Our Christmas Challenge

Last night I had to finally make the realization that we aren't going to have the most eventful holiday. Money is tight and we are both working. A situation that I suspect a lot of families are experiencing this year.

It sounds incredibly cliche but it makes you think about what the true meaning of the holiday is to you. As an individual. As a partner. As a family member.

For those that don't have a religious connection, it's just a day. But there is still meaning to it. There are still childhood memories that connect you to this time of year. Anticipation. Warm feelings. Being with family. Enjoying each other.

For me, I see lights and food and endless movies. A feeling of warmth and togetherness.

I can't allow myself to be disappointed by what we can't share with each other and be grateful for what we can. This is my first Christmas with Christian under the same roof, in the same city, in the same state, and though we are both busy and exhausted (and he sorta kinda is a bit bah humbug) .. We have to make the most of it.

Because when things are better and life is easier, we will look back on this and see our humble beginnings and be grateful and proud.

Happy Holidays!
xoxo

Wedding Wednesday

If you know me at all you know that I am obsessed with Pinterest. One of my favorite aspects of it is finding ideas for my wedding that is somewhere in the near to distant future.

My fiance, Christian, proposed in March while we were traveling across the country during my move from Seattle to Cincinnati. I knew we planned on getting married and I knew that someday he would be popping the question but the timing was a complete surprise. Next year, we plan to move to Minneapolis and he had planned it while we were passing through there, which happened to be my first time.

Anyway, my point is, we have no date set. We plan for him to finish his degree in Urban Planning and deciding when we will be moving. We don't want to be too overwhelmed with too many big life events at once.

But I am still having a blast planning all the little details while also sharing it with my niece, Rachael, who is getting married in March. AND one of my best friends, Mandi, who is getting married in June. I'll be playing a roll in each wedding, as well. For Rachael's, I'll be taking all of the photos and for Mandi's I'll be a bridesmaid! So excited.

Feel free to check out my wedding pinboard here: To Have And To Hold.

I would love to get married in the fall. It's my favorite time of year. All the colors! I'm hoping to also incorporate the season into some of the wedding decor as well. Some fall colored bouquets and place settings with acorns.

acorns

We will definitely have an eco aspect to the event as well. Re-use is a huge passion of ours. And vintage being a passion of mine :)

vintage, thrifted plates

vintage tea tins

So, just a couple of ideas. These huge life events and Pinterest has reminded me why we are so lucky to have the internet and sites like this. I am able to share ideas for my wedding and their weddings while being hundreds of miles away from these important ladies. It makes the distance seem not so far.

xoxo,
Pam

Music Monday - the bird and the bee

I came across this band on a friend's spotify page. I love their original music almost as much as their cover songs of Hall and Oates. When I hear Private Eyes and I Can't Go For That play at work while waiting tables, I can't help but hear Inara's sweet vocals in my head.



I also LOOOOOVE their Christmas song: Carol of The Bells



xoxo

Flashback Friday

A year ago today, I took this photo ..

 

 This photo is of my fiance, Christian, before we were engaged. We were both working at Victrola on 15th Ave E during his first visit to Seattle. He was working on schoolwork and I was working on a Christmas gift for my good friend, Jared. I was embroidering some Daniel Johnston artwork onto an apron. It turned out really well, unfortunetly I didn't take a photo of the finished product. Here are some more photos from that great week last December.

 

 Some bokeh Pike Place Market action.

 



Us on the ferry heading over to the Olympic Peninsula to visit my family.

 

 Meeting Hailey.

 

 Just enjoying each other.

 

 Rainy, festive market.

 

 Hanging out with my niece, Mary, on his last night in town.

 Now I am living in Ohio with Christian. Life has taken some turns for us lately but we're eternally grateful for each other.

 xoxo

Music Monday - Noddy

Getting back in the swing of things. Of course, my first edition of Music Monday has to involve a band that is very close to my heart. Thankfully, they recently released a new album.

Photo courtesy of Caitlin Henwright

If you know me at all you know I am speaking of the boys and girl of Noddy. A Seattle band that has undergone many transitions over the years but, I feel, they are at their strongest yet.

 

Here is their latest music video for Black Heart. You can find all things Noddy at getnoddy.com including some free downloads!

xoxo

p.s. They are also on Spotify!

p.s.s Three of these boys are going to be in my wedding. Bride's Gays, as I like to call them.

Flickr Faves Friday

Okay, I haven't been here in ages. I keep intending to return. Gotta start somewhere. So here we go ..


Missing this city so much.


I love these stripe tailed squirrels.


Thorp Fruit Stand & Antique Mall, Ellensburg, WA. Photo by my good friend, Lori Paulson.


I love the idea of mixing dahlias (my favorite flower) and succulents for my wedding bouquet.


Say hi to Mowgli.


I just like this. That's all.


I love this old photo of Over The Rhine in Cincinnati.


I love the concept of this poster. Also, I was at this show with Lori and Reese.

Okay. That's it for now. Going to take a nap.

xoxo

New beginnings

So, up until two weeks ago I had been unemployed since the middle of March. I made the big move from Seattle to Cincinnati and my mind has been all over the place. Adjusting to a new city, new home, new friends, new life. There are a few things I have been bad about, communication with my previous life, for one. And I have been wanting to start blogging again.

Though I do have a new job it's only part time so I still have free time. Knocking around the idea of revamping this space to fit my new life and surroundings. We'll see.

xoxo

Ch Ch Ch Changes

Big changes going on in Pam Land.

So, currently, I live in Seattle and my boyfriend, Christian, lives in Cincinnati. It's been rough, to say the least. We spent time together in Cincinnati in September, he came and visited me in Seattle in December and I surprised him with a quick weekend visit for New Year's Eve.

Originally, we had planned to move to Minneapolis after Christian graduates college which based on the timing, and not wanting to move during the middle of winter, would be sometime in 2012.

A couple of months ago, I decided I couldn't wait that long. We plan to spend our lives together and I want that to start as soon as possible. So after much deliberation and an unfortunate situation with a crappy roommate, I will be moving to Cincinnati during the 3rd week in March 2011.

I am nervous and a little scared but really optimistic. I am already close with several of his friends. Visiting during New Years was like a reunion. It was incredible.

We planned that week because Christian will be on spring break and will be flying out here to help me wrap up packing, spend some time with friends and family and then together we will be driving 2,326 from my door-step to his.

I am so excited for this journey. Not only the long, amazing road trip but also the journey we will be on together.

He has changed my life more than anyone I have ever met. My outlook on life and my future is forever altered.

I hope to be consistent in updates of the next two months. I have already started parring down my belongings. I have donated a TON to Goodwill. I own too much honestly. I hope to be able to fit my life into my car and a rented trailer to make the trek across the country.

This will be a HUGE feat for me. I am a pack rat by nature and hold onto things with sentimental attachment or with the thought that I will "use it someday". Those thoughts must be a thing of the past. This is a fresh start for me and for us and there are many things that I need (and want) to get rid of and let go of.

Big changes, big transformation and I couldn't be happier.

xoxo