Statements to Live By

1. Everyday you have the power to decide your attitude: either positive or negative.

2. Do not dwell on what you do not have the power to change. Focus on what you can.

3. Have gratitude. Be grateful for everything that is going well and makes you happy. Those are life's blessings. Life's trials should make you enjoy your blessings more, not mask them to be forgotten.

4. Love like you would want to be loved to those that deserve it....unconditionally.

5. It is OK sometimes to be selfish, but also remember the power of a selfless act and the impact that will have on the other person!

Happy New Year!

I'm hoping 2010 will be another big year for us. I submitted my application for graduate school and Kyle will be taking his GRE next month!

One thing we continue to learn is communication. Keeping that open and not letting things bother us to the point of frustration before we say something.

Another thing is supporting each other. At times we may feel alone, but it's important to remember that when you are feeling down how powerful the love and support of family and friends can be when you just let them!

Holidays

First holiday season married. We went everywhere last year so I wanted to compromise this year in a way where we were both pleased. I really didn't want to miss Christmas Eve with my family since it's a tradition that we get together with my mom's side. So, we are heading up to northern wisconsin to spend with his Aunt and Uncle. Looking forward to when we can invite people to our house, but until then this works and it will be nice to have a few days off work.

Bank

So, I'm looking for a new bank because I'm fed up with mine! Since changing my name they sent me out new debit cards and those came. Well, they never mentioned my pin numbers would be reset and it did not indicate that when I got the cards. So when I went to use them after activation, I couldn't since the only pin number I knew didn't work.

It wasn't until a week after I had the cards that I got the "temporary pins" in the mail. Well, I changed those right away and they said those would be "available for use" a couple days after.
Well, I went to go today weeks after I changed them back to something I would remember and it said wrong pin! How embarrassing to have to walk out of a store and not be able to pay for your purchase. I was at a store that only takes cash or debit cards.

So I went across the street to my bank and they said they couldn't tell me and there was no number I could call to get my pin. They had to mail it to my street address.

Why didn't they tell me when I went in to change my name this would happen and it would be so difficult to use my OWN money! The lady insisted I put in the wrong pin number because she had called asking about my account and it shows they were changed, but then said she can't give me or verify my pin. I'm sorry, but it's not hard to remember an anniversary date so NO I didn't put in the wrong pin. (Sorry still fuming cause it's embarassing to have to walk out of a store)....

I've been unhappy with customer service with this bank in the past. When we got married we also opened a joint account and they slapped a bunch of service charges on the account when they shouldn't have and I had to call and complain and then the refunded the money, but to the wrong account.

So, what bank do you use? I was thinking of using Chase bank because they have a ton of branches and I have my credit card through them and haven't had any problems. Please don't recommend Associated Bank because that is the one that I am getting away from. I'm looking for something that is more national and not local.

Goal Setting

As they say "now that the honeymoon is over", we've been faced with starting to plan and make some big decisions. For really the first time, we've had to incorporate each other into these decisions. We really have to ask ourselves "What's next?". Where do we want to see ourselves in the future. We both sat down and wrote out our goals. You may find this helpful to if you are feeling a little lost or overwhelmed. Daily life can get you in a rut or become so routine that you forget about your goals. This may point you in the right direction and get your goals back on track as a priority:

Goal Setting

• Describe 1-2 goals you wish to accomplish a year from now for yourself: (One should be in your personal life and one should be in your professional life)

* Personal Life:
* Professional Life:

• Explain how you can change your life to accomplish your goals:

* Personal Life:
* Professional Life:

• Describe 1-2 goals you wish to see your partner accomplish a year from now: (One should be in personal and one should be professional)

* Personal Life:
* Professional Life:

• Explain how you can support your partner accomplish those goals:

* Personal Life:
* Professional Life:

• Describe 1-2 goals you wish to accomplish together as a married couple:
  
• Explain how we can support each other and work together to accomplish those goals:
  
• List miscellaneous wants/needs you wish to have a year from now:
  

White Trash Puff Balls

Yea, the name of them spiked my interest too. It was some one's recommendation on the nest's facebook fan page after they asked the question "What's Your Favorite Game Time Snack"....I actually tried these since I had cream cheese I had to use up. I used Turkey Pepperoni to help myself feel better about eating them. After trying it once I would also consider putting in onion and jalapeno if I ever were to do them again.

http://www.recipezaar.com/Amazing-White-Trash-Puff-Balls-53878

Enjoy! :)

Pictures!

I'm so excited that I finally have all my pictures back from the wedding! There are so many that I love, it is a little overwhelming! I went on my lunch hour to get a scrapbook and paper so that once I get some printed out I can start that project. I figured it will be a great Midwest winter project. Here is one of my many favorites:

I had two amazing photographers that remind me that you should never underestimate some one's ability even if they don't have 5-8 years of experience! Megan Stuettgen took the photograph above. I found her on craigslist. The picture below was taken by Crystal Polito.

I'm blown away by their young talent and wish both of them the best of luck as they continue their passion of capturing such special memories!