers strapped to my feet, I am ready to gouge your eyeballs out (yours, not mine) with that dagger of a heel. DON'T. CROSS. ME!!! Pain. Only pain, at this point...
I just find it interesting that so many difficult or hard things in life can eventually bring so much happiness, too. And vice versa--things that were once appealing can often turn out opposite of what you had hoped for or anticipated. What's that? You'd like an example or two or three of what I mean? Oh, sure. Here goes:

Hello, So You Think You Can Dance! {Pleasure} Goodbye, Modern Family {Pain}

Another head cold. Dry, scratchy throat. A faucet for a nose. Dripping, dry eyes. Sneezing and sneezing and sneezing some more {Pain} An excuse to down an exorbitant amount of cold medicine {Pleasure} And don't go reporting me! I'm only kidding...

Watching hard things happen to friends and family {Pain} Getting to love them anyway {Pleasure}

Getting my disability claim forms in the mail {Pain} Getting my disability claim forms in the mail {Pleasure?} Still having a hard time coming to grips with this one

Missing Jason while he is at work {Pain} Remembering all the money he's going to make this summer {Pleasure}

Being too old and lame to stay up past 11:30 in the PM to watch Justin Timberlake on SNL {Pain} Finding said SNL episode here and realizing, once again, that technology rocks my world {Pleasure}. I'm really thinking this Internet thing is here to stay...

Hearing some exciting news from a friend {Pleasure} Remembering that patience is not a virtue of mine {Pain}

Missing my cute cousin Lindsey's wedding tomorrow because we just had to live 800 miles away {Pain} I got nothing on the positive side for this one...

Thinking and knowing that life can be hard sometimes {Pain} But then remembering my new mantra:

...Like a Diet Coke with extra ice and a closet to toss those blasted shoes {One. Giant. Pleasure}. So which is it? The pain worth the pleasure? Or the pleasure worth the pain? Maybe a little of both? I think yes.

2011-05-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

Reminiscing & An Excuse

A year ago today we flew across the country to swing on this swing...

...and to sit on this porch...

...and to see places like this...

...with some of our favorite people...

...and it was great. I want to go back. But no can do. Because Jason starts his new job tomorrow! WoohoO! Wish him luck.

Also, I know this post isn't very exciting, but I'm going to be honest. I had to get rid of that abhorrent picture of me somehow. I was getting real sick of seeing it every time our homepage popped up. It was literally causing me physical pain. I can only imagine how you've been feeling...

Have a great week.

2011-05-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

Can You Even Handle It? Can You?

To quote my girl Beyonce: "I don't think you're ready for this jelly."

Last night, Jason randomly asked me if I had a "worst ever" picture.

Fate would have it that I found said "worst ever" picture today while looking for my birth certificate. Jason calls this "The Cory Matthews" look.

I was probably about 13. I had wanted to try my hair in sponge curlers for church. Why?! I'll never know. Sponge curlers are not meant for anyone over the age of 4. But, when I have my mind set, there is no reasoning with me, so my beautiful mother dutifully and painstakingly wrapped every last strand of my hair in those rubbery, pink spools and sent me to bed.

And this was the end result when I woke up the next morning. I think I cried. And I most definitely screamed. And I hid, too. In fact, this picture was taken in my brother's room. I was undoubtedly and desperately seeking shelter from my mom and her camera. But she eventually caught me and before I could dodge the click of the shutter, this photo was written in history between her gasps of air and crossed knees so she wouldn't pee her pants from laughter.

I have kept this picture under lock and key for the past twelve years. I would choose death over letting anyone see this photo--that is, until now. I guess this means I've officially grown up? The pain has faded enough. I am ready. But the real question is, are you?

*Also, appropriate labels for this post could include: Finger in an electric socket, Brunette Bozo the Clown, Annie finds a box of hair dye, What happened?!, Screech from Saved by the Bell, You're telling me that this girl is married?, Worst nightmare ever, Rachel takes on the 70's...I mean, really. The possibilities are endless...

2011-05-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

The Comings & Goings of Jason & Rachel
(But mostly Rachel)

Today, it looked like the picture on the left. Today, we were wanting it to look like the picture on the right. But you can't always get what you want, life isn't fair, the grass is always greener, yaddy-yaddy-yada.

Here's something for me to be embarrassed about (and is probably slightly inappropriate to share, but I'em gonna do it anyway): I lost my phone as Jason and I were driving in the car the other day. It was ringing and ringing. I could hear it. It was so close. But I couldn't find the blasted thing. I tore apart the front seat, glancing from side to side. Under my seat, over my seat, in my seat. Through my purse, frantically digging and digging and cursing myself for having a black hole of a purse. That stupid phone was gone, but not really because I could hear it. My phone was playing a cruel joke! Jason peered nervously from the corner of his eye like I was a crazy person--a blow up on my part was imminent. And then I hear these words from the driver's seat: "Didn't you put it in your sports bra?"

Light bulb.

I did! I did put in in my sports bra because that's what I always do before we go on a 10.5 mile bike ride. Sweaty and gross and probably more than any of you ever wanted to know but it's the truth. It's called being resourceful--and gross. But here's the real concern: How does one lose something that is literally stuck to his or her body? Nevermind the fact that it was making loud ringing noises inside of my shirt. Jason had never looked so scared for me in my life...or maybe he was more scared for himself. Yeah, that was probably the case. Heaven, help me. No, seriously. Somebody help me.

Also, I got hit in the head with the popcorn maker lid yesterday as I was putting it back on the shelf in the pantry. Right in the shnoz. Sooo, that was awesome. It hurt real bad and left a bruise, but I was good and didn't swear.

Jason came to bed late last night and I accused him of eating a frozen Snickers bar at 12:30 am. He informed me this morning that I was mistaken, and that I also pinned him to his pillow with my fist so that he wouldn't "wiggle" anymore. I would never, ever live with myself.

What I'm trying to say is that I've been on my "A" game as of late. Geez.

2011-05-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

Breaking News

This picture was taken at Bear Lake with a film camera (Remember those?). Jason and I were in the throws of final exams at Utah State and preparing for our first summer "apart" as a dating couple. We thought it necessary to take a break from studying in order to spend time together before 400 miles of highway separated us for three long months (Are you gagging a little? Because I am). Oh, the drama! How would we ever survive without each other?! Six years later and we figured our summers apart were a thing of the past. Not so. But for good reason:

Jason was awarded an internship as a Financial Analyst for the corporate offices of Coldwater Creek for the summer. They are based out of Sandpoint, Idaho, and although he won't be moving out, we will be seeing a lot less of each other over the next twelve weeks. Full time jobs do that to a married couple, I guess. I mean, we wouldn't know. Since Jason finished his classes last week, and I continue my part-time stint at the dental office, we have found plenty of time to appreciate each other, and by "appreciate" I mean I would end up sticking my pointer fingers in Jason's ear holes and he would return the favor by wrestling me to the floor. Too much of a good thing is too much of a good thing. You feel me? Also, it will be nice not to feel like we're cheating society--two grown adults lazin' around at home on a Monday afternoon just feels downright wrong.

We are ecstatic. Relieved. Excited. Yes, we are.

Also, you should watch this video. You really should. You won't regret it. I didn't.

2011-05-09T20:13:00.001-07:00

"Mother" of a Weekend

Jason and I just got back from B-town, otherwise known as Boise or "City of Trees" for all you Idahoans out there. We had the brilliant idea of surprising his mama, Judy, for Mother's Day--I LOVE surprises and was giddy with excitement for weeks leading up to this trip. And for good reason. It did not disappoint. Seeing the look on Judy's face was epic and so worth the drive. Here are some highlights.

Driving and driving and driving some more. But aside from surprising Judy, let's get to the other reason we drove through three states and just over 800 miles round trip. Him:

Our one and only nephew, "E." Geez. He is cute! I realize I am biased, but I can't get enough of that kid. He is devour-worthy. And so fun. And such a happy baby. And I'm so glad we got to see him before his high school graduation. We even had a photo shoot for him. See?

And there is plenty to more where that came from. Stay tuned.
Oh, we also observed some of Uncle Jason's incredible acrobatic/ninja moves. We were in awe and inspired by his agility and strength. We also laughed a whole lot when he demonstrated his break-dancing moves, or as I like to call it, The Jose Routine (SYTYCD, anyone?). But alas, he has officially banned me from posting those sacred snapshots on the interweb.

Happy, Happy Mother's Day, Judy! We celebrated with a family BBQ. Delicious food galore, and great company, too. But before we knew it, we were on the road again...

We love you, Judy! Thanks for everything. And, Doug, thanks for trying and failing to ruin the surprise (wink, wink). Also, we talked about your halibut on the way home--it was that good. Mmmm. And Ben, Ash, and "E," we couldn't have done it without you, either! We love you guys! And are so very glad you got to {finally} spend a long-overdue weekend with us ;)

And to my own mother, Suzanne, I love you. I. LOVE. YOU. Thanks for all you do for us. I think it's pretty safe to say this: Moms Rock.

2011-05-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

The 5th of May

Four years ago today, this...

...led to this...

...which led to this...

Best. Decision. Ever.

Happy Cinco de Mayo.

2011-05-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

Pain in the...Back?

I've got a problem. Well, I've got lots of problems: excessive crying, freak obsessions with teen idols, overindulgent sweet tooth, a weakness for Christmas music and bad pop songs...the list goes on and on and on and on. But there's one problem that has been ongoing and just won't leave me alone.

Since January, I have bounced back and forth and back again between physical therapists, primary care physicians, labs, and orthopedic specialists trying to figure out what's causing my severe back pain. That process in and of itself is enough to do somebody in (remember this post?!). In March, my primary care doctor ran some blood work and when the results came back "healthy," she washed her hands of the matter. Her advice: "Take this pill, and if you won't take this pill than I don't know what to do for you." In her eyes, I was fine. (My reservations about today's medical system weren't entirely ludicrous?! No, no. Not this kind of Ludacris...). But my body--and mother--kept pressing me to find out more. To do more. And so, with the help of my Rockstar mom, I sneakily referred myself to Arthritis Northwest without my primary care doctor's referral. After a month long wait for my appointment, I received some long-awaited answers yesterday. I was seen by Dr. Howard Kenney, the rheumatologist who has treated my mom for her fibromyalgia for the last twelve years. He. Is. The. Man. He spent a little over two hours with me. And this is what he told me:

I was born with a congenital defect on the right side of my lower back. I have a muscle that is attached to the top of my sacrum rather than my lumbar vertebrae. This little genetic anomaly is acting like a partially fused joint, leaving my left side to compensate for the little to no movement of my right side. All the weight in my back lands in this one tiny area. That little joint is bearing the weight of the world. As a result, I have arthritis in my lower back due to the daily stresses and strains that it has endured over the years. Any kind of overexertion triggers the arthritis pain (i.e. a few hours hovering over a patient, carrying groceries after an early morning workout, leaning over to scrub the tub after a long day on my feet, forcing a 5K on the treadmill--ahem). That pain then radiates to the surrounding muscles and surface area of my back. Dr. Kenney considers it fortunate that I haven't felt pain in that area until now.

OK. That all makes sense. I can deal with that. And then things got serious when he looked at me and said, "If you were my daughter, I would tell you to consider another vocation. But you are my patient, so I'll tell you anyway: I think it would be prudent for you to consider another vocation. It's the best thing to do for your body."

Awesome. Dental Hygiene School: Check. Lasting more that 2 years as a clinical dental hygienist: Un-check. Boo!

Dr. Kenney ran some extensive blood work to rule out the possibility of Lupus and other inflammatory diseases. It'll be another two weeks for us to know those lab results. He has not officially diagnosed me with fibromyalgia as I suspected he would. He is pretty confident that the labs will come back clean, but he wants to review the findings before giving the final word.

Reader's Digest Version of this very long post:

1) I possibly have a systemic illness (but most likely not) that causes daily, generalized fatigue, headaches and body aches in addition to the mechanical problems I have been having in my back and hip.
2) If I don't have a systemic illness (preferable), then I most likely have fibromyalgia. I will know in a few weeks the official "verdict." If I don't already have fibromyalgia, there is a very high chance that I will have it in the not-too-distant future due to the "apple not falling far from the tree," i.e. my momma has it. Fibromyalgia is not determined by lab tests. It's more of a process-of-elimination diagnosis.
3) In addition to my fatigue and overall aches and pains, I have mechanical malformations in my spine that can and will cause significant and irreversible pain/damage if I'm not careful
4) I picked the wrong profession for my body type {Insert Homer Simpson head slap and "D' oh!" here}
5) I have been banned from running and heavy, extreme exercise and given a firm "talking to" about listening to my body when it says to stop what it is that I am doing.
6) I ate an entire giant Rice Krispies treat on the way home by myself. And it was stale.

I'm not sure how I'm feeling right now. I think I'll need a few days to process it all. I wasn't entirely shocked. My body has been telling me what Dr. Kenney told me for months, but it's still crazy to have someone look you in the eye and tell you that you can't do something because of a physical limitation. A little discouraging. A lot discouraging, actually. I'll probably be good to work as a clinical hygienist for the next year or so. After that time is up, Dr. Kenney strongly encouraged me to consider a career change or find something different to do within my field. Do you think Bieber would take me as a back up singer? I mean, I know all his lyrics and stuff. Or maybe KStew needs a BFF? Heaven knows I need one...

In the end, all is well. As my dad always says, "It's never as good as it seems, and it's never as bad as it seems." And like I say, "It can always be worse. Always." I am grateful to have answers and to have found a doctor that actually listened and was compassionate. I am not crazy, after all! Oh, and of course, I am thankful to a supportive husband and family who will have my "back" in anything I do. Sorry, couldn't resist...

Thanks for reading.

2011-05-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

Dirty Little Secret

Picture this: Jason was helping me out this morning by cleaning the toilet. Scrub, scrub, scrub. I look down to assess his technique (because I am that nagging, obnoxious wife. 'S ok. He knows). I notice he is using a brush, but it's not the delegated toilet brush. Sirens start going off in my head. I am alarmed. I have to stop him!

Me: Hey! That's not the toilet brush!

Jason: It's not? Hmm. Well, this is the one I always use...

Me: Siiick! I use that brush to clean the sinks and counter tops.

Jason: Oops.

We have officially committed the ultimate Communication Breakdown.

Man, I love him. And I mean it.

2011-04-29T22:26:00.000-07:00

One More Post

...Because I can't quit thinking about it and all of its romantic magnificence. Sigh. Sweet dreams.

2011-04-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

Belieber?

I think yes.

2011-04-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

I've Got Problems...

...this was me last night. Highly unattractive and highly emotional. Wanna know why I was blubbering like a baby? Because Michael Scott walked down that airport corridor to board a plane to Denver, Colorado--never to return. And Pam was crying, too. And when Pam cries, I cry. Stupid, stupid, stupid! I'll miss you Steve Carell. I started watching The Office when Jase and I started dating. And now another chapter has closed from our early beginnings. They seem to always do that, one way or another. And Jason, thanks so much for taking this picture when I asked you not to (Sarcasm. Heavy, heavy sarcasm). I do love you regardless.

Oh, and hey! Don't even get me started on the Royal Wedding!

2011-04-26T18:19:00.001-07:00

Beach Bummed

Do you think I'll ever be able to do this again?

I just overheard the news declare that 24 inches of snow fell on the road up to Mt. Spokane today. OK. What? And according to my girl, Kris Crocker, it ain't over. Granted, it's cold and wet in and around Spokaloo. No tornadoes or landslides or earthquakes or tsunamis here. I am very grateful for that. I am. But I can't deny that all this gray weather has me going a bit stir crazy. Here's the evidence:

1) Two blog posts in two consecutive days. This tells me--and the blog world--that I am spending entirely too much time indoors
2) I gave myself a fat lip today getting out of the shower. That has to be a new low for me...
3) I deep cleaned our bathroom this afternoon and may have singed the hairs lining my nostrils. I did that thing you're not supposed to do: I used more than one cleaner at once. I can now cross "Concoct mustard gas" off my life's bucket list. I got out of there before I blacked out, though. So, it's all good.
4) Words like: "Blimey," "Brilliant," and "Wicked" are becoming normal lingo between Jason and I. Thank you, J.K. Rowling.
5) Quotes like these would normally make me happy. Not today. No way (I do love the smell of rain, just not really cold rain that is snow and not rain at all)...

At this point, I would be willing to fast forward to the summer months. I'm just sayin.

2011-04-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

F.Y.I.

For your information, it is "Guilty Pleasure" night on Dancing with the Stars. My dearest friends. Please understand how important this is--not because I love this show (on the contrary)--but because my favorite "Mmmbop-ing" Hanson boys will be performing for your viewing and listening pleasure. You are not going to want to miss this. Duh. It's called "guilty pleasure" for a reason, people!

Also, for your information, I made this for Easter dessert last night. It was divine. And I highly recommend it. The recipe for this "Berrymisu" can be found here.

Lastly, for your information, I have updated my photography blog. A miracle, right?! Just FYI. Have a great night. A great week. A great month, year, life. All of the above.