Better Late Than Never

I went up north earlier this week, to visit another of my very best friends before she entered the MTC. It was soooo good to see her, because she has lived in Virginia for a long time. So naturally I hardly ever get to see her [if only I had a private jet...].

John had to stay home because of work. I was gone on Valentines day, so we agreed to celebrate it after I got back. We both aren't huge on Valentines Day, but I like to set aside some time to celebrate the love we have for each other. Our love day lasted for about two days. Yesterday, John brought home a dozen roses. The best part is that they were on sale! We decided that from now on we'll always celebrate a few days late, that way we can take advantage of all the sales!

I had to work on some freelance website stuff, but after I finished we watched a movie together. Side note: John has been in this weird habit lately of going to bed early, and waking up early! When I say early, I mean early. Like he wakes up at five A.M, and wants to go to bed at like 8:30 p.m. It's insane!

I designed a card to give him a while ago, but I hadn't gotten around to printing it. Today, I did, and it turned out well:

The flowers John got for me. :]

The card quotes one of my favorite Mumford & Sons songs: Sigh no more.

Lyrics:
Love, it will not betray you
dismay or enslave you,
it will set you free
to be more like the man [or woman]
you were made to be.

There is a design,
an alignment, a cry
to see the beauty of love
as it was made to be.

I believe that love is a very powerful thing. The love that John and I have for each other does not tie us down. The love that I feel from him sets me free. It gives me confidence and motivation to be a better person. I think that is what love is all about. It's a beautiful thing that sets us free to become more beautiful people. And I feel lucky to have found it, especially at such a young age. Jaunito truly is the best husband a girl could ask for!

I love John. <3

Healthier Already

It's been three weeks since John and I cut most dairy and meat from out diets. We now buy soy milk, or almond milk. We eat cheese. We have eggs occasionally. But for the most part that is it. We avoid all processed foods. We buy a lot of things organic, and we eat whole grain bread and whole grain pasta. Oh and lots of fresh fruits and veggies! The thing that surprises me most is that avoiding meat and dairy is not that hard!

I remember when my brother Mark was vegetarian, so he still ate all sorts of dairy. I use to think he was crazy! I couldn't understand how he could live without eating meat. When I tell people about our diet now, they say things like, "Wow, I wish I had the motivation to do that," or "I couldn't ever go without meat AND dairy!" But I'm telling you, if I can do it, you can to!

Part of the reason it's not so hard is that we haven't cut the stuff completely. We still have meat maybe once a week. And if I feel like going out for ice cream, I'm not going to have any guilt afterwards. Because I feel like a little bit isn't all that bad.

Plus, we've been cooking everything from scratch, and making up our own recipes that are actually quite amazing:

Whole grain pasta with garlic, zucchini, red peppers, spinach, and tomatoes.
Topped with a little parmesan cheese!

Lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, sliced almonds, mushrooms, tomatoes, and carrots.
Topped with feta cheese. Avocado on the side.

I'm not trying to force any of you to try this diet. But I am going to tell you what has happened to us in only three weeks:

• John has lost 10 pounds.
• We feel healthier.
• I'm not as tired.
• I'm getting enough fiber!
• Yesterday I went to the doctor to get blood work done for my thyroid. I also had them do tests to test my overall health. I haven't found out the results but I'm pretty sure that they'll be good.
• Perhaps the most exciting of all: Before I went on the diet, I was taking pills to slow down my heart rate. My resting heart rate has been in the high 90's for the last 4  or 5 years. I took the medicine to try and bring it down. Around the time I started this new diet I stopped taking them. And guess what my heart rate was when I had it checked yesterday!?!? 72 beats per minute! I couldn't believe it! I got so excited, and I made the nurse check again just to be sure. Her second check was 80 beats per minute [probably because I got so excited].

Food is the cure! It makes me angry that the FDA recommends so much more meat and dairy then what is actually necessary. I can get my protein and calcium from other foods that are healthier for me.

Ok. I've ranted long enough. But seriously, try eating less meat and dairy. It will do wonders.

Once There Was a Snowman

The snow has arrived! So John and I decided to make our first snow man together. Isn't he just adorable [the snow man]? Too bad John can't make a natural face in photos... ;}

Also, I'm officially working at Studio West Photography! :]

More of todays photos: 

Todays Outfit

Sometimes I get dressed in the morning, and I look in the mirror and I think, "Hey I like this combo!" I love it when I make a connection, and I combine my clothes in a new and exciting way.

That happened this morning. What can I say, I love complimentary colors:

Well, I'm off to learn some exciting stuff at a photo studio. Wish me luck! :]