Changes!

If I have to pick just one word that is going to describe the upcoming year it is CHANGE! I am so dang excited for this upcoming year and all the new things that it will bring!!

- My husband will graduate from law school!
- New careers
- *Hopefully* purchasing our first home
- Free time (for the first time since meeting my husband, we will be at a place in life where neither one of us will be students!)

As I sit here enjoying the last day of my two week break I can't help but to think where I might be at this time next year. However, it is my goal this upcoming year to stop and enjoy the moments. I'm not sure about any of you, but I spend a lot of time focusing on the future, so much in fact that I often miss out on my present. Since this year will contain so many memories, lasts, and opportunities I want to really work on being present.

I know people say not to make New Years Resolutions and I have to disagree with them. When I was a senior in high school I read somewhere that successful people write down their goals and are more likely to achieve them. So that day before my senior year I wrote down everything I wanted to accomplish, and at the end of the year I had accomplished all but one of them. Even looking back at last year's goals I would say I was successful on each of them.

In 2014 I want to....
1.) Live in the Moment
I want to enjoy the moments as they are happening. To me this means spending less time on social media, less planning, and more fun.

2.) Run a half-marathon
Every since I moved to Lincoln 7 years ago I've always thought, 'I need to run the Lincoln Marathon'. But every year I had an excuse why I shouldn't sign up. Well last night I have officially registered for this years half-marathon. I am excited to start training and check this item off my bucket list!

3.) Be Healthy
Isn't this on every one's list? I'm not talking about dieting or losing weight. Recently I've realized that I am not in a good place health wise. It takes me longer to recover when I don't eat the right foods, sleep, or am lazy. Being healthy to me means drinking more water, getting at least 8 hours of sleep, and moving more--which should be pretty easy with my marathon training.

4.) Accept Change
Change is the only constant in life and it will happen. Most of the time change happens and we don't expect it. I find myself lucky in the aspect that many of the changes coming up in the next year I know about, and I want to handle it gracefully :)

5.) Continue to save
Last year Kane and I exceeded our savings goal by quite a bit- which for us, was a huge deal ! It's no secret we have student loan debt, however, for having 14 years of combined schooling (7 for me, 7 for Kane), we are actually at a really good place. With that being said, I still want to save so that when our student loans start coming due we are at a place where its not overwhelming.

6.) Take more time for us
I often times take Kane for granted, but this year that will change. To me this means eating more suppers together at the table, maybe more date nights, or a short vacation. I just don't want to regret wasting this time in our lives where it is just the two of us.

7.) Celebrate
This is something I've started incorporating into my life lately. I need to focus on celebrating life. The celebration I'm most looking forward to is my husband's law school graduation- I'm thinking this deserves a vacation.

I can honestly say I am SOOOOOO excited for 2014 and all that it has in store for us. It is going to be a great year :)

2013 in Review

Just like every other year, 2013 was one of many ups and downs. Lots of challenges, many victories, and many lessons were learned. I wish I would have taken more photos so I had something tangible to look back on, but hopefully this will serve its purpose to look back on some day. My top memories from this year....

1. Graduation- Finally after 7 years of being a student of higher education I graduated with my Masters of Management. This year was particularly tough for me as a student as I wrapped up all my regular classes and started the final part of my program. The last 9 months I have written and turned in close to 500 pages of papers/projects/proposals. It took up so much of my time, tested me in ways I've never experienced before, and made me lean on my family and friends in new ways. The thought of giving up crossed my mind many times, but ultimately I made it, and I can say that it was one of the happiest times in my life thus far!

2. Vacation!!- Kane and I decided last New Years Eve that we wanted to do a big vacation, so in February we booked a trip to the Riviera Maya. It was my first time out of the country and I had so much fun. I constantly find myself amazed at how lucky I am that I get to experience life with my best friend- we have so much fun together :)

3. Kane's Marathon- I could not have been more proud of my husband as he finished his first half marathon. I was so inspired by his dedication to training.

4.  Our 1st Anniversary- A day celebrating one of the best decisions I have ever made. Don't get me wrong I loved my wedding day, however, celebrating the 365 days after it (is it possible to have that many favorite days??) was great. We grew a lot as a couple during our first year of marriage- we had many disagreements, fights, surprises, and wonderful days. I can't wait to see what our future holds! We spent the afternoon celebrating at one of our favorite places- James Arthur Vineyard.

5. 4th of July- This year we spent the 4th at Harlan County Lake (one of my favorite places) with family. Kane and I both participated in the Alma 4th of July race (I did a 5k and Kane a 10k). It was so much fun! This is something we hope to make an annual tradition. 

I loved what 2013 gave us- many memories with friends, family, and life lessons. I can't help but look back on the past year and smile, and see how far we've come since last January. I can't wait for 2014!!

Two weeks!

So I have officially two weeks left of school. I don't officially graduate until December 15th, however I present my final project on the 24th of this month and I'm done. I'm done with four hour long night classes during the week, I'm done buying textbooks, writing papers, doing tons of reading and research every night. I'm done with spending my lunch break trying to finish homework, done trying to work full time and go to school full time.

But I have to admit, I'm kind of sad. I mean--I have been a student for the past seven years. I've loved the people I've met in my program. I'm going to miss challenging myself and proving to others that I can do it. I'm not sure what I am going to do with all my free time.

I'm also going to miss nights like this.....

(disregard the face my husband is making)

Nights where we spend locked up in a study room, just sitting across from each other working on our homework. The other night when we were in here I actually got kind of sad that I wouldn't have an excuse to tag along to the law school with him after I present this project.

Wish me luck to get through these next 2 weeks with my sanity intact!!

Should I even make an excuse?

Life has been busy. And every now and then this summer I would think to myself that I should try and blog a little bit when I had free time, that way I had something to look back on in a couple years to remember this summer. My last summer as a student, the summer I lived by myself and had a 'commuter marriage' with my husband, the summer that I spent soaking up all the free time I possibly could.

I know I had mentioned at some point I was working on a big paper for one of my classes. Well....I finally finished it.

115 pages. 35, 600 some odd words. 3 months and hundreds of hour of my life later it is done. I am not going to lie when I was working on this I could not wait to be done. However, when I turned it in I felt a little sad. I put some much time and energy into this assignment, needless to say, I was extremely proud of myself for getting this done.

My husband has been out of town quite a bit this summer for a clerkship he is doing. To say it has been tough is an understatement. However, even though this sucked--the whole experience has only made us closer. I am very excited for this week to get over though so he can finally be home!

I've also been making a conscious effort to spend more time with those I love. Saying yes to last minute invitations for nights out with friends. Planning endless lake trips. And dancing with my love late into the night.

Lately I've been finding myself feeling so grateful and blessed for the life I've been able to live! So if I don't pop in for awhile it's because I've decided to start living life again :)

Till next time,
D

Balancing Act

Life has been so hectic lately, I feel like every time I look at the calendar I'm exclaiming how I can't believe it's already March, April, and now May! I feel like I am spending so much time trying to catch up so I can finally slow down that time is flying by without me. 

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before but I am in the final stages of finishing my Masters degree and will *hopefully* graduate in December 2013. When I first started the program my official graduation date was May 2014, however I'm at a point in my life where school is the last of my list of priorities. You see I have been in school (nonstop) for the last 7 years. I took a full course load every semester and summer session offered and during my time at undergraduate I worked 3 different jobs to help pay for my schooling. When I graduated undergrad I accepted a full time position and started grad school full time 2 weeks after I graduated.

Since I moved my graduation date up by 5 months I've been doubling up on classes and it is finally catching up with me. I am currently finishing up a 'pre-assingment' that will end up being 120 pages in written response--and it is taking up all my time! I miss cooking supper, cleaning my house, playing with my puppy, and spending quality time with my husband.

Because I have been so busy I feel like I am missing out on the little things in life-the things that make life worth living. I've decided that I am going to make time for those little things...

- I am going to make time to cook supper with my husband

- I'll get up a little earlier to take Lola for a walk. And get up early on Saturday mornings to take her to the dog park

- I'll accept that invitations from friends to catch up and hang out and not feel guilty about not studying on a Saturday night

- I'll spend my lunch breaks reading the paper instead of reading homework assignments

I'm so close to being down, I just need to keep reminding myself that to keep sane the next 7 months I need to make time to enjoy life as well.  

How do you balance work/school and personal commitments? This is something I've always struggled with!!

Weekend Update

I can't believe another weekend had come and gone. The past week was so busy (just like all the others) that it flew by!

My little baby graduated from puppy training...

 Proud parents!

Lola did awesome and passed with flying colors!

We went and saw some basketball with my best friend and her husband.

Even though we lost, it was still a fun time! When I was in undergrad I never went to a basketball game (we are a football school after all) however, I went one other time when Nebraska played Kansas- the games are ok, but I much prefer Memorial Stadium to the Davaney Center any day!

And last but not least, went to Winter Fest! I always love trying new brews and there were so many this year! My favorite was by far an apple ginger beer---simply amazing! I'm still trying to find where they sell it in town so I can stock up.

Weekend Update

I usually never say this but thank goodness it is Monday. Last week was so exhausting! Since moving up my graduation date a couple months I have been trying to get as many classes completed as I can before I start my last 4 classes of my capstone. In order to knock one out before I started a new term Tuesday I decided to take a flex term=an 8 week term completed in 6 days. Last week I worked 40 hours at my day job and spent 35 hours in class. That equals one very, very, very exhausted Dani come Saturday evening!

However, to brighten my mood two of my favorite little kids came over to hang out and we had a fun night of watching Power Rangers and goofing off. Sunday I spent all day laying around, getting caught up on chores, and going to bed before 10.

I’m so excited to get back into a regular routine of work, class, and meals every night. I have so many different things going on this week, I am so excited! Tomorrow I start my most dreaded class of the program (International Economics and Business), Wednesday a Husker basketball game with my husband, best friends, and her husband, Thursday Lola is graduating from puppy kindergarten, and one of my favorite events of the year is on Friday—Winter Ale Festival.

I started Jillian Michael's 30 day shred last night....holy soreness!!! This lady knows what is up!!

2013

It cannot possibly be the 2nd week of 2013 already....holy cow! Like so many others, this last year has flown by. I realize I am a little late jumping on this band wagon, but on NYE my husband and I sat down and wrote down some goals as a couple and individually.

Couple:
1.) Increase our savings account
2.) Take a trip together-- planning one as we speak for May, June, and August!
3.) Eat dinner together, at our table, at least 3 times a week
4.) Continue to encourage and support one another

Personal Goals:
1.) Write more (blog, freelance, etc)
2.) Become more organized!
3.) Start and end each day grateful for what I have
4.) Get into an exercise routine I can stick with
5.) Graduate with my Masters- DECEMBER 2013!!!! :)
6.) Spend more time with my family

Nothing extravagant, but this year I am focusing on taking the clutter out of my life and living simply- already off to a great start!

Any specific resolutions you have?

Excited to see what 2013 has in store for us!

Giving Thanks

I love Thanksgiving, it is by far my favorite holiday! Mainly because we get to spend time with family without the presents or other obligations that come with Christmas. Plus, Thanksgiving involves all my favorite foods like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and macaroni and cheese casserole...YUM!

This year I have so much to be thankful for-- my husband and our brand new marriage. We continue to grow and learn from each other daily. My family who supports me in all my life adventures. A puppy that is teaching me about unconditional love. A job that provides for my husband and I as we navigate through school. An education that is equipping me with the essentials to be the best I can be. Friends that push me to get out of my comfort zone. And last, a life that is just pretty darn amazing to live. Some days I get so overwhelmed with all the I have been blessed with in my life I could start crying! It's my goal to stop worrying about the little things and start being appreciative for all the wonderful things I have in my life.

On a lighter note...Kane surprised me with an early Christmas present..a tablet I have been lusting over for a year now!

Asus Tablet via Best Buy

I'm still learning how to use it and all the features its offer but so far I love it! It will come in so handy for school. Also, a couple weeks ago I splurged and bought myself a new camera. 

Fujifilm FinePix S4300 via Best Buy

It is so much better than my last camera (which was over 5 years old!) and the quality of photos is amazing. Below are some of the photos I've taken with it so far...

 Trying to be artsy 

 Miss Lola

 Not quite sure about her Holiday sweater

 My little nephew is so dang cute!

He also loves ripping wrapping paper and bows :)

Hope everyone had a lovely Holiday with their families and loved ones!

GBR

Ah last weekend at the game was so much fun! After I graduated in undergrad I kind of gave up going out and tailgating before the games. I'm not going to lie-- I was exhausted tired when I got home Saturday night, but it was worth it to go see friends and family before the game. Here are a couple photos I took....

 Playing with the new iPhone panoramic photo

 My husband and his BFF just hanging

There is no place like Memorial Stadium....GBR

Is anyone else loving Daylight Savings??? I have been so productive today!

Goals for the Week

Every Sunday I try to write down a list of goals I want to accomplish for the week. Maybe writing them down and putting them out there for the world to see will help hold me more accountable.

1.) Get my house clean
2.) Not complain about work when i get home
3.) Cook supper every night this week and not eat out
4.) Complete 2 weeks worth of homework for my online class
5.) Get up at 6 a.m. to walk Lola at least 3 times this week
6.) Finish my Christmas want list for my parents and Kane
7.) Complete my 'to get' list for my Christmas shopping
8.) Finish my write up
9.) Complete my monthly budget for November
10.) Call and get auto insurance set up
11.) Finish and mail out all my wedding thank your

Hopefully I can cross each of these items of my list during the week!

Lazy Nights

Yep...this makes my heart smile.

My husband is on fall break so I took the day off to spend with him and catch up on errands. I must have worn both of them out :)


Oh P.S.- There is a pretty amazing giveaway going on over at Shades of Gray and a Pinch of Pink. Go check it out!

Does that make me crazy ?!?!

I am linking up with Michelle over at The Vintage Apple for a fun little thing called Does That Make Me Crazy? I know there are plenty of things I do that I think are completely normal but others might think I am a little crazy when I do them. Kind of like....

- Does it make me crazy if ... sometimes when I don't feel like making supper I'll just eat a can of black olives or mashed potatoes.

- Does it make me crazy if ... In the shower I have a very strict routine= Shampoo hair, rinse, conditioner, wash face, rinse conditioner, wash body. And I never stray from this routine.

- Does it make me crazy if ... I like to sing in the car only if my windows are up.

- Does it make me crazy if ... I hardly ever blow dry my hair, I hate using a blow dryer.

- Does it make me crazy if ... I don't like to go to the movie theater if the movies require a lot of thinking (I'd much rather people watch)

- Does it make me crazy if ... I hate using public bathrooms. And I hate using public bathrooms when anyone else is in there.

- Does it make me crazy if ... I don't eat popcorn with my hands. I have specific 'popcorn' bowls that are really shallow so I can just eat it out of the bowl (Weird I know, my husband hates it)

- Does it make me crazy if ... I never order meat at a restaurant and would prefer not eating meat I didn't cook myself.

These don't make me too crazy, right ? Can't wait to read what everyone else has!

Lola

Lola has been a member of our family for about a month now. I can't believe what a big difference she has made in our house. 

1.)We are always in a good mood---who wouldn't be in a good mood when someone is so dang excited to see you!

2.) We exercise. This is huge for us as we are those people who set their alarm clocks at 5:30 a.m. in hopes of getting up to run (Newsflash- we always end up getting up at 6:45 a.m.- exactly 45 minutes before we have to leave everyday) But now that we have Lola nightly walks have become a staple in our household. Also, we take a lot more naps after said walks.

3.) Our house is clean. If we don't pick things up she eats them. Plain and simple.

4.) We have a valid excuse when we don't want to go out. We are homebodies and I like to stay in sometimes instead of going out and getting crazy.

5.) She has helped reinforce the ideas we are not ready to have children. She will be the only living thing that depends on us to survive for at least the next 5 or so years.

6.) She's pretty darn awesome. 

 Don't judge me for the bad photo

Welcome to Nebraska, Wisconsin

Yesterday was a day Nebraska football fans had been waiting to arrive for 365 days. You see last year we played our first Big 10 conference game against Wisconsin. And they beat us. And their fans were really really mean to ours. Don't believe me? Check out Taylor 's (from the Daily Tay) post from Thursday about some of the unsportsman like behavior she witnessed. Yeah pretty unbelievable--and I heard it from every single person that I knew that traveled up there. So this year we had to show them exactly what the 'greatest fans in college football' act like. I mean they don't brand us that just because...

I went tailgating yesterday with friends and family and every Wisconsin football fan we saw we made sure to say, "Hi, Welcome to Nebraska! Hope you have a good day!" Why? Because that's what we do every single time we have an opponent, its just what Nebraska fans do. Anyways, long story short- we ended up winning 30-27 and Nebraska was pumped! We were down for most of the game and it turned out to be the 2nd largest comeback in school history! A few of the photos I took yesterday...

Ha, I only remembered my camera at one of the tailgates we were at :)

Today I have a full agenda-- grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, writing a paper, and getting a presentation ready for class on Tuesday! The joys of Sunday :)

Fan 4 Life

So I was going to post a new recipe but something else happened that I had to share. On Wednesday night Kane told me that on Thursday he was going to take me out for supper since I had done so much the past week (cook, clean, etc.). I thought, "What a nice man I have, everyone should be jealous".

Thursday night comes and Kane is insistent that we go to Applebee's. We walk up to Applebee's and I notice everyone in Packer's jersey/clothing-then it hits me....he wanted to eat out so he could watch the Packer game at the bar (wasn't being shown on t.v. only the NFL network). What a little sneak-- oh to be married to a football fanatic :)

In other news the Huskers won this weekend!!!

Procrastination

Holy Cow! I swear almost every morning when I get up I think, “I need to update this blog today”, and then almost every night when I get home real life takes over and I have about 20 things to get done on my to-do list. However, I plan on making a conscious effort to blog about 2-3 times a week (like we haven’t heard that one before J )

First things first, I have an awesome recipe I am going to share with you tomorrow. It was super easy to make and the husband loved it—so pretty much a win win in my book. It is one that will be making an appearance in my weekly recipe rotation! I’ll give you a small sneak peak….tell me your mouth is not watering!

School is back in full swing for both my husband and I and it has been keeping us so busy! Most of our nights are spent either in class or studying (more for my husband than me). Only 1 ½ more years till we are done! I don’t know if I have mentioned this before but if all goes according to plan my husband will graduate from law school on a Saturday in May 2014 and I will graduate from my graduate program the next day—pretty cool!

Other than that I have just been keeping up with my newest form of procrastination...Lola

She's precious!

Updates

Wow...life got the best of me this past summer. Grad school, full time job, and planning a wedding take up a lot of time (Just in case you didn't know). Well I come back to you all as a MRS.!! (Still so weird!)

Kane and I were married August 11, 2012...and it was an absolutely, amazing, wonderful, perfect day! I hope to share more on this when I get my professional photos back :)

We spent a week in Estes Park and it was exactly the relaxing laid back trip we had in mind.

And in other unrelated news....our tiny family of two has grown and we adopted a new puppy Friday!

Her name is Lola! All I got to say is I feel sorry for our future children with the amount of photos Kane has been taking :)

I promise an update soon (and more frequently)!