Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Walking On Sunshine
Jared and I had a full but fun weekend! On Saturday we invited our friends Julia and Morgan over for dinner along with a new co-worker of Jared's who just moved here from California. Tom worked in the same lab with Jared's good friend Mark so it was kinda neat to have a common friend from back home. He and his girlfriend Wiebke seem to be a lot of fun and we look forward to hanging out again in the future.
On Sunday we invited the American couple we met at the grocery store a few weeks ago over for dinner and that went really well. We have a lot in common with Leilani and Evan and we'll definitely be hanging out with them more! We're happy that our "Swiss" friends list is growing! :)
Still enjoying my volunteer "work" and I am currently in the process of updating my photography website because a lot of people have been emailing me about their interest in purchasing some of my photographs. Hopefully I can get that going soon. I felt kind of awkward about the idea at first because I just photograph what I see as a means for my own personal keepsake of moments and experiences in my everyday life so the thought of selling what I capture as "fine art" seems beyond me, ya know what I mean? I'm flattered that I've had such a positive response to my work but I honestly never dreamed I could do what I love for a living like this. I'm excited about the possibilities though. It's just going to be difficult putting a price on my photographs. Not because I think they are worth paying for but because the whole idea that someone actually wants to pay for them is WILD! Surreal for sure. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me to do so. I definitely would not have considered it without the nudge from all of you! I'll send out an update once they are made available for purchase on my website.
Jared had some exciting news from work this week! He will have two papers published very soon - one of which will contain record-breaking results in his research. He has worked so hard and God is definitely blessing him. He's only 6 months into his post-doc and is already doing some great things so we couldn't be more thrilled! It never ceases to amaze me how modest and humble he is about his accomplishments too. Typically I would have to learn from his co-workers when he had a breakthrough at work or wait until he had to go away for a conference to accept an award to find out he had even won! I had to tell him back then that from now on he would tell me when something good happens because otherwise....he doesn't make a big deal about it. Not because he isn't excited or think it is a big deal, but he doesn't like people to fuss over him. That and he knows where the real recognition should be directed. One of the many things I admire about him. But now that I've somewhat forced him to tell me any good news, I take each opportunity to give him a big "well done!" :)
We are definitely starting to feel more settled here. We're in a good routine. And we both couldn't be happier with Jared's work hours. It's hard to believe sometimes how brutal his work schedule was back in Illinois. We barely had any time together because he was working 12+ hour days / 6 days a week Here...we get to enjoy so much more time together. He's home by 6-6:30 and never works weekends. I'm so thankful for every moment with him. This afternoon we had a lunch date and this evening we were able to enjoy dinner out on our balcony...the weather was perfect...the view was perfect...and we were together. It was...well....perfect. :) We're both pretty happy with the life God has given us. We definitely miss our family and some of the luxuries from back home. But I am definitely content here. There's just too many things to be thankful for in order for us not to be anything but happy!
On Sunday we invited the American couple we met at the grocery store a few weeks ago over for dinner and that went really well. We have a lot in common with Leilani and Evan and we'll definitely be hanging out with them more! We're happy that our "Swiss" friends list is growing! :)
Still enjoying my volunteer "work" and I am currently in the process of updating my photography website because a lot of people have been emailing me about their interest in purchasing some of my photographs. Hopefully I can get that going soon. I felt kind of awkward about the idea at first because I just photograph what I see as a means for my own personal keepsake of moments and experiences in my everyday life so the thought of selling what I capture as "fine art" seems beyond me, ya know what I mean? I'm flattered that I've had such a positive response to my work but I honestly never dreamed I could do what I love for a living like this. I'm excited about the possibilities though. It's just going to be difficult putting a price on my photographs. Not because I think they are worth paying for but because the whole idea that someone actually wants to pay for them is WILD! Surreal for sure. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me to do so. I definitely would not have considered it without the nudge from all of you! I'll send out an update once they are made available for purchase on my website.
Jared had some exciting news from work this week! He will have two papers published very soon - one of which will contain record-breaking results in his research. He has worked so hard and God is definitely blessing him. He's only 6 months into his post-doc and is already doing some great things so we couldn't be more thrilled! It never ceases to amaze me how modest and humble he is about his accomplishments too. Typically I would have to learn from his co-workers when he had a breakthrough at work or wait until he had to go away for a conference to accept an award to find out he had even won! I had to tell him back then that from now on he would tell me when something good happens because otherwise....he doesn't make a big deal about it. Not because he isn't excited or think it is a big deal, but he doesn't like people to fuss over him. That and he knows where the real recognition should be directed. One of the many things I admire about him. But now that I've somewhat forced him to tell me any good news, I take each opportunity to give him a big "well done!" :)
We are definitely starting to feel more settled here. We're in a good routine. And we both couldn't be happier with Jared's work hours. It's hard to believe sometimes how brutal his work schedule was back in Illinois. We barely had any time together because he was working 12+ hour days / 6 days a week Here...we get to enjoy so much more time together. He's home by 6-6:30 and never works weekends. I'm so thankful for every moment with him. This afternoon we had a lunch date and this evening we were able to enjoy dinner out on our balcony...the weather was perfect...the view was perfect...and we were together. It was...well....perfect. :) We're both pretty happy with the life God has given us. We definitely miss our family and some of the luxuries from back home. But I am definitely content here. There's just too many things to be thankful for in order for us not to be anything but happy!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Review: Hooked On Houses
I love home decorating, home furnishings and pretty much all home-related things. I enjoy watching tv shows like House Hunters, Design on a Dime and other similar shows. Jared and I are both house cats - we love to travel but we definitely love the idea of having a cozy home to return to even more. We often dream about buying our own house someday. I dream about it more than him though I'm sure. If I'm not watching a show about homes then I am surfing the web for interior decorating ideas from sites like HGTV, The Nest, Robeson Design, and just googling images of home designs. I also used to enjoy getting home interior magazines and looking through them for inspiration and ideas when I lived in the U.S. Perhaps the most fun is going inside home decorating stores and looking through all the treasures! :)
Recently my friend, Lora, introduced me to a website that I'm hooked on. Ironically it is called Hooked On Houses. It's actually a blog where the writer shares about houses of all different shapes, styles and sizes. You can check out celebrity houses, before and after projects, get design ideas...basically it's a great fix for all of us house junkies! :)
I've totally started a folder with photos of design inspirations I've found during my searches. I didn't even do that when planning our wedding!! Mostly because I knew that a wedding is a one day event (marriage is a lifetime)...and a home is more of a long term investment. That's why I think I am so excited about someday owning a home and making it our own by adding our personality through style and design.
Here are a few room designs I've found that I really like. Our future home may or may not look anything like this but....a girl can dream can't she?
I'd say that my style is more modern vintage. A delicate balance of both with a definite cozy feel. I like classic pieces with a vintage appeal but I also like things to look fresh, sophisticated and up-to-date. I also tend to gravitate towards neutral and earth tones. It's unhealthy how happy these images make me!
Do you dream about your "perfect" home too? If you have a blog, website or photo ideas please share them! I'd love to dream along with you!:)
Monday, April 4, 2011
Mental Vitamins: No Better Place
“We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.” -C.S. Lewis
We've all been on that road - the road that leads to destruction. In fact, there are many avenues in life that lead to ruin. But the good news is, we can always get back on the right road. The path of righteousness is straight and narrow but where it leads is far more rewarding than the broad road that leads to certain demise.
Thing is, we have to make a choice between whether we want to be on Life's Road or Death Row.
I took this photo last year. It's the path that leads to Château de Chillon (Chillon Castle) in Switzerland. My mom said that it made her think of the "narrow road" that leads to Heaven. It looks plain, narrow and rugged but at the end of the road is a castle. Much like the road to life...only instead of a castle at the end...our Saviour is waiting...Heaven is the destination. Sure, other roads may be fancier, easier and seem more appealing but their end is not a safe or fun place.
It's easy to get off track in a world where we make the roads to destruction look like the hippest place to be. It's exciting, there is appeal around every corner but we must remember that there is only one road that leads to salvation and that is through Jesus Christ. Steven Curtis Chapman said it best: "There's no better place on earth than the road that leads to Heaven." And there's no other place I'd rather be.
We've all been on that road - the road that leads to destruction. In fact, there are many avenues in life that lead to ruin. But the good news is, we can always get back on the right road. The path of righteousness is straight and narrow but where it leads is far more rewarding than the broad road that leads to certain demise.
Thing is, we have to make a choice between whether we want to be on Life's Road or Death Row.
I took this photo last year. It's the path that leads to Château de Chillon (Chillon Castle) in Switzerland. My mom said that it made her think of the "narrow road" that leads to Heaven. It looks plain, narrow and rugged but at the end of the road is a castle. Much like the road to life...only instead of a castle at the end...our Saviour is waiting...Heaven is the destination. Sure, other roads may be fancier, easier and seem more appealing but their end is not a safe or fun place.
click for larger view
Friday, April 1, 2011
Sweet Spring Time
Jared and I have amazing friends. Seriously. Amazing. I received a card today from our friends John and Erin and was brought to tears by the contents of the card. They had not only taken the time to write heartfelt words of sympathy for the loss of my Grandpa but also shared that they had donated to the Alzheimer's Association in honour of him. I can't even put into words how thankful I am for their friendship. They are so thoughtful and generous! I definitely did not expect any sort of acknowledgment like this from any of our friends but it certainly was so meaningful! I will definitely try and follow their example in the future with our friends because I now know how important of an impact it can make for a person on the receiving end!
We have received lots of kind and thoughtful words from so many of our friends in the last few weeks and I was reminded again today just how lucky we are to have such amazing people in our lives. We love you all!
In completely unrelated news. Jared and I went on the hunt for some flowers to put on our balcony today. Everywhere you go and everywhere you look there are flowers here. The Swiss love to have flowers on their window sills, porches, walkways, etc. There aren't many houses here that aren't adorned with some sort of greenery or flowers. So we wanted to find something for our outdoor space too! :)
The flower shop near our apartment is very tiny so the selection was small but we ended up taking home two pots of orange Begonias. They had several other colors but these stood out most. I think they are really pretty and they look lovely on our balcony. Hoping to add a few more flowers in the future. We have a large ledge that can fit quite a few. Maybe have one or two flower boxes someday? Who knows. For now, I am loving the new additions! :)
We have received lots of kind and thoughtful words from so many of our friends in the last few weeks and I was reminded again today just how lucky we are to have such amazing people in our lives. We love you all!
In completely unrelated news. Jared and I went on the hunt for some flowers to put on our balcony today. Everywhere you go and everywhere you look there are flowers here. The Swiss love to have flowers on their window sills, porches, walkways, etc. There aren't many houses here that aren't adorned with some sort of greenery or flowers. So we wanted to find something for our outdoor space too! :)
The flower shop near our apartment is very tiny so the selection was small but we ended up taking home two pots of orange Begonias. They had several other colors but these stood out most. I think they are really pretty and they look lovely on our balcony. Hoping to add a few more flowers in the future. We have a large ledge that can fit quite a few. Maybe have one or two flower boxes someday? Who knows. For now, I am loving the new additions! :)
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