It's Been Awhile!

Well, it has been quite awhile since I last had the energy or motivation to sit down and post something. I actually just found out how to "follow" people, which will be fun! Well, the past week has been eventful, to say the least...we are both experiencing positive changes with our jobs and are very thankful to work with wonderful people doing things to help students achieve their educational and career goals. Josh had to work on Veteran's Day so Monday and Tuesday I was not sure what I'd be doing since my parents were taking my grandmother to Amish country for a daytrip. So, I thought I'd spend the day finishing up wedding announcements and shower thank-you notes, but I finished those on Tuesday night. Early morning on Wednesday I had the onset of all flu symptoms, minus fever, and on Wednesday afternoon I was feeling better but running a 102 fever. I figured it was just a 24 hour bug and would be better. So those were my big Veterans Day plans!

But on Thursday early morning I woke up with pain so bad I couldn't walk. So, Josh drove us to the emergency room and we spent nearly ten hours there while doctors ran tests and gave me a CT scan to make sure I didn't have any major issues (burst appendix, abdominal bleeding, etc.). Turned out I had a kidney infection and an ulcer and they gave me four medications and sent us on our way. Josh was such a great caretaker these past few days, helping me recover and get back to semi-normal...I am so thankful to have him. I still move around like an elderly gal but it is so wonderful to eat solid food again! Yes, it is the little things in life :)

This weekend was my first gown fitting. I have lost eight pounds since last week, so it was a positive experience ;) but bittersweet for my mom and me since no one will be there but Josh and me for the actual wedding. I can't wait for Josh to see my dress...yes, I have kept it a surprise for almost an entire year now (and for those of you who know me I give away surprises and presents too early all the time for lack of ability to control my excitement)!

I am so excited to get married...in exactly three weeks and 21 minutes Josh and I will be saying our vows (yikes, I just remembered I have not written mine yet--Josh wants us to write our own) and then beginning married life in paradise. We laugh about it, because whether it rains or it is beautiful out, it is just the two of us and whatever memories we make for our wedding are ours and we can make the very best of it. :)

There is just tons to be excited about and grateful for. I am about to gain 2 sisters (Kelly and Kasey), 2 stepsisters (Brooke and Sabrina), 4 brothers (Dustin, Anthony, Austin, Ethan), 3 nephews (Aaden, Brody, and Braylon) 4 stepbrothers (Luke, Jake, Jeremy, and Jimmy Lee), a mother-in-law, a step-mother in law, a father-in-law, a stepfather-in-law, and another set of (wonderful) grandparents...not to mention some more cousins and holy cow the list is endless!!! I am so thankful to be part of such a big and closely-knit family, since my family is much smaller and more spread-out geographically.

This week will probably go slowly, but next week is a short work-week, then there's Thanksgiving (I need a good macaroni and cheese recipe please!) and Black Friday shopping! Saturday, my mom is throwing me a bridal shower luncheon at Olive Garden for my Cleveland friends and coworkers, which will be lots of fun too. Then, for my final gown fitting and we can pack our weddingmoon bags!! Ah!! I am planning a trip to Alabama (probably by myself since Josh will likely be working) for the week after Christmas to go see my good friends and new (officially) family!!

More soon! I am hoping to find more friends and/or family using blogspot to follow :) If anyone has any recommendations let me know!


sunset at North Marginal marina