the Uhers

love and stuff...like ("ESS-EE-EX!)

2010-03-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

*lots of links in this post

Valentine's Day weekend was a really lOooOooOOvely and fabulous weekend. We started off Saturday with an all day seminar at:

The seminar was awesome. We met up with friends:

Josh and Sarah Ladick,

Sarah's brother Brett and his special lady friend,

and we were lucky enough to sit front row! The musicians were incredibly talented! Click on the word 'musicians' in the previous sentence to hear a preview and/or download their CD for free!

This seminar is a really great resource for all ages of males and females, married and single. Driscoll illustrates the union of hard to tackle Biblical concepts to the practical, real life, every day AND hard to confront situations.

A lot of the information was repetition for Aaron and me because we had covered a lot of the valuable and enriching information through Mark Driscoll's teaching of Song of Solomon. (but I could listen to this information over and over and over!)

I recommend clicking here to watch a little intro video about The Peasant Princess, the series of teachings covering the book Song of Solomon. Don't allow the bright colored cartoon graphics to throw you off. He delivers a powerful message and has been given the ability to sink daggers of truth deep into your heart, leaving you bleeding with the reality of our humanly shortcomings and restored with the hope of God.

Really, truly... Aaron and I agree that a lot of marital issues could have been resolved early on or even before marriage if that series was available before tying the knot. We are so thankful to be so in love and to be so steadfast after the same God, but even in the midst of that, life gets hard. So, seriously, check it out!

What are they talking about Sarah?

A couple photos of the balcony inside The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.

And finally, Uhers Truuuuly, pre-conference:

Also, check out The Hub for more insight to issues of love and relationships!

Oh yeah, so the next day, Valentines Day was awesome too!

We enjoyed a delicious dinner together at Starlite. Starlite is technically a bar, but serves fresh, organic, mostly locally farmed food. They offer unique specialty cocktails created with care and their syrups are concocted from scratch. Remember to leave the kiddos at home, because as stated earlier, it is a bar: 21 & up.

Later on, our buddies Josh and Sarah met up with us and we indulged on dessert at Extraordinary Desserts.

If you are local or are visiting SD area, these are places you must experience!

Anyway, the night ended with a bed of roses, but that's all ya gotta know from here folks. See ya!

Run, Acai, Run.

2010-03-09T08:53:00.000-08:00

I took these photos about a month ago with the intention of posting this lil' recipe I like. But you know me!

I was reminded to post the recipe since this was my post run-with-Moses snack today.

Anyway, this is a yummy smoothie I enjoy as a mid day snack or breakfast if I don't have much time to cook.

FYI, I usually 'eyeball' the measurement of my ingredients-so I apologize for the lack of specified measurements.

I start with a base of Almond Milk. (you can use whatever milk you choose-even plain water or coconut water)

Next I add, 1 organic unsweetened Acai smoothie packet (p.s. you local folks, acai smoothie packets are on sale at Henry's until 3.10.10), a banana, blueberries (i like mine frozen), and a scoop of my preferred protein powder.

Blend.

Pour.

Admire.

The sweetness from the banana is usually enough. Sometimes I might add just A TOUCH of raw honey or agave nectar, but not usually. I have even added almond butter if I needed a lil more somethin' to the smoothie. Experiment with different fruit combinations and base liquids. My buddy Sarah and I got Acai smoothies at Swami's and they put bee pollen and shredded coconut atop their smoothies. I loved the added texture.

Anyway, let me know how yours turns out!

Enjoy!

Insert glass of Acai smoothie here.

----->

Oh Gosh!

2010-02-15T09:33:00.000-08:00

Yay, I am B.A.C.K O.N.L.I.N.E! Sorry friends, our router gave it's last signal a couple weeks ago. I don't have much time to write anything right now. Just a hey! howdy! how are ya! to let you know we have not given up blogging.

Hope you had a Happy Valentines Day!

New Recipe

2010-01-13T15:45:00.001-08:00

The Aaron Uher some of you remember, is the one who lived off of Wonder Bread from the 99 Cents Only Store and counted the challenge of eating an entire pack of ball park hotdogs, a complete joy.

Oh the strides my man has taken concerning his eating habits. We weren't lying when we named our blog "A different but loving pair". We are different in countless ways, but eating was one of the big ones.

A few months ago, Aaron asked me if I could start packing his lunches for him. You can imagine my glee. This didn't give me complete control, but enough that I was pleased.

I've been posed with a challenge to balance out giving him foods that I consider 'healthier choices' and foods that he actually likes. He has one heck of a metabolism and digests most foods pretty well, so my options weren't too limited. After all, my totally hot-hardworking stud needs sustained energy for representing 1 800 Got Junk, to the best of his ability. P.S. thank you, GotJunk, for the fabulous 50 inch plasma screen TV that Aaron is mounting on the wall in front of me as I type this. No joke, folks.

Anyhow, today I came up with a new recipe for bars to pack in his lunches, bars that I consider to be packed with what I like to call 'happy foods'.

I don't know what to call them. For now, they are Aaron's Peanut Butter Oat Flax Bars.

If you have any ideas, leave me a comment. Also, if you try the recipe, let me know how you like them!

So here is the recipe to: Aaron's Peanut Butter Oat Flax Bars (until someone comes up with a better name) As always, I suggest the highest quality ingredients available to you. (i.e. certifed organic and/or least processed)

1 Cup Sucanat*

1 package of quality protein (equivalent to about 1 scoop)

2/3 Cup natural, unsalted, crunchy Peanut Butter

1/2 Cup Agave Nectar*

1/2 Cup Coconut Oil*

2 tsp Vanilla Extract

3 Cups Rolled Oats

1/3 Cup Flax Fiber

1 Cup (+ a lil' extra) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

*Substitutions (I haven't tried it with these substitutions, but I am sure these would be fine)

*Sucanat is dehydrated cane juice, I am sure any organic /raw sugar would be fine

*Honey could be used instead of Agave Nectar

*Unsalted Butter could be used instead of Coconut Oil

I didn't add Sea Salt, but I bet 1/2 tsp of sea salt would be beneficial to this recipe. I will add next time.

Mix sugar, peanut butter, protein powder, agave nectar, coconut oil, flax fiber and vanilla extract with a hand held mixer until well combined. Using a wooden spoon, stir in oat flakes 1 cup at a time. Add chocolate chips. I scooped into a 9 x 13 in. glass baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. I set my timer for 12 minutes, then rotated the pan and baked for 10 more minutes. Let cool for 10-15 minutes and cut into bars. Leave the bars in the dish to cool. I eventually put the pan in the fridge for a few hours for the bars to firm up. Otherwise, they fall apart super easily!

Anyway, hope you try it and like it! Aaron says he does!

lovelove

michelle

Happy New Year!

2010-01-10T16:52:00.000-08:00

Hi friends! I've missed you all! Aaron were out and about in Colorado and Arizona for the last few weeks. We had a blast. As always, we were so humbled by the majestic beauty of the mountains and desert, yet reminded of how fortunate we are to live in Encinitas.

As most of you know, I seek to live a decently healthy lifestyle. I seek to make wise decisions concerning what foods I put in my body, hydration, sleep cycle, exercise, and most importantly, my spiritual health, which I ultimately sumbit to the One I believe created me. I believe I will live one life in one body on this earth and I hope to take care of this body to the best of my ability. What really excites me, is that I am privileged with helping others reach their optimal health.

I am a professional fitness coach who advocates a healthy lifestyle but I am not a nutritionist. Any nutritional information I share here is information I have learned through my personal journey of health. Every person has individual needs and I encourage you to seek out a professional if needed.

Anyway

During the holiday break, I, um, ate a bit heavier than normal. After arriving home and stepping out of our van and feeling the ocean in the air we breathe here, I had this deep desire for cleansing.

I was hoping to post this on Monday before I started my (gentle) detox and encourage any of you who interested to join with me, but Aaron and I had a lot of stuff to take care of this week. Well, coincidentally, I have had a lot of questions this week concerning detoxing. So, I am post this now.

I don't advocate an "eat all you want for a period of time" and then detox lifestyle. I actually believe in ongoing cleansing, but detoxing can also be a gateway to altogether cleaner eating habits. There are all sorts of detox programs to varying degrees and this may not be the right fit for you, but if anybody does want more info, email me. If anyone does try this, let me know how it goes!

Firstly, let me say that the ingredients used were the highest quality I could find. (i.e. certified organic, hormone-free)

Each morning I started off with a smoothie:

Water, Romaine lettuce, celery, apples, banana, parsley, ciliantro, & fresh lemon juice. I blended until smooth. Yes, blended and not juiced. I don't have an 'official position' on juicing vs. blending. I believe both to be beneficial. Most mornings, I drank a mug of warm water and half a lemon before the smoothie. I didn't always have time for this. It is extremely important that the first liquid to enter our stomaches in the morning is NOT coffee. I struggle with this because I do love a nice mug of warm coffee in the morning. I suppose I could call it one of my New Year's resolutions. Coffee will not be the first thing to enter my body in the morning!

My snacks would vary: fruit, coconut water, raw nuts, raw truffle balls, veggies.

Lunch: Spinach salad loaded with veggies. I always included one full avocado and about a teaspoon of pumpkin seeds. I seasoned with Celtic Sea Salt and the only dressing would be Apple Cider Vinegar and/or 1/2 lemon and/or Cold Pressed Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Dinner was my only cooked meal: hormone-free meat and veggies. If possible, I suggest eliminating cooked oils, but it wasn't the best option for me. Veggies can be raw, steamed, or roasted.

The only beverages allowed: water and tea. I do recommend that in order to know the amount of water you drink, divide your bodyweight in half. Work toward drinking that amount in ounces per day. (not only during detox, but everyday)

Reminder, NO:

dairy

caffeine

alcohol

grain products

Minimal amounts of:

Sugar (only naturally occurring sugar from the produce and a bit of agave nectar)

Cooked Oils (ideally none)

Transition off of the detox should actually be gradual. Eating habits shouldn't be a stark contrast from the detox.

Anyway, love you all!

Milwaukee Laine

2009-12-17T21:06:00.000-08:00

hello, hello. as michelle said we're back... hopefully it will last :) we were able to go to a good friends wedding in milwaukee mid-november. it was beautiful and now another place michelle wants to move to. we'll see. i met jake out here at church and we found out that we had actually "met" before. he's from cincinnati and we both went to the same dmb concert back in '98! when i think real hard i believe i do remember him, he was sitting a couple sections over and a few rows down. i remember being jealous because he was closer to the stage. anyway we reignited the friendship that we had embarked upon at that concert so long ago and he became our third wheel. his wife is lovely and her name's lia, now lia laine. could jake be superman?! probably, i wouldn't be surprised. anyway here's some pics of the trip. we also went down to chi-town to hang out with some of my old friends and eat the best pizza ever. period. it was awesome!

chicago. what!

at the rehearsal dinner. yeah that's a sweet stache!

the beautiful newlyweds. (on the left.)

hammin' it up at the reception!

wolverine?!

somewhere in milwaukee.

MmmMmmMmm...Raw Pecan Pie

2009-12-11T13:52:00.000-08:00

Howdy Friends!

Tis' the season to make, bake, & eat sweets. Right? It's virtually everywhere: work parties, church parties, friend's parties, grocery store samples, gifts from neighbors or co-workers. How about those cookie parties that leave you hauling home 6 dozen cookies!! Holey Moley! Just about any social gathering is laiden with delectable morsels to nibble on...all night long!

Now, I am sure you don't want to, but consider the sugar that each bite of deliciousness is laden with.

White sugar, corn syrup, artificial sweeteners. These sugars are wreaking HAVOC on our bodies!

Now don't get me wrong. You all know I love to bake! There is something comforting about enjoying a delicious dessert this time of year.

As for me, baking is almost cathartic. I enjoy the process even more than eating the finished product!

Recently, I have been dabbling with raw desserts. Why?

Each bite is nutrient dense and not weighed down with a combination of ingredients that are "empty calories' and/or are difficult for our systems to process.

My sweeteners of choice are: Maple Syrup, Agave Nectar, Raw Honey, Raw Sugar, & Stevia.

This recipe was taken from Kimberly Snyder. I enhanced it a little bit...but, uh...haha, I forgot how. I think I just added coconut. I recommend trying it. You can go to Kimberly's blog for the recipe!

-michelle

We're baaaack!

2009-12-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

I am at least. Let's see, April was the date of last entry. Holey Moley. A lot sure has happened between then and now. If interested in seeing photos right away, feel free to check out my Facebook photos here. I will (try) to have an end of year photo recap, well, at the end of the year.

Anyhoo.

Stephenie Meyer has been my author of choice in the last few months. I've read the Twilight series and The Host. Fun reading. I won't write about it here, but you better believe I will talk your ear off about it.

My mind appreciated the break, but now back into educational mode for me.

I've got a list of nutritional/holistic lifestyle books I will be reading over the next few months and will be sure to include a synopsis of the nutritional philosophy as well as my thoughts.

Up to bat is: Metabolic Typing.

On the bench: The No-Grain Diet, Outsmarting the Female Fat Cell,(again), The Milk Book, Food, Inc. & Not Just a Pretty Face.

(Am I citing these books properly?)

Here and there, I will do my best to update you guys on why I do the "weird things I do", like use Coconut Oil, use glass storage containers, avoid commercial deodorants (well, deodorant altogether), pass on the beverage during dinner time and so on and so forth.

As for today, right now:

I am actually excited about the clutter on my counter. Well, take a look!

MMMmmmmMM, right?!

I am attempting Ferrero Rawcher, found at this lil' lady's blog. I found her randomly the other night.

If you plan on attending the lady's get-together, tonight, at Pam Savage's house, then you are in luck! (thereotically-the lil' balls aren't made yet)

Well, I'm off to concocting the hazelnut chocolate coating.

One more thing, on a more serious note:

Today, all day, we are on our soul's knees for Matt Chandler of The Village Church. We hope that you will be as well.

-michelle

Who knew Filipinos sun-burned?!

2009-07-14T14:15:00.001-07:00

And now, here I am, sneaking trips to the beach in between clients. Who knew filipinos could burn?
This is a new thing for me. I know, I know, I am only 28 and I don't have any strange fixations on turning 30. Not yet, anyhow. But my once resilient & bronzed, lather-me-with coconut oil baby!, sun loving skin is now enemies with the sun. Seriously. Genes-shmenes. Forget the tropical ancestory, my white boy father's heritage is taking over in my body. I am red and I am burning. Oh, and those little lines long the bathing suit, c'mon ladies, you know what I am talking about. Geez, I experienced a whole new burn during 6 a.m. spin class today.
So, the beach. I am pretty astonished by the beach. My recent observations have convinced me that our residency near the beach will last as long as we don't have children.
Once that test reads yes, so does the go ahead and begin packing the bags and hiking deep into the mountains. Safe and COLD and no need to 'dress down for the weather'.
No way in heck do I plan on having a beach babe daughter. (or beach babe watching son)
Yesterday, I was laying out on my back, neck craned up and forward and realize I am definitely the biddy of the beach. I reach for my glasses: undercover, now those highschoolers are unaware of my watchful eye. I mean, really, I don't mean to boast, but I don't recall flaunting my bootie like that!

Moses' new best friend

2009-04-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

Jon, Aaron's brother, came to visit this past weekend. With him came another lil' rascal, Eddie.
Oh Eddie, the assertive lil' pup that poops bigger than ol' Mo, nowhere else but at the foot of our bed! Eddie is one heck of a ball of energy that puts a 1oo pound dog like Moses into submission. literally. Everyday their bond grew and, sadly, the two had to part ways Monday.

mewithoutyou

2009-04-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

not the band, just something that deepak chopra said.
Things like this cause me to want a television. But I guess we don't actually need one, because I did end up watching it online.

Did you watch this on Nightline? Even if you did, watch it again.
(click on the link below)

Does Satan Exist?

-michelle

Colors of Tucson

2009-04-02T23:40:00.001-07:00

We visited Mom and Dad and lil' bro James in Arizona. My picture taking doesn't exactly give the desert's beauty it's due justice. These are from Mt. Lemmon and Agua Caliente.

Please enjoy. Be inspired.

Michelle

what makes you run faster?

2009-04-01T19:30:00.000-07:00

I was running uphill and I wanted to give in to a walk, but this chorus sang in my ears, beat in my heart, and caused my steps to pound faster on the pavement.

Say when and my own two hands
Will comfort you tonight, tonight
Say when and my own two arms
Will carry you tonight, tonight

We’re coming close and then even closer
We bring it in but we get no further
We’re separate, two ghosts in one mirror, no nearer
Later on if it turns to chaos
Hurricane coming all around us
See the crack, pull it back from the window, you stay low

Say when and my own two hands
Will comfort you tonight, tonight
Say when and my own two arms
Will carry you tonight, tonight

A cluster of vignettes flashed in my mind. Whose hands were going to comfort who? How many ways could these words be interpreted? A daughter needing the safety of dad. A lady longing for the safety of lover's embrace. An old man hoping to pass away with the comfort of a son. A soldier rescuing a small child from the horror of war.

And I thought. God.

I ran faster and the spark started in my toenails and up my fastly moving legs, traveling speedily up my spine. My heart was beating pretty damn fast. Was it the running or the truth of a living Love outside of me and you and everyone around us. And the last clip I saw was myself crying out for the arms of God.

And I thought, what does that look like? I know what it feels like.

And all of those scenarios. All of those scenarios can be Him through us. Those scenarios don't have to be substitutionary love. Oh man, he is so real and I am not only writing this because I had some emotional experience from a song. He existed before us, with us now, and after us and I am just happy for you to know that or be reminded of it.

-michelle

"What a great day, from the moment we woke up," Aaron said.

2009-03-22T21:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday high five from ole' Mo

"It's my birthday and I'll pee where I want to...especially a small space reserved for growing pretty flowers!"

We had plans to sit on the beach and pray together. Well, I had expectations that we were going to. It was windy and cold and our feet walked more miles than what we planned so we plopped on the bench and allowed the morning to take course. Sometimes expectations get blown away by better happenings. Marriage really is enriched with the meltdown of expectations.

I love Asians. Both signs from one bathroom stall.

Irvine's redeeming qualities.

Seems to be a serious discussion. Perhaps concerning Jake's tendency to hurl sticky tapioca balls from his tongue.

:)

Slightly embarrassed to post this, but I have to. Look how RIDICULOUS I am. Lia is clearly wondering what the heck is going on. And what is Aaron doing?

Aaron and Jake. Two silly goons from Ohio, both faithful men and the nicest men you will probably ever meet.

You know the type of friends that you can very easily be silly or serious with? These are those people. The type of friendship that is effortless, yet compels you to put effort into the relationship.

People often ask what my husband and I like to do together. Do we go out dancing? Do we go to fancy dinners or watch the latest movies? The least expected answer is that we like to thrift. a lot.
It is our favorite thing. ever. to. do.

Pumped to thrift. Yes, another self shot photo, how did you guess?

I used to read a lot. I used to read all sorts of books. I love Dostoevsky, TOLSTOY!, the Bible. Philosophical tidbits, thoughtful novels, political commentary. Truthfully, I stopped a long time ago. I don't know why. Sometimes life seems too busy, but I don't think that is valid. I think we allow ourselves to be too busy with the wrong priority list. Well, that is true for me anyway.
I've decided to start reading again, at least more than just fitness articles. I am starting with this book. I use to talk negatively about this book. Ignorant. I had no right to. I hadn't ever read the book. So, this is how I started our drive back home from OC.

I like this photo because it reminds me to enjoy and appreciate life. Unless the decision is made to experience them, the moments of splendor and beauty will pass you right by.(or do we pass them by?) And often times they happen where you least expect it.

It wasn't just a great day, it was actually a great weekend.

I feel lucky to have a friends that will bring me beautiful, joyful flowers. I feel lucky that they came over Friday night and just relaxed over dinner, a bottle of wine, and tolerated our dog's need to sniff everyone's crotch.

This is Sarah. Sweet.Thoughtful.Quirky.Creative.You can experience her here.
Sarah and super fun and nice and funny and really nice husband, Josh.
I am sorry Minners. We didn't take any photos Saturday, but we enjoyed our tasty dinner and gripping games of 10,000.

Too early in the morning

2009-03-11T22:24:00.001-07:00

"Oh my crabs hurt!"
"Crabs? What do you mean your crabs?"
"Oops, I mean my cramps!"

Bouldering/Hiking at Mt. Woodson

2009-03-09T15:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Michelle, Moses, and I went to Mt. Woodson to try out the new crashpad I got Michelle for Christmas. As some of you may know one of my least favorite things to do is hike. I don't get it, walking in the woods just isn't that special for me. Anyway I sucked it up because Michelle loves it and we headed off to the mountain. Here's a video of our day...

-aaron

Lunch with the Uhers: A photo tour

2009-02-26T19:22:00.000-08:00

Photo A: Colorful and delectable salad carefully placed on a unique handmade rare-of-a-find plate. Matching cup filled with a lovely side of cottage cheese. "Thank you Sweet Wife" (that is what he said...just not out loud)

Photo B: Sunny and cheerful is our lunchtime courtyard view.

Photo C: After leaving momentarily, he returns, red plastic bowl in hand. "Mmm, this is good, but I'm making a casserole."
A casserole? Last time I checked, a casserole is (according to my mac dictionary):a kind of stew that is cooked slowly in an oven : a chicken casserole.• a large covered dish, typically of earthenware or glass, used for cooking such stews. Seriously, anything mixed with more than two ingredients is a casserole for this offbeat Ohio man.

Photo D: "Oh yeah! Screw the delicate handmade pottery, I'm using my red plastic mixing bowl and cramming as much casserole as possible down my throat."

Photo E: Cute couple. Can you guess which one of us still has a giant bite of food in his/her mouth? Hmmmmm...P.S. Headband catch your eye? Her craft is almost as adorable as she is. (Check out Etsy for all kinds of unique handmade and vintage goods)

Photo F: He gets up again. This time he returns with half a bag of tortilla chips. Puts his entire hand into the bag, grabs a handful, and smashes both of his hands together, and, VOILA!

Photo G: Me with one of my favorite mugs. I know, things are things, whatever, they are "gonna burn one day", but I take pride in my humble little collection of vintage mugs. It takes a special eye to spot these gems and I pay top Quarters for these thrift store finds.

Photo H: The goulash-casserole-whatever mess is finished off. Time for dessert: Organic chocolate chip cookies. I spy a creeper in the photo, do you?

Photo I: Ok, remember Photo G? The cutesy mug. A small collection of mugs stand like soldiers in our cupboard, just waiting to be called upon and used. He could care less. Where did he get that thing filled with milk? I think he pulled it straight out of the recycling bin.

Photo J: Yep, that's my man. And I stinkin' love him.

...
a different but loving pair.

-michelle

Bronchitis is holding Aaron hostage

2009-02-16T20:12:00.000-08:00

My Sweetie Pie has bronchitis. What a true bummer. He hacks all night, so he has been sleeping on the couch so that I can sleep. There is some love for ya, huh? He seems to be finally getting better though! Thanks to prayers, antibiotics, probiotics, and lots of orange juice and movies.
I've been busy with work. Really busy with work, which is a great wonderful thing when 1.)you love your job and 2.)the economy is down.

I had a couple crabby days this week. The contrast of my crabbiness and my mushy love for love stories is a great reminder that the health and happiness of our marriage doesn't rest on either of our emotions. I love the cute sweet stuff, but true love is beyond us, which is so amazing. {Everyday} I am reminded that our marriage is glued together by something much bigger (and better) than our sentimental love. I believe God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
"...he is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers..." (from the first psalm)
Do you feel like your marriage is like that tree? Do you feel like your life is like that tree? Are you sustained by a reliable and revitalizing stream? My desire is that "aaron & michelle uher" is that awesome happy tree whose livelihood is sourced from the Truth.
Anyway,
I hope you all had a Happy, Sweet Valentine's Day! Aaron and I love Indian food, but we were too broke (and he, too sick) to head out to our favorite Indian restaurant. Sooooo, we got our Punjabi on, baby! Don't worry, in a family friendly way.
Mmmm, together we dished out homemade Chicken Tikka Masala, aromatic rice, and something like saag paneer.
Geeez, seriously, it was awesome. Next time you have a craving for Indian food, forget the local Indian restaurant and come on over to the Uhers'. Now, here are some pictures of our faces for you! Enjoy!

-michelle

Job Hunt on Hold...

2009-02-12T17:08:00.000-08:00

So I've been looking for a job for the last few weeks. Something a little more professional and consistent than carpentry. I even went so far as to buy a suit! If you know me you know this is a big deal. I had one company interested in me but it turned out to be a terrible job, so terrible in fact that the after effects of a ride along (I shadowed a guy to see exactly how a business day would look.) has left me with a hacking cough and the runs. What the heck! Anyway you all can be praying that I feel better soon so I can get back out there on the hunt again. And also pray that I find a job... soon.

-aaron

Love & Whales

2009-02-09T20:19:00.000-08:00

What a day! Poor Aaron was sick to his stomach all day in bed. Hopefully lots of sleep, many episodes of Smallville, my homemade soup, and OJ + sparkling h2O will do the trick. Tomorrow is a 'ride along'; follow-up to his interview last Thursday for a new job. Bust out our kneepads and ask God for favor.
By the end of the day, we both lounged on the couch with hurting tummies, finished off the soup, and watched the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
There was a point in the movie where the Intergalactic whatchamacallit button was pushed and instead of the spaceship morphing, the two missiles chasing the spaceship morphed. One of the missiles morphed into a whale. That poor whale's mind raced with thoughts of it's purpose as it fell at lightning speed toward some planet, and, well, crashed. The movie never awarded him his meaning in life, but I will in this blog.
This whale will now transition us to the second romance story of the month. Hopefully you are still reading (whoever you are, I don't think we have an audience yet, but I'll keep typing)

So, February 3, 2006 was Aaron's 25th birthday. We were three months into blissful dating. I was pumped to celebrate his birthday for the first time together. I love birthdays. I really do. My great plan was going to be a fun surprise. A whale watching trip. I know right? AWESOME! You might even be thinking, "gee what a sweetie". I pridefully drove us south into San Diego, with a big smile stretched from earlobe to earlobe. Aaron didn't get to see the glee on my face because, of course, he was blindfolded. He pulled off the blindfold as we pulled into the harbor parking lot. He clearly wasn't as enthusiastic as I was, which was fine, I am sure he just needed to get on that boat. Together! On his birthday!
We boarded and we made our way to the back bench. As we headed out on choppy waters, we sat there. Cold. {I didn't think to pack warm clothes}
A couple hours into the excursion, we sat on the back bench. Hungry. {oops-I didn't think to bring snacks}
By the end of the trip, we sat on the back bench. Burnt. Well, not me, just my very white skinned boyfriend from Ohio. {No, I didn't pack sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses}
Um, Happy Birthday Aaron.
The trip was redeemed by a few whales splashing & waving at us and Aaron feeding seagulls off the back of the boat with a fellow whale watcher's goldfish cracker crumbs.

This story really sets the tone for this very different but loving pair. I hope you don't mind taking this tumble down Lover's Lane with me; there are some funny stories. It won't last too long. I can already see March peaking over the horizon.

Oh yeah, listen to amos lee's album last days at the lodge. it's pleasant.

-michelle

Happy Love Month.

2009-02-08T19:08:00.001-08:00

It's true, we are seven days deep into the month of love. I've been inspired to celebrate. By what? My drive home from a bridal shower, the bluebird velvet sky breaking past wet pavement colored clouds, or that exciting image of my sweet Love walking toward me with a surprise work visit and a warm cup of chai. Lots of moments of inspiration, I hope you catch all of them in your own life. So how will I, uh, we celebrate? I thought I woud litter this blog, during the month of love, with stories of our disastrous romance. Hopefully you too will be inspired....or maybe smile outloud, or maybe just pity us. PLUS! Aaron is going to be very unhappy with me if I wait any longer to write to you all.

Story #1 is a sweet one. I told it today, in fact. It was a memory of our dating days...or pre-dating days? I lived with three other gals, one of whom I was a caretaker for. I had a little room at the end of the hall, packed with my hodge podge of roadside finds, weathered books, handmade art and a mattress. A ratty old mattress with springs that threatened of a spinal injury. Aaron couldn't believe I slept on it. I didn't know the difference. When was the last time I slept on anything soft and inviting anyway? Well, after a long shift working the front desk of my gym, I walked into my room, and flopped on the mattress. Something was different. While I scanned membership cards at work, the new blue-eyed, blonde hair boy in my life had a very different day. He weighed down the roof of his dilapidated (sorry A) Relient K with his newer, comfy mattress. He drove that cushion of comfiness to my apartment and switched it out for mine. Mmmm, there was something so different about him.

-michelle

Happy 2009! 38 days late...

2009-02-08T18:42:00.000-08:00

We ran out of time this year and didn't get our year end update letters out. So we decided to start a blog instead. Sorry to those who really like receiving actual letters, this will have to do this year! We'll try to update as much as we can! We miss and love you all!

-aaron