great things can come in small packages

I came home from a long day at the office and a great night of sushi to a white box with a green ribbon on top. Inside was a clue. After 5 clever clues, I found this:

It was really hard to take a photo of my hand that did not look skeletal. So we opted for a stub-fingered photo. Don't judge, but it's okay if you do because Eric laughed ... a lot.

I guess I'm legitimately betrothed now? As if setting dates, designing invites, buying dresses and taking engagement photos wasn't legitimate....

I will try to get a better top angle shot when I'm feeling more self-assured in my boney fingeredness.

how old am i?

So, I was sitting in a meeting the other day and I started looking around the conference table and feeling very self-conscious about a padfolio I probably purchased my sophomore year of college.

Here it is.

Does that scream 23 year-old Communications Coordinator for the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce to you?

I think it screams, "I'm 12, teehee, just try to take me seriously!!!"

Seriously, velcro???!!! Can I tie my shoes yet?

So, I didn't even take it up to a lunch meeting with the Economic Development & Governmental Affairs committee last Friday.

I need to find me something great and professional, but still me. Something like this.

Any donations or gifts would be gladly accepted. And I have yet to purchase the bag mentioned here. Talk about self-control! 

Oh, how I long to look the part...



gratitude

This made my day.

What? You don't see it?

That's my queen sized bed on a new frame...off the ground!

The frame that came with the set didn't really fit it. So, today, two elves decided to fix my debacle. Mom hauled a frame over from La Grande, and Eric - through his own incentive - put out feelers on Craigslist and got me a frame, too. They actually got to my apartment at the same time.

Anyway, when I had gotten home, Eric had my new frame set up and my bed nicely made.

I was really so grateful! I can't tell you how it feels to finally have a man in my life who not only wants to take care of me, but does. And, admittedly, it can be hard for me to think in terms of two, instead of just me; in terms of partnership. I've kind of been independent my whole life ... Mom's been a great guardian, but I think she's ready to pass the torch.

I was really, perhaps unnecessarily, moved by this small gesture. He's going to be the best husband for me. So patient, so sweet, and such a good care-taker.

Also, I would be unappreciative if I didn't recognize the fact that so many friends and family from both sides have stepped up to offer their talents, skills and support. It's overwhelming and humbling and I know we both feel so blessed to have associations with such good people. So, to all of you

thank you.

Little things ...

Because all women (overtly or secretively) love weddings, I'll share some deets.

First and foremost - because some have demanded asked to see the ring. To do that, all you have to do is go to your local supermarket and pick up a pack of mint lifesavers. Yep, he proposed with a mint lifesaver. Fortunately, the real deal has been purchased and should be on my lefty by Tuesday. Until then I wearing one of my all-time favorite rings that has only ever fit on my left ring fing. er. Trust. When the real ring is on my finger, there will be pictures.

This is where we are getting married. The Portland, Oregon Temple. On November 19th.

And this is where our reception will be held. On November 20th in Pendleton, Oregon.

This happens to be the church my mom went to when she was little. Tender.

Here are some pretty colors I like.

And here is a dress I tried on and did not get. Not a fan of the marshmellow effect.

And no, you won't be seeing the real one until after all the hub bub. Eric is my blog stalker and it's a surprise for him until day of. Don't worry, he's keeping most of the honeymoon treats as his own little secret.

Well. Hope that suffices for now, because that's about all I've got with what, less than two months to go? No sweat.

I'm only behind by like, 3 weeks...

Eric and I spent Labor Day weekend in Central Oregon.

Our trip began with some A&W grub and a pull over by the PoPo (State Police) who accused Eric of being a pot smoker. It probably didn't help that he had a scruffy beard, University of Oregon t-shirt, and we were driving a ragged green 1990s Dodge Caravan van. Luckily Eric wasn't smoking pot that day (or any day) and so we continued on our journey.

His Grandma Lougee waited up late for us and was so kind to let us have free room and board.

Saturday morning we headed for the southern border. We stopped in Bend to check out the UO Duck Store. In case you didn't know, my bethrothed is a Duck uberfan and he's trying to convert me - to which I say, "Go Cougs!" and start busting out the BYU fight song. I digress...

We finally arrived at Crater Lake National Park where a long line of eager park goers delayed our entrance for a half hour.

We played, explored, learned some nerdy facts and ate ridiculously expensive salads and sandwhiches for lunch. We met up with Eric's friend from Business College, Rob and some of his friends. We hiked down to THE Crater Lake and played a bit in the water.

Before leaving the park, we ate a soup and salad buffet, flirted with my new friend Patches, dressed up like park rangers and Eric asked me to marry him. To which I said, "Are you serious?!" and laughed. Fact.

While waiting to tell our little secret to our parents, we batted our eyes knowingly at one another and played around at Prineville Resivoir. We also enjoyed a delicious Labor Day BBQ with Eric's funny and welcoming extended family.

On our way home we hit up Shaniko and got hitched, but not really.

Eric was already feeling the imprisonment of his earlier question.

We had a lot of fun, but were ready to be home and preparing for the next adventures ... including planning a fast approaching November 19th wedding date!

I'm such a tease....

Here is just one picture from our weekend getaway... but it's probably the most important. Ha! More pictures from our trip to come! Work and life are just a tad crazy at this point..... In case you hadn't heard, Round-Up starts tomorrow. Let 'er buck!

11.19.10

Camp Sherman Shindig

I know you've all been waiting. And since they say pictures are worth at LEAST a thousand words, commentary will be limited.

Day One:

Day Two:

Day Two Continues:

Day Three:

It was a blast! And my new goal in life is to take up Fly Fishing!

Stay tuned....I have mucho blog catching up to do, including my recent trip to Crater Lake!

"everything's falling, and i am included in that"

Sunday night I got home from Central Oregon (more on that later) and found these delightful, handpicked flowers in a jar, on my dining room table just like this:

Eric also fed my fish all weekend and cooked me dinner when I got home.

He's kind of the best.