My Lifelong Sister.

Our bond started at birth.  Many families have good family friends, but Ashley and her family are my second home.  Our mothers were the best of friends and Ashley and I were very close growing up.  

We weren't 100% in each other's lives throughout high school/college but never forgot about each other and always tried to stay in touch.  We got back in touch after we both graduated college.  Recently Ashley made the move back to New Mexico.  I am so happy she came back and it was quite the coincidence that we both made our way back to NM at the same time after both being away from home for 10 years.  

I always have a blast with her.  I like to think of Ashley as a chameleon.  She gets along with just about anyone; she opens up to everyone; makes people feel very comfortable; keeps people smiling, and very adaptable.  She knows when to have a great time but also knows when to be a serious friend.  We are a lot alike that sometimes it freaks me out, haha.  We have so many memories with a ton of laughs and tears from when we were young children all the way up to where we are now.  We can stay up all night long and just talk the night away (oh trust me we have many many times before... even recently).  I love the advice she gives.  It's the truth and never sugar coated.  She understands that that's the type of person I am. I want to hear the truth straight up.  We both have been through similar situations in life (ash, you know the ones I am referring too, wink). 

Ash has been a huge part of me and Michael's relationship.  She moved back to NM right as Michael and I started connecting and turning a friendship into a relationship.  Not only has she supported me but she has also become a dear friend to Michael and that means the world to me.  
I call her "my sis" for a reason; we will forever be in each others lives. 

All Out There...

Now that we have picked our wedding date, found our location, picked our bridal party now its time to focus on our individual selves.  I have been battling weight issue my whole life.  I have done a lot (eat like a rabbit, Body by Vi shakes, diet pills, protein shakes, calorie counting, strenuous exercising) and am just not getting results that I want!  I have lost 13 pounds just over 2 months (almost 3 months now) and have completely plateaued.  I truly love my sweets and my cocktails but I do love them all in moderation.  My portions are already pretty good/not huge and because of exercising I am hungry every 3 hours.  I can't eat just lettuce and carrots.  I exercise regularly (at least 5 days a week consisting of a combination of strength training and cardio).  I know that loosing weight is 80% what you eat so that is where I am desperate for help... 


I have a vision of what I want to look like for my best friends wedding in June and then our wedding in October.  I want to be at a healthy weight and loose it in a healthy way.  No crash dieting. No skipping meals.  I am getting very frustrated and fed up with my inconsistent eating habits... doing so well for 2 weeks then having a not so well week or two and then my body craves bad things.  I know I need to change my lifestyle and am ready to do it!  I am going to continue with my Body by Vi shakes for the month of December and then I am either going to sign up with Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers starting after the New Year.


So my question to you is do you have advice, guidance, recommendations, and/or experience with either Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers?  I have done a little research so far and see that J.C. is quite a bit more expensive then W.W. but I also have access to a 50% off coupon for J.C. so that's why I am not steering away from J.C.  


I would love your input! 

A Ray of Sunshine.

Eva is also one of a kind.  She is one of the most genuine person I have ever met.  Our paths crossed very randomly.  We were both visiting a friend in the hospital here in ABQ but I hadn't actually moved here yet from Phx.  It was the weekend of Fourth of July 2008 and as we were leaving the hospital she invited me to her BBQ at her house that weekend.  We hadn't even known each other for 30 mins before she was inviting me into her home.  We had a few random acquaintances but I was still shocked that she was so willing to include me!  Unfortunately, I didn't go. I chickened out :)  But later on she invited me to a dinner with her other friend (this was the dinner at Outback where I met Katy... so basically Eva introduced me to Katy!)  

Eva and I then stayed in touch as I was coming back and forth to ABQ from Phx for a few months before I actually moved back.  As soon as the move was official I became the third wheel to her new relationship with her now fiance John.  We always joke about me being the third wheel but that's exactly what I was :)  We all had such a great time with each other! 

Eva was a great find when I first moved here.  She introduced me to a lot of quality people.  Eva truly has a heart of gold.  She is altruistic, selfless, and just a bundle of joy to have around.  In my phone I have little picture icons by people's names that describes the person... and Evas' is a bright yellow shinning sun.  That's what I think of when I think of Eva.  She really brightens up rooms when she is present and puts smiles on people faces when they meet her.  

My Partner in Crime.

This is my best friend Rachael.  Now this girl and I have some h.i.s.t.o.r.y. :)  Rach and I have literally been through thick and thin; up's and down's; had good times and worse times.  Since we have SO much history together, I will try to make this as short and sweet. 

I met Rach sophomore year in high school.  We didn't get off on the right foot and actually didn't like each other in the beginning.  Low and behold we get paired together as lab partners in Chemistry junior year.  After a few months of getting to know each other, I was headed to ABQ to spend Fourth of July with friends.  I randomly asked her if she wanted to go on a road trip with me and she said "yes!"  This is how our friendship unfolded.  Since we became close friends fast there was a lot of jealousy amongst her other friends that weren't exactly my friends (yes, sounds exactly like high school drama huh?)  Needless to say, we hung out a lot throughout high school, went on a few road trips together and finally soon after we graduated we were each others first roommates in our own first apartment!  Of course we had a blast!  We continued to make many memories, go through many boy dilemmas, and personally growth issues.  We always stuck by one another.  We always communicated our feelings (good and bad).  We never stopped supporting each other.  We always had fun.  She's like another sister to me.  

After our year of living with each other, she had made a decision to move out of state and go to University of Nevada Las Vegas.  This was a huge step for her and as much as I hated her decision I knew it was the right thing for her.  To this day we do not talk every day and we are lucky if we talk once a month.  But every single time we do, its like we just pick up from where we left off.  Its like we never miss a beat.  I have been to Vegas numerous times to visit her life there and she has gotten to meet the man of my dreams a few times as well.  I can't wait for her to come to ABQ and see the life I have made here.  

"Rach, you are the best best friend I could ever ask for.  Thank you for being you.  No matter how much time passes between our convo's always know that I am always thinking about you!  Thanks for all of our crazy memories! I don't know what I'd do if you weren't still in my life.  love you bffe!"

My "Fate" Friend.

You know when you meet someone and you knew it was fate and completely meant to be?  This describes one of my best friends Katy.  I met her through another friend (you'll hear more about this friend in a following post).  I had just moved back to NM from AZ after graduating from Arizona State University.  Since I had just moved back I didn't have many friends except my sister friends.  I was really trying to find my own circle so a friend that I had just recently met invited me to a ladies dinner at Outback Steak House (this is where I meet Katy).  We all had a great talk at dinner and ended up friend requesting each other on Facebook. 

A few months later Katy randomly sets me up with a blind date (no it wasn't michael and obviously that date was over before it started, haha).  This was how our friendship started... we had shared many laughs and a bottle of wine when I went over to her house immediately following this "date".  We ended up hanging out more frequently and chatting all the time.  She was going through some personal stuff and I was too and we were both instantly connected.  In the previous post, "Our Meeting", I tell how Katy was involved with how Michael and I met :)

Katy is someone I can open up to no matter what.  I am not afraid of her passing judgement or second thinking myself.  We have had many laughs together and even tears.  We have both opened up to each other like I have never opened up before especially so quickly after meeting.  She knows things that I never planned on telling anyone.  She is also someone I can count on spiritually.  Her faith is also very strong and very contagious which has been extremely comforting during those times of need (esp when concerning Addie's health).  I couldn't imagine her not standing by my side on my special day.

"katy, I truly believe we were supposed to meet each other.  I truly believe we will be life long friends no matter where we end up down the road of life.  I am so blessed to have you in my life and to be able to watch your beautiful family flourish and grow.  Thank you for being an amazing person and friend."

My Go To Girl.

I met Brittany at Eisenhower Middle School about 1996.  We were in 7th grade.  We had a small group of girls that were pretty much inseparable.  After 8th grade I moved to Phoenix with my mom.  She was my only friend who came to visit me a few times a year (yes, even during the wretched hot summers).  Brittany has been there for me in many times of despair.  She was one of the first people I called when my mom and I were in the boating accident.  She immediately hopped on a plane and came to Phx to be with me.  

Another time that stands out in my mind is when my niece Addison went to Denver Children's Hospital for a simple procedure that took a huge turn for the worse.  Addie was on life support and we thought we were going to loose her.  Britt talked to me a few times on the phone and gave me some of the best advice, but most importantly she just listened.

She has always been an amazing listener, gives great advice, and has faith and spirituality that is very comforting.  As we all know, friends come and go throughout our lives but there are a few that remain apart of your heart forever.  That's Britt.  My second Maid of Honor.

"Thank you Britt for everything.  I can only hope that I am here for you like you have been here for me throughout all these years."

My Side Kick.

My 1st Matron of Honor is my sister, Danica.  I didn't just pick her because she is my sister.  I picked her because she impacts my life on so many levels.  We were very close growing up and  I couldn't imagine my life without her.  When we lost our mother, she stepped up and became more then just a sister to me.  I looked up to her and confided in her with all my teenage drama :) 

As we grow and become our individual selves, I notice that we acquire different styles, tastes, ideas, and plans, but yet the bond between us never changes.  I pray that my nieces, Addie and Kenley, have the same sister relationship that Danica and I have had all these years.  Love you hs pwt itb!

Our Wedding Party.

I'm going to use the next few entries for introducing our bridal party. These people are very special in our lives in one way or another and deserve to be recognized. I never realized how hard it would be to make this decision.  You always dream of having your 20 best friends standing by your side on your special day but unfortunately that dream could not be a reality.  All I can say is that I am extremely happy to have all the friends I have in my life to this day.  I am forever grateful.  Truly, I wouldn't be where I am or who I am without everyones consistent love and support.  

This is a picture of a card that I created (but got the idea from esty.com).  I sent one to each of my ladies asking them stand beside me.  I wanted something fun and creative without being completely cheesy.  Plus who doesn't love getting something in the mail that isn't a bill or something to throw out? So I wanted to go old school and send it 'snail mail'. I personalized the ending to those who I picked as my maid of honor (my MOH) and those who will be my bridesmaids. 

Venue Shopping.

What a journey so far!  There are so many beautiful places here in Albuquerque that we would love to get married but I will admit our options are fairly limited due to the number of people we are expecting at our wedding.  

Its official!  Our date is set and venue found!  We are very happy and excited to work with our wedding coordinator and show off the Sandia Mountain landscape at Sandia Resort and Casino on October 20th 2012.  

The scenery itself is to die for and gives everyone a true feeling of why Michael and I really love living in New Mexico.  For those who don't know 'Sandia' means 'watermelon' in spanish and as the sun sets the mountain range glows a pinkish-red color like a watermelon.   

Aside from the breathtaking views the accommodations at this venue are outstanding.  They have so much to offer and are extremely flexible when it comes to both minor and major details when planning the wedding.  The wonderful accommodations also extends to our guest.  They have three restaurants:  The Council Room Restaurant and Bar, Thur Shan Buffet, and Bien Sur.  Bien Sur is located and the very top of the hotel for fine dining but I recommend heading up there just to check out the view :)  Also offered right on the property is Green Reed Spa and Salon along with a fitness room.  Not to mention they also have a beautiful and yet the longest golf course in New Mexico.  
Feel free to check out the resort through their website: http://www.sandiacasino.com/hotel/

Can't wait to continue our planning journey :)

The Proposal.

The best weekend of my life took place in Seattle Washington on September 14th 2011.  Michael had gone up there for work training and I decided to tag along because we both wanted to explore Seattle together since neither one of us has been there.  The night before my good friend Katy told me "oh man what if he proposes while you are there!? I should text him and tell him the Space Needle is a very romantic place, hint hint!" As silly as that sounded I convinced myself that there was no way he was going to propose.  (side note: we have been talking about getting married for a while and Michael has been teasing me (in good way) for a while about the whole proposal... so it got to a point that I put it in the back of my mind and tried to not think about it every. single. day. because it was driving me crazy! Literally crazy!)


A few weeks before Michael had posted a very romantic and thoughtful video montage of our first 2 years together on youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-riCiSZrBa4) and everyone thought that he was proposing... but it was not his proposal.  Yet another reason why I tried to burry this whole subject deep deep into my mind.  I was going nuts! And I am pretty sure I have an entourage that can attest to my craziness ;)

Anyhow, the night I get into town we go straight to Purple, a lovely wine bar for dinner.  Afterwards we head to a gorgeous lake right by our hotel that he wanted to show me.  The long dock extended into Lake Washington and faces light up downtown Seattle.  Absolutely gorgeous!  We are just talking and he tells me how much he loves me and how much I mean to him (which is no new news to me because he has always been very vocal with how he feels).  As we are hugging he tells me that this night couldn't get any better... and I reply "no it really can't" and he immediately says "no? it can't?! and I respond "well I am sure I can think of a few things" :) .... right as I say this he is trying to get into his jacket pocket (I barely noticed him struggling).  As he does he is down on one knee and I immediately say "oh my gosh shut up!" as I am trying to bring him back to a standing position. He then asks "Kira will you marry me?" and I start jumping up and down saying are you serious? are you joking? After about a minute of my silliness, I say "OF COURSE!" (I am all smiles as I share and retell this story with you!)
Everyday since then, I am constantly staring at my stunning bling.

Best part of proposal: he did it on the lake.  For those of you who do not know, my mother died on Lake Pleasant and I have a very bad memory of being on or near lakes and this recent event has turned that completely around.  I now have an amazing and memorable experience! Not to mention, I felt my mothers presence there, which is indescribable.
Second best part of proposal: he used the diamond that was in my mothers ring from my dad.  It holds a very special meaning and when you look into diamond with a microscope it displays thousands of heart shape reflections.

It started with "yes! I will go on a date with you" then to "yes! I will be your girlfriend" followed by "yes! of course I will marry you!" and now I couldn't be happier to be able to say "yes I do take you has my husband" a year from now.

Our Beginning.

Michael and I met in the summer of 2009.  I had just moved back to Albuquerque from Phoenix not even a year before we met.  We actually met at a bar... yes a bar.  This bar is not any old bar but a bar in which people play outdoor sand volleyball.  He was injured and I was there spectating with one of my best friends, Katy Brown.  Michael was actually injured so he was not playing and we just randomly began talking!  I am very outgoing and he is a little more quiet so I could tell he was kind of nervous during our conversation ;)  I liked his nervousness.


It started off with a few friday nights of hanging out at volleyball.  Then quickly turned into every friday night and then every Sunday to watch football!  Side note: we both love football but unfortunately he is a cowboy fan (BOO!) and luckily I am a Cardinal fan (haha!)  These outings extended into daily texting and facebooking (gotta love technology!) 


In October of 2009, I went to Switzerland and Italy with my college friend, Lara, for a few weeks.  Right before my trip he asked me out on a date but I was so overwhelmed with getting ready for my first solo international vacation that I told him 'no' and that the timing was not right.  But while I was away, we would sign on to Facebook for a quick hello.

December of 2009 is when I finally realized (and admitted) that I had real feelings for Michael. He went to Hawaii with his father and brother and I recognized I truly missed him.  I wanted to be there with him.  I wanted him to be here with me.  Since I had already told him 'no' to our first date, I told my sister, Danica, I wanted him to re-ask me out!  She then suggested inviting him to my dad's birthday party.  So I did.  And he met my entire family right off the bat :)  He fit in so well with my family and I know they loved him immediately after meeting him... I had to figure out some way to get him to ask me out again.  So I leaned on my sister once again.  Since I was so chicken to do it myself, I flat out told her to text him and tell him to ask me out again. And he didn't hesitate :)


Our first official date was around Christmas 2009.  He took me to my favorite restaurant St. Clair's Winery & Bistro and then we strolled the River of Lights at the Botanical Gardens (a huge Christmas lights display throughout the entire gardens).  


Pretty much from here on out we spent almost every single day together.  We rung in the New Year 2010 with each other where we shared our first kiss shortly after it turned midnight.  Eleven days later he asked me to be is girlfriend.