Mission Friends

Living in SD and NY, I see maybe one friend from my mission in Poland about once a year. Such a bummer because I have such great memories and friendships with my companions and other Elders. I would love to have more interactions with these friends! This weekend, I was lucky enough to see 3 in one day.

Matt Bell surprised his lovely, pregnant wife with a birthday trip to Sea World and San Diego. I was so happy they stayed with us. Matt was often in my Zone somewhere, so we got to be good friends. And about a year after being home, we went back for some friend's first trip to the German temple. While there, we did what every missionary wants to do when they go back, eat Pierogis!

Fall 2006 --------------------------------------------- March 2010

That Saturday was Julie Whipple Herbert's Wedding Reception in Riverside. Julie was my companion for almost 6 months in Krakow. That was a great Summer and Julie is one of the dearest people to my heart. We worked hard, but probably laughed harder. I'm elated she's found a Mister and she can do all the good things for him that she did for me that year!

Summer 2004 -------------------------------------- March 2010

Coincidentally, Jes Erickson, one of my two MTC companions was on vacation in Palm Springs. She came with to Julie's reception. We got to spend a good couple hours remember how much we like each other. She and I have always had a inexplicable love-connection; always have, always will. Always.

Fall 2003 ------------------------------------------ March 2010

A Perfect Day Off

We woke up late, went to the gym, did errands, ate good leftovers, played Settler of Catan online, long boarded Mission Bay, made waffles for dinner, watched Labyrinth. And now I know what I want us to be for Halloween next year.

I love that we have Mondays together in San Diego.

You don't have to put on that Red Light

Peter, a huge movie-buff, had not seen Moulin Rouge. So, we watched it. I had to hold back singing along with every song. He enjoyed it, but at like at a 'B' to B-'. Only my Romney brothers love musical movies more than action movies. Guess I'm used to that level of musical movie enjoyment*.

Got me thinking- Peter and I have yet to sleep with someone else for money, sing Elton John love songs, die in the other's arms 'in the name of love' or dance a sexy, abusive tango. And after seeing this movie, it all looked appealing. That large and spacious building looked really appealing! Why does that look tempting?! Really, all because of amazing 80's music, lights, an ittie-bittie waist line and great curls in her hair? I couldn't be happier with my 'boring' life, loving husband, warm bed and plenty of food. I love Bohemian Virtures; Beauty, Freedom, Truth and above all, Love. But, I also love my warm 2 bedroom apartment, my piano, my husband, my family, my friends and my religion. Can I have both? I think so. I'll try. But, I don't think I can get Nicole Kidman's waistline. I'll give up on that one.

*My brother David and I choreographed/sang Alladin's "A Whole New World" on a rug when it came out. We learned the dances to dance movies. This wasn't uncommon for us to do in our youth... or... last month.

Nuestro Navidad en Mexico

Since we recently received plenty of generous gifts from the wedding, Peter and I didn't want/need gifts for Christmas this year. We don't need anything for our apartment and I feel like I've got all the gadgets and clothes I need. So, we decided to travel for Christmas. Everyone tells us to travel now before we have kids or more obligations. We went to a place about 25 miles south of the border, to a safe and clean gated vacation home neighborhood - Las Gaviotas. I had been there before with friends from my Singles Ward, so I was excited to go back with my fantastic husband. It was a great first Christmas and first real mini-vacation with just the two of us. I hope we go there often and eat as much as possible.


We went down to Ensenda, walked around and ate a lot. Ensenada is a great little city because it has no Gringo tourist, so no haggling as we walked by. It's a tourist destination for Latinos. I hate being haggled and whistled at, hence, I don't like Tijuana. But Ensenda is a great place.

The reason for the trip - the street tacos!

View from our 2 bedroom house

Remember Lot's Wife

I'm posting a talk today. This talk was a devotional at BYU in January this year. It's by Elder Holland. You can read it or listen to it. I recommend listening to it, Elder Holland has a great way of sharing his love and empathy through his spoken words.

I've listened to it twice already, brought me to tears and new resolutions each time. I hope to always be finding talks and good words, new or old, from this Gospel.

Cliche Happy Post

I've always been happy where I am. I don't think the grass is greener over there or wish it was better over here. I've enjoyed all stages of my life; HS, college, Mission, NY, singledom, work. But I'm really loving this stage of my life. Many times a day/week I think it couldn't get better than this, I couldn't feel more loved by my husband or Heavenly Father. Going through the holidays with Peter has made me think how... "seriously so blessed" I am.

We are making great friends, we love our apartment, we love being together, we love what options lay before us, we love our family and love being together. I don't post often, and now it's becoming cheesy, but I've gotta get it out there. I'm as happy as I could possibly be.

Temple Shoot - These are my Favorites!