Brian and Veronica Almdale!

July 24, 2017July 24, 2017 ~ veronimama ~ 2 Comments

We’re married!! It’s been almost exactly 3 years since we started dating, but it feels like we’ve known each other forever. When I think about my life before we were together, it’s out of focus and just unimportant. I can’t imagine a day that Brian isn’t in my life, and I’m so grateful and thankful that I’ll never have to spend a day without him. We are such a natural match, and we bring out the best in each other. My mom told me once to marry a man who is just a bit out of your league, so you are always striving to be the best version of yourself for him. Brian is exactly that, and he makes me want to be the best ‘me’.

We wanted our wedding day to be simple and small so that we could spend time together enjoying each other and not running around trying to put on a show. Neither of us have any interest in being the center of attention, and wanted to feel comfortable on our wedding day. I absolutely loved the way everything turned out, and even though both of our families were there, it felt like just the two of us while we stood under the arch. The home where we were staying was absolutely incredible, and their beautiful yard was a perfect backdrop for our ceremony.

We are so so so lucky to have such amazing families who not only love both of us, but get along wonderfully with each other! My family spent the morning of our wedding doing the flowers and making beautiful bouquets and garlands for the backyard, while Brian’s parents took my massively oversized balloons to get blown up. The balloons ended up being one of my favorite things about the wedding, they were so fun and added that super whimsical touch to the day!

Our photographer was the amazingly talented Rafael Soldi, who was recommended to us by one of Brian’s coworkers, and we are so lucky to have found him. His photos are insanely beautiful, and he made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera even though we much prefer to be behind it! All photos in the post are by him as part of our first sneak peak, and omg we cannot wait to see the whole batch!! I’ve been trying to justify reasons for us to hire him again…

Our neighbor Erik Jackson prepared the most delicious dinner for everyone, and we have not stopped thinking about it! His menu highlighted the Pacific Northwest and was one of the best meals we’ve ever had. After everyone left, Brian and I sat on the couch and stuffed ourselves with the leftover salmon and kale!

I’ve been dreaming of my wedding day for as long as I can remember, but nothing could have prepared me for this. It’s such a relief to be married, and to know that no matter what else happens, we’re going to be together through it all. We are so lucky.

ups and downs

January 30, 2017January 31, 2017 ~ veronimama ~ Leave a comment

Despite all of the wonderful things that have happened to Brian and me in the past few months, I have been in a constant state of anxiety, fear, and sadness as I watch our country’s changing fate. It’s impossible to truly feel happy and excited about our new life together, when I know that there are people around me whose lives are changing for the worse every day. I am embarrassed and depressed by the actions that are taking place in the US government, and I’m still in a state of shock that any of this is actually happening. History is massively changing right now, and we’re right in the middle of it. It’s difficult to comprehend.

It’s easy in a time of peace and calm, to talk about how you would react in a situation like this, where human rights are being violated in your very own country on a mass scale. But then it actually happens, and everything you thought you knew about yourself changes. Turns out, I’m not a protester. Do I completely reject every single thing about Trump’s presidency? YES! But I just don’t feel comfortable protesting, it’s just a personal preference. I feel guilty that my own ‘comfort’ is more important to me than protesting, but I know myself and how I treat people every day, and I know that there are better ways for me to show my love and voice my opinion.

We were in 7-11 yesterday, and watched a middle-aged white man treat the Indian cashier horribly, degrading him and being downright rude and disrespectful. I considered saying something to the man, and decided against it to avoid the issue getting any bigger. Once he had left the store, I apologized to the cashier and let him to know that we don’t agree with how he had been treated, and that we were embarrassed that anyone would treat another human so poorly. The cashier shook it off and said that it happens all the time and he’s used to it. I was half a second away from tears the whole time.

Were any of the protesters in 7-11 with their signs that day? No. And I don’t fault them for it. Protesting isn’t my thing, but standing up for my neighbors and fellow citizens of this country is. I am proud and filled with hope that I am surrounded by family and friends who feel the same way that I do, and who will stand up for what is right. I am thankful that there are (a lot of) people who ARE protesters, and that they will continue to gather and fight against our president.

I feel so so so lucky to have Brian in my life today and for the rest of my days. There is nobody who I would rather be with, who I trust more. I hope that we will look back and remember that no matter how dark these days were, they were some of our best.

Spread Love

December 15, 2016December 15, 2016 ~ veronimama ~ Leave a comment

Horrible things are happening in Aleppo, and in many many other places in our world. As we’re doing last minute Christmas shopping and pulling on an extra sweater because we’re a little chilly in our warm safe homes, children are dying on the streets.

We learn about the Holocaust so that history does not need to repeat itself. We take comfort believing that we would never let this happen again. Yet, it is happening again and we are doing nothing. We are all sitting around knowing that human rights are being violated on a massive scale, and we are doing nothing to help. I feel helpless and guilty, and embarrassed about the life I live compared to the lives being lost. How is it possible that I slept in a warm bed, in a heated apartment, with a full stomach last night, while children died in the streets of Aleppo. I can’t comprehend.

I donated $10 to the White Helmets today. It’s a tiny drop in the giant ocean of need for them, but it’s better than nothing. $10 is what I would have spent on lunch if I hadn’t remembered to grab mine from the fridge.

Spread love today and every day. Smile, be positive, treat people well, spread happiness and compassion. Lately, everything I’ve made has had a trend of love, and most of the time it’s completely unintentional. My heart is craving reassurance that there is still good in the world, I’ve been turning to books and words for comfort.