Christmas....

Last evening, as I celebrated Christmas at my parents house, I realized how different Christmas is for me now as a married grown up. I remembered so many things that we would do during this time of year as a child. When my brother and I were really little, I would wake him up at 6am and we would talk for over 2 hours about what we think Santa brough us. My parents set a rule that we were not allowed to wake them up until 8am. Pure torture to 5 and 7 year old in my opinion, but now I understand why.

In my family, Christmas was always about Jesus and the Holy Family. My family & I are very active catholics, so we never lost the true meaning of Christmas, even when we were little. My parents taught us that presents were not the true meaning and the reasons we receive presents.

At home, each person takes us there own turn opening there gifts. One at a time. I love this method because Christmas isn't over in 5 minutes and you can actually see what each person has. Most people think this is absurd but even as a little kid, it taught me patience. Also, only one special gift was from Santa. The Santa gift was always a higher priced item and always something specific that we asked for. We weren't allowed to open that one until last. The anticipation lasted all morning and was so much fun!

I remember one particular conversation I had with my brother one year as we waited to wake our parents up. Talking about how we both heard reindeer hoofs on the roof and heard bells on Santas sleigh. It is amazing how much imagination each child has and it is something I miss as an adult. I think as we get older we loose imagination and loose faith more and more. The Christmas Season helps us regain the Christmas spirit, faith and the imagination.

My parents actually taped our conversation regarding Santa. I may be a bit biased, but it was cutist conversation I ever saw between two people. "Well, maybe Santa did this, maybe that, do you think he ate the cookies and drank the milk", did you hear the hoofs last night"? And on and on and on.......

While your with your families today, never forget how truly blessed we all are, and to never loose that fun imagination.

Sean & I left out cookies and milk for Santa this morning and when I woke up, they were gone! It put a huge smile on my face, and I loved that Sean did that for me last night after I fell asleep. It brought so many memories back for the both of us. Also helped us create new traditions that we can later pass on to our own children.

Merry Christmas Everyone & God Bless!


-Lindsey

Home Sweet Home Thanks To Target

I'm back to posting blogs again! Been gone for awhile...

The reason being is that Sean & I moved into a house! We couldn't be more thrilled!

As we are moving everything in and decorating for Christmas, I have come to the conclusion that I have an unhealthy obsession with Target.

Why you may ask? Well, they have EVERYTHING! literally! EVERYTHING! The only thing Target doesn't have is a produce section and if they did, I would never have to walk into a Wal Mart again. Ahhh...how pleasant would that be?

I walked into Target yesterday with a small list. You know the ones. The essentials. Trash bags, tissues, etc etc. So why did I walk out with a $150.00 receipt? My husband is no help. He is just as bad as I am. We walked out yesterday giggling like little kids on Christmas with treasures.

We found Christmas Ornaments, lights, garlend, wreaths and all kinds of things to make our home just the way we want for our first married Christmas.

Last night we came home, unloaded our treasures, decorated the tree and living room, and slow danced to Christmas music. It was perfect. It was everything I ever dreamed our first Christmas being.

To everyone out there, from our home to yours, we hope you have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

To all the families in Conn. we are praying for you and your lost little angels. I pray God blessings each of you through this time.

~God Bless.


-Lindsey

All I want for Christmas....

Life seems to be going at a speed that I cannot keep up with. Days pass by at the speed of light and I sit in bed and think "Wait, I have 2 weeks to get everything done, how will I ever do it all".

Life threw us a very unexpected curve ball this last week. After Sean & I got married, I told him that our apartment was ideal for a single person, but for 2 people and all there belongings, it was a tight squeeze. At first, he didn't understand why I thought this. I'd wake up every morning, and run into something, whether a laundry basket or a hamper or a bed leg. I felt that everywhere I thought I could move, I couldn't. You may be reading this, and thinking "She is just a clutz" or "Why don't you clean up things and you won't step on them". The only place I felt I could move  in our bedroom was on our bed.

The kitchen was the same way. There was no room for 2 people to be in there. If Sean was cooking, I couldn't load the dishwasher at the same time. Between this and the noise from our neighbors, living was becoming more and more difficult.

My parents had recently purchased a home to use as a rental. I had looked at the house and loved it before Sean & I got married. I knew we wouldn't be able to break our lease and I knew I had to at least try living there. After we got married, I felt like all I ever did was clean because the area was too small for anything. Also, it was a far drive for work. I mentioned to Sean that we should look at the house again together, just so he had an idea. He didn't like the idea at first at all. After seeing the house, he knew it would be a good decision to move.

In 5 short days, we realized that the house was ours, and that our notice that we would be out of the apartment was all settled.

Now what?

Packing of course! I had just got everything unpacked, so this part is annoying! But I keep thinking, this is the right thing to do. We will finally have a home!

For Christmas, all I wanted was a beautiful tree, a fireplace, and my sweet smiley husband, and a home that we could actually call "home".

Merry Christmas to us!

Everything I could ever have prayed for or dreamed of, is coming true.

God is so good!

-Lindsey

Thinking before Speaking....

Most people go through this. That moment when your with a group of people, drinking, having a good time and you say something that sounded totally funny in your head, but came across offensive.

The other day, I heard something that bewildered me. I heard this phrase "Enjoy being a newly wed because that feeling doesn't last". I am sure the look on my face showed it all. My bewilderment, and my irritation.

"Enjoy it, because the feeling doesn't last"?

Why wouldn't the feeling of being a newly wed last? It should always last. Whether you have been married 5 days or 65 years, that newly wed feeling should never fade. I wanted to say to this person "Maybe you married a man who doesn't know how to make it feel new anymore" but of course, I held my tongue.

This bothered me a great deal. Knowing that someone would actually say this to someone. Besides the fact that I indeed am a newly wed, just made it that much more irritating.

Think before you speak.

I thank God everyday for my husband. Whether it's a fabulous day or the worst day, I still go home, hug and kiss him and thank him for all he does for me and most importantly for us.

Marriage isn't easy. It takes a lot of hard work, compromise, and communication. But the Beatles were right when they said "All you need is Love".

-Lindsey

There is nothing worse than....

1) Disorganization. I depise it. I want everything to be neat and organized. I feel like my apartment is too small to understand this pet peeve. My husband doesn't seem to understand it either. An organized closet, dresser drawers, and dvd cabinets just make a girl feel better, am I right?

As I sit here, starting out my day with a cup of pumpkin spice decaf coffee, all I keep thinking about is, how it is not going to get organized itself. So why my husband is on his 1 week business trip, I may have to use that time to organize everything.

I never realized how tired I am now that I am a wife. I honestly didn't think it would make much difference. Trying to balance not just 1 but 2 life scehdules is completely exhausting in itself. I don't even want to think of how tired I will be once I am a mother. Gulp.


2) People coming to work sick. Honestly. If you have strep throat and now 6 of your co workers have it's probably because you thought you would try to be the good employee and come into work even though you looked and felt like death could come at any minute. Just stay home. People will not judge you and it's not even healthy for you. Also, it may take 4 weeks now to get rid of, can't say we didn't warn you...

3) Bad Listeners. If you ask me a question and I start to awnser, don't start then talking about how fabulous your weekend was, it leaves me perplexed and I feel I should start over and begin to awnser your question that you asked me originally.

4) Election Commericials: Words cannot explain how delighted I am that after tomorrow, those political commericials and phone calls will be over. No. More.


However.....this morning when I woke up and was getting ready to leave for work, I realized I have found my kryptonite. Which is, seeing my husband all cuddled in a blanket, holding my childhood stuffed animal(elephant) and his childhood stuffed animal(fred, the puppy) while he snores loudly. As I kissed him goodbye, he said in the sweestest voice "I love you more, and have a good day sunshine".

Melt my Heart.....

Have a little Faith....

I cannot explain why life happens. Or why bad things happen to good people. Or why more and more people and children in this world have cancer. Or why my friend has a handicap son. Or why my other friend lost her baby at 7 months pregnant. Or why my grandmother died of colon cancer. Or why my aunt has breast cancer. Or why people with masters degrees work at Mcdonalds.

These are the things I question everyday. Why them? Why me? Just why?

I am a christian girl. Grew up Catholic. Went to a catholic school for 9 years. Go to church every Sunday. I pray. But my husband pointed out, that someone who prays like I do, and goes to church like I do, Why do I have such little faith? People who have faith shouldn't ask why. Or play the what if game. What if I loose a child? What if I miscarry a baby? What if my son is handicap? What if I get cancer?

I have to not play this game that I know I will never win. It's endless. It will always win until I have more faith that God has taken care of me for almost 24 years now, so why am I doubting His works?

Everyone has their own cross to bare, and the cross I have to bare is one I would not wish on even my worst enemy. I wish to not speak of this on my blog, but I have something that is cureable yes, but something that takes so much energy, and time to do everyday. I am lucky to have a great support system. I come home some nights, look at my sleeping husband and say to myself, God, you do only the best work. Thank you for bringing him to me to be my rock through absolutly everything. God has way more faith in me than I could ever have in myself. I will pull through this. Why you may ask? Because I have to. Is has to work out. Doesn't it always?

So ask yourself, do you have enough faith? If you do, pat yourself on the back or give yourself a giant hug(even if your in a crowd and people think you have gone mad) Faith is not an easy thing to have. People act like they have it, when really it is just that. An act.

Here is the song of my night. Enjoy! Remember, have more faith in yourself and others and most importantly, God.

-Lindsey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAWhSIH2d5c

I'm falling for fall.....

Sean & I just returned from the beautiful state of Florida. A wonderful 5 day honeymoon.

It was everything a honeymoon should be. Spent way too much money. Ate far more than we normally do. Slept in. Room Service. Alcohol. You get the idea.

When we got home Friday evening, Sean ran to our bedroom and jumped on our bed and said "I had a fun time for sure, but I love sleeping in my own bed". I couldn't agree more.

Getting back into the swing of normal everyday life is going to be difficult today. Back to work after those wonderful days off. But I only hit the snooze twice, and that my friend, is amazing in itself.

Since fall is now officially here, there is nothing stopping me from doing all of my favorite fall things. I feel like I am in the mood to make something delicious this evening for dessert. I found a receipe for cinnamon crescent rolls with homemade cinnamon butter and drizzled frosting. This shall go perfectly with a glass of my pumpkin spice lattes. Todays weather makes me want to snuggle on the couch in my husbands sweat pants, an oversized sweater and coffee mug and read my favorite books. While at the grocery store yesterday, I came across an interesting book that I must read. Hidden Holocaust Stories from different people. I got very excited about my most recent find, until I turned the book over to see the price. $25.00 for a paperback book? Too much. But to the library I will go later to pick this up.

Also if you are in the mood for a little shopping(face it, what girl isn't?) I found the must need for your fall fashion this last week. I went to American Eagle and found a pair of jeggings. Normally I am not a fan of wearing super tight pants but oh my goodness these pants are heaven. I dislike the look of leggings worn as pants. But these have a button, zipper, and pockets but the feel of leggings. Whoever invented the jeggings, you are a genius! I also found a lovely big black and grey comfy scarf to match my jeggings at Charming Charlies. A must need in my closet of course! Sean & I also purchased Toms over our honeymoon. At first, I hated them and thought they were ugly. I am so sorry Toms, for whatever hurtful words I said about you. You are heaven on my feet. It's like wearing slippers all the time and they are a lot cuter than I thought they would be. Plus each purchase of Toms you make, half of it goes towards children who need shoes in Africa! Double bonus points in my book!

Enjoy Fall while it is here, Everyone! Who knows how longer it will stick around. Until then, enjoy cinnamon rolls, pumpkin spice lattes, scarfs, tall boots, and a good book.

Grazie!

-Lindsey

Apartment Living.....

Over the past couple of weeks of living in an apartment, there are some things I have observed.

1) Apartment walls are too thin

2) Always ask to live on the top floor, otherwise you will hear every step the person above you takes

3) Shower Liners are incredibly important

4) Do not under estimate the size of your apartment bathtub. If it looks smaller than the one you had at home, it usually is.

5) If you light 4 different kinds of scented candles, you will die of a headache later. Never light that many in a small confined place.

All in all, it has been an ok experience living in my new home. We are both loving married life so far, and are very busy.

Time is going by so quickly already. Already we have been married almost 2 weeks. My peers were not kidding, the first year will go by in a flash!

Soon we will be taking off a nice long week and flying to Orlando for our Honeymoon. Praying for good weather there.

Grazie!

~Lindsey

You Dress like a Librarian....

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine and I went shopping for dresses. As most of you know, I love to wear dresses, no matter what the occassion may be. Dresses have personality.

We go to the typical mall stores and I tried on about 100 different ones to find the perfect one for my bachlorette party. Every single one of them that I tried on, she would "Ooooo" and "Ahhh" and "Awe". In my head, I hated every single one I tried on. They were short, tight, uncomfy, low cut, trashy looking dresses. Not my style. My friend was slowly getting impatient as we went to more stores and she couldn't understand why I wouldn't buy the ones that she claimed "Made me look super sexy". I told her that I could still look "Sexy" if I bought something I was comfortable in and didn't look like I was asking for it.

The last store we went to, I tried on a royal blue dress that had the back completely cut out of it. As I was trying it on, I already knew I would hate it, just because it was too tight. I walked out of the dressing room and my friend said "That's the one!" "You have an amazing back, and you need to show it off". I told her I hated it, she rolled her eyes and said "Lindsey, you dress like a librarian sometimes, this is your last night as a single gal, live a little".

The words hit me hard. I wasn't expecting to hear that. I wasn't mad or upset at her. I was glad she told me how she felt. I told her that "Librarian is more my style. I feel comfortable being well dressed and more like a lady".

Later, I finally found the dress I wanted. Ivory pencil dress. With a high neck and a half open back. Just enough skin showing. My friend claimed that I looked like I was the First Lady going to the Presidental Debate..

I consider that a compliment.

Everyone has their own style and I love mine. My husband tells me lots of different times that he loves me style and that it is so classy.

To me, classy is the new "sexy".

Stay classy ladies, because in reality, that is what the gentlemen really want, but they are just not admitting it.

If you ever hear the words "You dress like a librarian", walk away with confidence and say "Thank You".

~Lindsey Noland

Life is full of Surprises....

October 6th 2012--

Best. Day. Of. My. Life. I couldn't have imagined a better wedding day. Sean & I are so grateful for everyone who came to celebrate with us. It was the fairytale wedding I have always dreamed of. Thank you to family and friends for everything you did to make our wedding a huge success.

Life has been a complete blur since the wedding. I am moving myself in slowly to our cozy little apartment that I now call home.

In a week, we will be setting off to Florida for our honeymoon.

Bon Voyage!

-Mrs. Lindsey Noland

False Accusations...

Everyone I know, my family, a few of my friends, think they know me so well. When really there are only 3 people that really know me. That can read me like a book. Know the things that make me tick and things I love with a pure passion. Here are your 20 questions awnsered...

1) I love reading and books. Biographies, Novels etc. The Library is my favorite place on earth. Books A Million is a close second.

2) I love to bake. Baking and preparing food is a passion I have. You will never be at my apartment without my famous home made chocolate chip cookies or my my cinnamon pound cake somewhere. I always like to bake and be prepared for guests.

3) I love Swing and Jazz. Yes. I can listen to 1940s music all day long. It is soothing, and relaxing.

4) Michael Buble' is my idol. Not only is he an amazing singer and performer, he is easy on the eyes as well. ;)

5) I sing. Yes. I can sing quite well. A lot of people do not know this about me. My fiance didn't even know until our 2 year anniversary. I was in the top show choir in stark county and continued after high school as well in other shows. I love it.

6) I dance. Yes I am a zumba instructor, but it doesn't stop there. I took hip hop for 3 years and was a dance instructor at Louisville High School when I was a senior. Hip hop is my specialty, but I admire all types of dance.

7) I love history. Anything that deals with the Holocaust, President Shootings etc. I love to read about and learn more information regarding different topics.

8) I have the coolest job in the world. Stressful yes, but I love it!

9) Audrey Hepbern is my second idol. I wish I had half the class as she did.

10) I own more dresses than jeans. You will always see me in a dress.

11) I hate wearing shorts. I have no clue why. If I am wearing them. Its over 100 degrees out.

12) My Dream Job: Working with children and young adults who suffer from Autism. Teachers aid or other.

13) I cannot wait to be a mother. I think I was born to be one. Load up the Volvo, I'm going to be a soccer mom...

14) I have successfully lost 25 + pounds in over a year. I feel great, have perfect blood pressure and healthy.

15) I have more irrational fears than the adverage person

16) I'm proud to say I have donated over 25 inches of hair to Locks of Love in honor of my grandparents who died from cancer.

17) I love Design(Interior)

18) Everything I wear must match. Socks to sweater to jeans to hair accessories. I am some times OCD with being "well put together". As some would say "Don't you have anything that doesn't match"? Nope. Can't say I do.

19) I have a obsessions with the tv show Friends. I own all 10 seasons and watch them all the time. Nerd alert!

20)  Not proud to annouce that yes, I was a cheerleader for 7 years. Don't Judge.



This is me. This is who I am. Everyone now should know me well.

-Lindsey

My last week as a Wagner....

Where does time go?

a year and a half ago when Sean got on one knee and promised to God and to me that he would forever love me and be truthful and faithful to me, I thought how far away our actual wedding would be.

At one year we started counting down. 365 days. It felt like an eternity until I could marry my bud. Last night, as I laid in bed, I thought to myself, only one more week. 7 days.

One of my dear friends said to me the other day "How are you going to leave this house? You lived here almost 24 years. It's going to be so weird living with a boy". She made a boys have cooties face and it made me chuckle.

It will be a huge step in my life. One I am so ready to take. Nothing will be better.

Watch out world, I'm going to be a wife soon! Say hello to burnt dinners, aprons, reservations, and the best part, seeing a huge smile on my husbands face every morning, noon and night.

Grazie!


-Lindsey

Interior Design...

Ever since I got engaged, my family members, and peers have been asking me all the same question...

What is your style going to be?

First off, Sean & I have a cozy little apartment. I do not live there just yet(I am old school, and wanted to be married when I live there). Decorating has always come easy to me. Ever since I was younger, I would buy something new for my room and my mom would say "That is so ugly, where are you going to put it"? Buy the time I added  to the decoration my mom would say "That looks amazing in here, how did you do that"? Am I the most creative person? Absolutly not. But I have an eye for color and putting things together so everything matches.

But to awnser everyones questions..I have no idea what my style is now. I know how I want my apartment to look, and I know what I don't like. I am not modern. To me it makes everything cold & unwelcoming. When someone comes over for a visit, I want everything to be warm and inviting. Walking into an Ikea is painful. Everything is black & silver and the legs of furniture all look like old metal filing cabinents. My style is Traditional. I love dark cherry wood items and oak furniture. I love antiques. I love big fluffy couches and chairs and I love pillows. (Seriously, I have an obsession with pillows) I have a vintage 1930s cherry wood dresser at home that has been re finished that was my grandmothers as a little girl. It is absolutly beautiful. Unfortunatly, it will be staying at my parents house because I am actually afraid to move it, afraid of scratching it.

Sean & I have different taste when it comes to decorating the apartment. He likes very little. I am very excited to actually start decorating and getting everything put together nicely for when after we are married.

Target is buy far my favorite place to shop! I usually go in and say to myself "Ok, I am going to grab some starbucks, and the things I came in for.  4 hours and $150.00 later I come out with apartment decor. I can spend all day just looking at everything. From furniture to, wall clocks, to photo frames. My new favorite thing are organization baskets. The darker brown baskets that fit perfectly in every hall closet for easy organizing. Also, they have amazing pillows, in every color you can imagine. Sean usually goes with me because he knows better than to let me go alone. :)

Color Schemes are a big deal to me. I am really into the dark red color. It's a great accent color. Our living room now has this tan/brown/red theme to it. But what I am most excited about is the Master Bedroom. Sean & I bought a beautiful bed comforter awhile back that I had to have. It's black, grey, and off white. I thought we needed an accent color, so we went with red(and in the summer, I want to do a soft yellow) The bedroom is going to a be a large project for me, because I have to get it just right.

Here are some photos of my Interior Deisgn Style. Enjoy!

A monogrammed soap dispenser=love. Not only does it cost $10.00 but it looks so nice for the price. This brown matches our bathroom perfectly

A wine rack used as a towel holder? Yes please. I love fresh, fluffy, perfectly folded towels. What a nice way to keep them organized.

We actually have this willow tree design. I love willow tree. Sean thinks its nonsense to have a figureen of a couple with no face. What does he know?

 We have a beautiful shelf that is brown. So I think these burlap monogrammed letters are a must! (I love monogrammed anything)

Ready. Set. Go.

I know the last thing you want to read is a rant session. I am so sorry. Because your about to read one.


Wal*Mart

As I had to go to Wal*Mart today to grab some groceries and toiletries, I absolutely dreaded every second of being there. Even walking into the store was a challenge. Not because I'm lazy and didn't feel like going. But because 4 cars clearly didn't understand what the term pedestrian meant. One car got so close, that he rolled down his window to go "are you ok? Did I hit you". No you didn't hit me, but thank you for at least stopping to make sure my foot was still attached to the rest of my body".  Then right as I was getting out of the parking lot, this lady gunned her car like she was in the indy 500. You are in a parking lot. No need to waste your gas by going from 5 miles an hour to 65 in 5 seconds.

Once I am safely in the store, I see a couple grocery shopping. The lady was younger and was using the wheelchair carts. I said to myself "Poor lady, I hope I never have to use a wheelchair or the ability to use my legs". I then saw her get up out of the chair, grab her yogurt, sit back down and move down the aisle and get back up. Are you kidding? Here I was, feeling sorry for the fact that she may have been paralyzed when really she just didn't feel like walking to do her shopping. What if there was an actual paralyzed person needing that chair? The nerve of some people amazes me.

Public Library

My absolute favorite thing to do on my days off, is go to the library. Geeky? yes. But I love books. I love reading. There is nothing better than picking up 4 or 5 books at a time and sitting down with some coffee and reading. As I walked in, their was a cop standing next to the door. I felt kind of worried. Its 11am. Why is their a cop here? As I made my way through the door, the cop says to me "How you doin, lookin good". I turned around completely stunned that he was clearly on duty, and making a pass at me. Not to mention he had the guts to say How you doin. Most women would have been flattered. I was not. I was in sweat pants and an oversized t shirt. All I wanted to do, was grab some books and go. As I moved around the shelves, I went to grab a book and noticed my finger. Naked finger.  My engagement ring. I swear I had it on when I left. As panic began to sink in, I realized I left it on the bathroom counter at home. Note to self: You will get hit on if you don't wear it, so next time, don't forget it at home. Note taken.

Doctors Offices

I hate the doctors. Who doesn't? Since I have an appointment tomorrow, they called me today at home to remind me. When I picked up the phone I hear intense chewing and lady saying "This Lindsey"? I was taken back by her lack of customer service (& her lack of good english) and the fact that the chewing didn't stop. "Yes, it is" "You have an appointment at 5 tomorrow". Click. Wow, how warm fuzzy and heart felt was that conversation. Not to mention that now I feel sick to my stomach now that I practically heard what this lady had for lunch.

Maybe I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Maybe I expect too much from people. Maybe Bride Zilla is finally catching up to me. Whatever the case may be, I was completely appalled today.

Rant Over.


-Lindsey

Dancing at Sun Set...

This past month has been a complete blur.

With only 32 days left until the wedding, I feel like I am being pulled in a million directions, making decisions every second, planning last minute details, etc. I have not really had the time to just sit and think about what is about to happen soon.

It hit me. My grandparents will not be there to see my get married.

 My grandma talked about my wedding ever since I was five. About how she couldn't wait to see me walk down the aisle. As a little girl, I never said "Grandma, what if your not here"? I was five. Of course she would be there, why the heck wouldn't she be? She said she wanted to be at every big event in my life. She made it to every big event until I was 9. Then her cancer spread. Every big moment after that, I'd just talk to her about how much I missed her and how I hope she was proud of me.

My grandfather I never met. I was 6 months old when he past away. Everyone always says I am so much like him. Bold. Kind. Hard Working. My grandfather owned a 100 acre farm that after passing away, he left to his 8 children. Out of the 8 children, 2 of them ended up splitting the land. My dad got 50 acres. His brother the other 50. My dad carried on his father's hardworking attitude and continued to farm all 50 acres himself, growing wheat, corn and soy beans. My dad also built the home I live in now on that 50 acres. This farm is my favorite childhood memory and it's the only place I can go and feel so close to the man I never met. I had horses, goats, chickens, dogs, cows you name it. Out of the 50 acres, there is a piece that has a huge hill that when you reach the top, you can see all of Downtown Canton. The sun set it always more beautiful on this hill. My thoughts are more clear on this hill.

When Sean & I first started dating, I told him I had to introduce him to my "little world". I took him to this hill and all my favorite spots on our 50 acres. He loved them all just as much as I do.

Last night, after finishing up Labor Day cook out, I was telling Sean the rough day I had. From work, to more wedding planning,  He could see I was having a hard time dealing with the stress of the day. So I suggested we go on a walk. We took a walk to our barn, where Sean held me and we practiced dancing for the wedding. Sean played some of my favorite songs and the stress of the day was gone instantly. Why should I worry about anything when I have him to come home to and he makes everything better. Dancing with him under the sun set to my favorite Frank Sinatra songs, made everything a little more clear, a little easier. It is yet another amazing memory I have there, and I know my grandpa was watching down on us smiling.

Hope everyone had a memorable Labor Day weekend! Here is one of my favorite songs...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEyhmEO-pxE&feature=fvwrel

-Lindsey

Adulthood

When I was little, all I wanted to be was an adult. It seemed like as an adult, you could do anything and it looked powerful to someone who is little. When I was 5 years old, I'd sit in the bathroom with my mom and watch her every move. Watch her put on her makeup, watch her curl her hair. I told my mom "Mom, I can't wait to be a woman." She'd chuckle at my comment, kiss me, and say "Trust me, you will want to be five again when you are a woman". I'd shake my head and say "Nope".

No matter how you look at it, Mom's are always right....

Being a responsible adult is one of the most challenging things I have ever encountered. Of course, everyone has to go through it. I felt prepared when I was eighteen. Voting? easy. Car payment? easy. Adulthood. easy.

As I get older, I look back when I was eighteen and shake my head. How could I be so naive? I didn't even know the half of it. Now at twenty three, I'm still rusty at adulthood. It's something that I may never catch up with.

Yesterday, as I was heading home after a long day in the heat at work, I drove past a cop on the road and I did what everyone does when they see a cop. I got that horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach and looked directly to see how fast I was going. Dang it. Over the speed limit. I look behind me and see those red and blue lights flashing. Swell. I went through the questionaire that they always give you(where are you heading, do you know why I pulled you over). Since, I am normally a very careful driver, I figured she would let me off with a warning after seeing that my license has no points. I was wrong. She wrote me a beautiful pink ticket that said to call to find out how much I owe. As I drove away, my gas light came on. Then out of the middle of now where, numbers, money signs were going through my head. Rent was due, car needed gas, pile of bills sitting at home that need paid, and wedding alcohol needed paid this week. As I drove to the gas station a single tear fell down my cheek. How am I going to afford the next few months? I want to be 5 again in the worst way....

Weddings are a 40 billion a year industry. Sean & I budgeted our wedding as best as we could. We did away with things that we didn't need or were not important to us. But when it comes down to it, this is still going to be very expensive.

After a lovely evening mass with Sean, we talked about our fears and our finacial status. It makes me feel so much better when he tells me "I will forever take care of you, and money will never be a worry of yours, we will make it".

I went to bed knowing that everything would be ok. Just a bad day. Nothing I can't control. Tomorrow will be better. Money just buys stuff. All I want is Health and Happiness.

My mother was right when she told me, that when adulthood finally hit, I'd be ready for 5 again. Sure, getting that ticket made me feel aweful, but coming home to Sean makes me not ever want to be a kid again. Being in love is by far the best gift. Money cannot buy what we have.

Thank you, Mom for the advise as a little girl.  But I am ready to kick adulthood in the behind.

I've got this!



-Lindsey

Count Your Blessings...

This week has taught me a lot and you may laugh to as why. You may think doesn't she know to do this already? Of course I know. But I forget often as many of you may have as well.

Counting your Blessings.

This Tuesday, I came down with a horrible cold. At first, it was just a slight cough, that turned pure aweful later. I was in bed for 2 days, eating chicken noodle soup for every meal, and drinking water by the gallon. I was determined to knock it before it got any worse, because we all know that colds get worse before they get better. Sleeping was close to impossible due to the fact that I couldn't breathe at all. By Thursday evening, I was getting very impatient. I told myself that if I eat one more bowl of chicken noodle soup, or if I blow my nose one my time, or if I watch one more re run of Dawson's Creek, I may go insane. Then I realized, there are people in nursing homes everyday that have this life. Never get out much, or on bed rest. It was then, that I said a small prayer to God thanking him that I can get out of bed to use the bathroom or to shower without assitance, and I will be able to eat normal everyday food, and that I have the ability to do many other things that nursing home residents do not have. So thank you God for everything that you give me the ability to do.

On Monday Night, I received terrible news, that my ex- co worker's 33 year old husband had passed away in his sleep. I have met her husband on numerous occasions and he was such a nice man and was always smiling and even better, he loved his wife with every fiber of his being, and everytime you were around them, you could feel it. I have send numoerous prayerse that God helps her through this very difficult time. I said another prayer Thanking Godfor Sean and everything he is for me, and everything he will be for me soon.

If you havn't already, make sure to Count your Blessings.


-Lindsey

Zumba Fitness

Zumba is by far, my favorite thing to do. I started going to classes about 4 years ago at my local YMCA. My mom saw it on an infomerical and said "Lindsey, you need to start doing this". I went to my first class, stood in the back, scared to death that I wouldn't know what to do. It was a 1 hr class, and the instructor moved so fast. She was doing dance moves I havn't done since I quit hip hop dance classes. It was high performance and I felt like I would never be able to keep up.

Naturally I quickly became obssessed with it. I was going to class 7 days a week at an hr at a time. My instructor noticed how much effort I put into her class and she said "You would make one great instructor, you should do this". I smiled politely and said "No thank you, I LOVE doing this, and if I make it a job, I may learn to hate it". She understood, but told me if I changed my mind that she could be my personal trainer. I said "You need personal training to do this"? She said "Well, of course you do. In order to get certified to do this, you have to attend a 10 hour training day where you do this for 4 hours at a time with little breaks and they score you on performance, stamina, teaching ability, and if they don't think you can do it, you will not get certified. Holy Crap. Ten hours?

I came home, thought it over and said "I am doing this". I want to have my own class, and I want to change peoples lives like it changed my life. You may be laughing at me right now when I say this. It changed everything about me. It taught me how to lead and not follow,  it taught me discipline, it taught me that I can do anything as long as I work like crazy to get there. I trained with my Barb for 6 months. Then came the day to go to my last class/try out day which took place in Akron for 10 hours.

I walked into the Akron YMCA(which is 3 floors by the way) and saw over 80 people there at least. We started dancing at 9am and didnt break until 12pm. Biggest work out of my life and so much fun. This contiued all day until 7pm. Along with speakers and then try outs at the end of the day. I went through 3 pairs of clothes by the time I had to try out. Nerves began to set in. I was trying out for co founder of Zumba Fitness(who happens to be a billionaire and has their own Zumba Fitness Studio).

Try Outs went better than expected. the judges loved my performance, my facials, my energy, and everything. After 30 minutes of evaluations, I walked out proud with a beautiful license in hand.

My friends joke around with me often regarding my voicemail. (You have reached Lindsey Wagner, Zumba Fitness Instructor) My class always tried to contact me regarding Zumba classes, times, prices etc. People have no clue how difficult it is to be an instructor. This is not aerobics. This was not cheap. This took a great deal of time & effort. I also had to get licensed in 4 other classes just to teach Zumba. Zumba is an art. 

If you have never even heard of what Zumba is, or have not seen it performed before, It is a mixture of all latin dancing, irish dancing, belly dancing,  hip hop, and different dances that are performed world wide. It also helps you learn different cultures and why they dance the way they dance. It may look silly to us, but there is always a beautiful story that goes with each dance I teach.

I have lost 25 pounds since doing Zumba. A lady in my class just had a baby and has lost 30 pounds in under a month.

Zumba is Success.

So the next time you see a Zumba instructor and say something in your head about how lame it is. Remember how much time and effort, practice, training and performing we have to go through just to help others.

Here is a quick video to help you understand what Zumba is-Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySbf8-bAQF4&feature=relmfu

-Lindsey

Trying to be Audrey Hepbern in a Paris Hilton World

What comes to your mind when you think of Class? In 1950s when men saw an attractive woman it was because they had to take a double take because she was so classy. V neck dresses that came just below the knee, pearl necklaces with matching earrings, hair in a french twist, red lipstick on their lips. The intrigued guy asks her on a date, opens doors for her, lets her walk first, because that was the gentlemen like thing to do then. They would get married, have ten kids, and 50 years later when his great grandchild asks him "What most do you love about grandma" He would say "Everything".

Women is 1940-50s were not judged on their weight, appearance, plastic surgeries etc. They were naturally beautiful.

Then comes the topic of women of today. Rehabs, alcohol, sex, weight, appearance, 10 children from different men, eating disorders, panic disorders, suicide. What happened to class? What happened to  abstinence? What happened to being ok to wear longer dresses and pearls and hair in a tight bun with being judged?

It's Audrey vs. Paris and Paris is in the lead.

In my very own world, Audrey wins. I own more high neck dresses, pearls, and heels than one should. I do sometimes get judged by others for being a "Goody Good". I like to dress classy, and act like a lady. Am I perfect? No. Do I swear more often than I should? Yes. No one should swear, and when they do, it does make the person look like they are lacking intelligence. Having a truckers mouth is never attractive when you are a woman. But when you live in a world where Paris Hilton is right, it is hard to do the right thing. I refuse to live in a world where Paris Hilton is right.

Natural Beauty. There is nothing wrong with it. When I come home from teaching a dance class or going for a run, I am not going to look like one of those gals in a Nike shoe ad. People believe that makeup is the only thing that makes them pretty and makes them feel better about themselves.

Shame on you.

My Fiance taught me that even when I am sweaty, gross, just waking up, cooking breakfast, giving the dog a bath, that I have natural beauty. No Makeup. No cover up. No concealer brush and mascara. Just. Plain. Me. As my father would say "Well, Lindsey, if Sean thinks you look beautiful after teaching dance class, then  you need to hold onto that fella, because no one else will ever think that". Gee, thanks Dad.

What are your thoughts on natural beauty and class? Do you find it more attractive to be all natural?


-Lindsey

Their is Always a Tomorrow

Whenever anyone ever talks about "the case of the Mondays" I always roll my eyes and say "It's all a mental thing". People know it's Monday, therefor it HAS to be a bad day. I should pay more attension to my peers..because yesterday was a serious case of the Mondays.

Nothing seemed to go right yesterday. Whether it was an excel spreadsheet project, or an abudant amount of e-mails/phone calls I had to return, my ten hour work day made me irritable. One of my co workers asked me "What's with you today, you seem more stressed than usual". I realized I had a case of the Mondays. Oh no, I thought. People are right. As I was gathering my items to leave for the day, and completing my last project, a big, beautiful, colorful boquet of flowers were being delievered to my desk. Clearly they can't be for me, I thought. I work at the most romantic inn in Stark County, they have to be for a guest. To my surprise, in big bold letters, the card said "Lindsey Wagner" on them. Who sent me this beautiful boquet you may ask? My best friend. My bridesmaid, Ashley. Reminding me that in just 60 days, I will be making the most rememorable, amazing, committment to the love of my life. Tears welded up in my eyes and all I wanted to do was hug her so hard because just earlier I had texted her telling her about my lousy day. Only a best friend would know how to help.

Last night, as I got home from enjoying a relaxing evening with out of town family and eating Panera, Sean told me "Their is always a tomorrow honey.."

How lucky am I to have such wonderful people in my life to help me realize the things I already know but may not see on a daily basis?

I am not Lucky, I am Blessed....
.

The Last Get Away before the Big Day

Gevena on the Lake. This has probably always been one of my top most favorite places. I think it is because we spent every summer there as a family when I was younger. Tomorrow, Sean and I will look forward to a nice, relaxing day at the lake. Just us.

Since our wedding is in 2 months, we have no time to just take a breath and be together to enjoy our last months being fiance's. I realized this evening that this will be the last small day trip we take together before we become husband and wife. Wow. The word Husband rolls off my tongue quite nicely. It has a nice ring to it, don't you think? With our busy work schedules and last minute wedding planning this is just what we both needed.

Today was one of those "get things done that I have been putting off" kind of days. I love those mornings when you get all your e-mails awnsered, paper work done, bills paid, and you still have four hours left before you leave for work. I am still looking for another great book. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Our apartment is really coming along nicely. The bedroom and 2nd bedroom are the only rooms we need to really work on decorating. The living room is mainly complete, I just would like to buy a nice new flat screen.

It is hard to believe that my Bridal Shower is in a week, and were getting married in two months. Where has that year an a half gone? I couldn't be more thrilled than to be spending my life with Sean Noland.

Song of the evening: Loving you Tonight, by Andrew Allen(My new obsession)

I'm thinking about a red wine buzz and takin' it easy,
And I got you in my arms, takin' a break from crazy.

*Lindsey

Welcome

Welcome to my Blog!

This will be a site full of everything I love. From different recipes to interior design to fitness to Audrey Hepburn. You get the point.

I will be posting soon!

-Lindsey