Thursday, May 14, 2009

end of the semester celebration.

Last week Jonathan finished his last full-time semester of college! He had quite a full-plate this past semester {with going to school full time, having an internship, working full-time, and taking on a few free lance projects as well}, so I was a little excited when the semester came to a close. :)

In celebration of the end of the semester, we were planning on going out...but, I was sick. So, we stayed in and had a little party of our own. We ate pizza and hot wings and started watching season 5 of LOST. It was great.







Now all husband has between him and his degree is his senior recital...and then he will graduate in July. We will have an even bigger celebration then! :)


P.S. Does anyone else out there just love finding reasons to celebrate? I think it's so fun. :)


Wednesday, May 13, 2009

a season for everything lovely.

One of my favorite things is experiencing the change in seasons. Spring, summer, autumn, winter. Each new season brings a new set of possibilities...and potential memories made. When asked which time of year is my favorite, my answer is all of them. I am equally excited to see each season arrive...full of potential and overflowing with opportunities. It is exciting, to say the least.



As spring slowly comes to a close and the summer months are upon us, I look forward to these things:

  • cookouts on the grill {husband makes the best grilled chicken!}
  • taking naps in my hammock {which we just bought a stand for, so we can actually use it now...yay!}
  • the smell of freshly cut grass.
  • the feeling of sunshine on my shoulders and in my hair.
  • sipping fruit tea with husby as the sun goes down and talking about our present and our future together.
  • fireworks.
  • picnics in the park.
  • summery music {i.e. the beach boys, the beatles, jack johnson, etc.}
  • my wildflower garden blooming.
  • fairs and carnival {i have a thing for cotton candy and ferris wheels}
  • buying fresh flowers and quality produce at the farmer's market.
  • painting my nails bright, fun, colors!
  • taking lots of photographs in the lovely weather.
  • going to the drive-in movies and munching on yummy treats.
  • husband's senior recital.
  • husband's graduation.
  • our two year wedding anniversary.
  • vacation together.



{photos taken in 2006 during "the dating years" at the fair}

What are some things about summer that you are looking forward to?


Tuesday, May 12, 2009

getting to know you...

Back when I was in middle school, I used to love sending and receiving those survey emails that were all the rage back then. C'mon...you know what I'm talking about. :) {Man, I wish I had saved all of those from way back when.}

In memory of those survey forwarding days...I thought it would be fun to do a little bit of "getting to know you" here on the blog.

So, here goes...a little silly survey {filled out by both me and Jonathan} for old times sake.
tiffany



1. First thing you wash in the shower?

My hair.

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?

I just bought a new gray hoodie the other day, so it's my favorite right now. :)

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?

Again and again and again and again and again...

4. Do you plan outfits?

I often do, yes. But not all of the time. My mornings always go smoother when I do plan them out the night before...so I really should try to do this more often.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?

Physically? My contacts are drying out and I'm feeling kinda sleepy. Otherwise? Very content and happy.

6. What’s the closest thing to you that’s red?

My red metal set of drawers from IKEA that's next to my desk {which is in desperate need of organizing, now that I think about it.}

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?

I'm pretty sure it had something to do with me being the new captain of the Starship Enterprise.

8. Did you meet anybody new today?

Nope.

9. What are you craving right now?

My pillow...

10. Do you floss?

Not as often as I should.

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?

That's disgusting.

12. Are you emotional?

I was a theatre major in college...and I'm a girl...need I say more?

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?

It is quite possible.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?

Well, that depends on if I'm eating the ice cream in a cone or from a dish. If it's on a cone, then yes...I lick it {and savor every taste.} But if it's in a dish then I eat it slowly with a spoon. Okay, now I'm craving ice cream too, might as well add that to #9.

15. Do you like your hair?

Most of the time, yes. It has its bad days.

16. Do you like yourself?

Most of the time, yes. Like my hair, I have my bad days too.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?

Sure! I think it would be quite an honor to dine with a former president of the United States.

18. What are you listening to right now?

Jonathan playing Team Fortress 2 at the desk next to me. The fact that he is playing video games right now makes me very happy. He hardly had any free time this past semester, and now he does and can do things just for fun. That makes me happy. :)

19. Are your parents strict?

When I was young, they were the right kind of strict. They enforced good morals and behavior...and I definitely appreciate that SO much. Later, as I grew up, they let me live my life and make decisions for myself.

20. Would you go sky diving?

I've always thought that it might be fun...but I'm not sure if I would actually do it.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?

I used to...then I took Anatomy in high school and my teacher compared a certain disease to cottage cheese. I won't go into details, but I have never looked at that dairy product the same ever since.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?

I met and hung out with the members of SuperChick after one of their concerts before they were really big. That was a long time ago.

23. Do you rent movies often?

Netflix.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you’re in?

The rings on my left hand.

25. How many countries have you visited?

Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, and the Virgin Islands {don't know if you can consider that a country exactly...}

26. Have you made a prank phone call?

Not that I can remember. But I have been nearby when others have made prank phone calls.

27. Ever been on a train?

Yes, a long time ago.

28. Brown or white eggs?

They taste the same to me.

29. Do you have a cell phone?

Yes, I do. That's kind of a silly question, don't you think?

30. Do you use Chap Stick?

I use Burt's Bee's Wax. It's the best!

31. Do you own a gun?

No, but I'm sure we will sometime in the future.

32. Can you use chop sticks?

Yes, but it's not always a pretty picture when I do. So I often opt out and go the easy route with my friend the fork.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?

Husby.

34. Are you too forgiving?

No...we're supposed to continuously forgiving, right?

35. Ever been in love?

Absolutely! I am now, and I always will be.

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?

Jonathan will get up and have coffee and breakfast with me, go to the school of music to practice, come home and have lunch with me, work, work, work, go to my family's house for dinner, and go to the church for worship practice.

37. Ever have cream puffs?

Yes! My Nana often buys them, and I love discovering them in her freezer. :)

38. Last time you cried?

Today. I was thinking of one of my best friends moving away soon...

39. What was the last question you asked?

"Husband, will you fill out this silly survey with me so we can post it on the blog for kicks?"

40. Favorite time of year?

Every time of year. When each new season arrives, I greet it happily. I love fresh flowers and rain in the spring, drinking lemonade in hammocks in the summer, crisp leaves and caramel apples in the fall, and christmas music and sweaters in the fall.

41. Do you have any tattoos?

Ha, no.

42. Are you sarcastic?

Not usually. But sometimes something sarcastic slips out.

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?

Nope. But I've heard from people that I should watch it.

44. Ever walked into a wall?

Knowing me, I'm sure I have.

45. Favorite color?

Pretty sure my favorite color changes every week. I love bright, cheer colors. Red, yellow, kelly green, teal, etc. Any color that brings a smile to your face.

46. Have you ever slapped someone?

Yes. In one of my acting classes in college we learned stage combat...and my partner accidentally slapped me for real instead of a stage slap {and it hurt}...and so he let me slap him back {I have to admit I didn't slap him too hard, I didn't want to hurt him.}

47. Is your hair curly?

Nope. It can be wavy sometimes.

48. What was the last CD you bought?

I don't remember..?

49. Do looks matter?

I wish they didn't, but in our world they often do.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?

Yes. I think God can help us forgive anyone.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?

No, we never use all of our minutes.

52. Do you like your life right now?

Absolutely yes! I wouldn't trade it for anything.

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?

No, we don't have a TV in our room and never plan to.

54. Can you handle the truth?

I think it depends. I want to say a confident "yes", but I know that sometimes the truth hurts.

55. Do you have good vision?

Not anymore. Speaking of which, I need to go to the eye doctor to get a new prescription for my contacts and glasses.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?

I don't hate anyone. But I'm sure there are more than 3 people who rub me wrong sometimes.

57. How often do you talk on the phone?

Normally every day, but not for long. Just short, informational phone calls.

58. The last person you held hands with?

Husband. I love holding his hand.

59. What are you wearing?

Jeans, t-shirt, and my new gray hoodie.

60. What is your favorite animal?

Max the wonderful mini dachshund. He is amazing.

61. Where was your default picture taken at?

Well, I don't really have a default picture on here...but the picture above was taken one night when Jonathan and I were watching a movie and eating yummy snacks. I love me some peach rings.

62. Can you hula hoop?

Haha, not very well.

63. Do you have a job?

Yes, I do. I work as the Studio Coordinator and Assistant Photographer for Carrie Workman Photography. I also have my own hand designed card business on the side.

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?

Ingredients to make coconut cupcakes tonight. They were yummy.

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?

Not that I can remember. I have broken a window though...one time {way back when} my brother and sisters and I were play hide and go seek and I hid under a bean bag right by a window...and I accidentally put my elbow through that window. Oops.

jonathan

1. First thing you wash in the shower?

Hair. Top-down, that's my philosophy.

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?

Not sure that it's my favorite... just a hoodie. Black.

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?

Absotudalootly

4. Do you plan outfits?

Not so much. Maybe on occasion.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?

Great!

6. What’s the closest thing to you that’s red?

Max's bed. He's sleeping in it.

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?

Couple nights ago I dreamed we got a second miniature dachshund. Not gonna happen.

8. Did you meet anybody new today?

Not officially.

9. What are you craving right now?

To get work done.

10. Do you floss?

I should, but no.

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?

Some really yummy stuffed cabbage my mom made when I was a kid once.

12. Are you emotional?

Maybe? But no, not really.

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?

Why?

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?

I have my own moves. It involves biting with my lips (sorta) and a lot of tongue action. I basically make out with my ice cream.

15. Do you like your hair?

Not so much now, need a cut.

16. Do you like yourself?

On occasion, when I'm not in the middle of screwing something up.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?

Sure, why not.

18. What are you listening to right now?

Cab Calloway's "Minnie The Moocher"

19. Are your parents strict?

Yes and no.

20. Would you go sky diving?

In a heartbeat.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?

Yes, great with honey too.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?

Depends on the circles you're in and who you consider a celebrity.

23. Do you rent movies often?

I Netflix it up.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you’re in?

No, thank God.

25. How many countries have you visited?

Guatemala, Mexico, and Canada. Haven't ventured too far yet unfortunately.

26. Have you made a prank phone call?

Not that I can remember. Maybe on friends when I was a kid. Oohh... one time I called 911 for no good reason when I was a little kid. Stupid kid.

27. Ever been on a train?

Yes, though it was stationary.

28. Brown or white eggs?

Both, eggs are eggs to me.

29. Do you have a cell phone?

Yes, since the ripe old age of 21.

30. Do you use Chap Stick?

I've been known to on occasion. Mostly during the winter.

31. Do you own a gun?

None of your business.

32. Can you use chop sticks?

Yes, though not incredibly well. I always get frustrated with the tediousness and revert to the fork.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?

My wife, the love of my life!

34. Are you too forgiving?

Too forgiving? No, I don't think so... but how can you be too forgiving?

35. Ever been in love?

Currently, yes :)

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?

Working, hanging out with me, seeing some family.

37. Ever have cream puffs?

Not that I recall.

38. Last time you cried?

O dear, probably a couple days ago while in prayer or something.

39. What was the last question you asked?

"65 questions, really? Do I have to answer them all?" hehe.

40. Favorite time of year?

Every single time, each one building the anticipation for the next making it that much sweeter.

41. Do you have any tattoos?

No, I decided a long time ago I'm too fickle and want to change and 'customize' things too much to be able to have a tatoo and actually be happy with it.

42. Are you sarcastic?

When appropriate, which turns out to be fairly often. But only with the right people in the right circumstances.

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?

No, looked dumb and wasn't much into movies at the time.

44. Ever walked into a wall?

I believe so yes.

45. Favorite color?

CYMK or RGB. Can I do that?

46. Have you ever slapped someone?

No. Punched, yes.

47. Is your hair curly?

Haha, no.

48. What was the last CD you bought?

New Life Worship's "Counting On God"

49. Do looks matter?

For what?

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?

Depends on too many factors. Forgive yes, get over it, not sure.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?

Nope, our two lines run us about ~$100/mo. Varies on usage, often lower.

52. Do you like your life right now?

Definitely, but could stand for major improvement in particular areas.

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?

No way. Don't even have one in the bedroom. To be honest I don't really like watching TV that much and hate being sucked into watching serial shows/sitcoms regularly.

54. Can you handle the truth?

Yes, regardless of what Mr. Nicholson says.

55. Do you have good vision?

Haha, terrible.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?

Hate, no. Dislike, maybe but I'm not necessarily proud of that.

57. How often do you talk on the phone?

Only when absolutely necessary, I like the face-to-face much better.

58. The last person you held hands with?

Tiffany Michelle Zajas.

59. What are you wearing?

Jeans/polo.

60. What is your favorite animal?

Oh geez... I have no idea. What a silly question.

61. Where was your default picture taken at?

Default? Well, the one I currently have on a lot of my online profiles was taken in Gatlinburg, TN.

62. Can you hula hoop?

Yes, but not as well as my good friend Russell.

63. Do you have a job?

Yes, I've been a Designer/Web Developer for a company in Nashville for the past 6+ years and I've done freelance work in the same field from time to time over the past 10+ years.

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?

Two 2-liters of soda and cupcake frosting in preparation of having friends over.

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?

I believe so yes, though the circumstances of such an event are none of your concern.

There you go...now you know more about us than you ever wanted to know. :)

Sunday, May 10, 2009

max and his first year with us.

Our dear puppy Thelonious Maximus Zajas has been with us exactly one year today. And what a year it has been! I seriously never knew that I could love a dog this much, but he really has become a part of our family. :)

Here are some photographs of Max and his first year with us...

Max and the day we picked him out.
{it was a very easy decision...we fell in love with him right away!}



Max and his ride home with us.
{blurry, but memorable.}



Max and his discovery that he is destined to be a puppy model.



Max and his favorite toy - the Chick-fil-a cow.
{it's still his favorite toy, to this day. he won't chew it up...it's special to him.}



Max and his water dish that was larger than him.



Max and me.



Max and his bed.



Max and his first walk.
{it took us forever to get anywhere on our walks,
because everyone and their mother would stop to oooh and awww
over him. he loved the attention...still does.}



Max and his first picnic.



Max and his nap.



Max and his first summer.



Max and his first swim.



Max and the rain.
{he really doesn't like the rain.}



Max and his first card game.



Max and his first Halloween.
{he's thinking "Aw, c'mon Mom...really?" hehe}



Max and his first Christmas.



Max and his looking cute for the camera.



Max and his favorite place on earth.
{his absolute favorite is to sit in between me and Jonathan on the couch.}



Max and Jonathan.



It has been a great first year! :)




happy mother's day!

happy mother's day to my beautiful and wonderful mother
{and all you other mothers out there.}

i love my mom so-very-much and am very blessed to have her in my life.
she has always encouraged me through every step of my life, and has believed in everything i've ever wanted to do. she has taught me how to have joy and to truly enjoy life.

i love you, mom.




Saturday, May 9, 2009

happy birthday, daddio!

Today is my dad's birthday.

I have a wonderful dad. And I'm not just saying that because that's what children are supposed to say about their dads...I say it because it is 100% true. He is such a wonderful example, a great man of God, an encourager, and a joyful person. He has always encouraged me to pursue my heart and to follow my dreams. He has never once said a discouraging word to me. He is one of the funniest guys I know, and I'm always in stitches when around him.

Happy birthday, Dad! I love you!






{photos taken by me}



Friday, May 8, 2009

i'm a closet trekkie, it's true.

Last night Jonathan and I went with the rest of my family {minus Miranda since she's in Indiana, and Moriah since she's 9 and not interested} to go and see a late night premiere of the new Star Trek movie. It was incredible! We all went as a celebration of my dad's birthday which is this weekend.




Growing up, we always watched Star Trek: Next Generation together on Saturday nights. So, I have to admit...I am a closet trekkie, it's true. The movie was really great! Even for those of you who didn't grow up on Star Trek, you would enjoy it. The only Star Trek that husband had ever seen was Voyager {and let's be honest, that just does not count}, and he loved it! I would highly recommend going to see it.

live long and prosper.