it was a good one.

this week.

     This week was crazy. 

     Every night, we had something going on, between staff meetings, parent orientations, and band practice, I saw a lot of the inside of my office and very little of my husband. So we've been soaking up every ounce of this weekend. We spent yesterday in Columbus, antiquing and shopping. We bought a mini dresser to go next to my vanity to hold all of my makeup, jewelry, and hair stuff,  but it needs a fresh coat of paint (I'm thinking chalkboard). I'll have to post some before & after pictures when I get it all finished. We stopped along HIgh Street at a bustling Mexican restaurant that we've passed probably 20+ times and finally decided to have dinner al fresco. ;) It was really good, but kinda slow. There were two girls walking around with bright red wigs on, handing out free shots of Grand Marnier. So of course we took advantage of that. :) After dinner we made our way over to our favorite movie theater to see "Safety Not Guaranteed." You must see this movie. It was so so so good. I can't even describe it because you just need to see it. But it was probably my favorite movie I've seen in a really long time.

   
     Also, yesterday while we were in the Short North, we popped into High Street Tattoo because I've been wanting to get another tattoo for quite some time now... & I made an appointment, for TUESDAY!! Yes, in just 2 days. I'm actually very nervous as this will be my most extensive tattoo (size, color, location) but I'm excited more than anything. I'm also hoping to celebrate with some dinner at Marcella's after! ;) Stay tuned for some pictures of my NEW INK. Eeeeeeek!!!

then & now.

It's crazy what a difference a year makes, but even crazier what a difference three years make.. :)

    [THEN] circa August 2009 (our first picture together)

    [NOW] June 2, 2012

Boy, I sure do love this man.

of monsters and men.

"And we are far from home, but we're so happy."

chicago dreaming.

I’ve been dreaming of moving to Chicago for as long as I can remember. I love the idea of living in a big city with things to see and do everywhere. J & I took a nice long road trip to visit some of our wonderful friends last October and we got to stay for about 4 days. I couldn’t get enough. 

Chicago 2011 from Johnny Ropple on Vimeo.




This trip will always hold such a happy place in my heart..

currently.

This post was inspired by Dani over at Sometimes Sweet! She writes the cutest everyday blog. She makes being a mom look like so much fun, not to mention, everytime I visit, I end up wanting a million tattoos. :) I digress…

Currently:

Loving: married life. It’s so much fun to be married to your best friend, Johnny has been spoiling me like crazy these days with lots of yummy food on the grill and secret trips to Columbus, which usually end with a double scoop of chocolate chip ice cream. ;)

Reading: Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover. I am a big numbers/money/finance nerd so not only is this book super helpful when developing a budget for our new family, but it’s also very interesting. I don’t agree with everything that Dave says but he does have some great ideas and practical ways to make it happen.

Watching: Friends. On repeat. Always. The Mr. and I also recently got cable so we usually find ourselves watching hours of Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives, House Hunters, or most recently, Keeping Up with the Kardashians (I know, I’m ashamed too).

Thinking about: Road trips. We already have a trip planned to go to Virginia for labor day weekend for my precious cousin Abigail’s wedding. But today on twitter, I saw that the Renegade Craft Fair is happening in Chicago the following weekend. Now I am torn, because we could double duty and visit all of our lovely friends, and still have a day to sneak over to Renegade to oogle over all the amazing goods. But I’m worried traveling 2 weekends in a row may be wayyy too much, especially with the school year just having started.

Anticipating: the arrival of the new school year. I started a new job in June at a charter school and I’ve been hearing “just wait ‘till school starts, things really get crazy,” since I started. So I am just battening down the hatches and gearing up for all the littles to make their way back. I can smell the pink erasers and pencil shavings from here. :)

Listening to: the latest Passion Pit album, Gossamer. My oh my how I love Passion Pit. They will always hold a special place in my heart, and their long-anticipated album did NOT disappoint. We got tickets to their November 3rd show at the LC as a wedding present (thanks Scott & Jes!) and November can’t come soon enough.

Working on: Trying not to fall asleep. Haha. But seriously, marketing materials for new enrollment at the school. I’m no designer but I’m hoping to come up with something to get the parents’ attention.

Wishing: for fall. I love summer but there is just something about fall. The air, the colors, the smell of the crunchy fallen leaves. I love it all. And that first day when you get to put on your favorite pair of jeans and walk outside without roasting. Also, it’s birthday season & we’ve got a trip to Cedar Point planned for Halloweekends. Fun!

So how about you? What are you currently up to? :)

the most perfect day.

A peek into our magical day. More to come...