Welcome to our new blog! Hunter and I have never done this before, so hang in there! I thought it would be fun to journal our adventures as we begin our new life together! So, here we go!
In case you need reminding, Hunter is a highly skilled and specialized mechanic. He works at J&S East Valley Garage, which has been open since 1919 and originally housed a gas station. Hunter loves anything to do with cars: nostalgia, off-roading, and racing (NHRA or Bonneville, not Nascar...) Hunter also enjoys shooting, multiple sneezes in the morning, time spent with family and friends, and his daughter: our four-year-old, yellow Labrador Retriever, HOLLEY! If I were to describe him, I would say he's easy going, passionate, and absolutely hysterical! He always makes me laugh, I'm so blessed to share my life with him!
I, on the other hand, am a neurotic, control freak with a dose of O.C.D. I take things incredibly too personal, and think way too much. On the plus side, I just finished my Bachelor's Degree at Antioch University, Santa Barbara. I also have an Associates Degree, and a Certificate in Early Childhood Education. I work with children and families at Santa Barbara City College's Kinko's Early Learning Center (wow, that's a mouthful!) I'm one of the few people I know who gets to go to work and pretend to be a pirate, finger paint, read children's books, eat snack, and take a nap! I love my job! I also enjoy playing with my big shmupert: our one-year-old, Saint Bernard, HOWARD! Hunter describes me as, "bubbly, empathetic, adorable, and MINE!" haha, he's such a ham!
Hunter and I first met in junior high where my best friend, Chelsea, attended school with him. We later connected at the start of college, five years ago, and from there it's been "love & bliss ever since." (Hunter's words!) This Christmas, at Hunter's family home, Hunter got down on one knee, and asked me to start our life together, our new lil' fambly...
I said YES! So, here we are, nine-months away from the wedding of our dreams at Godric Grove, and we couldn't be happier! "Not to mention, our wedding's on November 11, 2011 - the luckiest day in the world!" (Hunter's words!) As you can tell we're a bit mushy, a ton of dork, and of course, madly in love - all o.k. by us!
Holley is our first born! Actually, she is turning four next week! She can be known as a bit of a ball-aholic (playing fetch,) and she definitely can't hold her lick-er (giving besos/kisses) very well. Yes, Holley is our queen bee, the mama. She loves snuggling up behind our heads, on the pillows, doing some great tricks for a treat, and going to work with dad! As with all of our animals, Holley was named after a car part - a Holley Carburetor!
Ratchet was our second. She is a grey and white, American Shorthair rescue kitty. She's almost two-years-old. Ratchet loves to sleep on top of our four-post bed, play with hair ties, and hunt in our backyard. She's very independent, but loves affection.
... yes he's the second love of my life! This wonderful beast is our third: Howard the Saint Bernard. Howard was named after a piston rod and camshaft manufacturer, the legendary Howard Johanson. He secretly thinks he's a kitty and loves to play with my dad's cats (Julio & Cuervo.) Howard also likes to snuggle in bed with us (can you imagine, a queen sized bed, two humans, and two big dogs!! oh, and a kitty... we're a bit crowded!) However, Howard is our problem child... not incredibly dog friendly, and loves to dig & chew. BUT, we're working on it. Deborah from Pet Relief has been helping us to train Howard every week, and she seems very optimistic about his progress! *crossing fingers* Howard loves to whisper gently into ears, he frolics instead of running, and he has sledge-hammers for paws. He is a big love, and his eyes are full of expression!
All in all, we're a fambly of love! Life does have it's ups and downs, but we surround ourselves with loving and positive friends & family. We are strong, we work-hard, but we also know how to have a good time. "Meet the Dorks... I mean, Selfs!"
