Adventure

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”-Mark Twain

 Ironic that I first heard this quote at work, from my boss in an attempt to motivate our team.  Little did she know that my safe harbor was in fact the very job she was encouraging me to do.  I've been working at the same place for over 3 years. Living in Arizona basically my entire life (minus a year that I will explain later).  I put in my 2 week notice last week. That makes this Friday my last day at Healthways, and this Sunday my first official day as a Utah resident. 

 Taylor and I both know what it's like to pick up and move our life to another state. Long before we met, when we were both around the age of 20, we decided to kiss Arizona good bye...

Taylor was headed to the Pacific Northwest. With his stuff thrown in a trailer, young Cooper in the passenger seat, a retirement fund check to cash in his pocket, and no particular destination in mind, he ended up in Portland. Taylor ended up staying with some old friends, making new ones, and loved every second of it. But, Long story short, he ended up coming back to Arizona for a girl. The oldest mistake in the book right?... My move was a little different. I had saved up for months, planned everything to a T. I had a uhaul rented, my family to drive up with me, and a place to stay with my brother in Utah as soon as I got there...

 Even though those two trips seem polar opposite in execution, we both were feeling the same thing, freedom.

When Taylor and I first met, the fact that we had both moved to another state was something that immediately connected us. We discussed that feeling of independence we both had as we drove towards our new beginning. What it felt like to just do something we had thought about for so long. We talked about how we wouldn't go back and change a thing even if we could. We wouldn't heal the broken hearts, take back the money wasted, or any of the struggles that came along with our moves. We continued to discuss it throughout our first 3 years together and that is what leads us to today. Not just a quote I read at work, or a hope that the grass may be greener, but the desire for an adventure, the excitement of starting over, and remembering what it feels like to dream.

I'm going to try to keep this blog updated more often with the things we do in our new surroundings. We are really excited to be able to actually go outside this summer and can't wait to explore all of the beauty that Utah has to offer. We will also be close to some family and old friends of mine that I am excited to get back in touch with. This move is going to be an especially interesting experience for me since Utah is where I went to escape the monotony of Arizona the first time. I can't wait to experience it with Taylor and show him everything about that state that I fell in love with. There are a lot of misconceptions about Utah that cover up just how amazing that place is.

As if this post isn't long enough, I wanted to end it with a song.  The song is called clutch by Mason Jennings.  I heard Mason talking about when he wrote this song and how he was thinking about what goes through your head right before you die. When he thought about what he would want to see and feel before he died, he realized they were all memories with friends and family, he was never alone. I don't plan on dying anytime soon but I do plan on making as many of those memories as I can.

"There's so much we could do without, we could live in a dream"

The path to heaven runs through miles of clouded hell, right to the top. Don't look back.

I'm at that point in my life where i'm really thinking about the future... not as if it's something so far away that I don't actually have to think too seriously about it... but as if it's coming up behind me and grabbing me by the ankles as I try to get away. Why am I afraid to face it? Sometimes I feel like I have wasted a large portion of my life; yet, other times I feel lucky because I am not STUCK doing something that I hate. I have a job that I don't necessarily enjoy; however, I am not locked into it with years of college wasted on something that I no longer want to do. Sometimes I'm glad I didn't go to college even though I am smart and I am capable. Isn't that what it should come down to when applying for a job? Lifes little frustrations.

So basically to update on life I've been doing things in the past few months that make me proud and i've kept it up which makes me the most proud. These things are in regards to working out, trying new things, and pushing myself to do the things I want to do. I hope this leads me to where I want to be and is able to provide the life I want to live. I firmly believe that life is a journey and every situation I encounter will eventually lead me to where I want to be. I am well on my way.

I'll let the future continue to grab at me but I know there is no reason to be in a hurry. There is so much to enjoy right now that will make tomorrow even better :)


"cool as a coopcumber"

Gramps

When I was little, going to my grandpa's house wasn't my favorite thing in the world. The drive to phoenix was painfully long for an 8 year old. I remember getting to the tunnel and knowing we were close. I'd hold my breath and make a ridiculous wish for something like the ability to fly, or kiss a boy. I always ended up having fun at Grandpa Johnson's house though. First stop was the kitchen. I'd fling off my shoes at the front door and reach out one of my hands to give my grandpa one of those half hugs because I was moving too fast towards the other room. Once I made it to the kitchen I always turned it into a top secret cookie mission. I'd tip toe across the cold tile floor and make my way to that counter to the right of the pink stove, stretch my arms up, be extra silent lifting the lid off the cookie jar, and grab as many cookies as my tiny hands could hold. I don't know why I always felt like I had to "sneak" to get those cookies. Looking back on it, i'm pretty sure my grandpa would specially stock the jar anticipating our visit. Leaving a cookie crumb trail behind me, I would meet my brother and sister out in the backyard. They would already be up in an orange tree, or jumping into the compost pile pit. The trees seemed so massive, and the pit we would jump into so deep. Everything was exciting back then and ready to be explored. We'd spend hours back there picking radishes and eating them off the vine, going through all of the old toys and trinkets my grandpa had stored on the side of the house, just doing what kids did. Once the adults were done with their "floral sofa conversations" they would make their way out to watch us kids play. They'd sit in lawn chairs and chat a little more about things I wish I could listen in on today. My grandpa had the best stories, but I was too young to realize it until I was about 18. Grandpa Johnson passed away when I was 21. I'd give anything to make that "painfully long" drive to phoenix again and chat with my grandpa about what it was like to live during the great depression, or how much different everything was when he was younger. I wish I had recorded the stories he told in a journal or something because my memory is probably my worst quality. I forget everything, especially important details.



A few nights ago we went and visited grandma and grandpa cody (taylor's grandparents). There was something very comforting about the gingerale and freshly baked m&m cookies we shared while looking at old photos and telling stories on the couch.

I don't know what flipped the switch, I never do.

I have this pattern in life.... I'll feel really motivated one day and decide to work out. Once I actually do it I realize it's not that bad. The ball starts rolling and one healthy habit leads to another. Before I know it I'm full steam ahead. This lasts for about a month. I'll loose a little weight and decide.... it's okay to have that piece of chocolate cake or.... 1/3 of the cake, and it's alright to skip a few days of working out. Then just as fast as the good habits took over the bad ones creep in and I'm falling deeper into what I call "the hole". I think this routine is semi- normal for women but sometimes wonder why I can't break the cycle. What is wrong with me? is it my past? my genetics? my brain? am I depressed?..... I don't feel depressed.... am I in denial? All of these thoughts swirl in my mind. I think when it comes down to it I just don't give myself enough credit. This is where marrying a man that does give you credit comes in handy. Taylor has been such a motivating factor for me, It's almost like I can see myself through his eyes and I am this strong, talented, unique, beautiful woman that he keeps telling me that I am. He is the "nudge" and the support that I've needed my entire life.

So I'm not sure what flipped the switch this time, the switch that starts the good habits, but I'm glad I'm digging myself out of the hole I was in for a while. I have gone almost a month without soda and I'm exercising pretty much every week day and doing some kind of physical activity on the weekends. I'm not trying anything extraordinary, just slow progress and it feels really good.

I'm taking taekwondo after work on Tuesdays/Thursdays and really enjoying it, its a good way to wake up the body after 8 hours of mind numbing work. I leave feeling energized and strong. On the off days I do yoga. It's a good routine but I think I'm ready to add some different work outs and change up my diet. I still eat some crappy foods, but I'm on my way to eating better.

Today is a slow day at work. End of the month fun.... 8 hours of internet surfing, book reading, bad food wanting, flash game playing, music listening, netflix watching, blog reading, stumbleuponing fun! It sounds nice, but by day 2 i'm done. I visit a lot of photography blogs and man does that sound like the perfect job? The grass is always greener I know, but If I could I would give that a shot for sure. This is actually a serious dream of mine. It would take a lot of work... classes, equipment, money etc. but that's what dreams are for right?

Iron and wine on conan? yes please! sometimes this job is okay I guess.

Who loves free stuff and Shutterfly as much as I do?

Alright guys listen up. I love free stuff and good deals, ask anyone that knows me. I'm pretty good at finding them too. This is a cool promotion among many that shutterfly offers if you sign up for their website. I used shutterfly to print out my pictures for my wedding invitations and made a photobook with them, I love it! it's so convenient and fun to use. I have so many digital pictures and it's great to have actual prints of them. You can have them shipped directly to your house or to a target location near your house. When I saw on another blog that they have a 2010 Holiday Card collection promotion going on I wanted to share it with you guys. I definitely wanted to do my christmas cards through them this year and this just makes it that much better.

CLICK IT


That is the link to the actual form you fill out to be a part of this promotion. You need to have a blog that is not private and that's about the only requirement to sign up. They will send you specific instructions on what to do through your email after a couple of days. You guys have to hurry up though because it's only going on through December 10th!


I was searching other places for christmas cards and no one had the quality selection that shutterfly has. They have a style to suite all of you. Here are some examples...














So cute right? I saw at least 5 on each page that I really liked, and that is rare. I like that last one because there is a lot of room to write a little letter if you want and I haven't seen that on a photo card like this before. Pretty neat.

Check out the whole collection of designs for yourself here.

you can also take care of your thank you cards through them too! be sure to check those out.

and look at these adorable calendars.

I really want to make one of these desktop calendars for my desk at work.

You can personalize each item and that's what I love about it. The photobook I made is truly a book by ME for me and Taylor. We will have it forever and it is filled with so many great memories of our first year together, even he loves it and he's not the easiest to impress. And guess what? I got that photo book FOR FREE! through another promotion shutterfly had a few months back. They really do appreciate their customers and it shows!

I know this was a lot of info but in summary, If you are into pictures as much as I am check out Shutterfly and the promotion!

Everything is right, Everything is wrong

I just opened the window to cool the room down. I'm up in one of our spare bedrooms that has hardly been used since we moved in last April because it has been too hot. It's sad because this is where our computer is, and all of my future/half finished/ideas for art projects sit. In boxes, untouched for months. When we buy a house I now have a list of requirements. I want a one story. It is nearly impossible to keep the top level of a house at a decent temperature during the Arizona scorchers. I want hardwood floors. Carpet gets dirty too fast when you're in a house full of boys(taylor, and the dogs) I can only imagine having kids and trying to keep carpet clean. I would settle for tile but prefer the look of wood much more.I want privacy in our backyard. Our neighbors yard for some reason is elevated and every time we are out there we see his head and whoever else might be joining him that day. Don't get me wrong, i've always dreamt of living next to a "Wilson" type (I pretty much grew up watching home improvement) but sometimes you just want to go in your backyard and not feel like someone else can see your every move. I want a more closed floor plan. This one may seem weird but in the house we have right now the kitchen dining room and living room are all connected and it almost makes it feel like an apartment. Maybe its because I grew up living in apartments that I would like to have everything be a little more divided. I don't want 4 walls around every room... but something in between what we have now and a prison cell would be nice.

I honestly didn't sit down with the intentions of picking apart the house we are renting now, I actually really like our house and feel so lucky that we live in such a roomy place for such a good price. I'm glad we have this time to decide what we like and don't like rather than buying a place and feeling this way about a house that we are stuck with. Sooo dream house here we come!... some day.

Back to the room that I am in... or more importantly, the things in this room. I have had such a flow of creative energy lately but no motivation to do anything with it. So often I feel held back by money, or skills. I need to tell myself I can do it.... when I lack in skills, I can teach myself. Our generation got the shaft in a lot of ways but we did get lucky when it comes to the internet and the amount of information that is available to us. It can be a great tool for so many things. When I lack in money, I can improvise. There is nothing more valuable than a creative mind, and I like to think that I have one.

Another thing that holds me back is energy. I signed up for a weekly fitness boot camp at work and I am hoping this will be the push that I need to get the ball rolling. I know fitness bootcamp doesn't sound like a very creative thing, but healthy habbits lead to so many great things. I know I will feel better, be more motivated, and have so much energy once I start eating right and exercising again. It's true what they say about getting married and living next to a McDonalds... its a deadly combo. So we'll see how trying to get back on track right before the holidays pays off for me.

Taylor gets home soon from his new job at FedEX. It's a lot of work but he is doing amazing. I married a hard worker and I am so proud of him. I do have a lot of time alone after work now before he gets home. I decided I need more friends. Friends with things like creative minds, dry senses of humor, appreciation for a good book, or band. People like me. I was never good at making friends... girl friends. I have a few amazing friends who will always be in my life, but Now that I'm starting to really figure out who Christa is I think its time to make some new ones. How do I go about this? it's not like in high school where you could turn to the person sitting next to you who was wearing a band t shirt that you liked or something (which I never did anyways because I was awkward and terribly shy... not much has changed) It's a learning and growing process I guess. Just like everything else. It's definitely something I look forward to.

Check out these photos I took at this random farbric by the pound shop my mom took me and my sister too. It was an interesting little place









And check out these neat glasses I got for 50 cents each at goodwill, I think they are so cute. I had to share.



This weekend we are going to the dunes. I found out a couples days ago that I will be the only girl on the trip, wish me luck. I'm actually really excited. Our last dunes trip was so much fun and its been about a year since we have been. Hopefully when we get back, in time for halloween, I will make some yummy carmel apples. I have been craving carmel apples with chocolate and sprinkles and other really bad for me stuff. What was I saying about eating healthy? disregard that until halloween is over.

Road Trip...

So i'm posting a picture from an airplane. It doesn't make sense I know. But it is Utah and that is where we are going! We will be staying with my Brother and his wife for a week and I haven't been this excited for a while. There is something about Utah, especially at this time of the year. I'm a sucker for the fall colors and cool air, it's magical. A place that is almost too perfect to actually exist.

I haven't been keeping up with this blog like I had hoped, but I hope to get back on track soon. We added a new member to our family and he has been consuming my time. We got a puppy! Buckminster (bucky) Brimhall a.k.a. Chocolate chip, the buckster, buck nasty, and so on...Taylor brought him home as an anniversary surprise and things have been crazy ever since! house training, vet visits, chewed up articles of clothing... it's all a learning experience. I don't know how people with babies do it. I have a newfound appreciation.

Introducing....


It's pretty impossible to say no to this face... and those eyes.

Taylor and I have been married 5 months today. Wow has it flown right on by.... time please slow down now.