It's been a long time since Derik and I have had a legit couples photo session. Actually, its been since our engagement/wedding over three years ago, and I knew it was high time to schedule another one. The only problem was finding a good photographer. I thought it would be really awesome to hire someone to take our pictures while we were on our big trip, so I started looking for a professional/freelance photographer in Hawaii. You wouldn't believe the amount of so-called 'photographers' in the Maui area. Most charged over $1,000 for something I could have easily done with a point and shoot. I took one last drastic measure to find the kind of photographer I was looking for by checking out Craigslist. Yes, you read right, Craigslist. I'm ... Read More
Valentine’s Day
I used to hate Valentines Day. As a matter of fact I still kind of do. It irks me that there is a day that men (and women) are obligated to do something for their significant other. I know V-day is supposed to be a romantic, sexy, fun, and amazing holiday, but I can't help but think: "what about the rest of the year?" Why do we have to wait for this one specific day to show our love? There are 364 more days in the year that our special someone deserves to be loved and swept off their feet. Don't you think? I am however, the most puzzling person ever. Derik knows how I feel about Valentines Day, but every time this dreaded day comes I get pissed if he doesn't do anything 'extra' special for me. WHO AM I?! Sigh. Darn all those cultural ... Read More
Lessons of Love (From Abroad)
In pre-marriage counseling, our pastor told us that one of the best things we could do for our marriage was get out on our own, by ourselves. At the time I was still thinking about going to a music school in Australia that I had been accepted to, but we weren't sure how it would all work financially. We were strongly encouraged by the pastor to take the leap and move abroad, just because something like that brings a couple together more than you could ever think possible. You are forced to lean upon each other instead of your families, spend a ton more time together, and learn to genuinely enjoy each other's company. He was right. I'd be lying if I told you the first few months in Korea wasn't difficult marriage-wise. We had been used ... Read More