Part II: Most gorgeous day of ours. Here's how the day started and ended.
keeping yourself entertained
I get it - you work full-time hours. By the time you get home, you’re worn out and ready to crash. Who even has time to plan out the upcoming weekend?!
Planning brings more stress into my life. If I’m planning to see another individual in the upcoming weekend, that means we have to coordinate our schedules. I’d rather go on a “self date.” A date that involves my bed and my laptop. That way - nobody gets hurt. There.
Wooh! It’s a good thing that Julie here, is your alternative. I can be your superwoman who’s there to SAVE THE DAY! Lol. I apologize for disturbing your firm belief in “self-hangouts.” I believe in them too, by the way. Just not all of the time. And especially, not on the weekends.
Since we all work, there is barely time to draw cool diagrams for spontaneous and adventurous ideas. Please allow me to make your graphing job easier. I will throw ideas at you that’ll keep you away from your phone. Your job will be to “bring a friend” to every given plan. We’re all God’s children. We are full of energy and passion. That means that we can easily make friends.
Ps. Don’t forget to distance yourself from unhealthy relationships. They just brings more stress into your life. However, if you want to be a good person, pray for those who try to ruin your mood.
It’s another warm Saturday morning. You’re sleeping in (to be honest, I love to do the same). We need to be well-rested.
Now, get up.
Take a nice, warm shower. *Warning* don’t “bring a friend” here.
Jump back into the bed.
Jk. Get dressed.
Make breakfast for you and your household. In order to make your “day off” actually feel like a “day off”, go out for glorious waffles.
Open up your planner.
Go over the plans for today.
Never mind. It’s blank.
Find a park nearby.
Go for a jog.
Nah? Bring a blanket. Bring a book. Bring a notebook and a pen. Don’t forget snacks.
If you don’t want extra baggage, come empty-handed. Just not with an empty wallet.
Ride a bike around your neighborhood or your park.
Get some fresh air.
Feed some ducks.
This is where your wallet comes to play. Buy yourself ice cream.
Too hot to be outdoors?
Volunteer at a food shelter.
Help out your community.
Hit the mall.
Hit the musical theatre.
Hit a museum.
Hit up your grandparents. Free food is guaranteed.
Etc..
For those who have more responsibilities, run your errands early in the morning to free up the rest of your day.
If you plan to be remodeling your place this weekend, then open your windows WIDE and stand there with your other half like Jack and Rose. Time can freeze like that. Let the breeze tease your hair. Careful with that ice cream cone so that the force of the wind doesn’t accidentally collide with your partner’s face behind you.
Now that you have this easy schematic, you may enjoy your weekend like a normal person. One who understands the word “weekEND.” Your week ended, now create a fiesta.
K bye, catch me chasing birds.
wedding prep and portraits
Hope you enjoyed them:)
Part II coming soon!
velvet desert
Ahh, this MN chill just won't leave us alone!
I love the weekends mostly because I get to spend more time with my husband. Together, we get to explore our 'oh so cute' city called "Edina." Teddy and I like to spend more money on the weekends. We like to keep it fresh. Yet, we can't forget to clean our apartment on the weekends if we decide to stay inside. Wink wink.
Since it doesn't feel quite like Spring, we can't just yet put away our sweaters. Lately, I've been obsessed with loose, warm, comfy sweaters. Pairing baggy tops with tighter fitting bottoms will always be the perfect balance between ratchet and dapper. One way to make your loose tops look more attractive is by decorating your neck. Since the neckline in this sweater is already high enough, I've tucked in my favorite bandana.
I couldn't resist but to pair my velvet boots (that my mom bought me) with my outfit.
Good thing I had my wool coat - it really came in handy.
PA conference, 2017
Another conference! Woohoo!
Guess what?! I FINALLY got to reunite with my siblings and my very close friends!!! Oh how Great That Was! This past weekend was another good one due to an engaging church service and a blessed reunion for my family and friends. My Sharikov family rented out a minivan and we took it for a spin across the States. Counting the pit stops, it took us 15 hours to get from Edina, MN to our final destination - Erie, PA.
All of the gathered people spent the Saturday together in one building. The church service started at 1pm and ended at 7pm. The good thing is that we didn't sit on one spot for the entire six hours. We enjoyed an afternoon snack break along with challenging Bible games. Two of my pals and I helped with keeping score. After the Bible games, the crowd ordered pizza. Since Teddy doesn't eat gluten or dairy, we came to a mutual agreement to ditch the pizza party and go to Chipotle instead. Can't forget to mention that we took one of our "daughters" along with us. Lana was the perfect kid to take out that night. Not to confuse you or anything, but I've adopted a couple of kids here and there. Thankfully, my husband graciously accepted them into our new family. Sadly, my kids are spread out across America. The only thing that brings me peace is that most of them are not much younger than me. They are quite independent youngsters.
For the after-party, everyone went to play some ball. Bowling was definitely the highlight of the night. The church that was hosting the conference covered the expenses. That sweetened the deal. After winning (and more winning), the game came to an end. Coffee Culture is open until midnight, so that was our last stop. Coffee Culture is the same cafe where Teddy and I spent time together for the first time. Since we met at last year's Erie Conference, this marks our one year anniversary.
The next day meant it was time for worship - round two. Sunday morning, rain was falling. Skies were gray. But none of that nonsense crushed our spirits.
Our family participated in the Sunday morning service. This meant that voices needed to be warmed up, instruments needed to be tuned, and sound checks had to be completed. What a short Sunday though! We had to head back home to make it back to work on Monday; while our friends stayed for another night.
Ramen noodles, cozy cuddles and editing pictures composed the ride home.
sisterhood is everything
Having girlfriends is just like having extra caramel drizzle on your Frap.
Prior to dating, you always have your girlfriend/s. Before you share that picture, you send it to your girlfriend/s. When you are craving good advice, you call up your girlfriend/s. Once you receive good news, you share it with your girlfriend/s. On occasion, you want to spill a secret. Who do you turn to? Your gf.
As I was preparing for my wedding, one of my best friends came up to me and said, “I have to look for a new best friend, now that you’re getting married.” This comment struck me. I never wanted to be one of “those” friends who forgets about her girls after she gets married. In fact, I never understood those who would give up on their clique just because they are now settled down.
Your settlement doesn’t mean that your friends have moved on. I am crossing my fingers and hoping that you haven’t moved on either. Your friends are still up for grabbing a cup of coffee. They are still willing to share their newest wardrobe piece with you. These friends still want to share this human life with you in all of its full glory. And when you are feeling down, those lively girls will be sure to put some cheer into your day.
Here’s an idea: How about you pray for your single friends? Pray for God to send them that one person who they’ll be obsessed with.
And vice versa - praying for your married friends wouldn't hurt their marriage either. In fact, it’ll bring them more blessings.
Throughout my short life on earth, I have gotten to know such incredible ladies who are so dear to my heart. The following camera roll photos are proof that I always had a blast with my gal pals. Miss and love you girls. I can’t wait to reunite with the finest gals on this planet. Cash me outside ;)