Mystery Trip

For our anniversary this year, I asked Dave to take charge of the planning.

I told him I didn't care if we drove to a random state and explored there, or if we took advantage of all our city had to offer. I just wanted it to be a complete surprise. 

And it was.

Turns out, he went above and beyond in his planning and took me to...

wait for it...

Niagara Falls, Canada!! 

We stayed here,

visited the falls,

went here,

and here,

hiked here,

ate these,

and had a truly magical time.

I am so thankful for a husband who carefully planned every little detail and gave us a trip that we will never forget.

N

Welp, I failed.

But that's life, right?

We're all human, and that's what we do.

We try. We fail. We try again.

Thankfully when we fail big, (and small too) we have a great God whose love and mercy never ends.

-----------------------

Of course, it's not that big of a deal that I've failed at blogging. Even after I said I would do better.(Oops.) But here I am, trying again. And I will keep trying as long as I enjoy writing, have people interested in reading, and a desire to share my thoughts and life with y'all.

Today my only thought to share is to keep at it.

Whatever "it" is for you. If that's searching for a job, remodeling a piece of furniture, or even finishing a puzzle (like Dave and I), just know that you can do it! And it's okay to take breaks, or to mess up along the way, as long as you give it your best, then count it a success.

Tomorrow I will have some wonderful stories from our three year anniversary!

Until then, sit here, enjoy this:

And try again at something you may have failed at recently.

Cheers,

N

Playing Catch-Up

I haven't posted much because I've been caught up with living life.

And it's been quite nice.

Although I really enjoy blogging, sometimes it becomes a chore, or just another "to-do" and at that time my body starts to reject the idea until it can even itself out again.

I think my priorities are now back in their place and thus I'd like to play catch-up.

Let's start with last week, when I started my new job with the CCO!

It's a part-time position in the finance department, which I am loving!

I am utilizing some old skills, learning some new things, and above all I'm interacting with Godly, kind, thoughtful, and genuinely happy people!

It is such an incredible environment that I could go on, and on - so I will end it here. (For now!)

Balancing a new job and an old job has been a little tricky (as I have worked my 9th day straight today) but I am beyond grateful for this new opportunity and know that I will figure out scheduling and adjust in the weeks ahead. 

We've also been quite busy outside of work, Dave and I. 

Over the past week we had dinner with friends, went disc golfing, crafted a gift and celebrated the pregnancy of a dear friend, visited my favorite place in Pittsburgh, took an impromptu trip to our newly married friends home in Waynesburg, played poker with new friends, and did errands. 

Our days (and nights!) have been chock-full of great company and exciting events.

But then we felt tired. And lazy.

And so we decided to watch Netflix.

And then we lost some hours, but it's okay. Sometimes that's just what you need. 

Anyway, all this to say, I have not had/made much time for blogging.

And that's okay, too. 

But, alas, I will be back to posting more regularly very soon.

I will also be opening the (imaginary) doors of my Etsy shop very soon!

Something I am so, so, thrilled to do.

Thanks for sticking around through the down time.

I appreciate it and you a whole lot!

Cheers,

N

Simple Summer Salad

Since it's August already (how did that happen?) I wanted to share one of our favorite summer salads that's super easy to make and incredibly tasty!  

It's also makes a great side for a BBQ, a quick fix for a lazy summer evening, or a light lunch ツ

Here's what you'll need:

2 cucumbers, very thinly sliced
2 or 3 vine tomatoes, cubed
1/2 Vidalia Onion, very thinly sliced
2/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 tbsp white vinegar
salt, pepper, and dill weed to taste
Feta (optional)

It's best made a day before you plan to eat it so everything can really marinate, but it's so tasty you might find yourself sneaking a few bites right after you make it! (No judging here.)

Enjoy and let me know if you try it!

-N