Apartment search

Wow craigslist is officially getting more attention these days then my fiancé!! We have been scouring the web for any and all two bedrooms and it's been rough! Finally last night I saw two hopeful units...one is in the "tendernob" or the "Polk gulch" as Amy taught me today. The other one is next door to all our friends in "NOGA" but off a very busy street. The noga one is simply fantastic, but outside our budget. All this apartment hunting makes me wonder how you put a price on "home life"....and the impact on your experience living in an urban city. Proximity to groceries, parking, close friends in san Francisco may be invaluable! Pray for our decision in the coming days as we choose our official first home together....I will keep you updated as I travel around the world!

Around and around

So its official, we're crazy! We just returned from a whirlwind trip around the northern america continent....st. paul, MN, orlando, FL, hilton head, SC and montreal, Canada. It was a blast and we loved spending time with all our friends along the way!  Congratulations to Paolo and Laura as well as Kathy and George for their fantastic wedding ceremonies...we are sooo happy for y'all! Here are the pics:

http://picasaweb.google.com/tiffanykirby33/BrandonAndTiffSNorthAmericaTour2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCL7to_CZhbfy6gE&feat=directlink

Tiffany "Mary"

I forgot to write back to you all about what Saint name I chose!  I chose Mary (Theotokos), "Joy to All Who Suffer". Mary is also a special name to the Gantus family as both Brandon's grandmother (Maryann) and sister (Mariana) bear the saint name. The chrismation (similar to a confirmation) was a wonderful day - thank you to Father George, Deena, and Mr. & Mrs. Gantus!

Photo of Fairmont standard room

Fun fact of the day: The Fairmont San Francisco standard king room is nice and big because when it was first built everyone needed room for their trunks to be stored!  We are excited to have this as our feature hotel not only because it is where the reception is held, but also because it is a traditional icon of SF!

Make sure to book your rooms early because they release wedding holds in mid-September. :)

At least someone is practicing!

I should probably take some lessons from our adorable flower girl who apparently has been practicing over and over again for the big day!  Her precious mom sent over a sneak peak today....I already feel blessed with the talent we chose. :)

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/bcb90984134531f0ff5396092f5d283e/video/15557087

Save the Date videos...now that's one way to do it!

With the advancement of technology it is so wonderful to see people get creative with their wedding ideas. This save the date video has to be the most original I've seen!  Its about 3 minutes...the best part is toward the end. We opted for a more traditional card sent to our out-of-town guests, but I love the video idea too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Db8ydeWFQE&feature=player_embedded

Are you named after a Saint?

I want to share with you some exciting news. After months of prayer, studying and reflection, I've decided to become an Orthodox Christian this Sunday.Over the past fourteen months, I've met often with our priest, Father George, to answer many questions...and boy do I have many!! I think even Brandon (a "cradle" Orthodox) has learned a thing or two :)  Both our families have been a tremendous support. Brandon's parents have seen me through it all, from my first Orthodox Easter to "retreating" to the annual Church convention! These experiences of ancient Christian faith have given me fresh perspective on my journey with Christ. This is a slow journey, filled with wonder and delight...and it's only the beginning!

 Mr. and Mrs. Gantus have graciously agreed to be my Sponsors, and I will be also choosing a Saints name in the coming days which represents someone whose intercessions uphold my faith and spiritual efforts. I have had so many wonderful suggestions of Saints names - I almost can't believe it!  So...here are the current suggestions - anyone have a vote?

Saint Lucia (mom)
Saint Theophano (Curt, he actually researched that this is where the name "Tiffany" is from!)
St. Francis (Laura, Susan)
St. Mary (Heather)
St. Ann (Deena)
St. Theresa of Avila (Kresten)
St. Sophia (I happen to like this one!)
St. Sylvia (Lindsay)
St. Kyra, St. Barbara, St. Anastasia, St. Philothea (Brandon)
And last but not least....St. Nick! This was the sweetest one of all, from my step-dad, John, he says:
"This could be your mother! I vote for her! St.Nick(a)la.  Not only does your mom pray for you, but she also sleeps with the homeless(last night) and prays for them(they need it). And she takes food to the sick; brings joy to the down hearted; I could go on, but she thinks I go on to much."

Their love for each other continues to amaze me each day!! He also suggests perhaps I pick more then one or pick a new Saint to interceed every year.  How cool is that. They really do have amazing stories...

Female saints:
http://www.antiochian.org/AW-WomenSaints