why I like the market

Emilee and I used to have fun going to Vons together, we knew which checkout people to avoid at all costs, and ones that were only a little creepy because they told emilee her earrings made her face "shine like the sun"? I think that's what it was. It was extra fun when the power went out, because markets are weird without lights. And we always had fun looking at what other people would buy, like the guy with the GIANT baguette and the teeny tiny pepper balanced on top of it, or the guy buying lots of condoms, deodorant, and a HUGE chocolate bar, or was it a lollipop? for his girlfriend standing behind him. Well at King Soopers they have self checkout, so I have no one to avoid, and no one really to stand behind and be entertained by their purchases. I do however always end up with other people's receipts that they have left behind, usually I don't read them, but I was really glad I glanced at this one before throwing it away:

6 things of laxatives and a candy bar, hmmm.

A good wife

I was reading my friend from high schools blog the other day, her and her husband are probably the cutest couple ever. I just found her one post very encouraging seeing as I'm getting married soon, and I think being a good and Godly wife takes more effort and determination than people tell you, I'm a little nervous about it, I don't want to lose focus, so I guess I'm posting this to share it with you, and also as a bookmark for me :)



"During down time this morning I was able to spend time with the Lord, working on my memory verse (Hebrews 13:4-7), and thinking through how I can serve Jake and be a pratical encouragement to him as he is finishing school, working, etc. If I am not specifically looking for ways to love, serve, and encourage him (With My Words and Actions)- then it won't happen. My sinful heart and human nature left to itself does nothing but tear down. I am thankful that Christ has rescued me from the bondage of this; that in the very kindness that draws me to God I can emulate this to my husband.Proverbs 31 was where I went. In my immaturity I used to kind of cringe when it came to "the Excellent Wife", and "women's retreats", and "tea time"; thinking I knew all what it entailed and that it was all a waste of time. Oh, but I didn't realize what a joy it is to be a woman- to serve the Lord in the realm and role designed by Him for me- for His glory, and my good. And Submission, ladies, is awesome. It's like a free tangible protector that wants to honor the Lord in his care for you. And you don't have to be married to honor the Lord in this, or even have this. Christ is our model and Father who lovingly cares for us. Bosses, church leaders, etc. They are all opportunities to walk humbly and in doing so emulate the Gospel to those put in leadership over you. So cool! Your marital status is not an indicator as to how effective you can be for Christ. Wherever you are, single, married, single mother, widowed- you can pour your life out for the Gospel. Philippians 2:4-7 is a great encouragement in this as Christ carried no "rights" as to how much He would serve. He bled through His pores to save us from the wrath of God, and ultimately ourselves.
"Reading Proverbs 31 is a great challenge. Here are some qualities of her taken from the Hebrew words mentioned in my Proverbs notes from a class:
-She is of noble character (and is treasured as fine jewels) (v.10)
-is absolutely trustworthy (v. 11)
-she is an asset, not a liability in her support and encouragement (v.12)
-she is domestic (v.13)
-traveling all over like a merchant for goods for her household (v.14)
-even though she has servants, she rises early to care for them; preparing food for even her hand maids (v.15). she is selfless and caring for everyone in her path!
-her husband trusts her completely with money. She even has her own earnings (v. 16, 18, 24)
-she is eager, and exercises (v. 17)
-she is resourceful and plans ahead (her oil lamps were always filled) (v. 18)
-she has trained herself well in domestic things (v. 19)
-She is wise, generous, selfless, and sacrifical- requiring a caring heart (v. 20)
-her family has no need to fear of cold- she has prepared their clothing (v. 21) "
I am just really challenged by this. Being in God's Word today and thinking through it was such a time of refreshment. I don't know who is reading this... but make time for God and His Word today. It honors Him, and is a practical way to relinquish control, to fight sin, and to know Him more. There is no greater joy!And Jake, I love being your wife. I pray that I can honor you with my life, and even be an encouragement to you as you see (more than anyone) what I do with my time. "

We have a house!

Our offer went through and now we have a house! And even though I don't get to move in till October I'm super excited to brainstorm updates for our 50's/70's style house

You can consider these photo's the "before" pictures:

My favorite part is the wood walls and the orange carpet...why was that ever a good idea? Luckily there are hardwood floors underneath the carpet :)

I like that the kitchen has blue cabinets, and a double oven, and the oldest dishwasher I've ever seen :) Zach hates it though, so we'll probably make it better at some point

I found this little plaque underneath the kitchen sink:

So I googled it, apparently Youngstown Kitchens was a hip thing back in the 1950's...but they made steel cabinets, and ours are wood, maybe just the sink is by Youngstown Kitchen. Either way I still think it's super charming, it makes me want to put on a dress and pearls and cook dinner. And I know Zach will want to rip everything to make it better....but I kind of want to make it look like this one!:

Even though that's probably not possible :)

I really enjoyed all the old ads I found for Youngstown Kitchens, like this one:

the illustration seems to be saying "get out mom! we don't need you because our kitchen's super fancy" or "get out mom! you don't know how to use kitchen appliances, go churn some butter"

The bottom corner is teaching you how to use the garbage disposal :)

Retro ads

Kotex 1951

These are so weird! apparently this was the ideal way to advertise to women?

Marlboro 1950

This one is my favorite, Lifebuoy 1930, according to wikipedia Lifebuoy coined the term "B.O." so they didn't have deodorant in 1930?

adverse advertising

I was looking through the weekly Target ad today when came across a sale on Healthy Choice products...and I suddenly got nauesous? why?


Oh now I remember, it's because the new commercials for Healthy Choice make me want to vomit.

Clearly the best way to sell your product is to make it seem disgusting.



and anyone that knows me is not surprised :)

Power Rangers vs. League of Super Villians

The winning skit for this years Spring Sing, the first one I've missed since my freshman year, sad day, I wish I could have seen this one in person, I'm SO glad someone finally took advantage of Steppin Time!

Hawaii

We left for Hawaii very early Friday morning, good thing too, otherwise we wouldn't have made it to the San Francisco airport in time to wait for 7 hours, AND we would have missed the incredibly angry mob...people are dumb...especially when they are confused and stop thinking....here's how not to get airline employees to help you:

1. get really angry

2. get really impatient

3. assume they're going to leave without you while you're standing there

4. scream profanities and insults

5. follow the lead of the guy screaming profanities and insults

Zach is not dumb, he outsmarted the whole mob, and thanks to him and Perry Parker we reprinted our boarding passes for the next (practically empty) flight and got to sit next to each other (something the travel agent thought wasn't necessary) and we didn't have to wait with the angry mob.

We encountered the most entertaining/annoying group of girls (and one token guy) on the beach one day. They screamed and cursed at everything....which is weird...because nothing was that interesting. But I guess when you're 15 and see a sailboat you're reaction has to be: "what the f*** is that! we are so f*#&@ doing that tomorrow!!" "let's go surfing tomorrow" "no! f*#&%$ shut up Becca! we're f*$&## sailing tomorrow!". In the next segment of our new favorite reality show Becca and Kelly were angry with Molly because Molly didn't want to go to the beach with them, which is like so f***ing lame, she doesn't even care about sports! who cares about her grandma! "I'm going to write her dad a letter and be like, you're daughter is a b***h! whatever if you're in the navy you're daughter needs like psychological help!" ....We felt really bad for Molly, she needs new friends. Luckily high school will be over soon and she can go off to college, and I would say there's a 99% chance no school would accept the others.

We tried surfing. But with short little boards, and in very crowded water. Zach still did great, although his skin suffered for it.

Christine's wedding was fun, and she looked beautiful of course :)

I took Zach to the Waikiki aquarium, which I think he liked a little bit :) he even got a souvenir (that almost never happens), now there are two snow globes in the collection.

We left for Kauai, my favorite island! It was so nice to get out of Waikiki. And chickens were running around with their chicks! and they bumped us up to an ocean front condo for no apparent reason :) Since we had a kitchen and were tired of eating out we went to the market, and then Zach made me dinner which we ate on the giant balcony. AND THEN HE PROPOSED! :)

and I was shocked! I didn't see it coming at all! He said he was going to wait till we were on a hike by a waterfall but he couldn't wait any longer :) And then we smiled for hours till our faces hurt.

The next day we went Scuba diving, Zach's first time, he did great, and wasn't even scared at all (I was even a little nervous, the visibility wasn't good). Our dive instructor was awesome and super nice, his name was Michel and he was from the Czech Republic, which automatically makes him cool.

The next day we beached until our skin hurt and we ran out of sunscreen....we weren't there as long as the monk seal though.

We hiked for a long time the next day, in Waimea canyon, it wasn't a very well marked trail, so we just hiked till we found waterfalls (we did not give up like the Southern people ahead of us)

Pretty much the best trip ever :)