Turn on the Bright Lights

Last Friday, Christopher and I headed down to Elliston Park for the annual Global Fest. For those who don't know, Global Fest, is a yearly event that showcases different  cultures from food to dancing and ends with a spectacular show of fireworks, presented by a different country every night.
Last year, we got passes, so that we could go every night, but this year we were only able to pick one night to go. We chose to go the night of the USA fireworks. And we were definitely not disappointed! We got to the park later than we normally would, and it was packed! But, thankfully we were able to find a decent spot to await the light show. My dear husband was kind enough to go wait in line for mini donuts (my favourite part, besides the actual fireworks), while I watched our blanket. While we waited for the fireworks to start, we watched some episodes of Spider-Man (yep, the good ol' 1994 version we grew up watching), and tried our best to ignore the never-ending speeches that no one actually listens too -- seriously! can you not just say "thanks everybody who helped"?
I love fireworks, especially when they are choreographed with music. I am always so amazed at what they can do. I get completely lost in them, amazed by colours and sounds. And, to add to that, is the perfection of being snuggled next to the love of your life. Really, watching fireworks is the perfect way to fall in love (because, really I am continually falling in love, every day).
We're excited to go again next year. It looks like we already have a family tradition!

Mini donuts, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

Seriously, the show was spectacular. 

Run For Your Life

Yesterday afternoon before work, I went for a jog. It was the second jog in two weeks, and the longest since early spring. I am always amazed that my legs still work after months of not working out on a regular basis. I didn't have a plan of where to go (since I don't know our neighbourhood very well yet), so I just ran, and ran. It wasn't my best run, but it was a good one. I know a lot of people run because they know that it is good for them, or they like the benefits, or because they are training for a race. But I run because I love it. Really, truly. I'm not lying. Running not only provides me with the best exercise, it gives me some time to think, reflect on my life, realize the blessing of having a healthy body, and yesterday it gave me the chance to explore my neighbourhood -- which is actually really nice.
Now I just need to make exercise a priority again. If I don't do it now, by the time school comes around in September, I'll never get into the habit.
For me, getting back into the habit of exercise isn't the easiest thing. Though, I am lucky that there are some things that I actually love doing, like running and yoga. I'm so glad that I have been able to enjoy those two, otherwise I would be a very unhappy, unhealthy woman.

Hair

Remember that time where I grew out my hair for basically three years? Yeah, that was a long time. In the last year, the only motivation I really had for keeping my hair long was so that I could have long hair when I got married. So, once I was married, I felt the need for a change. I changed my name, so I thought I should change my hair too.
The day after Christopher and I got back from our honeymoon, I made an appointment to get my hair cut that day. I knew that if I waited, I would go back on my decision, and I didn't want to do that.
It took me a little bit to get used to the fact that my hair was so short -- shorter than I had seen it for three years, but within a day I really grew to love it. It might have had a bit to do with the fact that I like my hair so much better when I do it myself -- I don't even like getting it done at a salon, it never seems to fit right with my face. Or it may have had a little to do with the fact that Christopher would get a big grin on his face when he saw me, because he loved my hair so much. Yeah, that was a nice perk.
So, it's been three weeks, and I definitely love it. It took me two weeks to let my hair go naturally curly though, because I was scared of how short it was when it wasn't straight. I do miss the versatility of long hair, but I think this cut suits me better right now. We'll see how long I can keep it this short and still love it!
Oh, did you want to see a picture? You probably did. Here you go!

One

I don't know how it happened, but my sweet little nephew, Joey, turned one this past Saturday.
I remember the first time I found out that my sister was pregnant. I cried, because one of my biggest dreams was coming true. And the first time I held Joey in my arms was amazing. He was three days old when I met him, because I was working as a counselor at EFY when he was born. It was torture waiting those three days, but it was well worth it.
Since that Sunday morning, Joey has become so important to me. He is my best little buddy and always warms my heart. He is the favourite among my family, in my sister's ward, and makes strangers stop to say, "Oh, he's so cute!". Joey knows he is cute and knows how to work a crowd.
From his first few weeks, it was obvious that he had a great personality, and now that he is getting older, he shows even more.
I will save the party recap for Marni. But suffice it to say, Joey is a well loved kid with wonderful parents who know how to throw a party!

I love you little man! Thanks for making my life better!

Home is where the heart is

First, you may have noticed that I changed the address and title of this blog. I wanted it to reflect what my life is now -- what our life is now. Though I doubt Christopher will be adding much or anything to the blog, I wanted to make him feel included, so that is why I've changed the title to "Our Little Corner of the World". I will do my best to keep this blog up to date with our lives, but I promise not to overshare. I am not a fan of oversharing, and want to avoid that as much as possible.
This week, Christopher and I had fewer hours at work, so we were finally able to unpack everything and clean. It's so nice not having to walk around or over boxes just to get to some food, or to the computer. Finally, we have a home!
There are still a few areas that need a little work, but finally things are working.
Next on my list of things to figure out is meal planning so that our lives when we are back in school this fall will be easier.
And yes, I do still love being married. Best. Decision. Ever.