As promised

I plan to address January and February, which I've basically ignored with the exceptions of the few tiny posts I've put up since the new year began. This has been one of the most hectic times of my life and I find myself struggling! Struggling with staying in good physical shape for the wedding, struggling at work, struggling to stay positive and focused on God during the chaos, struggling to enjoy my time in San Francisco before it's March 2012 and almost time to move and I've let it slip away. That's probably my biggest struggle at this point. I am so ready to be back near my family and friends that it's becoming increasingly difficult for me to enjoy my time here, although that's precisely what I should be doing over the next 12-15 months...soaking in the Giants games, amazing restaurants, crazy bus rides, cable cars, proximity to snow, etc.etc.etc.! There is so much to be thankful for here. With that being said, any prayers would be appreciated despite the fact that there are many, many more important things going on in the world right now. Please know that I realize that. :) And without further ado...a random mish-mash of recent "stuff" with corresponding iPhone pics since I broke my camera...

My new engagement ring setting. Long story short, we went to pick out wedding bands and I wasn't happy with any of the choices they were showing me, and this was a pretty big showroom (read: I was near tears...the lady just wasn't hearing what I wanted). Mike finally suggested we look at new sets that had the engagement setting and the wedding band. I was reluctant, and only found one that I even thought I wanted to try on at all. I put it on and fell in love. THIS is the ring I was meant to have. I thought I loved my old one. Oh yes...it was perfect at the time. But this ring...this one I know I will NEVER get tired of. *sigh* So now we are both owners of wedding bands, sitting in a little pouch in my sock drawer, waiting for May 21!


We went to Tahoe in January with several of Mike's friends and a couple of mine. We had a great time snowboarding, spending time with everyone, eating, playing games and even gambling one night in Nevada. It snowed pretty heavily right before we left but, alas, no snowboarding for us on Sunday. We had to get back to the real world. Here's the house where we stayed.

As far as the rest of January, Mike and I are in training mode, running around 10-15 miles per week. That's soon to be ratcheted up (yikes) but so far I'm really proud of myself, since I used to be able to run no further than 2 miles as recently as December. Aside from running, there has been a lot of the following picture, couching it with my two favorites:
Speaking of my favorites, a long-awaited oil painting of this gorgeous beast arrived:
Now all we need is the perfect spot, some special lighting and velvet ropes. :) PS, no clue why it's showing sideways. It's correct on my computer. Just turn your little laptop 90 degrees. :)

February's two biggest happenings were the Pebble Beach Pro/Am

and Valentine's Day

which we celebrated, now that we are old and on a budget, at none other than Benihana. Nothing says romance like sharing a table with 10 strangers and laughing awkwardly at food "tricks" you've seen 148 times, right? ;)

And, folks, that brings us up to date. Yesterday was the 2nd anniversary of our very first date. I can't believe how time has flown. I remember last year so clearly...for our 1 year we went to Boulevard to celebrate, one of the most awesome, well-known restaurants in town. Mike doesn't know this, but I just felt SURE he was going to propose since we had picked out a setting 2 weeks prior. Hah! Once that didn't happen, I put it out of my mind so it was a nice surprise when he asked me a few weeks later. :) And here we are...about to start a life together. I'm getting married quite a bit later than most of my Birmingham friends, but he was SO WORTH THE WAIT. Can't even stress that enough. More on our amazing meal (and our upcoming Vegas trip) when I have some more time. Love to all!!!