You know you're in a few weddings when....

....the ladies at David Bridal recognize you and ask "Weren't you just in here a little while ago?"

That was my chuckle from earlier this week, when I went to go purchase my second bridesmaid dress of the year! And not long after one wedding was done, it was time to order the next. I have included a picture for you all to see - its a beautiful color called "Juniper" that is closest in description to a deep teal ... VERY pretty in person!

This is for Carly and Jared's wedding in October, in which I will be standing up as Maid of Honor! I am especially excited about planning some of the festivities. :)

Another highlight of this week has been finding out that my friend Ann from London is coming to Florida to visit! It has been 2 years since I last got to see her, which may seem like a long time but is a record for us. With the distance and our busy schedules, I am so thrilled to be able to see her again so soon - and with her family in toe! Although Ann and I have known each other for nearly 12 (or maybe 13?) years, our parents have NEVER met.

We met through an exchange program at our church, in which families hosted a child from another country and helped them learn english. She came one year, and loved it so much (and our family) that she came again with her sister. But her parents were at home in Estonia. We have had some correspondence with them, and even skyped once or twice but Ann and I are extremely excited for them to meet after all these years. I feel incredibly honored to have Ann as such a good friend, and that we have been able to basically grow up together and share our extremely different and unique experiences. Its important to have people like that in our lives I think, to open your eyes and horizon at what a big world is out there. I cannot even imagine doing what Ann did at age 10, going to country that you have never been to, staying with people you have never met, and not knowing fully how to communicate with them. Talk about SCARY! So from the beginning she had my respect - and now a permanent spot in our guestroom ALWAYS.

Picture Perfect Memories

So I just arrived back to my apartment in Tennessee tonight after traveling all day, and I am sitting here thinking about everything that I did these past 10 days. I truly can't see how I did it all! I mostly thought about the time I spent with friends, catching up on what I have missed the past 10 months. It was so hard for me leave, not exactly knowing when I will be back or see them again. Its interesting to see how things have changed over time, and other things not at all. I also realized how few pictures I took!! I used to be the one stalking everyone with the camera and I found myself getting mad that I barely documented this trip.

Moving up to Tennessee I felt like I partially gave up my friends and family to pursue something that would be better for me long term, a better job and graduate school. But God has had different plans for me, and of course its hard for me realize what I had in mind may change. I don't know if I will end up staying in Knoxville or not, but this vacation showed me how important friends are. They bring so much joy to my life, and doing the simplest things together can be so memorable. Whether its watching old black and white movies that you've never seen before having great conversation, or sitting around doing arts and crafts, I will treasure every moment I have with my friends! And next time, there WILL BE MORE PICTURES. Beware to all! :)

Reflections on a Renovation

So this vacation of mine is finally near its close and I cannot believe how different my parents' new house looks from where we started! Its been a crazy hectic transformation, and theres still a little ways to go, but its nearly there and you can see how fabulous its going to be! Its been an interesting week living without ANY doors, plumbing gradually working in each of the rooms, and no internet for a couple of days ....BUT, we made do. The finishing touches are the last piece of the puzzle -  like baseboards and doorframes and crown molding!

But the paint is up, the closets are (somewhat) organized, and the furniture is in its place. I had some good quality time with my mom and dad and good conversation, as well as some great opportunities to meet people willing to help me in my job hunt.  A few contacts of my parents agreed to meet with me and speak with me about opportunities, share advice, and give some pointers on my resume and I was totally blown away how these people who didn't know me are so willing to give up their time and efforts to do what they can for me. It helped give me a renewed sense of working hard and showing them that I will heed their well seasoned advice!! And not to give up.

This next month my vow is to get in to a positive routine and not let myself get discouraged. I want to make a list of things to do each day that includes balancing taking care of myself, my responsibilities, and even doing something fun once and awhile. Its so easy, as exampled by a number of my friends in similar predicaments, to get stuck in a rut and feel trapped. It can be hard to get motivated to leave the house, or feel like you really got anything accomplished even if you did by doing things like working on your resume or filling out applications for HOURS. Sometimes it feels like its useless, they aren't even going to see it if I don't use the right words or job experience. But something will give, and God WILL open the right doors even if its not the ones we thought... and I am determined to believe that.

Thanks for all encouragement that my family and friends have shown me the past month! It means the world to me. <3