Friday, May 16, 2008

Sad way to start a day

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Starbucks. I would go multiple times a day if it wasn't for the budget (not to mention the not being so good for your health). Since we moved in February, I have Starbucks far less often that I used to. Partially because I was spending too much money there, but primarily because I no longer drive past one on my way to work. Getting Starbucks now requires extra planning - and extra time in the morning!

Well today, my wonderful husband volunteered to bring me Starbucks at work since he has the day off. I was looking forward to my non-fat, no whip, white chocolate mocha since I got up this morning! Ben brought me my steaming drink a few minutes ago. I took one sip, and letdown. The cup says my order was a white mocha, but whatever I am drinking is DEFINITELY not one. I don't think it contains any coffee at all. I'm thinking it's flavored steamed milk. Blah.

I'm drinking it b/c I'm dutch, but it's definitely not worth the $3.45 we spent on it.

At least I'm only working a half day today! I should be able to make it til noon - even without my coffee.

Monday, May 12, 2008

I'm beginning to think we're cursed

Yes, two posts in one day!!!

I'm beginning to think Ben and I are cursed when it comes to living situations. We got married in June and were off to a good start. Summer was pretty quiet - no major issues. In October our apartment building was evacuated for Carbon Monoxide poisoning. We weren't hope at the time, but the levels were extremely high, and a number of people had to go to the hospital. We came home to a kicked-in door, courtesy of the fire department, making sure no one was left inside.

Eventually our door was replaced (we lived with a broken one that JUST locked for awhile) and things were okay again. Then came January and the fire (we lived in Indian Village Condos). We lived on the second floor, so our apartment wasn't completely burned like the 3rd floor, but we lost almost everything due to smoke and water damage. After living with his parents for 5 weeks, replacing items, and waiting for our insurance to go through, we moved into our new place.

We've really enjoyed living here. It's a much larger apartment, close to work, etc. Well, yesterday there was a water main break and now the whole drive in front of our building it totally torn up and it's going to take a few days to fix. Thank goodness it was actually the building right across from ours who lost water, however, they are running water from our building to that one, so our pressure is running quit low.

All of these events are making me nervous to buy a house! I can only imagine what's going to happen then.

Lacrosse + Senior Design + Dedication = busy weekend

I have had intentions of updating this for a week, but somehow time has been slipping by. Last weekend we had a great, but busy weekend. Friday was a lacrosse tournament in Ann Arbor (Ben was nominated first team defensive midfielder for the CCLA!!!), Saturday was Senior Design Presentation night for Ben (his team designed a wireless stethoscope), and Sunday was my niece's dedication service. Here are a few pics:

This past weekend was much more relaxing. Friday night Ben and I grilled for dinner and then went at saw the Bucket List at Celebration Woodland. It was a cute movie. I'd recommend it. Saturday we had a big brunch with his brother and sister-in-law, cleaned our apartment, relaxed, and then went out to Holland with Liz and Brad. We went for Tulip Time, but it was the last night and not much going on. It was still nice to walk around though, and we had a great meal at Boatwerks on the lake. Sunday we went to church and then had Ben's parents and brother over for Mother's Day. I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful mother AND mother-in-law!

Friday, May 9, 2008

Someday...

I will find time to update this.... hopefully this weekend.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Springtime

I love spring. I love the bright flowers that start to pop up all over and bring some life back after winter's barren cold. One of the things that I love about Calvin is all the flowers around. Lately, every day as I drive in to work, I've been checking out the progress of my favorite flower: tulips. Although the ones on the drive into Calvin haven't opened, today I discovered that the flowers near the chapel are in full bloom. After work I quickly ate dinner and then headed back to campus to get a few shots of the flowers. I missed the best sun, but it was still beautiful out.


Thursday, April 17, 2008

I love vacation

I'm not quite on vacation yet, but this warm weather is making me so ready to get away!!! In just over a month, Ben and I will be on our way to Boston!!! I've never been to the East Coast, and I'm super excited! We're going as Ben's graduation gift: we have tickets to the 2008 NCAA Division I Lacrosse finals which will be played at Patriot Stadium. We're also going to spend some time sight seeing - anyone have recommendations of can't miss things to do?



Ben LOVES Sam Adams, so I'm sure we'll stop by their brewery :)


This week we bit the bullet and actually booked a second bigger vacation (other than cottage and camping time) - we're going to California!!! It's been 2 yrs since I have been there, and that's way too long in my book! We're going the first week of September. We're going to fly into LA and spend 3 days there visiting my favorite spots from when I lived there: Huntington, Laguna, going to BJs, visiting friends, etc. Then driving up the Pacific Coast Highway for a few days, and spending the last 2 days up in Napa. California, here we come!


Wednesday, April 9, 2008

crazy two weeks

Well, I have obviously failed at the idea that I would be able to keep this up better than my former Xanga. :) Life has been so busy! I'm looking forward to summer. I don't anticipate life will slow down too much, but it's more much enjoyable when the weather is nice!

The past two weeks have been filled with lacrosse games, time with friends, a weekend at Scott and Bev's cottage, work, and spending time with my nephew and new niece. The other big thing that happened is that Ben accepted a full time position with JCI starting in June. He's been really busy finishing up his senior design project which is due in 3.5 weeks. After that, we'll be in the home stretch!

I have 3 baby showers within the next two weeks. It's fun and exciting, but it's so weird to think that many of my friends are now at that stage. Life as they know it will change.

Anyway, here are a few pictures of recent: