Crazy Crickets

I am really losing my patience. For the past three weeks or so, we have continually been startled by finding crickets (although I am not at all convinced that it isn't the same cricket, over and over again) in various places around our home.

First, he was on the bathroom floor...then, on our bed (although I was a contributing factor to that, since that's where I dumped the pile of clean clothes in which the cricket had been hiding...still, disgusting)...then, in the hamper as I was removing dirty clothes (goodness, I do deal with clothes a lot around here)...the kitchen floor...under the coffee table...and, just now, by our shoes in the living room. Said cricket has now been captured and is now sitting underneath a cup, thinking about what he did. (Don't judge. I have a lot of time on my hands these days.)

Now, if it IS, in fact, the same cricket, the obvious solution, of course, would be to kill him. But, I don't like killing bugs in the house if they can be easily relocated to the outdoors. (With spiders being the exception. They step foot, er, feet in here, they're goners, plain and simple.) Plus, I do have a few fun childhood memories of my dad tying string to the rear legs of crickets so my sister and I could "walk" them around for a while. (You probably had to be there....)

I just wish I knew where they were coming from! I have examined the exterior wall of the apartment, and see no apparent point of entry. Hmm. It remains a mystery.

It's not as though the crickets are particularly threatening or present any real danger. And, it has provided a bit of entertainment as I watch Bobby capture them for release. (He's getting pretty good at it, I must say.) I am just getting really, really tired of the surprise and skipped heartbeat that comes from finding one unexpectedly.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a cricket to release. He's served his time.

One Year

One year ago today, I said "I do" and married my best friend. It's been an incredible year...but our incredibly busy weekend hasn't left much time to write the thoughtful, retrospective blog that I intended in commemoration of this occasion. That will just have to wait, I suppose, until we return from Mexico. We leave tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m. for a few days in Playa del Carmen! It should be a relaxing, rejuvenating time to reflect and celebrate the past year and dream about things to come. If the year ahead is anything like our first, it will most certainly be full of laughter, and lots and lots of love.

Thanks for a wonderful year, handsome. I love you!

A Good Read

I have found myself with MUCH more free time lately (as a result of my current state of self-inflicted unemployment), and as such I have more time to do such things as reading. It would also stand to reason that I have more time to blog, too, so there's really no excuse for my recent blogging absence. ("It's too...hot...to write?") I used to LOVE reading, and although college sort of zapped all the fun out of it for a while, I'm happy to have rediscovered the joy of recreational reading.

I got a St. Louis County library card a couple weeks ago and chose two Christian fiction novels, largely at random...and I could not put them down! I read them both in 48 hours, and thoroughly enjoyed each one.

I particularly enjoyed reading "Washington's Lady" by Nancy Moser, and I highly recommend it. I'm so glad that I stumbled upon this novel, because it was highly intriguing and its message has really stuck with me. The story is about Martha Washington, and "the loves and trials of the first First Lady of the United States". Although a work of fiction, the story is largely based on historical facts and even includes a section at the end where the author separates the fact and fiction she included in the story.

I have always enjoyed United States political history, and this book certainly contains lots of information regarding our country's beginnings. That the story is through the eyes of a "founding mother", so to speak, makes it all the more interesting. It is quite the love story between President and Mrs. Washington, and it certainly spoke to my feminine heart. The respect, enduring support and encouragement that Martha displays toward her husband is such a positive example, and their continual reliance and faith in God's providence is inspiring.

Below is an excerpt from the epilogue, which I felt summed up well what I loved about the book.

"I hope Martha's story will nudge you toward finding your roots and your purpose, reignite your gratitude to God for all His gifts and blessings, and open your eyes to His work in the world beyond your own front door."

--Nancy Moser--

For me, it did just that. And when reading a book can directly remind me of God's faithful involvement in my country and in my life, I certainly consider it to have been a good read.

"And then...I want you to go out and do something amazing and courageous. Under God."

--Nancy Moser--

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iPhone UPDATE

Last night, Bobby and I went to the Apple store with the intention of getting him a new iPhone. (Remember, iBroke the last one.) WHO KNEW the Apple store did so much business at 8:15 on a Tuesday night?! Long story short, there were no appointments left to be had that evening. (We didn't even know that one needed an appointment. Let this be a lesson to you: you DO.) So, Bobby was disappointed, and after scheduling an appointment for 5:00 p.m. today, we left the mall...new iPhone-less.

So, today, we went to the no-less-packed Apple store at 5:00 p.m., but THIS time, we had an appointment. The technician looked at the phone, took it in the back room, and came back 10 minutes later...with Bobby's WORKING iPhone in hand! As it turns out, the screen "went bad" and needed replacement. And, because we did not have an AppleCare protection plan, it would cost $200ish to fix it. BUT, much to our surprise and oh, so genuine delight, the technician said that he just went ahead and replaced it for us because he "didn't want us to have to pay $200 to fix it". We were stunned. And, although Bobby was not-so-secretly bummed to NOT be getting a brand new phone (...and who can blame him? Have you SEEN the new iPhones?!), we didn't have to pay a dime to fix the old (and still perfectly good) one.

As we were leaving, Bobby wondered if it would have really cost so much for the screen replacement, or if our new friend was just saying that to make us feel like we got a deal. And to that query, I say "WHO CARES?" Brilliant, Apple. Either way, we left the store smiling (with more money in our pocket than we thought we'd be leaving with!), as even more committed Apple consumers. (Although I would NOT have needed such an act of 'kindness' to confirm my loyalty to the Apple brand. But, shhh...don't tell them that.)

I can't help but think about how different the scenario may have been if we actually had been able to get an appointment with Apple last night.

Would we have worked with someone who even knew how to find the problem and didn't just say the phone was done for?

Would we have had the same generous technician?

Would we have a couple hundred less dollars at this point?

God is faithful, isn't He? To see and feel His intercession in common, everyday situations such as this is powerful. I know we're being watched over! And, boy, are we ever in good hands....

I'm going to try very hard NOT to drop Bobby's iPhone anymore. But for the opportunity to recognize once again God's constant faithfulness and provision in our lives, I have to believe it was worth it this time...and iMean it.

iBroke It

iBroke Bobby's iPhone. (You know, putting the little 'i' in front of that phrase doesn't actually make it any more pleasant. It was worth a try.)

So, we were laying at the pool on Sunday, and in an effort to cover my eyes from the sun, I picked up Bobby's shirt, which unbeknownst to me, was holding his phone. You see where this is going.... The phone fell out of the shirt and onto the concrete below.

In my defense, I've dropped it many times, and it has fallen much harder! (Maybe this isn't helping my case like I thought it would....) Go figure, the phone decided this time to completely black out. No amount of turning it on and off has had any effect, and after dinner tonight, we are headed to the store to buy Bobby a new iPhone. The newer version, by the way. (This is actually working out quite well for him!)

So, it's a bummer, and of course we'd rather not spend the money for a new iPhone. (But, since Bobby has now HAD an iPhone, NOT getting another one is really not an option. Way to go, Apple.) However, as annoying as this unexpected expense is, it isn't a bank-breaking one. I'm so thankful that we live modestly and spend wisely so that when these things happen, we're able to deal with it, pay for it, and move on...and continue living comfortably all the while.

Our biggest problem this week is needing to replace a broken cell phone.

We are blessed to call THIS a "problem".

iAm sorry for breaking your phone, Bobby. iLove you!

My Other Half

Yesterday afternoon, Bobby and I parted ways after a wonderful weekend in Springfield. I had to drive back to St. Louis, and Bobby left for Oklahoma City for a weeklong business trip. During our ‘goodbyes’ and immediately after, I was nothing short of an emotional mess. I had a good cry on the drive back to St. Louis, and upon seeing his truck in the parking lot at our apartment, I teared up again. And once I opened the door to our empty apartment, to put it bluntly, I completely lost it.

I do feel a little pathetic. He’ll only be gone a week. I’m a big girl. I can’t help but think about all of the wives who have to say ‘goodbye’ to their serviceman husbands, knowing it will be months before they see them again, only able to hope and pray for their safe return. We’re blessed that that’s a trial we don’t have to face.

But, I sincerely feel like half of me is missing. And, that’s the way it should be. Mom reminded me that it’s a good thing that I miss him so much. (“That’s why you married him”, she said.) We dated long-distance for a long time. I don’t miss those days. I’ve gotten completely used to seeing Bobby every day and coming home to him every night, and I am nothing short of lonely here without him.

Me and my other half at a Cardinals game in June.

This isn’t Bobby’s first business trip and I’m sure it won’t be his last. I don’t like feeling so sad, but I do love that I miss him so much. I hope it never gets easier to say 'goodbye', and I hope I never take for granted the days we do get to spend together.

It’s going to be a long week. Bobby is what makes this place home. But, thank goodness for cell phones…and Facebook….and Friday.

Missing you, handsome. Hurry home.

BJOYFL

I was behind a car yesterday on I-270 and their license plate read BJOYFL. It was hot, I was frustrated with the barely-moving traffic, and I was ready to be home. Yet what a great reminder that was. It made me smile, and I wanted to somehow tell the driver, "your license plate was a blessing...thanks!"...but I never figured out how to make that happen. (We were driving, after all.) Wouldn't you know, that sweet woman in front of me was letting car after impatient car cut in ahead of her. (Not really a commonplace gesture on that thoroughfare. The 'letting cars in' part, not the cutting. That part is pretty typical.) And, while I wasn't particularly feeling quite so generous with my fellow drivers, I thought "this lady has the right idea". She is demonstrating her joy and probably doesn't even know it.

I'm going to make a greater effort to maintain and demonstrate a spirit of joy, in the midst of the frustrations that life can throw my way. Because, after all, there is so much to BJOYFL about.

The Future Mr. and Mrs. Piatt

We knew it was coming. Bobby and I had been waiting for the news that finally came over Memorial Day weekend. Our best friends, John and Natalie, are ENGAGED. We could not, not, not be any happier for those two!

Bobby and John played baseball together at CMU, and I got to know John quite well during that time. The three of us spent lots of meals and football games and weekends together, and made lots of memories. We didn't get to really know Natalie until she got back from college in Denver. John missed her terribly...and we didn't know what we were missing!

Since Natalie's been a part of our lives for the past year, we've grown to love her dearly. It's so obvious why John kept telling us how great she was! It is absolutely true. And the two of them together are even greater still.

We try to see John and Natalie just about every month, if we can. We can't get enough of them! They're easy to be around, fun to visit with, and their friendship is one we cherish. (There will be lots of Phillips/Piatt family vacations in the years ahead, I just know it!) They are special, special friends and we are so very thankful that they are a part of our lives.

To the future Mr. and Mrs. Piatt...a huge congratulations!!! We cannot wait to celebrate with you in the months ahead! Looking forward to your "Big Day" already!

Our Weekend

What a great weekend we just had! I've decided that all weekends should be 3-day weekends...what a difference it makes!

Bobby's brother, Joey, and his girlfriend, Alyssa, came up to visit Friday night, and we went to the Brad Paisley concert together on Saturday. It was terribly warm, and we waited in line (scratch that, waited in lines) for a solid 3 hours...and then waited almost just as long for Brad. The course of the afternoon was a little unexpected, but what a great concert we finally got to see! Brad was totally worth the wait, and it turned out to be a really fun time for Bobby and I.

(Personal Highlight: dancing to "Then", which played with our video slideshow at our wedding...totally romantic!)

For the record, I don't think it's coincidental that Brad Paisley and Bobby Phillips share the same initials...ignoring the "R" for "Robert". (Then again, Bobby also has the same initials as Brad Pitt. But, if I'm going to compare my husband to a celebrity, I have to go with Paisley.) What a handsome guy I got to hang out with at the concert...Bobby definitely rocks his cowboy hat and has all the country swagger as Mr. Paisley himself. What a lucky girl I am....

Aside from the concert and the rest of our time with Joey and Alyssa, the weekend consisted of Bobby and I enjoying "together time"...poolside and grill-side. Tonight will be the 4th night we're utilizing the apartment grills, and I plan to make this a habit. (Okay, tonight will be the last night of grilling in a row for a while. I'll give the guy a break and head back to the kitchen.) It's been amazing. And, paying rent doesn't seem QUITE so bad when we're only 10 seconds away from such a beautiful pool and patio area! We may never be able to move. (OR, the more likely option is that having a pool will be added to our list of "would be (really) nice to have" home qualities when we decide to start looking. We can dream, right?!) Ahh...we are going to make FULL use of these apartment amenities this summer. And, we like visitors. Keep that in mind.

It was such a treat to have Monday off from work. (It felt almost scandalous! Not working! On a Monday!) We enjoyed the day to the fullest. And, we benefited from having extra time...to just relax...together.

Yes, it was a great weekend, and we started the week rejuvenated and completely in a summertime mood. And, the best part is...it's already Tuesday.

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today, I graduated from The University of Missouri.

I've felt quite nostalgic this weekend.

Admittedly, I even wore my black and gold yesterday in recognition of the commencement activities taking place in Columbia and the newest graduating class of Tigers, earning their "stripes".

I've been reflecting on the four years I spent at Mizzou, and how life has changed since May 16th last year.

Of course, the wedding date had been set at that point. I knew on graduation day that in a few months, I'd be married. But aside from that certainty, I was (like most other young graduates) relatively unsure of what life post-college would look like.

I didn't know that I'd be living in St. Louis.

I didn't know I'd be working in a real estate office.

I didn't know how I was going to use my degree.

I did know that I would happy, and well-prepared for whatever life threw my way.

And, I was right.

I'm fairly certain that I didn't give graduation enough credit last year. While I wouldn't have changed a thing about how we recognized the occasion, I was definitely pre-occupied with the upcoming "Big Day", and less concerned with Graduation Day.

I enjoyed my commencement ceremony and the time spent celebrating with my family.

I was proud and excited!

But, I was also very ready to be done, and I was happy to move on.

Looking back, though, I find myself appreciating my time at Mizzou and in Columbia even more than I did last year. What a happy time that was.... I learned and I grew and I became who I am today. I miss that school and I miss that city, and I will always, always think back on my time there with a smile.

Old Missouri, fair Missouri

Dear old Varsity.

Ours are hearts that fondly love thee

Here's a health to thee.

-University of Missouri Alma Mater, Verse 1-