New Blog!

MandMareblessed.blogspot.com

Well...

I promised exciting events...

I'm Engaged!

So fun to say, yet sort of strange. Here's the proposal story for anyone interested.

Mike invited Mindy over for a candle-light dinner at his apartment on Friday before Valentine’s Day. As he drove her back to her apartment later that evening, Mike mentioned that he’d call her the next day. Then he stayed up till 3:00am anxious for the morrow to come! Saturday, Mike called her at 7:30am to tell her to be ready by 9:00am. They had plans and somewhere to be. Mindy got ready, but stressed about what to wear since Mike had provided approximately zero details. They drove north to Carlsbad, CA to check out some flower fields (as Mike expected, they were not in bloom). Buuut, the Carlsbad airport was right nearby! They hopped on a small plane and flew to LAX. Mindy really wanted to know whether or not LA would be their final destination but Mike was not telling! Austin Flack (the best man) was waiting at the airport in a tuxedo, ready to whisk the couple away to The Stinking Rose in Beverly Hills. It's a nice garlic restaurant, so it stunk in the best way! After a long lunch, Mike & Mindy walked outside where Mike handed a ticket to the valet (how did that car get here!?!?), jumped in a car, and drove down the coast to Newport Beach. They pulled in to the Shake Shack - a soda and ice cream shop overlooking the stunning Pacific Ocean at Crystal Cove. They had been there two years ago on Mindy's birthday, so it was a fun return trip. After a vanilla cherry coke, they walked along the beach for a little while. As the sun set, Mike pulled out a sheet of paper because he “wrote [her] something for Valentine's Day." He said some kind words, bent down on one knee, pulled out the ring, and asked. She said... "Seriously?" And then she said, "Yes!" They drove back to Mike's parents' home where Mindy found another surprise: her parents had flown in for the occasion! It was a great rest of the weekend with Mike’s parents, his brothers, and Mindy’s parents in town.

Present

I've lived in San Diego for one month now. It often feels like I went from one country (France) to another country (Mexico) with a little stop-over in America. (Not really, but depending on the traffic I am 16 minutes from The Border.) In the last 4 weeks I discovered that skiing might be like riding a bike and I actually enjoy it...as long as I am dry and warm. I have also learned that I can manage in big city traffic (you may not want to come visit until I've had a little more practice). I also learned that your car can be totalled while it sits parked in front of your house and you are sleeping. (Happy Two Weeks in SD!) But, the insurance company was great and I have a new car out of the deal. On Monday (Feb 2), I start my job as an admissions coordinator for an online university. Everything has come together...some things even better than I planned!

I am a worrier and can get so anxious about so many things. Now, I feel a bit like a clown as I look at all the ways God has provided while remembering how stressed I let myself get. We are foolish, foolish children to ever doubt the hand of God. He is good and his ways are much higher than mine.

Anyway, I probably won't post too often anymore (not that I really did before ;)). I still love Paris and think of that amazing adventure often. Usually it's to say, "Did that really happen?!" Now, I'm learning to love San Diego...might take a little more time, but it is beautiful out here. Blue skies and palm trees...while all of you were covered in ice and snow! While I loved it, I must admit a little jealousy at the seasonal drama and the somewhat carefree-ness that comes when the world is covered and (without power!) has stopped for a bit.

Thanks for being my friends! Check back every once in a while...While I'm not traveling the world, there still might be some interesting events!

New Nephew

Sweet Bigger Sister



Happy Birthday Big Brother



Proud Biggest Sister

Mike + Arkansas = Fun!

Pumpkin carving...obviously, mine is winking. We're not sure what his is...and why is he always holding up the peace sign? ;)



My Great-Great-Aunt Jane came to town and took us to Rivertowne BBQ. You might recognize her from AETN. She's famous.




I tossed out a bunch of junk while I was there...these (plastic) trophies (that were falling a part) made the cut. Mike insisted that, since I was tossing them, I take a photo of them to remember...they are from my Sr. year of high school...for something like Outstanding Sr. girl and I'm not sure about the other. (I graduated w/ 25 other people...)



We went up for the Ole Miss game...and I finally saw my name on the walk!

A Video...

My roommate in Paris made this for my going away...Enjoy!

How He Loves

Hello, my name is Mindy and I am a blog-stalker. There, I admit it. It's how I combat boredom or just a need to catch up on American culture and the lives of old friends. Sometimes I find things of great interest and encouragement.

Wow, how He loves us...

KEG EGK GEK KGE GKE

...EKG...

I went to the doc yesterday and had one. Now, don't freak out...I'm fine, I guess. I occasionally have this strange feeling and I finally decided to get checked out. As I suspected it was nothing, well the urgent care doctor didn't diagnose me with anything and recommended that I go to a family doctor. I'm diagnosing myself with either a little anxiety or a little indigestion. Let's hope that's all it is.

Anyway, it wasn't a big deal and I was sortof cracking jokes during it (after a semi meltdown when they told me they were going to do one...there were tears.). You see, they put two of the little stickers on your ankles...as the nurse went to roll up my pants and down my socks all I could do was giggle with embarassment ...ahh...it has been WWAAYY TOO LONG since my legs have seen a razor. I remind you, I have lived in France (even though I'm not sure that's a legit stereotype). She reassured me that she had seen worse. I said, "Yeah, on a boy."

(Yikes, I cannot believe I am writing about either of these things on here...)

But, I'm ok. Just readjusting to the American way. It is quite different. Maybe I just need a KEG...wait, what?!? I don't think I'm allowed by my contract I am still under to make such jokes...