I'm not going to lie. I really enjoyed 2012. Let's review.
It started off pretty exciting... breaking down in Iowa on our way home to see family in AR and LA. We were blessed with a mechanic that let us use his vehicle to get to the hotel and with a hotel manager that responded to the tears flowing from my eyes and let the puppies stay inside with us on the 0 degree night. When we checked out, the manager said with fear in his eyes, "Did they destroy the room??"
A couple of weeks later, Charlie went from having a part-time job he HATED (At Cabellas) to a really fantastic full-time job at an organic farm. He's learned bee keeping, maple syruping, new farming techniques, chicken raising, and other things. What an amazing answer to prayer.
We survived our first winter (That's pretty huge.)
And our first thaw
They like winter, but they also like a cool spring. Here, we're swimming at the local dog park
Next, we had visitors for this!!
Family is a GREAT thing.
Oh, and we may have done this, too! :)
For a while, I thought I hadn't gone anywhere in 2012. Boy was I wrong!! I had an amazing, travel-ful year!
Washington, DC! hey Abe!
Where I got to meet my Congressman and tell him about exciting Nutrition initiatives he can support
Steph goes to the Capitol!
(Then there were multiple Corgi-of-the-day-Finals' Weeks)
And then (are you kidding me?) I got to go on a cruise with this lovely lady!
And then, I know it's weird, but this was one of my favorite summers (right behind 2011)
Although Charlie and I were apart during the week, we spent so much quality time together on weekends
Look at what a hottie I'm married to!
During the week, I got to travel (for free) around Minnesota and see ridiculous and funny things like this
While Charlie got to do cool things like this
And this
We both got a week off for an awesome road trip to LA for a wedding
Weddings make you feel the love
And then I got to go back to work and do what I love
And travel more, and learn more, and practice more
Then we moved! Across town to a MUCH more affordable house that has turned out to be absolutely perfect. It's right on the bus line and we have very nice neighbors.
Then, there was a 3-year anniversary
And then I spent a week at diabetes camp.
I wish I could have brought them all home with me. I learned a lot here, while working with Madame Nutrition President of Minnesota
Then, I started my last fall semester and developed a strange heart thing. I thought I was going to die. Or at the very least, have to drop out of school. God provided. I think if I have learned one thing this year, it is that God always provides, and he always gives you favor when you need favor. Charlie's learned that. I've learned that. There's no one to take credit except for God. BELIEVE ME, I do NOT say this to brag on myself, but on this semester when I honestly thought I would have to drop out of school, I made all A's. I didn't do that. God did that.
Again, like I said, this has been a blessed, blessed year. Thank you, God.
Thank you God for positioning us so I don't have to drive to school in this.
I've done a poor job of updating lately. You'd think I'd just be brimming with ideas from all the time I have on my hands. But alas. Time does not always equal productivity. So, here is a quote my aunt shared with me recently that I really, really like:
Bits and Pieces
Bits and pieces, bits and pieces. People. People important to you, People unimportant to you cross your life, touch it with love and move on. There are people who leave you and you breathe a sigh of relief and wonder why you ever came into contact with them. There are people who leave you, and you breathe a sigh of remorse and wonder why they had to go and leave such a gaping hole. Children leave parents, friends leave friends. Acquaintances move on. People change homes. People grow apart. Enemies hate and move on. Friends love and move on. You think of the many people who have moved in and out of your hazy memory. You look at those present and wonder. I believe in God's master plan in lives. He moves people in and out of each other's lives, and each leaves his mark on the other. You find you are made up of bits and pieces of all who have ever touched your life. You are more because of them, and would be less if they had not touched you. Pray that you accept the bits and pieces in humility and wonder, and never question and never regret. -Anonymous
I think it's a great reflection for the end of a year when things are the same, but you can see the changes coming.
Charlie is currently cray-cray. Last night, he told me he wants to leave immediately after my last final. I was like, "Hmmm... hello there, honey. I may need a couple of minutes to, you know, PACK FOR A MONTH." and not leave our house in complete disrepair. (I'm not a very good housewife.) (Maybe it's because I'm NOT a housewife?)
Okay back to the list.
1) complete test for Nutrition Assessment
2) submit said test.
3) complete study guide part 1 for Metabolism final.
4) complete study guide part 2 for Metabolism final.
4 b) Learn everything on said study guides.
5) Party for church Saturday evening.
6) Church and coffee shop duty Sunday morning.
7) Study group Sunday afternoon.
8) Church Christmas play Sunday night.
9) Take Metabolism test Monday morning.
10) Pack.
11) for a month.
12) clean the house.
13) bathe Rufus
14) shave pernkie
15) Christmas shop for Charlie. (UGH!)
Well. That's close enough. It's not THAT bad, but I kind of need A's on both of those finals. This has been a rough semester, yall. I may not keep my precious 4.0. Charlie said I should feel lucky to have any GPA after this semester, though and I think he's right. But it still stinks.
Punkin has trained us to pet her. She barks or purrrrs every time we stop until we start petting her again. She was kind of wound up and wild when I took this video... hopefully I can catch her sometime when she's being more agreeable. Punkin-pie. She's too camera-shy.
They're self-admittedly terrible. But since we don't get to see Fox enough, he might as well know we're 1) obsessed with our dogs and 2) way too goofy.
I can't wait till January when I get to see that kid!
But it's true. At our late-lunch, Charlie and I talked about what we're especially thankful for this year. As opposed to last year, when Charlie was working for Cabella's (and had his self-proclaimed worst-day-of-his-life on Black Friday just last year), this year, he is thankful for his job and ALL the amazing things he's learned there. Chickens. Maple Syruping. Raising honey bees. Farming organically. Making candles out of bee's wax. Things started out rough for him when we moved here, but he's thriving now. Thank you, God.
And for me... where do I start? Gosh. Just a few weeks ago, I wasn't sure if I would make it through my program. I honestly thought I might fail out of school. But now, thanks to God, I'm feeling better. And ohmygosh. My professors and advisor and friends from school just amazed me with their grace toward me in extending deadlines and taking notes for me when I missed class. Somehow, amidst all of that, I got offered another teaching assistantship for next year. Only God. And having a happy husband... and my two furry babies... and getting to go home for a month... I am so blessed.
A friend recently said that she wished the year started with Thanksgiving. It does make a lot of sense... to start the year putting yourself in your place... realizing everything you have and everything you've been given. But at least this is how we start the Holidays. Thanksgiving leads into the Christmas season which leads into the New Year. Yes, it's a good time to reflect and start preparing our hearts for the greatest reason of all we have to be thankful.
I love this photo collage. It captured the moment so well. The fall colors. Rufus running frantically. Punkin hiding in the weeds that were exactly her height. It just looks like a Minnesota day on Charlie's farm.
Maybe I AM a country girl? I love these little moments.
My heart is so heavy.
God put a few different people on my heart this morning. Genuinely and strongly.
Hey all my sisters. I love each of you so much.
Crystal with your creativity and wisdom and ability to talk to people--REALLY talk to them and want to hear what they have to say. (and I'm not gonna lie.. my hair needs you, too!)
Susan with your brilliant mind and the way you think about the rest of the world with every decision you make. Your friendship...
Risa with your beautiful, joyful spirit. The way you approach life and the way you love people. It's beautiful.
And Stacy with your fire and drive to bring justice into the world! I see you learning to live life cohesively .. drawing from what you've learned to help others.
Sisters... my prayer for all of you is that you will be able to clearly hear the voice of God and follow it... that you will find so much fulfillment in what God has called you to do. That your lives would be joyful and led by the Spirit. Full of tears when the time calls for it.. but filled with even more laughter.
I know this is probably cheesy, but God has put all of you on my heart! And I just love you all so much!
apparently it's true that Minnesotans have to relearn how to drive in the snow every year because it was a MADHOUSE out there. Charlie didn't even make it to work today because it would have taken him over 2 hours to get there. My 15-20 minute bus-ride took a full 45 minutes. Car wrecks. Cars sliding. Wheels spinning. Craziness. SO GLAD I HAVE A BUS PASS. wild.
Thy don't carry Sun-In in the state of Minnesota, either. My mouse-colored hair needs some sunshine.
Today I took a 10 question "quiz" that covered ALL the information that is going to be on our test on Tuesday. Huh. That makes a lot of sense. I didn't pass the quiz. Because I haven't studied for the test yet.
I don't feel like doing homework. I'm really glad I'm feeling better because my semester just took off at about 300mph. I do homework... all the time. Except when I avoid it by doing stuff like this or playing on my new iPhone (Eeeek! Shout-out to all my Loups for getting it for me!)
It's going to be Thanksgiving in one blink of the eye and Christmas by two blinks. And then in 3 I'll be finished with school. And Yarissa and I will be doing this:
I feel like since my blog is my time capsule I should write about the election last night. Wow. What an incredibly charged topic! I have read some really hurtful things from both sides... I have also read some really inspiring things from both sides.
I think that's my problem, though. I hate the whole "sides" thing. It really presents such an "us versus them" mentality that I don't think is even close to being healthy. I think having two parties is healthy... I think balance is always good... but I can't stand hearing people call people in the "other" group ignorant, lazy, stupid, or racist. (Or un-Christian). (I don't like that either).
We have to pull together and work together. If only the Church would be the leader and example on how to do that. If only we actually took care of the poor instead of pointing fingers at them. If only we truly lived out our "pro-life" stance throughout ALL of life (meaning: life doesn't end when a baby is born. He or she needs a home, love, nourishment (of all sorts), guidance and access to health and education until they die). If only we didn't believe in the death penalty. (How many second-chances has God given you?)
Obama got re-elected last night against Mitt Romney. Let's pray for him. Let's pray the church can rise up and be the Church that represents a God who is so full of compassion and mercy and healing and non-judgment. No, he's not going to be a perfect leader. But he IS our leader for the next 4 years.
Loup-family Watch-party on the air mattress in our living room :)
Well, I have sure been quite an absent blogger lately.
My heart is so heavy today. This morning, three of the people closest to me texted me very, very sad things. Charlie let me know that the secretary/administrator for the Horticulture department at LSU just passed away. Charlie was very close to her... she was a kind, vivacious lady. He was going to visit her this winter break to catch up and see her. Life is so finite.
Two other of my besties also texted me really hard things. It's so hard to watch people you love struggle and get hurt by people who are careless with others' hearts.
So this music video is a little strange, but I like the concept. Who do you think you are, running 'round leaving scars? Collecting your jar of hearts? Tearing love apart?
Thank you, God for being our security, our identity, and our comfort when bad things happen.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (The Message)
God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
I took half of a melatonin, so now I'm trying to decide to how best use my time before I'm too tired to function. Let's seeeeeee. I could write a blog. Oooorrr watch an episode of something on TV. I cooooulllddddd get caught up with Hurricane Sandy. OR I should proobably research the metabolic effects of bariatric surgery since I have a meeting about that tomorrow for a paper a few of us are writing. I should proooobably do that. Yeah. Let me get on that. So excited. So much motivation.
One of my very best friends is coming to see me this weekend! I'm pretty pumped. And not just her, but my second mama/my husband's biggest cheerleader. We're going to try to go see the Pioneer Woman at the Mall of America. Get her to autograph her book about Charlie!!! It sounds fun, but the rules say you have to get in line before 9 to get a wrist-band to stand in line for her autograph at 2pm. We'll see... but it would be fun!
Toto of Totogal has passed on. She really was my best friend--most especially when I got her 14 or 15 years ago. I fiercely defended her beauty. And thinness. And painted her toenails on holidays so she could sleep in my bed with me (don't ask). She had about 1000 nick-names. Toby being the most recent and long-lasting. She let tons of first graders read to her. And was always very patient with them when they smothered her with love. Once she ate half of a rabbit. It was either her or her alter-ego Lorraine. She was always way smarter than other animals. She killed a snake once, too. She was very mean to boys until they proved themselves. Charlie was the only boy she ever stopped barking at like he wasn't an intruder. She eventually quit barking at Alan, too :). She always rolled her eyes at Tiggy for being silly as you can see above. She loved eating anything (Except pickled herring). Or maybe she ate that when no one else would? She had to go on a diet once because people kept commenting on how... amazingly large she was. Doctor's orders. I think she lost almost half of her body weight. After I went to college, she would spend her days sitting in my dad's office with him. She always knew what he was thinking without him saying anything to her. She was just that smart. And she was too smart to do anything she didn't want to do. She would run away whenever she got the chance only to come back limping and panting an hour or two later. She could never pass up an opportunity like that. She is why I love corgis (even though she was technically only half).
Toto, I'll miss you and your queen bee ways.
And you're probably the reason ikcduckhunter3 still loves totogal.
This is when Stacy got Tiggy. It was also Charlie's first trip up to visit me (2007)
This is when I got hit by a semi-truck in Costa Rica. When I got picked up from the airport. It was a miracle. 2007
This was Charlie making a statement. 2007
This was when Charlie got a new puppy I helped name (kindasorta...) Mrs. Annie and I voted on Bear (RouxBear) 2007
This was right before he took off his coat and shirt(s) and ran around in the snow half-naked. 2008
This was when we had to spend most of our time apart but actually got to be together. (2008)
This was when he fell in love with my haircut... Imean me. (2008)
This was goodbye to the best of friends. Maggie. 2008
This was when I sang and danced to Coldplay. 2009
This was when my dad got -really- happy about being not quite-so-outnumbered. 2009
This was when our 1 hour old adopted baby tried to eat my chicken sandwich. 2009
This was when we had our last high school graduation at tech (2009)
This was the message Charlie left me on our kitchen table (2009)
This is what a Galbo-family holiday looks like (2009)
This was when we lived in a trailer (2009)
This was when Pernkie had fleas. Oooooh Pernkie. 2010
This was when Charlie took me to a football game and we sat SO FAR UP in the sky I felt like I was going to tumble out. 2010
This is when we went to Denver (2010)
When Susan went hiking with a one-month old!! 2010
And this is when Aunt Stephie got to hold little Caleb a LOT 2010
This is when we got to have Christmas in Denver to hang out with Caleb- 2010
This was when Nana told Caleb his first Jacquo story (2010)
This was when an unbreakable bond was formed (2011)
Thiiiis when when a tornado attacked our house (2011)
This is when I was in my best friend's wedding (2011)
This is when I got to stay with my sister when I moved to Minnesota (2011)
This is when we got lost in our cities (2011)
This was when we had the (5th) warmest Christmas day on record and we accidentally got this awesome shot with a self-timer (2011)
This was when our car broke down in the-middle-of-nowhere-Iowa and we borrowed a GHETTO van from our mechanic. awesome. And I cried to get the hotel owner to let us bring our pets in from the cold. (2012)
And this was last winter at our first Minnesota home.
My best friend Charlie and I moved from the deep South to the great North for me to go to graduate school at the University of Minnesota. I earned a Masters Degree in Public Health Nutrition and Dietetics, and we've moved back to Louisiana. I'm a dietitian who wants to help people improve their quality of life through healthy eating!
We love adventures, traveling, food and family. We have two dogs: our corgi Punkin and our lab goofy Rufus.
We are very blessed to be in love and to walk through life together!
