A Journey Back

I'm still trying to achieve a lifelong goal of journaling. I don't know why it's so difficult for me. Maybe it's because I've never enjoyed writing? Or maybe it's simply because I don't think that anyone would enjoy learning about my life? Or maybe it's simply yet another thing to add to a long list of *should do's. I honestly don't know but I do have an honest desire to try to document a little more, simply so I can remember fond memories. Please understand that I'm trying. :)

I'm backtracking and really want to share a bit about our wonderful honeymoon. The idea behind the honeymoon actually goes back years. My dream location to go to for years has been Costa Rica. I don't know why this place has always drawn me in. Whenever I had a bad day, I would always talk about how one day I would live in my hammock in Costa Rica. For some reason weather, nursing and life in general always sounded better in Costa Rica. Joseph always knew how much I wanted to visit. What a wonderful fiance to plan such an amazing honeymoon to make my dreams come true. And let me tell you, my dreams came true on that island; I couldn't imagine spending it with anyone else than my wonderful Joseph!

Departure: Salt Lake City Airport. We left at 11:59 pm for Charlotte, NC.

We may be a little too excited about our new wedding rings!

I can't explain how tired and loony we were when we reached North Carolina. We both slept for a few hours on the nasty floor and then boarded the flight for the beautiful San Jose!

Joseph set up the ultimate plan for our journey! He made sure that not only were we going to different places, we had provided transportation. When we passed customs at the airport there was the cute little guy holding a sign with our names on it. (I've always wanted to have my name on a sign). We boarded the little van for the beautiful Arenal.

Yep, complete with awesome stickers!

We were starving on the drive. The driver stopped at a local restaurant for us. Neither of us had any idea what we were ordering, how much it actually cost, and had no idea what was actually on our plate. I don't know if either of us even figured out if we liked what we were eating. We were so hungry that we just ate and loved every minute of it! (Neither of us got sick so I guess that's a good sign). :)

Next Stop: Arenal at the lovely Magic Mountain Hotel

Our lovely hotel room complete with spa

And more importantly this awesome volcano in our backyard

I couldn't ask for more than this

Except for maybe this

And definitely this!

We went on a hike

Straight up the volcano

Next Stop: Tortuguero

We left the beautiful Arenal to the east coast in Tortuguero. Joseph and I were definitley Gringos on our trip. I was hopeful that Joseph's Portugese and my Mexican heritage could get us by. . .apparently not. We would randomly get on cars, busses, etc having no idea of where we were going. Don't worry, we just followed along hoping that they weren't taking us somewhere to be shot. :)

Tortuguero is in between the ocean and a river. The only way to get there is by plane or boat. Our adventure took us first by boat.

The water looks almost good enough to drink. :)

And all of our luggage fit in those little boats. . .although we may have packed more than the other guests.

Our humble hut, complete with indoor plumbing. :)

Complete with friends along the way!

First time at the ocean as a married couple!

Joseph found this awesome turtle shell along the beach. We were able to see turtles come to shore at night and lay their eggs! It was absolutely incredible. An experience that we will never forget and was completely worth the money to see. Another benefit, I'm grateful that I'm not a turtle. There's no way that I want to lay hundreds of eggs 2-3 times throughout the year. No thank you!

Next Stop: Plane ride to Manuel Antonio

We loved it. . .despite our faces

And the best part. . .no security!

Manueal Antonio

Our view of the beach! So absolutely gorgeous. It overlooked the city and coast. 

What a great shot! I liked the beach too. :)

 We had so much fun on the beach!

So, so, so much fun!

Yep, we did that!

I had nervous pee the entire time.

We loved the entire experience! So much fun to zip line through a rainforest! We also got the experience of zip lining in a rainstorm. (We Idahoan's don't know what real rain is). Needless to say, the camera was put away at this point.

Sadly enough, we did have to leave the tropical paradise. My dreams came true on July, 28th and have continued to soar. I got to share the most wonderful place with the most wonderful person! 

Update

Much needed update!

1. I live in Springville, Utah now.
2. Still working as a RN for an ENT surgeon.
3. Not ready for winter but so excited for Christmas!
4. Made my first loaf of sprouted wheat bread yesterday. Pretty proud of myself. :)
5. Might be addicted to Grey's Anatomy. (Dumb Netflix).
6. Finally made it to Costa Rica (pictures to follow).
7. Received my endowments in the LDS Draper Temple
8. Still a little drained in Utah. Continually looking for something out of state but trying to appreciate the good things about it here.
9. Still in love with Joseph Short!
10. Oh yeah, GOT MARRIED!

That's right! Anti-marriage Ashlei Bluth is now in love with being married to Joseph Short! (Maybe still getting used to the ironies that my name is now Ashlei Short)! :)

We got married July 28th, 2012 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. It was beautiful and beyond anything I could have asked for. We both have a lot of family/friends that live in the Idaho Falls area so I knew that we would have a packed sealing room. Words can not describe how many people were in there. 70+ people in the beautiful room. It was so beautiful to see so many people that we both loved, and so many who loved us gathered in one room. I have to admit, I was a little nervous, mostly because so many people were there for us. That's a lot of eyes staring at you, of course I got used to it throughout the day. Really, I could get used to everyone telling you that you are the most beautiful bride and how lovely you look. (The compliments can keep coming). :)

First step outside as Mr. & Mrs. Short

The best people in the world are in this picture!

My nephews and cousin.

Aren't they adorable!

Joseph's parents

My immediate family

Have I ever mentioned that I love them!

And him!

Beautiful Bouquet

Bridal Party

Still love kissing him

Everyone wrote on the sidewalk coming into the reception

Pictures on our front gate coming in

Our mailbox where cards were placed

Centerpieces

Part of the backyard

Sign my padre made

Photos of us while we were dating

Hanging from a tree. The reception line stood underneath.

Fountain in our pool

Haha!

I had to beg to have the reception in the backyard.

This is exactly why I wanted it!

The water was freezing!

Gift table aka Trampoline :)

Flower cookies. Turned out so cute!

This greeted everyone

The wedding cake

(I heard it was delicious. Didn't really try much)

The only food item I really wanted.

Brodi is serving us up a good one. :)

Brodi turned into our DJ

First Dance

Jason Mraz/Colbie Callet-"Lucky"

It seemed to match our life perfectly. . .and continues to match it with all of Joseph's traveling.

My parents are too cute!

Cake time!

I knew that it would be a big mess!

Bouquet Toss

I made some of my engaged friends stand in the group.

How mean am I?

Good thing my 16 year old cousin caught it. :)

Joseph's turn

Not as many single guys

Ironically enough, Travis just married my good friend a week ago.

Time for goodbyes!

Thanks friends!

Next stop, HONEYMOON! Blog post to follow soon.

Thank you to all who made our special day so wonderful! We couldn't have asked for more!

Bring on the Summer

I've always been a summer person. I used to lie to myself, trying to convince myself that Winter had wonderful activities making it bearable-that was a GIANT lie. Summer is the only season that should exist. Warm dry air, bright sun, a little bit of sweat occasionally. Oh how I love it. I keep patiently waiting for it to arrive but spring tends to get in the way. I put up with the April Showers in hope that May flowers would begin. . .negatory! I suppose May can have showers too. 

I didn't mean that to sound negative because life is actually going well. . .busy but well. :)
Here are some updates.

1.There is a spider living in my car. Yes, saw it while I was driving down the interstate. Tried to catch it. Almost died. No success. I'm always slightly terrified to crawl into my car.

2. Saw the San Fransisco bridge-pretty sweet. 

3. Velveeta Mac & Cheese-I've been converted. So much better than Kraft!

4. Saw Wicked after 4 failed attempts. It was amazing and I loved it!

5. I have no idea where I'm living after July. . .not even worried about it. 

6. I've developed a "like" for Yoga. . .not ot a "love" yet but I am appreciating the mind/body awareness.

7. I'm still bad at blogging as you can very well see. :)

8. I'm ENGAGED!

Yes you heard me right. Little anti-commital Ashlei is committing. Who would have thunk it? And who is the lucky guy you ask? The one, the only, Joseph Short!  It's the classic story: Boy meets girl. Boy asks girl out. Boy never asks girl out again. Girl accepts "just friends" role. Friendship continues for 5 years. Girl flies to Alaska. Boy and girl wonder if they are "more than friends." And 9 months later they were engaged. :)

If you want an abridged version of the engagement story follow my dear friend Alyssa's blog. She was behind the scenes. http://theveryhappypear.blogspot.com/2012/04/library-love-story.html  If you haven't read her blod before, you should!

One day I'll post my version of it all. . .hopefully before I'm married. :)

This is during Christmas and not my best picture. . .but man do I love him!



Happy Spring Everyone!

Balance

I know what you're thinking. . .What type of weird post is Ashlei going to make? Could it be some type of weird childhood memory, new celeb gossip, or just a yummy treat. Well, I'm here to inform that all of the above mentioned are incorrect. I'm instead posing a question and need input.

Have you ever had a time in your life when you feel as though something is off but you have no idea what? In reality, life is everything you have wanted it to be. I have no reason to complain. I love my job, I have fabulous friends, a wonderful boyfriend, a supportive family, a stellar apartment. . .(minus the needy cat), and planned trips for the future. I can't quite put my finger on why I feel like my qi is off. I realize that my exercise routine hasn't been where it once was at and my veggie intake has been low, but overall, I think that I'm trying to stay balanced within life. Not perfect, but definitely trying.

I don't know. Thoughts? Ideas? Am I the type of person that just constantly needs a change? (Yes, packing my bags spontaneously and moving to Arizona has crossed my mind). Is it post-holiday blues? Maybe some weird mood associated with PMS? (Wow, I just wrote PMS on my blog. That might be a first). What could be off?

Well that's enough of the ramblage out of my mouth. (Don't worry, I still like my made up words). Any thoughts, opinions would be greatly appreciated. But if not, I hope everyone's New 2012 starts off with a bang and know that this tall girl sends you love! And remember that it's Fast Sunday! :)