12.27.11

I am beyond excited for this date. My two best friends from high school and I are reuniting for the FIRST time in 5 years. A little pathetic but we couldn't have predicted where God was going to take us over these past five years. Finally we will be in the same place at the same time.  

Michelle and Lindsay better known as Mich and Linds were my rocks during high school. I still consider them two of my greatest friends and treasure their opinions to this day. We had so much fun in high school. We had the best inside jokes and really embraced our short time together. Even though we thought high school was an eternity too long.

We cried, laughed and confided in each other. Had our first boyfriends at the same time. Suffered through AP tests together. Experimented with hair and make-up. Stayed up all night dreaming about the future. Blasted kelly clarkson on random drives. Ditched our prom dates and escaped on the dance floor.

We were more than just friends, classmates and teammates. We were sisters. 

Linds & Mich

The week before graduation we decided to make a time capsule documenting our lives together. On December 27th we will open that capsule that was sealed way back in June 2006. I have no idea what we put in there and I know both Mich and Linds can't remember either. It will be a night to document!! I can't wait.

I am so thankful for our friendship. We can pick up right where we left off and not miss a beat. I am so excited. 41 days until we can get some updated pictures and laugh away the night!!

Freshman Year - 2002

Senior Year - 2006

Happy 6

I hate to be that cheesy girl who blogs about her anniversary but this is truly an exception. It's not our 4.5 month anniversary or some random 17 month anniversary for that matter. Not trying to hate on those who celebrate every month. It is something to be applauded so I don't discount that. But in my opinion, 6 months is rather monumental.

It's a crossroad. You have spent a half a year together which is a long time relationship wise, especially in our culture. Six months. You've spent enough time together to get a good idea of who one another are. The good, the bad and the ugly. Not that I'm a relationship expert but six months is a time where you decide if that person is really worth it because passing the 6 month mark means it's serious. Why would you waste any more time with a person if they didn't suit you? Or aren't serious about their God-ordained future? It's something I'll never understand. To be in a relationship just to be in a relationship. So silly. I digress.

Eight months ago I met Daniel at our club basketball presentation. In that moment I never would have expected a future with him let alone a first date. But he fought like crazy to make me his. I told him I couldn't date him because he had other loves before Jesus. Usually this scares away the guys. Quite frankly it separates the boys from the men. You know them. First name Luke. Last name Warm. But Daniel, he surprised me.

He didn't take it as a challenge and he didn't get offended. He listened to my convictions and sought the Lord. As did I.

There was something different about this Daniel character. As he spoke from his heart, his wisdom reminded me of Solomon and his integrity reminded me of Joseph. You're probably thinking we were unequally yolked and I was foolish to begin dating him, but let me tell you...I have never met a man who's genuine goal in life is to help me be more like Christ every day AND puts my needs, desires and concerns first.

He didn't care what that looked like. If that meant that we were just going to be friends he was completely content with that. And that's when I fell in love. Well not really, but in that moment I could envision a future with him. Fittingly enough his faith and confidence in God's word reminded, and continually reminds me of Daniel. His name suits him to say the least.

I truly feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I pray that God continues to bless the next six months as we continue to strive to be more like Him. I love you Daniel James. You are my Ecc. 4:9-12

First date



Halloween

I decided to actually be a little festive this holiday season. Last Halloween I dressed up as Lady Gaga which was pretty festive but I was over it an hour into the party. Not too mention the previous years were festive-less. We would play Pepperdine as a traditional Halloween exhibition game. I think I forgot how to do Halloween over the years.


This year I was in the middle of my sports ministry conference and had to come home to take a test for a future employment opportunity. Since I was in town, I promised mom I would stay home in CL for dinner and we ended up dressing up and passing out candy to all the kiddos.


On a side not, I do feel completely guilty for contributing to childhood obesity! Although, it was fun as they assumed I was Justin Beiber with a beard. #winning.


I dressed up as Daniel James. I couldn't help it. Poked a little fun at his style I love so much, but I did forget to draw his tattoo. Poor execution on my part. However it was fun slipping on Australia gear and hopefully I brought a smile to his face and all that know him.

I also think my parent's have the most festive neighbors. Bless their hearts. They decked out their front yard and hardly had any trick-or-treaters. And I'm serious when I mean festive. Came home for dinner on Sunday night and they were already putting up Christmas decorations. TOO SOON. We haven't even celebrated Thanksgiving! I have a firm no Christmas mentality until the day after Thanksgiving. As soon as I'm full of turkey, mashed sweet potatoes and green-bean casserole let the Christmas festivities begin. I'm too full to be bothered, but not a minute sooner. C'mon guys! 

Casper Recap

The road trip was a complete success!! 

1. Mom and I made it safely there AND back. Sure we stopped off at gas stations 20+ times but we made it in record time. 17 hours each way. At our 9th stop we regretted not documenting our first 8 stops thinking it would make for a fabulous book. "Bathroom Stalls of America". I'm sure it's been done but what an eclectic experience it was for the both of us.

I think this was somewhere in NV

2. Driving through Utah had to be the highlight of my trip! I can't wait to drive it again. My predictions were spot-on. Fabulous fall accents and breathtaking views. It was nothing short of gorgeous and every bend of the freeway brought forth a new sense of awe. I want that country lifestyle with a barn and some horses. I felt in my element. Kolob Canyon will one day be my home. Also drove through one of my best friend's "hometown" of Draper. Was so exciting getting a vision of her life in Utah. Finally! After years of "I have to visit." Well now I am visiting soon:) Also I wish I had packed my camera in a more accessible bag. Rookie Mistake. Mom's camera didn't do the scenery justice.

Just after St. George, UT

Almost to SLC, UT

3. Driving through Wyoming is painstaking. No offense Wyoming. We did pass over the continental divide 3 times. Yes 3! It does this weird triangle thing. Look for yourselves on a map of the US. Anyways, learned some fun facts about the divide and its relevance. All rivers/streams on one side flow into the pacific and on the other the Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico. Fascinating stuff when there is NOTHING else around. We were going to stop off and take pics of the signs themselves but couldn't be bothered we were on a mission to get there and a mission to get home:) We did take a pic at the state line! Yeah!

After 12 hours of straight driving

4. My mom is the best person I could have picked to road trip with. She is a planner far beyond my capabilities or maybe it's just that she has a lifetime of knowledge. We packed so many snacks and if you know my mom by snacks I mean apples with pb, chicken salad complete w/ dressing on the side, various berries & nuts and several gallons of water so we needn't purchase anything on the road EXCEPT snickers. There is always an exception for snickers. I love my mom! She also "taught me the ropes". Oh she makes me giggle. We filled up at this gas station that is a chain in UT & WY and expressed interest in the member card. She saved 3 cents on gas. Apparently 3 cents makes up in the long run and mom was adamant. "Always get the member card when you're out of state to get the deals...look at how much we're saving." Seriously, I love her. 

5. We stayed in a quaint, that's about the nicest adjective I can use, motel in Evanston before logging 5 more hours to our final destination the following morning. We forgot about the whole time difference thing so ended up being a bit late to Daniel's first game but we MADE it and at that point, that was all that mattered. 

WY terrain. Driving day 2.

Seeing DJ for the first time as a T-Bird

Good D, D!

Yeah! Finally reunited:) 

6. After DJ's 2nd game we moseyed on over to the "C'Mon Inn". Honestly the name is hilarious but is the nicest thing around Casper and apparently they are a chain!! You can also stay in the Dakotas and Colorado. I give them TWO THUMBS way, way up. It was perfect. Mom definitely hit the nail on the head. The hotel I researched and suggested didn't even come close. Again, just a reiteration of how amazing my mother is!! She also is a great model!

Love this shot! C'mon Inn ;)

7. We called it an early night since DJ had games bright and early in the morning! He crashed on the pullout couch in the living room and mom and I snuggled up in the bed fit for a couple of queens. It was fabulous. The layout of our room was exceptional and it was so spacious. We even had a deck that faced out into the middle of the hotel were there were various spas. It was an all-around great atmosphere. 

View from our balcony

8. DJ and his team lost their first game. In my opinion they didn't come out as strong as the night before. They were either fatigued from beating the #1 team in the Nation or were a little cocky coming off the big win the night before. Either way they lost to a team they shouldn't have. Although they redeemed themselves in game two. In between games mom gave D a much needed hair-cut. The commentary of the crowd was priceless. Mom and I were sitting in the stands giggling away. The boys walk out to play game two and straight away DJ makes a lay-up...

Random Fan 1: Hey, Australia got a hair-cut!

Random Fan 2: He sure did! And it helped!!

Mom & I: Giggling Queens

I should also mention this was the morning I had one of the most HUMBLING moments of my life. Mom and I were arguing over something so silly prior to the game. We went to the bathroom and b/c WY doesn't have toilet seat covers like the great state of CA, I did what any girl would do and made a make-shift toilet cover. Worst idea EVER. There were quite a few lessons learned as I passed through the ENTIRE gym. One side to the other with toilet paper hanging from the back of my pants. I was THAT girl. The one you read about, hear about or see in the movies. Oh it was mortifying but served me right. I needed to get over myself and God allowed that to happen in front of 3 men's bball teams. My gosh I still get red in the face/can't help but laugh thinking about it. Ladies, make sure you fully check yourself out. I don't care if I look vain from here on out. I am doing a full twirl in the bathroom mirror. Also, pop a squat. Don't try to do the lady thing. Didn't work for me. I am an official squat popper. NEVER AGAIN LOL. I was wearing all black. Black sweater & black pants. The white trail was clearly showing and b/c mom and I were in a bit of an argument I was ignoring the "Alisha, Alisha" that was coming behind me. OH God, thanks for the humbling!

Australia's new do!

The gang on the balcony!

9. Later that night we took Daniel to one of the best restaurants in town. Remember, there is really nothing in Casper. So what did we decide on...OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE! Priceless. Of course I know it's nothing like Aussie culture being Aussiefied and all, but it was hilarious watching people stare at Daniel when they heard his voice. Our waitress couldn't believe it. 

Waiting to be called in

Mom capturing the moment. I'm impressed with her artistic talent. 

Outback ;)

10. That night I had heaps of homework for my Sports Ministry conference so mom and D watched "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" while I worked away. In the morning we woke up and went to Daniel's church. It was so small but so great. I'm glad he has found a home church with a tight, encouraging community. We proceeded to breakfast at Eggington's which proved to truly be Casper's best breakfast joint. Shortly after, belly's full, we ventured up Casper Mountain and stopped off to play in the snow. It was Daniel's 2nd time EVER! 

Playing on a mountain of old snow!

Snowball

Mom just being a Rockstar. Standard.

No trip is complete w/o a jumping photo

Yeah for a FABULOUS trip!

11. I hate being that typical couple who always has the cheesy pics but I love this snap that mom so creepily captured. Thanks mom. Sums up the trip perfectly. Lots of love.

12. Unfortunately the next few hours flew by too fast and we were back on the road. But it was a trip that became so much more than expected. We bonded. We laughed. We talked. I am so thankful for so many amazing individuals who love and care for me so deeply. It was a great time of flourishing. 

13. Because I want to end on an "unlucky" number. We accomplished all that we set out to. We reveled in God's creation. Mom and I soaked up all our time together. Deep, fruitful talks about life. The future. Our family. Our Creator. And I got to see Daniel James for more than 24 hours! 

It was rare and raw and something that I'm so glad was able to happen. Unemployment at that point in time was an ultimate blessing. We saw a real life cowboy and mom even hit a "bird" or so we thought until we took a close look in Nevada on our way home and discovered it was a bat! 

Real-life Cowboy. So flustered my finger covered the camera on my phone.

Bat-kill. Poor fella flying into our car!

That's Casper in a nut-shell.

I'm so excited for FUTURE road trips!! I am a BIG fan!!