My Life In Letters

Dear Baby,

You are full term now so technically you could come any day now.  I beg of you though, please stay in for at least another week or two.  I would really really appreciate it.  Moving so many times these past months has made it really hard to feel prepared for you and I have so many things I would still like to get done before you come.

At the same time, we can't wait to meet you.  I am dying to know how much you weigh.  No one believes I am due soon because apparently I am too small, but according to the doctors, you are not small at all.  It will be a big surprise either way and your mommy sure does love surprises!  Usually that is!

Love you so much already,

Sincerely,

Your Very Unprepared and Inexperienced Mommy


Dear Trader Joe's,

How can you not be in Hawaii?  Do you not realize how badly this island wants and needs you?  How much I miss you?

I might have to become a Whole Foods shopaholic in your absence but my hubby and wallet probably will not appreciate that.  So please, I beg of you, come!  If Whole Foods can do it and have such delicious varieties of food, so can you.  Then my family and friends won't be forced to bring me your items every time they come visit.

It's a win win for everyone!

Sincerely,

Your Not So Happy Ex Customer


Dear Olive Garden, 

Your moving here in 2015 better not be a lie.  End of story!

Sincerely,

Starving For Olive Garden


Dear Chick-fil-A, 

I have no hope of you moving here.  I really do understand your concerns, but if you ever change you mind,  I will love you that much more.

Sincerely,

Needing Your Chicken Tenders

P.S. You are missed here so much, people actually bring you back from the mainland.  For some reason I find this hilarious, until I realize how much I want you.  Then I only wish I were so brave.  But chicken sitting on a plane for 6+ hours.  I just don't know....


Dear Chipotle,

Any chance of you moving here?  Any, at all?

Sincerely,

Hopefully For a Burrito Bowl


Dear Ikea, 

I could really use you right now.  Furniture shopping here really stinks big time.

Sincerely,

Feeling Not So Inspired Right Now


Dear Greek Yogurt, 

Breakfast was really good.  You and I might be able to form a relationship after all.  I know, I know, you never thought you would see the day.

Sincerely,

Not Typically a Yogurt Fan


Dear Dryer, 

When I said I was going to wish for all my appliances to break so we could get updated ones, I didn't mean the week I moved in.  Apparently, you were extra exuberant in fulfilling my wishes.  Because you listened to me so well, I can almost forgive you for burning some of my clothes.  Almost!  But not quite!  I think an apology might be in order from you.

Sincerely,

So Glad I Accidentally Ended Up With Two Air Drying Racks

Throwback Thursday - Relationship Related

Apparently the hubby and I used to wear friendship bracelets when we were dating - something I had totally forgotten.  I think mine eventually broke or got lost but he dutifully kept his and even wore it during our engagement shoot. 

The friendship bracelets were fitting since our friendship is what led to our relationship and what made pictures like the one above common.  We were comfortable with each other in a way that wasn't common for me in previous relationships and I think it had a lot to do with the fact that our relationship was built on a friendship. 

Moving

Loved these movers we didn't have to pay for.  

We finally moved into our permanent place here in Hawaii.  It meant the last week was spent with limited internet access and lots of unpacking.  But now I am back this week to update you on everything moving and rental related.

First, the move itself.  Here are some of my thoughts and notes on our move: 

Moving is so overrated.  I hate everything about it and if I have to do it one more time within the next year, I just might hurt someone or something. 

Moving, especially the cleaning part of it, always takes ten times longer than you expect.  One should always plan accordingly.   

And guess what happened moving weekend?  Swollen ankles and feet.  After my mom and the hubby freaked out on me about it,  I got put on temporary couch rest and the hubby did most of the rest of the cleaning.  I felt bad the whole time as he slaved away and I rested, but he was much better at the whole cleaning thing that I was anyways.  From the beginning, I was just overwhelmed to the point where I would sit on the coach and stare at the apartment knowing something needed to be done but not sure what to do about it.  I'll just blame it on the pregnancy! 

Next time, I am not going to hesitate hiring someone else to clean.  Professional cleaners never seem worth it until you are actually in the middle of cleaning and than all of a sudden you wonder why cleaners make so little.  Then you forget the whole thing, a year or two later commit to cleaning another place, and it just becomes a viscous cycle.  

Taking apart all the shelving and drawers in a large fridge is much easier than putting them back together.  Especially when a wall makes it impossible to open the fridge door all the way.  Sometimes the hubby should think before he gives me ideas that just end up causing more work for him.  

But man was the fridge sparkling clean, in ways that no one will or can ever appreciate, when I was done with it. 

Best method I've found yet to clean glass and windows: water, dish soap, coffee filters. 

Speaking of which, thank you to who ever saved us by leaving those coffee filters behind.  And thank you Google for the helpful hint.  I even went as far as to make my first purchase of coffee filters this week. 

Magic eraser:  I don't understand you but I love you.  End of story.

My husband is an extremely hard worker, especially when it counts.  Me, not so much. 

To My Best Friend

RIP my dearest Jocelyn.  You gave your best to the battle and fought a much longer and harder fight than you ever should have had to.  You will be greatly missed here on earth and there is now a gaping hole in so many people's lives that nobody else will ever be able to fill.  But I know you have a loving entourage waiting for you in heaven and there is probably a huge welcome home celebration (or maybe a 2nd birthday party) going on right now.  Are there horses up there for you to ride?  I sincerely hope so.  But perhaps the Lord is just going to keep you busy all the time.  He did just receive the loveliest, most humble, kind hearted angel after all.  Why waste your talents? 

Thank you for your patience, for the life lessons you taught me, for the example you were, and for the numerous times you sat and listened to me go off about relatively unimportant things.  I count myself lucky having had the chance to call you my best friend.

I will miss you dearly.  I cry for your families loss, for my loss, and for the trials and heartaches you had to bear while here on earth.  I cry for so many reasons.  But I know you are no longer in pain.  I know you finally have the rest and peace you so desired.  I know I will get to see you again one day.  And for those reasons I am eternally grateful.

Until we meet again my friend!