Setting up House

Over our short holiday, we made what seemed a never-ending list of "to-do's" on the house. Admittedly, I was anxious to utilize Nate's time while he was out of school. My top priority - blinds. I couldn't stand looking directly into the neighbors windows (and knowing they were watching our dance parties and pretend boxing) - it gave me the creeps. We worked rapidly to get as much done as possible before Nate's parents came to visit for New Year's Eve. Surprisingly though, it was the garbage can that was the best adventure.

We learned when we moved in that garbage pick-up is not included in our HOA fees, which didn't make us happy, but we went ahead and set it up. We then learned that if you want an actual garbage can, that is also for purchase - a mere $80 plus a $30 delivery fee! Unbelievable! So, we decided that simply did not fit into the budget, so we diligently put out our garbage sacks on the curb each Monday morning for several weeks. Upon another phone call, we learned you could get a used garbage can for $40, plus the delivery fee. We considered this, but decided it would have to happen later. And then last Monday, the one just after Christmas when we had bags of boxes and wrapping paper to dispose of, the truck came about 2 hours earlier than usual. Since we don't want critters getting into our trash, we've been putting the trash out in the morning, but this time we didn't get it out early enough (how we were to know they'd come early???). That did it. Now our garage was taken over with garbage. We were finally convinced that a garbage can had to make it's way into our budget. This time on our phone call, we learned that we could avoid the delivery fee if we picked the can up ourselves, and just had to call ahead to make sure they had a used one available.

We made the call, and they had two. But then we couldn't get there until the following day. Lucky for us, Nate didn't shower that day (sort of lucky), and just put some workout pants on and a baseball hat (and a shirt) while he worked on several projects. He went inside, and the lady informed him that she had just sold both garbage cans to another guy. Nate stood quietly, trying to decide his next move. He must of looked like someone in real need, because quickly after, the lady offered to sell him a brand new garbage can at the used price! Wahoo! We were thrilled! We're counting our blessings - $70 saved. That's a lot when you're counting pennies. :)

Of course, then there was the task of getting it home... thank goodness Colorado drivers are SO conservative!

We're back

So, I realize we're grossly behind in providing updates, so I'm going to attempt to now. First of all, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We now officially live in Denver. Nate has successfully finished his first quarter of his IMBA at DU (only 5 more to go!), and I am still working for Booz, only here in Denver/Colorado Springs now, which is quite a different experience than DC. For a little over two months, we lived in a hotel, and we hated it, but didn't want to be too permanent anywhere while we searched for our home. On October 30, we finally closed and celebrated Halloween moving in. Our first purchase for the house was a snow shovel to dig ourselves out of the two feet we received earlier that week. We love our place (and especially that we can walk around barefoot again).

Once moved in, we were on the go again. We visited Nate's parents, and mine, and then spent a couple of weeks in Peru, where Nate served his mission. We loved Machu Picchu (except for the mosquito's, which I'm still recovering from), and I especially loved meeting many of those Nate taught. I became quite attached to his cook in his first area, Petita, who made sure we were well fed and cared for throughout that week. I experienced the motos, dirt roads, cold showers, non-flush-able toilets, and yummy food, including roasted chicken, goat, guinea pig (a delicacy), aji de gallina, anise tea (my stomach thanks you), chocolate milk, and alfajor. I felt like a celebrity as I was probably the only blonde within miles anywhere we went, and I even felt kind of tall. :) Oh yes, and we were in "slug bug" heaven - our favorite game of late. Most of all, I was particularly impressed with how kind, happy, and welcoming the people were. The cold showers were worth it to be among such choice friends.

Nate and I are still absolutely loving being married to each other, and are amazed that we can feel an even deeper love for each other than before. We didn't think it was possible. We love being in this great adventure together!

One month of bliss - so far so good

We have already reached a month - we can hardly believe it has gone so quickly, and we have loved every moment! Here are a few pics from the big day.

Janae is the BEST!!!

Now that Janae has shown me up by posting a series of little articles about us, I'm going to post one just about her. First of all, any woman who can spend more than five minutes with me has the patience of a saint (in Janae's case, of the latter-day variety). I have been extremely impressed by her from the first conversation I had with her. My memory is a little fuzzy about what we talked about (probably because of something in the spagetti sauce), but we were able to carry on a good conversation beyond "what's your name?", "where are you from?", and "what do you do?" (all the classic questions). After our conversation was over I thought I would be really smooth and not get her phone number, which I regretted for the next four months, and actually couldn't get her out of my thoughts. So, the next time I saw her I didn't waste any time getting her number. Janae's kindness and thoughtfulness toward others is one of her traits that has drawn me to her the most. Things that I would never even consider she thinks of and actively tries to make people feel comfortable and accepted. She has more energy than the energizer bunny on crack, so she keeps me on my toes. I look forward to creating many more happy memories with Janae and am constantly amazed at how lucky I am to have her in my life.

When I fell in love...

While it wasn't just one event, I do remember very clearly a couple of experiences when I realized I might be falling for Nate. The first - when we went latin dancing. I remember thinking how cute he was and how much fun I was having. Another time was when we were just hanging out at my place and randomly decided to read a children's book. I don't remember the book, but I remember laughing hysterically throughout as Nate read each page in a different accent. He really missed his calling in life and would have been very successful doing voice-overs. I'm glad he provides endless entertainment to me with his talents. Of course, both of these experiences were just the beginning...

Just one month to go...

We are counting down, and couldn't be more excited! With Boston behind us, our table re-finished, and many of the major wedding decisions made, we can now focus on more of the details in our final weeks! My list of To Do's is much longer than Nate would like it to be, but we'll get there.

Heading to Denver

Big change... seems to come with more big change. Nate has accepted his opportunity to attend school at Daniels College, at the University of Denver (DU) this fall, which means I get to move not once, but twice this summer. We both have mixed feelings, but overall are very excited and feel very calm. We'll miss DC a lot - our friends, the monuments, and the city - yet also look forward to being closer to family, snowy winters (as a result of marrying me, Nate now is required to learn to ski!), and camping more during the summer. We're not looking forward to the mounds of debt ahead for school though of course. I feel very lucky because it looks like I should be able to keep my job, which I love, and transition to the office there in Denver. I'm hopeful at least that all will transition smoothly. We hope we won't have to say goodbye to DC forever, and really, if Nate gets all he hopes for, this will only be the first move out of many in years to come.