Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Well it is official..I passed my praxis/board exam to be an Audiologist!  That is one more notch on my belt to completing my goals and moving forward, finally being able to get a job/career started!  I am so relieved that I don't technically have to study anymore, ever with the exception of continuing education throughout my whole life (HA)!  Now I have to look forward to hopefully finding a externship placement, getting through the next 8 months, graduation in May, and finally able to get a job in August right around my birthday!  I am so excited and hope that all the hard work I have put into this career and trying to help people will fair well in the future for me and my husband.

B and I have been quite busy that past two weeks.  We traveled to South Bend each weekend to celebrate Christmas with B's extended family and then with my family.  It was great to see everyone and we had such a great time just being with family.  Our Christmas shopping was very slow this year as we struggled on what to get those that we love, we both know that giving our time and our ability in a good relationship is better than gifts, but if you knew my hubs you would know he loves to find the most perfect gift for everyone!

We have also had our first freezing cold days in the city which has led me to invest in a long down coat with a hood, more gloves and bigger scarf's!  Not surprising, but I felt that I had to experience for myself first.  We are headed to Florida today to spend Christmas with B's parents, brothers, and sister-in-laws.  It will be the first time we will all actually have been together other than at two weddings this past year in two years.  We are really excited not to be busy with a wedding and actually get to spend some quality time together and of course hopefully enjoy a little bit warmer weather than here in Chi.  We just feel so blessed to be able to see almost all of our family during the holidays.  It is really special and unique to see both sides and be able to spend a significant amount of time with them.  We couldn't ask for a more special first Christmas for the two of us as a married couple.

Other than that we haven't been doing much.  We have been working a lot, spending time eating dinner together, and finishing up our Christmas shopping when we can.  We just want to wish all you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!  And hope that you are blessed in every way you wished for this holiday season.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Winter Wonderland

It is officially winter and in the single digits in Chicago!  I can't believe that the year is almost coming to close and that Christmas is here.  Although I am totally a summer girl..I have a few loves about winter from my uggs, peppermint everything, and christmas decorations!!

Last week my hubs spent the entire week at the office working day and night..while I enjoyed some me time, cooking, watching my shows, and getting organized for our company.  If you noticed I truly do say cooking, so if you really know me that should bring a big shock to you -- But I am truly trying to become more domestic in the kitchen!  I  made my own white chicken chili, italian beef, and mexican of course!  It is just nice to know that while I have failed so many times trying to cook anything, I made three successful meals that my hubs actually enjoyed!  Also, this past weekend one of my very best friends came to visit with her boyfriend!  It was great to finally show her my new place and the new life I  live outside of college.  We had a great time shopping, going out to eat, partying, and lounging around.  It was the first time I'd seen her since July and can't wait to see her in January for our annual ski trip!

This week we are relaxing, catching up on sleep, and preparing for our first Christmas as a married couple. It is hard to believe that even after 5 years this Christmas feels so much more special than any we have had before.  From our time with our families to our chance to decorate our own Christmas tree together, bake cookies, and just enjoy Chicago in the winter is just breathtaking.  We are so excited to have each other to lean on and love this holiday season in addition to our supportive families!

Last, but not least..I have been having a hard time with the externship experience lately and if it weren't for the chance to come home to my husband or have him come home to listen to me even at 3 am, I don't know where I'd be.  He always comes to me, listens to me with open arms and an open heart.  It is adversity that brings people closer to together and truly reminds me how blessed and fortunate that I am right now to call him my own, lean on him in this hard time for me and my career.

I hope everyone enjoys there week, makes it through the first snowfall safely, and enjoys their first round of family Christmas celebrations like we will!