The Blog of Mrs. Bargren

Our time has come and gone with the realtor. We have looked at a few houses, and even really liked one.. and considered putting an offer on it. But, then we freaked out.

Before we even went into the realtor’s office, Chris and I prayed together. We prayed that God would show us His will for us, and show us the opportunity if there was one. I believe whole-heartedly that God answers prayers. And I think our answer is to wait.

We found a house that we really liked, and just as a pre-caution, our realtor had us fill out the contract. Both Chris and I were scared to death. After signing paper after paper, we knew this just wasn’t right. I had the most uncomfortable feeling inside my gut and my heart. I knew that God was using this as a sign. We’re not ready yet. We have to wait.

So, for now we’re in our little apartment, which to me, is fine. Although it’s crowded, it’s ours, for the time being. Maybe once Chris graduates in December, we can take the next step. But for right now, we are mortgage free, and going to stay that way.

Wow, I can’t believe it’s been so long since I last updated. Sorry about that. Well, last time I wrote school was just ending for the semester, and finals were just around the corner. And now here we are, already into next semester.

Winter Break was great! Chris and I went on our Honeymoon the day after finals were over. We went to Disneyland for 3 days, and it was a ton of fun! The only downside was the lines. Who knew that Disneyland would be insanely busy 3 days before Christmas. It was tons of great fun, though.. and it was a good way to kick off the Winter Break.

Christmas came and went like a flash. I can’t believe it’s already been a month since it was here! My sister was in town for that week, and it was nice seeing her and spending time with her. I wish we could do that more often. New Years was pointless. I had to work on both New Year’s Even (until 10pm) and then work all day New Years Day. I think I went to bed around 11:30. Ah, the life of a married couple, right?

My 21st birthday was just about a week ago! It was so much fun. My parents took Chris and I out to the Cheesecake Factory, (where they had amazing drinks!), and then Chris and I spent the rest of the night at Dave and Buster’s, playing arcade games. I felt it the next morning.

And now here we are. Chris and I are back into school. I’m going to Polytechnic campus instead of the Tempe campus this semester, and so far, I absolutely love it! It is such a change from the chaos of Tempe. Along with school, we’re both working at our jobs, pretty much full time. Well, Chris is working full time, and I’m maxed at 32 hours a week. Among everything though, we’re extremely happy. Life as a married couple is amazing!

We just started the process of buying our very own house! We met with a Home Mortgage Officer (is that the term?) yesterday, and we pre-qualify for a good amount that could easily get us a nice house! So, we’re taking the next step and meeting with a Realtor on Wednesday morning! We already found a house we like.. Perfect location, perfect house. So hopefully this week we can go look at it, and go from there!

Nothing else to update about.. Life is pretty good, even though time flies by!

Well, school is just about over. I have one week left of classes, and then finals are here. It just so happens that all my finals are on the same day, which also happens to be the first day of finals. It’s bittersweet. On the one hand, it sucks that I have a LOT of studying to do in the next week.. But, on the other hand, I have one bad day to knock them out, and then I get my sweet Christmas vacation! I’m trying to look at it from the positive view.

After finals, Chris and I are going to take off for our Honeymoon to Disneyland. 3 whole days at the best place in the entire world! It will be a nice and welcomed break.

Other than school, everything is going great. Work is great.. Tiring, but great. Chris and I are enjoying our “honeymoon” phase, and even though we don’t get to see each other all the time, it’s a nice balance we have going on. I’m thankful that I have a job I can go to, when I need a break, though.

Yes, life is still good.

I am so looking forward to this week. I basically have nothing going on, school wise, which makes me incredibly excited. I can just focus on getting ready for the holidays, and of course, working.

I honestly can’t believe that Thanksgiving is this week. Where has time gone? Chris and I have already been married a month, come tomorrow. It seems like it was yesterday that I was walking down the aisle. Why does time have to go by so fast?

Anyway, this week is going to be nice and relaxing. I don’t even work long hours this week at work. Well, they have me maxed out at 32 hours, but it’s a nice schedule. I even only work a half day on Saturday. I love my job, though!

Oh, which reminds me.. I went to see New Moon with my friend Ivy whom I work with. I LOVED IT! I thought it was way better than Twilight! I think Chris and I are going to go see it Wednesday night. (He’s kinda into them, too). Anyway, a nice relaxing week! I can’t wait!

I’m sure I’m not the only one in the world who seriously hates Mondays, but this Monday has definitely done me over. It’s got to be one of the worst Mondays I’ve ever had.

Ever have one of those days where it seems like everything goes wrong? It’s not even big things.. just little things, that add up. That is kinda what today is all about.

None of it really has significance, so I’m not going to write about it.. except for one incident. I got kicked out of lab today, because I was wearing crocs (which ARE closed toed, btw), with socks underneath. According to my jerk of a TA, “they’re not closed-toed because they have little holes on top.” To which I responded, “That’s why I wore socks underneath.” But nope. No convincing, no trying to get my way with this guy. He kicked me out. And I can’t make up the lab. Too bad I have good manners and didn’t cuss him out, because that was the last button I had for the day, and he pushed it big time. I did give him a very dirty look.

Mondays are just not a fun day for me. And this one surely was not any different.

Chris just celebrated his 21st birthday on Monday night! I thought even though it was a couple days ago, that I would recap the night.

My parents offered to take him out to BJ’s to get some beer and pizza the night of his birthday. I was, of course, the designated driver for the night, which is completely okay with me. Before we even left the apartment, Chris mixed himself a nice Tequila Sunrise, with maybe some extra tequila in it.

Once he had his drink, we were on our way to BJ’s, where Chris got the 6 beer sampler. His favorite was definitely the Hefeweizen! Laura, Adrian, Jeremy and Zach came along as well, and I think everyone had a great time. Chris opened his gifts, which mainly consisted of cash (which he bought a new pair of sunglasses with), and of course, my electric shaver. It was my first married gift, ugh.

After BJ’s and a pretty much drunk Chris, we headed off to Dave and Buster’s with Jeremy and Zach. Adrian had to come along, because Zach was under 18, and you need to be accompanied by someone 25 and older to get in. Lame. It was fun, though! I’m glad Chris got to hang out with his brothers, and play some arcade games. Chris attempted to drink a Blue Moon, but unfortunately it put him over the edge, and by the end of the night, he was trying his hardest not to throw up in my car on the way home. We made it back to the apartment with a still clean car, and a passed out Chris. He immediately went to bed, and didn’t move one inch until 10am the following morning.

Overall, it was a very successful 21st birthday, and I think he had a really good time.

Things have finally started to settle down after the wedding, and it’s nice to know that I don’t have to plan another wedding in this lifetime. It was a lot of fun, don’t get me wrong.. but also a lot of work.

Life is better now. Chris and I are enjoying our new life together as husband and wife. We have our set routine, with school and work for both of us. I work about 30 hours a week at the zoo, and he works an amazing 46 hours a week. And yet between work and going to school, I have never felt so close to him before. We still find time to just be together, or go out for dinner, or cuddle and watch a movie. We have our separate time, and then we have the time that we spend together. It’s honestly the perfect balance.

Work at the Zoo is going great. I really enjoy my job, and I feel really lucky in these crazy times to have such a job. It seems even after two years of hard times, people are still struggling to find work. Lucky for me, networking and volunteering has paid off. So, for my job I work with monkeys, stingrays, wallabies, goats and giraffes. It’s a pretty awesome job, and I’m extremely happy to be contributing to our finances.

Chris is busy with work, as always. He still has to work nights, and for us, it actually works well. While he is at work, I am sleeping, and when I wake up, he’s already home for the day. I know it’s a hard job for him, but I think having the stress of the wedding gone, it’s gotten a lot easier for him. At least I hope. He works so hard so that we can live on our own, pay all our bills, without the help of family members, and so that we can someday have a house all of our own. At this rate, we’re well on our way.

Honestly, there’s not much I can complain about. Life is pretty steady, and pretty dang good. I absolutely love being married to my best friend, and life couldn’t be any better right now. This is our life, and I love it.

Well, it’s over. The many, many months of planning and getting ready has finally paid off. I’m officially Alyssa Bargren.

Our wedding was by far the best day of my entire life. Everything was completely perfect. The outdoor garden was flickering with lights and decorated with beautiful pink flowers. The reception area had it’s dimmed light, making it the most romantic and intimate setting for a wedding. The sweetheart table had rose petals gently placed over it, the candles lit, and the china freshly cleaned. Everything was set for a breath-taking day.

We arrived at Regency Garden at 3 o’clock, only to be greeted by the excited photographer, ready to take aim and shoot. The girls and I quickly scrambled into our room, and hanging on the wall was my gorgeous wedding dress. It was just waiting for me. We dressed the flower girls, and then turned to me. After what seemed like forever, my corset was drawn and I was ready to meet my husband.

After pictures with the bridesmaids, it was time to see Chris for the first time in 2 days. I was waiting impatiently with my palms sweaty and my breaths a little short. Then finally I heard him coming behind me. We turned to each other at the exact same moment, and I could see the amazement in his eyes, that most likely matched my own expression. What an emotional moment. We hardly kept ourselves together as we hugged and stared in disbelief at one another. It was nice to have that moment.

Before we knew it, the time was here. It was time to walk down that beautiful aisle, and become husband and wife. My dad was gittery, hardly keeping his composure. I was sure I was either going to pass out or throw up. Thankfully, I did neither. The soft music of Canon in D starting playing, and my wonderful bridesmaids started walking down the aisle. Adelle and Evie were the perfect flower girls as they both did exactly what they were supposed to do. And then the wedding march started. With a deep breath, my dad and I took a step around the corner, and down the aisle.

A hundred faces at me, two hundred eyes.. And yet all I saw was Chris’s. I kept my eyes locked on my husband-to-be, and all he could do was smile.

After my dad gave me away, the ceremony took place. With surges of emotion, and humor, Chris and I said our vows, took Communion together, and kissed for the first time in 3 days. It was the most amazing kiss. After signing the marriage license, we were proudly announced as Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Bargren. Down the aisle we walked, beaming a smile at each and every person we saw on our way out. Our parents congratulated us, and then it was time to party.

The reception was everything I ever dreamed of. Everyone was dancing, laughing, drinking and having an amazing time. Chris and I greeted everyone, and had our first dance (which was not traditionaly by any means). After cutting the cake and more good fun, it was time to send us off on our way. Our beautiful limo was waiting for us, and as soon as the door shut, it was suddenly silent. It was a wonderful moment. We had made it through the day, and now it was just our time together, as husband and wife.

Our stay at The Buttes was absolutely amazing. The room, the view, the food.. It was more than I could have dreamt of. Chris and I were so relieved to be done with planning and making sure that our wedding day was absolutely perfect. And it turned out perfect. It was without a doubt, my dream wedding. It was the best day of my life.