spelling. 101.

here it is again.  my annual “oops, I didn’t notice that typo the first 15 times I read this post” post.

it’s an apology for any past and future grammatical mistakes.

because I can’t stand them.

and you deserve an apology.  

you know the feeling … you know what you are writing, because it’s in your head.  as you type, you assume it’s coming out on paper {err, computer screen} just as it is in your head.  but it doesn’t.  sometimes, your fingers are faster than your brain.  or vice versa.  and it comes out wrong.  or the squiggly line doesn’t appear under your misspelled word because it’s not, in fact, misspelled.  it’s an actual word that is simply misplaced.  or it’s one of those words that can afford to lose one (or maybe two) key letters and still be a word. (take “buy” and “by” for example)

or maybe it’s the wrong conjunction.  oh.  never mind.  I hate that mistake.  if I ever make that mistake, call me out.  I won’t be offended.  I’ll just be appalled at myself. 

if you couldn’t already tell, I was pretty good at grammar.  I hesitate to say that, because now, any mistakes I make are inexcusable.  oops.

I was that girl that actually liked grammar in school.  maybe because it was literal.  there is a right and a wrong.  there was structure.  a beginning and an end. 

I notice that I am saying writing that while I place periods after incomplete sentences and un-capitalized letters.  forgive my hypocrisy.  I write much like I speak.  stream of thought. 

but I will set high standards for myself when it comes to spelling.  and conjunctions.

so from now on, when you come across a misspelling/typo/overall-mistake, picture me cringing at the moment I finally notice it.  and then, know that I will fix it, even if it’s a month later. 

oh. one last thing.  I overuse commas.  that’s the way grammar was taught when I was learning it.  and my thumb hits the space bar 2x {yes, twice} after a period.  it may not be the way it’s supposed to be done, now.  but it was the way it was done once.  and frankly, regardless of the reason 2-spaces-post-period was ever “the right way”, some rules should simply not be changed.  now, because some grammatical uppity-up says so, millions of people who were once taught it one way will have to re-learn to type the “new way”.  wouldn’t it just be easier to NOT CHANGE THE RULE? 

yes, it would be.

{notice me NOT re-learning.}

bucket lists. the pre-baby kind.

ever heard of a bucket list?  you know, the list of things you want to do before you … kick the bucket.  well, at least that’s why I figure they call it that.

the first time erik and I heard of a bucket list, was from the movie by the same name.  starring jack nicholson and morgan freeman, it was a movie we saw in the theater, back when we were still just a dating duo.  we thoroughly enjoyed our little movie date {out of the many movies we saw together, that particular outing sticks out to both of us for some reason}, and have often talked about what would be on our bucket lists … 

now, I understand that most of the things that end up on a bucket list are rather trivial.  they are the sort of things we want to do or see while still on this earth … rather materialistic, is it not?  well, in an effort to steer clear of attempting to make a profound theological justification for the idea behind the bucket list, I’m simply going to say that I think it’s a fun idea. 

the second time I really read someone else’s bucket list was on this blog.   about a year and a half ago, the writer behind the blog and her husband made a “pre-baby bucket list”.  it’s simply a list of things to do prior to making a few additions to the family.  because things just get a little more difficult to do once you have a little miniature running around. 

and i think it’s a fantastic way to truly enjoy and appreciate the period of time you have with your spouse. while it’s just the two of you. 

because we will be parents for the rest of our lives.  and for this time only, we solely bear the responsibility of being a husband and a wife.  and we want to live this time of our lives to the fullest. 

we aren’t in a rush.  and we shouldn’t be. 

please, don’t get me wrong.  we are excited about starting a family.  someday.  {and should it happen before our timeline allots, we will be thrilled, to say the least}

but for now, in an effort to fall deeper in love before we decide to pop out a little benson, erik and I jotted down a few things we want to do, prior to growing the love circle.  it’s a list of adventures and memories we want to create. 

together. 

some are a bit extravagant.  some are very simple.  and some {ok, maybe just one} are actually stolen straight from the pre-baby bucket list of the blogger mentioned above.  we are excited to have a list that will encourage us to take every opportunity for adventure, as often as possible.  we may not finish the entire list … but whatever we don’t finish prior to having a baby, will be transferred onto the “life bucket list” {which already has a few things on it}.

so here goes.  we started out small … doable.  {however, we reserve the right to add to this list at any time}

maybe we should have started the actual list earlier in our marriage.  but regardless of whether or not our adventures were penned on paper before having been experienced, we have certainly enjoyed more than a few memorable thrills … worthy of making it onto the bucket list  {since they are just now being penned, they will also be checked for completion}

introducing our Pre-Baby Bucket List:

1. visit chicago, eat real chicago pizza, drive to wisconsin, see the farm that housed the many memories of erik benson, see milwalkee, and go to a brewers game
2. snowshoe up kirkwood on a full moon
3. buy dinner for a couple in love at a restaurant … anonymously {see #14 – we couldn’t help but steal this one}
4. spend all of our budgeted christmas $ on another family
5. go hunting together {which means take the hunter’s safety course together}
6. sit in the fancy chairs at a nice movie theater {the ones that move} or go to a theater where they serve dinner & drinks during the show
7. get all dressed up and walk down the aisle together … again {set to occur on may 20th}
8. trip {though brief} to New York … see the statue of liberty {completed june 2009}
9. take a major road trip … 34 hours to be exact, to the lower dakota {completed november 2010}
10. camp out in our truck and mountain bike up the coast {completed may 2009}
11. get a dog {completed january 2011}
12. spontaneous day trips to san francisco and lake tahoe {completed multiple times}
13. go back to where we honeymooned {completed october 2011}
    

we are happy to share our adventures with you as we embark on this journey to fall deeper in love while experiencing more of the great life we have been given together … stay tuned for more from our very own pre-baby bucket list …

new years makes me think of sparkles

and glitter.  and other sorts of shiny, shimmery things.  and those sort of things just make me happy.  I love a little sparkle here and there.  {don’t worry.  even though I come from the days of heavily lightly dusted glitter on the eyelids and puff paints that sparkled one’s name on a hair ribbon – oh the days of cheerleading – I’ve totally outgrown that sort of glittery extreme}  but like I said, a little sparkle here and there is fun.  and girly.  and pretty.  and happy.  and it’s clearly the little girl in me, making an appearance.  {if you’re not a sparkle person, just bear with me as I’m about to make some profound references to sparkling.  so come on, little girl; come out and play.}

like I was saying, I like a little sparkle.

and well, what a better way to enter into the new year.  with a dash of sparkle.  excitement for some shine.  and some glittery enthusiasm for what the new year has to bring.

because {generally speaking}, new things shine. 

and sometimes, they sparkle.  with a nice luster {[luhs-ter] noun 1.the state or quality of shining by reflecting light; glitter,sparkle, sheen, or gloss: the luster of satin.}  I’m sure you already knew what luster means, but come on.  it’s a fun definition.

it makes the newness of the sparkly item, well, a little more exciting {if you ask me}.

so there you go.  it’s the new year.  2012.  I don’t know about you, but I’m planning on making it a sparkly one.

and guess what … God calls us to shine:

Matthew 5
¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

and guess what shine is used to describe? check out definition numero three.  I also like definition numero 5.  definitely a fan of those descriptors.  and character traits. 

spar·kle    [spahr-kuhl]

verb (used without object)
1.to issue in or as if in little sparks, as fire or light: Thecandlelight sparkled in the crystal.
2.to emit little sparks, as burning matter: The flames leapedand sparkled.
3.to shine or glisten with little gleams of light, as a brilliantgem; glitter; coruscate.
4.to effervesce, as wine.
5.to be brilliant, lively, or vivacious.

 

sparkle on, people.  sparkle on.

ok, the cheesy little girl references to all things pertaining to glitter and sparkles are now over.

to.die.for.

that’s why it’s called “Killer Chocolate Cheesecake”

… see …

and this is the book I have a date with this afternoon.  along with copious amounts of bittersweet chocolate and cream cheese.  it’s going to be amazing.  again.

in an effort to expand my culinary repertoire, I usually try to find a new chocolatey creation to make for Christmas Eve dessert … but this year, even though presents were purchased and wrapped in a timely fashion, the busyness of parties, rehearsals at church, out of town family, etc … I haven’t had the time to find a new fantastic display of sugary delight.  thus, dessert this year will be a re-do. 

one.  because it was so raved about the year that it made it’s first appearance.
two. because I’ve made it a few times since, and has become relatively easy {and thus, won’t cause me the stress of wondering, “will this turn out?”}
and three.  because, hello, it’s called killer chocolate cheesecake. 
enough said.

for all those that don’t appreciate the deliciousnses that is “cheesecake”, you are missing out.

best of luck on the escapades in the kitchen this weekend! 

ready to go.

I know I’ve already bragged about how on top of things I’ve been this Christmas … and well, I’m sort of about to do it again …

I have one last present that is due to arrive on my door step this evening (so says the UPS Tracking system) … and upon receiving that one last package, all gifts will be in my possession.  shortly after it’s arrival, it will be ooohhed and awwed over for a few, and then promptly wrapped up and tied with a bow (or brown twine to be specific).  it will then be placed under our humble little Christmas tree … at which point in time, I will sit back in relaxed satisfaction.

100% done.  finished.  ready for the fun to begin.

come friday evening, I will have my killer chocolate cheesecake baked to deliciousness and cinnamon rolls ready for baking come Christmas morning …

after that, my Christmas responsibilities will include: (in no particular order and most likely on repeat)

snuggling with my cute husband in our pajamas
eating lots of good food
watching my hubs play with his christmas presents
singing with the fam
laughing (in my very full and loud laugh, as it has been described)
sipping on pepperminty hot chocolate
napping by the fire
and so on …

man, I have been so on top of things (bragging again), I even got the package sent off to the southern of the two dakotas for the benson family … get this … BEFORE Christmas.  this should not be something to be proud of, but for some reason, I am really good at buying gifts but really bad at sending them.  therefore, the fact that their package is due to arrive approximately 2 days prior to Christmas, I am feeling very proud.  so proud, actually, that it just might make me better at sending gifts in the mail … on time.  what a concept.

proof.

aside from being totally on top of things (last time, I promise), we have also been able to celebrate the season with a party or two …

one was a bit of a formal occasion … I love an excuse to get all dolled up … and thankfully, so does my hubs (although I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t use that term to describe it)

when I casually asked erik what he was wearing to the party, I presumed he would respond with: my nice jeans, collared shirt, and that black sport coat (an ensemble that I actually adore on him)

but much to my surprise, he came down stairs in a tie, a vest, a pair of gray pants and square toed black shoes. {sidenote:  ladies, if you can find a man that enjoys dressing well, it makes getting dressed up that much more fun!  i.e. go.for.it}

anyways, as usual, we didn’t get a pre-evening pic, when shirts were still tucked in, hair was still in tact, and makeup was still visible … but these will do!

my favorite from the night

merry almost Christmas!

sneak peak

as in the past 2 years of my “married woman/adulthood” status, i included in our Christmas card another poem:  {call me cheesy, but the rhyming just seems to come to me}

Merry Christmas!

As raindrops turn to frozen flakes,
Ice adorns the ponds and lakes,
Peppermint and cocoa warm,
As clouds embark on winter’s storm,

To a close comes the year,
A chapter ends as new is near,
With steady haste the pages turn,
With every line, in life we learn,

This year began, at the start,
A little pup stole our heart,
So home we brought the tiny guy,
He’s grown as every day goes by,

Lost have we a sock or two,
Clothes and trees he likes to chew,
Hyper describes him not enough,
Energy wrapped in short-haired fluff,

A few more pages passed us by,
Then celebrated 2 years high,
Loving blessed wedded bliss,
Thank the Lord for gifts like this,

Summer’s page came late this year,
Spring held on to each sweet tear,
But then the heat arrived in style,
And warmed us up a good long while,

Thirty years marked September,
The decade third, he’s a member,
The Mister’s moving up the hill,
His younger wife in twenties still,

As leaves depart the trees to fall,
Thanks we give as is our call,
Embracing future pages blank,
For hope and love we have to thank,

The chapter’s full of memories,
Pages filled with histories,
Laughter painted pages bright,
The chapter new is turning right,

So as your story turns it’s page,
And blank becomes the coming stage,
May love & laughter be your song,
And joy define your story long,

And in between each line and word,
May every carol be truly heard;
For the story told is more than trees,
More than snow and Christmas things,

More than decking halls around,
It’s angel’s harking heaven’s sound,
In the breathe of infant sweet,
Beside the King, we bear a seat.

my Christmas tips

Hello again.  The season has got to me!  It’s taken time {and my writing} away from me.  But, I am pleased to announce that I am 95% finished with my Christmas shopping {including the wrapping}, I have helped not only my parents with gifts for their friends, but am also in the process of running around the little town of Folsom {thank you Mr. Cash for putting this place on the map} to help my grandmother with her gift for my mom.  Whewww.  I’m worn out just thinking about it.  Ok, not really, because most of it is finished!  {Sorry for bragging, but I’m a little proud of my “on-top-of-things-while-working-a-full-time-job” status, right now.

In light of my Christmas-To-Do-List being almost completely marked with checks of completion {that’s pretty metaphorical, because I’m not really the kind of person to make lists and actually cross them off}, I thought I’d share a few of my money saving tips for this season. {Only because I am really exited about them!}

Christmas cards: 
Ordering Christmas cards from Shutterfly or My Publisher {or even Walmart} with all those cutesy pre-made templates {though fun}, can be expensive.  I’m talking $1-$2 PER-card-expensive.  My tip:  design your own {I used photoshop this year, but last year, I used the power duo: picasa and picnik}.  Save it as a picture and then simply order them as 5x7 pictures … for an even better price, do it through Costco.  I purchased 45-5x7’s for $18 {printed in one hour} … and I didn’t even have to twist any arms to get them to throw in the super nice silver-lined Christmas envelopes for free.  Yes.  I said FREE.

Wrapping paper: {this idea was stolen borrowed from another crafty thinker off of pinterest}
Paper bags.  Total cost: FREE {with the purchase of groceries of course}
Make cute labels out of scrapbook paper
Tie with twine: Walmart for only funf {or cinco, is you are more familiar with espanol than german} dollars. 
Saves moola on paper and bows.
I am extremely pleased. {I’m all about themes … I like it all looking the same.  Is that weird?}

Lastly, an uber girly gift idea: {also stolen borrowed from pinterest}
Lemon sugar scrub {contents already in my cupbards}: lemons, sugar {I used brown & white}, & olive oil
Glass jars: $1 each from Cost Plus {or World Market … whichever you prefer to call it}
More twine and a cute label designed on picnik.
Super cute … and it makes your hands {and even your lips} feel softer {and sweeter!}than you know what.

So, there you go.  I can be crafty … every once in a while! 

I hope your Christmas lists aren’t distracting you from enjoying the season and the gift that is Christ’s birth!