In 2008 I am going to...

Have less, and do more.
I have a reminder for myself on my Outlook that has been popping up for 16 weeks reminding me to call the dentist. This is one of the many things that has camped out on my to-do list for way longer than needed. Also, I have so many "things". I buy tons of little cheaper things to make my home complete instead of saving my money for the really nice thing (like a new couch). So in 2008 I am going to consolidate my stuff and mark things off my to-do list in a timely manner.

Own a nice pair of Jeans.
This is a personal one, but you will have to trust me that there is very large goal behind this benchmark.

Starting being better at the things I used to be great at.
I used to be the queen of birthday cards, and talking to my out-of-state friends on the phone. For some reason I have become really bad at this. Since I know I have it in me I know I can rekindle the flame of doing the things I am so good at.

Grow in my relationship with God.
I know it sounds kind of cliche (why wouldn't this be on the list?) but I really believe if you don't set the goal how will you know if you are attaining it?

Read more books, especially all the ones I already own but have never read.
I love books. I love the bookstore. I love the ideas of having tons of books at my fingertips. Yet I buy and buy and never read...some have never been opened. I guess this goes hand in hand with the first thing on the list.

Not have the "out-of-sight out-of-mind" mentality.
There are so many friends and family that have poured into me and loved me. Yet because they don't live in the same city or state I often "forget" all they have done for me or what a faithful friend they have been to me. Sometimes manintaining the relationships that I have in the city limits alone can be way too overwhelming, but I have to stop using that as an excuse.

Remember that life is too short.
I have been reminded of this so much in the last couple of weeks. Life is too short to worry about all the petty things. Life is too short to not take advantage of every day. Life is too short to put things off until tomorrow. Life is too short.

12 Days of Wittmas

12 minutes of snow
11 people in Derek's family
10 trips to the airport
9 times Mychal John asked what the plan was
8 times Jonathan asked if he could use my new Bose headphones on the plane
7 epsiodes of 'Flight of the Choncords' watched on the plane
6 days in New Mexico
5 games of Settlers
4 DVD's of "The Bourne Ultimatum"
3 foot massagers
2 times I got embarrassed because I was so excited about a Christmas present
1 dog wearing a santa suit

Snow!

What I have given for Christmas so far...

What I have gotten for Christmas so far...

I am done Christmas Shopping...

I hate the mall. Don't get me wrong...I love the mall...just not when there is anyone else in it.

As I finished my Christmas Shopping tonight (yes, yes, yes) I decided the only thing that makes going to the mall during the Christmas season is seeing men buying gifts for their wifes and family members. Especially when they travel in twos.

Jenna is in the building...

This week I was in the same building as Hillary Clinton and Jenna Bush. Both times I had to enter buildings that were in total lock down.

Well after Jenna was finished speaking I went out to the parking lot where Jonathan was coming to drop off a jacket. All of a sudden this man yells,"Stop moving and stay where you are." Now I was well into the middle of the parking lot and I know he saw me the whole time...but he waited until I was in the middle of the parking lot to make me stop. Secret Service wouldn't let me move. So I just stood there for like three minutes while I could everyone talking on their radio about me. I was scared.

Phisherman

I just got the following email. I really want to send a fax to the number with a big "YEAH RIGHT!"

Dear Paypal Member,
As part of our security measures, we regularly screen activity in the credit and debit cards system. During a recent screening, we noticed an issue regarding your account. Your account may have been accessed by an unauthorized third party.
As a precaution, we are requesting additional verification of your payment and personal information in order to protect your Paypal account against future unauthorized transactions.


Please send a fax with the following informations to remove any holds on this account.
If we will not recive your fax within 24 hours your account will be temporary suspended.

Fax number: (786)-513-0438

BILLING ADRESS:

-First name :
-Last name :
-Adress :
-City :
-Zipcode :
-Phone number :


Account Information:

-Credit/Debit card number(16 digits numbers of your card):
-Expiration Date :
-Code Verification number(3 digits number of the back of your card):
-ATM PIN ( for bank customer verification):
-Social Security Number (SSN)
Elaine Coffe
Paypal Security Division.

Thanksgiving Plans

What I have already done today:
Slept in
Drank a cup of coffee and talked to my most wonderful friend Katie
Watched some football with a cozy little dog sitting in my lap
Made some pancakes
Enjoyed some breakfast

What I plan on doing the rest of the day:
Getting dressed
Putting on some make-up even though I am not leaving the house
Playing Settlers
Watching some football while cuddled up next to my husband on the couch
Eating half as much dinner as everyone else
Playing another game
Taking out the left overs and eating the other half of my dinner
Enjoying the cold brisk air outside while throwing a football around
Enjoying my family
Enjoying my friends
Enjoying some pie
Enjoying my bed

Happy Thanksgiving!

Road Trip Summary

Total Miles Traveled: 855

Total Miles Left: 20!

Times I have changed the radio when 'Kiss Kiss' by Chris Brown has come on: 3

People I am tired of traveling in the car with: Kanye, One Republic, Chris Brown, and T-Pain (Is there a song he's not on?)

People that don't have to get out: Paramore, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, and CSS

Times I have cringed in fear that my new windshield is getting cracked: 5

Amount of snow on the ground: Minimal, but enough to fill me with happiness!

Take 5 Bars I have consumed: 1 King Size...only because I can't reach the other one.

Number of times JW got mad at me because I woke him up to get me something while I was driving: 3

One big decision I thought about while JW slept: I think I want to have three kids rather than two.

I will get you some photos as soon as I hug people, shower, get some fresh clothes on, and eat some delicious Prime Rib!

Road Trip Stop #5

Total Miles Traveled: 650
Times JW made me listen to 'See You Again' by Miley Cyrus: 2

We're stopped in Weed, CA for some gas and to change drivers. We are about to cross over to Oregon.

There is the most gorgeous view of Mount Shasta. My camera isn't really capturing the beauty and I don't know how to post pictures from my Sidekick, but as soon as I get to my mom's house I will post some photos.

My turn to drive...almost there!

Road Trip Stop #4

Total Miles Driven: 500
Price of gas: $3.33

Back on the road!
As we were filling up the car I could SEE Black Bear Diner (One of my faves!) right in front of me, but Jonathan wanted to keep moving so we drove thru McD's instead. So for now I am enjoying my McGriddle and a surprisngly delicios Iced Coffee.

I really hope there is snow on the pass!

Road Trip Stop #3

Total Miles Traveled: 477

2:15 am and we decided to stop in Williams for a sleep. I have already been sleeping for about an hour.

Road Trip Stop #2

Total Miles Traveled: 393
Times 'Kiss Kiss' by Chris Brown has been heard: 7
Price of gas: $3.33

Stopped for a bathroom break, gas, Monster energy drink, Take 5 Bar - king size, and collision Doritos (Buffalo Wing and Blue Cheese) in beautiful Stockton...just kidding it is dark and I can't see anything. Our plan was to stop in Sacramento...but Jonathan has been conditioned by late night games of Halo 3 so he has a couple more hours of driving in him.

XM Radio is treating us really well. We have this feature where you can be alerted when certain songs come on. We have the backlight off so when it beeps it is a surprise of what we are going to hear...we are usually not disappointed. Also, we have rewind feature so JW has made sure we listen to Paramore's 'Misery Business' two times every time.

To close here is our favorite song lyric of the night:
My best friend Leslie said she's just being Miley
- 'See You Again' by Miley Cyrus

For GR

Dear Gerry,
I got a new windshield today. I thought this information would make you happy!
Your friend,
Ryanne

Road Trip Stop #1

Miles driven: 150
Times 'Kiss Kiss' by Chris Brown has been heard on the radio: 4
Cost of gas: $3.45
After coming down the Grapevine we made our first stop at a truckstop. As we were eating our dinner JW said, "This place is like a megamall!"

The following could be found inside the building:
1. Showers
2. Theatre - Big screen with chairs in front of it
3. Gift store
4. "Massage" Room - I use quotes here because the word massage was written on a piece of paper covering another word. There was a man getting a massage by some ladies of Asian decent...yes I could see him...laying...with his shirt off.
5. Burger King, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut

We got some 'Bucks and gas and we are back on the road...until the next stop!

Road Trip

Jonathan and I are taking a road trip to Oregon to hang with my mom and stepdad for Thanksgiving. In true Griffin form I am going to blog about it. I will be sending you messages to the Blog world from my sidekick so I am not sure if the format will be funny or not!

My new sidekick...Let's call him Wallace

Last weekend Jonathan bought me a new Sidekick. If you know me you know I have been waiting for this for awhile. And when I heard T-mobile was coming out with a new one - I had to wait even longer.

So if I have sent you an unnecessary amount of texts lately. I am sorry...kind of. I just love using my new phone!

13!

In October I Blogged 13 times! It is not 31 - unless you are dyslexic - but it is still a record for me. You got to give a girl some credit for that!

My apologies Gerry

I hope the problem is fixed and up to your standards.

I heart XM Radio

Jonathan bought me XM radio for my birthday. It is satellite radio with no commercials...none. He has it in, and I used to covet it every time we went somewhere in his car. Today he installed in my car while I was at work. We went for a drive after dinner so I could set my preset stations. While searching the stations I found a total bonus...a station called Holly. All Christmas songs...all the time! I heart you XM! (And Jonathan too!)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Birthday Celebration #3

Just Creed...no big deal!

Birthday Celebration #2

Team Birthday Lunch at Ruby's...
My team is so great. We laugh a whole lot and often I am missing the joke because I am laughing at the joke before! Also, I enjoyed a delicious pumpkin shake!

Birthday Celebration #1

It is birthday week! The celebrations started on Sunday...and are counting down until the big day on Friday!

The first celebration was with my Dad, Stepmom, Bryce, Tori and Grandma. We headed to Leisure World in Seal Beach to hang out at my grandma's house. We sat outside, played games, and ate delicious Macaroni Grill. It was a perfect day of relaxing and catching up.

Some Reasons Why I love My Husband: Number Three

While enjoying a late lunch on a cold afternoon with Brian Hurst my husband came up with a brilliant plan. Brian ordered the chili in a breadbowl. This is Jonathan trying to bore a whole in it so he can catch Brian's chili in a spoon and eat it.

Grey or is it gray?

While googling Grey Rabbit for my Gray Hair blog (aren't I clever?) This photo came up. I thought it deserved it's own blog. No matter how furry and nice this giant rabbit it is - I would still have nightmares. Ever read Bunnicula?

You have got to be kidding me...

Today I was getting my hair done and my hair dresser, Taryn, found a gray hair on my head. She made me pull it out. Do you know that saying, "Pluck one and two more grow back?" I am doomed! Just call me Taylor Hicks.


All of this with my 25th birthday exactly a week away! I really am getting old! Why do people laugh when I say that?

Have you ever met me? I love the pumpkin patch!

Allison and Josh picked this "Old Man" pumpkin

Jonathan and I picked this perfect pumpkin specimen!

Celebrations...

October is a busy month of celebrations...I will be spending a lot of time at Hallmark.

1st - Our Anniversary ; Mary and Adam's Anniversary
3rd - Adam Rosenbaum's Birthday
4th - Mychal John Maltbie's Birthday
6th - Josh Tillery's Birthday
9th - Courtney Rutenbar's Birthday
11th - Andrew Jonston's Birthday - not the president, the cousin (notice the "t")
12th - Ryanne Witt's Birthday
14th - Alan Dearden's Birthday
15th - Michele and Kenny's Anniversary
17th - Leighton Sarti's Birthday
23rd - Veronica Mars: Season 3 Comes Out on DVD
24th - Allison Hibbard's Birthday
27th - Josh Treece's Birthday
31st - Jennifer Dearden's Birthday; Chrismalloween

I think I need to get more sleep...

Last night I crawled into bed about 11:45 and chose a show off of our DVR to watch. Jonathan was lying next to me working on his computer. During the first commercial break I started to fast forward.

About a minute and half later I heard Jonathan say, "What exactly are you doing?"
And I opened my eyes.
I looked and him and answered, "Sleeping."
The show was almost fast forwarded to the end.

To the low hum of fast forwarding I had fallen asleep. I think I need to go to bed earlier.

When you're a Witt, you're a Witt all the way...

When you are a Witt woman there are two things that you need to know how to make.
1. Anything with green chile in it - ANYTHING!
2. Really good gravy.

Today was my first time making gravy. I must say it was really easy and pretty freakin' good.

Three reasons making gravy might be my new favorite thing to make:
1. You make it with grease, I made it with bacon grease, so you use one pan for two things - less dishes...so great!
2. You don't have to figure out a place to put the grease. I am never good at getting all the grease in the jar.
3. Everyone loves gravy - lots of it - so you never have to put any food away. Everyone already put it away in their stomach.

I don't know if cooking breakfast for dinner makes me closer to being a Witt - but my breakfast for dinner skills just got so much better.

March of the Penguin

Last week at our first HSM Small Group. My girls and I tossed around the Icebreaker Ball. It is a beach ball that you blow up with "icebreaker" questions written all over it. You throw it around a circle, and whatever question is under your right thumb when you catch it is the question you have have to answer. It is really fun and a great way to get to know each other.

Since Wednesday I have been thinking about icebreaker questions. Like "If you were a super hero what would be your super powers?" One that has been stuck in my head is, "If you were an animal what animal would you be?"

I decided last night while watching TV, that if Jonathan were an animal he would be an Emperor Penguin. If you don't know about the Emperor Penguin you should read about the Emperor Penguin. Basically they walk about 60 miles inland. The females lay eggs and then they leave to feed. The males incubate them while huddled up as closely as they can with other penguins...starving for three months. When you look photos of them and what the males go through - don't you think of Jonathan?

Celebrating One Year!

A year ago on this exact day I became Mrs. Witt.

People always ask "How is married life?" I know they mean well, but I am not always sure how to answer. What a wonderful year it has been! Marriage is so great. Like every relationship there are hard moments. But the good far far outweigh the bad, and there are numerous moments a day where I stop and think, "I can't believe I am married" or "Jonathan is my husband!" or "Isn't it cool that we're married."

I love being a wife. I love being Jonathan's wife.

P.S. Happy Anniversary to Mary and Adam. I love the doing life with you, and I love sharing such a special day with you!

Candy Pie...Learn About It

First you make a graham cracker crust...

Then you take the snickers and peanut M&M's and you crush 'em (you crush 'em)...

Then you take the Nutella and you spread it (you spread it)...

Then you take the crushed up snickers and M&M's and you put them in the graham cracker crust as the filling...

Then you make lattice-work pie crust top...

Bake for 30 minutes...

Drizzle caramel on top...

Then you eat it, and immediately feel sick afterwards.