I hate being away from my sisters. With Kara in her first semester of college and Krista in the midst of Jr. High, both of them are going through major periods of growth and change in their lives, and I'm missing it. I wish I could be present for every major event. This summer, all three DenHoed girls lived under one roof; I wish that could last forever, but sadly we all have to grow up.
During the summer, I did a photo shoot of Kara and Krista just for fun and my practice. They got all dressed up, and we had a blast snapping away in the hills behind our house. My apologies to the rest of you billions, but I'm pretty sure I have the most beautiful sisters in the world. See for yourself.
My visual ode to united sisters:
I miss you beauties.
****
Fun fact: Here you see their initial reaction to most of my posing requests:
(More pictures coming for this post, but I thought I would publish it anyways.)
I did promised that if you stayed tuned, I would fill you in on the rest of the engagement story. I know, I know, three weeks of waiting isn't exactly "staying tuned." Sorry about that.
So, to pick up where we left off: Steve made an amazing art installation, he proposed to me, and I said yes.
For you curious type, here is a shot of the ring. Steve custom designed it and the wedding band.
Despite my persistent persuading (read: begging), Steve refuses to show me his work.
The story doesn't end there.
Stephen and I giddily frolic around until he tells me it's time to go to dinner. When I walk outside…
There.
Is.
A.
LIMO.
Full length, black Escalade, waiting for us.
Now, for some of you this might not be a big deal, but I have never felt more special. For some reason, I think limos are thee fanciest things in the world. There's so much room! It's like driving a living room around! It's unnatural.
Obviously, I was stoked about the limo--I could not believe it. But the limo was merely a medium that took us to yet another surprise. Steve had so many surprises up his sleeve this day it was ridiculous. He had made dinner reservations at Geja's, a fondue restaurant in Lincoln Park. Like everything from the night, this too was significant.
Background: for our 2 year anniversary, I had set up my own little fondue restaurant in my house. I lit candles everywhere, cut up fruit--kiwi, mangos, and strawberries, even rolled up cookie dough balls and set up a chocolate fondue-for-two. Because this was one of Steve's favorite dates, he wanted to reference it during our engagement, and what better way than to dine at an intimate, candlelit, three course fondue restaurant complete with a Spanish guitarist!? We dined like royalty. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Having a full, fondue meal is quite an ordeal. After two and a half hours of dipping, frying, and drooling, Steve and I were ready to continue. What comes next is perhaps my favorite part of the night. I mean, besides committing to spending the rest of my life with this guy I love and all that jazz.
From dinner, the limo again picks us up. Successfully romantic, I thought we were going to call it a night--plus, I was itching to call everyone to announce our news. But…Steve wasn't done just yet. Very casually, Steve said, "Before we call everyone, I was thinking we could end the night with a glass of wine at City Winery. That's kind of been our place since you moved to Chicago, and I thought it'd be a special finale." Thinking that sounded normal and inviting, I agreed and proceeded to enjoy the rest of our luxury ride. I way underestimated this guy.
Upon arriving, I obliviously walk into the dining area of City Winery ready to enjoy a glass of wine, but instead of finding a table for two…I'm surprised by a huge GATHERING OF MY AND STEVE'S CLOSEST FRIENDS!!!! I was so excited and surprised that I got tears in my eyes (again). Embarrassing? I'll let you decide.
My college housemates, Jackie and Meghan. The best! We missed our coastal partners Becky and Steffanie.
Special people from all over came together to congratulate us. My college housemates made it from Grand Rapids, my dear friends Jess and John came up from southern IL, and Steve's best friends from college and dental school all made it for the surprise. So many people came in throughout the night, it was was like a new surprise every thirty minutes! Amazing. Steve had arranged the whole thing by creating a Facebook event to invite our friends and give them notice of when and where the party was taking place. Everyone was sworn to secrecy. I correlate my lack of communication with all my friends for two weeks with their adamancy to not loose self control and spill the beans.
Steve's friends from dental school with their awesome girlfriends.
Perfecting the engagement story in process. Jess, John, and Kelsey (John's younger sister) were the perfect audience.
Possibly the biggest surprise though, came when I had settled down and started catching up with my college roommates. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see none other than Annaka Erickson, my best friend from back home!!! She of course was immediately met with screaming and strangling.
Annaka sneakily flew in all the way FROM L.A. to surprise and share the special weekend with me. Apart from the surprise party, Annaka stayed in my apartment with me for the weekend and we scampered all over Chicago packing in a complete driving tour, moscow mules, deep dish pizza, and even the zoo!
Part 3 of city tour: Marina and northern skyline.
From zoos to rings, from laughs to tears, from old friends to new, this weekend was filled with all kinds of wonderful. To everyone who helped make this special occasion even more remarkable, a huge, smothering, slobbery THANK YOU from both Steve and me. We love you all.
Also, thank you to Stephen, the star who put this all together and pulled off one crazy, meaningful, surprise-filled, proposal. You're nothing but extraordinary; I knew I wanted to say yes even before you pulled all these crazy stunts. :)
STEVE AND I ARE ENGAGED!!!! He proposed to me on September 14, 2013. I know this post is a month late, but I have a treat that makes it worth the wait.
Unbeknownst to me, Steve had recorded the entire proposal and set up. SO instead of having to write the entire story....YOU GET TO WATCH IT!! (Believe it or not, I am limiting my use of the caps lock. I JUST CAN'T CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT!) This Sunday, Steve's parents threw us an engagement party, and before dinner was served Steve asked everyone to gather around the TV to watch a surprise. He pressed play and announced that he had made a video of our engagement so that everyone see the story first hand. I knew that he would do something with the video clips, but this was WAY beyond my expectation.
Before you watch the video, I want to provide you with some details. First off, my now fiancé, created an art installation for me. I know right!? He did good.
A little background:
Every fall, Grand Rapids hosts this inspired event called Art Prize where the city overflows with hundreds of artists who display their art or create art installations with the hopes of winning a $200,000 grand prize. It's incredible. If you're ever in the neighborhood in September or October, you should definitely check it out. Anyways, the art piece Steve and I liked most out of all the years we've toured Art Prize is a piece named the Lure Series by Beili Liu. We saw it in Grand Rapids in 2010, and it has stuck with us ever since. Here is a snapshot of what it looked like in GR.
Lure Series: Beili Liu.
This art installation was truly incredible. Those are spools of suspended red thread. I wanted to give you a taste of the real deal.
"The ancient Chinese legend of the red thread tells that when children are born, invisible red threads connect them to the ones whom they are fated to be with. Over the years of their lives they come closer and eventually find each other, overcoming the distance between, and cultural and social divides.
The installations make use of thousands of hand spiraled coils of red thread suspended from the ceiling. A disk may be connected to another, as a pair, and a pair of disks is made from a single thread. Every coil is pierced in the center by a sewing needle, which then threaded and enables the suspension of the disks. Subtle air currents set the red disks swaying and turning slowly as the loose strands of thread on the floor drift and become entangled."
Steve and I found the story beautiful. So, for our engagement, Steve created a mock installation of the Lure Series and hung over 3000 ft. of red thread, yes I said 3000 feet, from the ceiling of his apartment--all one continuous string. To represent our future journey through life, he modified the art piece as one continuous thread to symbolize our relationship's life span. He and his close friends hung the continuous thread from floor to ceiling hundreds of times; this sight took my breath away. On that one continuous thread, Steve hung memories that he had saved over our relationship: our first picture we ever took together, tickets from our first concert, letters or poems he had written, notes I had left him--seriously, so precious I could not believe it. While he proposed to me, he said he wanted the continuous thread to represent our relationship's journey--that no matter the twists, turns, trials, or tribulations; it would never sever or separate (I, of course, started crying upon this explanation. Me crying becomes a regular theme in this story).
But enough background, watch the video already! I might add that I had no idea video footage was in progress...I probably would have adjusted my skirt or something. Needless to say this video is the raw, unedited proposal--except for in the end when I realize I'm being recorded. Enjoy!
(Click the video title if you would like to watch the video in full screen through YouTube.)
I was so pleasantly surprised by this video and I hope that some of those who are important but far away feel a little closer to this day. I'm so thrilled with what God is doing for me and Steve and cannot wait to experience all the things He has in store for us in this upcoming year of engagement. We are incredibly blessed to have two amazing families fully supporting us, so much so that they're chomping at the bit to start the wedding planning! We couldn't ask for more.
Stay tuned for what happened after he proposed! I'm not gonna lie--my guy did pretty good.
p.s. August 23, 2014 might be a date to keep open on your calendars :). It's definitely going to be a great one.
Today, I had lunch downtown with a named Daniel who met my dad on the Washington Wine Tour. He had offered to take me to lunch and provide some insight about the Chicago Job market and offer some suggestions. [Unfortunately, August-December is the driest hiring spell in Chicago; everyone is trying to make it to the end of the year]. Daniel was awesome--so nice, so helpful, so funny. He encouraged me that I was on the right track, that I should keep doing what I'm doing and stay positive. He confessed he had ADHD, which explained our mile-a-minute conversation. Lunch lasted a full 2 hours, and there wasn't a dull moment. I left lunch with a thankful heart, extremely helpful feedback, and sore muscles from laughing.
Our lunch spot was incredible. It was smack downtown, right on Michigan Ave. and the Chicago River. We sat outside next to a fountain enjoying the Indian Summer.
View from a sunny courtyard off Michigan Ave.
When I left lunch, I decided to go for a walk to enjoy the weather and explore downtown before I went home. While I was crossing the river, I passed a woman with a sign that said she was stranded and needed a bus ticket for $37.00 to get back to her kids in Wisconsin. She wrote in bold "I'm not homeless". I walked passed her, ready to shed the guilty feeling that comes every other block in Chicago. But I couldn't shake this one, I felt compelled to help her. I looked in my purse, and all I had was a $5 and $20 dollar bill. I decided whatever her circumstances, she needed the $20 more than I did. I walked back across the bridge, gave her the $20, asked her what happened. She told me she got her purse stolen while she was visiting, and then asked for my bag of left overs. I wished her the best of luck, she said "God Bless", and I went on my way.
I normally wouldn't say anything about something like this. Even when I thought about writing this post I was thinking "when you give, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." But as I walked away, I felt even more troubled. Why did I feel bad for giving this woman $20? Was it because she asked for my food right after I gave her money? Was it because I gave the $20, not the $5? Was it because I wanted a more elaborate story? I couldn't figure it out. I think there is some odd societal guilt that comes from giving money to people on the street. Like we're taught they are all scamming us, or there is a better way to help. It seems like a cyclical thought process the keeps us from helping, or allows us to walk past. Or then I thought this--what if we feel guilty afterwards because we chose to help that person rather than the 20 previous people or the person at the other end of the bridge? Every time I walk past a person in need I think, "What if that's Jesus?" Maybe we're troubled because we hope Jesus was posing on the right side of the bridge and not the left side. Did we choose correctly?
I know that helping isn't some spiritual Jesus spin-off of "Where's Waldo?", but I couldn't direct my mind elsewhere.
Maybe it's that I don't want to feel accomplished for only giving $20 because I could do more, so I feel guilt instead? What is it? Does anybody else feel this dilemma?
On a less introspective note, my mom is coming to visit tomorrow!! I'm ecstatic. I have swept, dusted, and mopped the entire apartment. Which is feat because my roommate has a cat; that's another story but...let's just say I swept up about a pound of cat hair. Mom and I are going to have the greatest time.
An equally positive note: I landed a part-time job with Anthropologie last week!!! So I am now no longer unemployed, I will be making money so my job search will be less stressful. Even more positive: I get a 40% discount at Anthro and its affiliated stores. Actually, wait, I'm not sure if this is a good thing. Can I handle the constant temptation to spend my paycheck on the ridiculously adorable clothes that are AT A DISCOUNT!? We'll see.
I have been trying to write a blog post for about 3.5 weeks. I have so much to talk about! So many things have happened to me in this past month! But because I felt like I had so much to catch up on, writing about it seemed like a daunting task.
Then, this morning my devotions read,
Relax in my everlasting arms. Your weakness is an opportunity to grow strong in awareness of My Almighty Presence. When your energy fails you, do not look inward and lament the lack you find there. Look to Me and My sufficiency; rejoice in My radiant riches that are abundantly available to help you. (Jesus Calling, September 27)
Candles in St. Stephens in Vienna 2012. This shot reminded me of the devotional.
These words were the exact remedy I needed today. For whatever reason, my energy is failing today. I have a lot to do. I need to drive to apply to J. Crew and a restaurant part-time, apply to a full-time job, go grocery shopping, clean my apartment, AND I wanted to finally write a blog post. However, when I read those words I was instantly filled with sufficient peace. I realized the tasks I was dreading weren't that strenuous, and if I stopped lamenting my lack of energy I would have the brain power I need to focus on the things I need to do today. So here I am; starting with my blog--Jesus Calling on one side, computer on the other.
I enjoy starting my days with Jesus Calling. I learn something new about being in God's presence every day. I finally understand people who say their day isn't as bright without their morning devotions. Choosing God over myself is hard, but I get better everyday.
I wanted to share this in case others are lacking energy today. As cliché as it sounds, your energy is only a prayer away. DO IT. It's worth it :).
Now that I've finally broke the blog silence, I'm going to be uploading posts about the past month. Moving, job hunting, living in Wicker Park, GETTING ENGAGED (!), and other fun things. I'm once again inspired to blog away.
The Cloud Gate or "The Bean" // Millenium Park // Chicago, IL // September 2013
It's raining. One of those refreshing downpours that, in my mind, the Midwest is notorious for.
It was thundering. The type of thunder that shakes your rib cage and compresses your organs. Swiffer and I sat in the screen room, in the midst of the storm where we could feel the weight of the atmosphere, the wet air caress our lungs, the force of the storm blow through our hair, yet at the same time be safe, sound, and dry just out of the storm's reach. I sat in the storm reading my devotions (Jesus Calling) and felt as though I was in a cocoon of calm, even though there was a raging storm all around me. Struck with symbolism of my very own surroundings, I thought, even life is biblical--yesterday, today, and always. See the storm, feel the storm--but embrace the storm and know that, somehow, you are safe--in a cocoon of calm.
This week has not brought much news, or any new series of photos. However, I have some snapshots and snidbits.
I'm happy to be back with this kid. We have a good time.
Sometimes, I pretend to be sneak-attack paparazzi. It usually ends in a blur.
This weekend, Steve lost a bet. The wager was, if I won, he had to come stay at his parents' house with me during the week--which would never happen otherwise since he is a crazy dental student. But....I WON! So Steve drove up on Wednesday and we had a grand ol' time. We put new mirrors on his motorcycle (that look like "cool flames, dude."), we went to the dollar theater and watched Fast & Furious--the 6th. Get this, as if 6 movies isn't enough, Fast 6 ends with another opening for even ANOTHER sequel...or seven-quel? I'm pretty sure we will be hearing from Fast and Furious until Vin Diesel dies--but even then, he could have a look alike son.
Steve has exams this week so we went to Starbucks like old times where he studied and I applied for a job. We got this delicious drink, you've gotta try it. Iced Caramel Apple Spice--it's the best apple cider with caramel goodness you will ever have. Usually you get it hot and in the fall...but let me tell you, it is an awesome summer alternative to coffee.
This apartment hunting business is turning out to be harder than I anticipated. I think Marjory's garden bliss is going to fall through. She is taking forever to process our applications and keeps calling my roommates and I to have 35 minute conversations to give us tips for living together. Serious.
In light of this, I looked at another apartment on Friday. It is privately owned by this adorable Italian family straight from Rome who own their own restaurant and bakery. It looks promising, but we'll seen. Also on Friday, I FINALLY met my third roommate! She's awesome and we felt like old friends as soon as we met. Hopefully I'll have some good news soon regarding my living situation.
Final snidbit and snapshot:
I went to Target to buy shampoo and I walked past the clearance shelves where I heard this box full of twigs, moss, and eggs singing my name. I thought it was remarkable that an adorable vase filler full of my favorite things for $2 could sing my name, so I had to buy it. Then I made this even more ADORABLE nest. It's so cute I can't even handle it. It will be the first thing I set up in my future apartment; in the meantime it has a home on the Griffith's coffee table.
Auntie Terri and Uncle Brian hosted Sunday lunch this week. Auntie Terri had called and invited Steve and I over for lunch saying she was making paella. When you hear those words, you never say no.
Paella. Now, doesn't that look delicious?
This lunch was extra great because we were blessed with Auntie Winnie and Uncle Ken, and Joe and Emily who are back from Budapest! I was especially excited to Joe, Emily, and their three adorable children because they were such an essential part to my life when I was in Budapest last year. They opened up their home to me, and always offered to be my dose of sanity (accompanied with dinner) when I needed one.
Me with Eli, Caroline, and William in Joe and Emily's apartment in Budapest.
It was great to see them and catch up. As of last week they are now living in Washington D.C. again and will be there for a year before they move to Malaysia. The joke between us is that I can't get enough of them so I follow them around the globe with every move they make.
When they lived in Washington D.C. before, Eli was born, and I traveled to D.C. with my high school class for a student program for a week. Joe and Emily were gems of course, and took me and my friend Annaka out to lunch (at On The Border I believe). Next, Joe and Emily moved to Seattle where their cutie pie Caroline was born and I saw them for occasional Sunday lunches back in Washington. Even more crazy--Joe and Emily move to Budapest, sweet William is born, and I decide to go study abroad in Budapest! So, who knows? I might be traveling to Malaysia, folks. It's out of my control.
Playing in the lake is so fun.
I loved catching up with Rachel, Lauren, and Aubrey too--Sunday was just a great family day all around. Sitting around the fire, watching Rachel and Uncle Brian create their paella masterpiece was so fun. However, they will tell you that they only do half the work---Auntie Terri prepares all of the ingredients.
This spicy rice and vegetable medley is completed with chicken, shrimp, and spicy Mexican chor-ri-zo. Or as Auntie Terri likes to call it, trizo. (my Spanish minor pronunciation was kicking in :) )
I hadn't seen Rachel's adorable little girl, Elise, for the whole summer. She can now say my name. I'm ecstatic!! But, she's too shy to let me hear her. I'm crossing my fingers for next time. She is so cute, I can't stand it. She brought me sand cupcakes all day and teased everyone by running away from kisses.
Just look at Elise's response to being asked to smile as big as she can:
I think Steve was teaching her "up high, down low." Too cute.
All in all, it was just an awesome day at the lake. Here are some snapshots of the festivities.
I love this picture. It completely captures the day's essence.
William is walking now! I almost died over how adorable his sun hat was.
Finished product!
I'm so happy I caught this. Elise running away from Grandpa's kisses!
Alright, you caught me. 40 days and 40 nights is definitely an exaggeration. I've only been in the Midwest 11 days and 12 nights to be exact, but it sure feels like a whole lot longer. About 29 days longer actually.
Let me give you the summary.
I arrived in Grand Rapids on August 1st. That weekend I ran around planning a bachelorette party for one of my best friends, Jess Rinaldi. Filled with homemade games, unpaid taxi rides, glow stick fiascos, and tons of laughter--the party was a success, if I do say so myself. It was the perfect predecessor to make John and Jess' wedding even more enjoyable the following weekend.
Jess blindfolded, complete with red lipstick getting ready to play "Kiss the Groom."
Hand made by yours truly.
I couldn't have pulled off such a great party without the help of my home-away-from-home Kloostra family (shout out!). Auntie Terri was the greatest and let me turn her kitchen upside down preparing all of the food until 2 a.m. for the weekend. Don't worry, I cleaned up after myself so well, Auntie Terri said she couldn't have done it better herself (Yes! I'm serious--I have witnesses). Mom, go ahead, leap for joy :).
After the party, I stayed another night at the Lake House. Can you blame me?
It's pretty great at the lake.
So after a weekend that took about 10 days, I finally made my trek down to Chicago to my new home.
On the road, there is this corner on I-94 that all of the sudden opens up to a view of the Chicago skyline. I've driven this route a dozen times, but this one I soaked in. I even took a picture.
I remember thinking, "This is it Erika. Welcome to your new home."
I got to see Steve for the first time in a month. To welcome me, he surprised me with a motorcycle ride around the city that ended with a picnic by a sailboat marina on Lake Michigan where we watched the sky dim and city lights shine brighter and brighter from our blanket. He's pretty great. The view was amazing, and I was filled with excitement thinking about all the exploring I will get to do in this great city.
While I'm in this period of limbo, I'm staying with Steve's parents, the Griffith's, until I find an apartment. They are overwhelming me with kindness, and I couldn't ask for more. The four days I spent in Chicago before heading back up to Michigan for the wedding were a whirlwind. I looked at 5 apartments, gained another roommate, and submitted a rental application for a 3 bedroom flat. I seriously am in love with the building of a woman named Marjorie. She is an ex-New Yorker (is there such a thing?) with a ton of sass, a garden, and a roof top paradise to boot. I want to live there so bad, I dream about it. I would give anything to live in Leavitt Street with its trumpet vines and golden sunrooms. Nothing has materialized yet, apartment hunting is much harder than I anticipated. But I can say I don't need my GPS to get downtown anymore. I might conquer this city map after all.
My whirlwind of apartment searching landed me in Grand Rapids once again for John and Jess' wedding. I couldn't think of a better couple to stand up for. I went to Hungary with both John and Jess where traveling and and a shared 12x4 ft. living space really solidified our friendship.
Jess and I the day she got engaged (in Hungary!!).
She is one of my closest friends and I love her dearly. Her and John are going to have an awesome life together and I couldn't be happier.
When I get more pictures, I will post some of their DIY gray and yellow cuteness. But let me say this: my shoes were so high, they were Nikki Minaj status. Don't get me wrong, they were SO CUTE, but as soon as I put them on it was all I could do to not fall on my face.
Nikki Minaj. Seriously. My shoes were this high.
They do look walkable in the picture, but trust me, those yellow buttercups are demons in disguise.
Biggest news from the wedding? I reverted back to my athletic years and soared over all the single women and snatched the bouquet. Minutes later Steve calmly picked the garter off the floor after it slipped out of all the rowdy bachelors' hands. I might add this is our second wedding where we have each grabbed the two symbols of foretold matrimony. Coincidence? I think not! But, unfortunately I have no other details on that matter :). I'll keep you posted.
