24...

No, not the ever-so-popular mini-series on TV. It just happens to be the age that became mine on September 6, 2006. Ah, the ripe ole' age of 24. I can hardly believe it myself. It's so strange, all of my friends when we were growing up, were all older than me. We were all in the same grade, lived minutes from eachother, yet they were all a year older. Recently, when they turned 24 it didn't seem like a huge deal at all. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY - I LOVE YOU _________(insert name)!" and you go about your day. Now that we all have our own lives, live in our own towns, and drive to our own jobs everyday, life just seemed to stop at 18. That day we all graduated high school. Remember those days when every single year you couldn't wait till your birthday? When how old you were always had "and a half" behind it. You just had to make sure that everyone knew you were closer to 15 than you were to your current 14! I certainly do. Now, it's completely different. Turning 24, has really made me look back and not so much focus on the the past or think about the 23 years on this earth, blah blah blah, but rather. I think of those who really went out to really think of me on this day, this year. First, if you know me at all, you won't judge me by my closet! I'm not materialistic at all, in fact, if someone said "Would you give it all up tomorrow?" "Of course" would be my answer. These things just don't seem to matter at all anymore to me. So I guess 24 has made me pay attention to the details...Let me explain.

First let's talk my best friend, going on almost 17 years now. From the first grade this girl has been apart of my life in a BIG way. She left a message on myspace just saying simply saying "Happy Birthday", but then there was the part about "but I won't be that girl who just messages you, I'm calling you!" She didn't have to call, the message would have been sufficient enough. But she did, just as she said she would and we laughed like we always do. She thought of me and knew how much that call would mean to me. I love you Loren.

My sister called me on her way home from work and sang me a lil' happy birthday tune. I love when she reverts back into the silly big sister that I grew up with. I adore you Steph.

My mom paid a much needed cell phone bill and got me a new phone that no longer needs a rubber band to keep it working. That is something special right there!! It's not a Razor or a Q phone, is a Samsung, and it was $9.95. Now that's what I'm talking about! I don't need a camera phone, a video phone, or a small laptop phone. I just want to call you and for you to be able to call me. Thanks Mom. I love you.

My dad gave me some money to get what I wanted, not what I needed. His words exactly, "...and you can come work for me around the house to get what some money for what you need." Sweet deal. I loved it.

My friends texted messaged me, called, and myspaced - I can truly thank that "New Birthday's" reminder feature for most, but even then, those who had the time to take out of there busy lives to send me just the smallest of "HB" messages found a little spot in my heart. Thank you guys, it really did mean so much!

My new, and dearest friend Ashley, came over, when she was so busy, foudn the time to come and fix my hair for my big surprise date with Colin. Once again, If you know me, my hair has pretty much been the same my entire life, and I have finally met a girl who knows what she is doing and made me feel like a million bucks with some simple bobby pins. Love you Ashley.

At church that night, my beloved friend Britni brought me a bag of goodies that basically made me want to start a Carnival in my living room! Silly Putty, PlayDough, Slinky and "Cheeckup" the squirell all came complete with a card that got soaked from tears. Oh how I love her.

My sister-in-law Jami took me out for a smoothie and some shopping at Wal-Mart with her little one, Selah. It doesn't matter what we do, we always have a great time. I cherish you James.

And then there were two...

Colin (as you know) is from California and thus is where his family abide. I love this family! His mother, father, and sister went out of their way to send me a birthday package, that arrived on the day, on the dot!! Inside a heavily bubbled and sealed package was an array of sketchbooks, and a set of charcoal pencils and sticks. And I'm not talking "Willow", I'm talking the GOOD STUFF! What a blessing, those gifts could not have come at a better time. Trying to find the motivation for taking time out to sketch and play is hard, but with these tools it makes it a lot easier. I can truly say when I saw what was inside and more so who it was from, tears surfaced once again. What a precious family. I love you Cindy, Paul and Amber and miss you so much.

And then that leaves the only man in my life that truly takes my breath away time and time again. Colin's gift was the gift of surprise and suspense. And that it was, one surprise after another, after another. On Wednesday, (the 6th) we both had church to attend to that evening, so we decided to push any plans till the following night. I was only told what to wear and what time to wear it. 7:30 PM sharp and we were off. The entire time I am thinking, "where are we going!?!" We arrived at the "Bedford Social Club" home of our first date, our friend Ryan as our server, and quite possibly the best food in VIRGINIA!! We were escorted to a private table (above all the other tables) candles surrounding us, and a bottle of white wine chilling by our side. Picture perfect. After dinner and "staring into each other’s eyes" as our friend Ryan says, we were served a candle topped scoop of toffee/coffee ice cream, complete with a Steve/Ryan/Colin serenading "Happy Birthday" in perfect pitch. Back home, Circus Peanuts and Bubble Gum Balls (a gigantic jar of them!) completed the evening. I couldn't have dreamed a better ending to the perfect the night, alone with the man I love, holding hands, saying goodnight, and wishing time would just stop right here, right now. He had thought of every detail, not a single one was left out. He even made me believe we were going places he had NO intention of taking me. He is so wonderful in so many ways, and I can't thank him, or all those others that I love so dearly, enough for making this truly an outstanding celebration. It was exactly that, a "happy" 24th birthday.

The Golden State Of Mind…

You all have probably been aware of my recent escape to the Golden State of California. Colin invited me home with him for his summer stay at his house in Auburn and of course I agreed. I was so excited. I had never been to California before and also this would be the first time I would meet his family. Little did I know that they and my entire experience would be so much more than I had I ever expected.

Our flight landed in San Francisco at about 11:00 PM. Only to learn that my second bag I had checked had been stolen right off the conveyer belt. How convenient. I had packed EVERYTHING for the beach and all my little stuff. Now the ladies will know exactly what I mean by the “little things.” I’m talking all my make-up, underwear, shampoo, my expensive new flat iron (if you know me this could be the one that took me over that emotional edge), jewelry, perfume, cell phone charger, lap top charger, bathing suits, flip flops, all the stuff that just doesn’t quite fold in with your jeans and tops. Stolen. The ID tags to my bag were found in the corner soon after we noticed it wasn’t coming with the rest of the bags. The airline said there was nothing they could do, and they would call if anything came up. Great. So of course I’m getting emotional. Colin, bless his heart, was so patient and so kind, but we all know those two attributes he does quite well. So, I picked my bag (note the singular there) and we made our way to the rental car counter. I tried my best to act as if it was just a bag and everything in it could be replaced. It just really really sucks to lose so much of your stuff at one time, when you are so far from home. Welcome to California! However I was determined to not let this spoil my time here. I wanted to snap out of my angry and shocked state and just make the best of what I did have. I have the only things that matters in my hand already, and that is his.

We arrived at Colin’s house a few hours later, he gave me a quick tour, and we just crashed. The next morning we were early to rise and eager to get to the beach. Pismo Beach to be exact! First stop: Old Navy to replace my bathing suits, Jamba Juice: a very important second for breakfast, and then third: Me hanging out the window taking pictures of the dry grassy covered mountains, countless orchards, vineyard after vineyard, and road signs that say “Highway 101 and San Francisco” ah yes the photos of a complete tourist!

Six hours later we were in sunny, cool, and beautiful Pismo Beach. It was here that I FINALLY met his mom Cindy, his dad Paul, and his sister Amber. It was about 10 PM, but they were up and about and anxious to hear my accent. (Ok if you are still reading this – say this city out loud: “Norfolk.”) If you just said a curse word, you are from where I am from. Hehe. The week was filled with sun and sand and really good food. Not to mention walking 6 miles to rent ATVs to race on the dunes only to be passed by the trailer carrying them in the opposite direction. We were too late, they had closed. Although Colin did save a baby seal that had beached itself along the way. The next morning I got to watch Amber do some serious skim boarding and Colin try to on a board not quite made for his size. Amber is quite talented; you should see this girl on a skateboard! Unreal. We cooked out, built campfires, told ghost stories which lead to all of us walking to the showers TOGETHER, buried our flops in the sand to take long walks on the beach, found sand dollars, explored sea caves, visited the immense Hearst's Castle, roasted marshmallows, and even had Internet access if you sat in just the right place. By the end of the week Colin had crafted a potato cannon, which by the way has some serious distance I might add, and I got to see my first sunset on the beach. Amazing. We left Pismo Beach on Friday June 30th and by the great miracle of telecommunications I got to welcome Selah Grace 10lbs and 8oz into the world. My mom called to keep me updated every step along the way. I also got to talk to Britni and we both just cried and cried and she told me how beautiful Selah was and how great Jami did. I have never experienced anything like the feeling I had at that moment, ever before. It was truly a time I will never forget. I wish I could have been there more than anything. But Jami did it, she really did it! She brought a healthy, happy, gorgeous little girl into our lives and in our hearts forever.

We took Highway 1 all the way Santa Cruz. On the way we stopped in Morro Bay, Monterey Bay, and Big Sur, home of the infamous Redwood Trees. It was truly unique. I didn’t even know mountains could get that big and that an ocean could be so blue, and coexist together at the same time. Breathtaking. We even saw Elephant seals, and they were talking, fighting, and getting warm on the hot sand. That evening when we got back to his house, I met James. James is Colin’s best friend from home and after meeting him I knew exactly why. Colin had told me a lot about James and I really did enjoy hanging out with them. The best was just observing the two of them. Back and forth, back and forth they would laugh, share stories, and reminisce about memories they had shared together.

Happy 4th of July!! That day at Colin’s church we were invited to a pool party. There would be volleyball, basketball, and food. I don’t even know how many games we played, but we had a lot of fun. Colin was the star of the show although his dad gave him a run for his money on the court! That evening, for the fireworks festivities Colin, James, his parents, and I went high a top one of the many Auburn hills and watched the fireworks being set off from the fairgrounds over the courthouse. They were quite good. We woke up the next day and decided to go see the newest attraction in Auburn – “The Street of Dreams.” These were unbelievable homes you could tour and really see how the rich and famous live. Anything you could imagine adorned these homes. Elevators, double fridges, double dishwashers all stainless steal. Countless bedrooms, wine cellars, workout rooms, theaters, infinity pools and tubs, a closet the size of my room with washers and dryers in them. Anything you wanted, needed or had no use for was here.

The next couple of days were spent hanging out with his family, celebrating Colin’s 22nd birthday, and catching some really great movies at the local cinema. “Pirates of the Caribbean” is amazing by the way, and “Click” is a must see. Colin’s house has great opportunities for some serious style and design potential. Luckily I am trained in the interior realm of design and his mom decided let’s give these walls a face-lift!! Why not?! I am there and I can do it. After all, they had been so generous with meals, letting me stay there for FREE, and just taking really good care of me while I was been there. So we painted the room a yellow ochre color and then did a burnt sienna brown glaze over top for a bold Tuscan feel that really warmed the entire room substantially. I’m just praising the Lord that it went so well and I didn’t have any major hang ups! Except one. Before I could do what I just listed, I had to get the necessary products. The closest vendor for the glazes I needed was in Redwood City. So what do we do? Well whatdaya know Redwood City is right below San Francisco. So we thought we would make a day trip of it. Perfect. So after painting the walls with the base color, we spent the next day in San Francisco. Now none of this was new to Colin, but I was awe struck. I got to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Something I have truly wanted and been looking forward to doing for a long time. We went down to the Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. We walked around the docks, did a little shopping, walked by countless bistros and restaurants and had a really good time. We stopped and got some clam chowder (Colin said it was tradition) and it was scrumptious. After we finished we gave the pigeons our leftovers and walked the ocean’s edge to sit down for a little while. At the end of day we squeezed in a trip down Lombard Street (the steepest and most windy street in the world), visited the Coit Tower (the fireman’s memorial tower), and wrapped up the day at the Palace of Fine Art, walking around, taking pictures and just simply enjoying each other’s company.

The rest of the week Colin and I worked on his family room. Well I painted and Colin held the ladder. I don’t know why but when I’m twenty feet in the air I get a little woozy. Anyway the room turned out great and his family loved it so that was a plus!! I was just glad that I was there for enough time to accomplish that for them. It was my pleasure.

Colin got two tickets from his parents to Paramount’s Great America. A theme park much like our Kings Dominion. We had a blast!! We went on every rollercoaster they had to offer and they had some pretty state of the art ones as well. After a supa large Cherry Coke, we decided to call it a day. It was so much fun! My favorite part was just walking around with him, hand in hand and just being us. On the way home we stopped into Santana Row, in San Jose. Did I mention this was the most expensive place to live in California? It was like a little Manhattan tucked away in a beautifully landscaped quaint part of Cali. We ate an absolutely amazing dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and then found ourselves craving a good movie. I loved this place.

His family lives about an hour from Lake Tahoe, we would go and have lunch and spend the day with his cousin and our cameras. The water was beautiful. If I had the money this would be where I bought a summer home. The mountains of Nevada still were snowcapped and the sailboats lazily floated by as we enjoyed a dock side dish. Superb. I got some great pictures of the mountains; Emerald bay and its endless waterfalls and a cute little chipmunk that wanted me to give him a snack. So fun. The next day the temperature was a grueling 110 degrees. Colin said we should go swimming in the American River. Not until I put my feet in the water did I know that it was nothing but SNOW MELT! Talk about freezing!! This was like diving off glaciers and wading around in ice cubes. “You’ll get used to it!” he yells after he plummets off a 30-foot rock into the icy river of death!! Comes up out of the water, shakes it from his hair, and just gives me that smile. He, like the river, makes me melt!! So I tried it, but me, I just inch myself in. However, he was right, I did get used to it, we were swimming together in no time. We even had the river cooling our can drinks as we played. After a couple of hours we took our numb bodies home and decided to go out for dinner. We went to so many amazing restaurants while I was home with him I’m not even sure if I remember which was which! After dinner we met Colin’s friends Mitch and Sam for some bowling. Those three are histerical when they get together. I believe I won, well ok, I lost horribly but it was a good time.


The next morning we were up at 5 and sleepily got in the car for L.A. I couldn’t wait to meet his grandparents. You know how some people have the picture perfect grandparents? Well Colin is on that list for sure. His grandma is adorable and his grandpa is so sweet. Hugs all around as soon as we got there. “Colin you have grown even more!” his grandma said as he hits his head on the ceiling fan. They were so welcoming and ready to share the greatest burrito place on earth with me as we sat down for lunch. Good stuff! We were only there for a few hours sadly, picked up our tickets to Disneyland and then drove by his old house, old neighborhood, and I was getting stories from Cindy, Colin and Amber all along the way. Fantastic. We were on the road to San Diego to meet up with Colin’s dad. We were going to stay in a hotel that night and leave for Disney in the morning. Colin has been to Disneyland so many times, but for me it was my first. I was “stoked”. The day was magic. Colin has shared the experience with a lot of people, I’m just glad we shared it together as well. I had my own tour guide and my own map; he knew every hot spot and must-do event. Fabulous. After yet another outstanding California experience that lasted for 15 hours, we were beat. We crawled back to the hotel and just crashed. Only to wake up at 7:30 to shower, shave, and get in the car for yet another road trip, this time destination: LAX! It was my last day. My last day to see that sky that I have completely become obsessed with. My last day to spend with his wonderful family. My last day to live unlike I have I ever lived. I was certainly going to miss it. But the experience was so breathtaking. At the airport we checked our bags, hugged and kissed his mom and sister, grabbed some chili cheese fries from the sports bar and waited for our boarding call. Colin said to me a long time ago that ever time he is in LAX he sees a celebrity. I was like there is no way I’m going to see. . .WAIT A MINUTE. . . THERE IS THAT BIG DUDE FROM THE GREEN MILE AND THE ISLAND!!! Michael Clarke Duncan. Unreal!! So yeah, brushing my shoulder off I got to see one as well. It wasn’t Tom Cruise or Johnny Depp but it was at least one. Wow. So we polished off the cheese fries with a side of supa cholesterol and got on our flight. Because Colin and I were flying with a buddy pass that his aunt had so generously given us, we kind of just had to take our chances with seating arrangements. We had lucked out the last 4 times with seats we actually got seats beside each other. This time it was the case. Now ya see, this makes me a little nervous. In other words, I don’t do well with the whole “taking off” part. But as I always do, I said a prayer, closed my eyes and reached for my ipod. I was instantly comforted and knew that God sat me there for a reason. We landed safely in Atlanta, then safely again in Raleigh/Durham where we were greeted excitedly by my mom, her friend Joanne and of course Maxine. I don’t know which tail was wagging more my mom’s or Maxine’s?!? The ride home was long, Colin feel asleep on my shoulder, but the silence made me think. What a trip I had just been on. I was speechless. I had just been to a place so wonderful with the man I loved and the family I had grown to cherish. There will be nothing that can top this experience. Nothing. Thank you Cindy, Paul and Amber you guys were so wonderful.

I love you Colin with all my heart, thank you for the invitation or I wouldn’t even have had these experiences to share with everyone. You are truly the best thing in my life.

Love Is...

Recently I decided that it was time to quit my job. What a big move! I knew that I wasn't happy where I was so, I decided it was time to grab a couple of boxes and get the heck outta there. Leaving a job that was tough, searching for a new one has been even harder!! However, since I don't have a job and it's summer time I felt the need to some how make some money, yet enjoy the slim time off that I have. I love to go to Barnes and Noble, find a random step stoll, drag it over to the shelf of my chosing and sit and just read the book bindings till I find one that either sounds really cool, or the cover just pulls me in. I was doing just that the other day when I found this book ~"Love Is.." by Kim Casali. I was so intrigued. So I picked up the small hardback book and opened it up. I instantly feel in love with it. It's simply quaint collection of little sayings and drawings. For example: "Love is not picking the most expensive item on the menu" and paired with that is a cartoon drawing of a couple sitting at a dinner table. I love it. So I thought I would share with you some of my favorites! Hopefully you will enjoy as much as I do.
v


Love Is...


...day in and day out
...smiling at eachother often
...sending her a smooch from your cell phone
...what makes every day worth living
...waiting for him
...making the most of a traffic jam
...having someone to bless you
...giving thanks for every day you've known eachother
...not minding if you catch his cold
...when time drags on when you are by yourself
...playing his/her favorite tunes in the car
...not making demands
...a phone call to chase away your blues
...holding hands
...when your heart skips a beat
...knowing that chivlary is not dead
...putting your heads together
...when he is the first and last thought of the day
...a hug for no reason at all
...the little things
...having someone to shop for
...going shopping with her
...some of the little things he does
...and unexpected gift
...offering her the last cookie
...giving him your last dollar
...remembering to give as well as recieve
...not expecting three course meals on every date
...thinking what he would like for his birthday
...being a good listener
...sometimes a tug of war
...finding a love note
...inviting him over for dinner
...two people sharing one heart
...wanting to give her the moon and the stars
...doing things he likes
...surprising her
...a call to say "hello'
...joining forces
...being together wherever you are
...caring
...the way to encourage him
...why i write you so often
...someone to take care of you
...not fun without him
...sharing your dreams
...sharing cool treats with warm hearts
...being together by a campfire
...shared pleasures
...the end to a perfect day
...sharing your ups and downs
...being out of sight but never out of mind
...when nothing stops you from coming to see him
...sometimes having heartache
...when he is the best medicine
...being willing to compromise
...finding the right words to say
...trying to see eye to eye
...putting up with his occasional stubble
...knowing when to leave him alone
...feeling good all over
...not without a few heartaches along the way
...a puzzle
...keeping your sense of humor
...when the good moments outweigh the bad
...caring about his problems
...calling to say "sorry"
...not putting his faults under a magnifying glass
...fragile
...minimizing his mistakes
...not trampling all over his feelings
...missing him
...giving eachother emotional support
...backing eachother up
...willing him to call you
...sometimes getting into a pickle
...the way to ease the stress of everyday life
...a basketful of surprises
...knowing that a hug can bridge an impasse
...mending a bruised heart
...worth the bruises
...taking your chances
...understanding eachother's weaknesses
...knowing when to call a cease fire
...making up
...wanting
...remembering his strong arms
...blowing away cobwebs
...a little bit of fantasy
...wearing something that turns his head
...when his intentions are strictly romantic
...telling her she was the prettiest girl at the party
...tempting
...being oblivious to the outside world
...dreaming the same dream
...just the two of us
...a surprise kiss
...giving him encouragement
...creating a stir
...helped by a little candlelight
...knowing you're in safe hands
...dusting that crumb from his chin
...never wanting to lose him
...throwing away all those "other" numbers
...pinching yourself to make sure it's real
...seeing your future together
...feeling her heartbeat forever
...knowing that this is the real thing
...falling in love all over again
...when you can't think of anything else
...exhilarating
...wishing time would stand still
...seeing his face everywhere
...reading each other's thoughts
...the pathway to happiness
...being hooked only on you
...what heaven must be like
...like sailing into unchartered waters
...when the hours go like minutes
...hitting the jackpot
...a joyride
...the catch of a lifetime
...bliss
...wondering if she's thinking what you're thinking
...like discovering a hidden treasure
...plain for all to see
...finding new horizons together
...all this and more
...just being happy to be near him
...wondering how and why he picked you


...just the beginning.


So if you're reading this you're still with me. First thank you. Second I know that was a little overwhelming but also (to me) completely inspiring. So what I thought I would do is make a list of what Colin has actually done for me in the same manor. Maybe I could be published?!?! Who knows?!?! All I know is I am truly happy and I love him more than I have ever loved before. So here is my book:

"He Is Love And Love Is..." by: Laura Eagle

...playing that song I love
...knowing I'll never be alone
...sharing our pasts, without hesitation
...taking me to sno shack
...Java Chip Ice Cream
...candlelit dinners
...buying dishes from Pier One for our eat-in dinner
...having coffee together
...wearing my favorite jeans
...grazing my arm when he walks by
...paying me just the right amount of attention in a crowded room
...picking me up
...dropping me off
...reaching out to me over the sound board for a hug
...noticing my hair when its different
...getting a sno-cone maker for Me(well us)
...trying to find luxor for hours
...writing blogs about us when he has time
...the way he says my name
...buying lauraandcolin.com
...helping me clean my room
...folding my clothes
...fixing my website
...taking me to very nice restaurants
...sketchbook dates
...high fives
...inviting me to play volleyball with the guys
...giving me space when I need it
...having my picture near his computer
...caring about what my interests are
...doing me favors
...introducing me to his friends and sharing them with me
...the little things
...making me laugh
...taking care of me when I'm sick
...leaving me comments and messages
...not being ashamed of me
...making me "To Do" lists
...playing Tetris with me
...letting me win
...playing the songs I love when I am around
...loving me dispite my faults
...his friends became my friends
...leaving early when I am ready to go
...driving with no radio on
...just talking
...singing little silly songs
...freestyle battles
...surprising phone calls
...singing voicemails
...baby voice
...giving me the last sour patch watermelon
...helping me with my best friends baby shower
...liking my art work
...dressing to match
...fixing me lunch/dinner/breakfast/snacks/orange juice
...a Jamie Cullum concert
...sometimes letting me drive
...laughing at starbucks
...updating my ipod
...holding me after a bad dream
...taking pictures of me and loving even the bad ones
...complimenting me on my outfits/hair/make-up
...sharing our dreams
...going with me places that I know he wouldn't go any other time
...caring about my problems
...I Love You Post-Its all over my room
...appreciating eachother
...accepting each other's difference
...always kisses goodnight and goodbye
...actually wanting to visit my mom
...playing tug-of-war with my dog
...helping my dad
...respecting eachother
...talking over dinner
...sharing an appetizer
...playing NO games
...picking up the heavy stuff
...holding my hand
...showing me his outfits in the dressing room
...downloading my favorite album
...having my picture as his background
...filling up my car
...helping me clean and wash my car
...trips to Kroger to pick out what "we" will make for dinner
...spicing up the Ramen so even that is a good meal
...doing a lot of what the other is interested in, even though we may not want to
...sacrificing
...going to concerts together
...buying me flowers, sending them to my work, and he had'nt even met me yet!
...saying "I Love You" all the time, any time, and knowing he means it.


...Colin Eric Harman

The End.

Embracing Differences

So I got this idea the other day. I thought to myself, "Laura and I have a lot in common, but there are the things about us that are different that we both love and appreciate about one another. So we thought of some multiple things that we both love to share, and enjoy together, but also the things that we are able to spoil the other one with that ordinarily we would not purchase/perform to benefit our own senses.


In other words, this blog is a chance for you to not only take a step inside the lives of Laura and myself, but to learn a little bit more about our loves, and last but not least now you know what to buy us if you have some extra money laying around.


First we have the SODA.
Ah yes, the delicious seemingly thirst quenching but realistically thirst inducing carbonated beverage known as soda. There are a plethora out there, but it seems that everyone has their given favorite, and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Laura loves her some Diet Mountain Dew, and I love me some Cherry Pepsi/Coke. The only problem with soda, is that it makes you need more to drink. Now to most, they would say this is an issue, but I say it's just one more reason to be drinking soda.


Second we have CANDY.
Oh how we U.S. of A. people love us some good ol' fashioned junk food. Ah yes, the preservatives, the sugar substitutes, the sky-rocketing calories! Oh to be a dentist in this day and age. We all have our vice, that one candy that takes hostage our every last smidge of self control. It storms our dingy like existence from its pirate ship of obesity, plundering our every taste bud of any taste but its very own. Now I just need to stop, getting a little hungry. Nonethe less, Laura loves some Laffy Taffy, and I'll take a Twix any day of the week.


Thirdly, we have RESTAURANTS.
We are spoiled in the U.S, we have so much to choose from, but thankfully they're all very different, and from very different cultures. I love love love Italian food, and my favorite restaurant is definitely Romano's Macaroni Grill and Laura's is P.F. Chang's. I'll be honest, I love P.F. Chang's too, and since Laura's never been to a Macaroni Grill it's a bit unfair, but that's ok. She'll love it once she's tried it.


IV is a random one, but I love it. SMELL.
Smell you say? Smell? We all have a fragrance preference, we all have a favorite sense that we enjoy filling our sinuses with. My personal favorite smell of my own, would normally be Eternity by Calvin Klein, but I've since branched out and found that I love Ezra Fitch Cologne by Abercrombie & Fitch. By eexciting the senses with lavender, fresh bergamot, and sexy leather accords, Ezra Fitch deepens into a masculine musk and finishes with the strength of sandalwood. As for Laura, she loves her some Hot by Ralph Lauren. A swirl of cinnamon and a dash of other spices and deliciousness makes her scent a treat for the nostrils, trust me I would know.



#5 Is something we all have, a favorite MOVIE.
This explanation will be short and sweet, but all that to say we have seen quite a few movies between us. Yet oddly enough our "favorite movie choices" are quite different, she loves The Nightmare Before Christmas and I love The Italian Job. Though these movies are definitely from opposite ends of the spectrum, we're both able to sit and watch each with one another, and enjoy them both. I love that fact that between the two of us, we're always able to share something great about any movie.


Sixth is our favorite ALBUM.
This one is always tough for people to answer, because now-a-days, there are so many different genres of music to listen and appreciate, that it's so hard to pick one favorite overall. Laura and myself sat and thought for some time about what we would choose for our favorite albums, and of course the usual meaningless banter of "what if we said the same one?!", but knowing our background differences and musical preferences, I knew that wouldn't be the case. Laura's favorite album ended up being, Journey - Greatest Hits. Whereas my all time favorite album that I could listen to all day without ceasing or growing weary would be Donavon Frakenreiter - (self-titled). As you can see, we're no where NEAR the same, but I know that we can both appreciate each other's choice in music.


Lucky #7 is our favorite BAND.
By now your probably saying one of two things: 1) why the heck am I still reading this, do I really care what the like or dislike? Or 2) what's the difference between favorite band and favorite album? Allow me to answer the latter for you since the answer to the first question is your decision. Favorite album is one CD that you could listen to over and over again, now that could have been something like Ultimate Dance Party 1998 or Jock Jams or NOW 5,000,543, any of which are way overrated, but none the less a compilation of multiple artists collaborated onto one album of goodness. The favorite band is a given artist or group who seemingly rocks your socks off. Laura's all time favorite band is no one else other than The Dave Matthews Band whereas my favorite 'band' is definitely The Beach Boys. Not only did the Beach Boys serenade me on my way to school everyday as they displayed their mastery of harmony and melody through the ten dollar speakers screwed into the doors of our 1974 Volkswagen super beetle, but they are the involuntary soundtrack to my homestate of California. As far as Laura's choice, let's be honest, Dave Matthews is legendary, there's no explanation needed.


Number Eight is our COMPUTERS.
So I'll keep this one short, but what it comes down to is that we're both complete computer nerds, and both mac/apple nerds at that. Once again, this is an area where we are very alike, yet different. Laura has a 15" powerbook G4, and I've got a 12" powerbook G4, though they're not that different, they still are. Mine comes with me everywhere, and Laura is rarely seen in any stationary position without hers on her lap. I use mine or just about everything, and I love every moment of it. There are times that we'll be sitting across the room from each other on iChat IMing back and forth. It's pathetic I know.


Second to last is our IPODS.
Now this is a small little story that I love to tell and have told in a previous blog, but here's a quick recap. When Laura and I had known each other for maybe a week (if even that) she had come over to the house where Matt Mackey and Chris Price were making fun of me since I had a 60GB iPod photo, and they were better than me since they had their 30GB iPod videos. Well Laura decided to surprise me by buying me a 60GB iPod video! Who is this girl!? Anywho, so we are the same in that we both have iPods however she has the 30GB black iPod video, and I now have the 60GB white iPod video. I love it. I love her.


Last but for this list, but not the last at all is our favorite COLORS.
My favorite color is definitely green or red. I know that makes no sense to have two favorite colors, but it's the truth, so deal with it. I love green as an accent color, I think it's fantastic. As for red, if I had to wear one color forever it would be red. I like it cuz it stands out. As for Laura, her favorite color is teal/turquoise. I know she likes it because of how bright and in your face it is, but also for the simple reason that it makes her happy and that's what is most important to me.


So as you can see, Laura and I are able to share lots of great things in common, but it's those small differences that keeps it exciting.
~CH

Dear Diary,

Usually I have a clever skeleton to most of my blogs. I know I want to touch on this event, what happened here or there, but for some reason I felt the need to just talk "everyday". So for a little something different ~ I thought I would just write. About what I'm not exactly sure, but we will see as we go along.

In my life right now, I am going through some major transistions. I recently left a job that was truly somewhere I should have left long ago. The hardest part of the whole "leaving the job, finding another one" deal is the down time. I never knew that doing "nothing" would be quite so hard. In fact, I don't do "nothing" I am looking for jobs, have applied for many and just really want God to lead me where He wants me to be. Throughout this whole process, I learned to trust...trust Him more than I ever have. But that kind of trust has not come easy to me by any means. I am someone who loves to work, and that is the truth. I miss having a job, I miss seeing my successes right in front of me, I miss accomplishments, rewards, and seeing my artwork being brought to life. And of course I miss the paycheck that follows all of those. After some pretty rough words were exchanged at the office, I walked out. I walked out knowing that what I did was the right thing and I would end up in a much better place where my spirit wasn't suffering daily as before. That was 2 weeks ago. The past two weeks have been particulary hard because I have never had to go through a job transistion on "bad terms". Not to mention, my boss was my friend, in the art department at church, and truly someone I respected whole heartedly until I was under his payroll. It's so hard to look back at our relationship before and not get saddened by what it is today. I decided enough was enough. Too many random emails from people at church of he said she said. I knew I needed to go and talk with him and just clear the air that was so clouded with untruth. So today I went. I went to pick up the last pay check and face my demon face to face. To my surprise he was actually worse than I thought he would be. He actually had a list of things he had to make sure he dug in one more time before I was rightfully paid. I walked out of that place feeling no better than the day before. I prayed that the animosity would be taken from my heart, but to my dismay it might have just worsened. No matter, I have to move on from here, the check is in the bank, and my life will soon get back on it's rightful path soon enough.

There are few people in my life who see right through me. Those people are of course my mom, my best friend Britni and my sweet, sweet Colin. (If you keep up with our site, you all know him very well by now I hope) All oh whom have been very supportive throughout this huge relocative process. My mom has probably gotten every job site and new paper on speed dial and lock down, Brit has held checks and spotted me some cash here and there till I can get on my feet. Colin, well he is a category all his own. Everyday he makes me feel like I am worth any job, and any dream can be reached. He is beyond wonderful. Sometime I really do wonder how I got so lucky. Growing up my sister met her match early. Luke and Steph met in the 8th grade and were married after 11 long years last July. I always looked at Stephanie and Luke, and would ask myself and God when was I ever going to experiece what they have, just a meer taste is all I ask. She was captivated by him and he her and it was beautiful. As every little sister does, I used to read her diary. In fact I was obsessed with her words. She would write the most beautiful love letters to him, and accounts of that day, the special things he did and said. I can remember being so jealous. After three amazing months with Colin, I could write diary after diary saying the same things, accounting the most special moments and revealing a love that is unlike any other. Unlike Stephanie and Luke or Megan and Judson. a love all our own.

So thinking of this as my diary, here is my lastest entry:

Dear Diary,

It was our three month on the 14th. That was two days ago. I guess it has taken me all of two days to really process what he truly means and what that night meant to me. I had first heard that he was planning something special on the friday prior. I knew that he told me not to make any plans and not to eat - he was brewing up something. Little did I know it was going to be one of the most special nights of my life. 8:45 I was told, so 8:45 it was. I walked up the sidewalk hesistantly, not knowing what might happen when I opened the door to his apartment. The instant I pushed the green 212 open, I was flooded with candle light and emotion. He has lit countless candles, set the perfect floor level dinner, pillows for chairs, salmon and vegetables seasoned to perfection, a bottle of one of his favorite white wines, and a top of all this, he was waiting with flowers and looked simply gorgeous. He took my breath away. I hugged him probably like he was going off to war in that moment. This was all for me?!?! What is the occasion?!?! Then I remembered today was the 14th, the anniversity of not only the first day that I met him, but marks the moment that I feel in love with him as well. I couldn't have planned a better evening myself. After dinner we finished the bottle of wine over engaging conversation and the rest is history. I still ask myself - Who am I to deserve him? There is no hiding how much in love I am with him. What a special day, what a special moment and what a blessing Colin truly is in my life. A life that may be a mess, a life that may have frayed edges, a life with no direction, but never lacking dreams, a life that is anything but ordinary, yet a life that may be in shambles, but he is always there in the end to put me back togerther again. God placed him in my life for a reason. Maybe he is good at puzzles, I don't know? But what I do know is, I might not have a job, but I am rich in love, and right now he is the only paycheck I need.

Table For Two...

"Table for 2?"
"Smoking or Non?"
"Right this way..."
"Here you go, your server will be right with you. Enjoy your meal."

~ Ah the script heard round the world and of course on every out to dinner experience. However, for those of us who don't go out a whole lot, those words are really nice to hear. You see, Colin and I are a low-key, low-budget kinda duo. From day one, both of us reassured each other that we were not "restaurant high-matianence" and by this, I mean have to go out to eat all the time, every weekend and to super nice places. Not us. Not by a long shot. The Dollar Menu or Japanese Express does the trick everytime. But occasionally Colin will ask me out on a date! I call it our "Date Night." Both of us love clothes and so this is a rare night that we can bring out our best. I usually adorn a skirt or some kind, cute shirt, and he usually sports a nice button up shirt, or he might just bust out a blazer with a vintage t underneath, with his super hott jeans or khakis. Anyways - we go out, we hold hands, we just truly enjoy each other's company in a nice restaurant atmosphere.

But this time...it was different.

Laura: "Hey babe - What time should I be ready?"
Colin: "Umm...what about around 7ish?"
Laura: "Sounds good - I'll see you soon hun."
Colin: "Oh and this time - we're going to do something a little different."

As I signed offline I was wondering ~ "A little different?!?!?!~ What on earth could he be planning?" He is so smart, and clever and of course thoughtful ~ so I wasn't scared or worried I was just simply curious.

Right on time. We had talked earlier about steak and seafood ~ I was down, so we went the only place I felt worthy - "New London Steakhouse." Which convient enough is only about 5 minutes from my house. So we got there and the place was dead.

"Crap ~ I should have called...Who is closed on Tuesday nights!?!?!?!"

So we turned around decided that we would go somewhere else - good thing the night was still young. I am still mad about it about it being closed. My next thought was "Shakers." I love that place. It is one of the best restaurants in my opinion in Lynchburg. So we got there, got the script and all the while Colin was holding a black book. When we sat, I finally noticed that it was a sketch book. And with that book he carried two pens. He looked at me with those gorgeous dark dark dark brown eyes and started to write. I knew - there wasn't going to be very much conversation going on tonight - atleast not verbal.

I will have to say it was one of the best dates I have ever been on. We only spoke when the waiter came to our table, asked what we wanted to order and if we needed more water - that was the only time I heard Colin's voice all night. We wrote back and forth, we drew pictures and doodled back and forth the entire time. He is adorable. What a great idea. Like I said - smart, clever and oh so thoughtful, and did I mention completely gorgeous!?! Hmmmm well - I don't want to leave that attribute out. We ended the night like an artist ends his/her painting or drawing - with our signatures as the final touch. It was SO COOL and so different, and so refreshing to have someone so more than wonderful in my life.

"You guys have a goodnight."
"Thank you for dining with us tonight."

Dandy Lions...

This weekend was yet another to add to my collection of wonderful times with Colin. I am looking into getting a new job so on Thursday night he helped me fill out an application. The world of art is oh so tiring when you are stuck in the same old job, with the same ole' people, both requiring you to be creative from the dreaded hours of 9 to 5. Not possible. So I'm looking into an art teaching job, that I desperately hope to get. Colin and I wrapped up a 4 hour application, and it was time to hit the hay. Friday, Colin is in class from 11 to 3:30, I work until 5. We decided to do lunch around noon, we went to one of my favorite places "Magnolia Foods" on Rivermont (where he will be living next year!) Lunch was great, it is always good there. I looked at my phone and we still had about 15 minutes to kill, so we took a walk down the street, talked of our the future, starting our own business, and of course sharing stories the other hasn't heard. There is always something new, everyday. Something new about him, or his family, or his friends that just captivates me more and more to learn all that I can, like he's going out of style. Which he will never of course, but its like a hunger that only he can fill. So back to work I went, he dropped me off, his hand lingering in mine, I didn't want to let go. I hate letting go. "I love you honey, I love you too baby." (car door shuts) Back to the trenches. Colin's car is in the shop so the past couple of days he has been driving my whip. Which is fine because he looks a lot better in it, and actually drives it like a mustang should be driven anyway. 5:00 a the Shanty, it doesn't get much better than that. I shut down my computer and await his arrival like Christmas. I see him, and in with him walks a delicious (my favorite, strawberry, banana and peach) smoothie from (my favorite) Tropical Smoothie Cafe' ~ what a treat (oh and the smoothie too!). I love his little surprises. Love Love Love them!!! We left, and decided nothing better, at this point, sounded better than a nap. The day was cloudy, raining on and off, I couldn't wait to fall asleep. We woke up around 6:30PM and had made plans earlier that day to go over and hang out with one of my best friend's Jami. She is almost 6 weeks due to bring little Selah into our lives, and I am ecstatic. Colin is gearing up for the countless petticoat's this little one will have. After half Italian, half Chinese dinner we made our way to living room where conversations started, laughter was apparent, and having Colin be apart of it all leaves me speechless. Before nights at Jami's were fun, but with Colin there, its like I don't need to be any place, I have all those I love...right here. 1 bowl of "Moosetracks" down, we decided to call it a night. Colin was wonderful. He just fits, and I love that so much. Him and I have said this to each other before that we love how we don't have to entertain one another when we are around our friends - we just do our thing, the occasional eye contact paired with a mouthed "I Love You' is sufficient. Saturday we parted ways. I, to my dad's for the "If I work for you, will you pay my rent?" day, and of course Colin worked from 11 to 4. I dusted, washed, and pulled weeds, he refilled, smiled, and gathered tips. I met him after work at my house, a few nachos back, we decided to watch a movie at his place, order take out from Applebee's and just relax. Sunday brought church, meetings for Colin, lunch with my Mom, and then something new. A photoshoot! Ah yes, my first since my Junior/Senior Year of high school. Of course I am thankful for the "2006" being left off the lower right corner, but all and all the pictures turned out great.
I think the important thing is that he had a good time, and opened my mind to new things. I will literally grin and bear it to see him happy. But surprisingly I actually had a good time. It felt good to be the focal point, or center of attention if I may. Now, I am no model by any means, but in his eyes if I am seen beautiful...then what other pair of eyes do I need?!? No ones. I am so thankful for the walls that he breaks down, walls of camera shyness, walls of insecurities, walls of an untrusting heart. He
makes me lie down in Dandy Lions, he leads me down wooded paths, he guides me with his hand, holds me with his heart, loves me with his all. "Surely goodness and love will follow us all the days of our lives, and wewill dwell in the house of the Lord...Forever." Psalm 23:2

Capturing him...

Yesterday was Easter Sunday and boy what a day it was. My mom was baptized at 9:45 AM and there were certainly not enough tissue boxes in Blue Ridge. She was asked to read her story (in front of 500 people) and she knocked it out of the ball park. Someone even asked her if she had ever considered Stand-Up. She climbed into that water, Stephanie and I helping her in. Jean Brebner, a friend and staff member at BRCC said those words (In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit), I held her back, Steph and Jean, her arms and down she went. When she went under, my heart, my mind, my soul rejoiced so loud it was unlike anything I have ever experienced. She did it!. As her head came out of the water and she stood up, God truly wrapped his arms around her and welcomed her to the family. I loved what Colin said. He said, she was following God's lead in her heart ~ she is such an inspiration to all of us. And he was so right, she truly is.

After the dunk show (hehe) the family and extended family (Brit) went to Rita & Skeeter's house for a celebratory cook-out. (Here's a little background: Rita and Skeeter are Luke, Jami, and Adam's parents. Luke - is married to my sister Stephanie. Jami - is one of my best friends. Adam is the youngest, yet 21 isn't so young anymore is it?!) We gathered on the back porch to watch the potato/lemon gun show, and some of us even chose to be targets!! You won't ever fail to laugh around these people (I apologized to Colin in advance before I threw him into the mix.) Good food, good friends and great times, sum up the evening. After our tummies were filled with hot dogs and hamburgers, Colin and I decided to take a walk. One of my favorites places in my neighbor hood is a place called "The Ruins." (Jami and I named it that about 8 years ago.) It's an old one room cottage, with no roof, no windows, no doors, only the cinder block bones and a broken chimney remain to tell it's story. Wisteria grows wild all around it, the smell is wonderful, and the scene was perfect for me to take photographs of him. I love so much that Colin and I share so many of the same interests. If we aren't nose to screen on our computers, laps warm from our powerbooks or one eye closed the other behind a lens, we are just simply enjoying each other's company. The conversations we have are ever changing, but always come back to one simple point: How much God has blessed us with entrusting each others hearts with one another.

So our walk carried us down the street and to the ruins. It is only about 15-20 feet off the road, so it was sort of an easy place to get to. I kindly asked the poison ivy to stay still while I tipped toed around it, Colin and I both had on sandals. He was so cute, and he is SO photogenic no matter what he says. I as turned out so great. Granted we all have our deletes (thanks digital technology) but he barely had any!! After many shutters were shut, and many flashes were flashed, we felt raindrops on our parade. So we packed up and headed out. He teaches me so much. The best parked him to go there, sit here, and look at this and that. His picturest was not only taking pictures of him, but as I am doing so, he is teaching me how to do it better. He is a pretty skilled photographer and I have had many to compare. My friend Melanie, who I lived with my senior year of college - like Colin, teach me just through watching her do her thing. She was a photography major and her senior work was awesome. I was surrounded by art in college, I mean, I lived it. But I regret never having the time to take a photo course. However, it's quite nice having a boyfriend who can teach you what you would have paid $1000 a semester for anyway. And being a great teacher at that.

Racing the rain, we made our way back to the family, his hand in mine, just smiling and laughing as always. I love him and all that he is in my life. It is my sincere hope that I continue to learn from him everyday, both physically and spiritually, for the rest of my days. May we continue to love and trust, and capture each other always.

Always.

Another Weekend Away...

So here I sit, wishing it was still the weekend, but nonetheless class awaits me in the very near future, almost mocking me as I attempt to avoid the clutches of its ever so boring existence. So here I sit, the air filled with the sound of a professor babling unceasingly about the intricat details of the old testament. The consistent monophonic tones of his voice creates a downward spiral of interest, thus my mind of course begins to wander to a far away land of this past weekend. Ah, Yes the days of fun when nothing matters, cell phones are off, and sleeping in is manditory. While experiencing this mental oasis of bliss, I am rudely brought back to reality by the professor calling me out and asking me a question when he KNOWS I wasn't paying attention. Punk. I give him the "I have no clue and you know it" look. and he moved on with his lecture. After this episode, I made the decision to longer engage in his seemingly meaningless lecture, and I am now here writing to you.

Back to this weekend...
The weekend started with a drive up to Fredricksburg to The Loft in downtown fredricksburg, where I would be mixing sound for Six Chasing Seven. As we arrived and began the tedious (and at times disorganized) process of equipment setup and sound checking, I couldn't help but think of what lay ahead of me that evening. Laura was coming to this show! I know that may seem childish, I know that may seem completely asenine that I am excited about such a small thing, especially since i see her nearly everyday anyways, but it was still great. I continuously and repeatedly reminiced the previous time I was at The Loft, where Laura suprised me by showing up, and I kept glancing over to the stairs, picturing that exact situation as if it was happening in real time. My heart jumped with the hopes and assurance of knowing that she would be there once again. In my opinion, the best kind of de ja vu is reality. Everything was soundchecked, the opening band BosC was up and playing and still no Laura, but I knew she was coming. The show started at 9:30 and it was nearly 10pm, and I began to wonder if she was ok...So, I plunged my hand into my pocket and extracted my personal wireless communication device (cell phone) and in a morse code fashion I created a message and sent it to cyberspace in hopes it would find her not only in safety but en route. Sure enough, she was on her way and safe, and assured me she would be there soon.

There she was...I saw her as she came up the stairs and a star trek like tractor beam instantly teleported me to her. I love this girl. Her mere presence makes everything more enjoyable and exciting. I greeted her best friend Raygan who lives in Culpepper and came along with her. I love having her there to support me in everything that I do. Everyone of my friends who saw that she was there, of course went to greet her as well, because they see how amazing she is like I do. Everytime I am ever with her and in the presence of my friends, they always inform me that I need to figure out a way to clone my Laura so they can all have one too...(NOT A CHANCE.) So the show went on, the watched and got something to drink, and I mixed and the show went great (yada,yada, yada). We tore everything down, and then made plans for the evening.

The band had originally planned to get a hotel in Fredricksburg, so they would not have to drive three hours back to Lynchburg at such and ungodly hour of the night. Most of the band shot that idea down, and decided they would be driving back that night, and that they'd take their chances. All but Daniel and Adam went home, and Daniel and Adam stayed in Culpepper at Raygan and Jason's House along with Laura and I. Since all of us were just exhausted, well each went to our place and instantly fell asleep. When the morning came, I was gloriously awaken by their chocolate lab, Keller. Apparently he thought my face was a lol-i-pop and decided he was going to do everything in his power to lick off every gram of flavor. Now covered in drool (mostly my own but Keller's as well) I roll over to find Laura and Raygan just sitting talking. A few minutes later, Daniel and Adam strolled in and after some casual chitchat, they left.

Jason, Raygan, Laura, and I just spent some time sitting around talking in the living room, and it was really nice. Their house is beautiful and made me want to have a house of my own. However, I know that's fiscally out of the question... Well Jason had to run to work, so the three of us that were left just took our time getting ready. After showers and things of that nature, we took a stroll down the street (the live in downtown culpepper) to a quaint little restaurant called Lucio's. It was one of the most romantic places I've been to, and the only thing that was better than the ambiance and environment was the taste of the food. It was A-freakin-mazing. We had good times and lots of laughs.

After lunch we strolled back to the house, where we were met by even more of Laura's friends. We all decided to go for a walk around downtown and it was so much fun. We went to some of their favorite stores, and even saw where Raygan and Jason would be getting married. We then went to an amazing coffee place that was just awesome. We all agreed we wish we could just live there. We then walked back towards their house but en route, we got a tasty tour of the history of culpepper. It was lots of fun, and it made me want all those victorian houses. We spent a few more minutes at the house, but then we said we'd be on our way and the started our drive back to Lynchburg.

On this drive, Laura and I had a really good conversation. I love it. I love learning more and more about here everyday. I/we have learned that if you keep the radio off, or low, it's a condusive time to have great conversation. We talked non-stop all the way to Charlottesville, where we stopped and ate and Qdoba...Yum. It's no chipotle, but it's a decent start... We sat and talked, and people watched for sometime, and just basked in the time that we had to spend together. Laura and I always have an amazing time together, and every moment is another moment of memories. We drove home from there, and the ride home was fun as well... I am so thankful for Laura in my life. She is such a blessing and brightens every aspect of my life. God is so good to me/us.

I am so thankful for the time that we have gotten to get away for just a little bit, it is always much needed. It's just a chance to step away from the insane business of life.
Until next time. bye4now! Thanks for reading.
~CH

"Weekend Update..."

It was March 24th 2006 . . . on a cold dreary night. I assure you it was a night unlike any other night I have experienced so far. It was dark. It was late. And. . . and well... Colin and I were about to drive for 3 hours non-stop, that night, to Fredericksburg!!!!!

Hahkay so...
I get to his place around 10 PM, pop the trunk, and go inside to retrieve Colin, and of course hug Patric goodbye. I helped Colin with his bags and headed down the stairs. He, (and yes I said HE) had more than me!) (But the camera bag, well ok minus that, we were even!) This brings me to a random question. Do you ever keep an emergency bag? You know, that bag that has an extra pair of jeans, socks, and $20 in it, ok no, not that $20 but in theory that should be in there! Yes, Laura does and I never leave home without one. Anywho - we arranged the trunk/car so I and he could exsist in a comfortable 3.5 hour situation and we were off. "Are you hungry?" he said. Turning my head I replied, "Are you kidding, I just played 5 games in 1 hour, no mercy, kill them or kill yourself kinda ball, and your asking if I'm hungry!?!" SHEETZ OR DIE (If they made a T-shirt saying that, heck what am I saying, I'll design one! and Colin and I will invest in one, well two - one for my emergency bag "ahcourse"!) What did we buy at this place called SHEETZ you ask? ONLY the essentials I say, I equipped myself with a tall refreshing hot pink Lizard Lava Sobe (if you know where the Cotton Connection is, and you have nothing to do between 9 and 5, Monday through Friday, feel free to drop in with one of these for a "I Love Laura gift" ANYTIME! Hehe ok, ok back on track) grabbing some Twizzlies (strawberry for a change) and, the ever so popular, hurt the roof our your mouth, Sour Patch Kids - THE ORANGE ONES ARE CRUCIAL! Colin stocked up on, two hot dogs with chili (he might have gotten four, you never know, and ENERGY DRINKS - cause we had a long road ahead, he's always thinking. A tank of gas and we were GO for LUNCH...uh i mean...LAUNCH! Now ya know what makes roadtrips, really count as a roadtrip? An iTrip. Do you people know what this is? And by "you people" I mean the MAC deprived! You simply plug it in the base of youp iPod and it plays your uploaded music from a local unused radio frequency. Sweet huh? So a little Dick Redding, Donovan Frankenreiter, Jack Johnson, and what was that other one honey? OH YEAH - Jamie Cullum!!!! Only the SOLE reason we are on this road to begin with!! (oh and of course to him -see/me -meet miss Aimee!)

2:40 AM: We arrived in Lake of the Woods, a gated community in Fredericksburg and home to one of Colin's dearest friends, Aimee, and Family. We whisper, walked in, and we were finally there. Colin went and woke up Aimee and I was greeted by the sweetest note on my pillow:

Laura-
PLEASE make yourself at home! You're welcome to anything in the bathroom/shower. Get some rest and have a great time in DC tomorrow. :o) *Aimee*
P.S. I hope you're not a light sleeper, I'll be up for work @5am tomorrow. I'm sorry in advance if I wake you, you can yell @ me later :o)

(I saved the note since it was so cute!) Well, despite the hour, I got to finally meet her and she is adorable. Colin's smile would tell you how close these two are. She is so fun ~ and not to mention the BEST hostest ever. The loft was home for me. There was a fold-out couch that was ready and waiting, towels at the end of it, and a comfy pillow, all laid out for me. Until that night I couldn't think of ONE reason that was good to have this horrible ruptured ear drum, I slept like a rock. It allowed me to sleep through her getting up and ready, a tired and hungry baby waking and breakfast being made down below. Colin came and woke me up, which I can think of no better alarm than that, and we made our way down to breakfast. I met Anna (Aimee's twin sister) and her little angel, Gail and Gary (Aimee's sweet, sweet parents) and we all sat down for famous "Original Pancakes" and "get to know eachother" conversation. Aimee and her family are orginally from California where Colin is from and thus, I got the scoop on the old days, what's new Colin's life, and the tramatic amount of Waffle Houses on the East Coast. So fellow east coasterners, I ask you this, why are we such waffle eating rednecks?

Jeans, my favorite peasant top, and Ralph Lauren Jacket later, I was ready to go. Colin was ready too, surprisingly. No I'm kidding he is very on time, IN HIS DREAMS! No really, he is wonderful. So we pack up the lap-tops (yes I said it) and we made our way to this "Laura you are gonna LOVE" place he kept talking about. But first, we made a stop that I was quite excited about. We were going to pick up some BURRRRITO O'HEAVEN - Chipotle' if you will, and bring it to my girl Raygan for lunch. Stuffed from breakfast, Colin and I regret, we ourselves, could partake in none, but getting to see her, healed that wound quickly. So a "Hello and a Here Ya Go" was made, and we hugged "see ya next weekend" no "goodbyes" later, we were back in the car and off to our destination numero uno! "Laura do you have the keys?!?" "NO!!!" - My heart sunk like the Titanic, we were gonna have to call a locks smith and were never gonna get to where we were going!! Then i heard it...the jingle of keys...I looked at him he had that the devious toddler look on his face, and I added a sigh relief behind it all ~ haha he is always full of jokes! "GET IN!" I laughed. I couldn't wait to see where we were going. We got back on Rt. 1 to I 95- and headed onward. There is was - Potomac Mills - I had only heard about this place, but never really been there. Talk about SHOPPING - this was like the cherry on the ice cream of my life. CRAZY - it had everything OUTLET STYLE! (Forever 21, Charlotte Russe (picked up a pair of jeans for $4.99, locked myself out of the dressing room, but my shuga - with his 6'4" build complete with go go gadget arms, unlocked it from below), Nine West, H&M (this one is new to me and fantastic! Colin picked up a HOTT pair of jeans, "powerbook perfect" Cargo bag, snuggly, comfy green tee and an alterable cream pin-stripe blazer that he look soo great in!) Also, Ralph Lauren/POLO, Jones New York, GAP, Abercrombie, Love Sac (Colin and I lounged here - and with this store comes a fun lil' story: We walk in and Colin points out the sac that Brad has. We sit, well I sat, he FLOPPED into it and just relaxed for bit. Little did we know that the simple recognition and reciting of a Postal Service lyric would lead to almost a half hour conversation with our new friend Justin, the Love Sac Salesman extroidenare!) Justin talked of his band, similar to Postal Service, Colin and him exchanged band banter, and then we learned of the love of his life, whom left him and he fell hard for...on and on and on, but even after all that, we still thought this guy was pretty cool.) So onward we ventured, the entire time, my hand never left his (except to swipe our cards, dressing room fiascos, and sliding down railings - yeah that one...was all him)...I think that was the best part of the whole shopping experience. Or that part of the time - he was my belt. . .don't ask. After an eventful day of bags and bargains, we hit up our next must-stop-spot, Chipotle'
- did I mention this was the place that Lynchburg must add to it's slight list of wonderful places to go when you are appetitizing some from oh none other than HEAVEN! And - we sat like that precious old couple in a booth on the SAME SIDE, it was adorable. After filling our tummies, we went to IKEA, furnished our future pad in our minds, and grabbed some Cold Stone ice cream before heading to Panera for some parking action. And by "parking" I mean, if our computers could fog up windows - we could have written this blog on them!!! Yep, we stole their wireless from the comforts of my mustang's two front seats! Of course we got the occasional eye rolls from random "walker byers" - but that doesn't stop people like us. And I love soo much that he loves to do what I do!! We are Panera Pirates and we are OK with that! So after the typing competition, cracking up at eachother for what we were actually doing, and exchanging the last ice cream scoops, we were off to none other than OUR FIRST MOVIE!! We saw "Failure To Launch" - it was really really good, two thumbs up not only for the flick, but for the whole theater experince. Now maybe it's just me - but yeah this movie theater was WAY more awesome than any other I have ever been to. "Let me 'splain': 1) You can get your tickets like ATM action. 2) You can walk right up to these automated machines that suck your card in like Target - pick you movie out like the Sheetz MTO, and they come out like Showbiz tickets on the Skeeball game! This was something people. 3) (should be #1) the arm thing that divides your seat/aka cup holder, lifts up so you can snuggle with your man ~ how FANTASTIC is that?!? - it was like we had a love seat. Not be confused with Love Sac - though that would be CRUCIAL if they offered that option - wait I should retract that statement, and invent that! ISAC = the new IMAX - we are go for take off - don't steal my idea!!! So after the show, at this point, I believe the clock was striking mid-night.

We decided to call it a night and head back to Fredericksburg - to Aimee's and try and get some rest in here somewhere. But of course before we said goodnight - like we always do - we told eachother how much we loved in eachother in the only language either of us understand. . ."Laura, you are the only Widget in my Dashboard." "Colin you are the Application in my Dock." Hahahaha ~ "You are the only thing that charges my battery." "You are the only key on my keyboard" "Colin, you put the "Mighty" in my Mouse"... My stomach is still hurting from laughing so much, but the worst part is, we had to be completely quiet this whole time. It was like standing in a field of landmines, we were surrounded by sleeping bodies, and we didn't want to wake anyone at that hour. Hugs goodnight, he was off to his bed, after tucking me Chipotle' style in mine. He is the best, I remember watching him walk away, I couldn't stand it, so I jumped up - after intense trials and error (boy can he tuck in!!) and leaned over the balcony to say my last goodnights. . He refused to climb up my hair, I guess I didn't look enough like Repunzal I don't know, but I signed "I love you" through the railings, and blew him a kiss goodnight. Time to sleep.

"Colin, my oh my what did you eat, your breath...?!? And oh honey uh shuga, you need to shave, your nose is freezing, baby, stop with the licking that is gross I'm getting up, I'm getting up!! (EYES OPEN) Zach!!!!!!!!!! (Aimee's 11 year old Jack Russel) Awww ahaha, Hi shugs...What are you doing up here, waking me up, did Colin send you to do his dirty work. Oh, Uh, Oh Ok....(Instantly this little thing rolls on his back, and wants you to rub his tummy) Ok babies, I'll rub ya tummy, and we layed there for about 10 minutes, I thinking of Colin, Zach thinking of Colin's shoes perhaps. None the less, both thinking of yummy things!! Aimee greets me with a tooth brush in mouth smile, Zach's smelled the breakfast downstairs, and I decided it was time to get up! After a fantastic breakfast with a equal side of conversation about Mexican Food and how once again the East Coast is no match to the West in that category - the shower was calling my name. So I ventured up the steps, and a good hot shower, blow dry, and a flat iron later, I was ready! Colin had time to catch up on lost time with Aimee, and we were off. Hugs, Sincere Thanks Yous, and Goodbyes were exchanged and we shut the doors in her driveway to make our way to the big District.

Ah once again, thank you iTrip - we arrived around 4PM and did some searching (thanks mapquest) for 9:30 and found not only that, but our future row house as well!! I mean we have to have some where to put all those fantastic IKEA treasures don't we?!?!? "Oh honey!! Look at that house surround by EVERY cop car in the whole wide world, those people will be forced out soon, bet we can get that one for half atleast!!" No kidding - when we passed I heard "Bad Boys, Bad Boys Whatcha Gonna Do" echoing in the background. Colin steps on the gas at this point -He says, "If we are gonna speed, now is the time!!" (gripping the door frame, eyes shut tightyly and biting my lower lip) "Uhh...you got it babe, go for it!" (Dang CALIFORNIA DRIVERS!!) He was weaving like a New York Taxi driver on a Friday Night! To my surprise - we made it safe and sound to a local corner Starbucks where they hire NO ONE that smiles. Colin applied there and he couldn't finish the application because it said in BOLD Print at the top - If you smile, laugh at yourself or anyone else, can take a joke or show your teeth at any moment other than to smeer at a friendly costumer you need not apply! LOL anyways - we had our "Quad Venti Mocha Frappucino with Whip and Chocolate and Caramel Drizzle" and sat down, to a nice lesson from my recently turned foreign boyfriend ( he likes to talk in funny voices for some reason - and I love that) on the essentials to cutting and pasting in photoshop. "Hah k, so, this sis Aphotohshhopp, Hah K - Ah nice ffphoto you weould say, Hah k soh..." it went on and on - soooo funny. AH THERE THEY ARE!! In walk our friends - Matthew, Ryan David and his lil sweetie, Sarah! Nice of you guys to join us!! It was the moment we had all be waiting for - Jamie Cullum folks - if ya didn't have tickets - so sad. This was one concert that will go down in history - and not just cause it took place in WASHINGTON D.C.! Jamie Cullum was amazing - check him out if ya don't know. (ah not yet - visit that when you're done there fella!) So after a night of fantastic music,in my ear, yeah ear...and Colin's arms around my waist, I will hands down call it a night to remember. The lights, the people, the line!, and my boyfriend who I didn't think could get more fantastic - I was wrong. He continues to surprise me, like notes on my pillow kinda surprises (thanks Aimee), those Zach in the morning kisses, SUPA cars cutting you off any moment, cold stone Mocha Mojo, finding "that" perfect pair of black shoes, the silent but deadly fog machine (aka Matt Mackey) emissions in the middle of a song clearing the crowd, and finally... on the road to home, being behind 4 GIANT beer silohs, that EVERY stop light had to be lifted by crane, then turned. and put back again to let them pass before we could, making a trip that was supposed to take 3 and half hours, more like 6 hours... kinda surprises! Yeah he's that good! I love you Colin!

"I'm With The Sound Guy..."

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
(uh...a lil late, but better late than never huh?)

So if you don't already know Colin is amazingly talented. (Just thought I'd put that out there first thing.) Last night the band that he mixes for "Six Chasing Seven" was playing at "Neighbor's Place" (a local restaurant/bar) for St. Patrick's Day. I had a volleyball game so I came late, and styling in adidas warm-ups at that! Of course my best friend Britni was with me, as always, we live for the local entertainment nights in Lynchburg. We walk in, and the place is packed. We sniped a sweet parking place right up front though - that was key. (Some old couple that probably thought Matt was the devil.) So of course, Colin always takes my breath away when I see him, HUG, and I was golden. All night, I just stood beside him (except for the time I almost knocked over his WHOLE operation - eh uh sorry hunnie!! ) and I loved it ~ just being near him was and is enough. The guys did such a good job, and it was Matt's 23rd birthday - so that was a bonus!

It's night's like last that really stand out as great ones in my mind. You have a pretty decent day at work - then the BEST BOYFRIEND in the whole entire world comes to visit you right before you clock out (and fixes your retarded email account too), go home spend some time with the roomies, next getcha game face on - head to the gym, kick some butt (and send an old lady packing when you hit the ball so outta control that it takes her straight down, sorry!!!!), then right back to the one spot you can't wait to be in, right beside the man you love more than ANYTHING in the whole world. SO yeah I would say that I had a pretty good St. Patrick's Day. How was yours?

How Much I Miss Him...

How do you miss someone so much? How do you miss someone so much when you just saw them minutes before? How do you miss someone so much when you simply close your eyes even when they are right in front of you?

Yesterday I went to lunch with my mom, and my two best friends to the restaurant where he works (too much might I add). The one thing I love about Colin is how he committed he is to whatever is front of him. He is so focused on the task. And whatever he does, he puts all of his effort towards it. It's in moments like these, that he challenges me to be motivated at what I do. He makes me want to be more creative and more devoted to my work. I love how he inspires me to be more than I am, everyday. That evening he was leaving around 3:00PM to mix sound for the band he is a HUGE part of in Richmond. I wanted to go, but my ruptured LIFE, I mean ear drum wouldn't allow that. So as I left the restaurant I gave him one last hug before we left, and then grabbed his hand and felt it linger for a moment and then slip away, it was awful. I just wanted to stay and hug him forever. As I turned, I watched him go back to work, and I started to miss him. And it wasn't the regular kind of "miss" it was a longing, and ache. I mean, I missed him like he was leaving for months, not just 20 hours, it was crazy. So I got in my car, turned on the radio, and drove back home. The whole ride home, as beautiful as it was, windows down, warm air all around me, I still didn't quite enjoy it as much as I would have with him beside me. You see, life, my life has been enhanced since he has become a part of it. He just makes the mornings brighter, the evenings more warm and calm, and my whole self better when I think of him, see him, talk to him. He is my true God send. I can feel God's embrace all around us, and that is truly amazing. I pray that I continue to miss him everytime we're apart, and miss him like I did on this day.