Day Fifty-One

The Failed Halloween Attempt

And to think we thought that Halloween would bring us trick-or-treaters? Not so! Maybe we consumed all the kids' energy in the bounce house yesterday? Maybe door-to-door doesn't include the ones in apartment complexes? If I were a kid...that would be the first place I'd want to go: less work, more payoff, right! Well, because we thought things would turn out differently tonight, I had Adam run to the store and pick up some candy to hand out. We filled a small bowl and waited. And waited. And then waited some more. Not a peep. Not a screech. Not a sound.  So, we decided to ditch the kids and revamp our Halloween basket. I like the "adult" version better tonight anyways. So there.

Day Fifty

The 2nd Annual FC Trunk or Treat

A zillion kids. Christian music. Bounce houses. Face Paint. Popcorn. Baseballs. Footballs. Costumes. Sunshine. Rain...And candy. Lots of it. 

Family Church was apart of something big today, and we were happy to be there, helping spread the gospel in a way that I'd never seen done before. Florida is a cultural and racial melting pot. People come here from all parts of the world, with various backgrounds, and defining, unique stories. With an overwhelming majority living without the gospel, Family Church took advantage of the pagan holiday and used it as a platform to unite the community of Abacoa, in the hopes that even just one family would hear, or see, or feel led to ask real, life changing questions about our purpose and the God we serve.  

In the pouring Florida rain, FC decorated their trunks for the children of Jupiter. Parked on the warning track of Roger Dean Stadium (where Adam plays), the kids were able to "Trunk or Treat" through the maze of so many cars and silly costumes. In the midst of all the candy commotion, the kiddos were also welcomed to enjoy the bounce house that Adam and I "refereed." Soaking wet, and fully mudded, they were a joy to watch, protect, and serve. I love our city. I love our church. And I really love Our God.

Day Forty-Nine

The Swimming Giggles

Maybe like an "acquired taste," this look is similarly, an acquired one? No, I don't think so. This might not be our most flattering fashion, but when you're on your way to professional swimming status, some things just have to give. Haha...we surely entertained ourselves with a few laughs today! This past month, Adam and I haven been in the process of teaching ourselves how to swim, and it's been rough! Who knew that it was such a good workout? Not me. Well, after too many days of bleached chlorine eyes, we decided to invest in some goggles. Wow, what a difference! Not only was I able to actually see underwater, my eyes felt good as new once we finished. I'd like to find the inventor and give him a nice little pat on the back for these gems. Maybe I could ask him to point me in the direction of the swim cap inventor...so I could kick him. I was told recently that my hair's taken a beating, and that the chlorine wasn't helping the situation. So, thinking that a swim cap would do the trick, we bought one too. After 55 laps, I was more excited than tired...I just wanted to see how the cap held up. Sadly, the entirety of my head was soaked. There was nothing dry about it. Bummer. Maybe tomorrow I'll Google, "How to apply a swim cap." Because, let's face it, I'm only a track girl. 

Day Forty-Eight

The Home...Improvement?

An improvement is what we want to call it, but a mess is what we have. Some of our furniture was delivered today. In boxes. With spotty instructions. Nothing like a rainy Florida day spent sharpening our handyman skills! We built 2 dressers, 2 nightstands, cooked an impressive dinner, and invited our first guests over to watch the Rangers capture a World Championship.  Well, that was our hope at least. At the end of the day, the Cardinals took home the hardware, our rent-a-bed served as quite the comfortable couch, and the debris of cardboard sitting outside our front door could easily serve as a suitable home for anyone partaking in Occupy Wall Street. Day by day, we're seeing the transformation of our apartment, and we're loving the process! Soon enough, we might just be able to call this place home. PTL.

Day Forty-Seven

The GiantBed-FamilyPlan-GameSix Day

Special Delivery! After almost 2 months of bed-renting (I know, sounds sketchy, but we had no other choice. Not to worry, the one we rented was brand new), the much-anticipated California King arrived promptly at our doorstep. Best purchase ever. With Adam's 6'3" frame and my impressive bed-hog skills, we decided that this oversized Tempurpedic was the way to go. And now his feet don't hang off the end! Plus, once the kids come, they'll have a spot to sleep too! (Haha). All I have to say is...I'd better sleep good tonight! And considering the amount of energy expended watching Game Six of the World Series, I don't think I'll have anything to worry about. Holy cow...unreal comeback out of that one. We're just pumped that baseball season still isn't over. 

Last thing to mention about our exciting day...we've officially met our long-time desire of sharing a Verizon Family Plan!! Our phones were delivered today too, and now the Conleys have matching Florida numbers...with the SAME area code! 561! 

Day Forty-Six

The Connection

It is finally official. We've been reconnected to the world. Currently, I am writing this post from a new network in town called TheConleys...compliments of Comcast! This network did, however, come at the cost of what Adam likes to call "expensive experience." Better known as learning the hard way. Well, in all my genius, once the cable man was finished with the installation, I asked him why I didn't have a password and network name like everyone else. And also, why only Adam's internet worked and not mine. Why was only his connected with the cable? It must have been the early morning grogginess teasing with my intellect. A ROUTER. Really Kendall? The man looked at me as though I'd been absent from the entirety of the 21st century. He laughed. I was a bit ashamed of my dumb question, but even more disappointed that we had to make another trip to another store for another necessity that we forgot, when all I wanted to do was sit and enjoy the peacefulness of secured internet! Well, we eventually found our way to BestBuy after a long workout in the pool (50 laps!), a long process of student loan payoffs (hooray!), and an even longer time spent scouring Macy's for a reasonable bedding set for our new bed that arrives tomorrow...! We picked up the router and Adam let me install it, knowing that I needed to redeem myself from my earlier blunder. Happy to say it works! And as a bonus, we can now watch the World Series (and every other baseball related show) from the comfort of our own...well, our own floor. Gotta love it. Gradually, things are coming together. Still no furniture yet (the stand that the TV is on is a shoe rack...), but it is on the way!

Day Forty-Five

The First Decorations

Living off the basics of life was a certain joy while it lasted, but now, we can buy cool things like pumpkins and even the little tea light candles that make them glow! Seriously, this is the stuff that makes me smile. Simple. Fun. Personal. After spending a good amount of time carving out our masterpieces, the pumpkins sat proudly on our ledge, all the while, missing a key ingredient: light! So today, we were sure to remember to pick up some candles, and I'm glad we did! They're perfect now! My "Just Married" white pumpkin (yes, white!) is no match to his artistic "Flying Giraffe," but they definitely compliment each other well. And might I add, Adam even free-handed that design! Gosh, I picked out quite the stud. Here's the story behind his carving: For a long time, I've said that if I were an animal, I'd be a giraffe, without question. They're tall and spotted. Just like me. Also, a constant theme in my life has been that of flight. So, it's no surprise that one day last year, while Adam and I were shopping for LRG shirts, we came across one with a print of a Flying Giraffe on the front. He bought it, and continues to wear it almost weekly. It's his little way of telling me that he's thinking about me...and it gets me every time. And although my creation isn't as impressive as his, I figured that there'd never be another time in life that I could carve "Just Married" into a pumpkin - a white pumpkin at that!

Day Forty-Four

The Bargain Shopper

Forever penny pinchers. It's just more fun this way! I love a good bargain, and Costco has plenty of them...I just never realized quite how much you can save by shopping in bulk. But today, we found out and had tons of fun doing it! Adam and I made our first-ever trip to Costco, after reopening the fridge about seven times and concluding that there was no possible recipe to make out of pickles, chocolate milk, and bread. As a wife, Adam's placed heavy expectations on me in the realm of his weight gain. And as of late, I'll admit that I've been dropping the ball. But in my defense, there's only so much you can create from a dwindling supply of meat and veggies, and therefore, I was running out of options. So, we finally have a stocked pantry and fridge again, and now it's up to me and Adam's never-ending appetite, to continue bulking my boy up to 200 pounds by February! I'll just need the help of a few more Costco runs in the future!

And I have to mention a few amazing phone calls we received today from some friends and family back in Washington. God's doing amazing things up there. And it really hit me that although we're almost 4,000 miles away, immersed in a completely different culture, the Lord is at work everywhere, in all places. That gives me the best kind of chills.

Day Forty-Three

The "Love You" Pumpkin Patch

Forty-Three. This was our kind of day. It says so in the number. We woke up this morning to a powerful sermon, followed by pumpkin picking, pumpkin carving, and much-needed fellowship with another newlywed couple! Now, Florida patches are certainly no match to Greenbluff's in Spokane, but they do their best to mimic the farm feeling. With hundreds of pumpkins scattered across the lawn of a local church, we were met with the tall task of choosing the perfect orange-masterpiece. And I think we exceeded our expectations. There's proof in the final products, which are displayed proudly on the ledge of our front porch for all of Jupiter to see! Our first trip ever to a pumpkin patch together was a sweet time, made better by the friendships we created throughout the day. The invite to the pumpkin patch came from The Rickards, married only 4 months ago in North Carolina! They revived our taste buds with home-cooked barbecued chicken and homemade icecream, topped off with fresh baked cookies. They spoiled us today with their fun ideas, delicious food, steep carving competition, and even better conversation. I should have expected this much out of day forty-three; it's the best number I know. Adam and I constantly find ourselves lying in bed at night, in awe of God's continual presence and guidance through the uncertainty of life in a new city. We've met some amazing people in a very short time, and are excited to see the potential of these friendships. 

Day Forty-Two

The Jupiter Country Hoedown

Boots, Beer, and BBQ. We walked out our front door to the busy sounds of celebration and festivities, and half a block later, we were in the midst of all things country. The smell of pulled pork and chicken barbecue wings instantly grabbed my husband's attention, and sitting with his meal in the middle of the park, we watched live bands play through the night. As children and adults danced together in country-line unison, Adam and I couldn't help the grins on our faces. We're overwhelmed by the community of this town, and feel so incredibly blessed in our marriage.  

Day Forty-One

The Everything Room

So, apparently it takes more than a purchase to move furniture into your house. It takes days. And more than just one day too. So, naturally, our once-bedroom has now morphed into our current-multipurpose room. Think dining room, living room, office room, laundry room...all in one! 

Because we still don't have any living room furniture, our bed continues to function as our couch as well. And now we're stuck with a TV in our room. A big BOOOO to that one, but my dearest husband needs a place to watch the World Series, and our bed is the only comfortable "chair" to sit on in our house. Our couch can't come soon enough. The decision to buy the TV was one of the most difficult so far. We went back and forth on the subject for a while - since we've had so much fun together without one in this past month - and now, the electronic intruder is sitting at the foot of our bed. But, at least now we can enjoy the games at home, which we haven't gotten to do yet. And I finally got to see the West Palm Beach News for the first time - a little relief to my eyes, which have only been able to keep up with the world through the internet. But although our room has turned into a sort of unwanted catch-all, we're still happy and loving every second of the experience. Marriage is such a beautiful gift!

Day Forty

The Washington Weather in Florida

The Florida people call it a "cold front." We just call it Olympia Sunshine. Gladly. In the last 2 days, Jupiter has been overwhelmed by too much rain, causing us to reminisce in the memories of Seattle downpours. Today, however, the sunshine came back, but the change in temperature was unmistakable. In the 39 days that we've been here, "dry" was never used as a description of the weather - always "muggy" or "moist." Not today! Washington was on our minds naturally, and after sitting through our first drawbridge raise, we were feeling right at home. Countless bridges like this are scattered all over the west coast, but neither of us had ever seen one raised until 6 o'clock tonight, with the sun peeking through the clouds as the perfect backdrop. The scene reminded Adam of Inception, and once it fell back down, we found our way to the town center where we enjoyed a night walking through CityPlace, shopping, and supper (Adam wanted me to use the word "supper") at Cheesecake Factory.

Day Thirty-Nine

The Mac Boy

Look who I found cuddled up, drowning in the world of bright screens and curiosity. I'm just glad we stuck with the "No TV in the Bedroom" rule, or I'd never keep his attention! Following a long day of various errands, a late dinner, and an even later Game 1 of the World Series, he was looking forward to his time as a couch potato. Well, bed-potato might be more accurate in this instance...BUT...tomorrow we're planning on furnishing the apartment a bit! We're really excited about our newfound mobility and ready to begin making this place feel more like home. The only setback now is the pace change that snuck up on us this past week. I'm having flashbacks to the rushed days of wedding planning, and may need some time to relax and regain perspective. Growing up is hard. There's so much paperwork to do. So many bills. So many documents. So many changes. But Adam's the best teammate I could have ever asked for, and has been such a huge help. 

Day Thirty-Eight

The Sigh of Relief

Today was an emotional roller coaster, and I'm not sure I want another ride. We woke up to an unsettling issue with our bank, waited 3 hours for Pacific Time people to go to work, and held a frustrating automated voice representative to my ear for much longer than someone should ever have to speak to a robot. Once the dust settled, relief was found, and more phone calls were made. As of today, we are now insured drivers (hooray!), and were able to drive our truck off the Ford lot. Thanks to much help from the car salesman who guided us through the process (who also happens to be the pastor of a recent church-plant in the Palm Beach area - go figure), we left the dealership feeling positive about the experience, but bogged down by the stack of paperwork that was quickly accumulating. We didn't realize that in purchasing a car, you're also purchasing half a tree as well! So, we decided that a filing bin was in order. I sat on the floor of our (still) unfurnished apartment, and sorted through the piles of documents that have continued to grow since we arrived here - it was about time for some organization!

Here, in the midst of the piles of paper, I am holding a stack of addressed envelopes, all of which added to the roller coaster feeling of the day. Only this part of the ride was most fulfilling. We're looking forward to the next week when they reach their destinations. 

As of now, exhaustion has set in. In fact, we forgot to eat dinner tonight because it got so crazy. I never imagined Adam would let that happen, but this season of our life has certainly worn us out. It's about time for our minds to break from the constant pace. Finally.

Day Thirty-Seven

The 20 Year Promise

I have this blog entry as proof. After hours of paperwork, even more research, a shocking life lesson, and the hardest work he could have put in over the span of his baseball career, Adam walked away from Wayne Akers Ford today with a set of new keys. And as long as his promise to me is kept, there will only be happy days ahead. If not, he may just find himself building a dog house to call home for the duration of our marriage! 20 years - 2 whole decades - was his promise. And I do believe him. That's a long time to own anything, much less a vehicle, but he's set on the investment and my man is a disciplined one. So I guess I'd better get used to the inconvenient parking spots, the expensive gas tank, and an OCD-cleaning husband. But I couldn't be more proud and happy for Adam. His dedication to the game he loves and the God he serves made everything we're experiencing now, a possibility. I'm excited to see where this truck takes us, literally, as we continue chasing our dreams. I don't know if this one will ever have a name, but it has a lot to live up to - Benny became a very integral part of our relationship and many significant memories were made with him. We'll see how this one measures up. 

Day Thirty-Six

The Publix Walks

Adam and I enjoy some of our best and most rewarding moments as we walk to and from Publix - Jupiter's version of Safeway. In those ten minutes, we're dreaming, we're planning, we're laughing. Not having a car has truly been a blessing to the first month of our marriage. We've come to appreciate the fulfillment of conversations uninterrupted by the world - something that's at constant battle with the pace of society. On many of our walks, Adam takes his empty backpack and ends up leaving the grocery store with an oversized piece of luggage draping from his back. Armed with the rest of the groceries, the walk home becomes somewhat of a workout, as the heavy bags begin to cause body aches all over. It's something we've never really had to do before - we've always had a car to throw our stuff in - but this has offered us a different perspective, and one we're grateful for. We like different. It's just a better story.

Day Thirty-Five

The Firework Surprise

This town's priority is in serving its community. They celebrate. They create. They're filled with life and find fun ways to enjoy it. While finishing up my makeup and hair before tonight's final ALCS game between the Tigers and Rangers, I was startled by a loud boom. Then another. Followed by more foreign crackling sounds, I asked Adam to check outside, and he came back with surprisingly good news. Fireworks. Right outside our front door. And what a show it was! For a few moments, I was back in an old memory. July 4, 2010 was the day Adam and I started dating. Laying on a hammock. Fireworks in the background. Warm Olympia weather. That summer was one of my favorites, and I was happy to be reminded of it tonight. This place just keeps giving us more and more to love, and we're so thankful to be living here. 

And just because it's important to Adam: Rangers 15, Tigers 5. Texas is headed back to the World Series.

Day Thirty-Four

The Quickened Pace*

For the past few weeks, Conley life has been anything but busy. We've thoroughly enjoyed the peacefulness of a slowed pace, but today we were reminded again just how crazy one day can be. We were fortunate to borrow a car from one of Adam's teammates, and put the F150 to as good of use as we possibly could in 9 hours. First stop: The Social Security Office. Originally, I had it planned to have my named changed a month ago. When I realized that I left Washington without our marriage license, it was too late to turn back. So, I contacted Thurston County to have an official one sent to me, but it failed to be delivered, and actually got sent all the way back to Olympia. It wasn't until Tuesday that I finally received an official copy of our marriage license. Fiasco? Yes. But today, after a painfully long wait in line, I legally became Kendall Conley!! So that's all that really matters. An A+ start to our day.

 With SS business taken care of, we were headed for a day of car shopping. Between the Florida heat, the car heat, and the heat of adrenaline, we quickly melted into a sticky mess. But it was well worth it. We learned much, and developed a vision of what we value in a car. Having never purchased a vehicle before, we're exploring the industry with caution and filtering information carefully. So, it'll be a bit until we decide on what fits us well, but we're in the process and really excited about it!

With the clock clicking quickly to 6:00, we were in a rush to get home, grab different clothes, wash our sweaty faces, and make it to the bank before it closed. Small fiasco? Yes. But we made it in time and quickly rushed back to the car. Destination: Marriage Conference at 6:30. And we're so happy we decided to go. Hosted by First Baptist Church (Family Church's "mother" church), married couples from all over come for a two-day conference in order to gain fellowship and wisdom in the relationship of marriage. Armed with a powerful message, we learned a lot tonight and are ready for more tomorrow morning. We were lucky to meet another young couple at Small Group, who also decided to attend the conference, and here they are next to us! Only 4 months in and they're experts just like we are! I mean, c'mon, marriage can't be that hard, can it?  ;)

Day Thirty-Three

The Starbucks Internet

If there's anything I truly love about Starbucks, it's their free wi-fi. Couple that with their Skinny Caramel Macchiato, and they've made themselves a deal. I suppose adding in a handsome man doesn't hurt either. First, some perspective: since moving into our home, Adam and I have been "borrowing" our internet connection from an unknown source. (Thank you). Maybe a neighbor? Maybe a business? We're not sure. What we are sure of, is that the connection that we do get, is nothing to brag about. At least we have some sort of connection - yes - but I'd almost rather not have one at all. Adam says the only reason he'd want to have kids at this time is that they might teach me a thing or two about patience, of which I tend to lack greatly in. And I agree with him completely. So, you can imagine my impatience when I watch the blue highlight inch painfully across the address bar, teasing me with the contents of that click, and then at the last second - when the bar has gotten 75% across the page - my screen flashes, to my horror, the words "You are not connected to the internet." WHAT?! I was connected FIVE seconds ago? Some huffs and puffs, a few jiggles of my laptop, maybe a couple hard clicks later, and my feathers have officially been ruffled.  Not to worry, I've been working on this patience-with-my-computer-issue for at least a month now, and therefore have developed a bit more restraint and tolerance. After all, it's free. And at least I have service sometimes. "Better than no internet at all," I tell myself, and then I go search for a snack to relieve my frustration. 

So today, we decided to load the backpack, suck up the $4, and walk to Starbucks. This would provide us with 2 things simultaneously: dependable, fast, worry-free internet, and a perfectly good excuse for a date. Both of which were delightful. Adam got the work he needed to get done, done. I did too. All the while, I got to steal glances at the handsome man sitting across the table. I love being married. And, I love too, that today showed just how good of a match we are - Adam with a blue shirt and black computer, me with a black shirt and blue computer. Just precious.

Day Thirty-Two

The Trunk or Treat Postings

A 1998 faded seaweed green minivan with 285,000+ miles on it pulled up to our home today. "Can't be Jimmy," we thought! But indeed it was our campus pastor, picking us up for a day of poster hangings coupled with a most delicious lunch. Nursing the last bit of use out of his Ford Beauty, we helped navigate our new friend through a dozen or so developments that surround our Abacoa neighborhood. The mission: hang as many posters as possible. The event: Trunk or Treat 2011. Annually, an assortment of cars drive into Roger Dean Stadium with trunks decorated and overflowing with Halloween candy. As a safer and easier alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating, this event brings much anticipation and excitement from the families in our city. Add in bouncy houses, cotton candy, crazy games, costumes and music, and you have yourself a child's dream holiday. We've yet to experience anything like this, but we're definitely looking forward to October 30th when it all comes together. Our job today of hanging posters was a small piece of the big picture, and even so, we were more than excited to help. 

 I can't get enough of this place. Jupiter is incredible. 

Day Thirty-One

The Married Group

It's official. We're not complete loners anymore! For the past month, Adam and I have mostly kept to our own one-on-one interaction. Not purposefully, but moving 'cross country does have some setbacks, one being that we knew nobody upon arriving. Other than Adam's casual friends at the field, we hadn't developed any sincere connections with any other couples, until tonight! Coming from a small-group at Resonate, known better as "The Engaged Village" (we miss you all!), I was excited to see what "The Married Group" at Family Church was all about. (We're married! Gosh, that still gets me every time!) Over snacks, laughter, playful sarcasm, and God's Word, we got the immediate impression that these people are the kind you hold onto. We were completely at home, at ease, at peace. Finally, we're beginning to see the motion of progress building. And it feels good. 

Day Thirty

The First Month

The past thirty days have been some of the best I can remember. The freedom and peace that marriage brings was something I never understood before, and although we're "new at this," nothing has ever felt so natural. We're two kids, crazy about Jesus, crazy about each other, and crazy about the memories we're making. And it just works. Really well. 

To celebrate our first month of marriage, Adam did a good thing. He's come to realize that if my sweet tooth is satisfied, then I'm the happiest girl in the world. When the frozen chocolate chips ran out a week ago, he brought home ice cream cones. After the last one went into his belly today, he knew he was in trouble. So, we went for an evening walk and ended up at Red Mango, where only the best kind of treat is kept. Frozen yogurt is the way to my heart, and Adam grabbed it tonight. As an added touch, we enjoyed a warm, humid lightening storm on the way home. The sky was our theater, and we were in awe. He held me close, and we talked about life, and God, and the intricacies of creation. About love, family, plans, and blessings. I'm so grateful to have Adam as my husband. 

Day Twenty-Nine

The FC's 1st Birthday

When Adam and I left Pullman, we were certain of one thing only: how much we'd miss our family at Resonate Church. And that hasn't changed. Since the move, our hearts still yearn for a community of Christian friends like the ones who pulled us in so quickly there. The vision that equips Resonate is one of passion and intensity - for the hearts of a people living in a broken world. 

With a small hint of bias, which I'm slightly ashamed of, Adam and I have been in active pursuit of a church to call home here in Florida. But to our dismay, we had yet to make an honest connection anywhere. It was 2 weeks ago when things began to change in our favor, however. I was sitting in the stands of Roger Dean Stadium watching Adam play Team Italy, and noticed a church advertisement on the right field wall. I took a picture of it and showed Adam once he got home. We spent some time looking over their website and decided to check Family Church at Abacoa out. Well, turns out that it takes us 5 minutes to walk to FC. Good. News. And even better news when we walked through the doors. Maybe a bit more ashamed to say this, I immediately turned to Adam and said, "Wow, this reminds me of Resonate..." And our suspicions weren't far off. Of the many churches we visited, FC was the only one to contact us. Praise The Lord! We were invited to lunch a few days later and met with the campus pastor. Great, great man. And so, today we were excited to walk back, meet some more people, hear Pastor Jimmy preach, and celebrate their One Year Birthday with cake, chocolate, and 15 beautiful baptisms. God is so, so good. 

Day Twenty-Eight

The Obnoxious Charger

Jupiter,  Florida is 3,275.19 miles from Olympia, Washington. Thankfully, an easy remedy for the distance comes in the form of a cell phone. It's not until you've been cursed with a dying charger that you realize how much the seemingly insignificant things in life matter. No charger. No cell phone. No calls. Moving to a new town is a challenge for anyone, but moving across the expanse of the entire United States is a bit more daunting, and even more so without the help of a phone. After four days without my Blackberry and one day without Adam's, we decided to suck it up and find our way to the closest Verizon store to purchase the $30 charger that would reconnect us. We did so quite reluctantly, as we plan on revamping our cell phone world with our own FAMILY PLAN(!!!) eight days from now. Really charger? Really? You couldn't last eight more days? It's those ironies about life that forces laughter.

So, out of all that, here we are, having purchased a Blackberry charger (that actually works!) to use for the next week or so...but definitely grateful to have it! And since we're still without a car, we decided to jog to the store. In all our workouts, we've never run distance together so I was a bit intimidated, but he was good to me and kept my pace. (Such a sweet man!) And if you'll notice, that is certainly deodorant on my shirt. If you're ever without it here, misery will surely be your company! :)

(Oh, and a special shout out to my baby sister, Morgan, who did me the courtesy of swapping my super-fabulous charger for her obnoxiously-dying one whilst I frantically packed my life into 2 small suitcases before flying the furthest possible distance away from everything I've ever known...haha. I love you girl! You've made our time here more interesting and entertaining because of it!!)

Day Twenty-Seven

The National League Divisional Series

When you marry a baseball player, there are a select few things you must be ok with: 

1. Giving up half your paycheck to his never-ending appetite.

2. The dirty and painfully offensive language that most of his teammates use.

3. Other than the real important stuff of life, everything else that comes to his mind is inevitably baseball related.

And that's the exact picture we have here. When it comes to baseball, Adam's in a different world. With a belly full of money (AKA "food"), pitifully dirty mouths, and 2 screens-worth of divisional series, I'd say Adam was in as much of his element as he could be during offseason. Which subjects me to information overload. Without complaint, but rather anticipation, I've accepted the fact that someday I could be considered a walking baseball dictionary. Today's lesson: the catcher. And how his ability to receive the ball can change the pace, momentum, and effectiveness of the pitcher and ultimately the game. So that 97 with run and sink doesn't mean much if your catcher can't handle it.

We spent 4 hours at Stadium Grill, enjoying the balmy Florida weather and a nail-biting game worth every 10 innings. Brewers 3; DBacks 2. 

Day Twenty-Six

The October Sunshine

Where we're from, you don't swim in October. Where we live, you can every day. And outside too! For more than 2 decades, we were under the impression that the sun only existed 6 months out of the year, but Florida has shown us the light! Adam has turned into a fish...a Marlin indeed. Following lunch with a new friend from Family Church, we spent the day cooling off and reading by the pool. Living up to the name, the two of us swam several laps for a workout, with a new-found appreciation for the sport. We're lousy swimmers, but in the past 2 weeks have felt significant improvement! Today, Adam decided to work a bit on his diving technique. Not exactly what I'd give a "10," as it looks more like he's just fallen off the roof, but on the flipside, his vertical seems to have increased a ton! Hopefully he can maintain those hops, but it might be more difficult with a caloric intake of 6,070 today! 

Day Twenty-Five

The Breakfast Artist

Finding new ways to entertain ourselves has become key to living in Florida. Because of our lack in all-things 21st century, this newlywed couple has found other means to remain occupied. This morning, while enjoying his breakfast, Adam's mind was already at work. Normally, he's a bit more delusional at 7:30 AM, but not today. As I sat down with my oatmeal and nectarine, he slid drawing #2 across the table. (Drawing #1 was actually the last to be drawn...and the easiest). I giggled at the sight of the cartoon butt - I couldn't help myself. After much consideration, I came up with "peanut butt girl? lady? woman? Kendall? me? her?! Peanut-Butt-Her...Peanut Butter! Onto #3. His favorite part of breakfast. Chicken? No, that couldn't be right. Turkey? Oven? Switch? Turkey Oven On? Turkey Bake On? Turkey Bacon!!  And finally, the one I drew for him...it took only a few attempts until he got it...pancake! If we can entertain ourselves now without the conveniences of life, I have no doubts that we'll have a ton of fun in the future!

Day Twenty-Four

The Fifteenth Month

The Husband and I have been dating for a year and three months today! It's also his mom's birthday, which makes October 4th awesome by default. So happy birthday Katy, and happy anniversary Honey! Go us! Following a delicious steak meal prepared by Mr. Conley,  the both of us wandered through our Abacoa neighborhood, talking, laughing, flirting, and getting lost (as usual). The night was a bit cooler than normal, so the 20 minute detour in the wrong direction didn't hurt us too bad! If there's one thing I could change about the man I chose to marry, it would definitely be his lack of directional awareness. He drives me crazy sometimes, and I await day that his navigation skills improve, but until then, I'll continue giggling through the wrong turns and missed exits...because that's Adam. And he's adorable.

Day Twenty-Three

The Bats

The bats! Thank goodness they're finally here! It only took them a month to arrive...and 3 weeks later than the date of our wedding. A big oopsies out of the company, but luckily for Adam, it worked out to his benefit. Initially, these bats were to be used as our guest book, but when things didn't work out according to plan, extras were sent in replacement. The bats we ended up using were perfect, but due to the error, the company also sent us the originals free of charge. The only downside was the wait...and Adam reminded me of this daily. His patience was beginning to ware, so when I heard the knock on the door this evening, I knew there was good news on the other side. Like a kid with a new toy, Adam played with his bats all night and decided that he'd make one of them his own to use in practice and games...I'm anticipating the day that I'll be able to see him swing it.

Day Twenty-Two

The Game

Sundays are good days. And today was no different. Following church service, Adam was itching to get a workout in. Problem: the facility isn't open on Sundays. (I was secretly pumped). But to his amusement, and mine too, the baseball fields at the complex were swarming with young players. It was a Team One Baseball Showcase, and the bench was calling Adam's name. Even on a most unlikely day, I found myself sitting in the Florida heat next to my husband...watching the game he loves. Adam can't get enough of it. Even bad baseball. He loves it. And so do I. Especially the rare times I get to sit next to him while he explains to me certain play situations, or errors, or what pitch he would have thrown, or why that was a poor call, or how having a good catcher can change the game, or why coaches should wear the uniform, or, or, or...the teaching never stops because he's always learning more. And together, hand in hand, we'll continue growing in our knowledge about the game, but more importantly, about the relationship we're discovering through the days of our marriage.

Day Twenty-One

The First Trip

THREE weeks already in the books. AND, it's October. Wow. It's gone by fast. As a small celebration, Adam and I decided to explore our corner of the States, and so South we drove in a borrowed SUV. To Miami. Where the colors are vibrant. And the stories are many. Our first stop landed us in front of the new Miami Marlins Stadium, which is currently under massive construction and will be ready for the 2012 season. It was tough not to choose that as the picture of the day, but we'll be back again! From there, we wandered our way through the various neighborhoods in the area, and ended at Pier 5, where The Hard Rock Cafe Miami was waiting! The HRC has some sentimental value to us, as it was the place where Adam signed his professional contract (in Seattle), so we decided that a stop there for lunch was in order! Taken outside the restaurant, Adam and I are posed together for once...without an outstretched arm in the way! He was insistent upon this being the photo for our 21st day together, so I agreed! He looked especially handsome (well, he always does!), with the glasses for a little pizzaz! I am so happy to have him, and thankful that we've been so blessed in our journey. Miami was a bit for us to take in today, as life isn't "blissful" or "easy" in many of the homes or neighborhoods around the city. People are struggling there. And it's obvious. It further confirmed our appreciation for the home that we're in, and the safety we enjoy. Although our apartment is mostly bare, without a TV to watch or car to drive, we couldn't be more happy in our situation. It's times like today that re-establish the value of comfort and security, both of which many of us take advantage of, and even more who wish they had even a piece of.