More Green!

We have grass!







And carpet and doorknobs and a fence and an address...

It's Not Easy Bein' Green

Here's a tip for any of you who may in the future have a hand in the building of your house. When you go to the little home studio to pick everything that will go in it, take pictures. Take pictures of everything you choose. That way, when they do what you chose, you don't look at it and say, "...There is NO way I would've EVER chosen that."...only to go BACK to the studio and look up what you chose...and see that you DID choose that....and then you look like an idiot.



Our house is green.



And we chose that.


And actually...it's growing on us.

Step By Step

I'm not embarrassed to say that I am wicked excited about this.

...Ok...maybe a little embarrassed.

Housey House

So, I'm still unemployed. ...Just...you know...FYI.

But let's talk about happy things, eh? Let's talk about how far along our house is coming! It's looking like we'll be in it in roughly 5-6 weeks. It's getting so fun to go visit it a few times a week, see what they've been doing.

Here's a shot of the outside:

I know it looks all dirty...they still haven't painted the outside.

Here's a shot of our kitchen at different stages:

There's flooring in the kitchen and bathrooms and most of the painting's been done (you can see some touchups are needed), the driveway's been poured, and at least all the cabinets are in.

Seriously, the closer it gets, the more excited I get. Aside from the fact that not having a job won't be a great thing when it comes time to start paying the mortgage, this time off of work has given me time to start packing. I've started on our guest room (read: junk room) and got 11 boxes packed up today. Hopefully I'll be able to get most of the nonessential things packed before I start working again....which will be real soon.........real real soon...........*sigh*

The Max

I'll post for realsies later...but for now, enjoy the awesomeness that is my nephew Max: The Most Perfect And Cute Child EVER.

PS - mostly this is for my sister...enojy, Heather!

Walk-Outs, Weddings, and Max!

This has been a long week...but it's Thursday night...in a few hours it's the weekend and some exciting things are afoot!


First of all, most of my readers know I hate my job. I usually hate my job but this one, and particulaly lately, is by far the most hated. Well, yesterday afternoon, I walked in my boss' office and gave her my two weeks' notice. ...I know, right? Now, before you ask, no...I do NOT have a new job yet. But a week ago I put my resume on http://www.monster.com/ and already I've had 5 calls, 4 emails, and one fabulous interview (for which I have a second one on Monday!). So I'm not worried - obviously there is work for document controllers in Houston. And let me tell you - it feels AMAZING to do this on my own terms. Because I don't have a job yet, it's like I'm saying, "This place is horrible, hateful, and sucks the very marrow from my bones." If I already had a job, it'd be like, "...I have a new job. Peace out." It's kinda been exciting around the office...mostly because I quit the day after another one of the document controllers...yeah...we're hoping to start a trend.

Second of all, this weekend my brother-in-law James is getting married! James was on his mission when Andrew and I got married so I've only known him for about 6 months. He's marrying a wicked cute girl named Kristen, who was also on her mission when we got married, and who James has been dating for about 4 years. They're tying the knot in the San Antonio temple which means...road trip! Tomorrow after work, Andrew and I are packing up the car and hitting the open road! ...Ok, it's only a 2 1/2 hour trip. But still! Road trip! Plus also...hotel! Freak, there are few things I love more than staying in hotels.........but one of them is...

Max!! Max is coming! Remember how in that last paragraph I talking about going on a road trip right after work? Well, in between those two things, we're stopping off at my parents' house to see the cutest boy in the whole wide fraking world - -MAX! My brother and his wife will be there too...and that'll be nice, I guess. But Max! Oh, Max, how are cute are you?! Let's take a look, shall we?

Still not convinced he's the greatest kid ever? ...Put THIS in your pipe...you'll know what to do with it:

And this is why I almost don't mind the fact that I've had a headache for 3 weeks...I've got walk-outs, weddings, and Max in my life...what else do you freaking need?

Kri The Korean

My best friend Krisanne moved to Korea this week. She does this...moves to other other countries. She does it a lot. (Seriously - what is with the people in my life thinking it's cool living overseas?! It's not, people! It's just NOT!)

Anyway...Krisanne will be teaching English to cute Korean children at a fancy artistic-like school. I couldn't imagine a better job for her. And so, on this, the cusp of her new foreign-flavored adventure, I'd like to dedicate this post to my best friend, Krisanne Hastings.

Krisanne and I met about 4 years ago but we should have met sooner. We have unknowingly crossed paths so many times in life...we've been to the same parties, know the same people, we even think she may have come to one of my apartments at BYU once. We have something like 6 mutual friends - that we met at different times. In any case, we finally met 4 years ago at a singles' FHE group. We soon discovered our mutual love for the Indigo Girls and when they came in concert just a few months after our meeting, we decided to go together. And ladies and gentlemen...the greatest friendship of my life was born (except, of course, for my husband and my mom). The connection was instant - I've never connected so quickly and so profoundly like that with anyone. And the connection has only gotten deeper. Especially considering she and I have lived in different parts of the world for something like 3 of the 4 years we've been friends.


Krisanne is the kindest person I know. I've never known her when she hasn't been a volunteer at a children's hospital or a retirement home. She is so full of warmth and intelligence and love. She makes me laugh harder than anyone I know and I have more fun making HER laugh than anyone else in my life. There are so many things I love about Krisanne but my favorite is her bravery. Krisanne hasn't had the easiest life...but she takes everything with her head high. She went to grad school in England a few years ago...all by herself. And now she's moved to Korea...all by herself. And she does it, as she does most things, because she wants nothing more than to make the world a better place. I'm not kidding people....she's amazing.


Krisanne...you're kinda my hero.

That Dweam Wiffin A Dweam

My super duper friend Teresa left me a message on my phone this week. She told me that I was lame-o for never updating my blog. And I was all....yeah...you're right. So, me voila! I post!

So 2007 is over and it was pretty much The Year Of The Wedding. Not only did the Wedding Of The Century take place in April, but my dear sweet Diane Duffy-Corado got married in November and my cute cute cousin Emma got married...well, she actually got married January 2nd. But I'm still counting it as 2007.

In November, Andrew and I were able to spend a long weekend in Washington D.C. to see Di get married. My father's family all lives out there so we were able to stay with an aunt and uncle in their gorgeous home in Maryland. We spent a day with cute A, wandering the Mall, seeing the monuments, dinosaurs, and Constitutions. We even capped off the day with a visit to the White House where we got a tour from President Bush's personal secretary, my cousin Karen. The wedding itself was fabulous. Behold the amazing Triumvirate:

Di, how you glow! And this is even PRE-baby! You must be the glowy-est now!

Then in January I had to leave my cute husband for 2 days (*gasp!*) to go to Emma's wedding in Minnesota. As hard as it was to be apart from Andrew, I had a wonderful time with my extended family. Emma was a freaking supermodel. Plus, she wore red patten leather heels with her wedding dress. ...I know, right?! Other than the fact that it never got above 9 degrees, a great time was had by all.

Thus concludes 2007, the Year Of The Wedding. ...Here's hoping that Di is setting a trend for 2008 - The Year Of The Baby!

To Deutschland With Love

When I was growing up, we never lived close to any extended family. Visiting aunts and uncles always meant at least 20 hours of driving, if not more. So, as an adult, I fully expect to live far from my own siblings. My sister, however, thinks it's totally cool to live in a different country. And...well...as much as I miss her...I think it's totally cool, too! A little over a year ago, my sister Heather and her husband Karl moved to the southwest corner of Germany, to a cute little town called Buhl. They were supposed to only be there for 6 months but because they are both fluent in German and absolutely LOVE it there, they've extended the stay for at least 2 years...maybe more. My parents and I went to visit them last Christmas and had a lovely time. But I had wanted to take Andrew there one time before a) them came back and b) we were too poor to go. So at the beginning of October, we had absolutely the best trip to Germany and France just about ever.

Our first full day there, we did probably my favorite thing there. Heather and Karl discovered this great little beirgarten in the middle of the Black Forest. You drive through the mountains, park your car, and take about a 30 minute hike...



...and suddenly there's a cute little restaurant! We sat outside, looking out at a field of cows, and had one of the best salads I've ever had. Then we hiked back through the Black Forest. It was just so very...German.





We spent a good part of out time exploring castles. I served my mission in the Loire Valley in France, where you can't spit without hitting a castle. But German castles are different. They're not as grandiose and uber-fancy. And honestly, that makes them more castle-like. My favorite was Burg Eltz. Holy moly, this is a beautiful castle. It's one of the only castles that's never been taken over. Also, the same family has lived there for like 500 years or something. And they still live there. (if this were one of my sisters' blogs, she be all sorts of smart and informative...me...not so much...)



Andrew's favorite castle was just a stone's throw from Burg Etlz, called Burg Thurant. This one is much smaller but way more fun. It had winery, stables, cannons, medieval toilets, and a dungeon with human remains still littering the floor! Ewwww!!



Other things we did in the Germany - eat yummy Doners, play Settlers of Catan, saw a 1,000 year old church, walked the streets of my ancestors' home town, walked around a 2,000 year old Roman bath house, and played with my favorite sister and her darling husband.

More on the France part of our trip in the next installment!

A La France Avec Amour...

Ok...not that I don't love Germany...but my sister lives 45 minutes from France...so of course, that is going to be my favorite part of our European trip. Having lived there for 16 months and never getting to go to Paris, that was my one goal for this trip. And I totally achieved it! Heather, Andrew and I got on a train Monday morning and 2 hours later we were in Paris. First of all, just being back in France was wonderful. I loved my mission but it wasn't the easiest time in my life. And I used to lump France itself in with that experience. But I know now, having been back twice now, that I absolutely LOVE the country of France (note: I have yet to visit my mission area...who knows how I'll feel then...).

We spent only like 36 hours in Paris...but we sure packed in the touristy crap! When we first got there, we dropped our stuff off at our 300 year old hotel, and took a walk. We went to the Luxembourg Gardens and had yummy sandwiches while French-people watching. Also, from our little spot in the Garden, we could totally see the top of the Eiffel Tower...and I won't lie to...I full on cried. After lunch, we split up - Heather went to one of her museums while Andrew and I just started walking. We walked up to the Seine and then all along it...watching the painters and the book salesmen and absolutely swimming in Paris.




We seriously walked loads that day. We ended up in the Louvre that afternoon. I like museums fine...but usually I get a little bored after an hour. The Louvre, however...I mean, you just CAN'T get bored. Every room you walk in is totally different from the last and all day long I was constantly saying, "THAT painting is here?! I know THAT one!" My favorite, far and away, was Winged Victory...this picture does it absolutely NO justice...It's the most stunning thing I've ever seen. It quite literally took my breath away.





So many beautiful things to see - not to mention the building itself - that was actually Andrew's favorite thing - the gorgeous architecture. We then met up with Heather and ate at a trendy spot close to our hotel - had wicked yummy croques.


The next day, Heather spent her whole day in Versailles. Andrew and I started our day at Notre Dame. I love French Cathedrals. My first area of my mission had one much larger than Paris'. But it didn't have the history...and it definitely didn't have the stairs. We walked up to the first level...I don't think of myself as claustraphobic....but....I may be a bit. Grrr...tight tight tight! Then we went all the way to the top - such a fabulous view of the city. Then Andrew and I had lunch at McDonald's. I know...we're surrounded by the BEST food in all of the world and we choose McDonald's? But first of all - MacDo is SO good in France - don't ask me why...it's just better. And also...Pulp Fiction, man!


After our Royal with Cheese's, we went to the Eiffel Tower. We took the subway and so when you come up, you don't see anything. So we followed the crowd along this road. And then...all of a sudden...it's just there, looming in front of you. The most beautiful structure I've ever seen. I can't tell you where my love for la Tour Eiffel comes from...but I pretty much can't even talk about it without getting all teary. I'm actually getting emotional just typing about it. I don't know why it's so beautiful - it's just a big iron tower that really has no point...but to make me cry, apparently.






We didn't mean to, but took the elevator to the top. There's a midway point where you think you see a lot of the city. But when you get to the tippy-top - wow. What a view! We did take the stairs down. Which was nice because we were able to stop at the first level and have a diet coke and a croissant! Heaven, I tell you...



Then we wandered and bought random touristy things...and then we went back to Germany. I know it was only 2 days...but it was the best 2 days I ever had in France. Paris is quite honestly the yummiest city I've ever been to. Done and done.

Quilts...Baby Style

Ladies and Gentelmen: I present to you, the talented BabyAnne. Shop there...you won't be sorry.

I Got Married, I Bought A House, I Caught A Fish: Part 3

Andrew just had his 29th birthday and when I asked him what he wanted he said, "I want to go deep sea fishing." ...My husband's so cute. So we did. We went down to his parents' and on his birthday, his dad drove us and our brother-in-law Don over to Corpus Christi where we hopped on a fishing boat and headed into the Gulf of Mexico. The boat provides everything you'd need - reel, rod, dead fish bait - it's great! So us and 30 other people just sit around and fish for 5 hours.

Now, let's get one thing straight - I was NOT going to fish. I didn't want to fish and I knew the money would be wasted on me. So I was just going to sit and read my book and look at the ocean and watch the men-folk bring in the food. But when we finally got out to the first cast off (it took over an hour to get far enough into the ocean to fish), my father-in-law says, "Come on, Susan, grab your rod!" And I was like....wha--? Apparently, he went ahead and rented ME a rod too so that they had more chances of catching as many fish as they could. Well...I had no clue what I was doing, so Don showed me how to drop the line into the water and then stop it when I wanted. So I did...and then I stopped it. I stood there for a bit and then suddenly a fish started to pull on Andrew's line! Well, I wasn't missing this photo op, so I stuck my rod into the little rod holder thingy, and went to grab my camera. Unfortunately, about 3 feet from the surface, the fish unhooked himself and swam away.

HOWEVER, unbeknownst to me, as soon as I put my rod down, a fish hooked onto IT. Don saw it move and quickly grabbed it and reeled it in. I still say it was him who caught the fish but the men say that putting the hook in the right place is where the fishing talent lies. ...Whatever.

Here's my fish.

And then my father-in-law made me gut him. See?

It was gross...but then my daddy grilled him...and he was tasty.

And that was the time I caught a fish...and it was awesome.

I Got Married, I Bought A House, I Caught A Fish: Part 2

I thought that when I turned 21, I was a grown-up. But I didn't so much feel grown-up-y. Then I got my own apartment and that was pretty darn grown-up-like. ...Except for then I moved back in with my parents. But THEN I got married - dude...what is MORE grown-up than marriage?! ...Well, dear readers, I have recently found out the answer to that question: Buying a house is WAY more grown-up than getting married. You know how I know it's more grown up? It's scarier.

We were always going to get a house but like in a year or something. We started looking at model homes just for fun and then we found KB Homes. They had the most reasonably priced, while still being cute, homes we'd seen. And pretty much the decision to buy a house now was made for us. It just made sense. Done and done. Only also, they want money...that's gay.


So our house is still dirt, though they have paved the road. See?




For those of you who are curious little monkeys, you can see the floor plan here (only flip it because it'll be backwards).




They say it'll take at least 6 months to build. So we're looking at being in the house by April-ish. I'll be keeping you all updated on how the building is going with pictures and what not.



And that was the time Andrew and I bought a house...and it was awesome.

I Got Married, I Bought A House, I Caught A Fish: Part 1

Hi. Remember me?

So, let's start with The Wedding Of The Century. See...I got married. ...I know, right? Amazing. Eight days after my 31st birthday, I married the best man I've ever known, Andrew Gardiner. He's not at all what I was looking for - he's better. Way better. Wicked better. And pretty much my best friend. And guess what - he's mine! Yippee! (I may or may not be doing the Charlie Brown dance right now...)

Here's a brief rundown on the Man himself: He's 29. He did much of his growing up in south Texas, a town called Kingsville - known for the King Ranch and of course, King Ranch Chicken! Yum...He graduated from Sam Houston State University in Chemistry and now works as a forensic scientist for the Texas State Crime Lab...which is SO hot. He's wicked funny...but also a little shy so if you get him talking, listen up - you'll hear some gems. He likes Jimmy Buffet and ACDC, and loves taking me to Astros' games. He collects coins and has pretty much one of the coolest coin collections I've ever seen (...ok...the ONLY coin collection I've ever seen but it's still very cool). He's the kindest, sweetest, cutest person I know...and so I married the heck out of that guy.

The Wedding itself was perfect. I know I'm biased, as it was MY wedding. But seriously, folks - it was perfect. All my closest friends were there - Krisanne, The Triumvirate, Teresa, Ben & Melanie, Emilie, The Feils, Jake & Anne, and of course all my amazing family. Seriously, one of my favorite parts of the wedding was walking into that sealing room and seeing so many people I loved.

The reception was also pretty darn perfect. I'd been teased for years because I actually wanted my reception in a church gym...but I must say, it wouldn't have been lovelier anywhere else. My mom got the help of an amazing woman in her ward who pretty much rocked my reception world. We had pretty fakey candles, pretty fakey trees, and LOTS of yummy barbeque.

Then also, we went on a cruise. For all you readers who have never been a cruise...promise yourselves that someday...someday you will take a vacation on the sea. Mmm...cruises makey me happy. We went to Jamaica (which was scary and lame), Grand Cayman (which was lovely and perfect) and Cozumel (which was Mexican-y and ruin-y).

In conclusion, The Wedding Of The Century was pretty much the best day of my life...except for the fact that every day since then has pretty much been the best day of my life. I got married...and that was awesome.

Shh....it's ok...

...I'm coming back. Don't worry.....I'm coming back.

Face it...

...my fiance's hotter 'n yours.

Susan the Elf, What's Your Favorite Color?

Oh, the holidays make me a giddy girl. I'm naturally a wicked happy person...but add some tinsel and really cheesy Johnny Mathis Christmas songs and I'm down right sugar-shock inducing! I just had a most lovely Thanksgiving holiday with my second favorite family in the world (second to my own, of course). Being with the Bakers filled me with so much joy and love that Christmas music was playing in my car the day before Thanksgiving. Plus also, I have a boy...and quite honestly, nothing adds more joy to an already joyful season than a roll in the mistletoe.

And so, to you four people reading this tangent-filled and pointless blog, I share my Christmas joy with you by way of this most rediculous and silly game, which I'm sure you've all played as it was popular like 5 years ago. But seriously...it still makes me happy.

Snowball Fight.

OOh, also this...still makes me giggle.

I love my mom...

My mother doesn't read my blog.

Maybe if I write a post about how she doesn't read my blog...she'll start reading my blog.

...And For Those About To Rock...I Salute You.

Last night, the triumvirate and I got to see one of the coolest shows in music - the Hotel Cafe Tour. This venue in Hollywood is big into the indie artists and a few years ago, Cary Brothers decided to take a few regulars on tour. There is a different lineup for every city but one band that backs them up. Myspace is a contributor to the tour, as well as Red, Bono's latest attempt at changing the world. Seriously, check out Red...great cause.

First of all, we were in a tiny venue and were standing at the foot of the stage, which was maybe a foot and a half off the ground. Meaning...we were in touching distance of all these performers. Second of all, everyone played two mini sets - about 3 songs the first go 'round and 2 or 3 the next. And the last song of most of their second sets, they were joined on stage by everyone else. It made for over 3.5 hours of non-stop music and mayhem...and quite often, heavy on the mayhem.

Jonah Matranga: The only artist of the night that I don't see myself rushing out to get to know but still fun on stage. He's all sorts of affected and pretentious. Think Chris Carrabba with a smaller range and less confidence. And he liked to say the F word...a LOT.

Sarah Bareilles: Think Fiona Apple, without the sullenness...or Rachael Yamagata without the raspiness. Sarah B was my favorite find of the night. She's hot, talented, and quite possibly the most charismatic performer of the night (on a stage that was brimming over with charisma, that's saying something). I bought her EP and highly suggest you find and download the song "Love Song". Happiness on a piano.

Jim Bianco: Oh, the pyschoness that is you, Mr. Bianco. He's got a voice like Tom Waits and a freakiness like a handicapped person on crack. He's quite the comedian and quite the exhibitionist (during Cary Brothers, he was seen briefly wandering around the side with nothing but a towel hanging in front of his...special parts). My favorite Bianco moment was during his second set, he had the whole gang come down off the stage, stand in the middle of the crowd and, accompanied by an upright bass, an accordion, some random percussion, and a guitar, sing all harmony'd and clear. And even had us singing with him. (Note - on their way back up on the stage, I patted him in the back, much to the delight of the 14 year-old that is me!)

Cary Brothers: (Before the show - Me: "Ooh, I like them." A: "Um...I think it's just one guy." Me: "No - it's THE Cary Brothers." A: "No...I'm pretty sure that's just his name - Cary. Brothers." Me: "Nope - I'm positive. It's THE Cary Brothers."....I'm lame.) So, this dude totally channels Dominic Monaghan. I expected him to start into "You ALL everybody!" any minute. He was good - raspy and lyrical. My favorite was when the whole gang came up for "Blue Eyes" and, being on the Garden State soundtrack, everyone in the audience sang along, too.

Rachael Yamagata: She's the reason we were here. If you don't own her album Happenstance..., then you should stop the lameness that is you and buy it. She's one of the best "up and coming" (I hate that term) artists today. And once you get to know her...see her live. She walks on stage and pretty much no else is there. She owns the audience with her eyes, even though they're more often than not peeking out behind her long disheveled hair. The greatest part of maybe the whole night was her cursing and subsequent flirting with some random dude in the corner who was talking during her set. She almost didn't get through "Reason Why" because she couldn't stop coming on to him. When last seen, Random Dude was hanging backstage with Cary and Rachel...

Schuyler Fisk: You know her as the girl who made out with Colin Hanks in Orange County...now she's all folky and Zach-Braff-y and the cutest thing on stage. I'm quite certain she has a romantic attachment to our next artist as, when they were on stage together, she looked at him with the most lovey-dovey eyes I've seen in a long while.

Joshua Radin: ...Which brings us to my new boyfriend. He's like a younger, cuter Ray LaMontagne. In the liner notes for his CD (which I bought), he thanks Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Nick Drake, and it's obvious when listening to him that he relies heavily on their influences. He so adorable that he is currently residing in my pocket. During the song "Closer", he kept giving me the eye - I am not kidding - the rest of the triumvirate can attest to it. He would look at me, standing at his feet, hands clasped in front of me, looking up at him, stars in my eyes, and he would smile...the sexiest eye-crinkly smile ever. No matter that he was also doing it occasionally to the girl next to me...Joshua Radin has a fan in me for just about ever. Favorite Joshua moment (aside from his falling in love with me) was the gang coming on stage to sing "Cecilia"...like I said, mayhem, mayhem, mayhem.

Thus concludes my chatty and hyperlink-heavy review. Seriously, check out these artists. There was not one time last night where I wanted someone to get off the stage. Such a fabulous show. And if you're in a city where this tour is coming, pay the small fee ($12 for us!) and go. Discovering new music is best when it's live.

Who Do You Love...Me Or The Thought Of Me?

It's not his looks...or his mad guitar skills. It's the personality that I love about this man.

Quit your sucking and read his blog. You won't be sorry.