Top 20

In 2006 I started this thing of coming up with a list of my favorite songs of the year and I've decided I really like doing that - I get some good tunes that way! Here's my list for 2008!

20. The Parting Glass - Shaun Davey...I liked this song a lot last year, too - it's from the movie Waking Ned Devine and if you haven't seen it, it's well-worth the trip to the video store!

19. Jessica's Theme - Bruce Rowland...this one's from a movie, too - The Man from Snowy River. Yes, it's a "horse movie" but that's not why I like the song - this is the tune I walked down the aisle to on August 23rd!

18. Paper Planes - MIA...haha Nathan hates this song, but it's pretty beloved by the store 733 crew - nothing better than watching Spencer mime out the sound effects and, inexplicably, understanding the lyrics.

17. You Promised Me - In-Grid...another one from the Abercrombie den, but this one I actually heard for the first time on a snorkeling trip in Cabo, so it brings back good memories - that, and the visual of Jon Nelson dancing around the salesfloor every 2 hours when it would come on

16. If You're Gonna Play in Texas - Alabama...not really a new song to me, but it just popped into my head one day and set up shop!

15. Boston - Augustana...again, not new to me, but it took on a whole new meaning when Joely left us for the east coast...I still cry and miss him when I hear it..."I think I'll go to Boston..."

14. Whole Wide World - Wreckless Eric...from Stranger Than Fiction - I can't explain it, I just love it!

13. Fast Car - Tracey Chapman...again, reminds me of my friend Joel - he hated the bastardized techno version at work, but I think that makes me appreciate the original even more.

12. When I Say Go - The 1900's...I will never EVER admit from whom I first heard this song, but I will say, I'm glad I gave it a listen - it sounds retro but relevant at the same time (listen to me, talking like I think I know what I'm talking about...)

11. Teardrops on My Guitar - Taylor Swift...go on, laugh all you want, but I like the song! I also like Nick Larkin imitating any Taylor Swift song, so...there it is.

10. Free Fallin' (live) - John Mayer...my favorite song + my favorite artist = listening heaven...I think I cried when I discovered this! I like the Heart-of-Life-isms he throws in.

9. Society - Eddie Veder...okay, the whole Into the Wild soundtrack could probably take up most of this list, but I managed to whittle it down to my favorite three...this one makes me feel guilty for working where I do...it makes me dream of the future

8. Hard Sun - Eddie Veder...this is the BEST driving song I've heard in a good long while - it even makes going to work a little more pleasant - and it lends itself well to my "music video moments!"

7. Guaranteed - Eddie Veder...one phrase sums it up: "they think of me and my wandering but I'm never what they thought..." I think everyone my age has felt this song before...

6. Summer of '69 (live acoustic) - Bryan Adams...the little piano ditty right between "standing on your mama's porch" and "you told me that you'd wait forever" is such a moving little moment...Bubba, you were right! This version is better!

5. Little Wonders - Rob Thomas...Brittany got me into this song, and it definitely deserves to be on this year's soundtrack! I've had so many of these small hours this year and it's true, they are what make life worth living. Something has to support the big hours!

4. Stolen - Dashboard...again, a repeat from last year, but it has to be one of my favorites of all time! I really came to like the fast version this year, but Nathan and I had our first dance to the slower one. What a great night that was!

3. Everything - Michael Buble...easily the title track for the Wedding Weekend - and the song Nathan and I made our first entrace to as husband and wife! It will always take me back to that moment and all the photos and laughs surrounding it.

2. Angel from Montgomery - Susan Tedeschi...Kristen Stewart sang this song in Into the Wild but I found this wonderful, soulful version and haven't stopped trying to belt it since...come to find out Nikos has like 20 versions of it - and we will forever debate which is the best.

..............drumroll.....................

1. Viva la Vida - Coldplay...this song is undeniable. Its beat, its theme, the way it swells with emotion and touches on a turbulant and bloody time in history...it's just the best song I've heard in a long time and I don't think my car's speakers will ever be the same...it just...fills you somehow, it overwhelms you...I still can't get enough of it!

ouch

Well this past week has been one for the record books! I don't think I've been in a greater, and more continuous, variety of pain in my life. First, there was the 5-hour stint in the Emergency Room (thanks, ruptured ovarian cyst), then a riding lesson that I was physically ill-equipped for and finally, over an hour in the saddle today. Eek! Of course, except for the cyst thing, it was all worth it!

My lesson went better than I could have imagined! I didn't get to ride the horse I had wanted to, but I DID get another Thoroughbred named Bijou. She was WONDERFUL! It was something else to be on a horse who was so settled and steady that I could totally concentrate on my position. My instructor said that whatever my riding background has been it's made me a "pretty strong" rider. I told her if she met my horse, she'd understand, haha.

That being said, I took Rapper on a trail ride today and I have to say, no fancy Thoroughbred hunter can compete with my boy! He's so comfy and so spirited - I wouldn't trade him for anything!

PS: I'm having a model horse renaissance! Check out the new ones!

awesome news!

So there is one awesome thing that is going to come out of me working the day after Thanksgiving (BLACK FRIDAY, bwahaha). I get 3 days off the following week instead of 2 and on one of those, I get to go have a riding lesson!
I found this great stable here in Eugene that trains both hunters and jumpers and their prices are really reasonable. I've always wanted to learn how to jump and now is my chance! It's going to be so great! I went to look at the place (Triple Rise) last week and was very impressed. The people were really nice, the horses were beautiful and it still has that quaint, small-stable atmosphere. All their lesson horses are former show horses and I already have my eye on a Thoroughbred mare named Juliet (I've never ridden a Thoroughbred before and that would be something to check off my life goals list) and I'm wondering how I can finagle my way to riding her.
I won't lie though, I'm nervous...I'm pretty good with Rapper and I'm confident that I'm a fast learner, but a 16 hand-high jumper is an entirely different kind of ride. Still, it's going to be something! If only I didn't have to wait a week and a half!

wow

Listening to John Mayer. Reading Bill Bryson. Driving through the Gorge. Watching my old 1996 Breeder's Cup video.

It's always like visiting an old friend. I can never remember why I stopped listening-reading-driving-watching. It's like emotional comfort food - and every once in a while, you find something you never heard-read-saw before and it feels brand new and totally familiar at the same time.

I discovered a new live version of an old Mayer favorite "In Your Atmosphere" and at the end there is the purest, most beautiful little song blurb I've ever heard...

wherever I go, whatever I do
I wonder where I am in my relationship to you
wherever you go, wherever you are
I watch your life play out in pictures from afar
wherever I go, whatever I do
I wonder where I am to my relationship to you
wherever you go, whatever you are
I watch that pretty life play out in pictures from afar

(and then he sings "oooooooooooooooo" a few times in a softer-than-Eddie-Veder-in-the-Into-the-Wild-soundtrack-but-just-as-moving kinda way)

PS: there's a cover of "Free Fallin'" that literally made my morning.

note to self:

download these songs tomorrow...just don't forget!

The Blower's Daughter
Cannonball
Brass Bed

there were more, I'm almost positive...

Get your own Family Sticker Maker & MySpace Layouts.

25th Anniversary

About 24 years ago, in the fall of 1984, two things happened - well, two things that were of any importance. First, on November 4th, I was born. Then, on November 18th, the inaugural Breeder's Cup day took place. Almost a quarter of a decade later, the Breeder's Cup is going strong and I am still hanging on every detail.
BreedersCup.com has been celebrating the 25 year anniversary of Racing's Greatest Day by counting down the top 25 moments in its history, most of which I agree with. But, I have my own ideas about what constitutes a "greatest moment," and I can't let this weekend go by without mentioning my allegience to one of horse racing's greats, the "inconquerable, invincible, the unbeatable Cigar."
I won't bore you with the details of Cigar's life, racing career and serendipitous sterility that led he and I to share a few quiet moments one sweltering morning at the Kentucky Horse Park - I will just say that after all the horse races I have seen, the 1995 Classic is the only one that still moves me to tears. Beating knee surgery, an ulcer and hives, a bad track, an outside post and a controversy over his shoes, Cigar exploded at the half-mile pole, dragging Jerry Bailey to the lead and putting three lengths between him and the rest of the field. In the soft dirt of the Belmont gloom, he set a track record, capped off a perfect season, would go on to tie a generations-old winning streak record, win the very first Dubai World Cup and set an earnings record that would not be broken for twelve years. Watch it and tell me he's not something special.

http://www.breederscup.com/greatestmoments.aspx?year=1995&divisionname=classic

new kitty pics!

I just wanted to post some pictures of my 6 month-old monster babies! They've gotten so big - at the vet last week, they both weighed in at almost 9 pounds! Simon is discovering the joys of playing fetch and peek-a-boo while Fisher is obsessed with hunting the beam from the laser pointer I bought them. They are both super people-oriented and friendly and just about demand attention. I can't believe 6 months ago, someone just tossed them in a dumpster. They're the best kitties ever!

still loving the newlywed life

So the last time I blogged, I talked about Nathan getting a job at Hollister and me looking to move on from A&F. Well, things didn't exactly work out the way we thought they would. Nathan didn't get the job, and I'm actually very happy that it worked out that way - he needs to be focused on getting through school and I don't think he'd have the time to study, work, sleep AND be a husband. At first, I was bummed out, but the more I thought about it, we'd been praying fervently that things would happen as they needed to happen and that we'd receive revelation as far as what we should do for our jobs. And things are definitely working out in an interesting, yet totally fulfilling way.

Not long after Nathan didn't get the Hco. job, he registered for three classes at Lane Community College and arranged to work on the days he doesn't go to school. Around the same time, my store manager, Brenda, gave her two weeks at work, meaning the SM position was open. I figured they'd transfer someone in to take her place - I never dreamed that our district manager would be calling me and telling me there was a possibility I could get the job. But sure enough, at a conference in Seattle, I found out that I was being promoted to store manager at Valley River Center's A&F. I'm really excited to have the opportunity - it's a huge responsibility and I still have a lot to learn, but I feel like all I have learned these past 6 months and all the hard work I've put in have paid off. It's nice to have a solid job and be the breadwinner while Nathan finishes school...there will be a time, I know, when I will want to spend time at home with our kids when they're young, but now, it feels good to be able to provide for my husband!

PS: here are a couple of my favorite candids from the wedding day - the professional pics can be seen at AdamsandFaith.com.

it's 9 days later...

I've been Mrs. Shaw for over a week and I am LOVING it! It's such a wonderful feeling to know that when I get home from work, my husband will be there. When I wake up in the morning, my husband will be beside me. At the end of the night, he doesn't have to leave me. And everything is OURS. To be honest, not much has really changed since we were already such an old married couple :) - just him living with me and, you know, the sex ;). I think I'll feel much more like we're married after next week when we've moved into our new apartment. We did end up deciding on Parkside after all and I just can't WAIT to be in a newer, nicer place with an extra room and a washer and dryer.
In other news, Nathan is interviewing with Hollister's District Manager on Wednesday for a position as their Stock Lead. Full-time, flexible with school and comes with benefits. It's pretty much a done deal that he'll get it and I am so excited for him. Bottom line, it means I can start looking for another job - with a photography studio - that has comparable pay but no necessarily benefits. Not that I'm leaving A&F right this second but I'll want to move on eventually.
Well, I have today off and so I'll be at home, packing and doing chores. Hooray.

inspired

Becky Holder and Courageous Comet

Karen O'Connor and Theodore "Teddy" O'Connor

Beezie Madden and Authentic

After a couple days of watching what little Olympic Equestrian coverage there is, I was itching to get out on my horse. Of course, this urge had to come on the hottest day of the year...nonetheless, I got up early (early for a day off, anyway) and went to the barn to awaken my steed. After a good grooming and some convincing that the barn's pressure washer was NOT some sort of dragon, we saddled up and headed out.


There's nothing like the feeling of your horse, rounded and powerful, galloping beneath you. We went on a new path today, and I think Rapper really liked it - there was a part where the trail curved gently to the right and he really swung around it and accelerated. Don't get me wrong, we weren't going at racing speed, but he was moving with power and grace and all I could think was..."is it too late for me to be an Olympian?"

almost there!

10 days and counting! Nathan and I are almost husband and wife! We've been approved for a newer, nicer, 2 bedroom apartment closer to work AND Rapper, the wedding dress has been altered (and fits perfectly!), I'm getting a haircut and going tanning today, wedding gifts are arriving every day and Frenchie will be here on Saturday! It's all coming together!

In other news - the boys are loving the Oympics. No, seriously. They love sitting on the coffee table, watching the events...volleyball and water polo are their favorites - although last night, Simon discovered that gymnastics are pretty neat, too.

Hope everyone else is enjoying their summer as much as I am!

3 weeks!

Well I had a really nice post all set up, but Fisher just walked across my keyboard and managed to delete it somehow. And I'm not in the mood to retype it. So, bottom line: three weeks till the wedding, getting really excited, you know the story.

And in other news, Nathan and I are looking for a "newlywed apartment." At first, we were just thinking that he'd move in here with me and we'd rough it in a one bedroom apartment for a little while. But...well...we don't have enough room for all our stuff! We need a two bedroom, and after Tylor and Amanda's car got broken into just blocks from here earlier this week, I'm kinda ready to move into a nicer neighborhood.

We went and looked at Parkside Apartments last night and I have to say, I'm IN LOVE with the place. It's closer to Rapper by about 15 minutes and right near Beltline so I could get to work in less than ten minutes. The units they have available are all upstairs with vaulted ceilings, new carpet and full-size washers and dryers. Plus, there's a grocery store within walking distance and the grounds are immaculate. Nathan and I are going to pray about it before making any final decisions, but hopefully come mid-September, we'll be moving to OUR brand-new apartment!

PS: here are some pictures I never posted from the Temple on June 28th. Enjoy!

25 days!

In 25 days I'll be MRS. SHAW! I can't say I'm thrilled about the "Mrs." part - that'll make me feel so old - but I can't wait to be married to Nathan! In all honesty, I don't think much will change except for...well, the obvious ;)...but it will be so nice to know that no matter what happens here in this life, we will be able to be together FOREVER!
I'm getting really excited for the wedding DAY, too. I've been planning this since last September (and thinking about it since our one month anniversary, haha) and it's going to be so great to see it all come together. I think some of my favorite parts are the little details that make our wedding so unique to US. For instance...

• Camp Colton used to be an outdoor school - that my dad went to
• it was also the location for the first wedding I ever photographed with Adams and Faith
• since we don't drink, we're having an Italian Soda bar instead
• Clayton's "Ring Bear"
• the white rose in my bouquet as a tribute to my Grandpa

I'm trying to talk my mom into retiring early so that she and I can start our own wedding planning business. Seriously, I think with her organizational skills and my knowledge of what looks good (thanks Art degree!) we'd have ourselves a business.

25 days!

PS: on a more somber note, EVERYONE should download the Into the Wild soundtrack..."Society" and "Guarantee" will give you some perspective.

almost there!

One month from today, Nathan and I will be getting married! Seriously - our sealing time at the temple is 11:00 on August 23rd! This morning, Nathan and I went to the courthouse to get our marriage license, the wedding dress has been delivered, bridesmaids' dresses are here, lingerie is on the way (hee hee) and I've got final hair appointments made - it's official, we're really going to get married!

into the wild

I always knew I was in love with Christopher Johnson McCandless...more with the idea of him than him as a person...after all, how can you be in love with someone you never met? Someone who died when you were just a child?
But now...I know him...he's the wildest, most untamed part of me that longs to be free and untouched. The part of me that would succumb to wanderlust if I wasn't so deeply committed to the life I have.

Read the book.

Watch the movie.

And try to deny that you've never felt those same feelings.

Happy Birthday!

Well, my boys are 3 months old today! And wow, are they terrors - running at top speed around and around the house, climbing up everything, unrolling the toilet paper, then going back and shredding it, and climbing into every cardboard box and plastic bag in the house. They jump on me when I'm trying to nap, pounce on me when I least suspect it and seem to think that my legs are meant to climb up...But it's all worth it when they hop up on my lap, purring, and want to nuzzle my neck - or when they wait at the door for me to come home. I'm so glad we adopted these little miracles and that they're such wonderful kittens!

our babies!

Nathan and I decided long ago that, unless personal revelation or fate intervenes, we'd like to wait a few years to have kids. That being said, thanks to my cousin's sons Clayton and Dylan and my soon-to-be nephew Jacob, I'd been feeling that maternal urge swelling upward until I couldn't take it anymore. So..........we adopted two kittens instead!



We've had Simon and Fisher for just over a month now and even though neither Nathan or I would ever describe ourselves as "cat people," we both have to say that we can't imagine how we ever got along without our boys. Yes, they like to pounce on you right when you're about to fall asleep and yes, it's now unsafe to leave anything in a cardboard box, but they bring us so much -joy. There's nothing more entertaining than to watch a 2 month-old kitten pretend he's a monkey and hang upside down from your desk chair, and nothing more peaceful than to read your scriptures at night with the two of them sleeping on the back of the couch, purring their happiness. These are our babies!

The whole litter at six weeks. We were originally only going to get Fisher (the tan one, second from the left), but when we went to visit, we realized that we couldn't leave Simon to be the only one left behind.

This was right after they figured out that they're big enough to climb onto the window sill. Simon's in a constant state of wanting to attack something...he thinks he's so stealth...his brother actually IS.

Simon on his new throne in mom's room.

Fisher giving himself a bath, propped up against my neck. He's the kind of guy who only likes to be snuggly when it's his idea. And then, you'd better drop everything and give him your undivided attention...or else.

The brothers, napping peacefully on a sleepy afternoon.

pictures from before

Here are some of my favorite photos of Nathan and I - well, at least since fall of last year (all the others, the cute ones from when we first started dating, are in storage on a back-up computer until I get around to transfering them).
From top to bottom...

• October 2007 at the pumpkin patch. Note Nathan's long hair in preparation from going as Jim from the Office for Halloween.
• December 27th, 2007 at the Vista House in Corbett. That was the cold, blustery, gorgeous day that Nathan got down on one knee, in the snow, and asked me to be his wife!
• April 2008 in Cabo San Lucas. Thanks to Grandma's condo points, Mom's frequent flyer miles and the fact that Nathan had never gone international, we got to spend a week in sunny Mexico!
• June 7th, 2008, after Bridal Shower #1. While the girls got to eat sandwiches, exclaim over gifts of silverware and a canister set, and watch Big Brown lose the Belmont, the boys were off shooting pool and bowling over plates of nachos.
• June 14th, 2008 at my graduation. What a perfect day it was to bid farewell to a memorable and meaningful college career. Once a Duck, always a Duck!

getting started

Well I'll start by saying that I have had a blog before. Admittedly, no one ever read it except for myself, spammers and my first boyfriend. I stopped posting months ago because it was becoming mostly song lyrics, playlists, tributes to dead racehorses that no one (but me) cared about and the last threads tied to a past I have decided to let rest.
My cousin Brittany has done a phenomenal job chronicling the life and times of her young and wonderful family and even though Nathan and I aren't married yet (55 days!), I figure it's not too soon to start following her example.
The next few posts will probably be mostly pictures and random stories...maybe some details on how the soon-to-be-Angle-Shaws got started and where we are planning on going. Enjoy!