December Things

Three days ago, I wrote the largest check of my personal life. Finally. A construction deposit. Projected date of a nice big hole in the ground to represent the beginnings of our new home…mid-January.

And we’re getting a fireplace. Yes, we made that jump, and I am so excited. Red brick. To the ceiling. Fireplace sitting is my happy place.

This is the current song on replay. If you hate Christmas music, this song is for you. If you love Christmas music, this song is for you. I love Christmas. I love Christmas music.

Pandora’s Christmas stations plays at a constant at work. And without even looking, I can tell you when a song from The Christmas Box album is on. You know how I know? Mike and I listened to it over and over and over again while we were dating. Those songs hold such fond memories. A December night wrapped up in a blanket while talking to my favorite person in the world is only complete if done while listening to The Christmas Box.

My baby sister’s wedding is a mere week away. Can I just give that sweet little girl a hug and never let her grow up? Speaking of never growing up, I think now would be a good time to go to Neverland.

Shout out to my folks, that are celebrating their anniversary today. I wish I could say I knew exactly the number of years....but congrats on 30 something years you two love birds!

Do you ever say something out loud before you think about what you are saying? Gosh, I hate that. I think I’m the queen of it.

Sorry guys, I just don’t have much to say these days. However, I do much better on Instagram. @abbys14.

My Life Lately

via Instagram

first snow day

holy Snack Heaven 

 waiting for the train, briefcase in tow

 learning how to play POGS

 my bedtime the night after the half marathon

my meal the night after the half marathon

view from the 23rd floor 

best part of carving pumpkins



A New Set of Knees If You Please

Yesterday I ran 10.19 miles {every inch counts} with my best friend. Which is Mike if you were confused. That is the farthest I have ever run. And it was wonderful. Oh so mentally proud. And oh so physically drained. And sore. So if you feel like you want to donate a new set of hips and knees and the arch from your right foot, me and my half marathon will be more than willing to accept.
But just look at that sunrise shining off the temple. Quite the run.


Yesterday, they changed the missionary age for missionaries in my church. Young men can now leave when they are 18. What a piece of history this is! Yesterday I asked my 15 year old brother what he thought of the announcement. He is so excited! My poor parents on the other hand. When boys leave on their missions, they come home as grown men. All mature and stuff. Which means my parents just lost an entire year of my baby brothers childhood. My dad was putting up baseboards yesterday and was so upset about the announcement, he cut them wrong. Had to replace every last one of them. Grateful he's making good choices, just hard to see the baby grow up.

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies taste like fall. I would know. I think I've had like 12 today.

Mike got his diploma.
 
Happiness.

What I Do: {My Daily Life}

With Mike working 8 1/2 hours a day and studying for the bar another 4 to 5 hours, I spend most of my day alone. And as much as that sounds like I am looking for pity, I am actually pretty good at filling my days.

I've been doing these workouts. This girl is tough. She makes me sore. And that makes me happy.

I watch a whole lot of HBO.

I read {currently reading Killing Lincoln}.

I watch the maids. Yes, we have maids. And its very awkward to sit here while they clean. But on the flip side, I'm not leaving cuz I plain have trust issues. But yay for a clean house!

When I feel excited and like I want to get downright sweaty, I actually do venture outside. Sometimes I'll go down to the mall and hit up a museum. I frequent the grocery store a few times a week. I regularly walk down to Mike's work at quitting time and walk back home with him {that's my favorite 30 minutes of the day}. We walk everywhere {except church}. Which is actually pretty awesome. It gives us more time outdoors. Once you make peace with the fact that you just kinda always have a stench and a small stream running down your back, the walk can actually be quite pleasant.

I eat delicious food.

I play with my blog template. Which you may notice is a bit different today. And don't be surprised if you see some pretty constant tweaks here and there. I have a lot of time on my hands!

So what may seem like a really boring, unemployed life, is actually very scintillating to me. I enjoy my days so much and I am really having a blast here in Washington D.C.

Many of these pictures were taken via instagram. You can follow me @abbys14.

What We Ate: {Avocado Basil Pasta}

Did I ever tell you how much I loooovve food?

Well I do.

Side note: Mike found a delicious looking recipe on Pinterest a little while ago, and as I was planning the menu for this week, I decided to make it. Bought all the ingredients. Two days {two days!} after looking at this recipe, I get online so that I can make it and this girl has privatized her blog! Two days! Such bad timing.

Unrelated side note: Just started using this Instagram thing. Still figuring it out a bit, and trying to remember that I have it so that I will actually take pictures. Follow me at abbys14.

Today's recipe plain and simple.....rocks. {Except for maybe my over-enthusiasm when adding the basil}. Mike says the leftovers weren't that awesome though. More of a 'day of' meal. But its so so good the day of. I promise.

Avocado Basil Pasta

The Stuff:

8 ounces dried bow tie pasta

2 medium avocados, halved, seeded, peeled, and coarsely chopped
6 slices turkey bacon, crisp cooked, and crumbled

2 tbsp dried basil

2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt

The Doing:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine the avocados, bacon, basil, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, pepper, and salt. Add the hot pasta and toss to combine.

Super easy, right?