TWO MONTHS...and counting!

Two months left.
Still need a caterer.
Still need a florist.
Still need musicians.
Still need shoes, jewelry, and accessories.
Still need centerpieces and favors.
Still need to choose a playlist.
Still need to send out invitations.

It's going to be a busy two months.

Who Gave That Man A Gun?!

I did, actually. It was one of the incentives I used to get Chris to come complete our gift registry with me! He was super excited about being the designated scanner, but bummed that I wouldn't let him have 10 minutes alone in the electronics department (for reasons illustrated below):

SO, our gift registries are done (for the most part)! You can find us at the following stores:

TARGET (we've registered for appliances, kitchenware, utensils, and miscellaneous items here.)

WILLIAMS-SONOMA (for all of our formal and informal place settings)

and
POTTERY BARN (for home decor and bedding...though we're still waiting on the new spring merchandise to come out so we can finish this one.)

Adventures in Minnesota, Episode 1

A few weeks ago, Chris and I attended a high school basketball game with some friends of ours. We met up with them at a restaurant just outside of Duluth for dinner. I was sporting my ski-jacket since it was the coldest night of the year to date, recorded at about -17 degrees (WITHOUT windchill!).

Because it felt like ice cubes were affixed to my skin when standing still, you better believe I was running to and from the car! After hopping in Chris' car post-dinner, I noticed that his passenger-side window was rolled down a bit. Trying to correct the problem with the button didn't work, so I called on his help. Soon the window was down halfway, with no obvious solution to get it back up. I braced myself for a very chilly ride to the game.

It took some time to defrost, but the game was great- a real nail-biter between two high ranking teams. (For my L.A. friends that may be scratching their heads right now, YES- that team is ALL WHITE. Welcome to life in Minnesota!)

Chris and I weren't looking forward to the ride home with a window down. He offered to take the backroads so there would be less wind in my face- I opted for the speedier solution. Just gun it and get HOME! I fit as much of my body as I could inside my jacket as we started the drive. Then, on the freeway, THIS happened:

Chris was a champ and put the spare tire on in the FREEZING cold. An hour later, we were home and I regained feeling in my fingers. That little window incident ended up costing about $600 bucks.

And I got initiated to REAL cold. Way to kick my butt, Minnesota, but you can't get rid of me that easily.

Dreaming Big

My mom and I used to look forward to the "Dream Home Showcases" from time to time in our area...we'd peruse giant houses with unbelievable frivolousness, right down to the Hummer parked in the driveway. It was fun to dream like that- imagine it was my house- but we'd soon return home to reality.

I've been watching some TV lately, and noticed that it's "that time of year again" for HGTV's Dream Home Sweepstakes. I entered, just for fun. However, it made me think: IF I were to win, would I be willing to pack up and move to FLORIDA, where the home is located? Would Chris?

Would YOU?

(Did I mention that you would also win a A 2008 GMC® Yukon Hybrid???)

This One Goes Out to All My Girls...

I received the following e-mail and thought I'd pass on the sentiments to you...for ALL my girlfriends, old friends in Stockton, newer friends in So Cal, newest friends in Minnesota...this is for you.

When I was little,
I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
and then I started to become a woman.

And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
you will find the best in many friends.

One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom.
Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your
children and their activities.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.

One friend will say, "Let's cry together,"
another, "Let's fight together,"
another, "Let's walk away together."

One friend will meet your spiritual need,
another your shoe fetish,
another your love for movies,
another will be with you in your season of confusion,
another will be your clarifier,
another the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life,
on whatever the occasion,
on whatever the day,
or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair
pulled back,
or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself .
those are your best friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman,
but for many, it's wrapped up in several...
one from 7th grade,
one from high school,
several from the college years,
a couple from old jobs,
on some days your mother,
on some days your neighbor,
on others, your sisters,
and on some days, your daughters.

(I searched google for a generic picture of girlfriends to put on this post, but just couldn't bring myself to post strangers! Pictured above are my hollywood gal pals: Sarah, Carrie, Selena and me. Holla!)

Hey....Where are they taking Steve??

Happy Valentines Day, everyone! Pass the chocolates...

Don't send a lame Valentine's Day eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Follow the Signs

Thanks, Michelle, for the chuckle today.
More about this sign here.

I'm not the best with directions, but I know which way I would go. :)

Admit it...this would scare you.

Dear Lord, please give me the opportunity to be a part of this someday.
Amen.


Amaaaaaaazing.

...And There Goes January.

Can you believe it!? I can't believe we have already knocked out a MONTH of 2008! And what do I have to show for it? Well, I'm still knee-deep in paperwork for Minnesota Teacher Licensing. I'm witnessing many wedding details coming together. I'm finding my way around Duluth pretty successfully. And I haven't burnt down the kitchen with all of my experimentation.

It has been wildly fun being a part of Chris' life up close. I love opportunities we have to go places TOGETHER...previously, quite a novelty in our relationship! Here are just a few snapshots of our Minnesota adventures:

We got to join in the retirement celebration for a doctor at Orthopedic Associates, where Chris works. It was a rare opportunity to dress up and eat food that we couldn't pronounce. Very shi-shi, very fun meeting Chris' colleagues.

Chris' brother, Eric, took the 4-wheeler out for a spin on his recent visit. The boys like visiting my temporary digs at the lake for all the 4-wheeling fun...it's like watching kids in a candy shop. Too cold for me, though.


We made a trip down to Minneapolis to visit some of Chris' college friends, and hit up a piano bar- dueling pianos with a mediocre entertainment level. But we were in good company, and the dinner was excellent!

And I've been really good about avoiding hitting these...though quite a few have popped out at me! As I write this, there are a number of kids tobogganing in Chris' backyard. I kinda hate to say it, but I might miss the snow when it's gone...

I'm Only A Month Behind.

Have I really been here a MONTH?! This debriefing is LONG overdue, but I figured I'd crank it out before any more months fly by...

Just over a month ago, my friend, Suzanne, and I DROVE from Stockton, CA, to Duluth, MN. There were crazy storms coming in just as we were departing, but the Lord spared us from needing chains at any point during our trip. The worst weather occured on the summit just past Salt Lake City on our first day of driving, causing our first overnight to take place in Park City, Utah. Suzanne and I got the low-down on Mormons and caffeine from a Starbucks employee in SLC...apparently they make most of their money on hot cocoa since coffee is a no-no for the Smith-following faithfuls.

Day 2 brought the most treacherous driving conditions paired with the most boring flatland sightseeing. Listening to "The Hiding Place" on audio tape helped keep our minds agile through the gusty winds and icy roads of Wyoming and Nebraska. We were more than grateful for the home-cooked meals and cozy beds provided for us by the Hahns in Lincoln, NE. Ah, midwestern hospitality at it's finest.

Day 3 was short and sweet...a sharp left turn in Iowa put us on course for Duluth. Iowa was pleasantly more scenic than it's midwestern rivals, though no Starbucks was to be found near the freeway. There was a disturbing number of "Kum-and-Go" convenience stores, which Suzanne and I avoided on principle alone. As you can see above, my car was sporting quite the coat of mud and dust by time we reached Iowa.

Suzanne and I made good time in Duluth, stopping long enough to put our luggage down and run to the nearest Caribou Coffee (when in MN, do as the Minnesotans do...) and get ready for New Years Festivities.

So I say to you, this February 1st, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Spin Me A New Song, Mr. DJ.

After being cooped up indoors yesterday, I spent some time at Barnes & Noble in the evening and made two new additions to my music collection:

Andy Davis...piano driven mellow rock. I'm diggin' "Brown Eyes". Great for the listener who just wants a feel-good groove.

And, um, yeah. I'm jumping on the Sara Bareilles bandwagon. With all the hype over "Love Song," I hope the rest of the album can match it. After the first listen-through, I give it a "meh".

Any other new artists you'd recommend to this fabulous blogging community?

Dear Miss P.,

I've been getting a handful of people asking me for advice lately...not sure what propelled me into "Dear Abby"land or whether I'm qualified at all, but I'm always happy to give my two (or three) cents worth. I'm sure it can be attributed, in part, to my former students (6th graders now in college, 2nd graders now entering high school) experiencing relationships. Ah, young love. You remember, right?

This question came to me this morning, and I thought I'd let some of you help me out. The context is: college sophomore, first dating relationship. She comes from a divorced family. Her boyfriend has broken up with her in the past and tends to be fairly argumentative.

So this is where my question lies, the person you love, is it ok for them to treat you bad on occasion? Is it a good thing that he affects me so strongly? I’m lost I know a relationship takes work but if I’m trying so hard to be the best I can be then why do I get hurt? Do married couples or even couples that have been together for a long time still hurt each other? Do they ever worry that the person they love is going to break up with them after an fight or argument? What am I suppose to do with this man? I love him and a lot of his traits and the way he is but he hurts me so bad at times with the few bad traits he has. ?????? Hope you can give me some good advice Miss P. if not then its cool.

What say you, married couples?

When COLD Happens.

Sometimes I can't believe I live here.
Like, when it's almost 40 BELOW zero with windchill.
I've been a champ most of the time.
One night I couldn't get feeling in my toes for quite some time.
I was NOT prepared for the amount of static-electricity now found in my dry, dry hair.

But, in most ways, we work around the cold.
There are coat hangers in restaurants.
I can have my groceries loaded for me at a drive-up.
And I bring gloves EVERYWHERE.

When it gets a little warmer, it's always good for skiing! :)



Or a good, hot meal!

Now, THAT would be a sacrifice.

SO, Ash Wednesday is approaching...February 8th is the beginning of Lent.
I usually choose something to give up until Easter.
In the past, I've thrown down chocolate.
Soda is a given.
Cheese was difficult.
Chocolate, cheese AND soda was terrible.
One year, I threw out using elevators (tough for a college student parking on the top floor of the parking structure, believe me.)

I'm starting to mull over this go-around, and THIS thought made me cringe...

Starbucks. The Bean. Caribou.

Do I dare?

Conductor of the Crazy Train

Ladies and gentlemen, the sweetheart of Scientology is at it again, this time by video...I don't know if he is trying to hypnotize you with his good looks, blurry graphic, or overuse of the word "it" (what IS "it", anyway??) but I DO know that listening to Charlie Brown's mom preach at me for 9 minutes in "wa wa" would be about as productive as listening to this:


(By the way, the term "SP" stands for "Suppressive Person". The term is often applied to those whom the Church of Scientology perceives as its enemies, i.e. those whose "disastrous" and "suppressive" acts are said to impede the progress of individual Scientologists or the Scientology movement.)

If he offers you a glass of kool-aid, don't take it.

Is It Possible To Be In Love

...with a laptop?
In lust, anyway.


Never before has an apple made me drool.

The Juno Report

My boxes here weren't even unpacked before Chris had visitors for the weekend...his sister, Carrie, and two of her girlfriends. They really wanted to go see the late showing of "Juno" that evening, which I've been wanting to see since it opened. Thank goodness these girls breezed through Duluth, because Chris opted out on this chick-flick (I didn't expect any different from someone who fancies The Military Channel and NHL on a regular basis). What he missed was a charmingly unique film with a previously untapped premise. I really enjoyed it, and find the movie's star completely deserved of the Golden Globe nod she received.

Anyone else wishing they had a hamburger phone?

And the Award Goes To...

Becky, for the most creative comment!
(I had to bump it to the main-page so it doesn't get overlooked in comment-land.)


M is for the MOCHAS that you will consume.
I is for the ICE storms that keep you in your room.
N is for the NATURE that I'm sure greatly abounds.
N is for the lack of NOISE and other city sounds.
E is for the ELEMENTS which you must now endure.
S is for the SNOW that makes you say "brr brr."
O is for The OFFICE which needs no explanation.
T is for the TIME it takes to fly across the nation.
And A is for the AMAZING way you keep updating us with blogs and also for the AWESOMENESS that will help you find a job!


Thank you, Becky!
Your procrastination warms my heart.
And any warmth right now is welcomed. :)

Why Does Japan get to have all the Fun?

JUST because I feel like throwing a little randomness into your day...


Thanks, Rob.

Dorothy, You're Not In L.A. Anymore.

I'm HERE! And I apologize for making you faithful readers look at that yellow California map for so long...but, I know you'll extend to me a little bit of grace as I get settled in to my new life! There is SO much to chronicle- most WITH pictures, though I haven't figured out how to upload them from my camera yet- so I'll be letting my dreams of chronologically-ordered updates slide for the time being.

The big question lately seems to be, "How do you like Minnesota?!"
So...here is the official initial report!

What I'm looking at:
*the snow outside my dining room window. It's really beautiful when the trees are white, however the current "heat-wave" has melted all the pretty off.
*Our furnished house! (I'm blogging from Chris' place since internet at the lake is tragically slow).
*Yesterday I came across a man, sitting on a roof with a snowball in his hand. There were 2 officers approaching him on the roof and 4 officers on the ground. Three squad cars were at the scene. I can't imagine what scenario would warrant this police response, but I know I'm not in L.A. anymore.

What I'm learning:
*My coche is a champ in the snow.
*It's not as cold here as "they" say.
*How to cook. I've had a couple successful attempts already...and I'm not talking about Mac'n'cheese.
*Don't be fooled by it's pristine whiteness...snow is DIRTY!

What I'm wearing:
*Lots of Columbia jackets.
*BOOTS...all the time.
*Long underwear. I'm such a wimp.

What I'm DOING:
*Trying to get a job...more on that front later.
*Watching T.V. My new favorite show..."Intervention" on A&E. (Roxeanne, I miss you!)
*Organizing. Unpacking is done...time to whip out the label-maker!
*Tomorrow I'm going skiing for the first time in YEARS.
*Planning a wedding (I forget about that one from time to time. Yipes)

What I'm enjoying:
*The "warm" weather! I survived the -15 degree weather last week...so this week's 40 degree forecast is like paradise. I might even leave my coat at home today.
*Campfire Mochas at Caribou Coffee.
*Having my clothing and furniture back!
*Spending time with Chris.

I hope that is sufficient for the time being- there are many more stories to be told, so please check back often! It's good to have friends around...even if it has to be "virtually". Be sure to leave some love below!

Checking Out of the Hotel California

After months of planning, moving day is FINALLY here! My heart is a jumble of emotions, as I say good-bye to friends and family (and temperate climate) and welcome a whole new adventure in my life. Don't think I won't keep you updated...I hear I'll be inside a LOT this winter in Duluth! Some good stories are sure to come...

If you have a couple extra ticks, please pray for me in the next few days as my friend, Suzanne, and I weather some less-than-lovely road conditions on our LONG trek to Minnesota.

I'll be catching you on the flipside...

Christmas Means God Understands.

Bye------iola.

Today my career as a Credential Analyst and Academic Advisor comes to a close.
My time at Biola University has given me wonderful opportunities.
-Meeting and praying with college students on a regular basis
-Travelling to and teaching in Morocco
-Leading trips to the capitol in Sacramento
-Stopping for hazelnut blended mochas in the middle of the afternoon
-Working on a project for the American Institute of Research
-Gaining graduate units in a Masters program
-Listening to amazing speakers at chapel
-Acquiring insight into teacher credentialing
-Worshiping with a different generation
-Enjoying the fine cuisine of the "caf"
-Meeting great friends and working with super people


Blessings on the Journey, Biolans.
Thank you for being a part of my life.

Things are About to Get Loco.

18 girls.
8 different wines from Europe.
5 types of cheese.
4 unspeakable words.
3 wacky games.
2 panty-pops.
1 wine expert striking a remarkable resemblence to Matt Schartz.
Countless inappropriate comments.

Mix it all up for one hootenanny of a going-away fiesta!




And then there were sad moments...

I'm going to miss these girls.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

-2 degrees when I stepped off the plane in Duluth.
I survived my first Wind Chill advisory.
And it wasn't as terrible as I thought it would be (gasp!).

I went back to Minnesota for a couple days last week, and caught my first taste of winter, Northland-style. Ahhhh, yeah. Some highlights from the weekend:
-Seeing what will be my new home come April 26th! Chris was excited to show me around his recently purchased home. And, yes, it has a heater.

-Enjoying a Campfire Mocha at Caribou Coffee. It may be my new Starbucks.

-Buying some new jackets (on sale!) for the January winter.
-Meeting up with some of Chris' colleagues for dinner and drinks.

-Successfully manuevering around the city in a car.
-Scoping out the home where I'll be staying for the next couple months...it's a sweet upgrade, complete with sauna. And this is what their street looks like...

-Being with Chris...with no attached itinerary for our time together.
-Not being blocked by anyone standing stationary on the MOVING WALKWAYS @ the airport....for once.