circa 1959

This picture was taken in 1959 in Rochester, Minnesota by my dad. The subjects are my beautiful mom and oldest brother, John. My family has grown significantly since this moment in time, but the same feelings of love and harmony exist in the West household. Being a newlywed, it makes me wonder what's in store for our family? I'm sure my mom wasn't thinking a) she would have another baby running around the house 20 years after this shot was taken, b) she would end up living in southern California after growing up in a small town in Chihuahua, Mexico, c) she would be pregnant for about 7 1/2 years of her life (not at one time...that would make for one huge baby) or d) she would start a foundation to help raise money for schools in Redlands and would have a day named after her-the Donna West Day. I'm sure she never expected any of those things, but that's how the last 50+ years have gone. 

Sometimes, I wish our time period was a bit simpler, kind of like what is displayed in this picture, but time moves forward and life changes, usually for the better. I don't think I'll be pregnant for a total of 7 1/2 years, but I'm excited to see what the future holds.

cross-country cheesecake

First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who gave us some sort of gift for our wedding. Big or little, intangible or tangible, thank you. Kent and I didn't know what to do with ourselves when we came home from our honeymoon to a room full of boxes. We spent at least 4-5 hours opening everything. It was like a culinary-themed Christmas where you actually received everything on your wish list.

One item we didn't receive though (that Kent was really hoping to get) was this Crate & Barrel cheese dome. Instead...we got a cheesecake, shipped straight from New York City (apparently cheesecake made in New York City is better than salsa made in New York City). I thought all gift receiving had ceased, but I was wrong.

Our good friend, Nathan Allen, recently moved to New York to attend law school. He told us he was going to send us a famous New York cheesecake for our wedding, but I don't think Kent or I really believed him (no offense, Nate...we truly know you are a man of your word now), but there it was, sitting on our front porch in its orange and white striped glory, our New York cheesecake from Junior's. The packaging had to have been my favorite part:

(The cheesecake was even nice and cold when I pulled it out from the box. Amazing.)

I'm not a cheesecake connoisseur and I don't profess to know the best or ANY delicatessens in New York City, but I think Nate found a winner. Kent and I sat around the dinner table last night and tried a sliver of each type of our four-flavor sampler: Original, Raspberry Swirl, Chocolate Ganache and Cherry Crumb. (I can't even write this without my mouth watering!)

Kent's favorite: Original.

My favorite: Cherry Crumb.

Thanks again, Nate, for the delectable gift. The cheesecake, along with our egg, muffin and sausage toaster-in-one, have made us a happier, more fulfilled couple.

everybody's working for the wiikend

So I had sort of a bad day yesterday (this is kent btw). Not terrible. Just not the greatest. I found out im not an ethical person. Which hurt a little bit. I wasn’t sure for the past few weeks whether or not I was and it was a little rough to have it confirmed that I wasn’t. in order to be admitted to the bar in California and every state, you have to pass a professional responsibility exam. It’s a 60 question exam and its really nothing difficult. Unless you are unethical. Its not a cake walk either, but its not nearly as tough as the bar and doesn’t require nearly as much studying. Well, it requires more than what I put in since I failed it. In my defense, I did take it one week after the bar and I didn’t study for it because I was burnt out from studying. Also, it was the day before I eternally committed to my wife, so my mind probably wasn’t as focused as it could or should have been. Those are still cheap excuses though. In the end, I failed. Which I was bummed about. Its not the end of the world. I’ll just retake the test in November. Its really not that big of a deal and not nearly as big as failing the bar. Really its not. Its just sort of an inconvenience to have to retake it. And, its just sort of frustrating, mainly because I think its so ridiculous. Why do they have to test on this? I understand that it is a way of making sure that people know the rules of being a lawyer, but if someone is unethical and wants to be dishonest and cheat their clients, they are going to do it regardless of any test they take.


So I didn’t pass it. And since I entered into that eternal commitment, I now have to report to someone on everything that goes on in life (not that there is anything wrong with that). So I told Nellie, and it was soon after I got the news so I was still upset and bothered about it all. I’m better now, like I said, its not too big of a deal, just more of an inconvenience and frustrating more than anything. But Nellie, being the kind, warm and thoughtful spouse that she is, felt the pain of her husband and set out to do what she could to make me feel better. Honestly, an ice cream cone would have sufficed. Wii actually went to dinner last night and just sitting and eating made me feel better. Fortunately though, she got paid yesterday and so her wallet was overflowing and she got me an early birthday/feel better gift. She knew I wanted one. It was one of the only items I registered for. It actually made me feel a little bad for complaining or being upset because the ‘feel better’ gift greatly trumped how sad I was or how upset one should be in my situation. I tried to explain that to Nellie but she wouldn’t hear it and didn’t care. She was just so happy to give it to me since she knows how I wanted one. It's really going to improve all of our hummus/fondue housewarming parties. Isn’t she great (Nellie of course, not the wii – although it too is awesome). Very thoughtful and kind. Please understand that I in no way want to fail the bar. The thought makes me ill. However, I think the only silver lining on that extremely dark cloud would be the fact that if I did fail, Nellie might go out and buy me a camero or something to make me feel better. Even though I don’t even know if that could do it…so you better make it a porsche.

one month down, forever to go

Kent and I have been married for one month. It's strange how it feels longer than that (in a good way), but in the scheme of things one month is nothing. We had a rather short courtship and we've only known each other for about a year, but here we are, married forever. People always used to tell me "you'll just know" when discussing the right person to marry. I never believed them, relationships weren't that easy, until I woke up one morning and knew Kent was different. I literally woke up and realized I would be dumb not to date him. I didn't think someone like Kent existed. How could someone be so good, so funny, so smart and so kind? Apparently, all those people were correct because dating Kent was pretty seamless and everything fell into place. He understood me and I always felt myself with him. (Mind you, I didn't realize this right away. It took a few months and a lot of patience on Kent's part, but I'm so glad he held out.)

He is my best friend and I am lucky girl. So far, so good.

bollywood at its best

I am fascinated with India. I think my obsession began about 7 years ago, but I can't be sure. Maybe it started when I took Asian Humanities in college and we learned about Krishna and the Taj Mahal? Maybe it began when I discovered that Indian food is the best food ever (I recommend the aloo naan and chicken tikka masala). Or, maybe it was when I watched "Bend it like Beckham". I'm not really positive, but I love the exotic culture, food, music, dancing, and Bollywood. Yes, Bollywood. It cracks me up. My India obsession even led me to go see a lesser-known Broadway musical called Bombay Dreams instead of Wicked when I was in New York a few years ago with my mom and sister. (I'm sure they appreciated that choice.)

A few months ago, I came across an Indian music video that blew me away. Blew me away as in, complete joy overtook me every time I watched it, and I couldn't stop watching it. I must have viewed it at least 15 times a day at work. It's amazing. I ended up downloading the song on my computer and listened to it for a good month. Maybe more. Somehow, I forgot about it--until today. I started my playlist at a random song in my music library and there it was!

Anyways, I just want to share this music video with all of you. It inspired me to take an Indian dance class which I highly enjoyed. It even impelled me to drag Kent to a traditional Holi festival held at my dance instructor's place of worship. He loved it.

So, without further ado, "Chaiyya Chaiyya". (It's a bit long, but I promise it's worth it.)

wedding photos

We haven't received our wedding photos yet, but our photographer, Rachel Thurston, posted some on her blog today. If you're interested, you can check them out at:

http://www.rachelthurston.blogspot.com/

If anyone is in the market for a great photographer, I highly recommend Rachel. Not only is she talented, she is also down to earth, fun and someone you'd want around to document your meaningful life experiences. She is genuinely happy for you and has a gift for capturing priceless moments. Thank you, Rachel!

the afters

Maybe my last post was a bit dramatic. The outside of the house isn't at all an indication of what is going on inside. I don't have the 'before' shots of the inside of the house (I wish I did--a transformation occurred over a short, two-three month period), but I can show you what was accomplished by the Sommer family this summer.

The bathroom.
It used to be a dark shade of mint green and was much smaller.

We now have a new vanity, which I love, and double sinks.
This is my favorite room in the house.

The kitchen.
I haven't cooked much in here yet, but I love the brushed steel appliances.

More kitchen.
Side note: My mom bought that refrigerator for me at the DI for $150 about 5 years ago and it still works. It's a miracle!

New tile and hardwood floor. They are both beautiful.

The guest quarters.
Our lucky visitors get the luxury of watching TV. Well, they would if we could find the remote. We can't change the channel right now, but we'll get that worked out.
Another side note: This is the room that used to be completely violet. Once again, see Kent's blog for details.

Thanks again, Sommer family, for making our house so lovely. Eric, Kent's brother-in-law, deserves a huge thanks. He and Kent's sister, Paige, live in Seattle where Eric works in construction management. He flew down for both Memorial Day and the Fourth of July to tear down walls and lay tile on our behalf. I'm not really sure how we can repay you. We might owe you guys some babysitting?

Thanks again and we'll keep you all posted on the house as it comes together.