Peter moves in!

All day, we helped Peter and Jeremy move out of the Globe Apartments. We made two trips to Jeremy's parent's where he'll be staying for now. And one trip out to Grand Haven where Peter will be staying for now. With us in our guest bedroom! We started at around 1 pm, started working on Jeremy's stuff first. There are some major creepos that hang out near the Globe. I finally got to meet CP! (Jeremy's adorable cat) It's sad how we used to have "Office" parties, and our Christmas party there and now we'll never see the place again. It's so funny how people grow, change, move, move on. Life moves along too fast for my liking.

(peter and brett waiting for slow ass Jeremy)

It was the craziest, windiest day ever today. It was really warm outside but the wind was insane! I absolutely loved every second of it. Wind is my favorite thing ever. Not to mention being in Grand Rapids.

(see?)

We made our final trip out to Grand Haven. We got some pizza and scarfed it after a long day of work and I cleaned up the apartment a little bit, took a shower and set out my clothes for tomorrow. Peter is in his bedroom unpacking and organizing, Brett has been sitting on the computer for three hours straight (even though I told him to go scoop the kitty litter)

(peter in his new room for the next 2 1/2 months!)

So yeah, it should definitely be a fun summer. I'm looking forward to every second of it.

currently playing:

hit the lights - tell me where you are (acoustic version)

Tiger CD release show

Saturday night was the Tiger CD Release Show at The Daac. Make a Change (Brent who owns Truth & Justice's new band!), Accidents, Tall Ships, Under Anchor, Tiger and Signs of Hope played. It was a pretty good show, but it was so hot in there. I hung outside between sets with Kait and finally by the end of the night sat by the merch table because my feet were killing me. Afterwards, Nick, Jer, Peter, Brett and I walked down to Ritz Koney. Afterwards, we tried to get the van started and it wasn't having it. We kept having to jump it continuously and then finally got it going out on the street and it stalled right downtown. We had to push it down Ionia and back into the Mixtape parking lot, and left it there overnight and finally headed back home at like 2 am. I loved being in Grand Rapids though. Loved it. I really miss it there.

(tall ships)

(dead van)

currently playing:

the get up kids - last place you look

Lake Michigan

So today was just another day in the life of Brett and Tieka. We had a rough day when we realized his paycheck didn't show up again. Thank God we have amazing parents to pull us through these rough spots. I don't know where we'd be without them, honestly. We have the greatest people in the world surrounding us, who give us major support and we'd be lost without our family (and friends too!) As much as we'd like to leave someday, I'd hate to think of our lives without them around us constantly, every day or every week.

Later in the evening, Brett and I rode bikes down to the lake. I proceeded to go halfway in the water, not all the way in yet. Afterwards, we just rode all around downtown Grand Haven and looked through all of the neighborhoods with amazing houses, wishing we can someday own a house half as cool as those. Ah, life.

(me in lake michigan)

(brett being brett)

currently playing:

the weepies - can't go back now

100 Degrees

So I roasted all day long at work in our office. Our a/c does not work well at all and it is so annoying when all the shop guys come to the window, fling it open and stand there breathing, with their mouths open, my semi-cool air that is now escaping outside. All the while they sit there staring at me like I'm some kind of zoo animal while they are not wearing a shirt, and sweating like a pig all over my outside counter. It's so revolting; I could just die.

After work, Brett and I drove into Grand Rapids, so that we could sell my easel to some girl from craigslist. Afterwards, we got some fuel, drove past our old apartment, canceled my YMCA membership (until winter) and got some food. We drove in a/c the whole way and were like, holy crap! when we noticed it was 100 degrees on my thermostat! Man oh man, summer is here!

(100 degrees!)

currently playing:

marching band - for your love

Potawatomi Park

Brett and I decided to go take a bike ride over to Potawatomi Park. We rode through some of the bike trails and walked on the little boardwalk. We played on the playground, obviously, that's what we do! We got some fun pictures and walked around for a bit. After that, we rode over to Brett's parent's for sodas and dessert. Afterwards, we rode back home and it finally cooled down.

(I married the most adorable person on the planet.)

Summer is off to a pretty great start! The weather is finally here. We have some amazing plans coming up. Even though we're struggling with money, and not getting enough hours at work, and Brett being laid off and on disability. We're young, we're happy, and we have amazing support from our family and friends. Life is definitely great.

currently playing:

the weepies - happiness

First day of summer

Well, okay, it's not technically the first day of summer. That was last Sunday, but we were too busy with Father's Day festivities, so instead we had our first day of summer today and celebrated by heading out to Lake Michigan. Grand Haven beach was so entirely busy, and the water wasn't cold by any means, but it's not ready yet. Lots of fish bones, seaweed and beach grass mushed in the lake. The lake always naturally filters itself, I guess it hasn't done so yet. So we didn't go swimming yet, but we took a walk along the shoreline. It is so hot here today, like 89 degrees hot. Hello, summer!

(brett)

(me)

Brett and I felt like total fatties on the beach today. We stayed for like a half hour and were like, "Let's go home and go running and do crunches." Haha, so now we're just waiting for the sun to go down more. Blah, bodies. This is why I'm a Michigan girl. I can wear jeans and long sleeves 3/4 of the year. :]

currently playing:

sleepaway - if i try

Mos Eisley's 13th anniversary party

Saturday was the Mos Eisley's 13th anniversary party/show. I was running late and had to drive separate because I worked at my Mom's shop from 2-5 so she could help set up a party. After I closed up her shop in Lakeside, I headed over to my parent's house for my aunt's husband's retirement party. I ate some delicious tacos and cupcakes (yikes!) and chatted with my cousins for a bit, especially with Jason. He's always been the one I've had the most in common with, but realized after talking with him for like a good two hours, that we have way more in common than I thought, which is completely awesome. He's a super cool guy. I had a blast hanging out there and didn't want to leave, but had to head out to Grand Rapids to see Tall Ships. I went 95-100 mph the whole way because I was running so late, haha. Got to Grand Rapids, parked and to the show in a flat 30 minutes! Lights at Sea played first, and they were amazing, as always. Afterwards Tall Ships played, and then North Lincoln. I had a really great time at the show, except that it was way too loud and now my ears won't stop ringing. (two days later)

(brett at mos eisleys, photo credit to mike mirza)

Afterwards, a few of us walked down to Ritz Koney. We ate and just sat around talking for a few hours. I just mostly talked with Kait the entire night, which was a blast. I absolutely adore that girl. Afterwards, I drove back to Grand Haven, baked muffins at 2 am for my step-dad for Father's day, talked with Brett for a good hour in bed, and finally fell asleep at 3 am. Phew!

currently playing:

sleepaway - understand

Rainy BBQ

Friday, we had some of our close friends over for a BBQ! We were able to use our new charcoal grill we purchased! Andrea, Peter, Jeremy, Kait, Mike, Andrew and Brenna all came. Brett and I set up the sun room with tables and chairs, because it was a downpour outside with thunder and lightning! We made chicken and steak shishkabobs, rice and garlic bread, with strawberry shortcake and chocolate cheesecake for dessert! It was super delicious. We turned out all of the lights and sat in the dark watching out the sunroom windows for lightning bolts. Then we all got into Brett's car and drove down to Lake Michigan, to go run down to the beach in the pouring rain. We danced, raced, ran and played in the rain! It was seriously a blast. I love friends, the lake, rain, summer.

(me, jeremy and kait in the back of the car on the way there)

Afterwards, we all came back to our apartment, changed into pajamas and all sat down to watch "Dumb and Dumber". Jeremy and Kait stayed the night on the couch and everyone else headed home. <3

currently playing:

marching band - everything

Tall Ships at Jenison

Sunday, Tall Ships had a show at Jenison Christian in Hudsonville. We met the guys at the practice space and headed out in the van. Sitting next to Nick's stinky pits and ranch Pringle breath, I wanted to die. The Bangups, Tall Ships, some terrible acoustic act and Listener played. It was quite an odd show at some random church in the middle of nowhere, but oh well. A show is a show, publicity is publicity and money is money for a small, struggling band like Tall Ships who need all they can get. Plus, it's always fun being around our friends, no matter the situation. Afterwards, Brett and I ate a late night dinner at IHOP and headed home.

currently playing:

acceptance - take cover

Miniature golf

We decided to try the newly decorated El Camino for their super delicious taco dinner plates. Then we headed over to Craig's Cruiser's for a game of miniature golf. We got stuck behind a bunch of retarded kids, of course. But it was a pretty good time. It's hard finding stuff to do when you're like Brett and I and never want to stay home and watch TV. But we manage.

We got home from our vigorous game of mini-golf and Brett took a little nap in the sun room. Exactly like this. Hahaha.

currently playing:

marching band - for your love

Art festival

Saturday, Brett and I walked downtown to the art festival. Just a bunch of tents with a lot of the same artists that were at Festival of the Arts in Grand Rapids. We walked around a few local shops on Washington. Grand Haven is such a fun town for "local spots". I want to start trying more local restaurants, and to check out a bunch of shops and what not. Even though, I'm sure I've already been in most. I can't tell you how many times we've walked downtown.

currently playing:

marching band - everything

Fridays and Sunrooms

Friday night, Brett went to his parents to escape from girl's night. I took a couple of pictures in our sunroom; the lighting was amazing. After taking them, I realized that painting the sunroom ceiling needs to move to the top of our to-do list. I cannot wait to finish this apartment. I need at least four more trips to IKEA. I have all of the rooms decorated in my mind, just not in reality. I'm such an idealist and I never know if that is a good or bad thing. I need more money in order to be an idealist.

Afterwards, Kait and Brenna came into town for a girl's outing. We headed downtown to eat dinner at the Dee-Lite. Then we went to Blockbuster and rented He's Just Not That Into You and came back home to watch. I loved hanging out with those two; I'm starting to feel like I have a "group" of girlfriends to hang out with and talk with and grow closer with, which is something I haven't had in a really long time. It's so nice to talk about girl things, to laugh, to just be a girl. I'm starting to feel really close to Andrea, Brenna and Kait. I only see it getting so much better in the future.

currently playing:

marching band - aggravate

Drive-in theater

Wednesday night, Brett and I went to the drive-in for bargain night! We saw The Hangover and Terminator Salvation although I slept through most of terminator, but The Hangover was a great movie! I loved it. We got there way too early and ended up beating each other up and taking too much video but it was fun! I had a lot of fun even considering how trashy that place is. Great night with the hubby!

(brett and me)

(i beat him up so good)

currently playing:

anberlin - adelaide

Living room and kitchen

This past weekend we kind of "finished up" the living room and kitchen. I still want to purchase some things for it, like a couple of oversized chairs for the back corners in the living room because that is a pretty empty area. There are always improvements to be made, but I'm really excited with how it is turning out! Slowly, but surely! For my birthday, I am asking to go to IKEA. I have a list already! We should definitely have the sun room and rec room finished by our huge Coast Guard party in August. Plus, with Pete moving in for two months, I have one less room to decorate for now. I'm super excited to get this place filled up, cozied and decorated.

(living room angle from sun room)

(living room)

(kitchen view from living room)

(kitchen view from door)

currently playing:

takka takka - fever

Outdoor patio

Our outdoor patio is coming along fabulously. After some amazing donations from family and some repotted flower pots thanks to Colleen, and some fix-ups here and there, I'd say it's safe to say we're pretty much done with it. We have yet to get some chair pads for the lounge chairs, and hopefully someday a better grill that doesn't smoke our guests out. But I'm in love with it. It's just wonderful. I can't wait for many barbeques to take place in the near future.

currently playing:

the "garden state" soundtrack

Kaline CD release show

Saturday was the Kaline CD Release show! Brett and I headed out toward the practice space to load up Tall Ship's equipment into the van. Festival of the Arts was going on downtown Grand Rapids, so we walked around that for a bit which was fun. A lot of different bands played that I don't normally watch, so it was really good to see some variety in Grand Rapids. Tall Ships played and put me on the spot for Tieka Ships, right in the middle of their set, and Brett was like, "Who wants Tieka to come up and sing?" And everyone was like, "Yeah!" so I had to go up and do The Outcome. But it was a blast. Definitely the right setting for a Tieka Ships performance. Kaline played and was amazing. They are seriously so good.

(tieka ships!)

currently playing:

kaline - sky high

Apartment warming barbeque

Friday night, everyone came over for an "apartment warming" bbq. Peter, Andrea, Jeremy, Kait, Matt and Mani all came over so we could grill burgers out on the outdoor patio! Jeremy and Kait brought the best cake ever. Haha! We have the greatest friends in the world, honestly.

(andrea, pete, matt, mani, kait)

Afterwards, we all walked/drove downtown to watch the musical fountain. Jer, Kait, Brett and I watched "Harry and the Hendersons" afterwards. It was great; loved having friends over on our side of town. Although I really miss Grand Rapids, I'm definitely in love with this place.

currently playing:

the "garden state" soundtrack

Sims 3!

Thank God there is a shining light of hope at the 

end of this dark tunnel called life!

SIMS3!

It just showed up today at my doorstep (darn that moving process!)

But now I get to play it all day and all night.

And I will.

Oh I totally will. 

See you in a few months.

currently playing:

the replacements - alex chilton

(they have completed my life lately)