Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Election Day 2012

Source
Well, it's election day. This is the first presidential election that I've been able to vote in. It's quite exciting. I'm finding that tonight it is very difficult to focus on homework, because I keep finding myself checking the results. This election has made me focus on what my political ideals are. What do I believe is right? Which party do I identify with more? Ultimately, I registered as an independent voter. I'm pretty middle-of-the-road on most issues. Not because I don't care, but because I have been raised to be a free thinker. I've felt very grateful for the fact that I have grown up in family where all that matters is that you vote. I don't feel particularly tied to either candidate (Romney or Obama). Thus, I won't be particularly crushed when the loser of the election is essentially announced. Being Mormon, a lot of people would argue that a) I should hate Obama b) I should vote conservative c) I should pledge all allegiance to Romney. Personally, I disagree with all of the aforementioned statements. Plus, it nobody's business who I voted for. ;) In the end, my hope is that the elected leader of our country keeps in mind what really matters-- the people. As a religious person, I hope that God directs the hands of our leaders in the next four years. No matter what party you're apart of, ultimately, everyone poops.

Love,
Evi

Monday, October 1, 2012

Happy October!

(Image)
Alas, it is October. 
The leaves are growing thinner and flakier. They rustle in the Rexburg winds.
The leaves are turning bright colors, as well. 
We are officially one third of the way through our last semester.
We feel good about where we are at. 
So, happy October to all. 
It is a happy month for us in the Figgat home. 
Enjoy every crunchy leaf on the sidewalk.

Love, 
Evi

Thursday, September 27, 2012

The One About Being Homesick


I am homesick and should be doing my homework.
After being privileged enough to live at home for nearly six months, I'm already ready to go back.
Sure, I talk to my parents all the time, but there is something about being there with the ability to go into the next room and chat with my mom or dad for as long as I'd like.
Also, I miss my niece. I mean, look at those cheeks!! I sure love that little chunk.
Alas, home is where my husband is and right now he is in Idaho; thus, home is here.
Don't get me wrong, I love it here.
But, I do miss those cheeks.

Love,
Evi

Friday, August 24, 2012

The Road Most Traveled

Just another view off of PCH :)
Image 

You guys, I am so stinking excited. Why? Because next week we will be driving up the CA-101 aka Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to see Jason and Lora (Adam's brother and his wife) for a couple days. They live in the Bay Area, so naturally, we are making a road trip out of it. I've always wanted to drive up PCH for longer than the drive from Newport to Laguna Beach, and next week my dreams are becoming reality. Since we are young and don't have anything to tie us down, we are incorporating this trip in the drive back up to Idaho. Next stop... San Jose!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Fill Your Life



Tonight my dad made a really good point. He said, "In the end, it is better to fill your life by doing good, rather than filling it by doing nothing at all... Always be engaged in a good cause."As I sat next to my sisters and across from Adam, I realized that sometimes I busy myself with things that aren't necessarily always good things. Now, this isn't a confession post where I note all my mistakes, but I realize that spending 20 minutes on Facebook (*cough* or longer *cough) is not the best decision. Facebook is not bad by any means, but it is not necessarily good. Therefore, I'm issuing a challenge:

Maybe we can all try to be a little better at anxiously engaging ourselves in good causes to bring more good into this world, rather than laziness or boredom. Engage in something good. I think we will all like what we find. ;)

Good night!

Love,
Evi

Friday, July 27, 2012

Leaving On A Jet Plane

Today is the day! We are headed to Hawaii for ten days of bliss in paradise.
Maui is calling my name. My bags are packed. My nails are painted. I bought tanning oil, too.
I'm not coming back unless I'm a nice dark shade of brown.
So peace out home skillets.
I'm going to the lovely place below!
Source
Love,
Evi

Monday, July 23, 2012

A Best Friend's Wedding

About a month and a half ago, I traveled with my bestest friend, Emily, to Utah for a 60 hour trip to see one of our greatest friends get married. Here are the long lost photos from that trip. I was so happy to be able to witness the marriage of Caitlyn and be able to party at her reception. Love is a great thing to be celebrated!
"Squeaky Cheese" Stop. Funny thing: Emily hates cheese!! She's such a weirdo ;)


The beautiful bride getting ready for her big day

On the way to the Manti temple, we were halted by a huge flock of 300+ sheep. 




Em & I were temporary hobos and took a nap at the park. We were exhausted.
A pic with the bride and groom. Caitlyn's dress was amazing!
We had an amazing road trip. I love spending time with Emily. Plus, it was a wonderful event to celebrate, and the whole day was absolutely beautiful. It is cheesy for me to say this, but I know these girls will always be my friends. Now it's time for us to get Emily married ;)

Just kidding.

Kind of.

Not really.

Love,
Evi


Thursday, July 5, 2012

Wise Men Say


Wise men say only fools rush in, but I can't help falling in love with you.

Between falling in love and getting married, some say that we might have rushed it.

Nevertheless, I am so happy with the way that we have done things.

We've been married for almost sixteen months.

We've been together for twenty-nine months.

We still have eternities to be together.

My life has never been better than it is now.

Shout out to the hubs that I absolutely adore.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Of Polka Dots and Sunshine

Father's Day is a well-deserved holiday. This year it was even more special because it is the first Father's Day that I've been able to spend with my dad in a few years. Thus, I felt like the day deserved a put-together outfit, well, at least for church. After church it is definitely a sweatpants party in this house. Except it is summer, so we are all definitely rocking shorts and baggy shirts. On a more fashionable note, I'm in love with polka dots. Specifically, I'm in love with my polka dot skirt. With this summer weather, I can help but to wear bright colors and polka dots. I love summer!!

The Breakdown
Skirt: Banana Republic, thrifted; Button Up: Cotton On; Headband: H & M; Flats: Gap
In summation, it was a beautiful and sunny Father's Day, which was spent in good company. Lately, I wouldn't have my life any other way.

Love,
Evi

Friday, June 15, 2012

My Favorite Birthday Boy

   
Stoked to get his Triton headphones for his Xbox.

Yep, the boy models, but only when it is gaming related.



Brownie "Cake" at the Figgat Celebration

His Birthday Dinner of Choice at Lucille's



Awful pic, but the only one of the whole fam from Adam's bday.


Adam turned 25 on Wednesday. Crazy. It's amazing that this is the third birthday of his that we have been able to celebrate together. I think I love Adam's birthday way more than mine. It's much more fun to buy him gifts. Plus, he lets me go all out for his birthday. With two celebrations completed, even he admits that this was a birthday for the books. His loot included the headphones, three shirts, swim trunks, shorts, and an awesome Thai dinner with his sister and our bro-in-law. 
Happy birthday, Adam!

Love,
Evi

Thursday, June 14, 2012

"Work" Lately

Sara & Leah

Travis





Just passing out flyers to some of the prettiest parks in Orange County. :)
So, with no success, I haven't found a "permanent" job for the summer. Since my schedule is odd, I am having a hard time finding work. However, I am nannying, babysitting, house sitting, and passing out flyers like no other. They're odd jobs, but they bring in the dough right now. Babysitting is my favorite because I get to play with cute kids, like the ones listed at the beginning of this post. They're my favorite kids to babysit. :) Also, putting flyers on cars is not a bad gig either. For now, I'm just trying to enjoy the down time that I have, considering I'm only taking two online classes and can't find a job.

Bring on the sunshine!

Love, Evi

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Hello My Name Is...

...Officially changed!

The last time I legally signed my name as Eviane Hayhurst.


Boom. It's changed.
Yes, I have been married for over a year.
Yes, I have used the name Figgat.
No, it hasn't been legal, at least until this last month. :)
It has finally happened. My last name is Figgat, and I'm proud of it!
But, I will admit... I will miss Hayhurst as my last name. At least being a Hayhurst girl is a permanent thing. :)

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Sunrise, Sunset

Recently, the realization of the fact that I am growing up has kind of kicked me and reminded me that I'm not growing younger. I've expressed this sentiment before. I know I'm growing up, and others that surround me are growing older.

Up until today I felt like Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof watching his daughters  grow up. In a way, I felt split. Half of me is watching, and the other half is growing. Each time I pay a bill or make one more step for graduation, I realize that I cannot slow down. And so what if the lyrics from "Sunrise, Sunset," the classic Fiddler on the Roof song, come into my own head.

Like I said, there is a bit self-pity about getting older. I recognize that getting older gives me the opportunity to show the world what I am capable of doing. It gives me the opportunity to eventually become a mom. It gives me the opportunity to learn to deal with sorrow, loss, pure happiness, etc. It also gives me the opportunity to grow old with my husband.

Today, I came across this on Pinterest:

[Image]

Yes, I am growing older, but with each day I'm experiencing a life that not all get to experience. I have my own fairytale romance with my sweet husband. I will have a bachelor's degree by the end of this year. I have been educated, and I will have the opportunity to become continually educated. Finally, I have been loved truly by now a dozen people that I can think of. I have caring friends. I have an incredible family. I have an unbelievable husband. Growing older and acquiring these friendships and family members, it has been a privilege, and I look forward to each day of it.

Love,
Evi

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Memorial Day Weekend Highlights

Top Left: Beach on Memorial Day. Bottom Left: Stephanie's (mother-in-law) birthday cake. Top Right: Steph and Charlotte prepared to blow out the candles. Bottom Right: North Ponto beach on Memorial Day
Oceanside Pier
Memorial Day Breakfast at the Park

Day Date at Pizza Port in Carlsbad
We had a perfect weekend in Carlsbad with family! We were able to celebrate both my mother-in-law's birthday and Memorial Day. We did get to sneak in a date, which was really nice and needed. I love patriotic holidays. :) Hope everyone had an awesome weekend. Yay for summertime!

Love, 
Evi

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Daddy Daughter Date: Springsteen Style

A couple weeks ago, I went to a concert with my dad. A Bruce Springsteen concert, to be exact. To fully understand how incredible this is, you need to know a back story. When I was eleven and really began to have a musical preference of my own, I used to ask my dad turn on "my music." My dad always replied, "Just one more song." Consistently, I allowed his request until what is known as the "seventeen-minute song" came into play. The seventeen-minute song was a Bruce Springsteen jam fest that always prevented me from getting to listen to "my music." Naturally, I began to hate Bruce Springsteen; hence, Springsteen became known as "Stinksteen."

Throughout the years, my dad went to many Springsteen concerts and with each concert he brought someone with him to enjoy it. This year, my dad ran out of willing concert buddies. This left my sisters and I with the duty to be dad's date.

Thus, I pushed my pride aside and decided to go to the concert with my dad. It was AWESOME. I rocked out with our parents' generation, ate cotton candy, fist pumped, sang, and maybe got a bit contact high. Plus, if it wasn't fun enough, I got to see my dad in an unbelievably happy state. Think ear-to-ear smile status.

My dad turns 50 this year and the realization that both my dad and I are getting older has kicked in. My dad was my first best friend, so seeing him that happy, bursting with vitality made me feel like we will never grow old.

And for that, seeing Stinksteen perform not just a seventeen-minute song, but a three and a half hour concert was worth it-- a daddy daughter date that I will never forget.

Monday, April 23, 2012

To My Dear and Loving Husband on the First Day of Your Internship

[Image]


To My Dear and Loving Husband on the First Day of Your Internship [totally channelling Bradstreet right now],
Thou art on public transit at this moment in time in the large metropolis called Los Angeles.
Despite it's name, The City of Angels, we both know there is nothing angelic about it.
The streets are dirty. It is loud. Everything is overpriced; yet, there you are walking down the street it your striking full suit with your new briefcase.
I picture men dressed as if they were in Mad Men.
But I guess in a sense you're a Mad Man, too.
You're working from the bottom up as a marketer.
But you have always been a marketer to me. You marketed your good looks, charm, and incredible charisma from the get go, and I bought the product.
I bought the product and will never think to return it.
You see, it is because you make me one proud wife, especially today.
Love,
Evi

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

A Few Months to a Better Me?

A while back, I wrote blog posts weekly about seven weeks to a better me. I had a different goal for every week, and I completed each goal during my seven-week break. This Summer, I again ask myself, how can I be better?

In the last few months, I really considered all the goals that I have for myself. I did set goals for my 21st year, and that is going great; yet, shouldn't we be trying to better every day? Should I not strive to be a little better by the time my head hits the pillow each night? I think I should.

So here is what I'm doing. I'm not going to set strict goals this time around. Well, in the sense that I do not plan on doing a different goal each week. Instead, I'm going to wake up and my best. My best to be the best me, and work on the goals that I already have.

One thing that I am doing, though, as a goal, is Weight Watchers. I did Weight Watchers before our wedding and lost quite a bit of weight ( 10 lbs to be exact), which is a lot for me considering even at my weight right now, I'm still healthy. However, I know that I can be better. I can eat better, and I can exercise more regularly.

I don't have an eating disorder. I know I'm thin, but I need to be healthier, and Weight Watchers is a good way to monitor that. I'm not planning on being the next "Subway Jared" or beating Jennifer Hudson out of her Weight Watchers commercials. I just want to end this summer and feel good about the way that I'm treating my body, husband, family, academics, friends, and well, me.

So here I go. Day one and I ate so healthy I have eleven points left to eat. Veggies and fruits are zero points, and I ate a lot of those today. So I'm thinking frozen yogurt or maybe a HUGE piece of chocolate cake. :)

Love,
Evi

Thursday, April 12, 2012

A Very Proud Aunt, Indeed: Charlotte Monahan






So I have this niece, and she is likely the cutest baby you'll ever meet.
She likes to eat her toes, you see.
Plus, she makes her own songs to sing herself to sleep. Talk about creative.
She likes colors, a lot.
She rolls around like a champ.
Best of all, her smile really does make everyone around her beyond and over the moon happy.
The last few days of getting to be here as her aunt, has made me one proud aunt. 
I love being Charlotte's aunt!!
She's the best thing that happened to the Figgat family since well... me ;)