The Stratton Story: Six months down

Zach and I have lived in Glendale, CA for six months now! Typical of any relocation, there have been highs and lows, pros and cons. But some things are for sure: We've never had such an abundance of Vitamin D, such strong calf muscles (we walk everywhere), and so many new surroundings all at once!

During college, every Fall quarter was the "adjustment" quarter for me. I would try out different schedules, routes to class, study spots. I'd find what routines worked and didn't work. Waking up at 5:30 a.m. for the gym was a ritual I craved during my Junior year. Not so much the following year. One year the library was my homework haven, the next year I could barely stand the musty scent of old books. I feel that these last six months have been the equivalent of a college Fall quarter for us. But instead of settling in to another year of campus life, we've been "breaking in" a new city - finding our staple eateries, grocery stores, gas station, neighborhoods, nearby attractions, weekend activities. That's not easy!

However, just this morning, I found myself giving thanks to God for his help in situating Zach and me here. Not everyone has the ability or willingness to veer down a brand new avenue in life. Though I wouldn't consider us overly adventurous or spontaneous, we are open to enriching our lives through change and new challenges. Because Zach's classes are at night now, he got a job! As always, God's timing was interesting - last minute, but impeccable. He'll be putting his Psychology degree to use for a little while longer, working for Los Angeles' Union Rescue Mission. As a social worker, he primarily helps support women and their children who are looking to rebuild their lives and families. Though it isn't film industry work (these things take time), it's raw, rewarding and a picture of real life. And I'm proud of Zach because he is gifted at working with people. Now that I work in a very "Corporate America" environment, I have come to realize a few things. Being intelligent, charismatic and smart is helpful, but people with character, quiet confidence (not arrogance) and value for their "fellow man" is what makes someone successful in today's working world. Zach and I use our faith in Jesus as the foundation for these convictions.

Our last few months have been mostly working and settling into the groove of our life and marriage. But we have had some fun times! Here are pictures to prove it.

October

Some friends from church introduced us to Korean BBQ. The sesame noodles, the crisp vegetables, the variety of marinated meats. We fell in love with food all over again.

We visited the Griffith Observatory one night. http://www.griffithobs.org/ Once a month they have a Star Party where local amateur astronomers let visitors peek through their telescopes.

A lovely sunset atop the hill. Pay no attention to the smog.

November

Me and my museum fetish. Zach and I went to the Getty Museum on a particularly sunny day. We saw treasures from the Canterbury Cathedral and perused some famous art. Aren't we cultured? http://www.getty.edu/museum/

My mom and dad came to LA to celebrate Thanksgiving, my birthday (which happened to be on Thanksgiving), and Zach's birthday! We introduced them to some delicious Armenian food the first night they arrived.

Porto's had some pretty neat Thanksgiving treats. As much as I wanted that turkey cake, we were there for a birthday cake!

Thanksgiving dinner at Ruth's Chris.

Our apartment benefited from Mom and Dad's visit, too. Though I admit the apartment had been pretty drab since we moved in, I knew better than to try to decorate without my mom! She helped me rearrange furniture, pick out some new decorations and spice things up a bit. I'm most excited that we're finally displaying our wedding photos.

December

Christmas in a corner.

The nearby Americana was decked out for Christmas. Fake snow and all. Natalie, my old college friend, roomie and bridesmaid came for a visit one weekend in December. Though no pictures exist of those two days, you'll have to take my word for it.

We were blessed to be home for Christmas. This was a special one, since my entire immediate family was together for Christmas for the first time in about five years! But there have been five additions since then! Zach is one of them. The other four are babies: Colton, Hudson, Declan and Daphne.

Like always, we ate like kings and queens. Who makes the best fish tacos? My mom.

These cousins watched a lot of Frosty the Snowman. Colton (left) and Declan (right).

My brothers and their babies. Brother-in-Law, Jason, with Daphne and brother, Tyler, with Hudson.

Mom and Hudson.

Silly Uncle Zach.

Zach is rubbing off on Declan.

My parents and their newest grandbabies.

Christmas morning fun. That's my pretty sister in blue.

And that's my sis-in-law in pink!

Christmas morning story.

My dad always takes some nice pictures for us when we come home. Thanks, Dad!

We spent time at the Stratton household as well! My bad for lacking in the picture department again. We had a delicious dinner and watched Silver Linings Playbook. Zach's parents are planning an out-of-state move this year, which means we may be taking a trip to Georgia in the future! It's always bittersweet to leave family after a wonderful time together. But with the sadness comes the knowledge that you have that kind of family.

New Year's Eve is my second favorite holiday (Easter is my first)! No matter your circumstance, you're almost obligated to take at least fifteen minutes to stop and assess. How are things? What were the good things about the past year? What were the not-so-good? What should I do more of? Less of? What can I give up? What can I invite in? So many important questions, with exciting prospects in the answers.

Zach and I did some of our own reflecting this year. Here are some of our 2014 goals worth mentioning:

1) Exercising more. We just invested in a YMCA membership. The facility is literally a 30 second walk away from our front door. Once we made room in our budget, how could we resist? Zach will be enjoying his favorite form of exercising (swimming) this year.

2) Reading more. It's sad to admit that in 2013 I started six different books and did not finish one of them! My attention span was only good for a few things: Work, Mad Men and Pinterest. This year I'm going to focus more on prayer and reading the Bible. Something I was not as diligent about this year, but truly missed.

3) Writing more. Both of us love it. So, why let Facebook and mindlessly browsing the Internet numb our creativity any longer?

Let's talk movies

For whatever reason, Zach and I didn't watch as many movies together these last few months. So, when I asked him what movies we should recommend for this blog post, he started spouting off some titles that he watched solo. As always, use your judgement when choosing a film. If you don't like watching "disturbing but masterful" movies (in Zach's words), then Stoker is probably not for you. But, this list is collaborative. Don't judge a movie by the cover, but also know your limits.

Here are some titles worth your two hours:

Saving Mr. Banks

Carly says: We saw this one on New Year's Eve. Zach called it a crowd-pleaser, and I loved reminiscing and learning about my beloved childhood movie, Mary Poppins.

Prisoners

Zach says: Easily the best film of the year (2013). Morally complex. Excruciatingly suspenseful. Brutal, yet poignant. Best thriller in years.

Stoker

Zach says: Disturbingly good! Alfred Hitchcock would be proud.

Little Women

Carly says: This one makes a great Christmas movie when you need a rest from the classics.

Love Actually

Carly says: Though not a fan of all the story lines, I melt at the final airport scene where friends and families gather and The Beach Boys sing "God Only Knows" in the background.

Zach says: Entertaining and unabashedly sentimental. Love it until the final airport scene. ;)

Dallas Buyers Club

Zach says: A moving and important film. Also quite entertaining for the subject matter (AIDS).

Catching Fire

Carly says: As a lover of the books pre-movie hype, I was quite pleased with this adaptation. More than I was with The Hunger Games.

Zach says: Meh.

Last of the Mohicans

Zach says: A great film worth revisiting or seeing for the first time. Beautiful cinematography and rousing score (Carly can't stop humming it).

The Presence

Zach says: Great, thought provoking film written and directed by my good friend and mentor, Tom Provost.

My Left Foot

Zach says: Incredible true life story of Christy Brown, a talented writer and painter who could only control his left foot. A must see. Daniel Day Lewis won his first (of three) Oscars for his riveting performance.