We all know the song, "The 12 Days of Christmas". We've recognized it since infancy, it's quite the catchy tune, that ultimately people know what "My True Love gave to me" for at least most of the days. However, often, if not always, this tradition is completely misunderstood, misinterpreted and miscelebrated. I remember my mother doing the 12 Days of Christmas for family members or friends, always beginning on the 14th of December and going to Christmas Day. I saw no problem with this, as this is how everyone celebrated it.
It wasn't until the Christmas of 2005 that a dear friend of mine, Cassandra, opened my eyes and educated me on the origin of this tradition and when it truly should be celebrated. She was quite passionate about it, and I have too become quite passionate about educating all the world of the TRUE tradition of the Twelve Days of Christmas. This event BEGINS on the evening of Christmas Day (December 25) and goes through January 6, which is Twelfth Night (ever heard of a play by William Shakespeare?). This period of the 12 days is known as Christmastide. The 12 days has its origins in the pre-Christian Scandinavian Winter Solstice, in which the Midwinter Feast lasted at least twelve days, hence the twelve days of Christmas. Currently, the 12 days and nights are celebrated in widely varying ways around the world. For example, some give gifts only on Christmas night, some only on Twelfth Night, and some each of the 12 nights. To me this all makes more sense for the 12 Days of Christmas. We get to celebrate the greatest holiday of the year for much longer, and we get to hav some sort of a holiday in January. And this is how I shall celebrate it from here on. Just like Cassandra, I like it better that way.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Wearing A Mask
Yesterday, the festivities of Halloween was upon us. Many of us dressed up as a character of some sort, participated in a party, went Trick or Treating or performed some other form of celebration. It's always fascinating to see people's imagination or lack there of with costumes. That perhaps is my favorite part of Halloween...the costume. There is something enjoyable about putting on a mask, or clothing that makes you someone (or something) that you are not.
Some of my favorite costumes this year included:
Eric's: Chuck Norris
Cassie Pickle: Juno
Sheena and Blake Hendriksen: Wendy and The BK King
Cassie: Giselle from Enchanted
Me: The Morton Salt Girl
Seems like the imagination for costumes is going to pot...that was about all for this year. Be more creative next year folks...and those who were creative this year, congrats and I look forward to your creative ideas next year.
Some of my favorite costumes this year included:
Eric's: Chuck Norris
Cassie Pickle: Juno
Sheena and Blake Hendriksen: Wendy and The BK King
Cassie: Giselle from Enchanted
Me: The Morton Salt Girl
Seems like the imagination for costumes is going to pot...that was about all for this year. Be more creative next year folks...and those who were creative this year, congrats and I look forward to your creative ideas next year.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Reminiscing
Well, I had my birthday last week (I turned 26!!!), I got married the week before, and so with such events happening in my life, I decided that I would actually do some blogging.
Sixteen days ago I married Timothy Day. It was quite the fantastic day. Though the festivities and the memories began a few days before. Therefore I cannot talk about the day, without mentioning all that led up to it.
Tuesday (Sept. 23) We were busy moving things into our new home. And then I was nervous about meeting Tim's parents...but I had nothing to be nervous about, they were quite wonderful (as is the rest of his family which I discovered over the next couple of days).
Wednesday (Sept. 24) I decided to pamper myself and I had my eyebrows and my eyelashes tinted by Cassie (I owe much of the success of my day to her. Well, she is the one who set me up with Tim in the first place...and she was such a great support during all of the events leading up to the wedding, and on the wedding day!!! I can never appreciate her enough).
Then one of my oldest and dearest friends, Tara, arrived from Michigan and she and I went and had a pedicure and caught up on our lives. It was so wonderful. Tara is one of those friends that you may not frequently talk to, but when you do its almost as though no time has passed at all. I love it. And it meant so much to me to have her there on my wedding day!
The rest of the day was mayhem...with trying to pick up everything, and set up everything for the wedding and reception. I was a little stressed, but by the end of the day, things were going well.
Thursday (Sept. 25...THE BIG DAY) I awoke quite early (4:30am) after only a couple hours of sleep (I stayed up late with my younger brother/friend, Eric...and am so glad I did. How I love that man. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love him). My good friend, Sheena, was so kind as to do my hair at 5:30 and my dear friend, Cassie, was wonderful and came and did my makeup at 6:15. I have such great friends. They were heaven sent.
Then a little after 7 I rushed off to pick Tim (I decided that we had to ride together so that way I knew he was going to show up), and then head to the Salt Lake Temple.
As I arrived, I was the first bride/marriage of the day, so all the sweet little ladies at the temple were focused on me and helping my mother and me get ready. It was one of the most wonderful occasions of my life, to have my mom be there with me as I put on my dress in the bride's room and prepare for my sealing. How I love my mom...she is so absolutely wonderful. I love her so.
I then met up with Tim and we entered the Sealing Room and greeted our families/friends that were in attendance. It was a beautiful ceremony and I shall never forget the feeling that was there as I was married.
We then had millions of pictures taken with family and friends. Enjoyed a luncheon (in the which a semi jellybean fight ensued. It was classic to see Charlie pegged square in the forehead by my roll. =)
The reception that evening is pretty much a blur. We arrived and again, my dear friend, Cassie helped me get ready, including re-enacting a scene from "27 Dresses" (he he he). We had some family pictures, then greeted our guests for a couple of hours. As far as I could tell the reception was beautiful, I have to keep asking those in attendance how it was, because I honestly don't remember. I hope everyone enjoyed it.
We then cut the cake, threw the bouquet and garter, said our goodbyes, and rode away in style on a 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan. It was awesome.
The day was long, but it was the PERFECT day, therefore I loved that it was a long day. The weather was perfect and all the events went smoothly.
It was the best day of my life, to go with the cliche of it all. But it was the being able to share the day with my Tim, my family and friends that made it the day that it was. And I loved it.
Now I have been married a couple weeks already, and I absolutely love it.
-Maren Day
Sixteen days ago I married Timothy Day. It was quite the fantastic day. Though the festivities and the memories began a few days before. Therefore I cannot talk about the day, without mentioning all that led up to it.
Tuesday (Sept. 23) We were busy moving things into our new home. And then I was nervous about meeting Tim's parents...but I had nothing to be nervous about, they were quite wonderful (as is the rest of his family which I discovered over the next couple of days).
Wednesday (Sept. 24) I decided to pamper myself and I had my eyebrows and my eyelashes tinted by Cassie (I owe much of the success of my day to her. Well, she is the one who set me up with Tim in the first place...and she was such a great support during all of the events leading up to the wedding, and on the wedding day!!! I can never appreciate her enough).
Then one of my oldest and dearest friends, Tara, arrived from Michigan and she and I went and had a pedicure and caught up on our lives. It was so wonderful. Tara is one of those friends that you may not frequently talk to, but when you do its almost as though no time has passed at all. I love it. And it meant so much to me to have her there on my wedding day!
The rest of the day was mayhem...with trying to pick up everything, and set up everything for the wedding and reception. I was a little stressed, but by the end of the day, things were going well.
Thursday (Sept. 25...THE BIG DAY) I awoke quite early (4:30am) after only a couple hours of sleep (I stayed up late with my younger brother/friend, Eric...and am so glad I did. How I love that man. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love him). My good friend, Sheena, was so kind as to do my hair at 5:30 and my dear friend, Cassie, was wonderful and came and did my makeup at 6:15. I have such great friends. They were heaven sent.
Then a little after 7 I rushed off to pick Tim (I decided that we had to ride together so that way I knew he was going to show up), and then head to the Salt Lake Temple.
As I arrived, I was the first bride/marriage of the day, so all the sweet little ladies at the temple were focused on me and helping my mother and me get ready. It was one of the most wonderful occasions of my life, to have my mom be there with me as I put on my dress in the bride's room and prepare for my sealing. How I love my mom...she is so absolutely wonderful. I love her so.
I then met up with Tim and we entered the Sealing Room and greeted our families/friends that were in attendance. It was a beautiful ceremony and I shall never forget the feeling that was there as I was married.
We then had millions of pictures taken with family and friends. Enjoyed a luncheon (in the which a semi jellybean fight ensued. It was classic to see Charlie pegged square in the forehead by my roll. =)
The reception that evening is pretty much a blur. We arrived and again, my dear friend, Cassie helped me get ready, including re-enacting a scene from "27 Dresses" (he he he). We had some family pictures, then greeted our guests for a couple of hours. As far as I could tell the reception was beautiful, I have to keep asking those in attendance how it was, because I honestly don't remember. I hope everyone enjoyed it.
We then cut the cake, threw the bouquet and garter, said our goodbyes, and rode away in style on a 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan. It was awesome.
The day was long, but it was the PERFECT day, therefore I loved that it was a long day. The weather was perfect and all the events went smoothly.
It was the best day of my life, to go with the cliche of it all. But it was the being able to share the day with my Tim, my family and friends that made it the day that it was. And I loved it.
Now I have been married a couple weeks already, and I absolutely love it.
-Maren Day
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Under Contract
Well, we did it. We found a condo that we love and the seller wasn't a pain in the rear. In fact, this place we found came on the market 30 minutes before we went and looked at it, mostly with the intent that we would use it as a bargaining chip to get the seller of the other condo we were looking at to not be so stingy. But, we walked in and I was sold. The condo had new paint and carpet and looked lovely.
Our realtor (Jason ROCKS!!! He is THE best realtor EVER) called the seller that moment and made our offer, he said, "write me up an offer!" We did, and he accepted and within 48 hours, we were under contract to purchase it and are attempting to close by next Thursday at the latest! I am going to be a homeowner!!! Hooray!
But I don't recommend waiting until the month before you get married to decide you are going to buy a home...try to take care of that months in advance....too much stress. =)
Wedding plans are going well, we are trying to finalize everything. Final payments are being made, and things are falling into place. My mom is even making cute little red bow ties for all my nephews (and Tim's...the ones that are coming).
Oh, and if you haven't had a chance, go check out my bridal pictures, if I do say so myself...they are BEAUTIFUL! Just follow the directions from my last blog, and you're there!
Beijos! (That means 'kisses')
Our realtor (Jason ROCKS!!! He is THE best realtor EVER) called the seller that moment and made our offer, he said, "write me up an offer!" We did, and he accepted and within 48 hours, we were under contract to purchase it and are attempting to close by next Thursday at the latest! I am going to be a homeowner!!! Hooray!
But I don't recommend waiting until the month before you get married to decide you are going to buy a home...try to take care of that months in advance....too much stress. =)
Wedding plans are going well, we are trying to finalize everything. Final payments are being made, and things are falling into place. My mom is even making cute little red bow ties for all my nephews (and Tim's...the ones that are coming).
Oh, and if you haven't had a chance, go check out my bridal pictures, if I do say so myself...they are BEAUTIFUL! Just follow the directions from my last blog, and you're there!
Beijos! (That means 'kisses')
Friday, August 8, 2008
Engagement Photos Have Arrived Take 2
ALL of the engagement photos are now available on www.pointedigital.com. Select "Wedding Website", then "Proofing" on the upper right side. Select "Maren and Tim" then the password is "larsen"
Enjoy!!! =)
Enjoy!!! =)
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Soon To Be
Dear friends,
Yes yes, last you heard my man and I had broken up, but if you notice the date, much has happened since then.....
Now....My left hand seems to be a bit heavier and more sparkly these days, my cheeks hurt from the constant grin on my face...and my last name shall be changing to "Day" come September 25th. So, do you know what this means!?! Yup, you guessed it, your favorite, beautiful, single lady is getting married!! So mark your calendars and join the fun!
I shall tell you the fantastic details soon! =)
Love you all!
-Maren (the future wife of Timothy Day) =)
Yes yes, last you heard my man and I had broken up, but if you notice the date, much has happened since then.....
Now....My left hand seems to be a bit heavier and more sparkly these days, my cheeks hurt from the constant grin on my face...and my last name shall be changing to "Day" come September 25th. So, do you know what this means!?! Yup, you guessed it, your favorite, beautiful, single lady is getting married!! So mark your calendars and join the fun!
I shall tell you the fantastic details soon! =)
Love you all!
-Maren (the future wife of Timothy Day) =)
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Apparently am not a blogger
I often get chastised when I don't blog very often. Yes, yes, am a slacker. Honestly, sometimes sitting down infront of my computer for more than the 2 minutes it takes me to check my email is boring and not worth my time. I used to be on the computer ALL the time, then life got busy and it wasn't my priority anymore. Life is still busy, so finding time after the 40+ hours of work, the play am in, attempting to train for my "halfathon" and having "me" time, isn't something that happens very often. I do apologize to my friends and family who care about knowing about my life's happenings.
So to give you the update on what's going on....
Work is quite busy and is requiring many early and some late hours. Am on salary, so when I put in more than the 40 hours required, I don't get paid overtime, which pretty much bites. Though, I should be getting a couple of "comp" days for the extra hours. So that is good. Though, starting next week, I am going to be training the new hire class so I cannot take a day off for 6 weeks. On top of that we are moving to a new building...oh the joys. I like my job, and the people I work with (for the most part), so its not all bad. Am not currently going to school because am attempting to pay off my debt this year so that come January I can finally do what I've wanted to do for the past 2 years, and go back to Brazil to live for a few months and teach English. It should be an adventure that I hope will actually happen. Then I'll come home, finish school and re-join the daily grind with everyone else. Also it's been a little over 2 weeks since my "boyfriend" and I "broke up." Blah! That's all am going to say about that. Am currently in a musical in Magna, UT. It is a lot of fun. I enjoy it, though with everything else I have occupying my time, I am quite exhausted after the show.
Perhaps today isn't the best day for me to blog. Its just one of those days, that is even more emphasized because it is snowing and it is nearly April. Not cool.
Eventually I shall blog again. Promise.
So to give you the update on what's going on....
Work is quite busy and is requiring many early and some late hours. Am on salary, so when I put in more than the 40 hours required, I don't get paid overtime, which pretty much bites. Though, I should be getting a couple of "comp" days for the extra hours. So that is good. Though, starting next week, I am going to be training the new hire class so I cannot take a day off for 6 weeks. On top of that we are moving to a new building...oh the joys. I like my job, and the people I work with (for the most part), so its not all bad. Am not currently going to school because am attempting to pay off my debt this year so that come January I can finally do what I've wanted to do for the past 2 years, and go back to Brazil to live for a few months and teach English. It should be an adventure that I hope will actually happen. Then I'll come home, finish school and re-join the daily grind with everyone else. Also it's been a little over 2 weeks since my "boyfriend" and I "broke up." Blah! That's all am going to say about that. Am currently in a musical in Magna, UT. It is a lot of fun. I enjoy it, though with everything else I have occupying my time, I am quite exhausted after the show.
Perhaps today isn't the best day for me to blog. Its just one of those days, that is even more emphasized because it is snowing and it is nearly April. Not cool.
Eventually I shall blog again. Promise.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Goo!
Wow. So I just found out that the Disney World Half and Full Marathon (39.3 miles in 24 hours!) is going to cost me $235!!! The Half is $100. The Full is $110. So you don't even get a discount for doing both. Lame-os. Not cool.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
What've I got myself into?
*Sigh* I do things sometimes thinking that I want to do them, then I get thinking and realize how crazy I am for having done them. Monday I signed up for my first Triathlon. I'll be doing the Spudman Sprint Triathlon in Burley, Idaho in July. And come Monday, pending some sense being knocked into me, I'll be signing up for the Disney World Half and Full Marathon that takes place next January (half marathon on Saturday, full marathon on Sunday...yikes, that is PURE craziness). I'll be signing up for the Salt Lake Half Marathon here soon that will be in April, and then the St. George again in October. Yes, all that is just being one of the crazies yet again, but at the same time, its such a great accomplishment with amazing bragging rights (I can say that am a "triathlete" now as well as the fact that am already a marathon runner!!) that I have to do it. I DO NOT look forward to the training, but the event will be quite the memorable occasion...especially when I get to spend the time with my siblings. So running those many miles does have its perks.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
P.S. I Love You...and the Cardio Cinema
This past week I went on a "date" with one of my dearest friends, Barefoot. It was a much needed night out with just us girls. As much as we love spending time with the men, girls need some time for just us. Our first stop was the much required stop at The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a carameled apple. Your life is not complete until you've had one. My recommendations are either the Apple Pie Apple, or the Cheesecake Apple. Both are heavenly and should be enjoyed to its fullest. Our choice of films that evening was "P.S. I Love You" starring Hilary Swank and the oh so handsome Gerard Butler. With some other fantastic supporting actors such as Lisa Kudrow, Harry Conick, Jr. and Kathy Bates. Oh how we loved the film! It was so fantastical! It was a great romantic comedy that wasn't your typical, mushy, "am trying to hard to be the perfect chick flick" flick. The characters were lovable and just down right fun, sporting pink lipstick, super cute fishing boots, and watching old films. To top it all off, it had the oh so attractive and lovable man of my dreams, the well toned, singing Irish accented Gerard Butler who was the bonus of the evening. As Barefoot said it, "What's the point of getting married if its not to Gerard Butler?" And oh do I agree whole heartedly.
I am recommending this film to all who, like Barefoot and me, are tired of the pointless chick flicks and is looking for a great film to love.
We ended our date at dinner, planning a weekend away. Oh how I love girl's night out and can't wait for more in the future.
Saturday Barefoot and I also had an incredible outing to the Best Gold's Gym within driving distance of my house. =) It is arranged so marvelously, they have stretch out mats (unlike the lame Gold's near my house). But the most incredible part of it all, is the the Cardio Cinema. You walk in the room and you are magically in the world of films. Its just like a movie theatre, but instead of seats, you have your choice of cardio machines. Barefoot and I used the treadmill, bicycle and elliptical machines and before we knew it we had been doing 55 minutes of cardio. We didn't even notice time passing as we were too distracted by the film being shown. I plan on making many a more trips to this incredible Cardio Cinema. There is no better way to run, then to run to a film and not even notice you are running.
-Firecat
I am recommending this film to all who, like Barefoot and me, are tired of the pointless chick flicks and is looking for a great film to love.
We ended our date at dinner, planning a weekend away. Oh how I love girl's night out and can't wait for more in the future.
Saturday Barefoot and I also had an incredible outing to the Best Gold's Gym within driving distance of my house. =) It is arranged so marvelously, they have stretch out mats (unlike the lame Gold's near my house). But the most incredible part of it all, is the the Cardio Cinema. You walk in the room and you are magically in the world of films. Its just like a movie theatre, but instead of seats, you have your choice of cardio machines. Barefoot and I used the treadmill, bicycle and elliptical machines and before we knew it we had been doing 55 minutes of cardio. We didn't even notice time passing as we were too distracted by the film being shown. I plan on making many a more trips to this incredible Cardio Cinema. There is no better way to run, then to run to a film and not even notice you are running.
-Firecat
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