I'm now a Mrs and an LMT!!!

Our wedding day was Saturday, March 28. The ceremony was short and simple but wonderful.I am now Mrs. Joseph D.(J.D.) Nielson and I love it! We have been married for 1 month today. I can't believe how fast the last month has gone but it seems like much longer than that, in a good way.

As a recap from the wedding for those that weren't there and for posterity. My sister, Tiffany Wood, bless her 8 months pregnant heart and my good friend, Brittany Belinski were my bridesmaids. They were so helpful and I love and appreciate them so much for helping me on our big day. J.D.'s brother Mike Nielson and his best friend or as we call him- the other brother- Josh Lowden were his groomsmen. What a great couple of guys! I look forward to the many years ahead getting to know both of them better. Tiff and Mike were originally asked to do our toast but opted out and the honors were given to Josh and Brittany at the wedding and they both gave lovely toasts.

A couple of "funny" hiccups at the wedding/reception at The Historic Shelton...

Our toasting glasses weren't the normal champagne flutes you would think of but wine glasses. I ordered champagne flutes and we we arrived at the Shelton for the rehearsal and I saw them setting up wine glasses I asked why...I was told they are champagne flutes. Now keep in mind, I don't drink but I've done enough events to know the different between the two. It was very apparent that the Shelton wasn't going to be in a hurry to fix the problem so I just let it go...honestly, it didn't change anything about our wedding or reception- the glass shape was just wrong. I write about it only so I can remember the funny things that happened that day.

Second, our flowers. I sent a picture of the bouquet that I wanted my wedding bouquet to look like.

Here is the picture. Well you will see from the wedding pictures it wasn't anything like that...apparently they thought I liked pink...and only pink! Holy hannah the bouquets were all pink with some green. For my bridal pictures I had a bouquet made by Modern Display and it was perfect and exactly what I was looking for. The funny thing is the flowers on the tables were exactly as the picture that I showed them. I'm not sure where the miscommunication happened or why they turned out all pink but they did. I'm completely convinced that I had an angel on my shoulder that day because I didn't freak out about either one. I just shrugged my shoulders and said well not what I ordered but what can I do about it now...I'm getting married today and that's what matters. If you know me even a little bit you know that is not how I react to anything. I guess my sweet husband has rubbed off on me and I didn't even realize it.

I love spending every moment I can with my wonderful husband. He calms me just by being who he is. He loves to surprise me by doing little things for me. A good example was tonight when I got home from work he had already cooked dinner, set the table and was just waiting for me to walk in the door so he could surprise me. How lucky am I? He is such a good leader in our home. He encourages me to follow my dreams and is my best cheerleader...I count my blessings everyday for him and his love and peaceful influence.

So many people have asked what we did for our honeymoon. The answer...we hung out in Idaho for a couple of days then came back to Utah. The Wednesday after we got married, April1 JD had a colonoscopy scheduled. We picked that day before we were married since we were both going to be off work already and weren't going away anywhere. I am happy to report that everything is fine thank goodness. I was pretty scared that he had to have this done but we are relieved now that everything is ok.

This is a video I took when he got back after the procedure. He had been saying for several days before that he was going to be probed...guess that stuck with him in the subconscious because he was out cold for the whole procedure. Now before you think I'm mean for laughing keep in mind I didn't record myself and the tears when I saw my new husband wheeled back to me unconscious... however, when he started up with what he says on the video I couldn't resist.

JD is going to kill me for putting this on our blog but every time I watch it I die laughing. Just remember , J.D. I really do love you and there will be plenty of time for you to get even with me for this.

This wasn't the end of our week long "honeymoon" I also took the national exam for massage therapy on the Friday following our wedding. I passed the test and I am now a LMT!! To be perfectly honest I felt very confident taking the test until the very end when the computer kept asking if I was sure I wanted to exit that section because I would not be allowed to go back once I clicked ok. I'm not kidding when I say it asked that at least 6-8 times. I really started doubting myself. I wanted to shout for joy when the screen popped up that I had passed the exam although I'm quite certain the other people in the room taking tests wouldn't have appreciated my excitement and joy.

I have to admit I love being a Mrs.- it just suits me. I am so grateful for a loving husband who is so kind and patient. I am grateful for a wonderful family that is so supportive. My dad so generously made our wedding day possible and I so appreciate him for everything he did to make it possible. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father that loves me enough to put me through the refiners fire and tested me multiple times and led J.D. and I to each other. As we have compared the time line of our lives especially the year leading up to when we met I can't imagine there was any other choice than for us to be together. We both had things to accomplish before we met and obstacles to overcome and we did it!

Until next time...

A lot can change in a year

I am just 4 classes...count them 1,2,3,4...from finishing massage therapy school. It has been an amazing year. I have been truly blessed to spend time with some of the most amazing and talented people nearly every night for the past year and every Saturday for the past 6 months (at clinic). When I think of what life was like a year ago it just makes me chuckle. So different than today and only 4 classes left.
The first night we had 200 nights of classes ahead of us plus 21 weekends at student clinic providing massage to the general public. We were 52 people strong that first week and in just a week we will graduate with 29 of the best people, not to mention mondo talented massage therapists that were a year in the making. I remember our first basic massage classes. We were hungry to learn more than the "fluff and buff" massage we were being taught but we were patient but also tests our own "moves" to find our groove. I loved to watch my classmates give a massage. One guy in particular, Rob Peterson...he took the direction from our instructors about our massage looking like a dance literally. I would set up my table and make sure I was the therapist working on my classmate the same time he was so I could watch him. He made my "dance" better just by watching him...thanks Rob...you rock and seriously I miss the dreads!

Our class was so quiet those first few weeks and the instructors could barely pry words or reactions from us. Now we are a bunch of loose canons...you never know what we may decide to say or do in class. Some of the instructors that seems so intimidating and scary those first few months are now our friends, colleagues and best cheerleaders. They want us to succeed and it is expressed in every class they teach and every time they come and slap our hand or kick our heel so we are using our bodies in the correct way to give a better massage and take care of our own body and tools.

The friends I have made over the past year have made my life richer.

First, my buddy Matthew "Matty" Peterson. I just love this guy! I'll tell you what...this guy can give a bear hug better than anyone I know. He is so talented in so many ways but the love he has for the work... who am I kidding for anything that he does is incredible. Some of my favorite times with him was the jam sessions he would have at my apartment before class. Our late phone conversations after class because we just didn't have time that night and one us needed to talk. I love you buddy! I worry about you always and want you to know that you are NEVER alone and you are loved more than my simple words can express.

Kaitlyn Linford...what a doll... oh I don't think she would like that but I don't know how else to describe her. She is tough as nails. Don't ever tell her she can't go deep enough with a massage because she will prove you wrong even though she is just a little sprite! This girl has more depth than the deepest ocean, so brilliant and she works so hard for everything she has. I loved to partner up with her during hands on sessions because I learned so much just from having her work on me. She is another of those free-spirited Mormon girls like me. Not a wild one by any means but now so straight laced either. She has had some hard knocks in life and she knocked 'em right back and came out the victor for sure. Oh man I'm going to miss this girl!

Crystal Farrell...oh my sweet girl, Crystal. I admire this girl so much because of the hard work and determination she has put into this program. I honestly think she has worked harder than anyone because it has been harder for her and I am so glad she stuck with it. She has such a sweet, child like quality about her that just makes her wonderful and so easy to love and tease. As anyone that knows me can attest too I'm pretty rough around the edges at times...Miss Crystal has softened some of those edges through her quiet, gentle spirit. I am so glad to call her my friend and one of my best massage buddies during class and hand on exams. I'm sure going to miss seeing her face every night at class...thank you for everything, my dear girl.

My instructors I can't even begin to adequately express my gratitude for them, the knowledge they have shared with us and the time and energy the put into the work to help educate us newbies. The best cheerleaders you can have on a bad day. Encouraging you to do better and try harder. Opening up my eyes to different opportunities that I didn't know existed. They were part of the package deal when I paid tuition but I couldn't have picked a better group of people to learn from.

How blessed I am to have lived this last year in Salt Lake, learning and growing with some of the most amazing people on the planet. I will always be grateful!

Now the "fun" of school is nearly over, I'm done practicing and I'm ready to hit the ground running and starting my own practice. If you need a massage please contact me. Who am I kidding...we all need a massage. Thank you to everyone for their support over the past year...I love you all and couldn't have done it without you!

Until next time...

Winding down

I guess it's time for an update since it has been two weeks since I posted anything new. Things are starting to wind down it seems like. I have only 5 weeks of school left and 3 clinic shifts. I can't believe I am that close to graduation and being a licensed therapist. This past week was a rough one though I must admit. I had to re-take a final from last quarter (Trigger Point), a mid-term (Injury) and another final (Structural) this week. I am so glad this week is over.
I am happy to report I passed my Trigger Point final this go round. I technically had a passing grade last time but you have to have at least a 70 on the test or you have to re-take it and I missed the mark by 4 stinking points. Now the practical, hands on test...I breezed through it with a perfect score...I hate written tests it seems I always flub them up for some reason. My one complaint about re-taking a final is no matter how well you do on it you can only get a C in the class at that point...ANNOYING but on the flip side I didn't have to re-take the entire course so I'm not going to throw up a stink about that.
My Injury mid-term was a beast!!! I studied my little heart out but didn't feel confident after taking the test- it was only a practical and the instructor is quizzing me while I'm working on my client...yeah that isn't intimidating at all!!! I just about passed out when I saw the grade posted yesterday and I got a 94 on the mid-term...WOWZA was I excited! I have to admit I understand now why the classes are given at certain points in the program. If I had to know the stuff for Injury that I do and hadn't taken anatomy or pathology I would be up a creek for sure. So 5 more weeks and it's the final. I'm actually really glad I know how they test now so I will be more prepared for my final. It to is just a practical exam and my goal is 100 percent and confidence following the exam.
My Structural final was bittersweet to say the very least. I was glad to be done with a class so finals week isn't such a beast but it is my favorite class. J.D. could almost tell in my voice when I had structural class because I loved it so much. I would have traded other classes for more of structural. Don't get me wrong, it isn't an easy modality, actually you have to be more precise in your strokes but the benefits to the client are incredible and I really want to focus my work in this area. I would love to work as TA with Taylor sometime in the future but he requires a couple of years in the field first, which I totally respect and understand. Taylor has to be one of my favorite instructors. This guy knows his stuff, is straight forward about what we needed to know, how we needed to perform the work but also a riot in class. I had so much fun with him... don't worry Taylor I'll say a little prayer for you!! Oh yeah and I got an A in the class... HOORAY!
Now on to the wedding... We are just 50 days from our wedding and I can hardly believe it. I gave the final approval for the invitations today and I LOVE them! We should have them by the middle of the week of the 16th (I hope). One of my projects this weekend is getting the address labels ready so it isn't such a nightmare stuffing and sending them when they do come in.
I also had my first fitting for my dress today. I just love putting it on...I feel like such a princess when I have it on. I will pick it up on the 20th and have it for my bridal pictures on the 28th. I was given a deadline of the 28th by my photographer to take bridals so we can have them ready for the wedding and reception on the 28th of March...plus I must admit I'm kind of excited I get to have formal pictures taken with my lovely dress on so I can enjoy it and not worry about if everyone is having a good time at the reception and if they are comfortable, etc. Who knew I was such a princess??!!
Our photographer, Scott Jarvie, this guy rocks! I love his work and we have worked out a great deal with him so we are getting every kind of bell and whistle with our photography package. Let's just say I am grateful that J.D. is a programmer and Scott is happy to do trades. We are shooting our engagement pictures tomorrow and can't wait to see how they turn out. Scott has a helper, Julie who is just fantastic as well. I have only been able to speak to her on the phone thus far but I already like her and her work. They are both so concerned that our pictures reflect who we are. I, of course, told them I'm a farm girl and anything outside and country like will suit me just fine and J.D. too of course. I can't wait to see the location they have picked out for us tomorrow. I will post pictures once I'm able...or just be watching your mailbox we will be including a picture with the invitations and come to the reception you will get to see plenty there too.
The reception planning is coming along pretty well. I appreciate the Historic Shelton for all of their help. I just mention in passing that I need to find someone for something and they make a call to one of their contacts and we get things set up. I have to figure out the DJ and the final food for the reception and I think we are set. The one item that I am worried about now are the tuxedos. I know that these shops do this long distance business all the time but I haven't and I want to make sure everyone looks nice.
Oh and one more thing...I am moving out of my apartment on the 16th of February. Our lease is up on the 28th but I want to have it cleaned and done before then so we are moving on the 16th. I can't wait to be moved out and one step closer to being able to see my J.D. every night. Although that will still be several weeks away I'm going to be living with my friend Carla for the time between vacating the apartment and getting married and he is just 15 minutes from J.D. rather than nearly 40...much nicer for both of us.

Yep things are definately winding down but the good stuff is just about to begin. I can't wait to start our married life together. I am so proud of J.D. and the man that he is. I learn more everyday just how much I have been missing from my life without him there and I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else.

Until next time...

What I have and want to do...

Have you ever??
I grabbed this off of my friend Ann's blog...thanks Ann. It made me think of the movie the Bucket List and all of the things I want to do in my life. I have done a few on this list and will star the ones I want to do but haven't too...just for an added twist.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited Hawaii*
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris*
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child*
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (as far as you can go now!)
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France*
20. Slept on an overnight train*
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill- I call them Mental Health days but whatever
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping*
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice*
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors*
35. Seen an Amish community*
36. Taught yourself a new language*
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied-but the money isn't where I found true happiness.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person*
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David*
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa*
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing- I even caught something...pretty cool!!
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person*
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris*
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie or on a TV show- I've been interviewed for the news so I'm counting it.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China*
57. Started a business
58. Had an encounter with a wild animal
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching*
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma
65. Gone sky diving*
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp*
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter*
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades*
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book*
81. Visited the Vatican*
82. Bought a brand new car*
83. Walked in Jerusalem*
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible*
86. Visited the White House (only the outside)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous- Ronnie Dunn from the group Brooks and Dunn came into Meadow creek Lodge when I was waiting tables...really nice guy.
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby*
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Taken a martial arts class*

Arizona....gone to long!

Everyone things is it so great being in Arizona this time of year and enjoying the warm weather. Don't get me wrong the sunny 70 degree weather is nice and the meetings I'm here for with Bard are fantastic but the down side to the 6 days in Arizona is being away from my J.D. I miss him terribly. I am able to talk to him every night and morning like we usually do but this week we didn't get our mid-week visit and family home evening session. The weekends are "our" time to spend together because of my school and work schedule we treasure our weekends. The few weeks before coming to Arizona every Sunday when we would part I would fall apart thinking that it was getting ever closer to 6 days away from each other. To be honest, it has been a difficult week for me just for that simple reason. We have been able to talk on the phone each morning and night but knowing that he isn't the short 35 minutes from me is much harder than I thought it would be. One of the many wonderful things that just makes me fall in love more everyday (yes I know I'm gooey...I have every right ;)) are the sweet emails I get from my love every morning. I love them...they start my day at work on the right foot. He has been so good to send them too me everyday since I have been in Arizona but I don't get to read them until I'm back in my room at night. Typically we "chat" throughout the day via emails because we are both on our computers at work all day. I never realized how much those emails get me through my day. I love them. They are by no means the basis of our foundation but they are a part of the love that continues to grow between us. Sweetheart, thank you for always brightening my day with the simple yet wonderful thoughts that start my day and keep me ticking through the days. I am so looking forward to March 28 with great anticipation so I can call you my husband and continue to call you my best friend. Thank you for being patient with me when I snap when I'm stressed at work. You are the most soothing balm to my craziness and stress. Just your voice calms me in a way that few other things have ever been able too. I love you!

Now getting past the lovey stuff...as I'm typing this I'm thinking back to year ago at this time and where I was. I was in this very same state about 30 miles from where I now sit in the hotel room...but I was, in fact, in Arizona. I was the manager of Modern Exposition Services- Phoenix. I was working crazy hours and enjoying it but starting to get burned out. I can't believe it has only been a year ago. It seems like so much has happened in that short amount of time...it really is a short time if you look at the big picture. I hadn't yet enrolled at UCMT at this point last year but was starting to explore options for when and if I left Modern. The stress was taking a toll on my health and well being and I knew a change was coming but I didn't know what. Fast forward to now and I'm only 8 short weeks from graduating and becoming a licensed and nationally certified massage and therapeutic body worker...crazy how something that seems so small at the time can impact your life in such a huge way.
I am thrilled beyond belief that I get to see one of my besties while I'm here in Arizona. Jessica Ranney...you rock! I "found" myself when I lived with Jess. She was such a great sounding board and let me just be me...no false pretense or sugar coating...just plain ol' me. She IS one of my besties for that very reason. I'm trying to figure out a way to get her to Utah so we can still hang out and go to sonic for our favorite drinks- with crushed ice- anytime we want. (Only Jess and I get that but I love it!) Jess encouraged me to chase my dreams no matter how crazy they seemed and helped keep me sane and grounded when work got crazy and unmanageable. Oh how I love this woman! She is definitely a keeper in my book.

Well it is now after 1am...I have partied with the crowd at Bard following the awards ceremony last night. I sit here still amazed at how much has changed in my life in so few months but how grateful I am for the journey it has been that brought me to this point and the people that were part of the journey. Time for bed and more good times in the future.

Until next time...

My J.D.

My friend Tara tagged me and although J.D. and I aren't married yet we are quickly approaching our wedding day. (I can't wait!!) I thought it would be fun for you to read a little bit about this fella that has come to mean the world to me.

1. Where did you meet your husband? Well he isn't quite my husband yet but close enough...lol
We actually met online. A good friend of mine was getting married to a guy she met online and told me I should give it another try. I figured what did I have to lose. I had met my share of shady characters and such but one more try wouldn't kill me. I saw J.D.'s picture and read his profile and thought I would say hello. Funny thing, I had seen his profile before but he lived in St. George and I wasn't about to do a long distance anything so I didn't do anything about it. Interestingly when I moved back to Salt Lake in March he had just been laid off from his job in St George and felt like he should apply for jobs in the Northern Utah but wanted to stay in St. George so he didn't do it. After being laid of 2 more times he FINALLY decided he better apply for jobs in a more stable market for his profession (computer programming) and got up a job in Orem in September. I logged on to the website about 2 weeks after he moved to Pleasant Grove.

2. How long did you date before you got married? I don't remember the day we first exchanged emails and phone numbers but our first face to face meeting was October 5...so today is our 3 month anniversary (yes, I'm that cheesy) and we will be married on March 28, 2009 so 5 1/2 months from when we met...almost 6 months.

3. How long have you been married? That doesn't apply to us just yet.

4. What does he do that surprises you? He sends me text messages throughout the day and listens to me when I mention things I need to do or get even when I don't think he is listening. He also sends me an email every morning that is usually waiting for me when I get to work.

5. What is your favorite feature of his? I love his eyes...they sparkle when he is laughing...it just makes my heart so happy.

6. What is his best quality? He has alot and I discover more everyday. He is so kind and loving towards me and is genuinely interested in the things that are important to me. He encourages me to follow my dreams. I most admire his desire to be a man of God.

7. Does he have a nickname for you? Lissa. Interestingly I have always hated it when anyone called me that...it just seems to fit with him.

8. What is his favorite food? Lasagna

9. What is his favorite sport? Football

10. When and where did you first kiss? At his house on his couch when we were watching a movie.

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? We like to watch movies at home and play games. We both enjoy the arts so I'm sure that will become a large part of our lives too.

12. Do you have any children? Not yet but we hope to some day.

13. Does he have any hidden talents? Not that I'm aware of but I have lots of years to figure them out if he does.

14. How old is he? 31

15. Who said I love you first? I did but he claims that he did.

16. What is his favorite music? He likes the big hair bands from the 80's and country music. I'm not a big fan of the big hair bands so when we are together he listens to country... I sure appreciate it too!

17. What do you admire most about him? He strives to be better today than he was the day before. He is a hard worker and a desire to do well at his job.

18. What is his favorite color? Dark Purple

19. Will he read this? Yes, I know he reads my blog

20. I tag Tiffany, Holly, Kellie and Julie

Wedding Planning and Dress Finding

The past few days have been all about getting some important wedding planning stuff done. I found a photographer from Salt Lake that will be taking our engagements, bridals and wedding pictures. Luckily, I love his style and he likes programming time more than money (well money is good too he said) and my J.D. is a programmer..CHA-CHING! I felt like I hit the mother load when I saw that on his blog. Scott Jarvie is the photographers name and he is mucho talented! We are meeting with him tomorrow night to discuss engagement photo date, etc.

The coolest part is that getting married on March 28 is turning out to be the best day! The Historic Shelton was available on the 28th of March so we changed from March 21 to fit that because I love the facilities there. Scott was booked on the 21st as well but not the 28th...WOOT!! Oh and I'm being reminded as I type this that my love, J.D. thought that the 28th would be a better day simply because it will give me a week after I graduate from UCMT to wrap up last minute stuff and not be so stressed. He said his main priority in all of this is to make sure I don't get to stressed. Any of you who are reading this and know me are probably praying for the poor guy now... he does a great job making me laugh and that helps tame the crazies faster than anything so we should be good to go.

Finally and I am thrilled to death about this...I FOUND MY WEDDING DRESS! It is so beautiful and for obvious reasons I can't put up a picture but as my sister and one of my BFF's, Brittany said yesterday when I came out with it on "You own that dress!" I love it and I feel like a princess in it. Honestly, when the girl first started helping me with it I thought she had lost her mind but it looks fantastic. Oh yes and a shameless plug for Gowns by Pamela and Sara who is my consultant there...AWESOME! Sara is the best! She listened to me when I said I didn't want all that sparkly junk on my dress. Not too plain but not to frilly...as Goldilocks says..."It's just right!" If you or anyone you know is in search of a dress I highly recommend them. They specialize in rental gowns but you can purchase from them too, which I am doing.

Hooray for finding the person that makes you so happy and being so giddy and in love! Hooray for things working out with the wedding planning! Life is sooooo good!

Until next time...