Changes Are Afoot!

In my defense, I would blog more often, but I currently lack the internetz at my new place.  Thank you Starbucks for your free wi-fi, but we both know it's only free because all of your treats in the glass case tempting everyone, and you'll get money out of it eventually.

The lemon pound cake is quite tasty...

In case you didn't catch my wording earlier, Yes, I have a New Place!
Big changes are happening right now in my life and I am kind of stressed out, but things are definitely falling into place nicely so far.

So far:
1. I got my own apartment (which Mark will move into once we get married)!
2. I am getting married in 10 days!
3. I am changing jobs!!


I would like to focus on the fact that I will be a married woman really soon!
Currently, I am so nervous.

You guys are probably thinking: "Oh well of course you are.  Getting cold feet is normal; this is such a big decision."
But actually that is NOT why I am nervous to get married. 

Then what is making you nervous, Shannah?
Well Intrigued Reader, let me show you my irrational imagination that I have been cursed with.

All of my life I have been terrified of crowds.  Sure, I have improved immensely when it comes to me putting myself out there, that much is 100% true.   But I have a serious case of Stage Fright that I don't think I will ever get over.
My voice shakes, my hands shake, I say "uhm" like a thousand times, and I get really really hot and turn bright red. It's awful.

In school, when the teacher would go over the reports that she/he assigned to the class, the phrase "You will present your report to the class" was the equivalent of "You have cancer" to me.
Oh my gosh, and heaven help me if I ever get asked to give a talk in church!!  I might just have to roll over and die if that happened.

So you can imagine my fear when it comes to my walking down the isle having everyone's eyes on me.  It sound so scary! But thankfully, the eyes will then be on Mark AND me during the ceremony rather than me alone.   Phew!

That is why I am nervous.  Well, that, and the fact I hope everything goes smoothly and the plans go as accordingly.
Nope, not the huge commitment to being with one person for the rest of my life, having "mine" and "his" items and money become "ours," and taking life on together are not scaring me at all.
Just the fact I'll have to stand in front of a bunch of people. Yep. That makes sense doesn't it?

I am not nervous about the quality of my marriage because I know that Mark and I are perfect for each other.  I am not living in a fantasy land thinking that we will never bicker and everything will be lollipops and rainbows. I accept we will have trials, but he and I know how to communicate and work through differences together successfully.  Even if I am stubborn and want an apology even when I definitely had my fair share of the misunderstanding, I eventually realize it and grovel;]
We are seriously made for each other.
The other day we were playing Guitar Hero and I totally beat him down.  I just looked at him, silent, and held out my fist with a smirk on my face.  *I needed a fist bump for that victory*  He just started laughing and gave in.  We have great times together and love a lot of the same things.
He always knows how to make me feel better and knows just what I need, and vice versa for him.

People have asked me how do I know that he is "The One," and I like to respond with:

I know what it is like to love, but realize it isn't right.
With Mark, I love and know it is right without a shadow of a doubt.

As Mark's mom, Ruth, always says to me:  There are no such things as coincidences.

Sappy post, I know.  But who doesn't enjoy a little love story every once in awhile??

Last 10 Things I am Thankful For

*Not sure if I mentioned this previously, but these are in no particular order*

21.  Snow tires for my little Corolla

My cute little car has two sets of tires: 

1. Snow tires

2. Warm weather tires (is there a specific name?)

It has snowed quite a bit here in the 801, which means driving can be dangerous and just a hassle. 

My snow tires are the best!   I feel very safe driving with them.

Mark and I were leaving his house seperately the other day, and it took a bit more work to get

his car out of the pile of snow that had accumulated.  My car, on the other hand, laughed at his while the snow fell on its knees as I drove on top of it easily. 

Mwahaha!

my tread is beastly

22.  Other people's blogs!

People.  I am such a stalker.  Not in a bad way, but more of a "Hey I don't know you, but your blog is fascinating even though you live in another state/are someone's sister that I graduated with/etc."  

I love learning more about life based on another person's perception.

It helps me learn more about myself and the way I look at things as well as motivate me to be a better person.

23.  Kind strangers

I started going to church a few months ago just to check it out and everyone has been so nice!

I have felt very welcome there:]

I love people who say please and thank you, hold doors open for one another, give compliments just because, show sincere interest in you and what you're about, etc.  They make the world a better place.

24.  Manners

Some people have them.  Some people don't know the meaning of the word.

I am certainly no "priss," but just be kind to one another is all I ask. 

-Please and Thank You

-You're Welcome

-Don't chew with your mouth wide open sloshing around your food 

and saliva so we can all hear and see

Here are a simple few.  Learn these please. They do wonders along with making people feel appreciated and comfortable.

25.  Smiles and Laughter

Cheesy, I know.

But let me tell you something: Smiles and laughing are contagious, I swear.

It will make you a happier person if you do these things. 

26.  Challenges and Failures

Are you confused as to why I like these?

Well, how would we ever improve if we never fail and realize our mistakes?

Life would be NO fun at all if we were good at absolutely everything and everything life threw at us went our way. 

Some of the happiest/proudest moments I can remember experiencing in my life

were times I learned a new task or improved something I was bad at. 

Example:

I wanted to give up water skiing and wakeboarding when I first attempted to learn.

I felt like I was drowning, the boat pulled too hard, I couldn't keep my feet straight. 

Would ya look at me now!

27.  My hair

Alright, alright this one seems weird and narcissistic doesn't it?

Probably so...but who said I couldn't include those things??  I missed the memo.

Let me tell you why I like it and why it is on my list:

Some people are born with really fine, thin hair.   That's great if they're good with it. 

I am happy for them.

Some people are born with unruly hair that is near impossible to tame.  Again, if they like it, that's awesome.  I am happy for you as well.

But I like mine better:]  It is somewhat thick, grows quickly, is soft and shiny, and I love experimenting with cuts and color!

It used to have it dark with red streaks. 

It was so awesome

28.  Those who volunteer

I wish I volunteered and helped others out more.

Seeing others appreciate everything you are doing to better that other

person's situation is such a good feeling.  

Giving really is better than Receiving

29.  Having a Fiance' who loves to cook

I am not the greatest cook.  I can get by, but Mark is the one who wants to try new recipes

and learn what all the different types of spices do to the food.  He knows a lot

and I hope I can learn from him!

One benefit: I get to eat a lot of his delicious creations 

30.  The Gospel

  I am a brand new convert, as of December 22, 2012, in the 

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

I am so excited about this!

I am a *brand new* Mormon

I may not be an expert or be able to recite scriptures quite yet or any time soon, but

 I certainly have my own testimony and beliefs that are strong enough to

 keep me striving to learn even more.

I am very thankful for the church:]