Ode to 2010

Another ode. Don’t lie, you love them…

2010 was not a very eventful year, but still an important one. With a busy and huge 2011 coming up, I will look back on the events of 2010…

January

I found out that I was able to graduate in December. It was an exciting and scary discovery/decision but ultimately one of the most beneficial I have ever made. I only considered the most important person in this decision – me. I still to this day believe it was one of the best decisions I have ever made because it benefited me on all levels. Phillip and I also reserved the Ballpark for our wedding reception! We saw it, loved it, and booked it to solidify our vision. And from there, the wedding planning took off! I also started a loaded semester filled with 17 hours worth of courses. Phillip’s grandmother also passed away.

February and March

These months were pretty uneventful. There was planning for the engagement parties. Valentine’s day and Spring Break were thrown in there too. It snowed big time in Texas!

April

Our first engagement party! Heather, Cameron, and my family put together a gorgeous party that was perfect for introducing our extended families to each other. From this point forward, it really felt like we were getting married!

May

We found out that Manda was pregnant! Now that baby girl will be born very soon and I can’t wait! We also had our second engagement party that was so fun and I’m so glad we were able to have another one for all of our wonderful friends to share with us. My crazy-packed summer semester started with a bang. I took 13 hours and it was tough! I also started my life-changing job at Student Health Services. This student worker position was everything but simple and juvenile. They gave me so much freedom and allowed me to fall in love with the health education field.

June

Phillip moved out of his apartment and back home. Summer was crazy with tons of school work and regular work. I hardly had time to take a break.

July

Gary proposed to Samantha! We went wedding dress shopping! At the end of the month, I found the perfect dress and ordered it. You will see it in about 5 and a half months! Engagement pictures were taken as well.

August

Nothing much happened during this month either – adding to the relatively uneventful year of 2010.

September

We found out our wedding date! June 11th – our first choice! From then, we instantly booked the beautiful chapel in Irving and confirmed my uncle as our officiant. From then on, things have rapidly fallen into place. Phillip and I also shared our 6th anniversary. That’s right. We have been a couple for that long! It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long, but it has! This also marked the one year anniversary of our engagement. I got my aggie ring as well. This was a huge milestone for me. It made me feel like an aggie and made me fully realize that I was going to graduate in just under 3 months. I had a kind of crummy birthday, but the previous year was so fantastic and next year will hopefully make up for it. We also booked our honeymoon cruise!

October

Big sister got married. She was beautiful and we welcomed her new family into ours. I enjoyed standing up with her as she said her vows and made the man of her dreams her husband. We also picked out and ordered bridesmaid dresses! I love them! The style is perfect and I think everyone is going to look spectacular in them. And we sent out save-the-dates!

November

We booked a DJ. He is perfect for what we have in mind and will work well with our overall vision for the wedding. Thanksgiving was wonderful too! I interviewed for my dream job that later ended up going to someone else.

December

I picked up my wedding dress, found a florist, and we tasted some great wedding cakes! I also had my last Christmas as a Galloway and enjoyed spending it with two wonderful families. A chapter ended with graduation. The job hunt began and hopefully I’ll see the fruits of my labor in the coming weeks. I moved back home and ended an entirely too long long-distance relationship.

2010 was pretty good to me, but 2011 will be my year. I will start a new career, marry my soulmate, start a new adventure into marriage, move into a new place, and witness my love graduating from college. Cheers to a fabulous 2011!

5 months, 11 days, 2 hours, 35 minutes

Cowboy Coffee

This morning I made coffee for my dad and myself. Well. I was supposed to put 1 scoop for every 2 cups of coffee – not 2 scoops for every 1… Let’s hope my domestic life post-wedding goes better. I promise I make better coffee than that!

Happy New Years Eve!

5 months, 11 days, 6 hours, 25 minutes

New Years Resolutions

I’m sure more and more will be added to my list in the coming days and/or weeks. But for now, here they are…

1. 365 Project. I saw a few of my friends doing this last year and seemed to fizzle out. But I want to do it and do it right this year. Every day, no matter what you’re doing, you take a picture and post it online for all to see. I want to also add a new twist – I want to blog about the pictures too. If I’m bored artsy enough, perhaps I’ll even print them and put them in an album at the end of 2011? This is going to be a big year for me, so I don’t want to miss a single second.

2. More church. I used to go all of the time and felt so good about it. In 2010 I slacked and really am missing that part of my life. This year, I want to go more and participate more and involve myself more.

3. Pride in my appearance. I have dubbed my college years as years filled with t-shirts. But not 2011. I will take more pride in my appearance by wearing less t-shirts and more make-up. Perhaps I’ll even take the time and effort to straighten my hair more? Let’s not get carried away, but it’s a good goal.

That’s it for now. Three big ones. Of course, working out and eating healthy is always on the list. And I could always be a better person. But those are continuous and belong in a separate category away from new years resolutions. Until next time…

5 months, 12 days, 7 hours

I Need a Job (Or At Least a Hobby)

Today, Heather was gone for a total of two hours before the extreme boredom hit. I know. Already. I need to get a job ASAP, though most aren’t going through applications this week. A hobby would be nice alternative for the time being. The only problem is that it can’t cost any money because – as previously mentioned – I do not have a job yet. Hmph. I don’t know how people can enjoy being unemployed. I’m already so bored and ready for something to occupy my time and give me an income. Cross your fingers for me!

5 months, 12 days, 23 hours, 15 minutes

Cake Tasting: Results

I promised an entry all about our cake tasting adventure last week, so here it is. We went to three places to taste cakes and get some prices. The first was Delicious Cakes in Southlake, the second was Colleen’s Cakes in Keller, and the third was one I don’t care to name since it was terrible in Arlington.

Delicious cakes was tasty and expensive. They had gorgeous designs, not a lot of flavor choices, and were wanting to charge an arm and a leg for their services. In the cake industry, I still can’t understand the astronomical delivery charges. Plus, Delicious Cakes wanted to charge extra for every little decoration. To get the cakes even remotely in our price range, we would have had to make every cake flavor plain white cake with buttercream icing and no decorations. Ridiculous.

The second place was actually in someone’s home. We were kind of hesitant when we arrived, though the house was nice and clean. However, Colleen blew us away! She presented us with so many cake options that were unique and delicious! Her cake prices were outstanding and she does not charge a delivery fee. Plus, she let me sit down and design each individual layer from scratch with no extra design fees. How incredible! If we go with her (meaning, unless we find a better deal on a better cake), our cake flavors would be the following: white cake with white chocolate mousse for the bottom layer, white cake with key lime mousse for the next layer up, white cake with chocolate/caramel truffle filling for the middle layer, pink champagne cake with mixed berry mousse for the next layer, and white cake with buttered pecan filling for the top. The layer we save will be separated and stored away from the actual cake so we don’t have to worry about what to save and what to cut. Other flavors in the running to swap include: pound cake with raspberry filling, and white cake with strawberry shortcake filling. What are your thoughts?

The last place we went was awful. I ended up wanting to leave the second we got there. We met at a Starbucks, so I have no idea what her cooking facilities look like. She said she had a commercial kitchen, but there was no way for us to tell. She charged almost as much as Delicious Cakes, and her cakes were not very tasty. We’re going to politely decline her services.

Well, that’s a pretty descriptive update from me. For now, we are going with Colleen’s Cakes, but we still need to taste at Simply Cakes in Colleyville, and (time permuting) Patty Cakes in Grapevine. I want to ensure we have a gorgeous and tasty cake for our reception. I won’t give away too much of the details for the cake, but just know what it will be elegant and classy with touches of bling! So excited!

5 months, 13 days, 7 hours, 10 minutes

New Years Eve

Trying to find good plans for New Years Eve this year. 2011 is going to be one of the best years of my life and I need to be able to ring it in with the same style and panache as the rest of the year will have. Here’s the unfortunate part – Phillip is working from 3-10 both on New Years Eve and New Years Day. Yeah. I know. Kind of limits our possible plans.

So I’m trying to get creative and find things to do. Just about everyone will be out of town so it’ll pretty much just be us two. Do you have any suggestions?

5 months, 2 weeks, 7 hours and there’s so much to do this month!

Christmas with the Galloways

Of course, this one is not over yet – and won’t be until Wednesday when Heather and Samantha leave. I love my family and this has already shaped up to be a pretty relaxing, fun, and family-filled Christmas.

After Samantha got here Saturday, my mom served a phenomenal roast that was delicious! We also opened presents. All of the gifts were so thoughtful and perfect! This year I ended up with some shopping money to go spend on grown-up clothes.

Therefore… yesterday we went shopping!! Samantha, Heather, and I ventured out to Grapevine Mills with everyone else in the world. But it was a successful trip! We went to Victoria’s Secret with the gift cards my parents gave each of us, went to a few other stores, and went to Agaci. Afterwords, we went to Kohls. I ended up buying a big-girl purse and wallet, three shirts, and a dress. It all looks so professional and can be dressed up for work or dressed down for casual hanging out with friends or Phillip. I’m too excited!

Today we are going to Decatur to see my wonderful cousin for lunch and then it’s on to more shopping. Shauna comes over at 4 to see me in my wedding dress!! She’s the last bridesmaid that needs to see it. Plus, I haven’t seen her in forever.

5 months, 15 days, 8 hours, 25 minutes

Christmas with the Longs

Last night was Christmas eve with the Longs and Blacks. They are so much fun. I had a great time and a delicious dinner. I am loving the family I’m entering into. They love me so much and want me to join them as much as I want to.

The gifts were great too! David and Betty (Phillip’s aunt and uncle) gave us each a gift card to Banana Republic. Can we say sophisticated shopping spree!? Ben and Amanda gave us the most beautiful embossed monogrammed stationary. Seeing a big “L” flanked by a “P” and “A” was pretty cool and real at the same time. Phillip’s parent got us our bedding set from Macys! I’m so excited about that! Not only do Phillip and I have excellent taste, but we also don’t have to worry about them going out of stock anymore. We got a welcome mat with an “L” on it. Phillip got golf clubs. And I am getting my passport from them as soon as I get the paperwork filled out. Hooray!

Tonight is Christmas with the Galloways. It’ll be nice to spend a whole day and evening with my parents. Delicious food, wonderful family, and hopefully some Christmas lights thrown in there.

Update on cake tastings and holiday debriefing in the next couple of days. Merry Christmas to all!!

5 months, 17 days, 3 hours

Cake Tasting!

Tomorrow is a momentous occasion. We are cake tasting at three locations tomorrow. Phillip, Heather, and I will be going to all, with my mom popping in for one or two. It’ll be exciting to see all of the possibilities and get to taste a whole bunch of wonderful cakes!

Tomorrow we are also going by Texas Star to see about my bridal shower that Heather and Fara are planning for March. A full day of wedding stuff! I’ll let you know how it goes.

5 months, 19 days, 20 hours, 20 minutes

Coffee and Pudding

This is my breakfast of champions this morning. I have to have something to eat so I can take my medicine and so far pudding is the only thing that actually sounds good. And today, coffee is an achievement. I haven’t had a “real” cup since Thursday. That’s almost a week. No wonder I’ve been dying over here.

Today I have lunch with a few good friends and sonic happy hour with EMILY GEESLIN! I love having friends around and love spending time with each and every one of them. The rest of today will be spent cooking holiday goodies and maybe venturing out of the house tonight to hang out with more friends. Whoa there. Don’t worry, if I go do something it won’t be wild-and-crazy since I’m still supposed to be taking it easy.

5 months, 20 days, 8 hours

Post Operation

Well yesterday was kind of a blur. I made it through surgery pretty okay and slept a lot. I haven’t been in any real pain either as of now. However. I have been extremely weak, nauseous, and tired from the hydrocodone. I know it’s been less than 48 hours since I had my teeth removed but I’m stopping the hydrocodone. I can’t take these side effects at all. Hopefully since I haven’t had very much pain thus far that removing a pivotal medication won’t affect it too much.

Heather came home last night! She originally wasn’t going to be here until Wednesday, but last night she got here to help take care of me today. Phillip has been a great help too. He stayed with me all afternoon yesterday and today until work. He even brought Heather and me lunch from Chilis! My two best friends in the world have really been there for me and will continue to be until I’m all better. I’m so lucky to have them both! Special shoutout to my mom and dad too - dad took off a whole day of work to take me to my appointment and take care of me; mom is awesome at caring and bringing home the perfect foods.

Today will be filled with more lounging and hopefully getting out of the house at some point. Tomorrow maybe I’ll actually feel all better or at least enough to function? Let’s hope!

5 months, 21 days, 2 hours, 15 minutes

Losing My Wisdom Tomorrow

Tomorrow morning at 8:45 I will be losing my wisdom teeth. At 7:45 I wake up to take a happy pill (aka Valium) to loosen up. I’m a little nervous because going fully under anesthesia freaks me out. But I’ll live.

Expect a funny picture posted on my dad’s facebook and possibly a loopy blog post. I have a million medications to be taking and will hopefully be back to functioning by tomorrow night or Tuesday morning.

5 months, 22 days, 20 hours

Back in Bedford

With my diploma in hand. Yesterday I walked the stage and got that wonderful piece of paper that says I'm a graduate. I was surrounded by family and friends an could not have felt more loved. Thank you to all who made it. I truly appreciate each and every one of you.

So yesterday, after graduation, we packed the cars, ate lunch, and left for good. I'll be back at some point. But for now, I will be home.

Last night as I started to get things settles in Bedford, it felt so surreal. This just feels like I'm home for Christmas break or that I'm moving into a new place in January. But this is for good.

No more goodbyes for Phillip and me. No more sappy missing him posts. Nope, those will be replaced by mire eventful scoop about both of us - instead of just about me. So. Get ready.

We are on our way to Christmas in east Texas now. Lunch and spending time with Phillip's extended family. Then it's back to Bedford for the night and wisdom teeth removal tomorrow.

5 months, 23 days, 5 hours, 50 minutes

Moving, Graduating, and Moving

It might be a while before another quality update comes along. Things are pretty busy right now. I'll post as soon as possible though.

5 months, 24 days, 20 hours, 40 minutes

The End

Today was my last final exam of my undergraduate experience - and last one for a while since I'm not going to graduate school just yet. It's a weird feeling. When you're constantly having to study for things and work on homework, your free time is typically spent feeling guilty or like there's something else you should be doing. But now, that's not the case. And it won't be the case unless/until I go back to school to further my education.

I finish up working today too - at 3:30 this afternoon. I was originally scheduled from 1-5, but since I finished the exam early, I came in early and am getting off early. It'll be weird to leave this place. It's the shortest time I've ever spent at a job, but it feels like I've learned more than any of my other jobs combined. They've let me do so many things and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. This job has changed my outlook of my future and what I want to do with my life. It's crazy how something so insignificant as a student worker job over the course of seven months can change you so much. Now if I could just find a big girl job that can do the same... But that's another story.

After work, I am going to do some Christmas shopping and pack up the kitchen and the remainder of my closet. My goal is to finish a lot tonight so tomorrow won't be as difficult or overwhelming. Friday is a trip to the dumpster and greeting family that are coming in town. Hooray! It's finally time to graduate and get out of this place for good. I'll miss a lot of things, but will enjoy being back in the same city as Phillip.

Now, on to graduation, east Texas Christmas, wisdom teeth removal, cake tasting, and Christmas. What a busy upcoming week!

5 months, 27 days, 4 hours, 20 minutes

Allergies + Final Exams + Thoughts

My allergies suck right now. I've never been one to succomb to the dreaded yearly saga. However, this year for some reason, I am being attacked. There is something in the air that my body is revolting against. I'm miserable. Who knew allergies would be borderline dibilitating?

This morning I have final exam one of two. They both consist[ed] of 200 questions each. Crazy. I know. What kind of professor does that - especially in a class with a whole lot of graduating seniors. Mean. It wasn't awful but it wasn't great either. Some questions were even impossible. And some questions made me laugh. We'll see. I'm pretty sure I am at the very least still graduating.

I have tons of thoughts and obligations circling my head right now - mainly of the financial nature. I need to find a subleaser and a job as soon as possible. Either would be nice but I would love both. I've tried really hard to sublease and have gone down every avenue with no luck. Perhaps it's because I'm looking for a "roommate" subleaser instead of someone to take the whole unit.

Today I picked up my cap and gown from the book store. I guess this whole graduating thing is really happening. The past couple of days have made me really ready to leave. I can't explain it, but all of a sudden everything is making me want to get out of here as soon as graduation is over with. I'm ready to move on with my life and get on to the real world. I'm over the immaturity of college and dealing with people who aren't in the same place in life as I am - and don't understand my mature priorities. 5 more days!

5 months, 29 days, 8 hours, 20 minutes!! (Yes! We're under the six month mark!!!)

Another Day at the Office

I have been working a lot lately. I asked for more hours to have some spending money in case I don't get a job as soon as I would like - and they gave me more hours. Today I have been here since 8 and will be leaving at 5. I guess this is what the 'real world' is all about? It hasn't been so bad. I honestly think if I were full-time somewhere, I could do this. Sitting at my desk with nothing to do, however.... not so much.

I am pretty tired and can't wait to sleep in tomorrow. I have been a bum all week because nobody has invited me to do anything, and now that I'm exhausted, people are getting upset that I don't want to jump up and run around. Um, hello! Why do I have to go on your schedule? Whatever.

Graduation is creeping up really soon and I still have so much to do. I feel like things ar egetting tense as well. I want to just leave here already. Do I love my friends who have stuck by me? Absolutely. And I will miss them. But I'm ready to leave. I'm ready to enter into the next phase of my life and leave college behind.

Throughout the past year or so, I feel like I have matured a great deal. I've always felt more mature than everyone around me and that's still true right now. I guess some people can't comprehend maturity as fast as others. This is a key reason why I am ready to enter the real world - and have a husband as mature as me. I am at a very different phase in my life than everyone else. My friends are stressed with organization meetings, loaded schedules filled with parties, or having enough time to do some sort of fun activity.

But me? Here's the difference between all of my friends and me... I wish those were my stresses. I have to worry about making loan payments, planning a wedding, finding a place to live in June, moving, figuring out a career path and finding a job, subleasing an apartment, and other financial obligations. Social obligations are a whole lot nicer than financial ones.

This isn't to make my life sound so much more complicated than everyone else that surrounds me by any means. It's merely me venting about the fact that I have to constantly work around their 'busy' socially-motivated schedules and make them angry when I can't put my previous more crucial engagements aside for their frivelous activities. Sometimes there are more important things in life. And it would be nice to have more than a couple of friends who understand and appreciate that.

Sorry for the ranting session. Just had to get that out.

6 months, 1 day, 3 hours, 30 minutes

The Little Engine That Could

When I think about all that is going to happen between now and Christmas, I get a little overwhelmed. I kind of have a break between now and my final exams, but once Saturday gets here, things get crazy until Christmas Eve.

I still need to pack.
Yep, I have made zero progress since I went home last weekend. Tonight I fully plan on washing clothes and getting a good chunk of packing done. Hopefully. I mean, I have been planning on doing this every night, with no success. But tonight it needs to get done. I need to pack up everything humanly possible so I don't have to worry about it next week and hopefully will be able to send a few boxes back home with Phillip - since I get to see him Saturday night for a bit!

Final exams need to be studied for.
I have senioritis really badly right and need some motivation to study for these last two difficult exams. I'm in denial. Sunday and Tuesday will be devoted to studying my little heart out. My two finals are 200 questions each and will take the full two hour time slot given for the exams.

I've been working up a storm.
Tomorrow and Tuesday I work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. like a real job. I also work in every bit of free time I have between now and Wednesday. Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. I will leave this job with a slightly empty heart. I have worked for Texas A&M University's student affairs for two and a half years. I've grown accustomed to how they run and have met some phenomenal people - both with Aggie Access and Health Education and some people that have been involved with both. I have learned so much at this job and gained valuable experience.

I'm graduating in nine days!
And I'll be finished with this long distance relationship business too. Phew. All my hard work will pay off when I cross that stage and get my wonderful diploma. Leaving right afterward and heading back to Bedford. So long College Station. You have been good to me but it's time for me to leave.

East Texas Christmas is scheduled for Sunday, December 19th.
I'm heading out there with Phillip and his family for the annual Christmas get together for that side of the family. Each year it is a lot of fun and I like being able to get to know all of them. I love his whole family and they will be my family as well in a little over six months.

I'm losing my wisdom on December 20th.
I am getting my wisdom teeth pulled. Merry Christmas and Happy Graduation to me! Hopefully I'll be up and running in a matter of two days. I know it's an ambitious goal to recover that quickly, but I must in time to eat all of the holiday goodies.

We are tasting cakes.
On the Thursday before Christmas, we are going to a few places to taste cakes and get some price quotes. So far, my mom and I have tasted cake and received a quote from one place. That day we will go to two places, and hopefully a third if they can fit us in. I'm ready to see what's out there and get some great advice. I don't really know what I want when it comes to cakes, so it'll be fun to get different interpretations and to taste yumminess. I am also going with Heather during that day to meet with a lady from Texas Star. That's where Heather and Fara are likely to host one of my bridal showers. I'm super excited!

Well, that's a basic run down of what's going on in my life at this point. Tune in over the next several days to witness my coping with my busy schedule.

6 months, 2 days, 5 hours!

It's About That Time

Well, readers, it's time for an official announcement. This is something you have anxiously awaited for over a month and I hope I don't disappoint you. I've had a few days to process it and can now let all of you know....

I did not get the job at SMU.

Yes, I am slightly heartbroken. And yes, I did tear up a little. And yes, I am getting tired of being turned down (this makes me 0-3 for career attempts). But I know there is a plan.

I am still one lucky girl. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to go through the process. I am thankful that I am still graduating in ten days. I am thankful to find jobs to apply for - even if a million other people are applying as well. I am thankful to have such a strong support system that has never once allow me to feel like I am the reason I haven't gotten a job yet.

Now what? Well I'll keep applying for everything, like I have been, and am going to send some emails to inquire about making me a job.

I feel like this while process is like trying to fin the dream guy (it's only fitting that I has a hard time since finding my soulmate came so easily). I am searching. I am applying for and interviewing with prospects. Sometimes my heart will get broken. But at the end of the journey, I will be so much more appreciative of what I end up with.

6 months, 3 days, 6 hours, 30 minutes

Sleep

Tonight I get to go to bed whenever I want and get to sleep in tomorrow morning however late I want. Glorious. I haven’t been able to do this in a very long time and am ready to just relax. Oh how I long to sleep in and do nothing tomorrow morning (except enjoy my delicious Butter Toffee coffee, care of Karen - my future mother-in-law). Here’s to a good night’s sleep.

6 months, 3 days, 19 hours

No More Classes

Today was my last class for at least a very long time – forever if I decide not to go to graduate school, though it’s unlikely I won’t go at some point in my life. I haven’t really come to terms with it yet. I guess I’m still in denial. It just feels like the ending of another semester. But this one’s my last. It’ll probably sink in when everyone comes back in January and I’m hopefully working like crazy to make some hopefully decent money.

Tomorrow I am going to relax and work a little. Perhaps I’ll start reading a book. I don’t like reading. But then again, maybe that’s always been the case because I’ve always had a required book to read. There’s a chance I love reading, if it is purely for enjoyment. Hm. I have about five books that I keep reading half of and forgetting about, only to pick back up and read the same half several months later. Let’s see if I can actually remember to read at least one all the way through. Doubtful.

My boss gave me a ton of extra hours this week and next. I requested as many as possible, not expecting her to actually give them to me. I’m so very thankful, but it’s going to be exhausting. Two days I’ll actually work from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. That’s big girl hours. And I’ll get a nice pay check weeks after leaving this place that will be a nice parting gift after Christmas wipes out my bank account.

That reminds me. It’s time to get serious about Christmas shopping. I already have gifts in the works for both sets of my parents. Now I just need to figure stuff out for friends, siblings, and that crazy fiance of mine. My parents already got Phillip the perfect gift. Now I have to try to find something that will at least be half as good. We’ll see. Maybe I’ll pull the whole wife thing and just take him with me to buy what he wants and then wrap it for him to pretend to be surprised when he opens it. Hah. Well, I don’t want to be there yet.

6 months, 4 days, 19 hours, 30 minutes

13 More Days of College

It’s getting a little more real, but I still can’t believe I’m leaving this place soon. It’s been my home for three and a half years. I’ve learned where all the eating places are and what back roads and short cuts to take to avoid traffic. I know the ins and outs of this place, and I realized on my drive back this afternoon that I will no longer use my Bryan College Station knowledge. Weird.

In less than two weeks, I will be back home in HEB. The ins and outs I learned all growing up will go back into effect. It will be back to a life of taking the freeway every time I want to go anywhere, having my coffee made for me in the mornings, and home cooked free meals each night. It’s bittersweet.

I’m closing one chapter, semi-re-opening another, and about to start a whole new book come June. I feel like I’m at this huge crossroads and have mixed feelings. The biggest emotion is excitement and eagerness to get out of this long distance relationship business. But I am feeling slight nostalgia for the good ol’ college years, as well as apprehensive about developing a dependence on my family once again – only to be jolted back into independence in June. Phew. I’m just all kinds of jumbled up.

6 months, 5 days, 19 hours

P.S. My mom and I went to a couple of florists this weekend. I think I found flowers I like! More details and possibly a sneak peek to come!

Much To-Do About Nothing

I'm laying in bed at home with nothing to do. It feels weird. I have been constantly going and going for days now. This almost feels like miserable boredom but it's not. So much happened yesterday, so much is happening today, and so much is happening tomorrow.

Yesterday I drove in after class. Once I got to my house, I had just enough time to put my stuff down before my mom joined me to go pick up my dress. It is perfect. It is the right dress, the right color, and the right length. What a relief. As I stood there in that dress, I realized that I AM a bride. It's done. Official. Dress looking is over and this is the EXACT thing I'll wear in our wedding. Crazy.

When I got back from picking up my dress, Phillip picked me up to head to the high school playoff game. We won in the last 3 seconds! That was the most exciting high school football moment ever.

Today, my mom and I are going floral window shopping. I have no clue what's out there so this will give us the opportunity to look without the pressure of needing a decision today. Plus, I get to spend time with my mom. :)

Tomorrow I eat lunch with Phillip and his family before going back to College Station for the work Christmas party. This is my last weekend home before being back for good. It feels strange to say that!

6 months, 7 days, 8 hours

Wedding Dress Tomorrow!!

After class tomorrow, I will be heading home again to pick up my wedding dress!!! At 5:00 I will have it in my possession. It makes everything even more real. It’ll be the last dress I wear as a Galloway and the first dress I wear as a Long. This is big. And it’s so beautiful. The most beautiful dress I have ever seen. I feel stunning in it and it makes me feel like I’m the prettiest girl in the whole world. Phillip will fall in love with me all over again once he sees me in it on our wedding day. Perhaps he’ll faint?? Haha I hope not! I’ll settle for him turning all red and splotchy. ;)

6 months, 8 days, 19 hours, 45 minutes

Beginning of the End

So tonight, I donated my dresser. This is a huge deal and the start of me moving out. I mean, last weekend I did take home a whole car filled with boxes and such, but this was the first item that actually made the room feel empty.

I took my bed apart and put it up against the wall. I was going to take it to the dump tonight (let’s face it, the bed has seen better days – like when it was first bought like 50 years ago) but it was only open until 5. So it will sit against my wall ready to go until I can take care of it.

So what am I doing about my sleeping arrangements, you may ask. Well, I am currently on a queen double-stuffed air mattress. Is that the correct way to describe it? Eh. You know what I mean. It’s extra high off the ground.

So I rearranged my room to accommodate my new relocation of things. I think it looks pretty nice, considering the circumstances. Bedside tables and TV are gone. Grandma Ruth Long’s cedar chest is my bedside companion until the 18th (which is in a short 17 days!). We’ll see how tonight goes. I actually already think this air mattress might be better for me than the old heap of free junk I’ve been sleeping on. It’s been good to me, but all of a sudden that back-hurting-uncomfortable-sleep thing, that previous owners had warned me about, started with a vengeance.

Welp. I have a final exam tomorrow morning that I should probably be more worried about than I am. That’s what happens when you’re making a solid A in the class. I’ll look over the study guide once more and relax until calling it a night.
6 months, 10 days, 21 hours