Under the Radar

I am aware it has been an awful long time since I’ve posted a blog entry. I am so sorry to all of you for keeping you in the dark when it comes to my life. A full and random update is in order!

The DJ appointment went better than great. We booked him!! He is the perfect fit for what we are going for. He will be fun but extremely professional and will take our reception from perfect to epic. Be prepared. You will be blown away, as we have. Special props to my friend, Emily Geeslin, for the recommendation.

Manda’s baby shower was great too. I’m still waiting to hear what she wants for a gift – mine will most likely come after Jaquelyn is born. It was great to see how much love is already being given to that precious baby girl. She has so many people patiently awaiting her arrival and I can’t wait to meet her! As a side note, all of the cute baby clothes and goodies made me baby crazy again. Don’t worry though, Phillip and I are a long way away from being ready for a family. But still, it made me slightly jealous to think of the gift the Regalados will get come January.

I was exhausted yesterday. I decided to stay an extra night in Bedford to avoid the crazy traffic that was already piling up on I35 by noon Sunday. So I made the trek at 5:20 yesterday morning. Needless to say, I was in bed before 10 and asleep shortly thereafter. I haven’t been that tired in a very long time. I’m still feeling residual tired effects.

Well there it was. I would post more, but my fingers are already hurt. School is wrapping up and senioritis is in full swing. I’d say I’m in stage 4 of the sickness with a terrible prognosis until December 18th. In less than three weeks, I will be home for good, bachelor’s degree in hand.

Still no word from SMU… Supposed to hear some time this week…

6 months, 11 days, 19 hours, 35 minutes

Successful Thanksgiving

Yesterday was probably the best Thanksgiving I have ever had. It was so relaxing and fun. Not a dull moment and not a bad thought. It was great!

At noon, I had thanksgiving lunch with Phillip, his parents, and Tabo. It was nice to have a small intimate meal before the craziness of my house. Afterwards we came over to my house for a second lunch and stayed for the rest of the evening. And last night, all of our family friends came over for our unofficial annual post-meal football watching and hanging out.

It was a great day. Our wedding registries are officially ready to be viewed/purchased from. We might be adding more items as it hopefully gets depleted. But it’s ready. Today I have an eye appointment at 11:45, then we’re rushing off to Dallas for a meeting with a potential DJ at 1:30. I’ll let you know how it goes.

6 months, 16 days 8 hours, 20 minutes

We Came, We Saw, We Registered

Today was absolutely exhausting but so much fun. Phillip and I got a whole lot done and are proud of our selections. As previously mentioned, our registries are not 100% finished until we sit down and adjust quantities and delete duplicates. However, it is nearing completion. I can’t wait to see what all we get for our future home and wonderful life together. Hooray!

                   

6 months, 17 days, 18 hours, 10 minutes

Home - Current and Future

Guess who drove home last night? Yep. That would be me.

Elephant walk was fun, and so was the Thanksgiving dinner at my apartment. Afterwards, I drove off to avoid some of the terrible traffic on I35. I know what you’re thinking, what about bonfire? Well, due to a burn ban, they did not light the stack. So an executive decision was made within our group to forego this year’s. Therefore, I left at 8:20 last night.

I missed all but 10 minutes worth of traffic, and from Hillsboro on was glorious and free from any congestion. Poor Heather was stuck and her trip of 3 hours was turned into 4 and a half.

So now I sit in my living room after a cup of coffee and a nice shower (with hard water, might I add), about to finish getting ready to go register. I’m excited but nervous at the same time. It’ll be fun to relax and just pick out what we want, but the aftermath of the reality check when we go through them all tomorrow will be exhausting. Tomorrow we’ll sit down with all of our items printed out and really decide our favorites and what Phillip we happened to scan in the heat-of-the-moment.

I’m excited and ready to venture out to Target, Macys, and Crate&Barrel this morning/afternoon. Wish us luck!

6 months, 18 days, 8 hours, 25 minutes (That’s less than 200 days now!!)

Elephants, Turkeys, Fire, and Ice

Tomorrow is Elephant Walk and Bonfire. I'm excited to participate in my final traditions at Texas A&M. It’s kind of bittersweet. I’ll enjoy being a part of the school one last time but also realize what I’ll be missing once I’m gone.

Today was the last day of work for me for a week. I’m sure I’ll be less happy about this when my next paycheck comes, but as of now, I’m excited to have a break. I love my job, but it’s time to have some days off.

My two classes Wednesday have been “cancelled”. I say that because he heavily hinted that he’s not going to count attendance but could not officially say anything because it is against University rules. Therefore, I will be heading home Wednesday morning instead of Wednesday afternoon. This is great because I’ll get an even bigger head start on holiday traffic and will get home even earlier to get a bigger start on the wedding registry. It’s going to be crazy and exhausting.

This week, once I get home, it’s going to get super cold. It’s supposed to be near or below freezing Thursday and Friday. I’m stoke. I love the cold weather and am ready for it to actually feel like winter and the holiday season. Perfect for a fire, cozy socks, a white chocolate peppermint mocha from starbucks, and being surrounded by so many people I love. Did I mention I love Thanksgiving and Christmas!?

6 months, 19 days, 19 hours, 45 minutes

So overdue

Tonight has been perfect. We went to the movies and had olive garden for dinner. Phillip is almost finished with his paper that's due tomorrow. Relaxing the rest of the evening and heading back at 7 am tomorrow.

This has already proved to be well worth the drive and well worth waking up early tomorrow morning. I have missed him terribly and am so glad we got to spend quality time together before entering the realm of family thanksgiving.

Oh and did I mention phillip is now sporting a really really short new hair cut? It's growing on me. :)

6 months, 20 days, 20 hours, 30 minutes

Waco Bound

Phillip has arranged for us to meet in Waco for the evening. I am too excited! It has been three weeks since we last saw each other and that is entirely too long if you ask me.

So at 3:00 I will venture out on highway six for a much needed date night with the most incredible fiancé a girl could ask for.

6 months, 21 days, 6 hours

Breakfast Tacos

So this morning I got to sleep in. I awoke feeling well-rested and started drinking my usually morning cup of coffee. Then it hit me. Hunger. But alas, I get tired of eating granola every day for breakfast and knew there wasn’t much around the apartment to eat for lunch. Therefore, I made the executive decision to jump up out of bed, throw on some clothes and a hat, grab my cup of coffee, and drive to FUEGO for their breakfast tacos. Win. Definitely the best decision I’ve made all day. They were absolutely phenomenal.

On today’s agenda: baby shower shopping (with hopefully more success than yesterday), going to see what this Brazos Valley Craft Show is all about, coffee with Grace, and watching my Aggies BTHO Nebraska while beating the world record for most students at a college football game. It’s a sold out game and they’ve opened up “cowboys-style” standing room only sections. I get a front row view from my couch. Glorious.

6 months, 22 days, 5 hours, 45 minutes

Full Fledged Holiday Season

It's official. I have now entered the holiday season. It is one week until Thanksgiving and one week until the Christmas season can officially begin without judgement. I have Christmas music on right now, it's finally gotten cold in College Station, and my boss has a Christmas scent machine thing going in her office.

Bundling up with a warm Tazo Vanilla Roobius (spelling) Tea Latte and venturing out into the cold just makes it feel like Christmas. Sometimes I want to live further north where it gets cold earlier and snows. However, in Texas it's nice that holiday season starts at the exact time the cold finally arrives. If I moved north, I'd probably start decorating for Christmas in September.

Tonight I will probably bake my apple bread that I've been waiting to make. I finished a final exam last night and am done until December 2nd. This means I have about two weeks of sweet nothingness and wonderful time with family.

My plans for the next week or so? Ok, I'll give you the lowdown:

Monday: Class and Work.
This will be nothing special, but I suppose getting through it will make me that much more thankful for a break.

Tuesday: Elephant Walk and Thanksgiving Dinner and Bonfire.
I participated in Junior Elephant Walk last year. It was the celebration and recognition of the Junior class rising to become the Senior class. We walked around campus to key spots to get the spirit up. This year, for Elephant Walk (which Jr. E-Walk sprouted from), we will be walking to key spots again, for the ceremonious last time in our years here at Texas A&M. Elephants walk to their most memorable spots before they die. This is the symbolism for the day.

Tabitha, Grace, Emily, and myself will also be celebrating Thanksgiving together Tueday night. I'm making scalloped sweet potatoes and stuffing balls. Grace is making green bean casserole and some pies. Tabitha and Emily are still undecided but it'll all come together. I'm excited to get to have a pre-Thanksgiving celebration with the best girls I've had in college.

After dinner, we'll go to the off campus bonfire. They moved it off campus after the university-recognized bonfire collapsed on campus (exactly 11 years ago today). I haven't been to bonfire since I've been here, so I figured this year would be perfect, seeing as it is my last opportunity to attend at a student.

Wednesday: Two Classes and Driving Home and Wedding Registry.
My two classes are still meeting. It's ridiculous. Almost everyone cancels class the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. But my notorious professor is definitely keeping us in attendance. Therefore, I'll be leaving right after the second class, and should be home by about 3:30 or so, pending traffic. Phillip and I are taking on the monstrous task of registering that night. We'll see how that goes.

Thursday: Thanksgiving.
Samantha, Gary, and Jeremy will be joining us, as well as Phillip, for a yummy traditional meal. It's always really relaxed but still festive. I love that we don't make a huge fuss and don't have some intricate time table. We'll eat around the time the Cowboys game starts, and most likely the Morrisons will join us for dessert and hanging out. And yes, wine will be involved.

Friday: Eye Appointment and DJ Interviewing and More.
I have to get my eyes examined for new contacts. It has to be done. Then afterwards, Phillip, Heather, and I are going to Dallas to meet with a DJ. Hopefully he's as good in person as he seems and as good as his reviews from credible sources. The rest of the day will be just hanging out with the family and maybe Christmas decorating/light looking. [Or, as Tabitha calls it, "Christmas Lighting."]

Saturday: Baby Jaquelyn's Baby Shower!
I can't wait to spoil this baby rotten. She has already received so many gifts, but now we get to formally celebrate her arrival in January. I'm so excited to see everyone and show Manda how much we all love her and her baby. I just need to go shopping soon for the perfect gift.

Sunday: Driving Back.
Sadly, I'll be leaving on Sunday. I hate leaving, especially after a long weekend of great food, wonderful friends and family, Phillip, and love. Luckily, once I go back, I'll have less than 3 weeks before returning FOR GOOD.


Phew. That was a long entry! Sorry about all of that writing.

6 months, 24 days, 4 hours, 30 minutes

Quick Update

I emailed SMU yesterday to inquire about the status of my application. That sounded fancy, didn’t It? I got an email back this morning. He said they’re still interviewing and hope to have a decision by the end of the month. This is great news! This means they haven’t made a decision yet and I’m still being considered. Please continue with the prayers, everyone. As much as I’d like to think I’m not already in love with this job, I am. I want to say that I haven’t put all of my eggs in one basket and want to think that I’m not too obsessed with this job. But the truth is, I want this job more than grad school or nursing school combined. This is my passion and I’d love to be able to use it. But if nothing else, this was a good experience and further confirms what I’m supposed to do with my life.

6 months, 25 days, 7 hours, 15 minutes

Great Day So Far

I haven't had a great day in a long time. Today has been great so far. I had a great cup of coffee. A money situation was finally solved. And great songs keep coming on the radio.

Now to take this day from great to perfect, I just need SMU to call and offer me a second interview. If they don't by the time I get into work, I'm sending the email. Prayers please!!

6 months, 25 days, 5 hours, 30 minutes

ATX

So yesterday, shortly after updating the blog, I had a sudden burst of spontaneity. Heather was bragging about this magnificent restaurant she had discovered and I was super jealous. So then she says, "Why don't you drive in and join us?"

I had all of my to-dos completed yesterday and nothing for the remainder of the evening. I had class this morning at 9:10 that I couldn't miss, but that was the only catch in the plan. So I went. I got there, we hung out, went to the place - totally worth it, by the way - and then I left Heather's place at 6:00am to come back to College Station. Success.

This restaurant last night was called Halcyon. It's a coffee bar with alcoholic coffees and espressos. There was also table-top smores! Definitely worth the 12 hour stay. And I got to see Heather. :)

6 months, 27 days, 4 hours, 15 minutes

“I’m Going to Muster Every Ounce of Confidence I Have… For You, I Will”

Good song. Great song for an afternoon like this one. I feel like it’s so much later than it is since I woke up so early, but that’s a good thing. Today I cleaned my room, cleared out my closet for donations, packed up my summer clothes to get ready for moving day, and am currently in the middle of laundry. It’s been a pretty productive day so far.

For the rest of the evening, I’m going to continue to get things done and relax at the same time. Maybe I’ll finally make the apple bread I bought the ingredients for last weekend. Maybe. We’ll see.

6 months, 28 days, 3 hours, 30 minutes

Registries

So now that Phillip and I are getting closer to figuring out what kind of housing we’re looking at for after marriage, we’re getting a better feel for what we would like to register for. Therefore, we think we’re about ready to take that scanner gun and go wild.

We have decided, after thorough window shopping of course, that we will be registering at Crate and Barrel, Target, and Macy’s. We have also already registered through Carnival Cruises for our honeymoon registry. Link will be posted at the bottom if you’re interested in checking it out or shopping for an early Christmas present.

Our strategy is going to be to go through all three stores and register for anything and everything we think is cool and/or useful. Then, before posting for all of the world to see and buy, we will print out the lists of all and compare to find the best items and to eliminate unnecessary or doubled items. Then ta-da! We will post them for all of you to start shopping away!

We will tackle this important task hopefully the night before Thanksgiving. We’re afraid that trying to register during the holiday season will be a nightmare, and if we wait until after Christmas, we’ve missed the opportunity to give our friends and families a ready-made Christmas list. Therefore, when I get home that Wednesday before Thanksgiving, we’re going to attempt to run to all three stores and go crazy. That way, the stores will all be stocked up, but no one will be shopping since black Friday sales are unbeatable. Good idea? I sure hope so.

The breakdown, you ask? Well, we won’t really know until we get there. However, from just looking around, we kind of have an idea as to what we like from all of the stores. At Macy’s, I really like the glassware, kitchen gadgets and cookware. At Crate and Barrel, we’ll probably register for some funky décor pieces, as well as lighting, serving dishes, and kitchen décor. Then there is Target. Target will pretty much be whatever we want, as well as some inexpensive artwork, cleaning supplies, and what little furniture we still need. Up for grabs at any of these stores is bedding, bathroom décor, and kitchen dishes. I’ll let you know how it goes!

http://www.carnival.honeymoonwishes.com/Honeymoon-Registry-88597-Cruise-Carnival-Western-Caribbean-Ashley-Galloway-Phillip-Long.html

6 months, 28 days, 9 hours

Spa Music

So I’m listening to my spa station on Pandora. I love this station because it calms me before bed and actually provides a pretty good study soundtrack, when needed. It makes me feel so relaxed and gets me in the mood for sleep. Kind of like winding down, I guess.

But sometimes it also makes me feel a little down because it can be the opposite of uplifting. Let’s not kid ourselves. I’ve had a rough week. Things haven’t really been going my way and I’ve had a lot of things to stress about. I’m looking forward to a new week where hopefully some really good things happen like a job interview.

Tomorrow morning is the annual 5K for testicular cancer at work. I have to wake up super early and work the event for about three hours or so. At least I get paid for it and get to be oh-so-official with a stopwatch and walkie-talkie. Legit. I know.

Well, good night everyone!

6 months, 28 days, 20 hours

BIG WEEEKEND

But it’s not necessarily big for me. You see, I have friends that are going through some really tough stuff right now and this weekend may be a very significant turning point. And other friends are getting their rings and/or dunking this weekend. I have nothing to do but be on standby for those who need comfort and be a fun friend to those who are celebrating. What a mixed up weekend, but an important one nonetheless. Phew. Let’s see where this is all going…

6 months, 29 days, 4 hours, 48 minutes

7 More Months

Today is the seven month mark. We only have seven more months of waiting and planning. We only have seven more months without each other. To say I can’t wait is an understatement.

It’s hard to believe we’re already here. Looking back on our long engagement, it sure seems like it went by so quickly. Everyone said it would and it did. It felt like it was dragging on at the time – and still does – but when I wake up this morning with only 7 months to go, it seems like the last 14 months passed in the blink of an eye.

The has come to dive into all of this wedding business and plan a wedding. Save-the-dates should be delivered today or tomorrow via snail mail. We’re meeting with a potential DJ over Thanksgiving. I get my wedding dress then too. About a week later, we’re also hopefully meeting with a potential invitation maker. I’m getting too excited. December is going to be a month of planning. Hopefully, by January 1st, we will have a DJ, cake baker, invitation maker, and florist. That’s my goal at least.

I can’t believe how fast this is approaching! A couple of showers are beginning to be planned as well. I’m so excited for all of the craziness and then to have a sense of calm from the moment we say our vows. That feeling of contentment is one I yearn for. That calm after the storm, followed by a week of just relaxing with Phillip.

7 months, 8 hours, 45 minutes

RELAX

So tonight, since my two hard tests are out of the way and things are kind of starting to settle, I’ve decided to take it easy. I haven’t done this in a while. I mean, I have rested and have relaxed, but never with nothing to do.

No job hunting tonight. No wedding planning. No stressing. I’m just going to enjoy the next hour or so before drifting off to sleep. Tomorrow starts the cleaning movement for the roomie’s RING DAY FRIDAY!!

7 months, 20 hours!! Almost 7 months!

Happy 300th Post?

Yes, you read right, this is the 300th post on the blog. So it should be exciting, right? Well I've been waiting for over 24 hours to update so I could try to post something uplifting and happy, but the truth is, I'm feeling so bogged down.

I have some people close to me going through some really hard times right now and it's hard to focus on school and what I need to do because I'm hurting too much for them. I find myself trying to figure out ways to fix it all instead of being happy for the good things happening.

I'm also still waiting on SMU. I'm beginning to think that I didn't get the job and that this job hunting is yielding no results. I've applied to over 20 jobs and SMU is the only one that really seemed interested. So what am I supposed to do if the place I feel like I'm meant to be at doesn't want me to? What if I got this fancy college degree to be a receptionist? I really am turning away from the idea of nursing school even more these days, but wonder if it needs to be a good "back-up plan."

I need to sublease my apartment too. No nibblers yet on the facebook ad and I'm afraid things aren't looking up yet. I still have time, but not as much as I'd like. I want the perfect subleaser to come along and take this burden off of my shoulders. If not, this is yet another thing contributing to the stress of finding a job to pay that rent.

Please start looking up. I'm feeling pretty deflated right now.
7 months, 1 day, 5 hours, and 45 minutes

Blog App

Welcome to my new blog application on my fancy iPhone! This will make for many more updates and spontaneous posts.

Of course, inevitably, this also means a new trend may be shorter and more random blog posts. But at least for the few of you who actually read this, you'll be even more up to date on my life and how I live it.

7 months, 2 days, 9 hours

Homesick

I’m suddenly getting the feeling of homesickness. I always get this way when the holidays start rolling around. This year I get to be home, but for some reason, that makes me even more homesick. I’m ready for Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas traditions. This year will be sweeter than any other year – to be home for good – but I just can’t wait for it.

So now I sit here, wanting to go home and knowing I won’t be able to for another two weeks. It’ll be quiet and boring. I’ll have friends to hang out with, but not non-stop. There is a chance, however, that I could be going home for a second interview, if SMU calls me. I’m still hopeful!

7 months, 2 days, 19 hours, 45 minutes

Marriage Introspection

So as I mentioned in my previous post, a lot of marriage activity has occurred recently. It’s made me very introspective and inspired to actually think about the meaning of marriage.

“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.” 1 Corinthians 7:3

I view marriage as a contract between two soulmates. I fully believe that God has put perfect matches on this earth. If a person never finds this second half, perhaps there never was one. I know this is a hard concept for some people fearing loneliness, but I think it’s a fact. But this is beside my point.

My point is that marriage is a shared and sacred bond. It is a bond in which both parties must equally commit to – in the form of a marriage ceremony.If one person does not agree to the extent of the other, the union is going to be one of regret and turmoil.

I never like to compare anyone else to Phillip and myself, because I don’t want to make others feel like we are experts or on a higher pedestal than others. However, I am partial to the way we have done things and I feel like our union in marriage is going to be one of the strongest possible.

Phillip and I have a mutual understanding of and respect for each other. Throughout our relationship, we have always supported each other nonstop and have encouraged the other to follow their dreams. That’s one of the great reasons we work – we will never resent one another for holding the other back in life. This is probably the main reason we have waited this long to get married. We knew that our dreams of college and our futures were not identical – though we did know we would stay together – so we kept on going and working on our relationship while in separate cities.

We also know how to discuss issues and make compromises. We by no means have a perfect relationship in which no one fights or argues, but we always keep the core of our love in mind when in heated discussions. We can disagree while still being so in love with each other. I think that’s the biggest thing we can do to make this relationship work forever.

The other important part of that is confidentiality. Heather tells me time and time again that one thing she admires about Phillip and me is that we keep our disagreements and faults private. Some days he drives me crazy, and some days he doesn’t like what I do. But, we never bring the outside world into the middle of it. I have found that when you “vent” to someone about an issue you’re having with your other half, it doesn’t make that person identify with you more or feel for you more – it only gives them less confidence in your relationship. We are so thankful to have so many supporters, and a large part of that is the fact that we keep our issues to ourselves. Afterall, it’s nobody else’s business and we can figure things out on our own – another key part of our “successful” fights.

And finally, the fourth part of our successful relationship is always keeping things light. Sometimes the best ending to a fight is just laughing. Even after over 6 years of being together, I still find him hilarious and he still finds me goofy.

I know this entry sounds preachy and I’m sure I lost half of you after the first paragraph. But I felt the need to express myself. In today’s world, marriage is uncertain and more often than not, a bride and groom are not on the same page – and that comes to haunt them later in their marriage.

I once heard that partners should be “equally yoked” and I fully believe that. You should be on the same level in every way. Things don’t have to match-up exactly 100% of the time, but the main things should be agreed upon. This entry pretty much explains why Phillip and I have been together so long and why we will continue to make it in a world that puts odds against a lasting marriage.

Marriage is about more than love and more than fidelity. It’s about happiness and security and having a best friend by your side for life. I know Phillip will never leave me and I know I will never leave him. We have reached that level of commitment and I only hope that each and every one of you have or will as well.

In 7 months, 3 days, and 22 hours, Phillip will fulfill his marriage duty to me, and I will do the same for him.

A Reflection on the Night He Proposed and of Things to Come

Last night, Grace’s roommate got engaged. Things like this remind me of the night when Phillip proposed. I remember his heart beating so fast, and me standing in disbelief. I remember the beautiful meal before the big moment, and him holding my hand in the car just minutes before we walked up to the hotel room – and me thinking that I’ve never been so happy in my life, this being thought even before he proposed.

I also remember the champagne having a late arrival, and the weird animal print robes in the room, and the fact that it rained the whole time. [Luckily I love rain, though most people think this is a negative for such a great moment.] I remember as many details as possible so one day I won’t have to strain to remember.

I love Phillip more than words could even express and I can’t wait to make him my husband. In this crazy swarm of wedding planning and finishing up with school, I hardly have time to actually sit down and express how ready I am for this next chapter in my life.

Over the course of the next 7ish months, I will graduate from college, move twice, start a new job, and get married. That’s a lot to be going on. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but it’s crazy to think about all of these changes that are going to be happening to me in such a short amount of time.

But, I am ready because I have the best friend anyone could ask for by my side. I have someone who supports me without even knowing what I stand for, someone who comforts me without understanding the problem, someone who loves what I’m doing without even being here with me, and someone who loves me without even having to think.

That’s powerful stuff right there. I know this. I know what I have and know what I never want to lose. He is my match and my other half. God put us together for a very powerful reason – soulmates. I can’t wait to enter into that final era of commitment and be able to share every waking – and sleeping – moment with him.

7 months, 4 days, 8 hours

“Christmas is Coming Again!”

Yes, I’m already looking forward to the wonderful holiday season. Commercials are beginning to air and food network is about to enter its holiday recipe season. I cannot contain my excitement any longer. No. Really. I’m listening to Christmas music right now.

I love the holidays. It’s a feel I have that can’t be explained. It puts a smile on my face every year. I love the family time and wonderful food, warmth inside with cold outside, and festivities.

This year is going to be extra special since I don’t have to make that dreaded trip back to College Station after a great couple of weeks with the family. I don’t have to say goodbye and don’t feel like I have to cram both holiday activities and to-dos in the same time frame. I can be settled and warm and not have to upheave myself at the conclusion.

48 Days, 12 Hours, and 17 minutes until Christmas!
7 months, 5 days, and 6 hours until the wedding! [I’m going to start being more precise since we now have an official time – 6:00pm!!]

Mission: Save-The-Date

It is nearly complete. The two week-long initiative to send out save-the-dates is almost done. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself for the next few months. I mean, until wedding invites go out, my hand's muscle might return back to its normal state. Then I'll have no strength for addressing invitations. Oh dear.

Everyone at work loved the wonderful cards created by my wonderful sister (and maid of honor) Heather. They are perfect and I could not have picked a better one, even if we found one remotely close to what I had envisioned. It's cool to see everything start coming to life.

I still need addresses for several groups, but this "first wave" consists of 95 save-the-dates. The next batch will mostly likely be another 50 or so. I know. It's crazy how much the guestlist has already grown. Our gust count at this point is up to 249 people invited - not including Phillip's extended family I don't know about and his parents' work friends. I know not all will be able to come, but it's still quite a large number.

I feel honored to have this many people to invite and it makes me feel so loved to see how many people our parents want to join us on our big day. I know I will not have time to go and see every single person on the big day, but know that I will appreciate each and every one of you!

7 months, one week! [still]

Thankful for Things

Thank you, wonderfully thick comforter, for making sleeping in this morning so much more enjoyable. I know I give you a hard time in the summer months because you get awful warm (and let’s face it, Phillip pretty much hates you all of the time) but today you were excellent. I felt perfectly warm and was still able to remember that it is cold.

Thank you, COMM 470, for being cancelled today. Don’t worry, I did say a prayer last night for the professor who has a “family emergency” but I’m think grateful for the chance to snuggle in the cold with the comforter. You were my only class today, so now I get to relax a little and then go to work, which is always fun. Yay!

Thank you, warm pajamas, for helping comforter out with the warmth. Pretty much I feel the same way about you that I do with the comforter. And this morning, you both pulled through for me – and with a glorious assist from the pink alligator socks.

Thank you, coffee, for always brightening my day. You are pretty consistently the best part of my morning. I know you are considered a drug, and that explains my psychological and physical dependence on you, but your effects are totally worth it. I need you to start my day and get my mind going, even when I don’t want to.

Thank you, paycheck, for announcing your arrival for tomorrow. I always love getting those friendly emails the day before, as if they are saying “help is on its way!” You laugh, but it’s true. I can’t wait for you to get here so I can finish paying for my wedding dress and actually get to do things again. Mom and dad have helped you out more than enough and it’s time you give them a break.

Thank you, boss, for giving me an opportunity to make some money. I am babysitting your two well-behaved little boys on Saturday so you and your husband can go to the football game – and you’re offering a pretty generous payment amount in exchange. I won’t let you down!!

 

7 months 1 week!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I Give You: FALL

You read that right. Fall weather has finally arrived here in College Station – hopefully to stay. I am loving the feeling I get when I walk outside in the morning to the cold weather, sweater on and warm coffee in my hand. Tonight I made a delish chili cheese corn dog casserole (don’t judge) and had some hot apple cider. Yep. I’ve fallen into fall quite abruptly in the past 24 hours. I even listened to two Christmas songs this afternoon.

7 months and 8 days!

Post Interview Update

Yesterday’s interview went really well. There’s not a single thing I would have changed about it so I’m feeling good. I left feeling like I am qualified for this position and that I could do it. I can really see myself doing this job.

The next step would be a second interview with a couple of extra people to help the big boss make his decision. I’m supposed to be notified in the next week or two if I have made it to that stage of the process. I’m really hoping I do. This is the perfect opportunity for me to make a difference.

Throughout the interview, there was a lot of talk about where the program is headed and how the new health educator would help it. It’s so exciting to hear all of the wonderful changes they’re ready to make and the great opportunities that position has to improve the department. It would be a dream to impact students as well as staff within the University. I feel like I would be a good fit there.

There are so many great points to this job, and I have yet to think of a negative. I’m really crossing my fingers and praying for this one. Please do the same for me. This would be best case scenario for me and I’d really love every second of it. A job where my passion shows through and one in which I could make a difference? Yes please!

7 months, 9 days!