Hi all! For our few and faithful followers, we just wanted to say we are finally re-emerging from the fog of moving into a new house, starting a new job, and staying on top of everyday life! We hope this nice fall weather finds all of you with refreshed spirits as that hot and humid air is hopefully behind us.
We will be posting pictures soon and catching up on all the comings and goings in this home! Stay tuned for more updates!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Lost Summer
If you're good at math, or have looked at a calendar, you'll notice the glaring fact that we haven't posted since mid-June. I know how difficult these last two months have been, not getting your regular dose of Garrett news and views. But don't worry, we're back and we've got lots to talk about.
Today is a big day. Today is our last day as non-homeowners! We've spent the last month and a half house hunting and tomorrow we will close on our very first house! It has been such a crazy month and a half, and explains why we haven't posted in so long. It seems like we haven't had time to even think about anything besides "House, house, house" for the last six weeks. It's a strange feeling to know that by this time tomorrow we will be standing in a place we can truly call our own. No rent to pay, no annoying neighbors down the hall, no fire alarms at 1:30 in the morning, and hello mortgage payments, clogged gutters, and the endless "honey do" list. But although we'll be slaves to the bank for the next thirty years, but I guess that just goes with the territory. Regardless, it's exciting and scary at the same time. But Mir and I are happy to be starting this next chapter in our lives. Goodbye innocence of youth and hello crushing servitude of responsibility.
In other news, Mir has been hired by a local school district to be the new elementary music teacher! We're so thankful that she has been given this opportunity after so much time searching and wondering. She's looking forward to a class she can truly call her own and a place where she can begin building her experience. The good news is the school is not far from our new house, so it will be very convenient. But we're both happy with this new opportunity for her and anxious for the new school year to begin.
Sorry for the hiatus from blogging, but we'll make sure to keep you updated more often in the future. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers during this hectic time. You've all helped keep us sane and grounded with all these changes.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Just Dive Right In
This time last year, our wedding was 4 days away and I was SO excited! Of course any bride-to-be has nerves, but the excitement overrides those nerves. Last year I was also teaching C4K the week before our wedding, so it made the week just fly by. Honestly, during that week leading up to our wedding, I don't remember eating, relaxing or anything along those lines. It was a crazy week, but very special and we have so many wonderful memories stored away from that weekend :) This year, to celebrate our one-year anniversary, B and I are going on a quaint little trip to Galena. There will be pictures and stories to come :)
Now, zoom forward a year later and we find it very hard to believe that it has gone that fast!
This year in the week leading up to our wedding anniversary, instead of running around getting all those last minute details together for our wedding, B and I are looking forward to a break from the "real world" and are so excited to just get to spend some quality time together without any distractions!
This past week for me has been an adventure. Most of you should know of my frustration finding a teaching job. I know that teaching is my calling--it's what I love to do, I love the students, it really is my passion. However there are very few music teaching jobs for someone recently a college graduate (without experience) in our area. In these past few months it has come to me that I need to go another job route for a while. Especially since now we are well into summer and of course school is out--we have some big goals in mind, but to achieve them I need a job as well. So, long story short, I have dove into the retail world and recently been hired as an associate with a local department store. Let's just say hello panty-hose and dresses, goodbye shorts and t-shirts. I've had training all week long and it is a bit overwhelming, but I like all the people I've worked with thus far as well as I've learned a lot!
So, while in the year that has passed since our wedding many things have changed, many have stayed the same. As we've gone through this crazy week leading up once again to June 19th, B has been the ever supporting husband that he always is--even when I come home a bit cranky and frazzled---just like he was the ever supportive fiance listening to me hash out wedding details or vent about wedding stress :)
Now, zoom forward a year later and we find it very hard to believe that it has gone that fast!
This year in the week leading up to our wedding anniversary, instead of running around getting all those last minute details together for our wedding, B and I are looking forward to a break from the "real world" and are so excited to just get to spend some quality time together without any distractions!
This past week for me has been an adventure. Most of you should know of my frustration finding a teaching job. I know that teaching is my calling--it's what I love to do, I love the students, it really is my passion. However there are very few music teaching jobs for someone recently a college graduate (without experience) in our area. In these past few months it has come to me that I need to go another job route for a while. Especially since now we are well into summer and of course school is out--we have some big goals in mind, but to achieve them I need a job as well. So, long story short, I have dove into the retail world and recently been hired as an associate with a local department store. Let's just say hello panty-hose and dresses, goodbye shorts and t-shirts. I've had training all week long and it is a bit overwhelming, but I like all the people I've worked with thus far as well as I've learned a lot!
So, while in the year that has passed since our wedding many things have changed, many have stayed the same. As we've gone through this crazy week leading up once again to June 19th, B has been the ever supporting husband that he always is--even when I come home a bit cranky and frazzled---just like he was the ever supportive fiance listening to me hash out wedding details or vent about wedding stress :)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Herb Project
Last summer we discovered that our western sun-filled window sills made for a perfect area to grow basil. So, this summer we have decided to branch out a bit more and grow a few more herbs. We started with Lemon Verbena and Oregano. Since then, we've planted some parsley (which has really taken off) and also started some basil. It just has added some of the outdoors into our apartment. Plus, I'm hoping to try out some new recipes with them. So far I've made some lemon verbena infused tea---which was very refreshing and I also have a great homemade pesto recipe that I can't wait to make again. It's been exciting watching our plants take off and grow. Every morning I check on the herbs and loudly exclaim to the hubby that "our babies are growing!"
Enjoy your Tuesday!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
We All Have Them
Well, we all have them. You know, those stacks of magazines in a pile or in a basket waiting for us to go through and read. I do love reading magazines though..now don't get me wrong...it's just that they start to add up and the basket gets more and more packed.
Anyways, a couple of years ago I got my mom a subscription to Rachel Ray's cooking magazine. I loved it probably more than she did, haha. When she was done with them she passed them on to me and there they sat. Until last week, that is.
Last week, I decided to attack my magazine stash and actually go through my cooking magazines and pull out the recipes I liked and recycle the rest.
So right now my hubby is being very patient as I try out all these new recipes on him. Such a hard life...I somehow don't think he minds a whole bunch :)
Well, here is what's for dinner tonight...or actually last Monday. Enjoy, it was delicious!
Chicken-Broccoli Couscous prep: 20 minutes cook: 20 minutes serves: 4
Ingredients
1/4 c. olive oil
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast
3 c. chicken broth
1 10oz. box couscous
1 onion, finely chopped
1 head broccoli, broken into small florets
1/3 c. raisins
1/4 c. chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/3 c. sliced almonds or walnuts
1) In a large skillet, heat 2 tbs. olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to the pan and cook, turning once, until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a work surface, let cool, then shred; reserve the skillet
2) Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken broth and 1 tbs. olive oil to a boil, season with salt and pepper. Add the couscous, cover and remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3) In the reserved skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbs. olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the broccoli and the remaining 1 c. chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken, raisins, parsley and couscous; season with salt and pepper. Toss with almonds before serving.
Anyways, a couple of years ago I got my mom a subscription to Rachel Ray's cooking magazine. I loved it probably more than she did, haha. When she was done with them she passed them on to me and there they sat. Until last week, that is.
Last week, I decided to attack my magazine stash and actually go through my cooking magazines and pull out the recipes I liked and recycle the rest.
So right now my hubby is being very patient as I try out all these new recipes on him. Such a hard life...I somehow don't think he minds a whole bunch :)
Well, here is what's for dinner tonight...or actually last Monday. Enjoy, it was delicious!
Chicken-Broccoli Couscous prep: 20 minutes cook: 20 minutes serves: 4
Ingredients
1/4 c. olive oil
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast
3 c. chicken broth
1 10oz. box couscous
1 onion, finely chopped
1 head broccoli, broken into small florets
1/3 c. raisins
1/4 c. chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/3 c. sliced almonds or walnuts
1) In a large skillet, heat 2 tbs. olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to the pan and cook, turning once, until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a work surface, let cool, then shred; reserve the skillet
2) Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken broth and 1 tbs. olive oil to a boil, season with salt and pepper. Add the couscous, cover and remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Early Morning Sun
It seems that for the past few days, around 5:00ish a.m., I sit upright in bed and think that B and I have slept in too long--past our alarms. Thankfully, the sun is just that bright these days in the morning. I do love having that sun shine bright and early. This winter was a long and hard winter and I'm glad to be through it.
All of the sudden I have realized that we are halfway through May! Crazy! I don't really know where March and April went. It seemed like they were here and now they are gone. Well, to be truthful I do know where those months went. I spent of lot of those weeks subbing and waiting to hear on a job verdict. A lot of prayer, patience, worrying, frustration and waiting...you know how that job game goes. Alas, it wasn't meant to be, so now I move on.
As summer is approaching, the hubby and I are looking forward to a few trips this summer and seeing what other adventures are ahead for us. While the hotness of our little apartment doesn't seem appealing, it's just one of those facts about living in Iowa in the summer. We've already spent one hot summer here, so I think we can handle another.
Our one year anniversary is quickly coming up and we can't believe it! Hard to believe that one year is almost down in the books for us as a married couple! It's been a great year and we have both learned a lot and our relationship has definitely deepened.
As for the job front, I have several applications out and I'm just waiting for some interviews. I'm also looking in to options outside of the teaching realm. I do love teaching and working with children, however I am getting frustrated that there haven't been many openings. I just want my own classroom, is that too much to ask??? I've been subbing for almost 2 years now! So, I'm doing some soul searching on figuring out where else I feel called to be. I do have a long term sub. position lined up for next fall (which is encouraging), however it seems that in our area, music positions are not opening and that frustrates me to no end! Thus, I've got to consider other options for the time being. I know I will be put in the place I'm supposed to be, it's just hard waiting.
Well, I'm off to work this afternoon and need to get a few things in line before then. Hope you all are having a great Wednesday!
All of the sudden I have realized that we are halfway through May! Crazy! I don't really know where March and April went. It seemed like they were here and now they are gone. Well, to be truthful I do know where those months went. I spent of lot of those weeks subbing and waiting to hear on a job verdict. A lot of prayer, patience, worrying, frustration and waiting...you know how that job game goes. Alas, it wasn't meant to be, so now I move on.
As summer is approaching, the hubby and I are looking forward to a few trips this summer and seeing what other adventures are ahead for us. While the hotness of our little apartment doesn't seem appealing, it's just one of those facts about living in Iowa in the summer. We've already spent one hot summer here, so I think we can handle another.
Our one year anniversary is quickly coming up and we can't believe it! Hard to believe that one year is almost down in the books for us as a married couple! It's been a great year and we have both learned a lot and our relationship has definitely deepened.
As for the job front, I have several applications out and I'm just waiting for some interviews. I'm also looking in to options outside of the teaching realm. I do love teaching and working with children, however I am getting frustrated that there haven't been many openings. I just want my own classroom, is that too much to ask??? I've been subbing for almost 2 years now! So, I'm doing some soul searching on figuring out where else I feel called to be. I do have a long term sub. position lined up for next fall (which is encouraging), however it seems that in our area, music positions are not opening and that frustrates me to no end! Thus, I've got to consider other options for the time being. I know I will be put in the place I'm supposed to be, it's just hard waiting.
Well, I'm off to work this afternoon and need to get a few things in line before then. Hope you all are having a great Wednesday!
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