As soon as you get married, everything about you that you try to push back as far away as you can comes out in the open. Everything you had boxed up for so many years suddenly blows up in your face. And you're left with cleaning up the mess. At least in my story.. all those boxes of mine started to overflow and they recently erupted. Things got to the point where I couldn't recognize myself; I unleashed everything I tried to hide. I knew I was always stubborn, and hard to get through to, but I never thought it was this bad.
But God is good and I guess He wanted me to start the new year with a fresh closet so He reminded me that it's bout time to clean mine up.
God entered that closet and started throwing away all those things that took up room. And I stood before those things and I couldnt wait to get rid of them. There were things that showed my insane stubbornness, my insecurity, things that proved I hate being told what to do, and things that showed I could get very annoying when I'm not OK with something. All things I'm super ashamed of. And I realized all these things led to one bigger struggle. For the longest time I had a hard time submitting to my husband, I didn't like that I didn't have full control of my decisions and life anymore, and I got frustrated when something didn't go my way. I didnt understnad why I had to do what he said and why I had to obey him. But God showed me that there is nothing wrong with receiving help, and guidance in life, especially from someone who loves me very much and only wants what's best for me. Thats what marriage is for, to share your life with someone, and grow together. And I guess I just realized how important it is to REALLY give your life to that someone. So I'm cleaning up the mess I made, and I pray to start this new year with a goal of letting go and trusting my husband in the decisions he makes for our family. God reminded me how important it is to be humble and that sometimes staying silent is better than saying anything. He reminded me that when I made my vows, I vowed to listen, and respect my husbands needs. Marriage involves a lot of breakage, good breakage. It isn't easy but in the end it's worth it. Because once God helps me get on the right direction, I become a better wife, a better friend, and a better servant of my Father. I don't know if I'm the only wife struggling with this, but if I'm not.. then I encourage us to submit, to humble ourselves, and be confident in it. Lets be confident in our husbands, let's raise them up, and help them by becoming our better selves. I'm so thankful for such a loving and forgiving husband and I hope to prove to him with each day that I can be even better than who I was the day before. As I grow closer to the Lord, and as I clean up my closet I hope to become a better wife.
And remember, we are all sinners, no one is perfect, not us nor our husbands. But we can always be better. Things won't always go smoothly and our boxes might fill up again, but as long as we get back on our feet and tidy up again, we will have happy husbands, and happy lives. I know I'm a nube, and I'm still new to this wifey thing, but being a wife is amazing, and I see that more and more each day.
12/24/2015
We receive so that we could give
Christmas to me is about receiving, then giving. Its always been my favorite time of the year. As a child I loved getting presents, seeing what new toys I could play with, what new clothes I could wear. And as I got older I started to find more joy in giving presents. When I got my first job, I used all my pay checks during the winter time on gifts for every single person in my family, and my friends. I found more joy in giving gifts than receiving them.
When I have kids I hope to make Christmas the best for them, I hope I can spoil them this one time of the year, and then teach them that once they recieve, it would then come time for them to give, and they should do it with great joy. I don't think Christian families should limit their kids from this wonderful experience.
I'm so happy that giving gifts is a major part of the Christmas tradition, and I never really thought about it until recently. But when we remember the main reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ, the whole journey is overwhelmingly filled with receiving and then giving.
It all starts with God GIVING a prophecy many years before.
Then, in His perfect timing God GAVE the earth the greatest gift of all, He fulfilled that prophecy and GAVE us His Son, He GAVE us Himself, and He sacrificed everything to GIVE us eternal life.
When God GAVE Mary the news of her awaited baby, she RECEIVED it, and she GAVE back to God, by being the perfect mother, and raising the king of kings.
When Joseph RECEIVED the big news, he sacrificed his image before people, and GAVE back by humbly standing by Marys side through the journey.
When the world RECEIVED news of Christs birth, not everyone took it with joy, and some, GAVE back only greif and pain.
But others RECEIVED the news with hope, and praise, and the shepereds and wise men, literally got to GIVE to their Savior. What an honorable moment that must of been.
When Jesus grew up, He GAVE His whole life to the peope. He healed them, taught them, helped them, and He sacrificed it all for them. He died for them, He died for us, people who weren't even alive yet, so that we may RECEIVE His love for eternity.
GOD gave us everything and He waits for us to RECEIVE it. Because once we RECEIVE His love, our only desire becomes to GIVE it back. We should share that gift with everyone around us and GIVE the gift of hope and salvation. We should GIVE back to God by GIVING to others. We should help those in need, and GIVE the world the image of Christ.
When we GIVE, those who RECEIVE will then GIVE as well, and we shall spread the joy of giving to the ends of the earth.
So as we open gifts tonight, let us RECIEVE them with this on our minds.
God GAVE so that we could RECEIVE and then GIVE as well. May this be an on going chain reaction, until everyone has had the opportunity to experience the joy and excitement of receiving, then giving. May this not only happen on Christmas, but throughout the rest of our lives.
Thanks for reading and
Have a very merry Christmas!
Love, Vika Kayrevich
When I have kids I hope to make Christmas the best for them, I hope I can spoil them this one time of the year, and then teach them that once they recieve, it would then come time for them to give, and they should do it with great joy. I don't think Christian families should limit their kids from this wonderful experience.
I'm so happy that giving gifts is a major part of the Christmas tradition, and I never really thought about it until recently. But when we remember the main reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ, the whole journey is overwhelmingly filled with receiving and then giving.
It all starts with God GIVING a prophecy many years before.
Then, in His perfect timing God GAVE the earth the greatest gift of all, He fulfilled that prophecy and GAVE us His Son, He GAVE us Himself, and He sacrificed everything to GIVE us eternal life.
When God GAVE Mary the news of her awaited baby, she RECEIVED it, and she GAVE back to God, by being the perfect mother, and raising the king of kings.
When Joseph RECEIVED the big news, he sacrificed his image before people, and GAVE back by humbly standing by Marys side through the journey.
When the world RECEIVED news of Christs birth, not everyone took it with joy, and some, GAVE back only greif and pain.
But others RECEIVED the news with hope, and praise, and the shepereds and wise men, literally got to GIVE to their Savior. What an honorable moment that must of been.
When Jesus grew up, He GAVE His whole life to the peope. He healed them, taught them, helped them, and He sacrificed it all for them. He died for them, He died for us, people who weren't even alive yet, so that we may RECEIVE His love for eternity.
GOD gave us everything and He waits for us to RECEIVE it. Because once we RECEIVE His love, our only desire becomes to GIVE it back. We should share that gift with everyone around us and GIVE the gift of hope and salvation. We should GIVE back to God by GIVING to others. We should help those in need, and GIVE the world the image of Christ.
When we GIVE, those who RECEIVE will then GIVE as well, and we shall spread the joy of giving to the ends of the earth.
So as we open gifts tonight, let us RECIEVE them with this on our minds.
God GAVE so that we could RECEIVE and then GIVE as well. May this be an on going chain reaction, until everyone has had the opportunity to experience the joy and excitement of receiving, then giving. May this not only happen on Christmas, but throughout the rest of our lives.
Thanks for reading and
Have a very merry Christmas!
Love, Vika Kayrevich
12/16/2015
Reminder of the day: My journey with reading Matthew
Matthew 4:8-10
Again, the devil took Him(Jesus) up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And He said to Him, "all these things I will give you if you will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "away with you Satan! For it is written, 'you shall worship the Lord your God, and him only you shall serve."
There are times in every Christians life where the devil finds us at our most vulnerable state and offers us an easy way out, or something that we think will bring us joy an satisfaction in life. And there are times where we latch on to those things and fall down and worship him, most of the time not realizing it.
Jesus knew what its like to be tempted by the devil. In this chapter (Mat 4) He spends 40 days fasting (I can't even Last two days!) And when He was done He was probably weak, tired, an starving (just remembering my experiences) so that's when the devil approaches Him. Lets not forget that as much as he was the son of God, He was also human and he felt the same things we do. So when the devil started to offer Him easy ways out, I would consider that it wasn't easy for Him. But Jesus came to show us the way, so He withstood it all so that we could be prepared.
See, when the devil offers us something; for instance fame, power, pleasure, in little or big ways, it's always something that goes against the Bible. It's always along the easy route, and it's always deceptive. Usually something we spend time comforting and assuring ourselves about, because its not clear whether it how God feel about is.
But Jesus shows us that the Bible is clear, and anything that we might not be sure about is probably not from God. That is why He backs up every decision He made with it words. Shows you how important it is to read and know it right?
Jesus also knows that anything that goes against God will only lead to trouble.
Sometimes we fall for these temporary wants and it all goes downhill from there. Jesus was offered the kingdoms of the world, but he knew that those things, as great as they are were only temporary, He knew that God something bigger an better in mind for Him. He saw the bigger picture and didn't just focus on the moment an His desires.
So we should remember that next time we come across the devils temptations, that we must make a choice to either fall and worship him, for something that doesn't last. Or we can be stronger than that and choose to worship God alone, no matter how hard it is, because we know that He has a bigger, better plan that will last for eternity. God is the only one who could ever fill our void and fulfill our desires, nothing else. So let's be like Jesus and know Gods word, and use it to remind us that better things lie ahead when we live for God alone.
Again, the devil took Him(Jesus) up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And He said to Him, "all these things I will give you if you will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "away with you Satan! For it is written, 'you shall worship the Lord your God, and him only you shall serve."
There are times in every Christians life where the devil finds us at our most vulnerable state and offers us an easy way out, or something that we think will bring us joy an satisfaction in life. And there are times where we latch on to those things and fall down and worship him, most of the time not realizing it.
Jesus knew what its like to be tempted by the devil. In this chapter (Mat 4) He spends 40 days fasting (I can't even Last two days!) And when He was done He was probably weak, tired, an starving (just remembering my experiences) so that's when the devil approaches Him. Lets not forget that as much as he was the son of God, He was also human and he felt the same things we do. So when the devil started to offer Him easy ways out, I would consider that it wasn't easy for Him. But Jesus came to show us the way, so He withstood it all so that we could be prepared.
See, when the devil offers us something; for instance fame, power, pleasure, in little or big ways, it's always something that goes against the Bible. It's always along the easy route, and it's always deceptive. Usually something we spend time comforting and assuring ourselves about, because its not clear whether it how God feel about is.
But Jesus shows us that the Bible is clear, and anything that we might not be sure about is probably not from God. That is why He backs up every decision He made with it words. Shows you how important it is to read and know it right?
Jesus also knows that anything that goes against God will only lead to trouble.
Sometimes we fall for these temporary wants and it all goes downhill from there. Jesus was offered the kingdoms of the world, but he knew that those things, as great as they are were only temporary, He knew that God something bigger an better in mind for Him. He saw the bigger picture and didn't just focus on the moment an His desires.
So we should remember that next time we come across the devils temptations, that we must make a choice to either fall and worship him, for something that doesn't last. Or we can be stronger than that and choose to worship God alone, no matter how hard it is, because we know that He has a bigger, better plan that will last for eternity. God is the only one who could ever fill our void and fulfill our desires, nothing else. So let's be like Jesus and know Gods word, and use it to remind us that better things lie ahead when we live for God alone.
11/19/2015
Weddings
Your wedding day; something you put so much time and effort into only to watch it whiz by before your eyes in merely a few hours. Is it worth it? All the hard work.. I really don't know, for everyone its different, but as long as you end the day with the love of your life by our side, nothing else matters.
We got married May 9th this year, and it was the best day of my life. All of our closest friends and family came together to support us as we came before God and committed to each other for the rest of our lives. Getting married is such a beautiful thing, it's so bittersweet. In fact, the whole ceremony I was filled with so much emotion that I emberassingly stood there crying through the whole thing. Tears of joy, tears of sadness, (because I was leaving my family and moving away from my favorite people in the world, except Andrey of course) but most of all I cried because I felt so blessed... God gave me the perfect husband, the perfect family, my whole life He blessed me, there were so many people who care by my side. I felt much support and love from God and everyone else that I just couldn't handle it.
Our ceremony was short and sweet, and our reception was personal and heartwarming. I really didn't care how everything looked, my main focus wasn't how I looked, all I cared about was that the people closest to me were by my side, sharing memories, and having good time. All I wanted was for our wedding to be personal and memorable.
Not everything went perfectly, but I don't remember those imperfections, not everyone might have been pleased, but, you can't make everyone happy, I was happy.
See, these days it feels like weddings are competitions, my best friend got married like month after and I was so blessed and happy to be a part of it, but there were people comparing our weddings, which Is so sad, we are both different,sad and have different lifestyles. And it really showed me that when it comes to weddings people focus on the wrong things. People focus on the decorations, on the food, on how the bride looks, on how everything was planned out, and completely ignore the main reason of he wedding day; to support and bless the couple. Wedding days became all about who did it better, who had more of a pinterest wedding... which ruins the whole thing.
So I didn't care, how everything looked or what people said about it after, I'm sure they weren't all good things, but that isn't what matters, I'm happily married and my wedding day is just a day in the past, something that I'll never forget, because to me, everything went perfectly.
I hope that every bride only remembers the positives of the day, and to anyone who will get married in the future, I hope you focus on what's right and put aside the opinion of others. I hope you soak up every moment, because the day FLIES by before your eyes. Take the time to enjoy being with your new husband, and to show appreciation to your family and guests. Remember to appreciate everyone who put time and work into making the day special. And remember to just enjoy, no matter what happens, stay positive. It is your day and you decide how it will turn out, the outcome will all be in the mindset. Sure, everyone gets stressed out and nervous, that's just part of the process, enjoy those moments as well. No matter what, this will be the happiest day of your life, because like I said earlier, all that matters is that you finally get to marry your best friend.
We got married May 9th this year, and it was the best day of my life. All of our closest friends and family came together to support us as we came before God and committed to each other for the rest of our lives. Getting married is such a beautiful thing, it's so bittersweet. In fact, the whole ceremony I was filled with so much emotion that I emberassingly stood there crying through the whole thing. Tears of joy, tears of sadness, (because I was leaving my family and moving away from my favorite people in the world, except Andrey of course) but most of all I cried because I felt so blessed... God gave me the perfect husband, the perfect family, my whole life He blessed me, there were so many people who care by my side. I felt much support and love from God and everyone else that I just couldn't handle it.
Our ceremony was short and sweet, and our reception was personal and heartwarming. I really didn't care how everything looked, my main focus wasn't how I looked, all I cared about was that the people closest to me were by my side, sharing memories, and having good time. All I wanted was for our wedding to be personal and memorable.
Not everything went perfectly, but I don't remember those imperfections, not everyone might have been pleased, but, you can't make everyone happy, I was happy.
See, these days it feels like weddings are competitions, my best friend got married like month after and I was so blessed and happy to be a part of it, but there were people comparing our weddings, which Is so sad, we are both different,sad and have different lifestyles. And it really showed me that when it comes to weddings people focus on the wrong things. People focus on the decorations, on the food, on how the bride looks, on how everything was planned out, and completely ignore the main reason of he wedding day; to support and bless the couple. Wedding days became all about who did it better, who had more of a pinterest wedding... which ruins the whole thing.
So I didn't care, how everything looked or what people said about it after, I'm sure they weren't all good things, but that isn't what matters, I'm happily married and my wedding day is just a day in the past, something that I'll never forget, because to me, everything went perfectly.
I hope that every bride only remembers the positives of the day, and to anyone who will get married in the future, I hope you focus on what's right and put aside the opinion of others. I hope you soak up every moment, because the day FLIES by before your eyes. Take the time to enjoy being with your new husband, and to show appreciation to your family and guests. Remember to appreciate everyone who put time and work into making the day special. And remember to just enjoy, no matter what happens, stay positive. It is your day and you decide how it will turn out, the outcome will all be in the mindset. Sure, everyone gets stressed out and nervous, that's just part of the process, enjoy those moments as well. No matter what, this will be the happiest day of your life, because like I said earlier, all that matters is that you finally get to marry your best friend.
The little details
I won't be posting all the pictures but I just wanted to share a few moments from the day. :)
Before the ceremony,
we were so nervous
but excited.
We couldn't decide
on wedding colors
so we went with our
favorite colors
mine: blue and his: red
It was tough to work with
but we found a way.
My gorgeous friends
and bridesmaids,
I was so blessed
to have all of them by my side.
The handsome
grooms men
who are so awesome
they deserve awesome wifes
The hottest man
in the world, well my world.
We hung the map
on our living room wall,
and the paper cranes..
well it took me months
to make them
but they were a nice
photo backdrop for guests.
Aisle decor, simply elegant
My favorite flower girls
and ring boys
I got the privelage
to ride in on a carriage
and be walked down the aisle
by my dad.
Ceremony
Our incredible parents
whom we love so much
and are so thankful for
Wifey&Hubby
Selfies w/ everyone
All of our decorations were hand made by me, my mom, and my grandma. When it all came together I was happy that I could play such a big role in preparation. Also DIY is not perfect but it saves so much money in the long run.. (more money for the honeymoon)
The beautiful bouquet
When the sun joins the party
We had a super awesome
band that made the wedding day
more festive
The best wedding hosts
(we love and miss you guys!)
We have the
greatest friends in the world
I made a pinata
and filled it with confetti
for some extra fun.
Pictures we're exhausting
But we had an awesome
Photographer
(I also was barefoot
the whole wedding
except during the ceremony,
who does that?)
I fell. In my wedding dress.
I was running and I fell.
So Andrey decided to
lay down next to me
so I wouldn't be alone
My favorite part of the day
So my wedding dress
Got covered in spilled coke
But that didn't bring me down
I was too tired to care; )
We ended the party
with a confetti tunnel..
Lots of tears...
Beautiful evening lights..
And engraved our names
into the wall before we
drove off.
11/11/2015
Long distance
There were many people that didn't think we would make It this far, not because we weren't compatible, but because we lived 17 hours away from each other. But looking back now I am so thankful that we got to experience a long distance relationship. It wasn't easy, in fact it took a lot of work, but it came with many benefits.
We might have not had the typical dating experience that most couples had, but for me it was perfect and extra special. Even though we didn't go on many dates and to many places, we got to spend lots of time together through Skype (thank goodness for technology) which sounds lame, but it was something I looked forward to everyday. We would drink tea together, watch movies together, stay up late every night talking, laughing, or just doing our own thing. All that mattered was that we spent time with each other, and it didn't matter how. Through skype we would read the bible and pray together, we had many discussions, and shared lots of stories about ourselves. Through this, our communication skills became extra strong. We got to know each other on a different, more personal level, because when you can't really do activities together and all you have is communication, you get the chance to share so much more of yourself through words.
There were nights where we would stay up so late that we both ended up falling asleep, only to find each other still sleeping with Skype on the next day. During the day we kept up with each other using snapchat or phone calls on our way to work. We sent each other little gifts, sometimes letters or poems, he even bought me pizza once in a while and had it delivered to my work.
In the beginning of the relationship we saw each other at least once a month, sometimes twice, which we felt really lucky about. Andrey worked at the airport and got great benefits. That made flying cheaper and much more efficient. I still remember waiting for the day when we would finally see each other once again. There would be so many emotions at once; excitement, nervousness, sometimes stress, but most of all a relief that we would finally be spending time with each other once
more. Each visit we grew closer and closer to each other and wanted to be with each other so much more.
Good byes were the worst, so painful. There were tears, and the few days after were gloomy and depressing. All we could do was get busy with our lives in order to not think about it. But we would soon plan our next trip and have something to look forward to for the next month.
The whole relationship we felt Gods hand guiding us and leading us. He blessed us so so much. There were times where visits were at the verge of not working out, but He always found a way to make things happen. We got the privilege to spend every holiday and almost every birthday together. He helped us grow together, He helped us resolve rough patches, and He taught us and prepared us for our future together, without God this wouldn't have been possible.
After a year of dating adventures Andrey proposed and we started planning for the wedding. Our engagement was a year long which made the planning process a piece of cake. But it felt like forever; we were so eager to be with other and were running out of patience. We got to see each other way less, sometimes once every three months, which wasn't easy, but it made our wedding day so much
more exciting. We took marriage courses with my pastor using three way skype, and through that we were preparing for our marriage. I really recommend courses to all engaged couples because they really do make an influence in the future.
Our relationship was no where near perfect, we had downfalls. Long distance took a lot of trust and patience. But what was important was that we always kept fighting and moving forward. With every downfall we got stronger and wiser and more in love. I just want to encourage anyone in a serious relationship to always get back up. If you start to doubt, focus on everything that's great about you guys, and always pray for reassurance. Make sure that God is at the center of it, find time to pray together. Our relationship wouldn't be possible without God. Remember that God is the source of love so when you turn to Him you will find so many more ways to love each other. In the end, it's all worth it, all the waiting, it's an experience I wouldn't trade for anything.
Most of all, cherish every moment, marriage is nothing like dating, they are both amazing and both special. I love remembering all the adventures we shared, all the feelings we felt, the anticipation. A
healthy dating process leads to a healthy marriage.
And if you're not in a relationship yet, it will come, just trust. The Lord always has our best interest, He always knows what's right for us. Your fairy tale will come. You don't even have to look too hard because you might be looking in the wrong places. Andrey showed up in my life when I least needed a boyfriend, and everything turned out blessedly. I always tell people that when your relationship with God is strong and pure, when nothing can take Gods place in your life, that's when He knows you're ready for someone to share that love with.
I'm not an expert, and I know every relationship is different, but I'm always happy to share the life changing experiences I've had with others, my hope is that someday it will help someone. This post is just my dating experience in a nut shell, it consisted of so many more details, so many more lessons learned, and I'd be happy to share them with anyone who cares. If you ever have any questions or just want to talk, don't be shy to hit me up, I'm always happy to listen and share.
Thanks for reading.
We might have not had the typical dating experience that most couples had, but for me it was perfect and extra special. Even though we didn't go on many dates and to many places, we got to spend lots of time together through Skype (thank goodness for technology) which sounds lame, but it was something I looked forward to everyday. We would drink tea together, watch movies together, stay up late every night talking, laughing, or just doing our own thing. All that mattered was that we spent time with each other, and it didn't matter how. Through skype we would read the bible and pray together, we had many discussions, and shared lots of stories about ourselves. Through this, our communication skills became extra strong. We got to know each other on a different, more personal level, because when you can't really do activities together and all you have is communication, you get the chance to share so much more of yourself through words.
There were nights where we would stay up so late that we both ended up falling asleep, only to find each other still sleeping with Skype on the next day. During the day we kept up with each other using snapchat or phone calls on our way to work. We sent each other little gifts, sometimes letters or poems, he even bought me pizza once in a while and had it delivered to my work.
In the beginning of the relationship we saw each other at least once a month, sometimes twice, which we felt really lucky about. Andrey worked at the airport and got great benefits. That made flying cheaper and much more efficient. I still remember waiting for the day when we would finally see each other once again. There would be so many emotions at once; excitement, nervousness, sometimes stress, but most of all a relief that we would finally be spending time with each other once
more. Each visit we grew closer and closer to each other and wanted to be with each other so much more.
Good byes were the worst, so painful. There were tears, and the few days after were gloomy and depressing. All we could do was get busy with our lives in order to not think about it. But we would soon plan our next trip and have something to look forward to for the next month.
The whole relationship we felt Gods hand guiding us and leading us. He blessed us so so much. There were times where visits were at the verge of not working out, but He always found a way to make things happen. We got the privilege to spend every holiday and almost every birthday together. He helped us grow together, He helped us resolve rough patches, and He taught us and prepared us for our future together, without God this wouldn't have been possible.
After a year of dating adventures Andrey proposed and we started planning for the wedding. Our engagement was a year long which made the planning process a piece of cake. But it felt like forever; we were so eager to be with other and were running out of patience. We got to see each other way less, sometimes once every three months, which wasn't easy, but it made our wedding day so much
more exciting. We took marriage courses with my pastor using three way skype, and through that we were preparing for our marriage. I really recommend courses to all engaged couples because they really do make an influence in the future.
Our relationship was no where near perfect, we had downfalls. Long distance took a lot of trust and patience. But what was important was that we always kept fighting and moving forward. With every downfall we got stronger and wiser and more in love. I just want to encourage anyone in a serious relationship to always get back up. If you start to doubt, focus on everything that's great about you guys, and always pray for reassurance. Make sure that God is at the center of it, find time to pray together. Our relationship wouldn't be possible without God. Remember that God is the source of love so when you turn to Him you will find so many more ways to love each other. In the end, it's all worth it, all the waiting, it's an experience I wouldn't trade for anything.
Most of all, cherish every moment, marriage is nothing like dating, they are both amazing and both special. I love remembering all the adventures we shared, all the feelings we felt, the anticipation. A
healthy dating process leads to a healthy marriage.
And if you're not in a relationship yet, it will come, just trust. The Lord always has our best interest, He always knows what's right for us. Your fairy tale will come. You don't even have to look too hard because you might be looking in the wrong places. Andrey showed up in my life when I least needed a boyfriend, and everything turned out blessedly. I always tell people that when your relationship with God is strong and pure, when nothing can take Gods place in your life, that's when He knows you're ready for someone to share that love with.
I'm not an expert, and I know every relationship is different, but I'm always happy to share the life changing experiences I've had with others, my hope is that someday it will help someone. This post is just my dating experience in a nut shell, it consisted of so many more details, so many more lessons learned, and I'd be happy to share them with anyone who cares. If you ever have any questions or just want to talk, don't be shy to hit me up, I'm always happy to listen and share.
Thanks for reading.
Its never too early for winter.
So much memories filled my mind with the new snow fall, so many feelings. I haven't been this excited for the winter time in a while, I usually don't even like winter, but this year I'm extra excited and I don't know why. I guess this year was filled with many changes, and the winter time recconects me with my past, I start remembering childhood memories, family traditions, and I want to experience all that once more in my new place in life, with my new little family of two. Being a nanny also makes this season that much more exciting because Im excited to share the winter season and Christmas spirit with the kiddos. I plan to relive my childhood this season, going all out. I plan to find the perfect Christmas tree, decorate my home, make cookies, drink hot chocolate. I'm excited to rewatch The Polar Express for the millionth time, and all the other winter movies like Elf, The Grinch, Charlie brown, Home Alone. I'm excited to make Ginger bread houses, and listen to Christmas music, I'm excited for church on Christmas Eve and the spirit of giving. I'm excited for winter coats and boots and hats, making snowmen and snow angels, and maybe even snowboarding. I'm excited for gatherings and fireplaces and staying indoors. Im excited for presents, and parties, and yummy food. I'm excited to see all the lights and decorations, and so much more, the list could go on and on. This season just makes me so happy. But its also makes me miss my family and all the memories we shared. And even though I won't get to fully relive those days, I'm excited for new memories and new experiences that we will make this year with my family of two and pass on for many years to come as our family grows. I think you're never to old to be excited for all that the season brings, I think its never too early for the Christmas spirit. May it never end, may we always give our all to this amazing season.
11/09/2015
How we met.
My parents got invited to a wedding in Denver, its was a chance for my mom to see some of the family she hadnt seen in years but there were factors that were preventing us from going. So for two days we were deciding whether to go or not, and we were leaning towards not going, but then last minute my dad got us into the car and we started driving. And boy am i glad we went because we were a decision a way from me not meeting my soul mate.
It was a fun road trip, just me, my mom, and my dad. Throughout the trip my mom kept teasing me that I could find a boy for myself at the wedding, which made me mad. I was in a good place, I didnt need boys in my life, I was dating myself.
Not focusing on boys made the trip exactly what I wanted; I got to spend time with my parents, I got to meet some of my family that I didn't even know existed, I got to enjoy the wedding, and I had a fun time exploring Denver. Little did I know, moms words have magic or something, but throughout my whole trip Andrey ended up being somewhere in the picture.
All the girls thought he was super cute and amazing, but I didn't care, I let them think that. (He looks so much better now BTW, back then he was super scrawny, like a toothpick.) He was the one that got to drive us around the town, me and him had some small talk, but nothing that indicated that someday we would get married. I was focused on family, and he was busy entertaining guests since it was his sisters wedding.
The wedding was a success and so was the trip, we had a long drive home because of traffic, but I got busy adding all the new people I met on Facebook and instagram. To my surprise I received a message from Andrey right away, he was apologizing for being a bad host and not saying good bye to me when I left. That made me laugh because I didn't really care for his goodbye, it's not like we had a connection or anything. So after some small talk we said our goodbyes and I wasn't really planning on having any more conversations with him after that.
About a week or so later I noticed that Andrey was on my Facebook, because he was liking my pictures, more than one. So of course like all girls, over thinking the situation, I figured he was trying to get my attention. (Which I then learned he had no intention of) But my over thinking got us talking, I wrote him and from there we ended up talking all day, and a day turned into week, and then he asked for my number, and then I added him on snapchat. We took things slow, he had to ask for my number more than once and I didn't send him my face on snapchat for weeks. But then things got to the point where it was pretty clear we were into each other and he told me he wanted to see where our relationship could go.
So we started dating but we didn't get a chance to meet in person until a few months later, so we had to compromise and date through Skype. This really helped us get to know each other because the only thing we could do was talk, and sometimes eat ice cream.
But a few weeks later he surprised me with a visit and we finally saw each other in person. It was pretty stressful and chaotic but it got us to where we are now, so you could probably say things went well from there. We would take turns visiting each other at least once a month and after a year of dating we got engaged. Our engagement was a year long and this May we celebrated the best day of our lives and committed to each other for the rest of our days.
I guess I have my mom to thank for us meeting, because like I said, moms words are magic, and during our Denver trip she noticed Andrey right away. As she pointed him out to me, maybe it was God speaking through her, but I believe at that moment she jinxed us into falling in love with each other even though we didn't know it yet.
Oh and I guess his sister Inna and my cousin Dima because we met at their wedding.
The end.
I hope you enjoyed our random silly story, just a broad description of how we ended up together. Next I will be writing about our experience with long distance, so stay tuned.
It was a fun road trip, just me, my mom, and my dad. Throughout the trip my mom kept teasing me that I could find a boy for myself at the wedding, which made me mad. I was in a good place, I didnt need boys in my life, I was dating myself.
Not focusing on boys made the trip exactly what I wanted; I got to spend time with my parents, I got to meet some of my family that I didn't even know existed, I got to enjoy the wedding, and I had a fun time exploring Denver. Little did I know, moms words have magic or something, but throughout my whole trip Andrey ended up being somewhere in the picture.
All the girls thought he was super cute and amazing, but I didn't care, I let them think that. (He looks so much better now BTW, back then he was super scrawny, like a toothpick.) He was the one that got to drive us around the town, me and him had some small talk, but nothing that indicated that someday we would get married. I was focused on family, and he was busy entertaining guests since it was his sisters wedding.
The wedding was a success and so was the trip, we had a long drive home because of traffic, but I got busy adding all the new people I met on Facebook and instagram. To my surprise I received a message from Andrey right away, he was apologizing for being a bad host and not saying good bye to me when I left. That made me laugh because I didn't really care for his goodbye, it's not like we had a connection or anything. So after some small talk we said our goodbyes and I wasn't really planning on having any more conversations with him after that.
About a week or so later I noticed that Andrey was on my Facebook, because he was liking my pictures, more than one. So of course like all girls, over thinking the situation, I figured he was trying to get my attention. (Which I then learned he had no intention of) But my over thinking got us talking, I wrote him and from there we ended up talking all day, and a day turned into week, and then he asked for my number, and then I added him on snapchat. We took things slow, he had to ask for my number more than once and I didn't send him my face on snapchat for weeks. But then things got to the point where it was pretty clear we were into each other and he told me he wanted to see where our relationship could go.
So we started dating but we didn't get a chance to meet in person until a few months later, so we had to compromise and date through Skype. This really helped us get to know each other because the only thing we could do was talk, and sometimes eat ice cream.
But a few weeks later he surprised me with a visit and we finally saw each other in person. It was pretty stressful and chaotic but it got us to where we are now, so you could probably say things went well from there. We would take turns visiting each other at least once a month and after a year of dating we got engaged. Our engagement was a year long and this May we celebrated the best day of our lives and committed to each other for the rest of our days.
I guess I have my mom to thank for us meeting, because like I said, moms words are magic, and during our Denver trip she noticed Andrey right away. As she pointed him out to me, maybe it was God speaking through her, but I believe at that moment she jinxed us into falling in love with each other even though we didn't know it yet.
Oh and I guess his sister Inna and my cousin Dima because we met at their wedding.
The end.
I hope you enjoyed our random silly story, just a broad description of how we ended up together. Next I will be writing about our experience with long distance, so stay tuned.
10/30/2015
My struggle with identity theft
These few days it seems that about every Christian blogger I follow decided to share their thoughts on Halloween. And that is totally cool, I love reading different opinions and comparing them to that of my own, but this year I will not be sharing my thoughts on Halloween, I want to talk about another topic that has nothing to do with celebrating Halloween but it's something that is a big aspect of it.
The biggest part of halloween is that people get to choose to be a different identity, they get to be someone else for one night.
Talk about "identity theft" (pun intended).
Anyways, It got me wondering why people find so much pleasure in being someone other than themselves, and it made me realize that "identity theft" is something that I have struggled with pretty much my whole life.
I'm sure every person, at least once in their life, has thought about who they are, what their purpose is, and where they belong. Well for me, that journey was a long messy one.
I spent my life riding a self esteem roller coaster, always struggling with self image, always striving to be someone prettier, someone cooler, someone better. And even though I always pretended that I didn't care, deep down inside I always had the need to be accepted and acknowledged. As a teenager I actually spent time thinking about whether I wanted to stick to being a nerd, a jock, a girly girl, and so on. I even struggled with deciding on a clothing style; should I dress sporty, girly, indie, classy or grungy? Looking back I realize how ridiculous that is, but it shows just how lost I was.
Then as I got older, I no longer felt the need to categorize myself as something, but I started to struggle with something even worse. With time, I began to find it hard to love myself, and be happy with who I was. I began to constantly doubt myself, and compare myself to others, I lost sight of who I was and who I was made to be. I thought things would change when I got married, but for some reason they only got worse; I became even less confident, and even more confused about who I am. This struggle affected my marriage, my service, my growth and nothing good came out of it.
But I am so thankful for my husband because he has been so supportive and helpful through all of it. Even more so I am so thankful that I know God, because this would be a journey to darkness if it weren't for Him. Even though I didn't always see it, God has been by my side every step of the way, always picking me back up when I fell. There were times when I wasn't close to Him and didn't let Him help me, but He always found a way back into my heart, He always directed me to the right path.
I'm sharing this personal struggle not because I want pity or attention but because I want to remind people, just as God reminded me, that there is always a way out in Him. We all have different journeys, different weaknesses; But we all have one God. And He has showed me that I no longer need to feel the need to identify myself as something, I no longer need to feel the need to feel accepted by people. God wants me to identify myself in Him, to identify myself as His. When you let God decide who you are, then you no longer need to worry about the approval of others. GOD made us, therefore He made us beautiful and perfect in every way. Sure, we are filled with sin, but in our core we share an identity with God. He made us in HIS image. How amazing is that? I just wanted to remind everyone that if there are ever days when you start to doubt yourself, when you lose sight of who you are, just set your eyes up above and He will remind you.
I am a sinner, I will fall again, but I will never stop trying to get better and I will never let go of this truth. Our identity in God is a gift. We should hold on to it with all that we have. It is the passport to a better life. I experienced first hand living without this passport. And it just assures me that much more that there is nothing better in this world than to have an identity in someone greater than life itself, to be confident in Him, and to know who we are in Him.
The biggest part of halloween is that people get to choose to be a different identity, they get to be someone else for one night.
Talk about "identity theft" (pun intended).
Anyways, It got me wondering why people find so much pleasure in being someone other than themselves, and it made me realize that "identity theft" is something that I have struggled with pretty much my whole life.
I'm sure every person, at least once in their life, has thought about who they are, what their purpose is, and where they belong. Well for me, that journey was a long messy one.
I spent my life riding a self esteem roller coaster, always struggling with self image, always striving to be someone prettier, someone cooler, someone better. And even though I always pretended that I didn't care, deep down inside I always had the need to be accepted and acknowledged. As a teenager I actually spent time thinking about whether I wanted to stick to being a nerd, a jock, a girly girl, and so on. I even struggled with deciding on a clothing style; should I dress sporty, girly, indie, classy or grungy? Looking back I realize how ridiculous that is, but it shows just how lost I was.
Then as I got older, I no longer felt the need to categorize myself as something, but I started to struggle with something even worse. With time, I began to find it hard to love myself, and be happy with who I was. I began to constantly doubt myself, and compare myself to others, I lost sight of who I was and who I was made to be. I thought things would change when I got married, but for some reason they only got worse; I became even less confident, and even more confused about who I am. This struggle affected my marriage, my service, my growth and nothing good came out of it.
But I am so thankful for my husband because he has been so supportive and helpful through all of it. Even more so I am so thankful that I know God, because this would be a journey to darkness if it weren't for Him. Even though I didn't always see it, God has been by my side every step of the way, always picking me back up when I fell. There were times when I wasn't close to Him and didn't let Him help me, but He always found a way back into my heart, He always directed me to the right path.
I'm sharing this personal struggle not because I want pity or attention but because I want to remind people, just as God reminded me, that there is always a way out in Him. We all have different journeys, different weaknesses; But we all have one God. And He has showed me that I no longer need to feel the need to identify myself as something, I no longer need to feel the need to feel accepted by people. God wants me to identify myself in Him, to identify myself as His. When you let God decide who you are, then you no longer need to worry about the approval of others. GOD made us, therefore He made us beautiful and perfect in every way. Sure, we are filled with sin, but in our core we share an identity with God. He made us in HIS image. How amazing is that? I just wanted to remind everyone that if there are ever days when you start to doubt yourself, when you lose sight of who you are, just set your eyes up above and He will remind you.
I am a sinner, I will fall again, but I will never stop trying to get better and I will never let go of this truth. Our identity in God is a gift. We should hold on to it with all that we have. It is the passport to a better life. I experienced first hand living without this passport. And it just assures me that much more that there is nothing better in this world than to have an identity in someone greater than life itself, to be confident in Him, and to know who we are in Him.
10/27/2015
Why look back when the future is yours
There was a point in my life where my relationship with God was stronger than ever. It was fresh, and new, I had great support and resources, and I stood strong in my faith.
Then life happened, and the world slowly and unoticably shaped me into a different person; it dimmed my flame, weakened my faith and my sense of who I was in God blurred.
Since then, my relationship with God has been wavering, on and off, no where near as stable as it used to be.
So ever since, I kept looking to the past, wishing I could change back to the way I used to be. I would fight with myself and push myself to be that person again, putting all my energy into becoming someone I used to be other than becoming more like God.
But recently, I finally realized that looking back was what was getting in the way of my growth. Looking back prevented me from moving forward.
So now, im learning to let go of the past to focus on creating my new, better self, into someone who stands closer to God than ever.
Why look back when you can look forward to the future; something you still have the chance to mold and mend into your own liking.
So I choose to focus on getting closer to God with every new day, and with each day I will be a step closer than I was before. There may be days where I might stay in place, because im not perfect, and growth isnt easy. But as long as day by day I put in all the effort I can to know God more, then looking back will no longer be neccesary.
Now not everyone may relate to this, but I just wanted to remind us all to take life by the day, God opens up to us in new ways every single moment of our lives, we just have to open our eyes and look. Lets not be stuck in the past or in one spot, because life moves forward, not backwards, and so should we. God can't change our past, but He sure can help us have a brighter future.
Then life happened, and the world slowly and unoticably shaped me into a different person; it dimmed my flame, weakened my faith and my sense of who I was in God blurred.
Since then, my relationship with God has been wavering, on and off, no where near as stable as it used to be.
So ever since, I kept looking to the past, wishing I could change back to the way I used to be. I would fight with myself and push myself to be that person again, putting all my energy into becoming someone I used to be other than becoming more like God.
But recently, I finally realized that looking back was what was getting in the way of my growth. Looking back prevented me from moving forward.
So now, im learning to let go of the past to focus on creating my new, better self, into someone who stands closer to God than ever.
Why look back when you can look forward to the future; something you still have the chance to mold and mend into your own liking.
So I choose to focus on getting closer to God with every new day, and with each day I will be a step closer than I was before. There may be days where I might stay in place, because im not perfect, and growth isnt easy. But as long as day by day I put in all the effort I can to know God more, then looking back will no longer be neccesary.
Now not everyone may relate to this, but I just wanted to remind us all to take life by the day, God opens up to us in new ways every single moment of our lives, we just have to open our eyes and look. Lets not be stuck in the past or in one spot, because life moves forward, not backwards, and so should we. God can't change our past, but He sure can help us have a brighter future.
10/13/2015
100 questions no one ever asks
I am subscribed to a few girls on youtube and one of them did a 100 questions no one ever asks tag. So i thought i would do it and reveal weird facts about myself that one one probably cares about. But i always loved these things because they bring back memories and helps me realize some things about myself that i would never think about otherwise.
1. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
I close every door in my house, even when I'm not sleeping, Its like a weird OCD thing.
2. Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotels?
Once in awhile, if they smell good.
3. Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
I just sleep with a blanket, anything extra, and I wake up all tangled up, because I am a crazy sleeper.
4. Have you stolen a street sign before?
Weirdly I have, more than once, but ones that were already off the pole. I also have stolen license plates only to add them to my collection, and only off old abandoned cars.
5. Do you like to use post-it notes?
I used too, my desk would be covered in them, but now I don't even own any.
6. Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
Yes! I should use them though, but it takes getting used to.
7. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees?
Um I would most likely die from a bear attack just because I'm so clumsy..but I'm not sure about bees..could you die from that?
8. Do you have freckles?
Nope, but I always wanted them.
9. Do you always smile for pictures?
Not always.
10. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Slow drivers.
11. Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
When I go running I count my steps unnoticably to keep my rhythm.
12. Have you peed in the woods?
Every summer.
13. Have you ever pooped in the woods?
Lol, anyone who's gone camping has.
14. Do you ever dance even if theres no music playing?
Yup.
15. Do you chew your pens and pencils?
It's bad, when I was in school and would borrow pens or pencils I would never give them back because the condition they ended up being in would make people think Im a beaver or something. I chew up all my straws and plastic spoons and forks as well.
16. How many people have you kissed this week?
Well this got personal, one.
17. What size is your bed?
Queen, a king would never fit into our apartment.
18. What is your song of the week?
Um.. honestly I don't have one.
19. Is it OK for guys to wear pink?
I really have no opinion, I've seen guys wear it in weddings, ties, etc. and it never bothered me.
20. Do you still watch cartoons?
I really don't have a choice, I'm a nanny
21. What is your least favorite movie?
I really don't like any comedy where the characters are dumb or retarded. I dont think they are funny, and I don't get the point of them, all they do is aggravate me. Aka, Dumb and Dumber.. hate all of them. Plus people who are really retarded are that way because of some sort of disability, and these movies are just making fun of helpless people and just promoting more bullying towards them. In my opinion.
22. Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
I used to flush my report cards when I didn't want my parents to see them hahaah... but that's not relevant... probably in a safe and then in my backyard..if I lived in a house.
23. What do you drink with dinner?
I drink water with every meal..don't like juice or milk and I try not to drink soda.
24. What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
Ranch mixed with ketchup..or ranch mixed with Bbq.
25. What is your favorite food?
Pizza, and any kind of chicken
26. What movies could you watch over and over again and still love?
Ive seen She's the Man over ten times.
27. Last person you kissed/kissed you?
Husband..duh.
28. Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
Never wanted to be.
29. Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
Never, I feel sad for any girl that ever has, how could you degrade yourself that much? Do you not have any respect for yourself?
30. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
When me and Andrey were still dating, long distance made writing letters fun.
31. Can you change the oil on a car?
I think I can... but I only think that.
32. Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
Ha! I'm actually somewhat embarrassed to say how many I've gotten, but I've been on a deferral, I went to a nine hour class about learning to drive properly, I got my license taken away so that should say something. But...I haven't gotten a speeding ticket for a year or two I think, so I'm very proud of my progress.
33. Ever ran out of gas?
Surprisingly not, because lately I've been driving with my empty tank light on for two days straight.
34. What’s your favorite kind of sandwich?
I LOVE sandwiches. My favorite kinds are the toasted ones, where the cheese is melted.
35. Best thing to eat for breakfast?
The best thing to eat IS breakfast
36. What is your usual bedtime?
I don't have a usual bedtime...sometime after eleven? Sometimes I doze off around ten but then I wake up again and stay up some more.
37. Are you lazy?
I try not to be... but I do dedicate some time in my evenings to relax.
38. When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
Never celebrated halloween, never dressed up for halloween.
39. What is your Chinese astrological sign?
Don't believe in that stuff, don't care.
40. How many languages can you speak?
Fluent english, I like to say fluent russian, spanish (I'm terrible at speaking it, but can read it and understand it.) I can also somewhat understand ukrainian
41. Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
Me and my best friend used to spend hours in barnes and nobles or the library and just read magazines for teenagers, but that was about the last time I spent time reading one, we were like 14.
42. Which are better: legos or lincoln logs?
Definitely legos.. all the way.
43. Are you stubborn?
My husband wouldn't think twice before answering yes.
44. Who is better: Leno or Letterman?
Not into any.
45. Ever watch soap operas?
I think I watched one in my life and never again.. but any russian show always reminds me of a soap opera.
46. Are you afraid of heights?
For the most part no.. I don't even feel the thrill of roller coasters any more...
But I haven't been a top all heights.
47. Do you sing in the car?
Who hasn't?
48. Do you sing in the shower?
Surprisingly no... I have tried before..yes like forced myself too... but I could never think of what to sing? haha
49. Do you dance in the car?
Shhh
50. Ever used a gun?
To shoot empty soda cans in a forest.
51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
My wedding.
52. Do you think musicals are cheesy?
No! A guilty pleasure.. I love them.
53. Is Christmas stressful?
It has always been my favorite holiday... but every Christmas as I get older I would joke about wanting less friends... because it does get expensive.
54. Ever eat a pierogi?
Hah! Have you met a russian who hasn't?
55. Favorite type of fruit pie?
Pie is so good, all pie...
56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
A firefighter lol, I would try to convince my parents why girls should be allowed to be one.
But teacher was always on the list too.
57. Do you believe in ghosts?
I believe in the spirit world.. is that the same thing?
58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
All the time.
59. Do you take a vitamin daily?
No but I try into slip in fruits and veggies into every meal.
60. Do you wear slippers?
Never liked them, and never liked socks.
61. Do you wear a bath robe?
Only in the winter.
62. What do you wear at home?
Baggy shirts and leggings.
63. What was your first concert?
Owl city and Relient K.
64. Walmart, Target, or Kmart?
Target for sure, but it does get pricey, because everything there is perfect and perfect things add up to a high number.
65. Nike or Adidas?
Always been a Nike girl.
66. Cheetos or Fritos?
Fritos, As much as I love cheese I never was a fan of cheetos..except the hot cheetos.
67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
Neither. Pumpkin seeds.
68. Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?
Nope.
69. Ever take dance lessons?
Nope.
70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
Rating and evaluating movies, for sure.
71. Can you curl your tongue?
Yup, but not into the clover.
72. Ever won a spelling bee?
Of course, spelling is my talent... I'm also a major grammar nazi as they say.
73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
The first time I repented, throughout my whole wedding ceremony, when I saw my mom on her birthday this year... of course I have.
74. Own any record albums?
Nope, but I always dreamed of having a collection.
75. Own a record player?
I wish.
76. Do you regularly burn incense?
Nope, but lately I have been obsessed with candles, sometimes I burn five at once.
77. Ever been in love?
Still am.
78. Who would you like to see in concert?
Need to Breathe and M83.
79. What was the last concert you saw?
Odesza.
80. Hot tea or cold tea?
Hot..I'm russian, I drink like eight cups a day.
81. Tea or coffee?
Coffee, hands down, but in the evening I prefer tea.
82. Sugar cookies or snickerdoodles?
Snickerdoodles.
83. Can you swim well?
I love to swim... when I was in good shape I used to do laps in the pool of my gym I used to be able to do a mile.
84. Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
Yea, theres people that can't?
85. Are you patient?
Ask my husband, he will say no.
86. DJ or band at a wedding?
Band.
87. Ever won a contest?
Honestly, I don't remember.
88. Have you ever had plastic surgery?
Nope, never plan on it.
89. Which are better: black or green olives?
Neither, olives are gross.
90. Can you knit or crochet?
I used to knit all the time, my mom taught me, but I have very sensitive hands and for some odd reason my fingers would hurt so much after, so I had to stop.
91. Best room for a fireplace?
Living room, but a fireplace in a big bedroom seems so cozy as well.
92. Do you want to get married?
I did, but then I got married.
93. If married, how long have you been married?
Five months.
94. Who was your high school crush?
Some boy probably.
95. Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
Ha Ha Ha....I think my husband would laugh at this question.
96. Do you have kids?
No.
97. Do you want kids?
Yes, I would love kids..but not anytime soon.
98. What is your favorite color?
All shades of blue.
99. Do you miss anyone right now?
Of course, everyone I grew up with is in a completely different state. My family, my relatives, my best friend, my friends group. I miss tons of people, all the time.
100. Who are you going to tag to do this next?
No one. ..whoever wants to.
10/08/2015
My journey with video games
Throughout my teenage years I was always attracted to those "bad boys" who didn't have a care in the world, who were rebellious and always broke the rules... it kind of rubbed off on me too. But God is amazing and always knows what's best for us, so He sent the sweetest, most affectionate, loving and caring man my way. Who is now in case someone doesn't know yet, my husband.
Now if you first meet him, he seems like a nice ordinary guy, but little do people know, that in the realms of his man cave (or our living room) is the king of geeks. Which is something that I have found to be quite attractive about him.
Growing up, I went through many phases..the sweet innocent one, the rebellious one, the somewhat mature one...but along with all of those I always carried with me a nerdy side...not geeky, nerdy. I listen to classical music, played piano, read every young adult book in the library, have an obsession with art, love to write, always had English and literature as a favorite class, and the list could go on and on.
So when Andrey revealed his geeky side to me more and more, I realized how parralel my world of nerdiness went along with his geeky one. Two completely different things but something we both learned to appreciate about each other so much.
Throughout our few short months of marriage I think those two worlds evolved into each other and he took upon some of my nerdiness while I drenched myself into that geeky world of his.
He pre reads all my blogs and takes me to art museums, and I can rant about a movie we just watched for hours, rating it and evaluating it. But a big part of his lifestyle that I never thought I would catch myself getting into was gaming.
Andrey has been a gamer since he was about five years old, he could probably write a book about all his console and game experiences. And the more I think about it the more I realize that, growing up, I played more games than I thought.. we went through gameboys and play stations, even a joystick and many pc games, I even remember playing Age of Empire.
But when I got older I hit a phase where I was extremely against gaming. I watched how it took over my siblings lives, and it upset me because I thought their imagination wouldn't expand, and their learning and growing abilities would be affected. I even wrote an essay about how my kids aren't going to be involved with technology.
I still hope to live up to that, I hope that my kids have a childhood where they play pretend and love the outdoors, I hope that they learn skills mannualy and not through electronics, but my views on gaming changed completely..thanks to Andrey. And when my kids grow up and make their own decisions, I will let them decide for themselves whether they want to be involved in that or not.
Now I know that this topic could bring up lots of questions about where I stand with my Christian beliefs, my morals, but don't be so quick to judge me yet.
We live in a world filled with a large variety of games.. whether its games on our phone or board games in our drawers, we play physical games, we play learning games, strategy games, the list goes on. So how are video games that much different? ....
They arent... sure there are lots of evil content in some, but those could easily be avoided ... some board games and party games could be just as bad..for instance spin the bottle... who ever came up with that? ..
My point is, every kind of entertaintment today could be evil, but also be benefitial and educational.
So to let it out in the open, ever since we got married, I finished five video games, and am on my sixth. And to be honest the experience was wonderful. I have come across some of the most beautiful, creative stories I have ever heard. I now am a firm believer that video games, if done right, could qualify as art. The first game I finished was called Valiant Hearts and it was based on the history of world war two..it was a hand drawn side scroller where you get to experience the horrible life people had during the era and some of the challenges of the war..as you play you learn new facts about the war and the timeline of this era. The game told a beautiful story and the ending was so touching, that I then had even more respect or all the people who took part in this tragic time.
I played another game called Brothers, a tale of two sons..where you go on a journey to find medicine for your dying father, you play as both brothers and have to figure out ways to help each other throughout the journey...also a heart warming touching experience.
Now why am I sharing this?... My point is, video games come in lots of varieties just like board games and the games on our phones. They can tell a beautiful story, challenge you, and also make you feel things. Like everything else in life we must filter what we watch and play...
but don't be so quick to judge when you meet someone who likes video games.
And Please don't get me wrong, me and my husband don't just sit around and play all day.. we work, and go places, we spend most of our time outdoors.. I cook and clean, and take care of my home, we read and pray, have disscusions...
But once in a while, once all the important things are taken care of, we relax on the couch and play a game..and I don't see anything wrong with that because it's no different than watching a movie or listening to a story.
Now if you first meet him, he seems like a nice ordinary guy, but little do people know, that in the realms of his man cave (or our living room) is the king of geeks. Which is something that I have found to be quite attractive about him.
Growing up, I went through many phases..the sweet innocent one, the rebellious one, the somewhat mature one...but along with all of those I always carried with me a nerdy side...not geeky, nerdy. I listen to classical music, played piano, read every young adult book in the library, have an obsession with art, love to write, always had English and literature as a favorite class, and the list could go on and on.
So when Andrey revealed his geeky side to me more and more, I realized how parralel my world of nerdiness went along with his geeky one. Two completely different things but something we both learned to appreciate about each other so much.
Throughout our few short months of marriage I think those two worlds evolved into each other and he took upon some of my nerdiness while I drenched myself into that geeky world of his.
He pre reads all my blogs and takes me to art museums, and I can rant about a movie we just watched for hours, rating it and evaluating it. But a big part of his lifestyle that I never thought I would catch myself getting into was gaming.
Andrey has been a gamer since he was about five years old, he could probably write a book about all his console and game experiences. And the more I think about it the more I realize that, growing up, I played more games than I thought.. we went through gameboys and play stations, even a joystick and many pc games, I even remember playing Age of Empire.
But when I got older I hit a phase where I was extremely against gaming. I watched how it took over my siblings lives, and it upset me because I thought their imagination wouldn't expand, and their learning and growing abilities would be affected. I even wrote an essay about how my kids aren't going to be involved with technology.
I still hope to live up to that, I hope that my kids have a childhood where they play pretend and love the outdoors, I hope that they learn skills mannualy and not through electronics, but my views on gaming changed completely..thanks to Andrey. And when my kids grow up and make their own decisions, I will let them decide for themselves whether they want to be involved in that or not.
Now I know that this topic could bring up lots of questions about where I stand with my Christian beliefs, my morals, but don't be so quick to judge me yet.
We live in a world filled with a large variety of games.. whether its games on our phone or board games in our drawers, we play physical games, we play learning games, strategy games, the list goes on. So how are video games that much different? ....
They arent... sure there are lots of evil content in some, but those could easily be avoided ... some board games and party games could be just as bad..for instance spin the bottle... who ever came up with that? ..
My point is, every kind of entertaintment today could be evil, but also be benefitial and educational.
So to let it out in the open, ever since we got married, I finished five video games, and am on my sixth. And to be honest the experience was wonderful. I have come across some of the most beautiful, creative stories I have ever heard. I now am a firm believer that video games, if done right, could qualify as art. The first game I finished was called Valiant Hearts and it was based on the history of world war two..it was a hand drawn side scroller where you get to experience the horrible life people had during the era and some of the challenges of the war..as you play you learn new facts about the war and the timeline of this era. The game told a beautiful story and the ending was so touching, that I then had even more respect or all the people who took part in this tragic time.
I played another game called Brothers, a tale of two sons..where you go on a journey to find medicine for your dying father, you play as both brothers and have to figure out ways to help each other throughout the journey...also a heart warming touching experience.
Now why am I sharing this?... My point is, video games come in lots of varieties just like board games and the games on our phones. They can tell a beautiful story, challenge you, and also make you feel things. Like everything else in life we must filter what we watch and play...
but don't be so quick to judge when you meet someone who likes video games.
And Please don't get me wrong, me and my husband don't just sit around and play all day.. we work, and go places, we spend most of our time outdoors.. I cook and clean, and take care of my home, we read and pray, have disscusions...
But once in a while, once all the important things are taken care of, we relax on the couch and play a game..and I don't see anything wrong with that because it's no different than watching a movie or listening to a story.
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