Hey I'm Over Here!

Hey everyone! So I've got a real life desk these days so I plan on being around this blog of mine more often. But if you're curious about wedding happenings please check out our wedding website! I don't update it too much right now but will probably post more over there as the big day gets closer. Here is a picture of my desk

(15%) Built all by me!

We went to Ikea on a Saturday. It was madness as usual. But we made it without fighting or breaking up, and did Liz Lemon proud. 

Looking forward to being around here more often!

Cheers!

Marisa

It's Almost Here....

I can't believe I just went on my second to last training run. It's so crazy, I feel like I've been training forevveerrrr. However, I am really excited for the marathon. I don't care about a goal time, or a goal pace or anything like that. I've never been a fast runner and most likely never will be. I'm okay with that. I like running  because, well....I just do. I find it relaxing, I get a lot of thinking done and it's great exercise. I'm competitive by nature, Type A and all that, but running was my non competitive thing. Something I just did for me. I lost that this summer training for the marathon. I know so many other people training for marathons and other races and I started to feel like if I wasn't as fast as them, then somehow I was less of a runner. That my race wouldn't be as important because I ran it slower. Like oh you didn't run a 4 hour marathon....thats not a real marathon then.

Which I know is ridic.

Finally this week (better late than never) I realized that, if my running for fun without caring about getting faster or setting a PR or going further would get me kicked out of the cool "serious" runner's club, well that is just fine with me. I'll party it up at the kids table. Because you know how many people don't run marathons? A lot more than do. I'm in the group that does. So that in and of itself is pretty damn awesome. And that is why I am so pumped to run on Sunday. 

With that I will leave you with an engagement pic taken yesterday by Drew's brother.

I call it, inspired by 007.

Marathon Cheers,

Marisa

The New Place

We've been in our new place about a week and a half now. So far so good. It is most definitely a huge step up from where we were living. 

View from our bedroom deck

View from the living room deck

Our new closet <3 <3

Master Bathroom

New Kitchen

Having a real closet is sooooooo amazing. We can actually access all of our clothes!! And I actually have room to buy more! So many glorious new things. Also the his and hers sinks are great. Even if Drew still stands behind me and my sink in the morning. Old habits are hard to break I guess. As far as our location goes it isn't terrible. We are now officially St.Paul residents, but we're not as close to grocery stores or Target like we used to be. But I think it's a fair trade :) 

Coming up Drew and I are taking a trip.....To VEGAS!!!!! I'm so excited! I haven't been to Vegas since 2006 and it was a grand old time. Next Thursday cannot get here soon enough. We both definitely need a vacation. 

Cheers!

Marisa

Um....Hello?

Oh hey there. It's been a while. A really looooonnngg while. I kept trying to come back to blogging and every time it ended in an epic fail. I'm not really sure why. I have my speculations. Mostly being that I didn't have my own "space". Which perhaps is a lame excuse, but I just couldn't get into it without having my own room, or area or what have you. Now though, and those of you who follow me on twitter and instagram already know,we've moved! No we didn't buy a house. While we were still looking and living in our old apartment, the landlord sold the duplex and we were served 60 days notice to move out. Kind of killed the house buying plan. We did however, find a sweet condo to rent that is 1 bedroom + den which means that Drew has is own office area and I have the bedroom. While not my own office, it works just fine for me. So, now that I have my own place where I can write comfortably and in solitude I will be back! For good! I've missed blogging so much and I've had so much I've wanted to write about. This has been such a long hiatus, and I for one am glad it's over. Looking forward to catching up with all of you!!!

Cheers,

Marisa

5 Years Ago Today

Normally every February 8th I write a letter to my dad. In my letter I tell him about whats going on in my life, how everyone is doing and most importantly how much I miss him. However this week has been so much tougher than I thought it would be. Not only because of today, but I am up for a job and it's between myself and one other person. Please spare me the whole, "you'll of course get the job" because no matter how much I tell myself that, I know there is a real possibility that I won't get it. And the thought of being such a huge disappointment on this week of all weeks is really more than I can bear right now. 

I don't know if my dad would agree with the decisions I've made, but I know he'd be supportive. I miss that. I miss that the most. Unconditional support. Not that Drew is not supportive but despite my apparent flippant attitude towards family, I wish that I had the kind of family that I could always count on. That I know I could call and they would be there for me no matter what. I suppose I do have that, just not in biological family. I had that with my dad. And I suppose right now more than ever I miss it. 

Whatever the outcome of this job, I'm going to try to stay positive. Runner's up generally go on to win a crown, I should know I've been there before. I'm going to try not to let it ruin my weekend, or let it be a nasty blow to my self esteem. I suppose that's the best any of us can do, and I think my dad would be proud of that attitude. 

Cheers,

Marisa

Well Hello Again!

Welcome longtime readers to the new layout! Well, and hopefully the last layout...ever. We're getting more settled now, finding a routine, learning how to give each other space in our little one bedroom apartment. So what's with the title you ask? Well this probably won't be a shock, but I looooovvveeee the Mary Tyler Moore Show, which took place in Minneapolis Minnesota. And for those of you not cool enough to have the theme song memorized, here it is for you:

Who can turn the world on with her smile? 
Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile? 
Well it's you girl, and you should know it 
With each glance and every little movement you show it 

Love is all around, no need to waste it 
You can have a town, why don't you take it 
You're gonna make it after all 
You're gonna make it after all 


How will you make it on your own? 
This world is awfully big, girl this time you're all alone 
But it's time you started living 
It's time you let someone else do some giving 

Love is all around, no need to waste it 
You can have a town, why don't you take it 
You're gonna make it after all 
You're gonna make it after all


Naturally I changed the you're to we're. I have yet to get my picture taken by the MTM statue outside the downtown Macy's but rest assured it is on my list. Along with exploring the city more. I really need to get on that. So any readers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area that want to be my friend, hit me up! I enjoy good food, drinks and anything fun. I have just turned this post into eHarmony. Wow....


I think now that I've got the layout done I can get back to posting on the regular. I've missed it so, and of course I've missed all of your blogs as well! I feel like I've missed out on so much, but I promise I will catch up and it will just be like old times. Until then just remember love is all around :)


Cheers!


Marisa

p.s. Greetings from Bobo & Elvis! They are loving their new digs ;)

Let's Do This

Alright guys so I'm here. Writing this on our couch in Minneapolis with Drew iPad-ing it up next to me. Tomorrow marks my one week anniversary as a Minnesota resident.  Annnnd today marks my one week anniversary of unemployment. I thought I would enjoy a break from work since back in Des Moines I worked 6 days a week and usually no less than 55 hours a week. However after the first few days I found myself longing for a 5am wake up call to get ready for work. Instead I occupy my time with Gossip Girl. How in the hell have I never watched that show before? I had an interview Friday that went pretty well, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that. I probably should be more adventurous and maybe venture downtown and just explore the city more. However I have a hard time tearing myself away from the Chuck/Blair saga. I just want them to be together! Is that so much to ask? 

Anyway, the drive up wasn't too bad. My car was packed, in fact so packed that I probably would have gotten a ticket since my side views were basically obstructed. Luckily I did not get pulled over and just enjoyed the sound of two crying cats for 3 hours and 45 minutes. Turns out my Elvis kitty does not like the musical styling of  Michael Jackson. I know I don't understand it either. Despite our differing tastes in music we all made it safely and the cats have adjusted well to their new home. As for me, we're still figuring things out but all will be well. Just trying to figure out each others routines and how we can work together and Drew is learning how to live with pets. I hope to get my blog reworked this week however certain drama may pose a problem with that (re: Chuck/Blair). Just kidding I really need to do something productive, creative even. Just to keep my mind in shape. I can't sit on a couch forever.....or can I???? ;)

Cheers!

Marisa

Moving On Up....Literally.

Oh hi there! Long time no see. So remember that one time like a month ago when I said I had news but couldn't share it just yet? Well now I can. Finally. And can return to blogging. What is the news you ask? Well here it is.

I'm moving to Minneapolis at the end of the month.

We're both really excited and it's so amazing to finally be able to tell everyone. It's going to be a change but a welcome one. I am sad to move away from my friends and (non-biological) family, but I know distance won't ruin our relationship and I can't wait to have visitors in the Twin Cities :) You know once Drew and I find a place with a little more....space. 

HOLY FREAKING BALLS I'M MOVING TO MINNEAPOLIS!!!!!!!!!!!

So how have all of you been? I've missed you all terribly. I can't wait to get back at it and catch up with everyone. 

Twin Cities Cheers!

Marisa

P.S. Bears, Cubs, Blackhawks, Bulls for life. Sorry Minnesota.

25 Days of Birthmas Day 13: Remembering Dad

By now you've guessed that I love the holidays and my birthday, but there are always a few times when my Christmas spirit completely tanks and I find myself in tears listening to The Christmas Shoes driving home from work. It's at these times when I'm listening to these sad sappy songs that I start thinking about Christmas 2006, and how it was the last Christmas I would have with my Dad.

My parents tried to tell me I didn't need to come home since weather was always iffy and they didn't want me getting stuck and not able to get back to school. But my Dad was finally out of the hospital and I was determined to go home. I can't even tell you what I got that year, I didn't care. All that I cared about was that my Dad was home, and that meant things were on the up and up. I slept with one eye open the entire time I was home waiting for something bad to happen but it never did. Feeling hopeful and confident that all would be well, I headed back to school to start my very last semester of college and begin preparing for Miss Johnson and Jackson County.

Unfortunately I never got to compete in Miss Jackson County. February 8th my Mom called early in the morning to tell me that Daddy had passed away. I remember the shock, but I didn't cry. At first I was angry that I wasn't there. I should have taken a leave of absence from school for a while to be back home. I knew though that Dad would have been angry at me for neglecting school and making a fuss over him. I was then so happy that I had gone home for Christmas and got to spend one more Birthday with my Dad. He made sure that I had everything I could ever need growing up and always supported me no matter how ridiculous my plans. 

So while sometimes the holidays can get me down with a sad song or two, I just remember all the happy holidays we had together and how he didn't judge me and just laughed when  came stumbling home after Christmas at the bars on my 21st Birthday :)

Cheers,

Marisa

25 Days of Birthmas Days Who Knows What

Oh hello. Yes I'm still here. Still Birthmas-ing it up. A lot has transpired since we last saw each other but I can't share anything just yet. I hope to be able to tell you come Monday. And you know catch up on your blogs. I've been trying but there are seriously not enough hours in the day. I hope everyone is still in the Birthmas spirit and I hope you got snow! If ....it snows where you live. Don't forget there is still time to enter the giveaway! Tell your friends!

Cheers

Marisa

25 Days of Birthmas Days 3&4: GIVEAWAY!!!!

Oh hello there! Don't worry haven't forgotten about my Birthmas or anything. Just been busy helping a friend move and start a new chapter in her life and you guessed it, working. However today I pulled myself off my big comfy couch (anyone remember that show and the dust bunnies???) and ventured out to one of my favorite local Des Moines shops: Eden. Which I have written about before here.....wayyy back in my early blog days. Since it's my Birthmas and I'm FINALLY in the holiday spirit I decided to pick up a little gift for YOU!!! My wonderful readers, to show my love and appreciation of you this holiday season. What did I pick up you ask??? Let me show you.

Jen runs such an amazing shop. I seriously can spend hours here. Always something new and unique that you can't find anywhere else. From London to Paris to amazing boutiques across the good old USA, Eden can always introduce you to new perfumes, skin care products and home fragrances. I knew I wanted to include Smith's Rosebud Salve because it is one of my personal favorites and I can't live without it in the winter. After smelling everything there was I finally found something I fell in love with and thought, who couldn't use a little calm this time of year? Lollia's Calm bath salts smell amaazzzing and the pouch was too cute! I'm also throwing in one more thing.....

Since I didn't post any sparkles in my Stuff I Want post, I decided to give a little sparkle to you! Be Enchanted is a new fragrance at Bath and Body Works and I am in love! It's the perfect winter scent and that combined with a little sparkle is holiday magic!

So how do you enter? Simple, just be a follower on Google Friend Connect and leave a comment. For additional entries however:

1.) Tweet about my giveaway and leave a comment that you did.

2.) Mention the giveaway on your own blog and leave a comment that you did.

Giveaway ends Thursday December 15th at midnight and the winner will be announced Friday the 16th!

Hope your holidays are going fantastic! Also I need to add something on my Stuff I Want list...a new camera. I think (and I know I've said this like 500 times before) my camera reallllly is dying. For reals this time. 

Well what are you waiting for??? Get entered!!!

Cheers!

Marisa

25 Days of Birthmas: Day 1

WTF is Birthmas you ask? Well friends first off, you're welcome for getting the day off on my birthday. I had to pull a few strings and collaborate with Jesus and Santa, but it's now a holiday so enjoy it. If you haven't figured it out by now my birthday is December 25th. CHRISTMAS DAY. Hence, Birthmas. I am also okay with calling it Marismas too. I have some excited things planned, including telling you all about my Secret Santa once I recieve my present, a very special Christmas guest post, and ......a Birthmas Giveaway! To kick things off I thought I'd do a list of 10 things you might not know about me. So we can all be better friends and you won't feel so guilty having my birthday off without really knowing me.

1.) I used to save the juice from my Freeze Pops and dump it in a hole in my drive way, throw in some weeds (aka vegetables) and call it Kashi Soup with my cousin. Yeah those A-hole's stole our name.

2.) I did not fly in an airplane until I was 20 years old.

3.) I drive like a grandma, and I don't care. I have never been pulled over for speeding in 11 years of driving.

4.) Tea (hot or cold) makes me want to vom. Yes I've probably tried your special/favorite kind. It also tastes like butt.

5.) I don't wish to own a home. I know it's the American dream, but I detest anything involving home improvements. You can ask D about this one.

6.) I want rollerblading to become cool again like it was in the 90's. Don't act like you don't too.

7.) In the first grade I didn't realize you had to wait for the entire class to go to recess and when I realized I'd be in trouble for leaving early, I hid in the toy bin so I could act like I arrived with everyone.

8.) I've watched Miss America every year since I was 5

9.) My favorite "treat" meal (meaning out of a box and not homemade) was Rice a Roni. We only had it maybe once a month and my brother and I would compete to see who could eat the most.

10.) I miss holidays at my Grandparents because all I want for Thansgiving is my grandmas homemade tortillas and rice and beans.

There, I feel like we're all better friends now. Stay tuned for the rest of the Birthmas Festivities!

Cheers!

Marisa

I'm Here, I Swears

Hey loves. I'm alive, for reals. Just supppppeeerr busy weekend and so much going on right now. Black Friday was good, not as crazy as I was prepared for and I drank FOUR Red Bulls in less than 24 hours. Also I ate about 25,000 calories. That shouldn't really be a surprise. I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend and has recovered from the food comas! Can't wait to catch up with everyone. 

Cheers!

Marisa

Life Is Like A Pageant....

I know I may have mentioned this in passing from time to time, but for those of you who didn't catch on, Hi! I'm Marisa and I'm a former pageant girl. Don't believe me? Here's some proof

(that's me being crowned)

See? Told you. Anyways where am I going with this pageant talk?

So the other day, and pretty much every day of my life, I was bemoaning how I'm ancient in pageant years and can no longer compete. I won't lie, I love hearing my name called and someone putting a sparkly crown on my head. The thing that I miss most however, is the competition. My favorite part about pageants was the preparation, the work, the dedication to basically sell yourself to the judges that you are the best possible candidate for the job and they should pick you. I had an epiphany yesterday. Why not treat my search for a job in Minneapolis the same way? No, no one is going to give me a sparkly crown to wear (but if you do I will work for you for life), but essentially it's the same thing. I need to prepare, I need to be dedicated and above all, I need to sell myself as the best possible candidate. Life really is like a pageant. Rhinestones and glitter are bursting from my heart right now. 

How about you fellow readers....any other pageant girls out there???

Rhinestones and Glitter Cheers,

Marisa

(Future) Homeward Bound!

I'm heading to Minneapolis today to spend a wonderful weekend with my boy and (gasp!) meet the fam. Keep your fingers crossed for me ;)

We have some really fun things planned, but what I'm really excited for is a trip to the Walker Art Center . Our friends generously gave us tickets they were not able to use the last time they were up there.

(via)

Where this Claes Oldenburg lives

(Oh he's like way famous)

Catch up with you all after the weekend! Hopefully I have some good adventures to post!

And thank you all for your sweet comments, and thank you new commenters and followers. I don't know what I'd do without you guys :)

Cheers!

Marisa

Perception vs. Reality

For you long time readers, you know this is something I struggle with constantly. Usually because I panic about everything (and I mean everything) blowing it out of proportion. I put such enormous pressure on myself that my concept of reality gets skewed and I end up in a state of anxiety for a week, walking on eggshells. So it shouldn't be surprising that this skewed perception transfers to other aspects of my life. Like oh say, weight and body image. As I've said before I've been blessed with athleticism and good genetics and have never been overweight a day in my life, nor have I ever had terrible eating habits. Well, terrible as in all I ate was junk food.  I definitely have had terrible eating (or lack thereof) habits in the past.

(welcome to my college life)

 So how does this happen? I wish I knew. But I can honestly tell you, when I look in the mirror at home what I see, does not match reality. How do I know this? When I look in the mirror at home, I see someone who is out of shape, flabby and needs to lose probably 20lbs. It's such a strange feeling because I know that what I'm seeing isn't right but it's still there. Like a hallucination. It's frustrating to someone who takes pride in being rational and logical, that no matter how much I tell myself I am in shape and don't need to (can't even afford to!) lose 20lbs I just don't see it.  However, every once and a while, I will be out somewhere: the mall, on a run, out at the bars, and I will catch a glimpse of my reflection and think...omg I'm skinny! At that moment what I'm seeing IS reality. I see the girl who ran a 20K this summer, goes to the gym 4-5 days a week and eats a balanced diet (daily!).  I see myself and that is what I hold onto and remember everyday. I don't spend time in front of mirrors, I don't own a scale and I don't allow myself to compare myself to others. It's a slippery slope for me.

Example:

My friend and co-worker has worked so hard to get healthy and in shape and lost over 30lbs since January. She shared her weight with me a couple weeks ago and it was the same as mine. She is 3 inches taller than me. My brains immediate response was: You need to lose 10lbs. Because I'm shorter I should weigh less. I mentally slapped myself in the face after that.

(via)

 I'm far better off than I was in high school and college. I live a happy and healthy life now. But to say that it's not a daily struggle would be a lie. It is not a big struggle now, but it's always there in the back of my mind and sometimes just the right thing can trigger those thoughts. Luckily I'm surrounded by people that love me for exactly who I am, and most importantly I love exactly who I am.

Body dismorphic disorder and EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified) do not get discussed or publicized as much as anorexia and bulimia, but they are very real and just as harmful. If you have ever felt like this, please talk to someone and seek help. And if you know someone like this, talk to them and help them.

Happy and Healthy Cheers

Marisa

*this is the 3rd rendition that I've done of this post. I've never had the guts to post until now. 

Lucid Dreaming

I'm a lucid dreamer. Are you? It's kind of an awesome thing really, it prevents nightmares from scaring the bejeezus out of me and also allows me to dictate my dreams ending. Which usually involves me being a bad ass and going all John McClane on someone. Anyways, while I allow myself to indulge my inner Die Hard fantasies, I always try to focus on what happened before I realized I was dreaming. I'm a firm believer that dreams are a manifestation of certain things going on in our lives that may be be bothering us that we aren't aware of or don't realize how much they are bothering us. Take Sunday night for an example:

So in my dream, I'm in some college town that I assume is supposed to be Ames, but it doesn't look a thing like Ames. Besides the point. I'm going to some house party to meet Drew and when I get there these two girls start talking to me and I have no idea who they are but they tell me I should ask Drew how his weekend was and I'm like alright you dumb whores I will. So I find him, and am all sooooo how was your weekend? (pretty sure it was the weekend in my dream...whatever I'm not a genius) and he's all oh it was fine. And the dumb whores behind me chime in something to the fact that he had hooked up with someone else. So dream self is all wtf is that true? To which he replies, well yeah, you live in Des Moines. It's at this point that I realize that I'm dreaming because dream self gets upset and storms outside and is making sobbing sounds but I. Can't. Cry. And in my dream I am all WHY AREN"T YOU CRYING? THIS IS THE SADDEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU!!!!!!!!!! Thats when I knew that I couldn't cry, because this isn't real because this would never happen. The boy who sends me good morning texts from his hunting tree perch to wish me a wonderful day and sends me emails that have strategically placed thought out emoticons wouldn't do that. So instead of going all John McClane in college dream land, I just woke up. 

I made myself wake up because I knew exactly why this dream happened. I've been stressing out about relocating to Minneapolis lately. I'm terrified that it could take me forever to find a job. And while I know I'm not technically from Iowa (and by technically I mean I'm not at all) this is still my home. And this is where my family is at. Okay not my biological family but the family I'm closest to. I truly do want, more than anything, to move and finally live in the same city, but my anxiety/ocd does not allow me to just skedaddle on out of Des Moines. There are so many things I want to make sure are thought out first, but sometimes it's just too overwhelming. 

Anyone ever had to relocate? Any advice? Suggestions? Good therapists in Des Moines/Minneapolis...???

Cheers, 

Marisa

Motivate Me Monday

Hello! Welcome new followers and thank you to new commentors! I appreciate you stopping by. Today is the start of something new and I'm very excited to be a part of it: Motivate Me Monday. It is a link up hosted by Ashley , Amanda , and Whitney to help keep us motivated, support each other and trade tips, tricks, recipes and the like. This weeks question for the link up was what area or muscle of your body is your favorite to work out, why, and what work outs do you do? Without a doubt my favorite area to work out is my upper body. I love it all, weight machines, free weights, "dance arms" exercises. I was always teased because of my tiny arms growing up and now I love working them out, building muscle and seeing that beautiful definition. Take that every one who made fun of my puny arms! If I had to pick a favorite muscle in my arms that I love working it would definitely be the deltoids. I love my shoulders so much, they've never looked better! I love doing lateral raises in front of the mirrors (whatev don't judge me, I enjoy looking at my muscles!) so I can make sure that I'm doing it correctly and avoid injury. Physical therapy for a bum knee and a stress fracture are quite enough for one year. So what about you guys? What do you love working out the most? Or better yet, what do you hate working out? (Abs for me!)  Post any questions you may have on fitness/working out etc... and I will gladly answer them. And of course, join the link up and get motivated!

Sweet Home Chicago

Wow. You guys are seriously amazing. Thank you so much for your kind comments/tweets. You have no idea how much I appreciate them. In true life fashion, things got worse before they got better. I had to have my brakes replaced when I got home. Lets just say I got off the interstate in Illinois and came to a grinding halt. Oh well. It's done, I'm over it. I wasn't going to let that put a damper on my weekend, because I was there to party and spend a stress free weekend with the love of my life and old college friends. And that my friends is exactly what I did. First up though, I had to take Drew to a Chicago land staple: Portillo's

Apparently this boy loves him some hot beef and sausage....take that for what you will.

I however, being the vegetarian I am, enjoyed this delicious concoction of grilled zucchini, onions, mushrooms and tomatoes on sundried tomato focaccia bread. Yummm...

Then it was onto the wedding! I cannot tell you how much fun it was seeing the boys again. I had such an amazing time and it was so great to have everyone together. I'll let the photos do the talking ;)

(and last but not least, the groom looking dapper.)

How was everyone's Halloween weekend? I'm getting back to it, and I cannot wait to catch up with all of your blogs and see everyone's costumes!

Cheers!

Marisa

Just a little something....

This week has been terrible. And it's Wednesday. Let's just say yesterday ended with tears in my pb&j sandwich. It didn't make it taste any better. I was working on a better post, that was full of deep thoughts and probably involved philosophical things that make me feel better than everyone. But then I got sidetracked on twitter and facebook...and I lost interest. I've been going a million miles an hour like a rabbit on crack, and if you follow me on twitter, know that I reached my breaking point last night. I desperately want to catch up on all your blogs, but I have to work tonight and I. Haven't. Packed. Yet. And I leave tomorrow early morning. Kill me now.

Once I get home Thursday I will play catch up with everyone. Providing I don't hurl myself along with my suitcase out the window tonight. You know when I'm panic-packing at midnight.

Cheers,

Marisa