Creole Wisdom

one year going strong

Cannot believe it, but Matt and I have now been dating for over a year! I am so thankful, so blessed, counting my lucky stars everyday for this wonderful, sweet, and loving man

Things were not easy. Tough times, and lots of them. We've had moments where we forgot each other's feelings, and times when we weren't sure if we still wanted to be together.

Still, things worked out. We know each other so much better than we did last year at this time. We're comfortable, and sure of our future.

I am so lucky!

Moreover I am proud of Matt. I'm so proud of the way he is with me, so loving and respectful. When you don't come from a family where there's a good, stable relationship to watch as an example it can be hard to decide to make a change for yourself. Matt has always known how he wanted to be.

Our future is so bright, his is also so bright. If Matt decides to, he'll make an excellent lawyer, but for now he's a wonderful boyfriend!

Here are the roses he gave me:

the baker is in the house

for the whole week I've been the baker lady

In the past twenty four hours I've made:

a birthday cake

chocolate frosting

lime bars (like lemon bars)

brownies with nuts

Matt ended up having a wonderful birthday celebration. I did feel bad that we had to celebrate a day early, due to his brother's law school graduation. Maybe it's just a sore subject for me, since my birthday falls around Christmas and my parents were always moving it all around. Sometimes I had to settle for "summer birthdays," I just hate to say it, but it just wasn't the same!

On a good note his cake turned out okay. I think next time I'd do a lighter, less rich cake, since the frosting was chocolate. He liked it though!

**oops in hindsight I promise I was wearing clothes under that apron. Looks a bit shady! Talk about making it really a happy birthday ; )

almost the birthday boy

Matt's 20th birthday is on Saturday. Yeah! Another decade down for him : )

I took this picture the other day, isn't he just the cutest? Look at that baby pout!

Since his brother's law school graduation is the same day, we're all going to celebrate tomorrow.

Here's what I'm baking him

Marcella's Butter Almond Cake (from the Oregonian) with Choclate Layer Cake Frosting

I already put together a fun birthday card!

: )

the stress makes a comeback!

You know when things are just going your way for a while sooner or later some drama will pop up and everything will come tumbling down (okay, that was a bit dramatic, but whatever...)

Yesterday:

My beloved mac charger broke.  So I'm thinking "oh it cannot possibly be too expensive, after all how much can one really charge for a power adapter" I only had $25.  I get to the Apple Store... SEVENTY NINE DOLLARS.  Ahhhh!  I literally cried, yep, right in the store.  Followed by a tearful call to dad, savior of all daily dramas.  I should have my new cord sometime next week : )

On another note...  I hate mixing business and frienship.  Well, that's not a good way to put it.  Let me explain.  See with Jay and Arlene I'm so close, we're all the point where we can just do stuff, no ifs, ands, or buts.  We care about each other, we'll help each other out.  No pressuring, no questions, just support.

I'm also a proud believer in not kicking people when they're down.  That is not to say you should "kick" people at any time, but kicking people when they're down is just evil.  Plain and simple.

A few months back I was in a position where I really, really needed a favor.  This was not my fault, as what I needed was related to the fact that my parents couldn't come through on something.  Anyway I asked Matt for help, and his parents were very, very helpful about it.

Now that it's been a while and things are quite a bit better the pressure has set in.  I don't do well with pressure.  It isn't the way to get something out of me.  Really, asking me straight up is the best way.  Also, don't tell me to pressure or "lay the guilt" on my parents.  Not only is that rude, but it's honestly none of your business.

I am trying as hard as I can.  Yes, I've spoken to both of my parents.  I cannont promise you any more than that.  You're just going to have to understand that you did a favor and this is how it goes sometimes.

(Sounds like a big drama huh?  Actually it's not, but relates to space, yep physical space in a house...)

Let's hope that gets solved, say some prayers for me blog readers.  I need em'!

On a good note I found a great book: Acts Of Faith: Daily Meditations For People Of Color by Iyanla Vanzanti.

Here's today's:

Natural beauty comes in all colors, strength in many forms.  When we learn to honor the differences and appreciate the mix, we're in harmony. -unknown

.....

Now, that's the way to begin a day!

summertime love

(I fixed the pictures in my previous post, sorry bout that, but go take a look if you're interested!)

Today Matt and I went and worked at his father's law office downtown. We felt like such young professionals in our buisness dresswear LOL!

Speaking of business professionals I got a call from a big, city company today. Please send prayers and good thoughts my way. Not only would this paid internship be an excellent resume booster, but it is just the thing I'm looking for. I have a phone interview on Monday, so I am pretty nervous!

Took this after "work"

Yesterday I went over and helped an old church friend with her scrapbooks. It was so fun. She ended up shoosing those scrapworks box albums that have 12x12 and also photo pages. Very, very cool. I think I might actually try one, in 8.5x11 of course!

Instead of going back out on the court and just dogging it through the heat I decided to take a nap : ) Much better choice, if I do say so myself.

Around 5 Matt told me he wanted me to bake a cake. So I ended up making Choclate Oat Bars from the Joy of Cooking cook book:
About 6 Dozen 1x2-inch bars (I actually used 2 "cake" pans, so mine were thicker)
Preheat oven 350 degrees
Cream Together:
1 Cup butter
2 Cups packed brown sugar
Beat in:
2 Eggs
2 Teaspoons vanilla
Sift Together:
2.5 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 Teaspoon baking soda
1 Teaspoon salt
Add:
3 Cups rolled oats
Over low heat combine:
2 Cups semi-sweet chocolate pieces (12 oz, er a bag of choclate chips)
1 Can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)
2 Tablespoons butter
1/4 Teaspoon salt
Stir until smooth, then add:
1 Cup chopped walnuts or pecans (I added almonds)
1 Teaspoon vanilla

Now combine the egg and flour mixture and pat 2/3rds of it into the pan(s). Pour the chocolate mixture all over, then dot with the remaining 1/3 batter. Bake for 25 minutes.

In hindsight I would of only done half a batch, just because it yeilds so much. Very, very rich, too! We eat ours warm with vanilla ice cream : )

Later my dear High School friend Alyx and I went to Bridgeport Village and saw Just My Luck with Lindsay Lohan. It was so, so funny. I haven't laughed out loud at a movie like that in a long time! And can I just say for the record that Lindsay Lohan is so pretty and oh my gosh that red hair, I am so jealous!

Alyx and I had such a nice time catching up. We're planning a weekend bbq, so that should be fun.

Now I wouldn't leave you in the dark without some photos right? These were taken yesterday!

oh yes... it's hot outside!

Today's weather was perfect. Sunny, hot, and not a cloud in the sky (no wind either)! I couldn't of been happier.

Matt took my idea up and went out and got his mom a gift certificate for a pedicure. She was so happy, earlier she had said "I don't want anything big, no celebration, no nothing." Well you could tell by the end of the day that she was just elated.

Since it was so nice Matt and I decided to take her to play tennis. It was so much fun. Honestly, I've never really played before, but I liked it. Quite a work out though... good thing I had on my OLD NAVY TANKINI!

We did have a chance to take some fun pictures, too:
Here's Matt and I looking very tennis-y! *snort*

Happy Mother's Day!

The whole time we were playing Matt's mom kept saying, "you really should play tennis. You and Matt should take lessons together" and my only reply was "well I do like the clothes" hehe! Actually I do wish I'd taken up tennis in high school. I was a cross country runner (yeah, you would of never pegged me for that huh?)

Matt ripped off my jcrew hat for this picture (right), he thinks it looks stupid. Anyway, don't you just love those flowers in the background?

I love that Matt and I were able to make this a special day for his mom.

She is such a special woman. Just love seeing the similarities between her and Matt. There really is a special bond between a mother and son. So glad he could make her day!

It's hard to be the "family photographer" and then hand the camera over to someone else. Matt took this (but yeah, I doctored it up!) Me and my quirky, weird smile. So love how my hair looks like it's two different lengths, too ::rolling eyes::

personality types and the judging aspect-

On personality types: last year during the second semester of my psychology course the entire class took the meyer-briggs personality test.  Needless to say, this opened my world.  While many people take this test, and end up with a 4 letter acronym not many people take the timge to go and research their "type."  Well not many people except... Jay and I!

Did you know that there is is pretty much a vault of information regarding your "type."  There's: what type is best for you?  what jobs/careers are best for you? types you don't get along with...

Now I'm sure you're wondering what I am (drumroll please...)

I am an ESTJ. 

E- extroverted

S- senser

T- thinker

J- judger

Who are we fellow ESTJs?  We're:

organized, stubborn, focused, goal-orientated, traditional, perhaps a bit status obsessed, and gregarious-

Sometimes we can be a bit judgemental, and don't understand why others whom we see as going about things all the wrong ways continue on (what in our view is) a path of "destruction."

Okay is this not fascinating?  Go out and retake the test (you can google it and find it for free) then google your type.  It's almost scarry, actually helped me see myself better. 

Yes.  I can be judgmental.  Hey, I admit it.  ; )

I think we often view being judgmental as a bad thing.  Not always I say!  For instance in certain careers having a discerning mind can be very valuable.  Being a "judger" can also help with day to day decisions.  Sometimes chosing between two difficult choices relies upon the ablity to take them at face value and go-

The other ending apoosed to "J" is "P" (peceptive)

You know I look around at the "percepters" or is it "perceptors" in my life and just giggle at the differences between them and us (Js). 

I love that people are different and that we all see the world in a different light.  Makes things much more fun : )

the rat race

It's the final thing here guys.  Schools done for me in a bit over 48 hours and I have so much to do.  Wanna know?

a) get a sheet signed by my advisor

b) finish packing (dishes, lamp, bedding)

c) pack suitcases

d) take out all garbage & "give-away" items

e) babysit one last time tomorrow during lunch

f) suppervise movers with my boxes

g) go to bank and deposit check (thanks mom!)

h) make sure my ride is still coming to get me at 4am (!)

i) figure out my work schedule

j) make sure all my fees are paid (ick did you know they charged me $20 because I needed new keys because I lost my old ones!!!???)

k) say good bye to my buddies

l) get on a plane and get to Matt  : )

Speaking of Matt.  We've been dating for over a year know.  Wow.  That was d*mn hard.  I love him, I love every minute together, I love us, we are great.

alright then.  over and out!

oh yeah

I got my new cafe press t-shirt today : )

I knew when I saw this design by Ali Edwards that I'd have to streach my college budget to get one.

I just love the message: life artist

How cool is that!?!