I Love My Classes!

Every single one of my classes is going to be so fun and challenging at the same time. I am going to learn so much this semester and am already loving what I’m doing!

Drugs and Society: Okay, this class will be a toughie, but the professor is so intelligent. He’s going to hold me accountable for learning everything there is to know and I’ll soak it all in – I’m guessing that is his overall goal. I’ll learn all about the different kinds of drugs (both legal and illegal), their classifications, histories, effects, legal implications, and associated dependencies. It may sound boring to the faint of heart, but I can’t wait!

Diseases of the World: I have the same professor for this class as I do for Drugs, so pretty much the same applies. I’ll get to learn all sorts of fascinating things about the different diseases found around the world – names, signs, symptoms, treatments, prevalence and more! This is great for me because I’m already so interested in the topic and it will be great if when I go to graduate school. The only thing about this class and the one before is that it’s going to be a rough ride with the professor – he schedules his exams on the same days, deducts 3 points from your final average for every absence you have, and the material is going to be very detailed. But I’ll make it. I have to make it.

Communication in the Health Care Context: This is my final communications course to fulfill my minor. This is basically the course that made me choose to become a communications minor. The professor is very qualified (PhD and has taught at a school of public health), interesting, and has already surprisingly delivered new information to me. Plus, I get to write a huge paper on designing a health promotion campaign of my choosing. How exciting to put my knowledge to the test and actually end up with a great end product. It’s going to be ten pages, which seems pretty ambitious, but I’m pretty excited about it. I might post it when I’m done. We’ll see….

Grant Writing: Not many universities have a class that prepares undergraduate students for writing grant proposals. I am fortunate to attend a school that does have this class and I plan to take full advantage of it. I get to select a health problem or insufficiency in the real world and write a proposal document the obtain funding for the project. It’s going to be another massive paper that will take me literally all semester to write. However, this experience and feedback will be invaluable to my future success. Plus, again, I get to put all of my knowledge together into a wonderful end product. Perhaps I’ll post this one too?

Health Promotion in the Workplace: Okay, let’s be honest… This is not my favorite course of the semester. It’s about the need, importance, and program designing in places of work. Don’t get me wrong, I already am learning about how important this area of health really is, but it’s kind of a snooze fest. It’s an online course, which makes it that much more daunting. But, it’s culminating all of the things I’ve learned and it’s better than having to take a non-health class.

I feel like this semester is finally the semester in which I get to only worry about health, and health alone. I’m immersed in the area I love most and get to learn even more about making a difference in the world. I may sound like the biggest nerd ever, but I love health!

Howdy Stranger

Oh wow, that was a long time without a post. I do appologize greatly for not keeping all of you better informed on my life and its adventures.

This past weekend was fun and relaxing. I watched a 3A high school football game and got to spend much needed time with my sisters and grandparents. I had a great weekend before the craziness of school and social events take over my next two months.

So what do I have planned this week? Well, a whole lot of nothing. I really am just going to try to get ahead in reading and homework so that I don't have to do all of that on the weekends - mainly because I won't have time to.

This weekend is Samantha's Bachelorette party. I am way excited about it and can't wait to have a girls night in downtown Fort Worth. I still can't believe she's getting married in just over a month! Holy cow!

P.S. Engagement pictures and final word on the wedding date will come soon. I'll let you know when I do!!!
P.P.S. I don't know what I was thinking with the last post - Regalado baby gets dubbed a boy or a girl this Friday, and not next.

Time For Another Countdown

Why not? The biggest gap between events is 14 days! That’s so crazy! I have so much to look forward to in the coming weeks and months. I love my life!

3 DAYS – LAST SEMESTER BEGINS

7 DAYS – PICK UP VEIL AND SHOES

8 DAYS – SAMANTHA’S BACHELORETTE PARTY

12 DAYS – DEADLINE TO HEAR BACK FROM UNT

14 DAYS – REGALADO BABY’S SEX IS FOUND OUT!

15 DAYS – TEAS TEST FOR NURSING SCHOOL

16 DAYS – 6 YEARS WITH THE LOVE OF MY LIFE

21 DAYS – FIGHTIN TEXAS AGGIE RING

26 DAYS – 22ND BIRTHDAY

36 DAYS – SAMANTHA’S WEDDING

43 DAYS – ARKANSAS FOOTBALL GAME IN ARLINGTON WITH THE GIRLS

50 DAYS – CHES EXAM

57 DAYS – BRIDAL PARTY FITTING

First Dance Songs

Tonight I got bored and decided to start searching through the massive compiled lists of ideas given via google for Phillip and I’s first dance. I only tried for about half an hour and got exhausted. I always thought I knew what we would dance to but now I’m really not that sure. It’s just that I’m now able to envision the day more since we have a venue and I have my dress picked out. For some reason, the song just isn’t meshing with it. And I’d hate to pick a song and not feel it in that moment.

So here’s where you guys come in. You know, all ten of you who actually read my blog. I need ideas!! I’m going to put a big list together and have Phillip pick from my top ten or so – let’s face it, that’s the best way to get Phillip’s input in this. I’ll list the songs I have so far. I’m looking for songs that are classic, timeless, slow, but not cliché. Give me feedback and suggestions!

Give Me Forever – John Tesh [This one I just heard for the first time.]

Can’t Help Falling In Love – Andrea Bocelli and Katharine McPhee [A great remix of a classic.]

Unforgettable – Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole [Timeless and romantic.]

When God Made You – Natalie Grant and Newsong [I love how deep this song is.]

Weekend Plans

So after being on the fence about what this weekend was going to hold, I have reached a decision. I will be headed to Austin tomorrow after work to stay the night with Heather. Then on Saturday morning, I will meet my parents and other sister at my grandparents' house for the day. Saturday night is watching my future step-nephew's high school football game in Belton and spending the night either in Austin again or in Georgetown. Then there will be brunch on Sunday and heading back to College Station to get ready for school. Phew. That was a lot of words.

I made my grandmother's chicken salad for lunch today. It was a success. Last night's homemade donuts. Also a success. Last night's asian noodle stir fry. Not so much. Two out of three isn't bad, right?

My veil and my shoes are ready to be picked up! Hooray! I get to see them and keep them forever starting next weekend. I am more excited about this than I had orginally thought I would be. My veil is soooo pretty. I can't wait for all of you to see it.

We're still waiting on the engagement pictures.... They're supposed to be ready any day now....

Also, I got an email yesterday from UNT's Health Science Center. They will make an "admissions decision in 1-2 weeks." I'm kind of anxious, excited, and nervous all at the same time. It's just so final.

Just Another Day at the Office

Today I came to work early for an event and am staying an extra hour on top of that. I'd say that'll make for a nice paycheck later on. But starting at 3:00, it'll be the other student worker and me alone until we close up at 5:00.

So what will I do today? There is absolutely nothing going on in the office and no projects to work on - and I have 3 1/2 more hours of this!?

Maybe I can talk the other girl into letting me leave early since I came in early...

No Money, No Fiance, No Class

I currently have like $0 to my name. My financial aid refund should have gone through this past Saturday but now they're saying it'll be more like this coming Saturday. This is very disappointing. The only thing saving me is a paycheck coming Friday. At least I'll be guaranteed a fun weekend and shopping for school supplies.

Phillip left today. I'm sorry for not updating much. That tends to happen when I'm with him. We had so much fun hanging around the house, trying new restaurants, and playing tons of wii games. Pretty much, he is the best at everything wii except boxing and a spray painting game on Mario Party.

Classes begin this coming Monday. It seems so far away, basically because it is. Everyone else in the state of Texas starts this week. But not us. I like the extra week, but at the same time, I'm anxious to start my last group of classes already.

As always, I'll keep you posted.

Waiting For Him to Get Up

Yeah. I’ve been up for nearly an hour and a half and he’s still sleeping. I am hungry and also ready to go out and run some errands. But he sleeps soundly. I had a pretty rough night’s sleep. But not him. Apparently this is the best sleep he’s gotten in months – at least that’s what the quiet snoring is telling me.

So now I sit in boredom on the beautiful chest at the end of my bed. About to drink a cup of coffee and surf the internet some more. Such is life. In all honesty though, I can’t wait until we get to do this every weekend.

P.S. Today is freshmen move-in day. Hooray for crowded streets, stores, and restaurants.

P.P.S. Cameron’s brother is getting married June 24th – this means Cameron will still be able to be in our wedding!! I am so relieved and excited about this! In the words of Phillip’s mom “how could we have a wedding without Cameron?”

On His Way!

He’ll be here in about 3 or 3 1/2 hours. I can’t wait for him to get here. I love it when he comes to visit me because we get so much more us time when he comes down. We don’t have anything pressing to do and nobody to see. It’s so relaxing.

The plan is to go clothes shopping in the tax-free weekend crowd, go to dinner, and then spend the evening hanging out tonight. Tomorrow, Monday, and Tuesday there are absolutely no plans. I think we’re going to play a fun game with Tabitha and Cody, but that’s not necessarily an obligation – more of a fun and relaxing night.

Another Butt Kicking Brought to You by Shauna Mennis

So as you can tell from recent entries, I've kind of been in a weird mood lately about this being my last semester and all. I've been so worried about waking up one day years from now and regretting speeding through these "golden years". It's not that I want to stay here longer, because everyone knows how anxious I am to start my new life with a wonderful guy. But I want to make sure I've spent my time here wisely. The nostalgia has set in.

But then I talked to Shauna.

She made me feel better and said exactly what I needed to hear. The reason I feel like I'm doing things the unorthodoxed way or that I might be doing things wrong is because no one else around me is going through this. No one else has a future so in-reach like me. I'm just doing things differently - not wrong.

She has made a good point about the college years. They aren't meant to be a lengthy and drawn out period in my life. They should be a stepping stone and not an era. I refuse to let my college years be the peak of my life. There are too many good things to come.

Ode to Being a Housewife

I got off of work at 5:00. I drove straight home and checked the mail – Better Homes and Gardens came! I then changed from my work clothes into something more comfortable, and proceeded to make and clean-up dinner (spaghetti and buttered toast). All of this was done before 5:45. Yes, I feel like a housewife, and yes, I really feel like I could do this in the future!

Mixed Up

I have a whole lot of mixed emotions right now. I’m excited for school to start, but dreading the work that always comes with it. I’m wanting all of my friends’ problems to work out and am optimistic about it, but at the same time, I’m worried they’ll get hurt.

Overall I’m loving life currently. I’m having a great cup of coffee with the blinds open to the sunshine, and listening to James Taylor radio. I have a good shopping list going for this weekend and I might even venture out into tax-free weekend crowds to buy some cheap school clothes – after all, I have also received wonderful coupons in the mail…. $15 off a $30 purchase!? I think so!

I only have 4 months until graduation, and 1 month until I get my aggie ring. I’m about to go apply for graduation after I finish this entry up. There is also only a month and a half left before Samantha’s wedding and officially 10 months or less left until Phillip and I’s wedding. So many things to look forward to and yet I feel a little anxious and nervous because the future is finally here.

I don’t want to rush through the last 4 months before graduation and need to enjoy these last 10 months of being engaged. That’s hard for me, but I know I’ll feel like something is missing if I don’t. I’ve been waiting to start living for so long, and it’s time I get out there and do it!

The Calm Before the Storm

Around College Station, I’ve noticed the steady stream of returning students. Some are moving out after this past week’s graduation ceremonies, but most are coming in to greet the new school year and settle into their new humble abodes.

Needless to say, life has been breathed back into this town. However, the real hustle and bustle will come this Sunday – dorm move-in day. It’s going to be one crazy town. I full plan on staying in the whole day and quite possibly through the next as well. [Side note: I am so glad I’m not moving into a dorm this week… I get to stay put in my wonderful apartment I love so much.]

Ahh yes, so I get to enjoy this calm before the storm of new students and parents that can’t drive. Tomorrow I plan on sleeping in again and sipping on my morning coffee as I relax before a short day of work. This is the life. :]

Home Sweet College Station

Yep folks, I'm back in College Station. It was a great trip home, but it's time to start another semester.

I have to admit, I love the start of a new school year. There's excitement everywhere, the city doesn't feel so empty anymore, and my friends come back in town. I love this small break before classes start where we don't have anything pressing to do and it's just relaxing. It's my favorite part of being a college student!

This semester begins my last semester at Texas A&M University. I'm sure I'll write many more in depth posts in the future about closing this chapter in my life, but today I'm kind of nervous/excited. I'm about to end an era. I will never come back to this feeling and never come back to school in this place. It's so final. So excited. So adventurous.

4 more months and I'm done with my undergraduate career. 4 more months and I'll never have to leave him again. 4 more months and I'll be saying goodbye to a city that has been pretty good to me. 4 more months and I'll have to use everything it has taught me.

Nightmare

Last night / this morning I had a terrible dream. It was easily the worst dream I have ever had. Period. Basically, it involved Phillip living a double life this entire time we’ve been together. He had been cheating on me practically the whole time and didn’t want to get married anymore.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe this in the slightest bit. It was just sad and I was very happy to wake up. I called Phillip for comfort – and quickly remembered why it is I don’t call him to wake him up when I have bad dreams. Oh well. That’s why they’re dreams and not reality.

Flounder

Today was a very fun day. My parents, Samantha, Jeremy, Phillip, and me went to Main Event to play games and have drinks. Phillip and I got to spend some quality time together and I had a blast with him. Yes, we still have loads of fun together.
Afterwards we all went to Red Lobster for dinner. Phillip tried fried flounder! Can you believe it!? The pickiest eater in the entire world ate flounder for me – and didn’t completely hate it! He’s such a trooper. I have made him try a handful of new foods and he’s been so good about humoring me long enough to take a bite. Hopefully this is a preview for our future fights with our future children about eating their vegetables.

Big Sister is Coming Today!!

She and my nephew will be here in less than an hour. I haven’t seen them in so long. I’m ready to catch up and have a good weekend. She has a wedding dress fitting tomorrow morning (yay!) and today we’ll just hang around and celebrate Jeremy and my mom’s birthdays.

A Short Life Well Lived

Tonight Phillip’s parents sat us down to deliver news of an unexpected loss. Our friends lost a dear part of their family. He was someone I had the pleasure of meeting a few times but had never really gotten to know too too well. But what I did know, I liked.

He was our age. He was young and had his whole life ahead of him – and a life with her ahead of him. It just hits you when someone you know – no matter how well – passes away. Especially if you can identify with them. She lost her love.

I couldn’t bear it, that’s for sure. Anyone who knows me knows that I do not cry a tear unless it’s about Phillip. He is my weakness. Shoot. I’m even tearing up thinking about ever having a life without him. He is my soulmate, best friend, cheer leader, and so much more.

I can't even begin to imagine her loss. My heart goes out to her. My prayers are lifted for her. My thoughts are centered around her. Please God, show her your plan so that the pain felt now can somehow be managed. She needs you.

Tonight there will be no bickering with Phillip about silly things. There will be no bringing up the past or worrying about the future. No. I am not taking him for granted tonight. Living by the moment is the only option because you never know when the day might be your last.

Cheers to the Future!

1.Grad School: I finished my statement of purpose (finally) and submitted my application to UNT’s Health Science Center in downtown Fort Worth. Hopefully they’ll accept me and I’ll have the option to become a fancy epidemiologist. It was the most complicated application I have ever filled out and I’m certainly glad it’s over.

2.Nursing School: Today I got my final vaccination, sent that paperwork off, and signed up for an exam. I had to sign up for it in person, but luckily it wasn’t that expensive and I get to take it on the day I wanted to. Yay for having all of that finished too!

3.Bridal Party Fitting: Today my bridal party got their invitations from the bridal salon I bought my wedding dress at. It’s actually a pretty invitation and they did such a good job! All I had to do was set up the appointment for all of them to try on dresses – and see me in my dress – and send them addresses of who all I wanted to go and the salon did the rest! I’m so lucky I found me dream dress at such a fantastic place.

4.CHES: I also signed up for the CHES exam. It is the standardized test given across the nation for Certified Health Education Specialists and it’s pretty much required for me to enter the field of health education (aka use my degree).

4.Countdown to Future Events: I have so many things to look forward to in the next six months, and even in the next ten months. I’ll give you a little sampling…

Fall Semester Begins: 16 days

Samantha’s Bachelorette Party: 21 days

TEAS Exam: 28 days

Ring Day: 1 month 3 days

Samantha’s Wedding: 1 month 19 days

CHES Exam: 2 months 2 days

Bridal Party Fitting: 2 months 9 days

Thanksgiving/Pick-Up Wedding Dress: 3 months 11 days

Graduation: 4 months 3 days

Almost Done

I am so close to having all of my applications done and turned in! I wrote my statement of purpose finally and sent it to my boss to look over. After she’s finished, I’ll make her recommended corrections and additions. Then, it’s blasting it to anyone and everyone to edit. I want this thing to be perfect. It’ll be turned in tomorrow and my grad school application will officially be done.

I got my necessary titers and tests for nursing school earlier this week. Once they call me back some time today, I’ll be able to schedule any vaccines I still need and get my paperwork signed off. I also have to go in person to sign up for the TEAS test at TCC. Once both of those are completed, I’m done with that application too. Yay!

After all of this is done this week, I’ll just sit around playing the waiting game until around November. Then my life plan will be decided and I can start figuring out what January has in store for me: nursing school, grad school, or work. I’m glad it’ll all be done before the fall semester starts. Hooray!

Errands

You know, I hate running certain errands, like getting the oil changed. However, when I am with Phillip, for some reason, it’s fun. It kind of feels like a date and time doesn’t drag on in a waiting room. It’s weird but somehow it makes sense to me.

Today we got his oil changed and inspection taken care of. We dropped the car off and walked over to Taco Bueno for lunch (yummm!). Afterwards, we waited a bit longer at the shop and then picked up his mom to go look at our church. She loved it!!!

Now that I have seen the ‘little’ chapel I have so much more design inspiration. There’s a lot I can go ahead and get taken care of! Awesome!!! I can’t wait!

P.S. We could possibly be getting married 10 months from today! So exciting!

Much Better Now

Phillip and I have finally gotten to spend some much needed time together since my last entry. Last night we hung out a little and today we’ve been together since 3:00. We will most likely be spending the rest of the time I have here together. I sure do love that guy and wouldn’t trade him for anything in this world.

So what are our plans you ask? Well, we went swimming earlier and now he’s working on some homework. At 7:00, we’re heading to Buffalo Wild Wings for some dinner and to watch the Ranger game. After that, who knows. But tomorrow we’re running errands and taking his mom to see the church we want to get married in. To tell you the truth, I can’t wait to see it again either! :)

Sorry I don’t update as much when I’m home as I do when I’m at school… I’m afraid I have quite a big distraction while I’m here named Phillip. Until next time!

I Miss My Fiance

We are in the same town and I feel like I’m back in College Station. We’ve hung out here and there but it sure has felt like we haven’t. This stinks. I miss him and want to see him. :(

Swimming Pool

I love swimming! I always have and always will, but these past two days I have spent the entire day in the pool. It has been glorious. Phillip doesn’t care for swimming, so consequently I have not seen much of him during the day time. And today he spent the whole day with friends. Hmm. Maybe sometime soon we’ll actually get to have a date night with just the two of us? I miss him and feel like I’ve hardly seen him. :(

Tomorrow I’m running errands. All I want to do is stay all day in my pajamas. Maybe that’ll happen on Tuesday? I’ll keep you posted.

Waiting Up

Heather has decided to come home tonight instead of tomorrow morning. Guess what this means? Yep, I’m staying up until she gets here. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to see her, but I’m also really tired. I want to go to sleep. :(

Love Home!

Sitting at my kitchen table at home. Enjoying my first cup of coffee (might have two cups today) and surfing the internet. Next will be going through my two bridal magazines and the IKEA catalog. Bailey’s in the chair to my left. I am enjoying every minute of this and loving being home. No studying, no worrying, just loving life and relaxing.

On The Road Again, Just Can't Wait To Get On The Road Again

I'm leaving here at precisely 5:05 after I walk to my car after work. No stopping for gas this time - going straight through!

I'm ready to be home. Classes are over which I am beyond excited about and it's about time I have a relaxing summer with what little is left. 3 weeks of summer! Woohoo! Then a great fall semester with friends in town and fun weekends planned.

I'm stoked! :D

I Love You, a Bushel and a Peck

I love him soooo much. He is my everything and I really can’t wait to see him tomorrow night. I want to jump into his arms and feel his wonderful bear hug around me. I will never be able to get another hug as good as his. He is the best hugger ever. :)

Tomorrow night I head home for a fantastic week. I will have some pesky errands to run during it, but for the most part, I get to spend time by the pool,  hang out with my love, and see my friends I haven’t seen in a while. I can’t wait!

And when I get back to College Station, my other friends will be in town! Yay!!! :)

So many things to look forward to!

P.S. I was looking at my calendar today and I only have 2 free weekends in September and October. Busy months!!! I’m so excited that my life is finally taking off!!!

P.P.S. My final reference is in! Woohooo!!! Only statement of purpose to go!!! [see previous post about those details]

Full Plate

The next 24 hours are going to be so hectic and busy. I hardly have enough time to do anything!

I will be studying for one exam and taking it, then finishing up a study guide for my exam tomorrow and studying for it. Then I have to do laundry, clean, and pack to leave for a week. At some point I need to pick up my prescription too. It doesn't sound like much, but holy cow, those all are time-consuming activities.

I'll proably be seeing you again in 24 hours. Adios.

Statement of Purpose

I'm almost finished with all of my applications and such. It'll be a great feeling when it is finally all done and out of my hands. For nursing school, I just need some immunizations and to sign up (and take) a test. And for grad school, all I need is for one of my references to complete her end, and then I need to write my statement of purpose.

Yes. Statement of purpose. What does that mean? Well, basically I have to sum up how I feel about health, why I want a career in health, and why that grad school should pick me over the other health nuts applying. I know you might be thinking "hey, that sounds easy!" But it's not.

That's like asking a preacher to summarize and explain the importance of the bible in two pages. Or, how about asking a politician what they want to change when they get in office? Do you think that Picasso could have put into two pages of words his passion for painting? This is so impossbile.

Not to mention, there's so much pressure involved. Not only does this essay need to reflect me as a student and health enthusiast, but also as a person. It needs to be flawless and perfect. This could be the difference between acceptance and decline.

So where do I begin? I have no idea. My boss helped me kind of draft an outline, and I suppose I'll search around the internet for some tips. Then I'll write my statement and have about a million people look over it. I NEED this statement to be me in two page form.

Hot

This Texas heat has got to go. I get exhausted just looking outside. All I want to do is go swimming but I don't have the time or someone to go with. Today I spent 2 hours walking accross campus in the heat with limited indoor A/C. I am drenched in sweat and need a shower. Don't worry, a shower is first on my list as soon as I get back to the apartment.

My exam this afternoon went okay. I don't think I made a 95 like I wanted to, but we'll see. There's always a chance! I'll keep you posted. Tonight I'm making two study guides and studying for my microbiology lab exam that's at 8:30 am.

Almost done!

Just Keep Swimming!

I need to find more motivation. I mustered up a lot tonight to write my lab report and compile a study guide for my exam tomorrow, but I’m afraid I’m still running out of fuel. Don’t worry, I’ll still make all of you proud, I just might have to try extremely hard to do it.

Tomorrow I have my Environmental Health final at 2:00pm. I’m nervous about this one because I don’t have a cushion and would looooove to get a 95 on it. Microbiology lab final is at 8:30am Thursday. I feel like it will be more difficult than I think it will be – it covers a lot of material since we haven’t had an exam in there in two weeks – but it counts the least. Thursday night at 6:00pm I have my Sexuality final exam. This is the one I have the most natural knowledge in (thank you work!) but I’m afraid I’m overestimating myself. And finally, Friday at 12:00pm is my last final of the summer session – Microbiology lecture. It is comprehensive and covers 14 chapters. Yikes! I need a 50 to make a B in the course and a 100 for an A. I’m hoping for the latter, but realistically knowing that I have a nice cushion to get a B. Bs are great for me!! :D

Off to bed for the night.

P.S. I have found that listening to spa music while writing/studying makes me feel more relaxed about the material and also feel like I am in a spa. Bonus.

Quick Update!

I'm almost out of work for the day, but figured I'd post real quick so I can get to work as soon as I get home - so much to do!! I have to catch up on my lab notebook, complete prelab questions, write a lab report, make a study guide for environmental health, and breathe somewhere in there. We'll see how this goes.

Only three more early mornings left to go!! :)

People Pleaser

I don’t know if I have mentioned this previously, but the salon I ordered my dress at has a complimentary “bridal party” they will do for me. At this party, all of my bridesmaids get to come out and see me in my dress as well as try on all sort of bridesmaid dress styles. There’s wine and appetizers and an all-around good time.

Well the tricky part about all of this is finding a date that works with everyone – which I am finding is rather difficult. The dresses need to be ordered by the beginning of November so there’s enough time in case any unforeseen mishaps occur. I’ve given all of the Saturdays I am available out to my girls to see what they think. So far, not so good. It’s already looking like one or two won’t be able to make it – and I haven’t even heard back from one of them yet.

So tonight I kind of had a breakdown. This has been coming for quite some time, seeing as I have been under so much stress and am pretty sad lately. Luckily, Shauna happened to facebook chat me right as it all started crumbling and the tears started flowing. She talked me through it.

I like to think that I go out on a limb for people and will go out of my way and stop at nothing to do whatever it is that they want me or need me to do. Sometimes this is to a fault. I want to be dependable and strong and always there at a moment’s notice. This is particularly seen when it comes to these bridesmaid dresses. I am so concerned with what everyone else wants and how much everyone else is wanting to spend. I want to make sure every single one of my bridesmaids is overly joyed with every aspect of the dress.

Shauna basically gave me a swift kick (that I needed) by reminding me that it’s my day and I should be the one with the final say in the dresses. She said that I should be able to pick a dress that I am overly joyed with every aspect of and that all of the girls should be happy because it is my day and not theirs. This idea struck me as something that was wrong, but after thinking about it, she’s kind of right.

I think about all of these girls and their weddings in the future. If I am a bridesmaid for their (or any of my other wonderful girl friends’) weddings, I will go in completely expecting to have a dress hand-selected for me with no questions asked. I would expect to have to shell out money for a dress I am not 100% pleased with for the sake of it being her day. Why can’t I expect that out of them?

I mean, obviously I am not going to look for some hideous dress nobody likes and some outrageously expensive price tag, but there’s not need for me to go searching for a one-size-fits-all dress that every single girls will like with her whole heart. I mean, let’s face it, that’s nearly impossible with six girls wearing them and another three plus women weighing in.

Maybe Shauna’s right. Maybe I need to realize that this is my big day (and Phillip’s too of course) and that we are allowed to be a little selfish. I need to stop giving everyone such a huge voice and focus on the only two people’s that matter – Phillip and me. Sorry if this sounds selfish, I just want to be less stressed. There I go apologizing again…

And if stressing less means making more selfish decisions, I need to swallow my pride and do it.

Nursing School and Grad School = BIG WEEK!

Not only do I have four final exams this week, but I am applying to Nursing School and Grad School! Yay!!!

Today I got all of the materials together for TCC’s Nursing Program, since the application was released today. All it needs is a transcript that is already in the mail and I’m good to go! It’ll be so exciting to have it all turned in and have the ball in someone else’s court for once.

This week is also Grad School application week! I have been working on it throughout the summer, but this week I should be able to finish it. The first deadline isn’t until August 13, so I have some time but I want to finish it early. All I have left is to send the application fee in the mail, make sure my references are finished, and submit a statement of purpose. That last one will be an ordeal and may not get finished this week but at least the rest will.

I’m almost done and then I can relax and wait for hopefully one of them to accept me. I’ll definitely keep you posted!