Coffee Dream Date:












So the other night, Jared and I were trying to come up with a list of fun dates we could do. One at the top of my list (probably because it's actually in our budget), is a coffee tasting date. We take our own mugs and go around to every coffee shop we can find-order a tall coffee, share it, taste it, and take notes to compare. I think it sounds like a blast, plus then you could stay up all night partying with all that caffeine in your system!!! I hope we can go soon!

~Angela M.

Singing in the Season-

I love Christmas. More then any other time of year---I just feel happier, everything smells better and looks prettier---

Let's not forget about the best part of the holidays---


The Music.

Each year I start listening to Christmas music towards the end of October. I know people think that is strange, but I just think there are far too many wonderful songs, and a month of listening to them doesn't do them justice. In fact, I think Christmas is such a wonderful season, I don't understand why anyone would wait until after Thanksgiving to celebrate it!!

This year, I've decided to celebrate in a slightly different way then I previously have. You see, my grandparents over in Niagara Falls ONT live in a retirement community, and every time I go to visit, they always want me to sing, not just for them, but for their friends down the hall. Since I can not sing for them, I've decided to take to the retirement communities of Spokane--volunteering my love of Christmas carols for those who may not have anyone around them who can stop by and share God's love with them. I know I appreciate every person who can do that for my grandparents.

This morning I've been in contact with many different places in town and have been met with such a joyful response from those running the activities. I'm so excited to celebrate the season in this way!
~Angela M.

My Work Costume: Venti---the next American Gladiator (name thanks to my sister Becky:)

NO ONE else from work dressed up! They missed out!

~Angela M.

Costumes, or closer to Reality???


This Halloween, I get to wear 2 different costumes--by day (at Starbucks) I will be an American Gladiator---by night, a ninja. Both are 2 jobs I have already considered doing---maybe I should look into it---
~Angela M.

Fa la la la la la la la la

Well it has already started...the search for new and wonderful Christmas songs! Now I am completely obsessed with Christmas songs in particular, and I enjoy listening to them from about October until January---some people think the "Christmas Spirit" including movies, music and decorations should only last between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, but I disagree. It has always been one of my favorite times of year, and I want to celebrate it as long as possible!!

One of my most recent finds of a fantastic new Christmas song is:
Hallelujah by Darlene Zsech (or however you spell it)

and I just heard
Sing by Josh Wilson which was also pretty powerful!

Anyways, I'm always interested in hearing what other people are finding---anyone find anything interesting???



Angela M.

Celebrating 3 wonderful undeserving years!!!! This weekend we finally get to have our anniversary celebration and I could not be more excited! I look forward to many many wonderful years ahead of us---and I can't wait for Jared to surprise me tomorrow!!!

~Angela M.

Almost 3 years ago....


~Angela M.

Pumpkin Carving

Jared's pumpkin is the really cool one--he actually free handed that puppy--no stencils for him.

His reaction when he saw my finished product?

"Love? What does that have to do with halloween?!"


~Angela M.

New Hobby:

I decided a few weeks ago that knitting would be my new hobby in life. I don't know why, but I just think it sounds like a fun way to make nice things for other people in a fairly inexpensive way. Today I went to JoAnn Fabrics and bought a few thingys of yarn (I should probably learn the technical term for everything) and my aunt Judy is going to teach me how to knit sometime in the next week--possibly after church on Sunday! I'm so excited to start a new hobby! I'll post pictures of my progress along the way!


~Angela M.

When Seasons Change:

One of my favorite times of year is during the seasonal change...especially when summer turns to fall. The air smells cleaner, the leaves turn the most amazing shades of red, orange, and yellow, and it reminds me of that wonderful time of year almost 3 years ago now that Jared and I made a covenant before the Lord and all our friends and family to love and honor each other all our lives long.

Last week we were in California for Jesse's (Jared's best friend) wedding. As we went through the process of helping with all those fun details that can not be done until the last minute, I was reminded of all the changes that have occurred in our lives since our own special day---it is amazing how much our love has grown! Last night we were up late just talking about if we are "normal" because we love to spend every moment possible together! (really, we would spend all day every day together if we could)

As I look ahead at all the new seasons of life we will continue to go through, the thing I am most concerned about is if I am continually growing and changing in my character, in who God wants me to be. I so desperately want my life to make a meaningful difference for God's kingdom--in the big and little things. So as the seasons do change---so should my heart.

So my prayer this season's change...Lord change my heart. Transform my soul. Make me into something new today. Make my heart like Yours.




~Angela M.

Celebrating A Hero:

It was one of my dearest friends/hero/amazing woman of God birthday yesterday! Mary Crydo turned 30 yesterday (again):) She is such a special person in my life and has taught me so much about being a woman of God (though I have a long long way to go!) Mary is married to Mark who is a Lead Pastor at an awesome church in Portage MI. She and Mark have 3 of the most amazing kids in the world---which only attests to what an awesome job she has done as a mother! When I look at how they turned out it really inspires me of the importance of being a mom and what a difference it can make in this world. Mary is also a cancer survivor--several years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but now after surgery and much prayers--BOO YA!! cancer is gone!!!
Mary also inspires me because she is a runner. This may seem silly, but Mary has really never been a runner. She has been a walker-especially after having cancer. Mary and I would meet up at Lifestyles and walk together on the treadmills (it was FREEZING outside)-we would talk and pray together. Pretty soon, Mary who used to tell me she could never run, started walking for 5 min, running for 1 min...for an hour. Not much later, she was running 5 min and walking 1! Now Mary calls me up the other day to tell me she just ran 7 miles!!!! WOW!!!
Mary has poured her heart out for the Lord's Kingdom time and time again. She is a prayer warrior, spending lots of time connecting her heart to that of the Father. She gives so much of her time, energy and joy to all those around her. I just LOVE that she is one of my closest friends and find it to be such a blessing in my own life. We have prayed together, lived together, dyed our hair together, cried together, laughed and laughed and laughed together, worked out together, run together, worked like Huskies together, and made Daniel fast food together!
Thank you Mary for inspiring me most every day. Your character is challenging and encouraging! Happy Birthday to my Hero!
~Angela M.

Finding the Athlete in Me:

I know I know it's not proper grammar...but it's how I feel these days. Just a week and a half ago Jared and I completed our first Triathlon---which I've done several posts about. We decided a few days later we would do the Spokane half marathon, which is 13.1 miles of running!!! Last week we went pretty light since we were recovering from the Triathlon, and on Sunday we went the farthest I've ever gone before, 8.8 miles! It felt so great to be accomplishing something I never knew I could do. Today I decided to use the treadmill at Oz Fitness to help get my cadence a little less then 8 and a half minute miles. I ran for an hour and did 7.2 miles---although I was SOOOOO bored on that stinkin treadmill...nothing to look at but the tv screens which were way to far to even see, and when running on a treadmill I don't dare lose focus. I do not want to be that person who falls off the back!

Tomorrow I will do another run for about an hour or so. This weekend when in California we will do another long run-probably 10 miles! It will be another break through for me!

What a blessing to be healthy enough to do this kind of thing--I am so so thankful and try to really enjoy the ability and strength the Lord has blessed me with during the time spent outdoors running running running.

Step after step I remind myself...relax your upper body... get a slightly higher kick...relax your breathing...let everything go...just enjoy the run...it's all a mind game...turn off your mind...your body is strong enough...you ARE an athlete...thank you thank you thank you Lord...don't trip!!!
~Angela M.

The Half












As Jared and I spend the week recovering, I can't help but think about my next form of personal torture to put my body through...there is a Spokane Half Marathon on Oct 11...less then a month away!! It's obviously twice the amount of running that we did this weekend, but I KNOW my body can handle it...and it's only a $35 entry fee...why not while we're still reaping the benefits of the last few months of training???
~Angela M.

Our First Tri...

Wow. I can't believe the Triathlon is actually over! What an amazing day and experience it was!

We woke up at 5:00-which wasn't too bad for me since I often wake up that early for work-but Jared had a difficult time getting out of bed! Praise the Lord I actually slept really well too! Our stuff was already packed, so after getting dressed, making eggs and toast, and loading our borrowed bikes, we were ready to go (a little later then anticipated which was a bummer)

We arrived at the race site around 6:10 by the time we unloaded our bikes and walked over there. Most everyone was already there, so we had to put our bikes toward the back and really felt rushed especially after waiting 10 min to use the "honey bucket"! By the time all was said and done I only had 15 min to set up my transition area and get my wet suit on! I would definitely get there about 30 min earlier next time!

The men were first to get in the freezing cold 58 degree water at 7:00--They swam to the middle of the lake and started at the sound of the air horn--I of course cheered nice and loud for Jared--which I'm sure he heard:) As soon as they were off, us women entered the water...yikes it was soooooo cold! Several people actually got hypo-thermia and were taken away by ambulance! I was unprepared for the air horn to go off, so I was taken by surprise when it did. The water was extremely shallow and Jared and I both scraped our hands on the bottom multiple times!! The swim was ok over all--not great and not bad. When I got towards the end I was just so grateful to be done! It took me a few minutes longer then usual, but whatever. As I ran up to the transition area, there was my handsome husband waiting for me cheering me on:) What a great boost that was!

After warming up enough to step out of the wet suit, Jared and I took off on our bikes-we could tell we were behind the majority of people (due to my slower swim), but we had such a fun bike ride together. We were able to talk and laugh through the 24.8 miles together and encourage a lot of people along the way--we feel like we made a lot of friends today!

Getting off the bike and switching to running was WEIRD!!!! Holy Moley my legs felt like jello! Fortunately I've run 6.2 miles many times, so I wasn't too concerned. The first 3-4 miles were quite enjoyable-we prayed aloud together for our church service that was about to start, and for some other churches, and talked about how much we had to use the bathroom:) But by the 5th and 6th mile, I just wanted to be done! My knee, hips, and back all started hurting but I knew we were in the home stretch! **side note, we actually passed quite a few people on the run which felt fantastic!**

Jared was such a wonderful encourager the whole way through---constantly telling me how proud of me he was. What a great man I'm married to!

As we came through to the home stretch, they announced our names over the loud speaker "It looks like we have a husband and wife team here-Jared and Angela Amerine!" Jared grabbed my hand and was busted out those last few hundred yards together---what a powerful moment! I almost broke down in tears at the end---just so grateful for the strength and mental capacity the Lord gave us, and the blessing of doing something so wonderful with my amazing husband!

Thank you Jesus!!!
~Angela M.

Feeling Stuck...

Today is one of those days where I just feel STUCK.

A few weeks ago I had a job opportunity to long term sub for a music classroom at a local middle school. I of course jumped at the opportunity and was honored the teacher requested me.

Today I went to the classroom to meet the teacher and check out the classes, only to find out the district won't allow me to long term sub because I do not have my "music endorsement".

I never would have thought I would be at this place--I've had 5 years experience as a youth pastor---I have an undergrad degree in Elementary Ed., and a graduate Degree in Worship Leadership...and I just can't seem to get anywhere---how is this even possible???

Today is a day that requires much praying and soul searching for me--I want to make the most of this time I have to grow, study, lead, change, be a world changer...I just need God's eyes to see how that will happen...
~Angela M.

New Healthy (almost organic) Banana Muffin Recipe

We had a bunch of old bananas that I wanted to make into banana bread minus the sugar and nasty flour and butter: I found a recipe and tweaked it a bit and LOVED how the muffins turned out! Jared even took some to work and his co-workers want the recipe--here it is!

3 ripe bananas
1/2 C. Shredded Zucchini
1/4 C. Shredded Carrots
1 egg slightly beated
1/4 C. Honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 C Applesauce ( or maybe it was a 1/3 C...)
1 1/2 c. Whole Wheat Flour
1/4 C. Flaxseed
Raisins (optional)

Mash up bananas and mix with carrots and zucchini.
Add egg, honey and vanilla.
In a separate bowl combine dry ingredients
Add Applesauce to dry ingredients
Fold dry ingredient mixture into banana mixture--add raisins
Bake for 18ish minutes at 375!!! Boo ya!!!
~Angela M.

An Ode to My Shorts:

On our most recent trip to California, my lovely mother in law decided to take us on a mini shopping spree much to my surprise. She insisted on buying me a new outfit for working out etc., which I actually really needed. So she got me these cute pink shorts and matching workout shirt and 2 new sports bras-all from the wonderful store-Target (please say with an accent).
Upon returning home, Jared made a funny comment about how now I could get rid of my yellow shorts which I've had since I lived in california 4 yrs ago--I knew they didn't bother him...but I thought to myself "self, it's time to get rid of the bright yellow shorts that you only bought because they were on clearance for $3."
So as I was unpacking my things back home, putting my new shorts away, I saw a glimpse of my yellow shorts (kind of hard to miss) and decided it was now or never. I grabbed them, walked down the stairs and headed for the garbage bin in the garage--I knew if I put them anywhere else I might be tempted to get them back out!!!

Farewell my dear shorts! You have been so good to me! Thank you for being so bright so that people could always see me running down the road with plenty of warning. You have traveled so many a road. You will be missed greatly!!!! (tear)
~Angela M.

Training Days-

So I know most of my recent posts have been about running, swimming and biking--anything regarding our triathlon training--and I guess it's because it is such a huge and important part of my life right now.

This week marks about the 3rd or maybe 4th week of serious training we have done for the triathlon. It has been so hot outside recently most of our training has been done in the gym at OZ. Training consists of usually biking first, running, and then swimming--depending on the day and how I'm feeling. Sometimes I'll focus on one of the legs of the race specifically and do some lifting as well. Swimming happens almost everyday since that is my weakest, or I guess segment I'm most concerned about. Things for the most part have been going extremely well-last week I hit a wall--I had over-worked myself and could hardly pedal my bike, it was really strange. So I took 2 days off over the weekend and yesterday I felt great again!

We've got 6.5 weeks left to train and we're hoping to go to the race site and do some swimming in the river and using the actual trail we'll be on--I know swimming in the lake will be MUCH different then swimming in the pool!

I'm so nervous and excited all at the same time to make such a huge accomplishment in my life, knowing that it is only by the strength of the Lord it is able to happen!



~Angela M.

My Running/Biking Playlist:

Bonito-Jarabe DePalo
You Are Good-Israel Houghton
Da Le Yaleo-Santana
My God-Hillsong
Smooth-Santana
Make It Glorious-Tommy Walker
Sunday Mornings-Maroon 5
You Found Me-FFH
You Are Here-Need To Breathe
Irene-Toby Mac
How Sweet It Is-Michael Buble
No One Like You-David Crowder Band
Take My Hand-Shawn McDonald
Revolutionary Love-David Crowder Band
Sway-Michael Buble
I'm Not Alright-Sanctus Real
Save the Last Dance-Michael Buble
Everything About You-Sanctus Real
Let God Arise-Chris Tomlin
This Love-Maroon 5
Filled with Your Glory-Starfield
Canned HeatJamiroquai
Clocks-Coldplay
Your Grace is Enough-Chris Tomlin
Love Addict-Family Force 5
Crazy Little Thing Called Love-Michael Buble
Free-Shawn McDonald
Beautiful Day-Sanctus Real

I-Pod. Don't Leave Home Without It.
~Angela M.

It's Official:

I just did it. I registered myself and Jared for the Spokane Triathlon...Holy Cow!!!!!!!!!! There is no turning back (not after the registration fees!) and I am excited...but mostly nervous!!!! We have 9.5 weeks to get prepared for the race-and so far the training is going really well. Today was the first day it actually felt do-able. You can check out the race maps and everything at http://www.spokanetriathlon.com/

Sept 13th...come cheer us on if you want!!!


~Angela M.

From the Rising of the Sun to the setting of the Same...

I love a wonderful weekend alone with my Savior and my husband. I love enjoying the Lord's creation--He is amazing amazing amazing--I love Him more and more everyday.


~Angela M.

Triathalon Training...Part 3 now in place

So here Jared and I are on the road to the Spokane Triathalon on Sept 13, and we finally started the 3rd component tonight: Swimming.

Now I go swimming every now and then, but not this kind of swimming. We're talking lap swimming---something I have not done since probably 8th grade or maybe before then. And in case you didn't know my age, that was about 14-15 years ago!!! And I was never that good at it.
Jared on the other hand is like a fish in the water! I knew he was on the swim and water polo teams in high school, but he impressed me so much tonight--it was like Michael Phelps in the pool breaking a new world record!!!!
Needless to say, tonight was tough. Just when I start getting confident in my running abilities, I learn just how difficult swimming the 1500 meters will be...
Not to mention the 24.9 miles and 6.1 mile run after that!!!

September 13th-bring it on!!!
~Angela M.

Let Your Conversation be Seasoned with Salt...


This morning my mom was re-telling us the story of her trip to Wal-Mart yesterday, which sounded a lot like trips I have taken to that store many times as well as trips to Winco...

The trip to Wal-Mart seemed to be a family affair, as there were many parents with multiple children, and she said she was just appaulled with how many parents were yelling at their children-full on yelling at them in the store, parking lot, anywhere really. This of course reminded me of a recent trip to Winco where Jared and I overheard a young mother telling her 8 year old son to "get the f*** of my purse!".

There is something really disgusting about our culture, parents yelling at their children, kids screaming back at them...people are just creating a viscious cycle of dis-respect and just disgusting behaviour! Now I know that I am not perfect and have said many unkind things in my life, however, my parents instilled in me that there are certain things you say and don't say to others, as well as how the tone in your voice portrays messages to everyone around you. Our culture needs lessons on how to talk respectfully to others FAST!

I believe all these stupid reality TV shows where the contestants feel the need/right to scream at others in order to get what they want is not helping the state of our culture. We are simply teaching the viewers at home that it is normal and acceptable to not have respect for others.

I believe it is perhaps best spoken of in Matthew 12:34 "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."

~Angela M.

My Summer Movie Highlight:

Of the many movies coming out this summer, there is one I am looking forward to the most--My first year out of college, a friend of mine forced me to watch Harry Potter, he was a pretty hard core fan-he had read the books that were in print, and loved the movies. After making fun of him many times I finally sat down and watched the first 3 which were out at the time.

And now 6 years later I have read all 7 books multiple times, and own the first 5 movies...and watch them frequently. I love the books-really fun reading--extremely entertaining, and the movies are great non-thinking kind of movies. You better believe I will be at the theater opening night with my wand and Hogwarts Badge on:)

~Angela M.

Escaping the American Dream

As many of you know, Jared and I love getting rid of "stuff". When we moved out here we literally only took what we could fit into 2 cars. And we couldn't feel any better about it--it was a difficult and long process at the time, but it was also extremely freeing!!!

Once a month or so we receive a "Compassion" magazine from compassion international through which we sponsor a wonderful boy James. In this months magazine, there was an awesome article about "escaping the american dream". The article spoke of a christian man who was very well off, owned a sports car and a really nice humongeous home...and one day he decided to live with less, sold the sports car and bought a 1993 toyota camry, and downsized to a house half the size. You can join the club and get more info at www.junkycarclub.com

It's obviously not for everyone, but with loving my very freeing feeling of not owning much stuff, I LOVE the idea:)
~Angela M.

New Post for a New Day

Today is June 21st. My brother Alex is 30 today--it's Father's Day, and also the 1st day of summer. Why it chooses to be 57 degrees and rainy on the 1st day of summer I'll never know. Father's Day-we decided to go with the golf outing as a gift for my dad, so it looks like Thursday will be golfing galivanting! (hopefully it won't be 57 then).

Oh ya, and my brother is 30 today. Which is really weird. really.
You know when you're a kid and you just feel like you will always be a kid? Well I guess I just always thought we would be kids...and then teens...young adults...young married couples...and here my brother Alex is, married for 8 years now with 3 kids to his credit (the best sister in law and niece and nephews anyone could ask for by the way). and now he is 30. Which means we are not kids anymore (in case the marriage and kids thing didn't give it away already). The one truly great thing about getting older that you don't always get as a youngster is you learn to really appreciate your siblings, or in my case, sibling-singular. Alex and I always played together as children and had lots of fun, but I really do enjoy all the laughter and friendship that we have now. As scary as it is to get older, I embrace the changes that it brings with it.

Happy Birthday Bro. Happy Father's Day Alex and Dad. And Happy 1st Day of Summer everyone.


~Angela M.

Our New Hobby

We LOVE rafting down the river! And this last weekend we got to ride down with 8 of our fantastic friends---and boy was it ever an adventure!!! The police in Spokane are saying the river in dangerous and the water is really cold, but we disagree. The only thing that made the rafting somewhat scary was the massive construction they are doing on the Barker bridge. We had to get out of the river and then walk about 2 miles with all our gear until we could put in again! But we loved it! Can't wait to go again soon.

(as you can tell, we like to have Jared do all the grunt work, I just sit and look pretty)
~Angela M.

A Lesson Well Learned:

So whenever I'm running or biking, I never want to take my cell phone with me because I have no place to put it, and I'm like "I don't need it".

Today I went for a nice long bike ride for my workout since I've been waiting to run for another day to help my ankle heal from last week. Jared and my parents knew I was going for a ride, and I knew I would be getting home before Jared so I didn't think it made sense to even try to bring my phone.

I went on a lovely ride down midway road, and over to the little spokane road-exploring through side streets etc. I did some serious biking, because I believe a workout should be insanely intense (see previous post) and because I'm crazy. Just over half way through my bike ride, I discovered this new little park right on the little spokane river, and I thought to myself "oooo, I should ride down there and check it out!" So i did. I went through the grass to the river. Looked at it, and then decided it was time to continue on my journey, especially since I knew I had the dreaded wandermere hill to climb...(it's a looong uphill rd. for those who don't live around here). When I left the park, I noticed a stick wedged in my tire, so I pulled over and removed the stick...only to immediately hear a hissing sound "oh crap, i popped my tire and I'm like 2 miles from home!". I decided to go as far as I could on my bike before the tire went completely flat (which was about .15 miles). Then I started my ridiculously long and strenuous walk up the stupid road with my stupid bike.

Did I mention it was 85 degrees outside???

I finally made it home. Next time, I am taking water and my phone. Lesson learned.
~Angela M.

Drive Thru etiquette

So after working at Starbee's for almost a year now, and spending the majority of that time in the drive thru, I have decided to create a list of Drive Thru etiquette---trust me, there are many people who really need to see this:

-When arriving to the speaker box, let the person finish their little schpeal-they are supposed to offer certain "promotions"

-Please speak clearly and just a bit louder then normal. Often times there are people speaking into the other ear of the person taking the order--or a jack hammer if they are doing construction next door.

-It is helpful (but not necessary) if you have your money ready

-If the person taking your order asks you to repeat it, they do speak english, they just need to hear it one more time. You'd be surprised to know how easy it is to get orders mixed up.

-When you pull up to the speaker box and only say "hello, I'll have my usual"--they CAN NOT SEE YOU. If you do not identify yourself, and the person taking your order does not identify themselves as a psychic, please don't expect them to know your order.

-When there is a new person at the window then you have seen before, please do not ask them "where is the A team?" (that happened to me today...thanks)

-When picking up your order-go ahead and take the time to taste your drink to make sure it is what you want. I would rather re-make a drink then have you pay for something that you didn't want.

-A smile and a positive attitude can make the day of a drive thru worker!


There is my short little list. I'm so grateful for my experience working at Starbee's! It has really opened my eyes and shown me to be Jesus even more in this world.

~Angela M.

Minor Setback...

As previously mentioned, Jared and I are training for a half marathon on July 12 in the big city of Missoula Montana--I'm really really looking forward to it. I've been running as well as doing my Jillian Michael's workout videos.

Those of you who have been my roomate, or have ever worked out with me know that I workout like there is no tomorrow. I don't believe in working out without sweating like crazy and feeling like I have nothing left at the end. Such was my workout 2 days ago with Jillian Michael's Boost Metabolism video. Everything was going really well-good strong workout, and then I guess I just lost my focus and completely rolled my ankle outward with all my weight on it, and heard many cracks in the process. It did not immediately hurt an I could still walk on it, so I tried not to think too much of it-though I knew I had never done anything like that to my ankle before. Yesterday it was a little tight but nothing I could not handle, and then last night Jared and I went for a long bikeride downtown, and I thought to myself..."hmmm, my leg is kind of tight" and I reached down to touch my ankle to find it was swollen bumpy and bruised! Last night I elevated the ankle and tried to stay off of it for the evening, and I iced it already today. My fear is that there will be a long recovery time or that I hurt it more then I originally thought! I have heard horror stories about ankle injuries that stick around for a long time, and I just don't think I could handle that!

I guess I'll see how it is doing in the next few days and will try to find the nurse that goes to our church tomorrow!

~Angela M.

Blog Updating

Every time I go to my blog to check and see who on my list has updated their blog, I'm like "Why hasn't anyone updated their blog!?!" and then I realize it's been a good week since I've updated mine!!! (oops!)

Last week was a big week for us. It was the season finale of Biggest Loser and LOST, so needless to say, we had a few late nights at our house. Now I'm not a TV junkie and I know I have wasted waaaayyy too many hours in front of the stupid thing, but LOST is practically real life. If you have never watched the show, I encourage you to find someone who owns season 1 and borrow it, or rent it. Jared and I did not start watching until season 3 had started. I remember the day well...it was the day after Christmas, and Jared and I had bought Alex (my bro) a LOST season 1 puzzle, and Becky (my sis in law) had bought him a season 2 LOST puzzle. We worked with him to put them both together, and when they were complete, we had so many questions about all the different scenes that compiled together to create the puzzle...things like "what the heck is a hatch?" "what's the big deal with the numbers 4 8 15 16 23 42?" "Where is the island?"
By the time my brother explained everything, Jared and I asked to borrow their season 1...and then we watched and watched and watched the show! It would be 1:30 in the morning and I'd ask Jared...just one more episode before we go to bed please!!!...and we would.
With only one more season to go I still have so many questions about what is happening on the island, and 2010 can't come fast enough!

Anyways, that was all to say, last week was a big week for us.



~Angela M.

Cheese and Rice!!!

Yesterday while working at the drive thru at Starbees, I had several customers complaining about how windy and cold the weather had gotten...to which I agreed. Their reply was "I just can't stand this (fill in with explative here) weather anymore!" This happened late on in the day where a customer used a gross curse word to emphasize what theyr were saying and I think they were trying to sound funny as well. What they didn't realize is how rude and offensive it came off! I just can't stand when people I don't even know think it is ok or funny to use crude curse words in their conversations!

I can still recall the day in 2nd grade when I discovered curse words. I was playing during recess and a fellow student used a swear word, and they discovered I was not also saying these words. They asked me why I did not swear. I knew it was wrong and that it didn't honor God, but I suposse I did not have the courage to stand up for myself. So I swore. All day long, I think I used about every curse word I could think of-yes I gave into peer pressure-even though the words just sounded stupid coming out of my mouth. I'm not sure what changed my mind--I don't remember if I told my parents about what happened or if I just decided I wasn't going to do it anymore, but the next day at recess, I proudly walked up to my girlfriend and told her "I'm not going to swear because God doesn't want me to, and because it sounds stupid."

Pretty profound words I could basically say still today. I know that swearing is not the worst thing I could do, and I know it does not make you less of a christian if you do...but I just don't see how it is honoring to the Lord.

Now even if you are not a Christian, or if you are and don't feel any personal conviction about it, there are several more reasons I would have for not using these words:

1) It sounds un-educated
2) It sounds rude
3) It sounds inconsiderate
4) It can be very offensive
5) There are more creative words to use
6) You never know how the person you are talking to will take it
7) It does NOT sound cool
oh and 8) Your mom might wash your mouth out with soap


~Angela M.

Our Next Adventure Challenge:

After successfully pushing ourselves to do the 7.5 miles at Bloomsday, we are both feeling inspired and challenged to try something a little more difficult. (like that isn't difficult enough) On July 12 the Missoula Montana Marathon/half-marathon is taking place, and we are going to sign up for the half! (which is 13.1 miles) I'm thinking if it is a good experience, maybe we will sign up for a full marathon in the fall!!! I'm soooooo excited to take on this newest challenge, and am really really excited to take it on with Jared!!!! BOO YA!!!!!!!!!!
~Angela M.

My Results:

Angela M Amerine

Finish Time: 1:04:20

Overall Place: 3,947 out of 44,490

Ran with a pace of 8:37 per mile

The average pace for 28-year-olds was 13:40

Placed 119th among 827 people the same age


Placed 37th among 582 people from Colbert, WA


Placed 2,992nd among 35,983 people from Washington


Placed 1st among 2 people with the same last name


Placed 996th among 26,349 females


Placed 30th out of 536 among 28-year-old females

~Angela M.

BLOOMSDAY!!!

Well the day finally came---after deciding 3 weeks ago that we were going to do Bloomsday (for those of you who don't know, it's a 7.46 mile, 12k run through Spokane). I've been running fairly ofter during the last few weeks, but had not done more then 4.5 miles. Jared had not done nearly as much running, and I was concerned that I would want to speed through it and we might get frustrated at eachother (hard to imagine I know). Did I mention earlier that Bloomsday is like the biggest timed race in North America or something like that?
Anyways, we started off well, and I felt fantastic for the 1st 4 miles...I was really surprised how easy it felt...and then once I hit mile 5 I was just tired. My legs hurt, my feet hurt my hips hurt...but there is no way I was going to stop. What amazed me and made me so proud was that Jared had to walk for a bit when his foot went numb...and about a mile and a half later he runs up right next to me!!! I couldn't believe he made up all the time!!! What a champ! The last mile was pretty tough for me, but we kept going and finished with a final time of 1 hr. and 4 minutes! I was really hoping to do it in under an hour, but that just gives us a goal for next year:) We had a great time together-I was so proud to do that race with my amazing husband in just over 8.5 min miles.
After we got our shirts and walked around for a bit, we went back through the course and waited for my mom and ran the last half mile with her--she is so great--powering through it all! She definetly did better then her last years time!! We will get all of our "official" results in a week or so I think. So proud of our accomplishments!!
~Angela M.

Celebrating Life:

So this week has been birthday week for our family of 2--Jared's birthday on Monday and mine yesterday. My parents left town on Tuesday to spend the week with my brother and his family, so we decided to celebrate with them on Sunday (which worked perfectly with my plan of celebrating my birthday for as many days as possible). Jared and I went on a great bikeride Sunday morning after attending 1st service at church--the weather was awesome! When my parents got back from church (side note, Jared and I finally took down mom and dad's christmas lights while they were gone...we didn't want to be that house anymore), we decided to go to lunch downtown at a new place we hadn't tried called the Steelhead Grill. It was fantastic food, and we decided that Jared and I want to live there we love the decor so much. Anyways, we then decided to try to find a place for dessert and drove way south, went by a golf course that had a driving range right into this lake, and we decided we needed to get our golf swing on since dad had his clubs in the trunk! After some nice hits--especially by mom--we continued our venture for dessert which led us to the Davenport hotel downtown---it was awesome AND they gave Jared and I our dessert for free since it was our b-day-NO ONE does that anymore, so we were especially appreciative.
On the way home we stopped at Auntie' Bookstore to browse around for a while--upstairs there was a live band playing, and they played the theme song from O Brother Where Art Thou, which I love for some odd reason.
After heading home, we all went off to workout together at Anytime Fitness since Jared and I had a free week's pass and made it home in time to watch Amazing Race together! We had a fantastic time with them!

On Monday I wanted to do something special for Jared, so immediately after I got out of my subbing job, I went to Just American Desserts and picked up a white chocolate cheesecake for Jared, along with a picnic dinner of his favorite things. When he arrived home, we hopped in the car and went down to Riverside state park where we walked around, ate our dinner, and just enjoyed spending time together.

Yesterday I had to open at work, and then decided I should not have to do my own hair on my birthday, so I got it cut, and when I came home my fabulous now 26 year old husband had a beautiful bouquet of flowers waiting on the counter for me:) We met up for lunch later on during the day and I went to youth group last night while he was in class--maybe not the most eventful birthday ever, but still great.

Saturday we are having a big LOST party here at the house-I don't even remember the last time I had a birthday party!! It's strange how every year older I get, the more aware I become of who I'm allowing the Lord to make me. My prayer this year is that through all of my life experiences, that the Lord would increase in me and I would decrease. I'm so thankful for all of our family and friends who either called us or gave us a card, or were just kind and thoughtful to us as we celebrate this week. We are so blessed!
~Angela M.

Another Year

Another year older
Another year smarter
Another year of life experience
Another year of laughter
Another year of drawing closer to God
Another year of loving
Another year of Joy
Another year of challenges
Another year to grow
Another year to dance
Another year to laugh
Another year to change
Another year to become more like Jesus
Another year to share love
share life
share joy
share peace
share patience
share dreams
share hope

I'm so thankful for another year, I think 28 sounds pretty cool.

~Angela M.

SUGAR FAST

So many of you know Jared and I did the Daniel Fast for a month before Incredible Easter this year--good times and great discipline. What I may not have shared is that since Dec. 31 I have not had any sugar* and decided not to have any until my birthday-which is this coming Wednesday. I have done a fast like this before, but never for this long. I have been so proud of myself for resisting the urge to eat cookie, candy, ice cream and anything else scrumptious. I really feel like if I have had the discipline to do this, I can discipline myself to do about anything!
To break my fast, my friend Charese has offered to make an ice cream cake for our birthday party!!! I can't wait for that first delious sugary bite!!!

*I have had natural sugars and honey-but honestly come on, it's a pretty big deal in America to give up all the stuff I did!

~Angela M.

Bloomsday is Coming!!!!

Since my parents told me they did Bloomsday last year, I have really wanted to do it. I planned on registering really early and training for months beforehand. Well, today was one of the last few days to register for the early bird price...and Jared and I decided to sign up! The race is about 7.5 miles...and neither of us have been running (although I did run 3 miles with Mariah last week). So the race is on May 3...I think it's 3 weeks away. We better start training...yesterday.
~Angela M.