Turns out there are some exciting changes going on around these parts. 

If the above video doesn't work, look here. 

Getting a little personal

I would like to say that I'm not much of a complainer. Most of the time, I don't see the need to share my complaints with the world. Today I'm feeling a little different. A little more frank.

Isn't it interesting how fast we can feel picked on? Like we're getting the shaft.

A month ago we moved to Brazil, and it has been quite the rollercoaster (or in Portuguese: montanha-russa, direct translation meaning Russian mountain. What?)

Oh the little things.

Lots of cold, rainy days (I thought I was in Brazil??) A pan that seems to burn everything, every time. Not being able to find basics (like ground beef) in the grocery store. No wifi. Husband that works long, never-ending hours. All of our beloved belongings still sitting in L.A., 3.5 months after sending it off. Not being able to express myself, this language gives me a headache sometimes. Needing converters/adaptors for everything. Dare I say lonely? Missing my friends and family. Stranded, no car. Broken chargers. No fridge. Everything is SO expensive, and in my pessimistic attitude: crappy quality. Oh, and no phone. Communication with outside world = non-existent.

How the list could go on... and on. Obviously, I would be a big fat liar if I said everything this month has been wonderful, exciting, and "everything a new home should be". Except, a new home usually isn't so enjoyable at the beginning, I think. It has been really tough, and I've been frustrated to tears numerous times.

And then.

Then there are those moments that just slap me in the face, and it's like I can finally see clearly. My oh my, what a brat I can be!! Missing the enormous blessings staring me right in the eye. First of all- how awesome it is to actually be here! And friends who are moving and generously gave us practically all their furniture- for free. (Otherwise, we'd still be using an air mattress with a duct taped hole.) Or an adorable little house that is just ours for 2 years. Amazing people that have gone above and beyond to help us out, just because. My superstar dad that gladly hauls down boxes of peanut butter, pumpkin puree, and ziploc bags. The most delicious mangoes you have ever tasted. Getting to spend time with my sister and cousin before they leave on missions (TO BRAZIL!) And so, so much more.

Bottom line: life is so hard, but even more beautiful.

HOWEVER, as a side note things are seriously looking up. Finally having a fridge, wifi, and phone improved quality of life a million fold overnight. Rainy days mean I can wear boots and jackets, something I suspect will become extinct too soon in a Brazilian summer. I can't make all the American dishes I crave, but Brazilian dishes can be every bit as tasty- and exciting to learn new ways of cooking. Alex's hours are getting more regular. Hallelujah! And last week I traveled to Iguaçu Falls with my two favorite girls.

This awkward gem had to be included

When Alex and I visited Iguaçu last year, the water was white as could be, as seen below. So stunning and what you imagine Iguaçu to look like. This picture is taken at the same spot as the one below it.

This year, due to lots of recent rain, the water was a murky brown from top soil. Unfortunately, not as "stunning" as before. I was a little disappointed that the girls couldn't witness Iguaçu like I did, but looking back at this picture has made me realize a few things. 

I love the contrast. The brown almost looks red, and against the green and gorgeous rainbow, it is beyond. Not the picture perfect I remembered, but actually better in a special way. Basically, this picture reminds me that life is full of contrast- the great and the definitely not-so-great moments. It takes patience to look past the difficult things, but together it makes something exceptional and much more interesting.

This Summer

It's been a while. It appears that nowadays I only post when I have something huge to post- like a trip to France. I suppose that in comparison to that, everything else seems pretty blah.

But actually I totally forget about this little blog. Because life hasn't been that blah lately. Alex and I graduated, spent a week down in Zion's, moved out of our apartment, shipped all of our (endless) stuff off, drove cross country TWICE, and among a million more little things- we will be moving back to Brazil in less than a week. This time for a more extended period of time- like.... two years. Oh my.

Right before we shipped it all off

Turns out this summer has gone by far too fast for my liking. But it has been an oh-so-good one, and the perfect way to jumpstart our move to Brazil. I got to work a lot, cook a lot, spend amazing time with friends and family, and even more quality time with my one and only. Who can complain about that?

I don't even know where to begin when it comes to pictures, because it's not secret that I am a lover of pictures. I'm actually impressed with what my little Droid is capable of- and it almost did our summer justice.

First off, food. Because let's be honest, that is the top of the list. I learned how to make homemade mozzarella! This was a huge achievement and source of bragging for me. Because nothing beats fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella from scratch. I used the recipe from here and every time has worked like a charm. Don't forget to drizzle kosher salt, olive oil, and balsamic-




Next, cross country. Well- close enough. Utah --> Connecticut to drive my brother's car out, and then mine. I can't even tell you how incredibly intimidating this was for me. You see, I don't drive much. With the benefits we have at Jetblue, this is something we just never saw the need for. I seriously stressed about those 33 hours. I made healthy snacks, rented audio books, downloaded lots of music, and tried my best to plan out every little detail. Funny how things never work out as you plan, but usually make way for more memories. For instance, our favorite was just talking and stopping at random hole-in-the-wall's for lunch. Who knew it was so simple?

Not that it was picture perfect by any means. A few of those hole-in-the-wall's were big regrets that made us sick to our stomachs. And for the first trip, Alex had the hiccups the ENTIRE way. They ended up lasting 8 days... it was brutal. But I actually loved the road trips and would definitely do it again.

I also rode a horse a few times with my best friend from forever, Abby. I galloped!!! All of it was crazy, terrifying, and completely exhilarating at the same time. Naturally, her horse and my horse were big competitors and loved to pick up speed whenever they could. I would be lying if I said I was totally pleasant about it. Absababs pulled through again, big time. I couldn't believe how beautiful it was up there!

OK, this post is turning into a novel. Saving the best for last, Zion's. Because that is my home away from home. Almost every summer growing up was spent there and I love everything about that place- especially spending time with my cousins. It was Alex's first time, and it was beyond amazing to show him everything. Poor guy, I never shut up about the "memories" and "good times". Of course, we did the Orderville Gultch hike, which was even better this year. Along with four wheeling, swimming, rock climbing, and (friendly but very competitive) family volleyball. That place just does my heart a whole lot of good.

Next time I post, I'll probably be in Brazil. (!!!!!)

Freaking out, just a little bit.

Hmm, just a photoshoot in Paris

As I mentioned before, here are the pictures from our unexpected (and absolutely delightful) photoshoot in Paris! Nick and Stephanie from www.handlebarstudios.com are such genuine, amazing people and their pictures went far beyond my expectations. Checked off "having a photoshoot in Paris" on my bucket list, even though the thought never would have occurred to me beforehand. P.S. you should check out their website, I could look through their pictures and videos all day. They are located in the Lake Tahoe area, but love to travel.

Oh the things the I would have packed had I known we'd be taking pictures like this! Ravaging my little suitcase the night before, I was shocked that I had packed a dress. And even though I would have killed for a different pair of shoes (other than my clunky but oh-so-comfortable boots) it worked out great. Alex of course looked phenomenal.

Not to brag or anything...

    Can your husband do a toe touch? This was news to me.

BUT,

Alex and I went to France. He served his mission there and we just graduated. End result, we gifted ourselves with a trip before starting "real life" jobs. We spent 4 days driving through the south, and 4 days basking (or running around like chickens with our heads cut off... both adjectives work) in Paris. The trip of trips.

It was perfection in its most imperfected form. That doesn't make much sense, but that is simply the way to describe it. Not every french pastry was amazing, unfortunately freezerburn made an appearance. Two of the places we stayed at had horrible cases of overdue-for-clean-up kitty litter stench. And simply getting there consisted of 13 hours of flying, 16 hours of layovers, two red eyes (but three flights in total), and topped off with a 4 hour train ride. With our determined budget we had our fair share of imperfections and it was perfect for us, basically it made way for a lot of unexpected adventures.

However, what WAS perfect included: witnessing Alex speak French (so hot right now), baguettes for lunch, fields of vibrant yellow, and how can you forget the crepe stands? My husband's heroic patience to pull over at my (and my camera's) every whim cannot be overlooked, and the beautiful miracle that my ipod actually hooked up to our rental car whom we lovingly called Taloola. I guess you could say that blasting Billy Joel while driving through the gorgeous south of France was easily a top 5 moment.

Another top 5 was riding our bikes in Paris. Riding past the Louvre I kept screaming to Alex, "THIS IS THE COOLEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE!!!" I couldn't help shamelessly embarrassing myself over and over again. We rode everywhere, because not only was it the most fun- but much cheaper. We got lost constantly, and then bought more baguettes. I also biffed it a few times, but that was expected. Stumbling around looking for a pharmacy clad with ripped pants exposing a bloody knee was another top 5.





And Monet's Water Lillies in the Orangerie. Have I exceeded the 5 limit yet?

Meh, who's counting. I've got more. The lady we stayed with in Marseille (we went through airbnb.com) made us a complimentary breakfast of homemade bread with a variety of 5 different homemade jams, clafoutis, and rich hot chocolate. Clafoutis made such an impression on me that it was the first thing I made when I got home. Delicious, but somehow it is better eaten in France.

Another was passing out on the lawn of the Eiffel Tower. Later than night we were waiting for the lights to come on, and randomly started chatting with this awesome couple  that just so happened to be professional photographers. When I sarcastically remarked that we have been hoping to find someone to follow us around Paris with a camera, they offered to do a shoot for free. Let me tell you, I couldn't have been more thrilled and ridiculously giddy about it. So we met up the next day and took pictures at the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Love Lock Bridge, and Alexander III Bridge. I couldn't believe their generosity and couldn't be happier about the pictures. Alex and I never got our engagements done (his mom took the perfect shot and it was all I needed) so it was so fun to do it two and a half years later. Can't wait to post them!

To be honest, I was terrified that France wouldn't live up to Italy. But no need to worry, I fell whole heartedly head over heels. And I would definitely give an arm and a leg to live there, seriously.

And here are some more, because I obviously can't help myself.