Day 122: Food, Movie and Shopping

Aha:

Clinton and I used Saturday as a chance to see a few things we haven't seen before; like the Saskatoon Farm and Maleficent.

The Saskatoon Farm is a great big nursery and tourist trap. They have cute little shops with all sorts of nick-knacks to ooh and ahh over. The best part...the baked goods. We ordered an oatmeal Saskatoon chocolate chip cookie and a Saskatoon berry tart. Both were delicious but the tart won us both over.

Next we went to Maleficent and I really liked it! Clinton thought it was pretty good (so that means that most people will probably really like it!). It was reminiscent of Wicked and maybe that's why I liked it so much. Anyway, I recommend it, especially of you want to feel all warm and fuzzy inside. :)

Great day with my HB!

Haha:

Clinton and I went to CrossIron Mills to see Maleficent cause it's a giant mall and we figured we could kill two birds with one stone. Little did I know that Clinton would shop me out.

I sat on a bench waiting for him to finish trying on pants for over 30 minutes. Ha! And I'm the one who goes clothes shopping the most?! Lol

Day 121: T.G.I. ...Can't Hear You

Aha:
Friday afternoon was one of THE LONGEST afternoons at work. I was busy and all, but the hours just dragged. Anxious to get home and be free to do what I want for a couple days, I couldn't help but watch the clock. Sure enough time slowly passed, but pass it did and once 430 came I shot outta there like an absolute rocket!
I am thankful for Fridays, and especially Fridays after 430pm. I love having time to myself and my little family. We didn't have any major plans but I still look forward to the time we get to spend together--free from work and other responsibilities.

Haha:
Perhaps you'll not find this as funny as I did, but I overheard my boss answer his phone and this is how it went.
He: Hello?
(pause)
He: Can't hear you.
(click)
Me: (laughing)
He: What?
Me: Uh...did you really just hang up on them like that?
He: What was I supposed to say?
Me: Most people say, "I'm sorry, but I can't hear you. Can you try calling me back? I'm going to hang up now."
He: Oh, I just have no patience for calls like that.
I had the giggles so bad after that. The way he said, "Can't hear you." was just so blunt that it struck me absolutely funny. lol

Day 117: Hibernation and Regurgitation

Aha:

Clinton fell asleep on the couch last night and didn't come to bed till 2am. I slept like crap till he came. That sweet boy opened up some windows to cool down the room and within about 5 minutes of him climbing into bed I was finally able to fall asleep.

Despite the lack of sleep I did fine staying awake at work and even got a little nap when I came home. So...off to bed I go and I'm making sure Clinton comes with me from the start! :)

Haha:

I was talking to my mom tonight and she was telling me about their drive home and how my dad had food poisoning and was puking for the first 5 hours of their trip. Anyway, this reminded me of when my parents, Clinton and I went to the Oregon Coast the weekend after we got engaged.

It was February and the sea was choppy but Clinton had never been whale watching so we hopped on a boat and hoped for the best. Well, it was raining so we couldn't stand outside to watch the horizon and avoid seasickness. So, within about 20 minutes my dad was puking off the back of the ship, I was heaving over the side and Clinton was favouring a garbage can inside. Mom was fine though.

And to boot, we didn't even see any whales. What an expensive bout of bulemia that turned out to be. Ha!

Day 115: Lost in Pancakes

Aha:

Clinton took me to IHOP for supper last night. He knows how much I love their pancakes and our trip there was on a total whim. What a lovely surprise!! Thanks, Honey!!

Haha:

Well, I finished Lost yesterday and I gotta say, the ending had ME lost. I spent the next 20 minutes on Lostapedia.com trying to figure out what it all meant.

In the end, I think the story ending could have been better but overall I liked the show. I mean, I must have with all the time and laziness I dedicated to it. Lol

Day 102: Going for a Walk and the Highest Bidder

Aha:

Our little family enjoyed a lovely stroll this evening after a really great thunderstorm. The air was a bit crisp, but the company was perfect.

Thank you, Clinton, for suggesting we go for a walk (though Peter's obvious hints were hard to miss); I really loved being with you!

Haha:

We had a meet-n-greet with the bishop today and he reassured us when we walked in the door that he didn't have any callings to extend to us quite yet. However, he did tell me that apparently a couple different auxiliaries are fighting for me and so far, he's up to a dozen-and-half cookies as bribes for me to be placed in particular positions. Ha! 

So, I'm sure by this time next week I'll know my new calling at church...I'm gunning for Relief Society pianist!! :)

Day 94: He's Always So Happy

Aha:
I was in a bit of a mood yesterday and every time my grumpy pants showed themselves, Clinton would say, "Awr you feewing gwumpy again? Awr you Ms. Gwumpy Pants?"
I'd either stare at him or look away as my reply; while inside I was thankful for his positive attitude.
I can't say his baby talk helped or hindered, but I can say I am grateful he didn't let my grumpiness affect his happiness. I really love that about him.

Haha:
During one of my grumpy bouts, Clinton reminded me of a joke. Now, if you know Clinton, picture his getting-ready-to-tell-a-joke-he-thinks-is-especially-punny face/voice.

He: Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other: "Does this taste funny to you?"

And then he did his I-just-told-a-punny-joke prideful chuckle.
Boy, I love my Clinton!

Day 81: Sharing Kindness and Spit

Aha:

Went to our new ward at church for the first time today. The people were actually fairly welcoming and even though it has a lot of older people, I think it'll be a good place for us. I'm even playing the piano in Relief Society next week!

Haha:

Clinton cut up the last of the pineapple and I asked if he could bring me some. He came out with a plate of huge chunks of pineapple on it and said, "These four chunks are yours."

Me: I don't have anywhere to put them...am I supposed to just hold them in my hands, or swallow them whole like a bird?"

He: I'll just eat my pieces first then give you the plate.

He then proceeded to eat his pieces, drooling pineapple juice all over my pieces.

Me: Uh, you're kinda drooling all over my pieces.

He: It's ok.

Yep. I still ate them. What crazy person would pass up fresh pineapple anyway, with or without the drool?

Day 80: Snowfallen in Love

Aha:

Woke up to more snow. Fortunately the temperature was "warm enough" to melt it as soon as it hit the ground so the roads were clear.

Clinton and I used the clear roads to run a few errands and have some McDonald's for lunch. I'm really loving this whole eating dairy freely thing. My two ice creams cones were lovely.

Another nice weekend with my HB!

Haha:

This morning Clinton, Petey and I were all lounging in bed. I was snuggling the pup and giving him kisses.

Me: Oh, Petey, I could just kiss you all day.

Clinton: I wouldn't do that, that's how I got that lip fungus.

Me: Well, I'm not worried about that cause I'm not kissing his butt!

Clinton: Huh, I see.

Lol!

Day 78: I'll Scratch Your Back if You Massage Mine

Aha:
I haven't been sleeping well the last couple nights and have woken up in the most contortionist-y ways. Needless to say my neck and shoulders are super tight. Fortunately, Clinton was kind enough to rub my sore muscles and remove the severity of the tension. I'm looking forward to a much better sleep tonight!
Thank, H.B.!!

Haha:
Our parking pad is located in the back of our property, however the only way to get in is from the front door--unless someone is home to let you in the back slider.
Well, I was taking a nap on the couch when Clinton knocked on the slider door.
Grumpy and groggy, I opened the door and said, "What? Are your legs broken or somethin'?"
He, laughing, "I could ask you the same thing. You just didn't want to get off the couch."
True. I didn't.
Turns out two lazys don't make for a very strong fight.
Ha!

Day 76: A Glimpse at the Logans

Aha:

Work ended early for Clinton today so we had the whole late-afternoon to ourselves! We watched some reruns of a Golden Girls, and Seinfield before heading out to Subway for supper.

When we got home he did some maintenance stuff around the house and let me veg on the couch.

I gotta say, it was a pretty sweet evening. :)

Haha:

I have been exceptionally bloated for the last week or so. Last night I was slouching on the couch with my shirt pulled up (exposing my belly), my pants unzipped, and a look of utter displeasure across my face. 

Upon seeing this, Clinton quipped, "Always the lady."

Ha! And what a lady! I was far from ladylike and I know my appearance was comical. Now if only my laughing at his comment had caused "things" to shift around enough to "relieve" my bloating--that would have been an even better story!

Day 66: Moving and a'Shaking

Aha:

We are officially out of our old place and are making great progress on our new one.

Clinton and I teamed up and cleaned the old house, did some laundry and totally wrapped things up for the homeowners when they return this week.

We feel so blessed to have been able to live rent-free for the last couple months! And we are thankful now to be in our own place for the first time since we left Milwaukee!

Haha:

We went to McDonald's for "lunch". I got my usual: two ice cream cones and a large Diet Coke. It was below freezing outside and I was cold before I even started eating. Well, as you can imagine, my "lunch" made me absolutely freezing from the inside out. I shivered uncontrollably through my whole meal but I gotta say, it was totally worth it. What a deliciously freezing indulgence!

Day 52: Ooo-Ooo Witch-ay Woman

Aha:

My husband is a real trooper. He has a level of patience I will never understand. And for his patience I am so thankful! 

I love you, Clinton. Thank you for realizing the source of my craziness and loving me regardless.

Haha:

You would not, or maybe you would, believe how grumpy I was this morning/afternoon. Here're a few samplings of my sour moments from today...feel free to laugh, I know I am...now.

1. After I had taken a shower this morning I came back into the room where Clinton was still in bed. As I walked into the room he was making a huge yawn and I totally mimicked it...kinda sorta mocking him.

Why I was annoyed with him yawning I don't know.

2. When I was folding laundry today I made a very big point of mentioning to him how nice I was for folding his laundry too.

Gee, aren't I sweet?
3. Clinton and I went to Costco. When we got there I told him 3 things we needed before I ran off to the bathroom. While I was in the bathroom he ran and got all those things and proceeded to the checkout. When I got out of the bathroom I called him but he didn't answer so I meandered through the store and grabbed a few other not-on-the-list items. When I called him again to tell him I was ready to checkout he answered and said he already had. He also had my purse with him so I couldn't pay for my extra items.

Unnaturally I was miffed. I stormed past him out of the store and sped-walked to the car. When we got in the car we talked. I had thought he was just not answering my calls but in reality he couldn't hear his phone ring. He had found all the things ON THE LIST and bought them, as requested.

Moral of the story...get the facts and realize the kindness if others before blowing things totally out of proportion. And yes, I sincerely apologized.

Oh, there's more, but fortunately my total witchiness only lasted a few hours and I spent the second half of my day in much better spirits, but HO-WEE I was a real piece of kick-you-in-the-crotch meanness. Thanks PMS!

Day 45: Apparently I Love Him Most When I'm Awake

Aha:

I gotta say, I really love my Clinton. We had no plans for today but spent the whole day together. We watched some tv, ran some errands, got some yummy East Indian food, did a little shopping, and then came back home to eat some Whoppers and watch Schindler's List on tv.

I have to admit that hanging with my best friend all day is pretty great way to spend a Saturday.

Haha:

When I woke up this morning Clinton told me about an interaction we had when he came to bed last night. Peter and I were already asleep in bed; I in the middle of the bed, and Peter on Clinton's pillow.

He: (barely lifts up the corner of the blanket on his side of the bed)

Me: DON'T!

He: You're on my side of the bed.

Me: (mumbling) No I'm not!

He: (getting into bed)

Me: STOP!

He: (pulling on the covers)

Me: You're taking my covers!

He: I just need some blankets.

Me: UGH.

Apparently I'm a real sweetheart in my sleep. Lol

Day 41: At Least I'm Surrounded by Calm People (and Animals)

Aha:

I am so thankful for my husband and for his support and advice throughout our marriage. He is always so calm and reassuring. Thank you, HB for being you and loving me.

I am so thankful for my mom. She always knows what I want and need to hear. Thank you, Mom, for being my mom.

Haha:

When Clinton's away on call, the pup is more than happy to take over his spot (and pillow) on the bed.

This is what I woke up to this morning. Ha!

Day 37: Working for The Man

Aha:

Got to do a nice thing for my HB today and it felt good. Nothing major, but we met for supper after a really long day for him at work. I knew he was tired and just wanted to go home but he sweetly made an effort to share a date with me. 

While we were eating he mentioned he'd have to stop for gas on the way home so I offered him to just take my car home and I'd take his to the pump. He declined at first but, after much persistence on my part, he finally relented and took my car straight home.

When I got there I found him reclined in the living room, relaxing. Made my heart happy.

It's the little things, but in a relationship every little bit counts. 

Haha:

You ever quoted Seinfeld during an interview before? Better still, you ever mentioned newly-wed...ahem..."activities" in an interview before?

Well, as of today I have done both. And despite this, I have received feedback that they really loved me. Lol

Sometimes I really wonder why I don't sensor myself more, but now I'm glad I didn't! Ha! It was one of those moments when I thought to myself, "Stop it, Dani. Stop while you can!" But my mouth stayed open and I had to just hope for the best. Fortunately it worked in my favour.

What quote and story did I tell?

At one point in the interview they flipped on the lights in the sunlit room and joked about it feeling like a sudden interrogation. 

My response: Pretty hot under these lights, eh Seinfeld?

They told me the CEO loved Seinfeld and the fact that I could quote it was big.

Then later I brought up how Clinton loved Mad Gab so much when we were first married that instead of constantly acting like a typical newly-wed, he'd sometimes climb into bed and want to play Mad Gab. (Sharing this was especially unnerving to me. What the heck compelled me to tell a total stranger, let alone someone with whom I was seeking employment, something so..."intimate"? Sheesh, Dani.)

Oh well. They loved me anyway. Lol

Day 34: Long Hours and Big Appetites

Aha/Haha:

Clinton successfully finished his first 28-hour shift! He was dog-tired when he came home and the first thing he said to me after "Hi.", was, "Can you be sure to go get me some Wendy's so that I can have it when I wake up?" Lol.

This is going to be a really long month for him and I just hope it goes by quickly! 

Good job, HB; I am sorry it sucks sometimes, but I am very proud of all your hard work!

Day 9: Valentine's Day Proposal Dream Come True

Aha:
Eleven years ago today I said "yes".
Sometimes I stop and think about how crazy-fast the time has flown. I have been married to my absolute favorite person for the last 10.5 best years of my life. Though his proposal was questionable at first (see below), he ultimately won my heart and I can't be more happy.
Happy Valentine's Day, Clinton. You really are my favorite.

(Doodles from back when we were dating)

Haha:
You may or may not know this story, but since it's its 11th anniversary and it's too good not to share, I hope you'll indulge me a little trip down memory lane.
Before we were engaged I had a dream.

---I dreamt that Clinton and I went to a really fancy restaurant. We sat at a very fancy table and were having a fancy time. During our conversation Clinton said, "I have something for you..." he pulled out a really beautiful red ring-box, opened it and said, "it's a box, and inside is a ring for you." I gasped in wonder and then in shock as I noticed the ring was just a rusty old key ring. Begrudgingly I put it on my finger and said a curt, "Wow, thanks."---end of dream

Well, I thought the dream somewhat funny and decided to tell Clinton all about it. He thought it was funny too...and apparently ingenious for his upcoming trip to see me during Valentine's Day in Portland.
On Valentine's Day 2003, I decorated the crap out of the hallway outside his room with candies, a big "I love you" banner and cut-out hearts. The message was in noway subtle. :)
And neither was his to me:

(This is how he decorated my bedroom)

(Glow and the dark stickers moved around strategically on my ceiling)

So, anyway, I had made some reservations at Multnomah Falls Restaurant for their special V-Day dinner. As time was approaching for us to leave I noticed Clinton was taking forever in the bathroom. I asked if he was alright and he assured me he was. Still, he took another 10 minutes or so.

We finally make it to the restaurant. Unfortunately for us, we were both full of nerves and hardly ate our rather expensive meal. I was nervous cause I was pretty sure he was going to propose and he was nervous cause he knew he was going to propose. Well, dinner and dessert came and went and no proposal. However the whole time Clinton kept touching his collar rather obsessively.

We left the restaurant and headed back toward home. Clinton asked me if there was anywhere else I wanted to go and when I couldn't come up with anything he suggested we go to Mt. Tabor (it's a mountain located within the city, pretty cool). It was a typical winter day in Portland, cold and rainy. I figured he'd only make me go out in the cold if he was going to make it worth my while. :)

We got out of the car and he lingered for quite a while getting things out of the trunk. When we finally set off I noticed he was carrying an extra coat and had his other hand full, but I couldn't tell with what.

So, we sit and he turns to me and says, "I have something for you."
Me: Oh?

He: It's a box and inside is a ring for you. (pulls out this beautiful red ring-box)

Me: Oh, my gosh!

He: (opens the box and smiles)

Me: (gasps, then gets a confused look on my face when I realize the size of the ring is way too big. It's dark outside and I can see the ring is sparkling, so I reach for it and upon closer inspection realize it's a key ring. Remembers my dream.) Oh.

He: (laughs)

Me: (feeling foolish for thinking I was going to be getting engaged)

He: Ok, I have something else for you. Do you want to know what it is?

Me: (relieved) Yes. :)

He: (hands me a pair of scissors) These are your mom's. I borrowed them, can you give them back to her?

Me: (starting to feel really disappointed and somewhat upset) Ok...

He: (laughs)

Me: (tries not to cry)

He: Do you want to know what I borrowed the scissors for?

Me: I think so.

He: Well, you see (starts pulling at his collar), I have this thing wrapped around my neck, and in order for you to get it you'll need the scissors to cut the string. (out pops my ring on the dental floss necklace he'd been spending all that time in the bathroom concocting before dinner and double-checking all throughout dinner.)

Me: (smiles and cuts the string)

He: (says a lot of sweet stuff) Will you marry me?

Me: Yes, of course!

He: And you see, the ring is still shaped like a keyring.

Me: (swoon)

Well, that was 11 years ago today and even though his proposal kinda set me for a loop in the moment, it just goes to show how clever and romantic he is. I am so thankful for my forever, funny valentine. 

(see how it looks like a split keyring?) :)

Day 7: We Pack a Pretty Lame Punch

Aha:
Clinton didn't use the lunch I packed for him for today so now I don't have to pack a lunch for him tonight cause he can use the one meant for today. Yay!

Ha ha:
There's nothing really to do here. I mean it. When Clinton and I get out of the house with no real plans of what to do this is often what happens. (Here's an example from this last week.)

• Went to Walmart to see if I could find a hoola-hoop (good exercise). They don't have them in stores yet. Instead I bought some travel mousse, a flushable wipe container for the second bathroom...cause you never know which bathroom you'll end up in, a chocolate milk for Clinton and a Diet Dr. Pepper for me.
• We walked around the mall attached to Walmart then back out to our car.
• We started to head home then decided we didn't want to yet, so we drove a ways up the road to see what we'd find.
• We stopped at a local natural foods store just for the heck of it. Ate some samples then left.
• Got some supper at Mr. Sub.
• Got some chocolate almonds and Kellog's baked cheese crackers at Safeway.
• Came home. Ate our treats and watched some TV.
• Clinton went upstairs to study, I worked on some things on my computer and then wrote on my blog.

Did I mention we're a young couple with no children and THIS is how we spend our free time? Eee, I can't wait to see how lame we are when we DO have children. LOL.

Day 32: Life Lessons

Aha:
Question 4: List 10 things you would tell your 16-year-old self, if you could.
1. Finish college! There will be complications to finishing, but stick with cosmetology at Mt. Hood despite the fact that the teachers there stink--you'll be trained wherever you end up working.  You won't have another opportunity for quite a while.
2. You won't be able to have children when you want to.  You'll go through lots of painful moments.  Don't let other people's fertility hurt you, be happy for them and know that there will be lots of growth and happiness in your life as well.  Don't lose your faith over this.  Enjoy the childless time you and Clinton will have together.  Use the atonement early on and the whole experience will be much easier to bear.  You'll get through it and you'll be stronger for it.
3. Stop eating so much junk food.  Calories in, calories out.  Work now to become healthy and fit so you can enjoy the benefits of feeling good about your body when you're young.
4. Never stop being who you are and doing what makes you happy.  Laugh loud all the time and don't worry about what others think about it.  Hey, you're being happy, if they don't like it, they can shove it!
5. Date lots and have fun learning what you want in your future husband.  None of those boys will probably meet your expectations, but the experience will teach you that life is unpredictable.  Be bold and be sure to tell those around you how you feel.  Don't hold back.
6. You are a perfectionist but need to accept that you can't control everything.  A crooked picture doesn't have to be straightened, your body does not have to be freakishly tiny to be attractive, your eyes don't have to match to make you beautiful.  Accept that perfection is a mindset, and an unhealthy one at that.  Do your best and know that that is good enough.
7. Floss your teeth more regularly.  Cavities can form in between your teeth if you don't floss often enough.  You know how much you hate going to the dentist, so avoid this and floss regularly.
8. Be patient.  Be patient with your parents, your friends, other drivers, long lines, trials in life, and most importantly--yourself.  Life is not a race.  Enjoy the journey even when it's hard.
9. Moisturize your face every single day or you'll get wrinkles by the age of 18.  They won't go away once they're there.
10. You will marry someone who will love you even when you're moody (which will be often).  He will never give up on you and will often remind you how much your relationship means to him.  He will be the happiest and funniest person you know.  There will be times when life is hard and you'll be frustrated, learn to not sweat the small stuff and laugh together often.  Your marriage will be a partnership that will carry you through everything.  Marriage takes a lot of patience and hard work, but it will be those hard times that bring you closer than you ever thought possible.

Ha ha:
I bought a shirt for $1.97 at Old Navy the other day.  It's a cute white t-shirt with some little flower cut outs across the center of the chest.  As I was getting ready for bed, I took off my pants and was about to take off my shirt but realized I wanted to show my awesome deal to Clinton first.  I walked into the room and said "Hey, do you like my new shirt?  Isn't it cute?"
He: Yah, it goes really great with your underwear.
Oh, I laughed about that for a while.

Day 24: What a Relief!

Aha:
A special shout-out thank you to my HB for giving me a neck massage last night.  He had come home from an especially long day at work and still made time to lend a helping hand...or two.  Thank you HB!

Ha ha:
It was so very foggy in Milwaukee yesterday.  Near bedtime I decided I should take Peter out for one last potty break, so I put on my shoes and opened the door.  When I stepped outside, I'd forgotten how foggy it was and totally thought it was my contacts.  I kept blinking and blinking and blinking trying to clear them up.  I was about ready to rip 'em out and stomp on them.  Finally, I walked back inside and noticed I could read the clock clearly.  Duh!
What a weird sensation.  I must have looked like such a coo-coo bananas with all that unnecessary blinking!