Monthly Archives: January 2017
I find English to be a fascinating language, a combination of roots of different languages with variations in meaning depending on context. As the news of our move is shared, I hear people exclaim, “You’re moving to England? That’s terrific!” Really, I couldn’t think of a better word to describe how I feel. Terrific (adv), 1. magnificent, 2. exciting fear or awe. Derived from Latin terrificus, to frighten The reality of me leaving hit hard this week. I was so excited when my new Erin Condren Life…
Our Wedding Vows Martin, of all the blessings I’ve been given, you are by far the best. The last six years, four months, and fifteen days have been the greatest adventure of my life. We’ve celebrated the highest of highs, consoled each other in the dark days, and encouraged each other as we’ve pursued our dreams. We’ve traveled the world, and we’ve found our home. I believe at the very core of my soul that God created us for each other. As your wife, I promise to respect…
Normally, I am all about New Year’s Resolutions. I set them the week between Christmas and the new year, write them down, and make them into S.M.A.R.T. goals which I put in my calendar. But this year has been different. I’ve talked to Martin a bit about resolutions this year and I’m struggling (hence this post halfway through January). I’m subjecting myself to so much change this year that purposefully adding yet another thing to think about and improve upon is overwhelming. Any New Year’s…
My best friend Audra (and the maid of honor in our wedding) lives in Orlando, and every time I visit, there is never a shortage of things to do. Even better, she used to work for Disney and has tons of connections, so when we wanted to do formal tea at the Grand Floridian last minute, she made a phone call and made it happen. We arrived early to walk around the hotel. For those who haven’t been, Disney’s Grand Floridian is styled after Victorian era Florida. At the time, the railway was…
An overcast day in Florida can only mean one thing: exploring the hidden treasures of bookstores, antique stores, and art museums the Tampa area has to offer. Martin and I found a gorgeous gem adjacent to the University of Tampa, a bookstore/restaurant/gift store/event space combo called the Oxford Exchange. I’m the type who romances a bookstore, that nerdy comfort of diving into a story and emerging in an Indian jungle or at the base of the Eiffel Tower or aboard a west-bound train. To read is to export yourself, expand your knowledge of the…
