Life moves fast...

Here I sit, on the brink of a new year wondering how quickly I got here...naturally reflecting on times long past. Yesterday I was eating Popsicles in Florida's summer heat on the curb of road with my neighbors across the street...no, wait-yesterday was Christmas morning when I was gifted my very own mountain bike!...ugh, hold on-yesterday I graduated college?...or was it the day Jeff and I crossed the threshold into our very own house?... It's amazing how the mind can take you from your earliest childhood memory through to the present in nearly an instant. Presently I feel that even the minutes currently passing are about as tangible as the stars in the sky. Fleeting and unyielding they all add up too quickly. But I suppose the sum of it all makes for the comforting atmosphere surrounding the discovery of a long lost memory. To stumble upon those from time to time is something that makes me happy. As for the times not so long past, I hold tight to lessons they've provide...

As I may have mentioned in previous posts, or not, I have made it a goal of mine to make friends. And it has been one of the best decisions I've made since we've moved. I have come to know my neighbors and some other ladies well. They are all around good people that just make me happy to be around. And then I catch myself thinking, "when will they move or not be around me anymore"? I suppose it just comes with the territory. And while I don't know how long I'll be able to see these new friends of mine on a regular basis, I find comfort in knowing that at least one or two are willing to always make the effort along with me to keep the friendship connected. Be it near or far, I do not want to not know those whom I've met that make me smile and feel the way I do. Like I said, just good good people. Through them, I have had the opportunity to be silly, creative, real, and me without feeling judged. And not that I normally feel judged with my "old friends...

Oh, where did I leave off? The summer has officially ended with Saturday marking the first day of fall. While a lot has happened in the past few months, I'm eager to dive into some holiday cheer! There are pros and cons to our plans this year; nevertheless, Jeff and I are both looking forward to the next few months. Unfortunately, we won't be making our yearly trip to WV for Christmas. However, we were able to recently visit a couple weeks ago (although the circumstances were less cheery than the holidays imply) and that was such a blessing to be around family. Of course, there's that bit of drama that comes with the territory. But I was still reluctant to leave. Especially at 4 am!! Ugh, that was rough. We went to WV to celebrate the life that Grandpa had long lived. He was such a sweet man in the few years I knew him and became such an influence in mine and Jeff's marriage. What he said was always so genuine. He NEVER let us leave without reminding us of how precious ...

The day has arrived. That inevitable day we all new was coming when the Olson clan would be leaving us. I cannot speak on behalf of many who also know them from here, but I believe all of whom I'm thinking of can agree that they will be outrageously missed. And in the back of my mind I'm also thinking: "Italy! How exciting!" (and scary) but in a good way. The things they will see and the experiences they will share as a family and as parents raising their son, I'm afraid, simply cannot compare to the lifestyle here in EAFB. I wish them all the adventure Bri can handle ;) and many more happy memories in their new home. FYI, I will do my best to keep my farewell to the Olsons blog at a minimum tear jerker level. But may I take some time to spotlight on my new friend, Bri? I have labeled her as my favorite neighbor in comparison to the other two places we've lived lol. Granted we've only been here for just over 4 months, however; Bri was one whom I can ho...

Dear 2012,     where are you going?! I am currently sitting in the month of July trying to remember how I got here so quickly. Did you know my husband and I just celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary? 4 years! Didn't we just meet yesterday? We must have married the very next day if we're already at 4 years. We took a short trip next door to Wyoming to visit Devil's Tower National Monument where we experienced a beautiful day hiking, walking, and just enjoying each others company. Very cool but I must admit we're a lot more excited about our next anniversary. We're desperately clinging to our dream of celebrating our 5th anniversary in Hawaii-so that would be the only reason I encourage you (2012) to pass by quickly. But don't misunderstand, so far we're enjoying your company. You've provided time enough in the first 6 months for us to experience many things. I wouldn't do anything differently.  I will be frank with you, 2012. I'm pretty nervo...

I got the job. Whoop dee doo. No, I'm not particularly thrilled or excited but I am thankful. I find it ironic that out of all the jobs I applied/interviewed for I ended up getting the one I least wanted. The retail rewind and do it all over again type of job. Working every Saturday and in the evenings, too. Is it too much to ask that I get a job that doesn't have me working nights and weekends? At least I have Sunday off. Anyway, I truly am thankful. I just really hope and pray this job turns out to be better than I think it will. I suppose in the mean time, I can still make money and look for a job elsewhere. So far, the job has me in "training" status. (Be aware, I am purposefully not saying the name of the job due to the fact that I am less than thrilled and it could be interpreted as a personal thing against the company-which it is not.) I simply wished to stay out of the retail world if I could've helped the situation. Lots of paper work, learn to use a regi...

I started college this week, again. After graduating over 2 years ago I have decided to return. Muhahaha! Actually, school may be the one who has the last laugh. My first and only class of the semester is Anatomy and Physiology with lab... In effort to make a career for myself, I've decided to go for radiology. Before I apply for the program at the local hospital; however, I need to complete a few prerequisites that weren't otherwise covered under my business degree. And that's okay. Over the next year I'll have time to really focus on my studies and hopefully get enough volunteering hours under my belt so that I may become a more desirable candidate for the program. Yes, I am in competition so-to-speak. :/ And so it starts with A & P I w/ lab. The first day of class was basically all terminology. I find it all very interesting and look forward to that stuff. But yesterday was the other side of things-chemistry. However general that overview was considered ...