Since tomorrow starts another wonderful month in 2011, I decided I will start something new. At the end of each year, I typically give a recap of the entire year’s biggest and more noteworthy events. Well I am going to start doing that at the end of each month now that I have pictures to share. Therefore, here are the top 5 pictures from January 2011.
4 months, 11 days, 2 hours, 5 minutes
I know it’s been such a long time since I have produced a blog entry. Things have been so busy and I was out of town. Sorry for not giving a heads up, bloggers, but a surprise birthday party was involved. Anyway, I’ll bring you up to speed and post the daily pictures I took.
Friday
I had my candidate orientation. I was so nervous going in, but felt better as the day progressed. It was three hours long – which seems boring, but it was so informative and I am even more convinced that this job is something I would absolutely love doing. When I got home, within an hour, they called me back for the walking interview (aka phase three of roughly six phases of the interview process)!!! Heather also came in town for Chinese food and a family night. Tons of fun. :)
Saturday
I packed my bags and got into the car with Phillip and his parents. We were Austin-bound to surprise his cousin, Ben, for his 30th birthday at a brewery there. The surprise was a success and I got to play a little bit with their beautiful baby. Afterwards, we went to New Braunfels to stay with the Harkins. Randy was in a BBQ cookoff at Sea World in San Antonio, so we ventured out to spend a little time there and walk the grounds. That’s what the second picture is of – their BBQ trailer. Then it was back to New Braunfels to spend the night.
Sunday
What a long but fun day!! We ate breakfast at a place called the Red Rooster. Then it was off to shop at the outlet mall in San Marcos! We shopped until we dropped! I got some perfect tennis shoes for my walking interview today (yes, I was told to wear walking shoes!!). Phillip’s mom got a Coach bag for a ridiculously great price! After leaving, we stopped by Ross and a shoe store for more shopping – I got a suit for my interview this morning too. After stopping by Pluckers for dinner with Heather in Austin and a few other stops on the way home, we finally got into town at 10:30. And what was on my bed waiting for me!? My Century Club window decal and plaque tag (the actual plaque will come in the mail later)!! It means I have donated to Texas A&M’s Former Student Association and am a contributing alumni. Yeah, I know it’s fancy.
Today
I just got back from my walking interview a little while ago. I think it went well and now it’s all up to them. I was myself and feel like I answered all of the questions well. I will find out tomorrow night whether or not I will be making it on to the next phase of the process. I am really liking this opportunity and would be thrilled to be offered the job. I am quickly falling in love with the company and what I could do with them. Please, pray I get it!! Here is a picture of my nice dress suit with walking shoes.
My pictures each day need to start including people in them. Sorry guys… Maybe one day when I get the fancy front-facing iphone 4, I’ll be able to provide more to you. Until then, enjoy pictures of my hands, feet, etc.
4 months, 11 days, 4 hours, 40 minutes
The other day, I bought a black bean soup mix from Central Market. I was nervous and suspicious about how good this powder was going to taste, once added to boiling water. But it was super cheap so I decided to try it.
Ta-da! I know, it looks like it tasted terrible. However, I present you with a positive report. It was actually quite tasty, especially when paired with some warm tortillas on the side. Black beans are good for you, it tasted yummy, and that entire bowl cost me less than $1. That’s a heck-of-a deal!
Tomorrow is the big HMR candidate orientation day. I need to make a good first impression and need to make it to the next step of this process. Please pray that I do well, am not psyched out by meeting my “competition”, and get called back in next week for a second interview. I really want this more and more each day.
4 months, 15 days, 1 hour (We’re down to the 135 day mark!)
This morning was my interview in Denton. Surprisingly, the drive wasn’t that bad. Granted, I was making the trip at 8:30 in the morning, and not 7:30 or 5:00 but I was surprised that I was able to even use cruise control a couple of times on the way.
Here is my fancy visitor’s pass – today’s picture. I think A&M needs to have a system like UNT does. All visitors simply pull up to a kiosk, get greeted by a parking attendant who creates a free pass to hang in the window, complete with a highlighted map of the best spaces for you to park in according to your destination, and gives you directions to go on your way. Very useful!
The dorm is a nice one. It’s not new or anything, but very spacious and has nice furniture and electronic equipment. It’s a freshman dorm, which is right up my alley. They asked a lot of good interview questions and I answered as best as I could. I’ll find out next week if I go back for a second interview. Perfect timing, seeing as HMR will likely be doing the same if I make it to the next phase.
I’m not trying to be greedy or anything, but perhaps if another place I’ve applied to would call me for an interview, I’d feel more positive. I’m trying not to get too excited, but it’s nice to have two places let me go beyond the initial resume and cover letter stage. Things are certainly looking better than they did last week or a month ago.
4 months, 16 days, 5 hours, 30 minutes
Phillip and I spent the whole afternoon together. We went to three tuxedo places to get price quotes and to compare them. We also went to Best Buy for a movie and a few shoe stores to hunt for the guys’ reception shoes.
The tuxedos will be rented from Men’s Wearhouse. The shoes are still to-be discovered, and I am kind of over wedding planning at this point. But alas, there are no more long-term breaks aloud. Everyone keeps asking questions and making suggestions and it seem that one vendor needs to know what another vendor is doing, which depends on what a third vendor is doing, which is completely dependent on tiny decisions I didn’t think I needed to make for another several months. Can we say overwhelming?
And now it’s time to go to sleep soon so I can wake up super early for my interview. Cross your fingers. My goal is to have at least one job offer by the end of next week. Prayers would be welcomed as well.
Good night!
4 months, 16 days, 19 hours, 45 minutes
UNT called me today to schedule an interview! It’s an Administrative Specialist position for one of their dorms. It’s not too glamorous but still a promising option. Basically I would assist the hall director and be in charge of the student workers at the front desk. That’s all I really know at this point. I guess when I go in tomorrow morning for the interview, I’ll learn more. It’s a foot in the student affairs door and is certainly more money than I am currently making (aka $0). Two big job interviews this week? I’ll take it!
4 months, 17 days, 4 hours, 30 minutes
Yesterday’s picture is below. An empty second bed in the room I am currently staying in. It means that Heather is officially gone and I am officially back to being bored. You all knew it was coming.
So what’s on the agenda today? Well since yesterday was pretty packed with wedding planning, today I might do a little more. However, I also want to get out of the house. Therefore, I might go to Taco Bueno for lunch after a shower, since I got a coupon in my email, and then go window shopping at Central Market. Most likely I will end up buying a little something, but here’s hoping it’s cheap or that I don’t find anything. Maybe I shouldn’t even go to avoid temptation.
Hopefully today something magnificent will happen that’s worth posting about. And you guys can avoid having to see another one of my lame pictures that are evidence of my current lame status. Oh well.
4 months, 18 days, 6 hours
We picked up bridesmaid dresses yesterday! They are so perfect! Even better than I had imagined. After not seeing the color since October, I was so nervous. But it matches a ribbon we bought last week exactly. Therefore, it is the right blue and we officially have a shade to go with. Hooray!
Here’s yesterday’s picture: a photo of one of the dress bags. That’s right… no giving away too many secrets from me…
Today has been a day of wedding productivity as well. I have consolidated and cleaned up my planning binder. I took out photos of decisions that have already been made and replaced ideas with contracts. Things are coming together. I also combined all of my to-do lists into one single document to stay organized.
This month’s to-dos include visiting and picking out a tuxedo place, working on invitations some more, putting deposits down for cake and flowers, booking a rehearsal dinner venue, and finding the flower girl’s dress. We are also probably meeting with my uncle this month, who is our main officiant. So much to do in so little time. The clock is really starting to tick!
4 months, 19 days, 1 hours, 10 minutes
Heather ended up coming home this weekend just so she could see me!! She knew how bored I’ve been so decided to come cheer me up.
I thought she was in Austin the whole time she was driving up here and didn’t even piece together any part of the puzzle. Phillip was in on it the whole time and kept me from wondering the whole time. Both of them were super sneaky!
So this is yesterday’s picture. We are going to pick up bridesmaid dresses and run errands today. Hooray for having stuff to do!
4 months, 20 days, 5 hours, 50 minutes
Today I went and picked up my framed diploma. It is beautiful! Therefore, today’s picture is of the finished product. Enjoy oohing and awwing over my achievements.
4 months, 21 days, 23 hours
You know what, I’m having a pretty good morning today. It’s freezing outside. But I am cuddled up in a blanket and getting to relax. Recent posts have suggested that I hate doing this, but I have decided to embrace it this morning at least. This might change by the afternoon, but as of right now, I am content.
I have a load of laundry in the washing machine so I can balance laziness with productivity. Yesterday’s productivity and promising job interview have boosted my morale. Today is going to be good. I will do a bit of lounging but also get some things done. I also get to pick up my diploma frame today! :)
4 months, 22 days, 5 hours, 30 minutes
Today I had a surprise phone interview! I received a phone call from one of the places I had applied to this past weekend and it turned into a full-fledged interview. I felt like it went really well! I made it to the second phase!! Next Friday I go in for a candidate orientation to learn even more about the position and the company. After that it’s a traditional one-on-one interview followed by a presentation skills demonstration.
The position is a Health Educator at Health Management Resources as Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth. If I got the job, I would basically teach and mentor a group of people needing to lose weight in a clinical setting.It sounds like a great company and exactly what I would be interested in right now.
I’m trying not to get ahead of myself but this would be a great opportunity to learn, grow, and help people. Of course, as always, I’ll keep you posted.
Picture from today is my interview station I had set up just in time to take the phone call. My office, if you will.
4 months, 22 days, 21 hours, 35 minutes
Amanda gave birth last night to the most precious baby girl. We’ve been waiting for her and she’s finally here! Jaquelyn Maria Regalado was born at 7:11 p.m. on 1/18/11. She is 19.5 inches long and 7 lbs. 12 oz. Plus, you can’t see based on the picture, but she has so much hair!! Manda is so strong and from what I hear, she did a beautiful job. I fell in love with this little girl the second I got to hold her. So far she sleeps an awful lot but has the cutest deep breaths here and there.
Isn’t she beautiful!? This definitely warranted yesterday’s picture coming a little late. I can’t wait to see what this little girl does. She is meant for great things and I know she’ll go far in life. I can’t wait for her and Manda to be home and free from crowds of visitors so I can spend more time with them. Gosh she’s so beautiful!
4 months, 23 days, 6 hours, 35 minutes
This is what happens when Phillip and I spend so much time together. We get a little bored, but always have fun. Yesterday’s picture-of-the-day is drawn portraits. I drew Phillip and he drew me. Please, hold back on the laughter…
I think my picture of Phillip looks more like him than his picture of me. He gave me a bazooka arm. But I gave him no hands.
4 months, 24 days, 6 hours, 45 minutes
Yesterday’s picture – published today - is based on the fact that yesterday I never left the house. I was lazy and bored and being driven crazy.
You see, I have had a lot of down time and time to myself. Sure, to most, a few days at home relaxing sounds great. But I’ve been here far too long. My days have gotten far too boring. I am going insane. All of this has me wanting a job more than you will ever know.
Last night my mind was racing. Worried about finding a job. Worried about money. Worried about forgetting all that I have learned in my college career due to my brain sitting here unstimulated. But then a few realizations hit me. For one, I need to be using this time for good and not bad. This of course did not translate to my Army Wives marathon this morning, but will motivate me for the rest of the day and during my time off. I need to read up on my textbooks to stay sharp and qualified in case someone suddenly throws me into a career in which I need to know all that I have learned. And the other realization is that my future job is going to be fast-paced and challenging. Why else would God give me so much down time now? He knows that I’m going to be pushed into something incredible and exhausting, so He’s preparing me now. So I need to enjoy this while I can.
Another thoughtful entry, brought to you by me.
4 months, 25 days, 3 hours, 50 minutes
Phillip and I went to go look at apartments yesterday. I know it’s kind of early, but we have a list the length of my arm of places we want to check out. Therefore, starting early to see all of them is a good idea. We had success with some and felt a little disappointed with others. But perhaps the most important result from yesterday is that we know exactly what we want and know what prices are good and bad. That in itself is a major benefit from yesterdays’ excursions. We have decided a few things:
I am moving into the apartment first. This will most likely happen after I get a job and when the best deal on our favorite place comes along. We’re looking at May, but are not opposed to April or even March if something comes along we can’t pass up. I will move in to get everything unpacked and settled before the wedding. That way, when Phillip and I get back from our honeymoon, we don’t have to worry about boxes – just enjoy finally living together. Plus, let’s face it, I am not the nicest person to be around when I’m unpacking. I’ve moved enough times to know that I will stop at nothing until every box is unpacked and every single little thing has its place. That would be no fun after a wedding and honeymoon.
We are getting a two bedroom or a one bedroom with a sunroom/study/den. Phillip needs a place for his computer and gaming stuff. We need a place to put his futon. I need a way to shut the door on all of the mess associated with the previously mentioned issues. We have found great two bedrooms in our price so unless there is a stunning apartment with a study or den, we’ll be going with a two bedroom. Number of bathrooms is currently undecided and will depend on my future salary and location.
Our top picks based solely on the ones viewed yesterday are two bedrooms and have excellent amenities. One is near Western Center and I35, has one bathroom, unique floor plan, double vanities, inexpensive detached garages, and a washer and dryer included in the unit. The other two are basically the same since they are owned by the same company. They boast two bathrooms, cable included, slightly larger living spaces, and are located in the HEB area. Pros and cons to both sets. They are priced pretty close to each other, so that’s not really a deciding factor. We also have two or three more places to check out. I’ll let you know how it goes and when we make the final decision.
All I really know for certain after all of this researching and looking is that I can’t wait to live with Phillip. All of the top contenders feel like a home and I can really see us in any of them. We have found that by cutting a few of the amenities we love (like hardwood floors throughout, cherry cabinets, and stainless steel appliances), we can still have a place that surpasses our expectations, but at a price we can afford more easily. Our two major requirements are space and cleanliness. The rest kind of falls into place. We are seeing what our money can get us and I’m liking the possibilities we are finding. Our many months of researching and looking are going to pay off in the form of a wonderfully perfect first apartment at a price that won’t send us into ravioli and ramen noodle land.
4 months, 26 days, 5 hours
For anyone that knows anything about my family and close family friends, you know they like to smoke cigars. It’s more than a favorite past time… it’s a right of passage. For anyone that knows Phillip, you know that this was one area he was not going to enter.
Until today.
Tonight, Phillip tried a cigar for the very first time. We stopped at my brother’s cigar shop after dinner and he randomly decided tonight was going to be the night. Ryan picked out a great starter cigar, and he did it! Not to mention, I think he actually thought they were okay.
What a momentous occasion!
4 months, 26 days, 19 hours
The bridal salon we ordered the bridesmaid dresses at called me today. The dresses are ready to be picked up! Pending some necessary phone calls, I will be picking them up some time this week! I’m too excited to see them!
Today more wonderful decisions were made. Things are falling into place as each day goes on. But that also means that wedding stuff is plaguing my life right now. We’re a little behind schedule on some things and on schedule with others. I feel like I am extremely behind and will feel that way until we are ahead of schedule.
The picture for today is color swatches I received in the mail this afternoon from Tuxedo Junction. White, blue, and ivory. Further proof of the events currently happening in my life right now.
4 months, 27 days, 23 hours
Today, Phillip and I picked the song for our first dance. It’s exciting to see all of these decisions coming right along. So without further ado, here is the first song we will dance to as husband and wife!
All The Way by Frank Sinatra
When somebody loves you
It's no good unless he loves you all the way
Happy to be near you
When you need someone to cheer you all the way
[Chorus:]
Taller than the tallest tree is
That's how it's got to feel
Deeper than the deep blue sea is
That's how deep it goes if it's real
When somebody needs you
It's no good unless he needs you all the way
Through the good or lean years
And for all the in-between years come what may
[Bridge:]
Who knows where the road will lead us
Only a fool would say
But if you'll let me love you
It's for sure I'm gonna love you all the way all the way
[instrumental-last two lines of Chorus]
So, if you'll let me love you
It's for sure I'm gonna love you all the way all the way
This song embodies our views on relationships and marriage. We both believe that each and every person involved needs to give 100%. Any less and it’s not a two-sided love. I give my all, and Phillip gives his all. That’s what’s made us last so long and kept us loving each other through all of these years. It looks easy to a lot of people. I’ve heard people talk about how we’re so lucky because it’s easy and how we don’t have to work. None of that is true. We have made our relationship “easy” by both of us working with all of our hearts. We equally work together. I’m so lucky to have someone that loves me with all of his might. I wish that for every person in this world. If one person is giving more than the other, it’s “no good” according to Sinatra – and us. So there you have it.
4 months, 28 days, 4 hours, 45 minutes
Today, Phillip and I took a big step toward our future together. I mean huge!!
Phillip added me to his bank account with USAA. This means I am now officially a partial member of USAA (until we submit marriage information later on). We have a joint bank account! It’s so crazy and real! We now have a place to put any wedding money we receive. And it’s a step toward me being a member of this great bank. Hooray!
I now have access to all of his millions of dollars too. Can we say shopping spree!? …just kidding…
4 months, 29 days, 3 hours, 15 minutes
The last few days sure have been freezing! The windchills have been in the teens and single digits. It has been hard to bundle up and stay warm. Therefore, today’s picture is of the beautiful fire my dad has made for us tonight.
And can we also talk about the fact that Manda is going to have her baby any day now!? In less than 9 days, we will be greeting Jaquelyn Maria Regalado into this world. She is already so loved and I am way excited to meet her!
4 months, 29 days, 21 hours, 30 minutes
As all of you know, Phillip and I have been in a long-distance relationship for three and a half years. I know. That’s a really long time. Before that, we were together for just under three years. Therefore, more than half of our relationship has involved the two of us living in separate cities.
Knowing that, people have warned us about the reuniting of us. Some would say that we might get tired of each other or might realize we don’t like each other anymore now that we see each other all of the time. They would say that absence makes the heart grow fonder and presence might make us fall apart.
To all of them, I’d like to say that yet again, Phillip and I have beat the odds. We made it through high school, we made it through distance, and now we’ve made it through reuniting. Not to prove anyone wrong, but because we really have.
I love him more today than I did yesterday. The past few days we have spent hours together and I still can’t get enough! How did I ever stand to be away from him for more than a couple of days? And how in the world did I survive his year in Missouri!?
We are so in love and cannot wait to get married. We want to spend every waking moment together. No more hanging out until we’re both on the verge of sleep before returning back to our respective homes. We’ll be able to hang out until we fall asleep and then wake up the next day to do it all over again. Seeing each other every day regardless of what we do during the day will be a plus as well. I can hardly stand the wait!
4 months, 30 days, 7 hours left until we say our vows and make it official! We are in full-blown countdown mode now!
Today starts the craziness of full-fledged planning. Wedding stuff is most likely going to be consuming our lives – and my posts – until after June 11th. It’s almost here!!
Yesterday was a long day. Phillip and I ran a whole bunch of errands and went to a whole bunch of places. So what became of the whole day? Well, we found a place that will sell the paper for our invitations at a reasonable price so we can do them ourselves! We know this is a huge an tedious task, but we’re up for it. Making them ourselves will make them cost half as much. Plus, we’ll get to add even more personal touches. Cross your fingers we haven’t bitten off more than we can chew…
Last night we had margaritas and mexican food at Mexican Inn with my parents. Thus, yesterdays picture (posted today) is of my fabulous margarita. It was delicious. National Championship watching occurred afterwards. Not a good or exciting game to say the least. Oh well.
Then today Phillip and I got up to go buy the paper. Success! We haven’t bought all of the stuff because we wanted to make a prototype to make sure we love it before buying in bulk. That’s what we’ve been doing all day. We plan on ordering the materials by Friday. And, we are getting handmade paper for part of the invites. So fancy, huh? I’m too excited. These are going to be gorgeous and knowing that Phillip and I designed every detail by ourselves makes it that much more meaningful. Today’s picture is a hint at what the invites are going to have – aka an image of our custom paper. :)
5 months, 30 minutes!!!! HOORAY!!!
Well today wasn’t a complete loss in the weather world. After practically being promised at least an inch of accumulation, we got maybe 0.25 inches that stuck to cars and leaves for about an hour or so. It was beautiful, but still a let down.
During that hour, I was holding off taking a picture for today so that it would be the most impressive. Well, all of a sudden, the snow was gone. No picture. Major bummer. BUT! Tonight, after hanging out with Phillip, we pulled up to my house and I saw a rare glimpse of white still remaining on my car. Therefore, the picture, though not impressive to some, is proof of today’s snow extravaganza.
5 months, 1 day, 17 hours, 25 minutes
Today was a sad day for a lot of my friends. A great Texas A&M University Corp member and officer of Ags of OAK passed away. He was a great guy I had the pleasure of being acquaintances with. From what I knew, he was the life of the party and did not have a single enemy in the world.
My goal when I started school was to never have to attend a Silver Taps for someone I knew. But unfortunately this isn’t the case. On February 8, I will be back in College Station for Silver Taps.
Please keep his family and friends – especially those dear to me – in your thoughts and prayers. Healing will not begin for a while and tough times are ahead.
RIP Taylor Gillespie
5 months, 1 day, 22 hours
Yesterday was such a productive day! I was so impressed by the decisions we made and our vision is getting much narrower. Plus, it’s all about to start coming together. This is a great feeling after over a year of planning.
On the invitation front, it was a little discouraging at first. We found great invitations and the custom invitation place assembled an awesome invitation. However, the price tag was so steep. The only way to trim costs would be to completely change what we want. But there is good news in all of this. Now we know exactly what we want and can attempt to create the invitations on our own. Completely doable. This is great news. By the way, if you are in the DFW area and available, feel free to come by and help. :)
The wedding band has been found! After almost a year of looking and being extremely discouraged, I found it. All it took was a salesperson who actually knew what he was doing and what was available. He looked at my ring, instantly presented a guard, and it was perfect. Perfectly priced too! What a bonus! So as soon as I can get some money together – meaning when I get my glorious job – I will go an purchase it. It is a prong set double banded guard that is actually made for a solitaire, but my ring fits in it. It is 1/7 total weight, so it is large enough to add to the sparkle of the diamonds, but small enough to let the engagement ring stand out and looks like it borders the ring. It looks like these two rings were made for each other. This is the picture for yesterday for the 365 project. The picture was taken on an iphone so the quality isn’t great and you can hardly see there is a band on each side of the ring. But here you go…
5 months, 2 days, 4 hours
This morning I woke up super early. Okay, for those of you who actually have jobs unlike me, I believe that 8:15 is really early – especially considering the fact that I was wide awake at 2:00 this morning. I need to get my sleeping routine in gear. Hopefully this early morning will mean that tonight I can get to sleep at a decent hour and set my alarm and successfully wake up to it. Hey, I’m hopeful.
Yesterday I got to see Manda. She is about to pop!! Just looking at her room made me really want a baby. She’s all set with everything washed, organized, and arranged perfectly. I think they call what she’s doing nesting? Haha. Don’t worry readers, this wanting a baby thing is simply based on the cute items and will soon disappear when all of the nastiness and loudness of babyhood is drilled into me upon the arrival of beautiful Jaquelyn. I mean all of that with the most sincere love. Anywho. So Jaquelyn Maria Regalado will be greeting the world on January 21st by way of induction, unless she decides to show her pretty little face earlier. Basically it can be any day in the next 13 days. Crazy, right? I fully intend to update you as soon as she is born. I can’t wait to meet her and see how beautiful and perfect she is! She is already surrounded by so much love.
Once I got back, I got to spend some time with Phillip. While it wasn’t the quality time I had anticipated, it was still nice to have him in the same room. We watched the A&M game on TV. Yeah, they lost. But. It was a great season and it was nice to hear all of the announcers talk about how great of a team they still are. I’m thinking powerhouse next season?
Here is the picture from last night. And yes, that is Bailey snuggling up to Phillip. I knew he secretly liked her….
Today’s agenda is pretty packed. At 1:00 is our appointment with the custom invitation lady in Southlake. I’m really hoping she isn’t outrageously priced and has so many good options. We’re not liking anything and it would be nice to find the perfect invites as the perfect price. I’ll let you know how it goes, with hopefully good thoughts and outcomes. It’s just Phillip and me today without our typical large entourage. I know, it’s a shocker. I’ve attempted to include as many people as possible in this process, but we have decided that today needs to be just us two. Afterall, we can make some decisions on our own. Or at least I think we can…
Afterward, we are going to look at wedding rings. If you have been following my blog as avidly as I hope and assume you have been, you know this has been a difficult task over the course of roughly 6 months now. I have my vision narrowed now and pretty much know what I want. But now it’s about making that vision come to life at a price that is not ridiculous. I’m just not finding that moment of this-is-it and I feel like I should. I am going to be wearing this piece for the rest of my life and it will be attached to my beautiful engagement ring as well. This is a big deal!!! If I return from today with the feeling of defeat yet again, we are going to have to consider going to a custom jeweler.
Also, side note. If I have my wedding ring attached to my engagement ring, what should I wear leading up to the wedding? I have hear various ideas and have narrowed it down to a few: 1) Do not wear a ring at all. 2) Wear the entire piece, band and engagement ring. 3) Wear my promise ring. What do you think?
Tonight, after all of this crazy wedding planning, we are having a date night. I am really looking forward to it too. We are seeing True Grit at the Movie Tavern since we got ticket vouchers for Christmas. The movie is at 7:40 and I’m ready to go on a date. We haven’t been on a date in a really long time and I’m super excited!
5 months, 3 days, 8 hours, 50 minutes
Tonight I had the please of having dinner with an old friend I haven’t seen in almost 4 years. It was fun catching up and I want to do it more often. I forget how much I missed that part of my life and being that connected to a church.
This picture of today is a screen shot of Chipotle – where Blake and I ate tonight. I know it’s kind of cheating, but it’s still a picture and still one for today.
Phillip comes back from the cabin tomorrow. I am way too excited. I’ve missed him a whole lot and can’t wait to get back into the swing of hanging out with him more often.
Saturday is date day/night! We’ll start off with lunch, followed by an appointment with a potential wedding invitation designer. I know, it sounds super fancy. And if it’s a reasonable price, it will be a fancy reality. We just haven’t seen a ready-to-order or ready-to-print style that we like enough and we want something so complex that doing it ourselves might be unreasonable. I’ll let you know. We’re seeing True Grit at the Movie Tavern Saturday night. Phillip’s parents gave us tickets for Christmas and Phillip bought a coupon book for a free meal. Therefore, hooray! It’ll be a productive and fun day spent with my love.
5 months, 4 days, 20 hours, 30 minutes… Almost to the 5 month mark!!
Phillip is still camping with the guys. I wish he were here for a number of reasons. I feel like I haven’t gotten to see him much at all since I moved back here from College Station. Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
With the exception of Christmas Eve, we have not seen each other for more than a few hours at a time, and certainly not more than two days in a row. What is he doing you may ask? Working and hanging out with the guys and taking care of things.
While I completely understand his need to do all of these things, I sure do miss him. I guess I figured I’d move back home and go back to seeing him 24/7 like we did when we hadn’t seen each other in a long time. Hmph.
Basically I’m just bored and miss him.
5 months, 5 days, 20 hours
Tonight I drove to Arlington to meet Emily for dinner at Papacito’s – her treat. It was wonderful and I needed it so much. So today’s picture for the 365 project is from the meal.
Not much else went on today. I did sweep the kitchen, shower, fix my hair and make-up. I think overall, it was a successful day.
5 months, 5 days, 22 hours
Do you ever have wonderful stationary but have nothing to use it for? That’s me right now. Thus the inspiration for my photo of the day. I have a beautiful notepad and fun pens all ready to be used on fantastic things. But alas, I sit here staring at them. I don’t want to waste it on frivolous notes, but don’t want to hold out too long and not ever use them. It’s quite the predicament. Obviously. Oh and welcome to the excitement of my day. When my blog entries center on paper and pens, you know I’m bored.
I also got my diploma frame ordered and bought a frame for my CHES certificate. They are beautiful and I can’t wait to one day have an office to put them on the wall in. I continue applying and hope for at least a nibble as soon as possible.
5 months, 6 days, 22 hours
Well, tomorrow Phillip leaves for the cabin for 4 days. It’s a weekend in east Texas with the guys and his dad. It’ll be fun for them and I’m so glad they get to go do this. I trust every one of those guys very much and especially trust Phillip. So now worries.
However, I suddenly realized tonight that I’m really going to miss him. For the past three and a half years, I have yearned to spend weekends with Phillip and felt like 4 days was nothing compared to the weeks apart. But now I can’t imagine being without him until Friday. Crazy, huh? I guess when you get used to seeing someone again, you get un-used to the missing him part. Yeah, it doesn’t make much sense to me either.
Anyone want to hang out this week? I’m fiance-less, job-less, and money-less, but can prove to be tons of fun. Just let me know!
5 months, 7 days, 17 hours, 15 minutes
P.S. Why on earth am I up this late!?
So since my boring entry earlier with the highpoint of my day being cuddling with my cat, great things have happened. Therefore, today gets 2 pictures!
Look at what came in the mail today! I heard the doorbell ring, opened the door after the mail man had already left, and found nothing. When my dad came home later, he found it where I hadn’t looked (apparently) and gave me a large envelope with a whole lot of promise. I opened it up, knowing that a big envelope was much better than a small one, and found it. Ta-da!
That’s right, readers! I am now officially a Certified Health Education Specialist! This is big news! I took my exam back in October and finally received my results since they needed my final transcript post-graduation. This is a really nice certificate to hang in my eventual office and gives me a leg-up on the competition while job hunting. Plus, if I want to, I can sign all of my emails with “Ashley Galloway, CHES.” Jealous? I thought so.
I also made sour cream chicken enchiladas with verde sauce for dinner. Delicious! And success with me making dinner for my parents. Yay!
5 months, 7 days, 21 hours
I love this cat entirely too much. It’s too bad, for several reasons, she won’t be joining me in Phillip and I’s home. I would have loved having her. I’ll miss her. But until then, we will enjoy our cuddling times.
5 months, 8 days, 2 hours, 40 minutes
Ok, so I’m aware the saying is “footloose and fancy free” but I decided to give you guy a saying with a little more pizazz – seeing as I am no longer in possession of my wisdom teeth nor the stitches that resulted from surgery. Ta-da.
Tonight I ate a stitch. This is no laughing matter. In fact, if you think about it, it’s kind of gross actually. I mean, here I was, eating my salad for dinner and minding my own business. Then I go to get my lasagna (yummmy!) and feel around and notice an important thread-like feeling missing. Yep. I quickly drew the conclusion that I swallowed my last stitch. I wonder if it’s kind of floating around in my stomach right now or if it dissolved upon impact. Unanswered questions of life I suppose.
Well, you’re welcome sorry for the overshare. I’m bored, jobless, and trying to stay awake at least a little bit longer.
5 months, 8 days, 18 hours, 35 minutes
So here’s pretty much what I have done all day long (from 2 until now). Only now, add a glass of wine in there.
So what’s on the agenda for tomorrow? Sadly, nothing at the moment. I need to figure something out. Perhaps I’ll clean and apply for more jobs. Perhaps…
5 months, 9 days, 30 minutes
Today is the first day of 2011. Hooray for starting one of the biggest years (if not the biggest year) of my life. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next. But first, here’s my first of 365 pictures for the year:
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM PHILLIP AND ASHLEY!
5 months, 10 days, 2 hours, 50 minutes
