Wedding Things

I know - just seeing the title of this post may make some people hit the "back" button because weddings are a source of deep bitterness and anxiety, and trust me, I've been there too - but I am having so much fun with everything!! My mom, Joyce and I (and sometimes Grammy) are having a great time traveling everywhere! It seems like every weekend we are getting together to do something to complete wedding plans. I guess I want to communicate how incredibly lucky and blessed I am.

Starting the planning process was incredibly stressful. I could not find a venue that was beautiful and affordable. I was afraid I would end up getting married in some old warehouse serving Chick-fil-A platters (no hard feelings towards them because they do have wonderful food) - but this is my wedding day and of course I want everything to be perfect and beautiful and for everyone involved to have a great time! It has been amazing to see how everything has been orchestrated without ever having to lift a finger! The Mimslyn Inn is perfect. I am so excited to spend an entire weekend with my family (new and old!), friends and most importantly, my new husband.

I couldn't be more grateful for those closest to me who have been so generous in their contributions. Bobbi and Meme helped me pay for the photographer! I was so stunned and speechless when they wanted to do this that I don't think I gave them a good enough "thank you". And Joyce has been so wonderful throughout the whole process, she has tagged along on all of the outings and even wants to help with a portion of the wedding! I am so lucky to have such wonderful future In-laws that only want us to be happy. Finally, how could I forget my wonderful Mama. I think she is way more excited for this event than I am! She is a researcher and her research has paid off well. She found the Mimslyn, and even a baker that will make a wedding cheesecake (neither Brian nor myself like cake).

I love to brag about the great people that surround me and Brian daily. Even Alisa (one of my bridesmaids) said to me "I don't really know how to be a bridesmaid because I've never done it before, but I'm going to go find out!"

I wish I could express how appreciative I am of everyone! Please understand that you are loved more than you know!!

Two Thousand When?

Does everyone else feel like 2009 was especially depressing? I know that everyone was struggling with the economy and other such negative things but it seemed like there was an overall feeling of sadness throughout the year. There was definitely good reason to feel these sad emotions, and as much as I wanted to help all of my friends and family that I loved so much, I just couldn't because I wasn't strong enough to help myself. Can anyone relate?

But then came the sunshine, or atleast 2010. The new year brought an unspoken end to that sadness and a hope for a fresh start and something really good. So many people that I have talked agreed that they feel so excited for this year. Whether it be marriages, books written and published or simply thinking more positively, I think 2010 holds the beginning of a bright future. And thats when you can see the sunshine peak through all the darkness. I want to encourage you all to keep looking through the dark branches into the sunshine. The light draws you towards happy times and motivational thoughts. Go for the dreams that you've been keeping, even if you think it won't succeed, atleast you are trying to reach your goals.

Sending everyone lots of love, hope and success in life. Love to you all!