Opposites Attract

I have found this to be true. Andrew and I seem to be POLAR opposites in SO many ways, but that's why we LOVE each other. It definitely will lead to a full and fun life (it has so far). Differences & Similarities. We definitely have quite a few of both, so here they are..

Opposites:
FOOD- Oh my goodness, do we eat different or do we eat DIFFERENT?! Andrew had the privilege to grow up in a very healthy home. So healthy that his father saves lives for a living based on nutrition and diet. It's a wonderful thing, but VERY VERY hard to adapt to. I've tried to apply some basic principles of theirs, but have found that I think it would take something drastic to get me to stop eating my dairy and such. :/ What can't he eat, you wonder? ..well no sugar (he can handle fruit), no meat, and NO dairy. One may consider this vegan.. and it's close, but not exact. It'll be interesting to see how our children grow up, and what we find works best for the kids.
HUMOR- Although we BOTH have great senses of humor (and this could somewhat be considered a similarity), they can at times be on totally opposite ends of the spectrum. Andrew (believe it or not) is somewhat addicted to potty humor. If you throw a poop or fart joke his way, he will crack up for hours. I on the other hand, find humor in things that most likely weren't meant to be hilarious. It's just how I was raised, my sisters and I have this curse to quote things that aren't even supposed to be funny, and yet we get such a RISE out of it! Andrew has yet to understand the things we find so hysterical.
TIME OF DAY- Oh man, I am SUCH a TOTAL night owl, and he is definitely an early bird. :) Right now though, he's been forced to be on my schedule (with his INSANE school/work schedule) ..and it's pretty brutal, soon enough he'll be able to switch back. 1 more week!
ORGANIZATION- "messy, messy, messy!" -Frosty the Snowman. Haha, oh Andrew. Basically you know it's bad when old companions have asked you if he's still all over the place. Lucky for him, I am practically addicted to keeping a tidy house, so I follow him around all day.. grabbing the deoterant from the kitchen and putting it back in the bathroom. Etcetera.. :)

Similarities:
BOARDING- This COULD be counted as a difference, but we're more similar in this aspect I think. Although he chooses wheels & concrete, and I choose fins & water.. we both are passionate and LOVE being in the 'boarding' element. Thank goodness to Fuel TV, we both can enjoy one another's passions. :) He enjoys watching myself & others surf, and I enjoy watching him & others skateboard.
PHP- I use PHP websites, and he builds them! The good ol' internet keeps us close.
CREATIVITY- Although his is much better than mine, and his talent is very easily seen.. I also have a nack for creativity. My mother has always gotten upset with me for not getting into the scrapbook room with her more often. When it comes to 'layouts' of every kind.. I tend to have an eye. I am constantly told by those who enter our dinky basement apartment that I should be an interior designer. I'm flattered.. :) & I love that my husband is so gifted with artwork.
DEDICATION- We're both all about giving it our all.. and it urks us both when we can't dedicate ourselves fully to the task at hand.
WARMTH- Creatures of comfort. He NEEDS heat, and I tend to be his furnace. Neither of us like the cold, so WHY do we live in Utah?? ..blast BYU! Although, I must admit, the summers are SO nice here!
MUSIC- We both love a good beat & rythm. In fact that's ALL Drew cares about.. clean, crisp, soul filled music (of any genre). I do also love lyrics VERY much, which opens my taste to a much wider category than his.. because I can listen to things NOT for the music itself, but only for the lyrics.. and he could care less about what they're saying. Ha.

Well, there you have it! More alike than different? ..or more different than alike? It seems that a lot of things could go either way, which brings nice diversity to the table & yet keeps us close. :)

Chrissy, Heather, Nikki, Ash, Abby, & Tiffany..
What are your differences/similarities with your hubbs-and?

Survey says..

A tag by Ashley..

Favorite Person (outside of family)? Hmm.. (family first) but if I have to choose I would probably say Kelsie Smith. We're so similar & have so much fun together doing who KNOWS what, and letting our babies play together (Bird & Bosko).

Favorite Food? Italian! So basically lots of pasta, and lots of cheese. Second place goes to a good bean and cheese burrito with sour cream. Oh dear family (Ash mostly), sorry I always make us eat at Mr. Taco every time I'm home. ..well, I'm SORT of sorry anyway. :)

Quirks about you? I'm very OCD (if you would..) about things being in their place. Everything has a place, and if it's not there.. all heck can break loose. Poor Andrew, I have to remind him every day where everything goes. I think he'll get it one of these days. It's my own fault for being so dang particular!

Any regrets in life? Mmmm.. come back to me when this life is over, then I may have an answer for ya.

Favorite Charity/Cause? Google Give. Andrew, it's gonna happen I just know it! ((confused? ..see this post))

Favorite Blog recently? It always happens to be The Coterie.
"You win, you always do." -Goulett, SNL.
Heather, I just can't get over it. You give me a daily dose of heaven!

Something you can't get enough of? Sleep. I'm always wanting more. I get crabby if I don't sleep for at least 10 hours. I know, I'm such a baby head.

Worst Job you've ever had? That would probably go to Jamba Juice in Provo. It wasn't pretty. Bad idea to work night shifts during football season there. Waaay too intense for me.

What job would you pay not to have? I wouldn't want "Joe the Plumber's" occupation. I have a very strong gag-reflex.

Guilty Pleasure? The Hills, & mom's chocolate ecclair cake. Mmm.. a post on that will surely come someday in the near future.

Got any confessions? Well, you know that phrase 'kissing cousins'? ..well I guess I ACTUALLY used to kiss my cousin Mike when I was a little child. Kinda weirds me out to think about it. But don't even worry. I wasn't yet accountable for my actions.

If you had $1000 dollars to spend on yourself how would you spend it? I would treat Andrew and I to eat out whenever we wanted. Which, knowing me, that would be almost every night. So however long that would last us I guess. I would set it aside as 'yummy dinner' money. (Eating out is my favorite thing to do)

Favorite thing about your house? We live in a cozy basement.. and I think I like the fact that we have a free DVR player and don't have to pay utilities. Second to those would have to be the hardwood floors. We live a charmed life..

Least favorite thing about your house? The fact that we do not have enough room for Andrew's office to flourish like it should. Poor guy is cramped back there!

One thing you are bad at? Being un-stubborn. Whatever the correct term for that is. I can be very narrow minded, and tend to be right always.

One thing you are good at? Doing the laundry. I seem to stay on top of it, and don't loathe doing the laundry like the dishes. BLAST those ever present dishes!

If you could change one thing about your circumstances, what would it be? Andrew would be done with school, thus.. we would be done with Utah.

Who would you like to meet someday? I would like to see Birdie re-united with her brothers.. that would be a hoot. Does that count?

What makes you feel sexy? When my face is clear of acne, wearing heels, & getting my hair done (me too sis).

Who is your real life hero? Grampa Ted. Our WWII vet & beloved great grandpa. May he rest in peace. (Learn more about Odell Tedrow here)

What is the hardest part of your job? Hands down, massaging someone who is larger than the table. It's sad, and true, and honestly difficult to do.

When are you most relaxed? When Andrew isn't struggling with time for the neccesities. I.E. eating, sleeping, etc. (The semester WILL end sweetheart! Just you wait!)

What can you not live without? Water & Andrew.

Do you agree or disagree with the recent article that reported that blogs are authored by narcissists? Yes & no. There are those who like to gloate on a regular basis, and granted we all take our proud moments (which we very well should). But I think that for the most part, bloggers are just sharring their opinions and life stories with eachother.

Why do you blog? Mostly to share my finds with the world. It's fun, and totally addicting/therapeutic for me. Also, I think everyone needs somewhere to go to talk about whatever is on their mind. It's such an easy outlet!

Who are you tagging? Lacey Kressin, Jessie Clingo, Becca Monson, & Kristina/Calee Shroeder.

{photo via Flickr}

Photo

Tagged..

Upload the 4th photo from your 4th folder.

Once upon a time, I dated a boy who was a very talented photographer named Paul Ongpin. (He worked for many a wonderful people & companies. Including Blink 182 & Nixon watches.. etc) Anyway, this is just one of the many fun photos to come out of that period of time. This shot in particular was taken of me on Coronado Island in San Diego. A lovely place..

Erin Nelson, Ashley Lisonbee, Jessie Clingo..
and my new friends Heather Lee & Rachel Nilsson.

How Prestigious

Erin friend has awarded me the ever prestigious..
I love your blog! Award
((Thanks Urrn, I feel so honored))

So I bring you the EXCLUSIVE interview with yours truly!
(ok, so it's just a questionnaire, but you know.. all great awards require explanations and follow ups from the winner.. haha)

1. Where is your cell phone? next to me.. possible add-ons today from work.
2. Where is your significant other? At school, slaving away today.
3. Your hair color? Brown (still totally glad about that decision!)
4. Your mother? In Cah-lee-forn-ya.
5. Your father? Surf-tastic.
6. Your favorite thing? Hmm.. going out to eat with Andrew.
7. Your dream last night? Can't remember.. however, the night before last, I was on Paris Hilton's my BFF. Haha!
8. Your dream/goal? Exaltation. (isn't that what we should all be striving for?)
9. The room you're in? Our over sized closet/office.
10.Your hobby? Back home- surfing, here- blogging/shopping with Kels.
11. Your fear? Spiders, & not being able to have kids.
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? In a home with rugrats.
13. Where were you last night? Home on the Sabbath.
14. What you're not? Motivated to do chores today.
15. One of your wish-list items? Painted walls.
16. Where you grew up? Sunny San Diego.
17. The last thing you ate? Buttered toast.
18. What are you wearing? My comfties. It's chore day.
19. Your TV? Was a gift purchased from excess wedding money & mom.
20. Your pet? 'Oh Bird! She's napping on our bed at this moment.
21. Your computer? Overheats, and the touchpad scroller doesn't work. :(
22. Your mood? Right now I just want to eat and hybernate.
23. Missing someone? My whole family that lives in Escondido, CA.
24. Your car? Toyota Tacoma, 4 door 4x4, she's black, and her name is Pearl. ..get it?
25. Something you're not wearing? My fingers are nude.
26. Favorite store? Grocery stores. I looove food!
27. Your summer? Was spent in Utah/Mexico/California.. etc.
28. Love someone? My boyfriend. :)
29. Your favorite color? White & green.
30. When is the last time you laughed? Last night. Andrew thinks 'bedtime' means, 'torture Arica until she can't breathe and is found grumpy that she can't fall asleep.'
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday at church, while the YW presidency bore testimony upon leaving the YW. They will be missed!

I LOVE YOUR BLOG: Heather, Ash, & Chrissy!
Congratulations! You're the next batch of winners!

Empty Yerr Bags!

You bet'cha! Tag, your it! Here's my friend that goes with me EVERYWHERE..

BUT FIRST-- "the code ...it's more like guidelines."
((not sure why I'm spoutin' off like a pirate, but just go with it.))

1. Show photograph of your bag/purse.
2. You are not allowed to edit contents before photographing!
3. List the contents & give descriptions.
4. Bag tag your friends.



Isn't she adorable?! Found this zebra clutch at Buckle.
Photos curtesy of my LG Chocolate. :)

Ok, my belongings...

1. Post-its & pens [I'm a list maker].
2. iPod [currently out of service, and I can't figure out what's wrong!].
3. The inevitable restroom cigars [no description necessary].
4. Hair-ties [usually pulled out and used at work].
5. Clutch wallet [not my favorite, but it does the job well].
6. Case o' glasses [usually used for reading, driving, & eye-aches].
7. H2O Lip Moisturizer [aka, the straight dope shoogee chapstick from our Disney cruise].
8. C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine [aka, the straight dope shoogee lip-gloss from Bath & Body Works].
9. Shades [bought 3 years ago for my graduation trip to Hawaii].
10. Keys [adorned with Bolivian key chain & Smith's value card].
11. Eclipse gum [it makes the little 8 packs seem so sissy].

There you have it! My ever-so-exciting Patten-Zebra-Clutch friend and all her accessories. :) Ok, I want to see all of yours.. but to make matters specific for those of you who perhaps don't take open invitations..
Ashley Shmee, Ashley Lisonbee, Erin Nelson [almost put Haynie, woops!.. ps, I know you've done this before, but I want to see the changes], Nikki Nielsen, Ashley Veater, Erin Hoy, Ciera Lovell, Jessica Hulka (show us that purse IN RUSSIA!), Chrissy Stokes, Lindsay Rondo, Brooke Schroeder, Heather Mildenstein, Jessie Clingo, & Abby Peters.
Hahaha.

Get on it! :)

Once Again..

I have been tagged. :) And this one is aptly named..

Two's!

Two Names You Go By:

1. Air.
2. Kitten (just by my mother-in-law, and brother-in-law who thinks it's funny).

Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:
1. Van's triple crown of surfing t-shirt (p-j top).
2. Billabong comfty pants (p-j bottoms).

Two Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment:
1. To go back to bed instead of work in half an hour.
2. An Orange Dream Machine to knock at my door and say 'drink me!'.

Two People Who Will Fill This Out:
1. Nikki Nielsen (Tag).
2. Ashley Smith (Tag).

Two Things You Did Last Night:
1. Made dinner for my boyfriend.
2. Watched the presidential debate.

Two Things You Ate Yesterday:
1. Honey bunches of oates.
2. Butternut squash (thanks Ash Lisonbee!).

Two People You Last Talked To:
1. Jackson & Thatcher (they come as a pair).
2. Mother.

Two Things You're Doing Tomorrow:
1. Church.
2. Nap.

Your Two Favorite Holidays:
1. Christmas.
2. 4th of July.

Favorite Vacations:
1. Scorpion Bay.
2. Cruises!

Favorite Beverages:
1. Milk.
2. Coke w/lime (I don't have it often, usually just at a restaurant).

I invite all who are interested to do this themselves. :)

8 Things

Ciera tagged me.. and so here it is..

8 Things I'm Passionate About...

1. Andrew.
2. My family.
3. Bird Turd.
4. Being nice to everyone, no matter what.
5. Being organized (& teaching my sweet hubby how to be also).
6. Dancing (although it's been on the back burner for sometime now).
7. Sleeping.
8. "Going green."

8 Words Or Phrases I Say Often...

1. "I'm sure."
2. "Tell me why.."
3. -Homegirl & homeboy.
4. "All-right.. take it easy."
5. "BIRDIE ..NO!"
6. "Does that make sense?" (ok, not often, just sometimes.. right ash? :])
7. "What daaah quaaaaah??!"
8. -any & all movie quotes

8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die...

1. Give birth to children.
2. See Andrew graduate.
3. Travel everywhere (meee too Ciera).
4. Be financially stress free (meee TOO Ciera!).
5. Buy a cozy home in San Diego.
6. Meet one of my favorite Actors.
7. Get my kids Disneyland passes.
8. Teach our children how to surf.

8 Things I Pray For...

1. Andrew to have stress free days.
2. Andrew to be able to get all his infinite projects done when they need to be.
3. Guidance in our decisions we make, be it separate or as a family.
4. Patience.
5. Help with having charity for EVERYONE.
6. Friends & family in need of help or blessings.
7. Help to be a better wife to my husband than I was the day before.
8. For GOOD good sleep, even if it is only for a few hours :).

8 Things I Have Learned...

1. Forgiveness really heals hearts, as does letting go.
2. Family is there for you when others aren't (very true).
3. Watching TV is only productive sometimes.. ie, food network, hgtv, discovery channel (probably doesn't include iCarly, One Tree Hill.. etc).
4. It doesn't matter what other people say about you and dwelling on it will just cause you unhappiness (again Ciera, nailed it!).
5. Having a family is God's plan.
6. 'Searing' onions is not an easy task, especially when you hate onions.
7. Patience is essential, as is accepting God's timing in all things.
8. Birdie is the perfect preparation for having little ones, she's taught us lots :).

The end. Next up.. Ashley, Ash, Erin & Erin!! Haha. Perfect!

Tagged By Tone

Joys
1- Andrew husband
2- Diet Coke
3- My TV shows
4- The wonderful hot sunshine

Fears
1- Bugs & bug bites. Not fun in the body of Arica. I'm quite allergic.. not a pretty picture.
2- Not having an income, resulting in the loss of my savings account due to having to spend it. (let's hope this never happens!)
3- The end of this temporary mortal life.

Goals
1- To slowly re-vamp our apartment.
2- To get Andrew registered in his 2 online classes for the summer, and help him finish them.
3- To start a little container garden soon. :)

Current Obsessions
1- Recycling
2- Planet Green channel (I'm seriously going granola or something.)
3- Redecorating

Random Surprising Facts
1- Along with the typical "cherry-knot tongue tie" I can also fold my tongue into a 3 leaved clover. How fabulous.
2- I did cheer. I know, I know.. Pop-warner, JV, Varsity.. the works.
3- I used to keep the funniest journal ever, my sisters read it out loud and laugh for hours, this is one of their favorite pass-times (Abby especially).

Tah dah! Ok...
Ash, Erin, Doretha, Kelsie, and new comer Nikki... Tag! Your it!

Have a good one!

TAGGED BY CHRISSY

10 years ago: I had fallen off a gymnastic bar at elementary school (dang richland elementary) and destroyed my arm. 3 breaks (1 was compound, aka.. "popped out of my flesh"), and my elbow was dislocated. I didn't attend almost 3 months of school. And, because of this incident I have been able to pay for college, a wedding and a sweeesweeet truck. What's next? :)

5 years ago: I was a 15 year old sophmore, I had finished my first friendship-boyfriend type relationship, and moved onto the big leagues.. Dated Joshua Martin Bramwell (big 17 year old) for a year after that. I enjoyed my teen years.

5 months ago: I was 1 month married. It was going fabulously.. and we celebrated by purchasing a member of our family. ..Birdie, Bird Turd, Turdling, Turd Ferguson. We love her, but I think maybe a $700 trip would have been just as good.

5 things on my to do list today:
1. Go to the bank
2. Pay our last utilities from not-so-"pleasant springs"
3. Visit sister who is fresh with fillings (the first in her life)
4. Possibly spend time with the in-laws
5. Watch the boob-tube

5 Snacks I enjoy:
1. Hostess doughnuts
2. Edamames
3. Luscious fruit beverages from gas stations
4. Fruit snacks
5. Ice cream

5 things I would do if I were suddenly a billionaire:
1. Buy a house close to the beach, and close to ash & jermo :)
2. Buy a vacation house somewhere in Europe
3. Get a sweet car or three for my husband & I
4. Create many sweet orphanages all over
5. Stop working & have the babies

5 of my bad habits:
1. Being lazy
2. Watching too much tv
3. Not cooking dinners for my lovely husband
4. I chew & make gross noises, and I strongly dislike when others do the same. Rude of me.
5. Eating out too much

5 places I have lived:
1. Mira Mesa, CA
2. Escondido, CA
3. Provo, UT
4. Pleasant Grove, UT
5. and currently/temporarily Alpine, UT

5 jobs I have had:
1. Gromitz, kid's skate shop
2. Dry Cleaning Station, took dirty laundry from people, and gave them back clean clothes.
3. Jamba Juice, maker of divine smoothies & beverages
4. June Angel Day Spa & DeLeon Day Spa, giver of fabulous massages
5. Wifey

5 things people don't know about me:
1. I clogged for five years (where Ash & I met Chrissy!)
2. I'm a hip-hop & polynesian dancer (not currently practicing)
3. I eat like a crazy 6 year old, & married an alkalarian. (see "young father" for details)
4. I was a varsity cheerleader in high school and did pop warner cheer for years prior.
5. I'm scared of the dark.

the end. :)