Snow, Living Art, A Flamboyant Pomeranian, and Stephanie!

Blog? Why not I haven’t blogged in a while, which is bad since I try to blog once a week or more. My bad, I’ll do better from now on :)  What have I been doing?!

Just the usual…

Job Applications. Reading up on school stuff (trying to get a kick start).

Playing in the snow with family

Sexy Ash Haha!

These were all taken right at the beginning of the snowness. I haven't taken a picture since

 Talking to Josh, praising his amazing pictures, reminding him that he will pass his tests, and watching him freak out about a 500 page baseball book!

I got him a 500 page Baseball History book and he was like "AH!!!" for a good 30 minutes :)

It's so good to see him excited.

He's really talented, and I'm not just saying that.

This is getting framed and hung in our place.

And, of course, listening to music.

I’ve really been missing my friends lately, so I’ve been listening to songs that I used to listen to back home. Especially Stephanie’s Drive Mixes : ) And of course I’ve been all over John Mayer like white on rice!

 My current playlist on Grooveshark is full of some songs that I’ve gotten into recently.

Maybe- Sick Puppies

So Obvious- Runner Runner

Human- The Killers

Animal- Neon Trees

Through the trees- Low Shoulder

Perfect Nightmare- Shontelle

Runaway Love- Ludacris featuring Mary J. Blidge

I Never Told You- Colbie Callliat

Beautiful- James Blunt

Gravity- John Mayer

Sorry- Buckcherry

Scars- Papa Roach

Marry Me- Train

Echo- Incubus (Reminds me of a friend I wish I still talked to a lot)

Ice Box- Omarion

Heartbreak Warfare- John Mayer

Half of My Heart- John Mayer

All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye- John Mayer

Free Fallin’- John Mayer

Back to You- John Mayer

Break Me Out- The Rescues

Sink or Swim- Tyrone Wells

I Will Follow You Into The Dark- Death Cab for Cutie

Back to December- Taylor Swift

Breath- Michelle Branch

Romeo and Juliet- Matt Nathanson (Stephie’s True love)

Wedding Dress- Matt Nathanson

Touch- Natasha Bedingfield

Vanilla Twilight- Owl City

Hello Seattle- Owl City

Stellar- Incubus

Music is so much more than just notes, it’s a living organism. For people like me, who can hear the music in the woods, who can hear the earth breathe, music is a piece of life. It sounds silly, but I hear it everywhere I go. It’s a living art. It’s an escape from anything negative you may or may not be feeling. It’s the one thing that will never judge you, or force you to do things you don’t want to.

My love of some stellar music definitely stemmed from my bestie Stephanie, whom I’ve had an *ahem* colored past. Haha. But everybody fights, and I love her to death. She’s my other “soul sister.”

She's so gorgeous!

Anyways! The Owskey clan has some awesome musical, and cinematic taste. They introduced me to bands (and musicals) that I never would have thought to listen to by myself, and movies I would have overlooked.

I remember one night when Steph and I vegged out on her couch eating nothing but chocolate (and marshmallow) goodness while watching a marathon of Empire Records and Hackers. It was one of my favorite memories with her.

Ya look hot Chicklette!

Stephanie is someone who sees the beauty in the world, no matter what is coloring her view. She’s taught me to love myself, and to love where I am no matter where that is. She taught me to listen to the world around me, and to really walk to the beat of my own (bongo) drums. J

She is one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met (even though she’s a crazy rebel! Haha) and I love having her in my life. There isn’t anyone else who I’d rather have my back, and she knows that I’ve always got hers- Hey, I’m only a plane ride away!

I love you Stephie.

Anyways, there is a long blog to quench your blog thirst. Tune in soon for some other random blog J

Lots of snow, and a “flamboyant” Pomeranian ,

Kristen

I just took this and he looks so pissed haha

Hence the flamboyant Pomeranian

Lots of Laughter,

Kristen

Engagements, and Lots of Mushy Stuff...

A few years ago I used to watch the show Engaged and Underage and I couldn’t believe that people would get engaged so young. I couldn’t believe that people thought that they were ready to get married at 18. But even though I didn’t think it was a good idea, I was hooked onto that show. The show ended, and I began wondering if my thoughts were clouded by what I’d always been told- that married is for adults, and as a result my thoughts about being an adult changed as well. To me if you’re old enough to move out, you’re old enough to get married. Which leads me to my point in this post.

I’m Engaged! For those of you that know us you probably aren’t that shocked since we’ve been practically connected at the hip for years, but for those of you who don’t let me give you some history.

Josh and I went to middle school together, even though we never officially met as anything more than “Hey, this is Josh.” So we went our separate ways until freshman year of high school. Josh’s best friend Tim was dating my best friend Meghan, and therefore we were kind of forced together. Soon though, we became friends with each other (and everyone else) and became “the group.” A tight knit, inseparable group.

We started to talk a little more openly to each other, and just clicked. By the end of sophomore year we were always together. All throughout junior year we talked all the time, and began our tradition of walking home together (since we both lived close enough to walk, and lived in the same direction. We would sit at the corner of my cul-de-sac and talk for so long every afternoon. We told each other everything, and he never judged me for anything. After the loss of a once good friend at the end of junior year, (and then my uncle later) Josh became my rock. He knew all of my secrets, and I knew all of his (even the dorky ones). We were together a lot, I was even invited to go to a concert with his family (below).

The day finally came where we just decided what the hell, why not? Unfortunately, the timing was wrong and I left to visit family for a month and when I came back I made the mistake of breaking it off. However, throughout senior year Josh and I remained friends and even tried to get back together a few times that didn’t work out, but we were always there for each other: when he had relationship problems, I was there giving advice. When I got my wisdom teeth out he stayed all night to make sure I wasn't lonely. 

The night my wisdom teeth were removed

Throughout senior year Josh had been talking to recruiters on his own and finally decided to join the Army. I was more than shocked. In fact the second he told me, I started bawling. All I could think of was guns, and wars, and the fact that I didn’t want him to go, but I knew that the one thing I always gave him was my support. So I told him the truth: that I was terrified, but I was so proud of him for signing up even though he wasn't sure how he would do.

Then came May 31^st. Prom Night. Josh and I went with other people, and in fact barely saw each other (we were fighting). But my night was not as pleasant as I had hoped I spent the majority of Prom bawling my eyes out. But the second I was upset the only thought in my head was “I need my best friend. I have to find Josh.” And even though were fighting the second he saw me he opened his arms to me. I spent the night crying in my best friend’s arms whispering how sorry I was about our fight. And even though it should have been a disaster I couldn’t help but feel happy and safe as I left prom in a limo full of my friends with my best friend finally talking to me again.

For the next few weeks we got through Graduation, and final concerts, and the end of an era together. I remember Senior Assembly when Josh and Tim won Best Friends, and I clapped and cheered, just like I was the loudest cheer when Josh got his cord for the Armed Forces, and he was the loudest when I got my FAME cord, and when I won Next American Idol. We spent the Senior BBQ together, me freezing in my little Graduation Dress, and him hanging out in a t-shirt and jeans.

Two weeks later we were an item. Simple as that J we made it official after his Graduation Party. Josh was there when I got severely ill, and I was there the night he left for Basic. I spent months writing letters every night, and waiting by the phone every Sunday (my first call didn’t happen until 6 weeks after he left). Then came the day when I decided to (somewhat spontaneaously) move to Maryland. I was from there and Josh was going to be 3000 miles away from family all by himself and that wasn’t something I could handle. So I bought a plane ticket to South Carolina, and September 15^th I told him I was there to stay.

On October 9, 2010 Josh left Ft Meade on his first weekend pass (which was on Columbus Day). Little did I know what he had in store. We were laying on the couch just relaxing before skyping Stephanie Owskey, and he said he had something for me. He went to his bag and pulled a little white box out. He said that he loved me and that he didn’t want to be without me and the next thing I know we were holding our breath hoping the ring fit. J We were all smiles and happiness, and I thought I would explode from joy. The proposal was sweet, simple and to the point and it was absolutely perfect.

As corny as it is, I’ve never had anyone who gets me the way that he does and supports me in whatever I choose, without fail. He reminds me to look on the positive and I remind him to look at the practical. We aren’t perfect, and to be honest, if we were it wouldn’t be the same. I love him for every imperfection that he has and he loves me for every imperfection that I do. And even though we’ll fight, and have our issues I don’t care. I love him and I think I always have.

Josh is crazy, spunky, and spontaneous. He’s happy, and positive, and he sees the beauty in the world around him. He’s respectful, and loving, and he drives me nuts in the good ways and the bad. He changed after Basic: he’s stronger, more independent, and he’s ready and willing to step up for what he wants. But no matter what he’s the same guy that I loved in Oregon, just in ACU’s. He's still the biggest dork I know, that is so obsessed with music that it's not funny. Still the same guy who loves to buy clothes, and to meet new people. He makes me smile even when I'm stressed, and he makes me laugh even when we're talking about strained subjects. He reminds me that he loves me everyday, not because he has to, but because he actually means it. He makes me strive to be a better person,a nd to make our life together so much better.  He’s my hero, and my best friend and there’s no way I want to live my life without him.

 

So that all those years ago when I would watch Engaged and Underage I scoffed because I thought that at 18 you don’t know what you want. But I’d never have thought that at 18 I’d know not only exactly what I want, but what steps I need to take to get there. I may be 18, but I’m nothing if not strategic and smart, and I know what the life of an Army wife requires. I know that we may struggle, but as long as we love each other we can make it.

*Sorry for all the mushy stuff, but my blog needed a little bit of it haha*

So, Josh and I are engaged, and we are happier than ever. To finish this post, I’m putting a term that we found to fit perfectly. It means “My soul friend.”

Mo Anam Cara,

Kristen

My new favorite thing to do... IKEA!

As Josh and I are getting closer to moving into an apartment (around February or March) I’ve been trying to find deals to furnish it for now, and lately my favorite thing to look at is IKEA. Now I started looking because my wonderful grandparents gave me a $100 gift card for Graduation. So as I started looking I realized that IKEA is amazing! 

My awesome grandparents!

I started a list on their website and I have 19 things on there that add up to $91. Now these are kitchen items which generally cost a lot of money, so I’m really stoked with this amount. The only problem being that they don’t sell these things online so I’ll need to wait until I can get to an IKEA to buy everything, but that’s fine with me. If you want the little things for your kitchen (that will add up fast) then go to IKEA.   

Below is the list of items that I started and we will most likely be purchasing (if Josh likes them)

*Warning!  These names are Swedish (I believe) so they will look really strange. Plus it’s a LONG list. Unfortunately the pictures wouldn’t show up on the list so I will put a few after it.*

Item Description	Quantity	Total Price
BLASKA Dust pan and Brush	1	$1.99
BLASKA Broom	1	$3.99
FORNUFT 20-piece flatware set	1	$7.99
DRALLA Bendable Chopping Board	1	$1.99
SPRITTA Apple Slicer	1	$3.99
FLACKIG Mixing Bowl set of 2	1	$3.99
PLASTIS Dishwashing Brush	1	$0.99
MIXA 3-piece Kitchen Utensil	1	$0.49
MAGASIN Cutlery Caddy	1	$2.99
MAGASIN Dish Drainer	1	$5.99
KAVALKAD Frying Pan set of 2	1	$8.99
DIOD Glass	10	$19.90
VANLIG Pitcher	1	$2.99
RUFSIG Wok Utensils Set of 2	1	$0.99
TOKIG Salad Spinner	1	$2.99
STRALANDE Chopper	1	$7.99
DESSERT Measuring Spoons set of 4	1	$2.99
Dessert Measuring Cups, Set of 4	1	$3.99
PYRA Wok	1	$4.99

SPRITTA Apple Slicer- $3.99

STRALANDA Chopper- $7.99

MAGASIN Dish Drainer- $5.99

FORNUFT 20-piece flatware set- $7.99

DOID Glass- $1.99 each

PYRA Wok- $4.99

TOKIG Salad Spinner- $2.99

Okay, where else are you going to find a chopper, a Wok, a 20-piece utensil set and a Salad Spinner each for under $10?! These are such amazing deals for anyone, but people who are moving in for the first time (like us) or people who need new items on a low budget, this store is amazing. Most of the furniture is construct yourself so it’s a good thing IKEA sells tool kits because you’re going to need them! J

Hope this helped (even though I’m sure everyone knows about IKEA already), but I wanted to give you examples of how great it is.

Peace. Love. And a soon to be Apartment.

Kristen

Jobs, Heather and Future Plans

First off I want to say that my job search is going well, with lots of applications, and lots of hopeful waiting by the phone.

Now I have a best friend, Heather, whom most everyone knows and Poofy. Now she was the biggest homebody, spoiled little girl 18 year old that I know (and she knows this) but I adore her. She is the spunkiest, loudest, craziest, sweetest, most amazingly awesome friend ever. Like I said she is spoiled up until she left for college her Mom did her laundry for her, she babysat for money, and watched a lot of TV. She was terrified of growing up because it would mean that everyone she loves would age. I always told her that she would do so well in College, on her own, especially since so many of our high school classmates would be at school with her, so she wouldn’t be alone, but she was so nervous.  Then within the first week she had tons of new friends! She was slowly getting out of her shell, and she was showing how amazing she is to other people.  She is one of the best friends could ask for and I am proud to call her my Soul Sister.

Sorry for the quality, until I get a scanner its a picture of a picture

The whole reason I bring her up is that she texted me today saying that she is HAPPY. She’s meeting people and gaining tons of friends, and learning a lot and is getting to class on time (after some sleep issues first semester). She really inspired me to want to go back to school. She is thriving even more than I expected her to (which says a lot since I knew she’d do awesome). I love her so much and she is absolutely wonderful and I am so proud of everything that she’s done.

*Yes Stephie, I will do a blog on you too J*

Next I’ve been thinking a lot about my year off (which ends in June) and I’ve decided that it really was the best thing for me. I took a long deserved break (after wearing myself out for 3 years straight) and I definitely renewed my love for learning and school. It reminded me that I love to learn and that I thrive best when I’m learning something new. So I’ve decided that I’m started online classes soon so that I can work full time (even though I think I’ve said this) and I’m just going to throw myself into the world of being an adult. I want to be able to work toward my goal, which right now is to be comfortable and to set myself (and Josh) up for better things in the future.

It’s so weird but I honestly can’t wait to start working, to do something with my life, and to help people in some way, shape or form. I can’t wait to save up for what I want, and to give Christmas cards, and birthday presents to the people that I love. I can’t wait to surprise my love with random gifts for Graduation, or just because. I can’t wait to have pets, and to train them and take care of them, and to have them with me when Josh isn’t home. I can’t wait to grow up. To get married, have kids, buy a house, a car or two, take vacations, learn new things. I just can’t wait to learn about myself and the people that I love…

I can’t wait to start living.