Well, I have been keeping this under wraps for quite some time now, but it has been one of the hardest things I’ve had to do! But I’m finally ready to spill the beans!

Mark and I just purchased our first home together!!!!!!!

I am beyond ecstatic, I can hardly express how excited I am. I didn’t want to say anything about it on the internet in fear that something may have fallen through, and then I would have to explain to everyone when they asked “so how is the house coming along?!” that something fell through and we were no longer getting it… and I would probably tear up and cry every. single. time. So to save myself from that possibility, keeping it under wraps was the best option.

But I am SO excited that I can now share it all with you!!! It was a long and stressful process, but everything ended up working out, and Mark and I could not be more thrilled.

warning- LONG post ahead!

It all started about a year ago…

For those of you who don’t know, I actually work full time in the marketing/design department for a mortgage company, so the thought and realization of the possibility and benefits to buying a home have been on the table for just over a year now. In my head, I was ready and excited to buy a year ago. However, Mark, with his ever-steady-let’s-evaluate-every-little-detail attitude (which might sound like a negative thing here, but rest assured I am SO thankful for his “realism” in situations like these) laid it all out and just wasn’t so comfortable doing so at that time. He was still car-less and taking advantage of public transit at the time, so our options for locations of homes would have been very limited. That, and the worry of taking on such a large financial commitment was a little scary… so our home-buying plans came to a halt early 2010.

This year, however, has been a really great one for Mark and I. He is steadily advancing in his company, and I have established myself at my 9-5 as well. Photography has been insanely busy this year for me, Mark was able to purchase a car in the late spring, and things have come a long way in the past year.

While I would secretly look at RMLS every day, and save my favorites, daydreaming about the time when we’d be able to start home-searching ourselves, I knew that patience and persistence would eventually pay off. I don’t know if it was the television being stuck on HGTV for months, or what, but in early September, Mark asked me- “so, what’s going on with the house search?”

“WHAT?!!?!?” I replied. “We can’t afford a house” (Ok, I was having a bad day… you know, the kind where you really didn’t want to look at your bank account, but you knew you should, so you did, and then you regretted it.. kind of… but you realize that you probably shouldn’t have went out to lunch 5 times last week, or bought that really cute dress that was on sale? yea… it was one of those days.)

I re-couped myself and thought about this again. I said “Well, have you been looking for houses? Because I thought you didn’t think it was a good time yet, and you haven’t sent me any houses to look at, so I just assumed you were still on that same page. Plus I didn’t want to pressure you if you did still feel that way.”

“Well no,” he said “but I think it’s time.”

My heart did a few back-flips… these were the words I had been waiting to hear for a year!!!

“OK! I said, well, check out these houses I have saved!” I pull up our Realtor’s website (www.portlandshortsales.com) and showed him my favorites. He liked a few, so I agreed to call our Realtor in the morning and set up a time to view some houses in the next week or so.

We ended up going the following evening (because our Realtor Alex is awesome!) and checking out a few houses. Here is where the story gets interesting…

I thought we were going to look at one house, but Alex actually took us to see the house next door to the one I thought we were looking at. “Why not?” I said, and we checked it out anyways.

We. loved. it.

One problem… the house already had an accepted offer in on it, and they weren’t accepting any back-up offers! Bummer. We tried to get into the house next door, but the key was no where to be found.. odd.. but Alex had another home to show us in the area, so we checked it out, and then called it a night. It was great to get a feel for the neighborhood, and we knew we definitely wanted to live in that community, so we just kept an eye out for new listings to pop up.

We ended up making an offer on a short sale house that was on the same block as the one we looked at. It was a beauty! But short sales are a MESS and so we weren’t expecting much to come from it. About two or three weeks after we submitted our first offer on the short sale, the home we toured (and loved) came back up on the market… the other buyer’s financing fell through!

I saw it pop up in my daily listing email and immediately emailed Alex. Mark and I talked it over, and we decided that it would be a much safer road to put an offer in on this house. This house was a bank owned (much better than a short sale!) and there was even a downpayment assistance program available for bank owned homes in this area. (They said they could do some short sales too, but come to find out it would have been a nightmare!)

So we made the decision to put in an offer on the house we toured and loved. We know that the bank already accepted a certain price, so we just went in at that price and hoped for the best! It was about 15k less than the offer we put in on the short sale house, so we were happy with that.

We heard back two days later that the bank had accepted our offer, so we withdrew our offer on the short sale, and now almost 2 months later, we have ourselves a home!!! We got the keys on Friday, and today we went out to the house to take a few photos and have the carpets professionally cleaned!! I am getting SO excited!

We plan on painting and packing this week, and moving on the 26th! Eeeee!!! I can’t wait to be in there and settled. It will cut my hour long commute down to about 10 minutes or less, which I am excited about, however Mark will get the opposite commute… so I’m thinking good thoughts for him…

Anywho, here are some photos of the new place!!

We are in love.
And we are in love with our home.

I can’t wait to show you updates as we get settled in!!! We have ordered our washer and dryer, and we just bought our refrigerator today, we can’t wait for them to show up! I can’t wait to paint, decorate, and make the place OURS. I have been waiting for a long time to do this, and yet I still feel like a very young homeowner.

We feel so excited, happy and thankful that we were able to do this.
It will be a very merry christmas for us this year.  <3

What other day do you get to indulge in all of the hearts, pink, love, and romance you can imagine!?

Ok, ok, so maybe I do that more than just one day a year, but it’s nice to have a designated day set aside to plan for it I didn’t get to do or capture nearly as many valentine-y things as I wanted this year, but I did take a few pics this weekend.

My friend Jenn came over, and we decorated cupcake valentine’s! It was super fun, and there was a LOT of pink happening!!! I didn’t snap any photos of my cupcakes (i know, shame on me!), but I did snap a couple of Jenn’s! Here are some of her fabulous and adorable cupcakes!

First, I just want to say that my boyfriend is the best boyfriend ever. I seriously can’t believe sometimes how lucky I am to  have found such an amazing person to share my life with.

We have been wanting to go to this one particular restaurant for over 5 years… now you might be thinking “5 years is a really LONG time Courtney… just go to the dang restaurant!!”, and I know. However, being in college, broke, always living paycheck to paycheck, etc. we just could never bare to “afford” it. Our anniversary happens to lie on the same date our lease is up, so we’d either be broke from moving or just not have time. And as for other special occasions, it just never worked out right.

I’m happy to say that the stars finally aligned, and we were able to enjoy an incredible dinner together at The Melting Pot! I brought my camera along, but I knew it would be SUPER dark down there, so I wasn’t expecting any amazing shots, but I did catch a few good ones. Here are some fun moments from our Valentine’s day dinner!

We started with the cheese fondue. Not my favorite, but Mark sure liked it! they give you breads, green apples, and raw veggies to dip. I did like the apples with it, but I knew there was so much more on the way and wanted to save room.

Next we had salads, I took a photo but didn’t export it, lol, they weren’t anything amazing, just plated yummy dinner salads. Then the next course: MEATS!! Look at all of that delicious raw meat, just ready to cook. We chose the “Bajo Style” broth, it was a citrus-y garlic broth, and completely delicious!!! Our plate included lobster, filet minon, new york strip, kielbasa, shrimp, garlic chicken, and raviolis. We also got some raw veggies to cook, and a variety of sauces to dip the meats in after they cooked.

And last but most definitely not least: DESSERT!!! This was my most favorite part of the entire meal (of course), and I would go back a million times for it again!! Our server brought out the chocolate and then poured in the fire!!!

a little stir…

a lot of delicious things to dip…

and mmmmmmmm two very happy valentine’s!!! We chose dark chocolate with marshmallow cream

they give you SO many fun things to dip! Cheesecake, strawberries, bananas, pound cake, brownies, rice krispy treats, and different marshmallows… can you say heaven?? They are also all refillable, excluding the cheesecake.

SO yummy!!!

And of course, we had to take a pic of the bill. This is the most expensive meal Mark and I have ever indulged in to date. It might not seem like a lot, but I guess you can say we live on the conservative side. Oh yea, that doesn’t even include tip, hahaha… so awesome. Like I said, my boyfriend is amazing.

Then Monday I had the day off, and I was a total and complete BUM all day. I managed to take Quincey over to my cousin’s house to play with their pup (Quincey’s cousin and BFF) Rufus, so that was fun. I also did ALL of my laundry and folded/put it away. As well as re-arranging our bedroom. But BUM city it was, and it was amazing.

Overall it was a great Valentine’s weekend. Hopefully next year I’ll be able to document more! How was your Valentine’s weekend??

Now it’s time to get ready for Costa Rica!!! I leave in less than 4 weeks now- CRAZY!!! I’m so excited, but I’ve never travelled outside of the country. Advice? Tips? I’d love to hear them!! Also, what’s one thing I should make sure to do while on Vacation? I’ll be staying in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

<3

*photo by my friend Kevin Russ!

I find myself extremely well off at this time in my life. This year has been a complete roller coaster for me.

Of course it goes without saying how thankful I am to have such an amazing boyfriend, family, and friends. They all mean the world to me, and I’m so glad that we get to share our stories in this book of life. Without them, life wouldn’t have much meaning to me. They are really the biggest pieces in my puzzle. Also, my little puppy-son Quincey. As he sits here scratching my arm, begging me for attention, I think back to when he was so so tiny. We got him 2 years ago, the day before Christmas eve. He has become such a huge part of me, and is always there to love me unconditionally. A dog’s love is truly remarkable. I am thankful for all of them.

In the beginning of the year, I was working a job I hated, and ultimately quit. I felt frustrated, angry, and just sad in general. After getting out of school 2 years ago, I was still unable to land a good design job. i was forced to go back to the restaurant industry. I know, I know, it isn’t horrible, however it was one of those chapters in my life that while I was happy I had it to fall back on, I thought I wouldn’t have to re-open it. I did that for a while, but things started to slow down and it was hard to get hours. Drama, drama, drama… as luck would have it, my friend recommended me for a job, and I emailed in to apply. A week and another interview later, I got the job!!! Marketing Assistant at a very fast-growing mortgage company! It may not sound exciting, but it was honestly a dream come true, and has turned out to be a completely awesome job. I am so thankful for my job, especially in this economy, and especially since I get to utilize my creative skills (and degree!).

a little over a year ago, Mark and I moved from our tiny one bedroom apartment into a spacious 2 bed, 2 bath apartment. I am thankful for all of the extra space that we enjoy.

I was able to recently upgrade my computer so that I can work faster and more effieciently on my photos. I am thankful for my new computer (and the boyfriend who built it).

My photo business has really grown this year. I am thankful for all of the new clients, and compliments I receive. I am thankful for being able to capture the beauty and love within people.

Gas prices have gone down, my pocketbook is thankful for that.

I am thankful for all of the new people and friends who have come into my life this past year. I thrive on new relationships!

I am thankful for my space heater. I hate being cold.

I am so thankful that I can afford to pay my bills, and that even though I may not have much left over, at least I can live.

I am thankful for music.

I am thankful for delicious foods. And drinks.

I am thankful for the sun, and the blue sky, and clouds. (cumulonimbus clouds especially!)

I am thankful for technology. Without it, so much would not be possible, including my art.

I am thankful for the mentors in my life, you have taught me so much, and most of you don’t even know it!

There are so many more things that I could list, but I don’t want this post to be too lengthy. It’s been a while since I’ve done a ‘personal post’, so this was pretty fun. I’ll do another one with photos soon, but for now since it feels weird to post without a photo, here’s one from our most recent trip to Reno of mark’s cousins

<3

But first! How weird, that today at lunch, I got this fortune

because just yesterday i was reading this great article about how to price your photography! Random, right?! Well anyways, I thought it was weird.

Ok, onto the weekend!

Friday night started off with a bang! Our President at work took our whole team out for bowling, pizza, and drinks So we only had to work a half day, and got an early start to the weekend! Man, I love my day job sometimes! There’s nothing like getting off a little early after a crazy busy and productive week, sure makes you feel good!

Before our photo shoot on Saturday morning, we stopped for some pumpkin spice lattes! (all of these photos were taken by my friend Tonja’s daughter, Madi- photos to come soon!)

Another fun thing we did this weekend was go to this AMAZING restaurant- Por Que No?
I can’t believe I’d never been there! The food was absolutely amazing, and I fell in love before I even ordered! The entire restaurant is colorful, vibrant, and full of life! I couldn’t help but snap away with my little phone! They even had delicious fresh juices– mark and i had guava coconut! YUMMY!

SO yummy! It’s definitely on our faves list now! Mark had been talking about the place for a while, and he ended up going with our friends Chauncey and Jonelle a few nights prior- it’s one of their favorite spots as well, so they were excited to show Mark the ways of the place

Mark and I also got our photos back that we had done from Kevin Russ, THEY ARE AMAZING!!!!
I am so in love with them, I almost cried when I saw them… he is the BEST! I’ll do a post about them soon so you can all see

And of course, a trip to Trader Joe’s! I love love love that store! Not only do they carry delicious foods for super low prices, their packaging is ADORABLE! I literally buy things from there just because I like the box! Maybe it’s the graphic designer in me, but they get me every time!!! Prime example:

Also- the Steelcut Oatmeal (get it in the frozen section!) is my new fave breakfast!!! Why doesn’t all oatmeal taste this good?!!? SO delicious!

and one of my baby, just because he’s too cute for his own good!

2 blogposts in 2 days, man i’m on a roll!

<3

That being said, I really wanted to get him something special for our 5 year anniversary this past July. If you know Mark, than you know he is nearly impossible to buy presents for. I go through this at least 3 times a year (Birthday, Christmas, & Anniversary). After 5 years I have learned not to buy him clothes- as they probably won’t fit correctly, and so he won’t wear them. [6' 4" and thin is far from the "normal" cut on most clothes, and about as far from "big & tall". God forbid anything be too baggy, we just won't have that ] I guess growing up with a personal seamstress (his grandmother) has left him spoiled- so clothes are generally out.

He is also a minimalist- which you would know if you ever come over to our apartment. He doesn’t like “things” or “knick-nacks” (with the very rare exception of a few collectibles he keeps), so nice little things that I would, and could, spend a fortune on gathering for him will just stress him out. He likes things simple, clean, and un-cluttered (boy did he know what he was getting into 5 years ago wanting to be with me!!!!).

Over the past 5 years I’ve gotten him a speaker system for his computer, a new monitor, cologne, lots and lots of clothes (some which he hasn’t worn once, and others he just wore so my feelings wouldn’t be hurt), a nice messenger bag for when he bikes, lots of little snacks I know he loves, and an assortment of other things I can’t think of at the moment. My feelings aren’t hurt by any of this, it’s just part of who he is, and to be honest- I love that about him. His clean, simple and un-cluttered gives balance to my organized chaos.

So when our anniversary came up this year, I was at a loss of what to get him. He usually just tells me what he wants these days, and I give him the money for it because I have no idea where to get it, or what to get (Usually some part for his computer or something… I wouldn’t dare try to surprise him with the right whatever-it-is in that realm… too many chances to get it wrong). But this ruins the fun for me of gift giving. I want him to be surprised. I love that anticipation, knowing I got him something he’s going to absolutely LOVE, and seeing his face when he figures out what it is. He says it’s no big deal to him, but it is to me, so the plotting and planning must continue!!!

I was talking to my good friend Tonja, and she suggested we “go do” something together. A wonderful idea! We don’t get out of the house together much to go on explorations or do fun activities. Our schedules just recently (and FINALLY) adjusted so that we have the same days off, allowing such fun things to be planned. I thought this was the perfect idea. If you know Mark, you know that his favorite food in the entire world is Sushi. I’ve never seen him more excited to eat than when we go out for Sushi- Infact for his last birthday, all he wanted, and my gift to him, was to eat sushi for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. By the end of the day, he was a very happy birthday boy, and I had spent more money on Sushi than I dreamed possible for one person.

*Note- I don’t like sushi. I know, horrible. I want to like it, I really do!! It’s so beautiful and when I see it it looks so delicious, but for some reason I cannot stand the taste. I don’t like the kelp, or seaweed or whatever it is. People tell me they can’t taste it, but it’s ALL i taste. I also don’t like crab, or raw fish… or most anything else. But I do like other Japanese dishes (preferably the cooked ones) so I get those when we go out.

So I decided that it would be fun, and a great gift to him, to take Sushi making lessons together!!! I was so very excited about it, and very excited to give it to him. He acted happy when he received the gift certificates, but the class was scheduled almost a month away. I knew though, that once we actually went, he would love it. So I took the “acted happy” for then, and just waited.

We went to Miso Magic, and our instructor was Noriko. She is just a doll!! So sweet and fun, she made our time at class extremely educational, and enjoyable. I give her the highest of all recommendations, and if anyone is looking to learn how to make delicious Japanese or Thai food, she has a wealth of knowledge and lots of good secrets!

It turned out that we were the only ones who’d signed up for our class (usually she allows up to 8 people), so we ended up getting our own private session! The lesson was held at her beautiful house in SE Portland, in her gorgeous kitchen. To my delight, we got to sit right next to a huge window! (mmmmm natural light!!!).

We started off making the sticky rice. Mark had to microwave the vinegar mixture, and then we poured it into the rice and mixed it in.

Once that was done, we let it set. Noriko then, pulled out something…….. well…. let’s just say I took a deep breath, smiled, and dug in….

Yes. Those are dead, dried, very large sardines.
We had to crack them open and take out their bones and guts. (This was for the home made Miso Soup)

Then, into the pot they went.
To say the least, Mark was VERY proud of me.

Next we had to prepare the mushrooms.

Onto cooking the eggs! I always wondered how this style of eggs were made… and I’ve come to find out that it take a lot of talent to make them look pretty! This is a pic of the “egg station” I worked at.

SO basically you make very thin layers of egg, wait for it to cook, and then fold it in 3′s. You do this 3 times to get a nice fluffy “egg roll”. (Sorry, i don’t know what else to call it!) But we were given the challenge of having to fold the egg using chopsticks, which, unless used with the most grace, will easily tear your thin egg layer. Needless to say, we tried our best, and they were still delicious!

I love that photo of Mark & Noriko! She’s soooo cute!! And has a great smile

Then we set up to make our rolls!

mmmmm can you resist that beautiful Avocado?! I can’t!!!

Our first rolls! (Mark on top, mine on the bottom.)

I do have to say, they looked QUITE delicious!

More fun sushi making…

And our finished rolls, all lined up, ready to be eaten!!!

Noriko cut the remaining ingredients up and mixed everything in the rice. It was a great leftover dish (A few lunches for Mark), and it made me feel good that we weren’t wasting anything!

Then we cut our rolls…

And plated them. This was my favorite part. Probably because I love making art, and this was like one big art project for me!!!

Once everything was ready, we sat down and had a nice lunch in her beautiful living room! I didn’t get any final shots of the Miso soup, but it was really good (If only I didn’t know about the sardines! That was in my head the entire time, lol)

We even had TONS of leftovers!

All-in-all, it was an afternoon very well spent! Mark told me (during, and after) that it was “seriously such a cool gift”. I knew (and hoped) that he would enjoy it as much as he did. He is an artist just like me, and his appreciation for Japanese culture, and Sushi, and Food in itself is very very deep. He LOVES to learn things, especially things that end with a yummy reward!

So in the end, my gift was a winner.

Now what to get him for his birthday…… and the journey continues….

<3

Thanks Melissa & Mark! Enjoy!