basket case

I've officially communed with all brides of the past, present and future. No, I haven't been too bridezilla yet (but stay tuned) but I am seriously an emotional basket case. Well, emotional basket case for me. (Read that I am over 50% British and raised close to that side of the family.) Planning a wedding is exciting and hard for various reasons. Stress, the family that you wish could be there but can't because they can only watch from heaven, regular life, those that frustrate you for a variety of reason, mounting money spent that seems endless...the fun stuff like imagine walking down in your dress, the dancing at the reception, the presents, the honeymoon. I understand now that it is one of the most emotional times in your life.

So, this reality has been gradually coming up in the last couple of weeks... but it was set in stone tonight as I watched an episode of Private Practice from a few weeks ago. I get choked up at TV but I full on balled twice during this episode. The pregnant woman who lost her husband as a result of being shot in the line of duty. She finally breaks down because her husband is not here to be a part of her life and her baby's life. Addison crawls into the birthing tub to console her and help her through the birth. She gets invovled. Full on bawling is what I am doing at this point. Then later on in the episode after Dr. Feel Good reveals to his ex-wife that he was involved in a hostage situation in which he delivered a baby, the begin to passionately make love. Start bawling again.

Clearly, I am a basket case.

an example of my brain: pancakes

I think since I see on Zoey's Crate and Barrel registry that she has received alot of pancake supplies that I'll buy her the electric griddle at Target.

Things you do when really you should be writing a 12 page paper!

Ha!

gift to me

I've been having an urge to buy myself something off my registries. I realize I love buying wedding gifts for people off of their registries. I choose a theme and how much I want to spend and then put something together from what I see available. Is it so bad that I want to do the same for myself? Doesn't that just mean that I really like me and want to do good things for me?

I have a Christmas tree!

James and I were off to grab some dinner when low and behold we found a Christmas tree lot! We pulled over and I picked out a little 3' tree. We didn't want to go too big with the wedding coming up and all. It's the cute little short and fat tree. I love it and the wonderful smell is already filling my apartment. Yipee!

thanksgiving 2007

It's Thanksgiving Day Eve. I'm enjoying a few quiet moments at home. Thought I'd share the highlights of my day.

First, I hosted Thanksgiving at my apartment with my mom and James' mom. It was just the four of us and we had a great time just kicking back and enjoying the day. James fried a turkey in the second annual fried turkey extravaganza. He outdid himself again and this was the best turkey yet. The moistest turkey ever. He's so cute as he prepares day ahead and then as he goes about his deep frying ways. The best. All of dinner and dessert was great. We were stuffed silly.

Secondly, we broke out the Wii and played Guitar Hero, Wii Sports and Wii Play. My mom tried a song on the Guitar Hero and that was fun to see her rock it. Then we turned on Wii Sports and that's when my mom started to get crazy with the Wii. She bowled and then she boxed. She actually was the one that wanted to box. She and James boxed. James and I boxed. I knocked him out. :) My mom and I boxed. It's good on Thanksgiving when you are with the family to "pretend" box each other. Good family therapy. Ha! Anyway, I loved that my mom was willing and totally got into it. That was the best.

Now, I am along and enjoying sitting on the couch with a blanket on. Watching the movie Hairspray while blogging. Tomorrow I have stuff to do for the wedding and schoolwork but now I am just enjoying the moment and relishing in a great day.

Oh, here'e the link to the photos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=72002&l=c84ee&id=780380382

the first wedding nightmare...literally

It's 28 days to go until the wedding and I had my first wedding nightmare last night. The details I remember are that it rained and we were having an outdoor wedding (ours is indoors), we were just getting the salon about an hour after our wedding was supposed to begin, what got me so late was that I had another event or something I was responsible for right before and, lastly, I had been wearing my dress all along and thought to myself in the dream that that wasn't right. The good part was I was skinny...

Ok, let the interpretations begin....

Kris and Sara's Wedding

Check it out:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=69218&l=03121&id=780380382

the ANTI-shower

JGo and Amber & Ryan threw James and I an ANTI-shower last night. None of the cheesy, girly showery stuff and boys were allowed. It was a TON of fun. We want to do it again! THANK YOU JGo and Amber & Ryan, we are so thankful for your friendship and thankful for the fun time we had last night.

Follow this link for pictures:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=69206&l=63593&id=780380382

All I want to do...

So, these days I am finding little motivation and drive for school and even my practicum. All I want to do is:

• Plan for the wedding. Check my gift registeries. Write thank you cards. Go to a shower everyday. Update my RSVP list.
• Go on facebook. SuperPoke. FightPoke. I like to poke.
• Play Guitar Hero III on my Wii. Then plan my order of priority for other Wii games and accessories. Dance Dance Revolution. I am sooo there.
• Watch all the shows on my TiVo that are backing up.
• Blog. Although if this was all I did, then it wouldn't be that interesting of a blog.

Basically, be a sloth and go back to childhood. Well, except for the married part. I like that part of adulthood. Dream. Play. Sleep. Laugh. Play some more. Then play again.

our halloween

This year's Halloween celebration was pretty mellow this year...but lots of fun. James favorite...and I am mean FAVORITE...holiday is Halloween. We've just been so busy these past couple of months with work, wedding details and other life stuff that James knew he wasn't going to be able to go all out and turn the front of his mom's house into a literal graveyard. It's been the talk of the neighborhood these many years but it was taking a break for Halloween 2007.

We decided to stick it at home, hangout with Christian & Erin, hand out candy and introduce our beloved friends to our latest addiction...Guitar Hero III (on the Wii!). The were easy converts and we played for many upon many hours...interrupted by not one Trick-o-Treaters (note to kids at Fuller...seriously missed out on a bevy of candy not going door to door in the nearly I don't know how many apartments within only a block or two of your home).

Anyway, the greatest part about the evening was how cute my James is. I had a client and wasn't going to get home until 7ish. He was off to get candy when I left. I came home to a sign on the door to let the Trick-o-Treaters know we were cool and a little display of pumpkins outside our door. So cute! So, I rang the door bell and with my briefcase open, he came to the door. I was going as a therapist for Halloween!

He had made me his famous guacamole (yum!) for dinner (yes, dinner!) and with our friend we rocked in our respective bands (I'm a guitarist in Pink Paradise). It was mellow but a lot of fun and a much needed fun break in the midst of every increasing busy (but amazing!) season of our lives.

something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue

I'm reading through by wedding checklist for November on theknot.com realizing that my list of to-do's tripled in size and I have less time then ever to accomplish them...anyway, the plight of a bride. So, it' tells me to get my garter (check!) and figure out the age old tradition of something old, etc. So, I am racking my brain to figure this out and realized I need to put it down on paper (or my blog!) as I was having a hard time figuring out what elements I had figured out and which ones I needed to work on.

Here it goes:

Something old:
Something new: the diamond earrings I asked James to buy me (we are going on faith here!)
Something borrowed:
Something blue: my garter (it has blue flowers on it)

I'm stumped at the borrowed and old. Any suggestions?

emma and lilla HALLOWEEN costumes

Recent pictures of my giriies

Here are two recent pictures of Miss Emma and Little Miss Lilla... my two favoritist nieces... and so cute!

A day with the moms...

The day after my birthday we took our moms (meaning my mom and James' mom) to Oak Glen. It was a very fun day. Check out the pics:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=64371&l=f2278&id=780380382

My birthday!

Last Saturday (October 20th!), I turned 31. I celebrated with friends and family....and we carved pumpkins. It was very fun. Check out the photos!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=64368&l=93f07&id=780380382

engagement photos!

Well, we finally got our almost 300 photos from our engagement photo session with our friend (and amazing photographer) Will!

So, click here...

Enjoy!

Rando picturos

So, I got a new camera for my birthday... It was more of a "This covers all major events between now and your next birthday" camera... Anyway, it is a beautiful that I've wanted for years and after graduating, I am soo taking the photography course at the local community college. So, here is just a brief selection of some of the pictures I took in the afternoon after buying the camera.

Supplies o' wedding

Tower of petals... and surrounding this is a mound of other wedding supplies. 74 more days until the BIG day... and we are so ready... Then I'll have pictures on here of the petals where they have long waited to go these many months!

Drez Housewarming Party

Follow this link to pictures from Christian and Erin Drez's Housewarming Party. It was a delightful evening of southern charm and hospitality right here in the 'dena. Thanks, Christian & Erin! We love you guys!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=57808&l=66840&id=780380382

my luke skywalker

Meet James new toy. The beloved Luke Skywalker light saber.

This purchase wasn't for the kids. This was for him. I think how impractical and why, why, why but then again a $75 trip to Sephora or a $100 trip to the mall to buy clothes seems justifiable to me even though the man doesn't see the very real difference between quality makeup, shoes and clothes. (Do I hear an Amen?) Anyway, all this to say that I try not to get on his case about his light saber/DVD/Spooky Town purchases.

So, just so you know I am safe here in my apartment. He chopped the head off the vacuum, slit the throat of the couch and when I attacked him with a shoe, he of course needed to defend himself and cut me in half. I dramatically dropped the shoe and thought about dropping to the ground in defeat but chose to dramatically swoon instead.

The light saber is properly stored on top of one of the bookcases (in its special light saber rack) ready to use at a moment's notice. You never know when even the TV or the oranges from the kitchen might attack and my highly skilled ewok might need to use the force and the light saber to defend and save the world...or at least show who's boss to the mean and vile furniture, appliances and produce that inhabit this world...er, I mean this apartment.

The next purchase is the red light saber so "we can battle". Heck, maybe James is onto a new couples conflict resolution intervention.

the little things

James and I walked to the gym the other day inquiring about personal training. I had just got home from my practicum site so I was all business and heels. I didn't have time to change. Anyway, we walk over there and on the way back I decide to ditch the shoes. I kick them off and James grabs them and carries them back to the house.

It was so tender to me. It was one of those things that to me makes James so great. The little thoughtful and tender things that he does that make being in a relationship that much more special. It may seem insignificant to some but it was one of those moments that allows me to reflect on how special he is to me and how great he makes me feel.

progress

Curiosity lead me to count up the total amount of client hours I've done to date.
52.
52 out of the 300 required.
1/6 of my hours complete to graduate.
It's been two months and I have 52.
So, let's say I average 25 per month and I'll be at my site for 12 months.
Do the math. That's 300. That's what I need to graduate.
Oh good that I am right on track. I am getting more referrals too.
Sigh of relief.

Tagged

Thank you Erin for tagging me for this fun post.

The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their 8 things) and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Here are the eight interesting facts about me:

1. I've never had the chicken pox. Never.

2. I have a craving for Zankou Chicken often...like I could eat it every day but I limit myself to once per week...maybe once every two weeks...Okay, it's once per week.

3. I get bored easily. I can't sit still for too long. I don't think this lifetime will offer me enough time to do all I want and see all I want.

4. I am super sensitive to smells. Super sensitive. I also like the smell of something familiar. I enjoy breathing in deep the scent of James because it brings familiarity and comfort to me. If he smells, I make him go and take a shower. Oh, and I love when he has just taken a shower. I love the smell of clean anything and especially a clean James. See my obsession.

5. Graduate school has made me want to sleep in for the first time in my life. Oh, I hate mornings and I never hated mornings before I started graduate school.

6. I love turbo kick boxing classes at the gym. I get goosebumps every class that I take.

7. I have an obsession with calendars. I love calendars. I love getting new calendars and probably have more than likely never used a calendar for more than one year at a time without switching.

8. The same is true of pens. I love pens. I own a lot of pens. I throw out pens and I still own a lot of pens.

I tag: Michelle

Therapy technique: reframing

I get my electricity bill every two months and had the nagging feeling that I should have already received it by now and also the need to know the forthcoming large amount that I knew I would have to pay. The hot SoCal weather (remember Labor Day weekend) and the fact that the man in my life is always hot...always... I knew it would be rather large.

$241.55 for two months of electricity

Oh my...

So, after my initial, holy crap! moment. I decided to use a bit of reframing. A spectacular therapeutic technique that leads to "aha" moments and just being able to look at things a bit differently.

So, let's give it a try...

My air conditioning didn't go out. I didn't have to scour all of Southern California for an air conditioning unit or a fan to save my life. My little wall unit in the living room just plugged away and my fan didn't break. My car has fabulous air conditioning. It didn't go out either. That was nice. Many people (like my man and like his mother) sat in houses that didn't have any air, had cars that their AC went kaput and spent $300 for a wall unit while under duress. Heck, there were many people who lost their lives in the weekend of scorching heat. I was comfortable and not inconvenienced. I was lucky. So, I will pay my $241.55 to the City of Pasadena with a great relief that life could be really a lot worse. Then I will adjust my budget accordingly because the man in my life will be moving in three shorts months and his very favorite spot ever in life (okay, one of them at least) is to sit on the couch, turn on the wall unit, point it towards him, watch a little TV and eventually fall asleep.

Oh, I feel much better now... Okay, well I sort of feel much better...

a pre-fall quarter update

Well, to start off, I quit my job at the school. Last Thursday specifically I put in my two weeks notice. This was a very hard and sad decision to make. Not only because the money is great but also because of the relationships I share. It was as a grueling decision to make as the one I had to make to leave the church but I likened it to it sucks that I won't see some of these people on a daily basis anymore. Yet all in all it is a good decision to not live an insanely busy life anymore. I wasn't enjoying any of it although all the individual things I enjoy greatly. James was the biggest supporter of this decision and for that I am grateful. I enjoyed this past weekend much more not having to figure out to cram as much in it because life each week just gets busier and busier. Life will still get busy with school and more practicum hours but I will have some more time and not as many things to put my head around. I'm looking forward to having weekends to have fun as well as get stuff done. I am most looking forward to enjoying the three months I have before my wedding date. I love this season of life in general and feel like I will get an opportunity to be fully present in it. Then if things work out for James in his new job here at school (meaning it goes from temp to permanent) then I might not have to work until I graduate and find my full-time therapist job. That'd be a nice treat in the first six months of marriage and last six months of grad school. So, that is what we are working towards. At the very least, I get to have the rest of the year to enjoy... and for that I am exceedingly happy.

It's for the kids...

James called me at work today to tell me, with his sheepish and timid voice, that he had spent some money that could have probably been spent at a later time in our financial lives.

"Disney DVD's. Limited time only DVD's. Only one Dumbo left. It's for the kids..." Please note that it wasn't just one limited time only DVD. I'm really not the much of a penny pincher.

Then I thought to myself, "Ah, marriage..."

And so, it begins...

This Saturday marks the 3 month countdown to our wedding. How timely.

I told him to remember when he was supporting me through the rest of my schooling and helping pay off my student loans...oh, and the part of the wedding we'll be paying for after the wedding...to remember how nice I was at this moment.

Blog-o-sphere

I've recently been intrigued by this whole realm of blogging that has become a cultural phenom in itself. I, of course, I am a little behind the times on it all and a little out of time but think that it might be a good outlet for me to hone in on my abilities...and desire to blog on a more regular basis and to read blogs as well. I find it an outlet I quite enjoy and want to put some work into.

Capacity issues...

I have capacity issues. I have no capacity and I finally think that I am okay with that. I no longer want to try harder or push through it. I have no capacity. I am leaving it up to a power greater than me and I'm hoping that power comes through because I am at the end of me.

So, I spend any alone time I have reading blogs, watching TV and playing games on www.pogo.com. Ok, I do a few other things like chores around the house and some homework but really I just feel like vegetating. The rub is that I am a type-A, doer personality with a host of issues that keep me going, going and going and taking on way too much. I feel guilty taking time to myself. I feel guilty for all the things I'm not doing and the crazy thought that all those things might just eliminate the stress in my life. I feel guilty for not being prepared in all ways for the next phase of my life or more so being okay with the fact that I've changed my mind on what I can do and be at this time in my life. Basically, I'm crazy... but then again, I am a therapist and we know all therapists are crazy.

So, I am coming to accept this part of myself. I am coming to terms with this part of myself. I'm just going to try and be where I am at and be honest with my limitations, my regrets and my feelings.

Just enough time...

...for a post on my blog!

It's Sunday morning and again I've skipped out on church and breakfast with James and my future mother-in-law to sleep in. Those two hours of sleeping in and the opportunity to either clean or read the paper while drinking a home brewed cup of coffee are a gift to my sanity at this stage in life. Of course, even now as a multi-task....blog, coffee, paper...I am listening a lecture for my online class. It never ends. Ok, it feels like it'll never end.

YES, I found the Michael's ad in the newspaper and again they are providing TWO 40% off coupons. One for this week...and one for next week. Virtually all wedding supplies for our wedding have been bough via a 40% coupon. I think I've been to Michael's almost every week for the past 8 months. It's like a game now.

Newsflash... Target has a lot of items on sale in the housewares and some of the things on our registry. I'm just saying it might be time to buy a gift for ME for a good deal! :)

Anyway, an update on me. Life has been NUTS! The last few weeks specifically have been challenging to my sanity and I'll admit I've lost it a few times. So, things are a brewing for changes to my otherwise insane and impossible schedule...and some priorities...much like the events of this morning...to bring some balance to all of life. Doing something physical every day will be right up there so as things get FRUSTRATING, I can take them out in a healthy and productive way....and say, not on James. That might be good. Today he told me it was about time to call the Bridezilla crew.

The crazy part of it all is that none of it is bad in of itself. It's just that too much good is still too much and then the juggling of that makes the bad come out.

The end of the summer quarter is here. I have two more weeks of my online class. That's the lecture I am listening to right now. Then I have an IDL which is a series of lectures, reading and assignment you do at your own pace. I have until December 8th but promised myself that I wasn't going to do that to myself so I am busily learning all there is to know about Islam which has been fascinating. The EXCITING part about finishing these two classes is that beyond a Biblical Hermeneutics and Counseling class I have in the Spring 2008, that is IT for my MA in Theology and that is IT for classes I find academically challenging. It is that very fact that keeps me on task as hard as it is. I feel like I have senioritis all over again this quarter.

Practicum has been going well. Knock on wood. I have six clients. I've been meeting with four of them very consistently and then I just started with two others this past Saturday. I've been very lucky to have a great start to my practicum and have the amount of clients who have come in quickly and stuck. Anyway, I feel comfortable in the room and challenged all at the same time. My supervisor is excellent. I've really benefited from her perspective and her helpful techniques which has really opened my eyes.

I'm also going to start the community-based aspect of my program. I'll more than likely be a therapist at Jefferson Elementary School here in Pasadena. I have training at the end of the month. I'll receive 3 referrals then. I'll be either meeting them at the school, in their homes or at one of our agencies. I'll be working with kids but approaching more from what is going on in the family and in the school...working with the teachers and administration. I'm really excited about this aspect of my program as it seems the community mental health is moving more towards therapist out in the field for the purpose of gathering real data on the family system and other systems the child exists in as opposed to the clients coming to the the mental health agency. It is more multi-disciplinary and systems oriented. I like this because I am a sociologist and our training as MFT has been largely family systems based.

Wedding plans are going well. It's been relatively quiet over the summer months other than the rants and raves from me on how to pay for it all. The early planning, etc. has been a good thing but still many little details to figure out that I need to start getting on top of. I am anxious for the day. I think now that we are getting closer to the fall that it seems more of a reality and that gets me excited...and STRESSED! It mostly gets me excited.

James is doing well. He started a new job at the Home Depot. It's been a tough training schedule and overall the job isn't ideal but it pays money and in 90 days benefits. I think that is what I am most excited about. He works primarily days and then a weekend day... usually Saturday which sucks... but I see clients on Saturday too which then just works out for us. The great part is that he works in Covina and eventually will move to Pasadena which is OPPOSITE traffic which is terrific. He started at one of the highest pays in his department which is a good thing too.

Geesh, this turned out to be a long post. I feel like I had something else to blog about but I forget and that's probably okay since this one if forever long anyway.

Not a good sign...

It's 8:10am and I'm walking to work. I check my work email on my Treo which only gives me frustrating news. It's already a bad day. That is no good at 8:10am.

Things to do:
1. Get rid of stupid Treo that checks email. I'd like to delay any bad news to as late in the day as possible.
2. Be thankful that I am getting my graduate degree in marriage and family therapy and will soon will deal with drama I care about.
3. Drink coffee and make sure to play a couple rounds of No Limit Texas Hold Em or other brain draining game to spite work for its frustration in my otherwise peaceful life.

:)

It's official...I'm a therapist...and I think I'm going to like it...phew!

Well, I've officially begun my career as a therapist. I saw two clients today and things went well. The hard part is over...well, probably not the hardest part...but I'm past the "seen the first client" stage. I had one client not show up and I've called to follow-up with them. I have another client this coming Thursday. Anyway, it's going well and we'll see how it continues to go from here. Whoot! Whoot!

iPhone

I want one... especially since Jeanette got one. I really want one now.

pretty amazing...

He did my laundry tonight cause I needed help and he's here to help me. I love him.

Woot! Woot!

Good news.... James got a job! He'll be at the special order desk at Home Depot in Covina, CA! I'm excited for him and for us as that is a big relief especially since we have the big ole wedding coming up! It's not a long term solution for him since magic is his real passion but it'll get us by until we can get some financial stability and both get living our dreams!

So, congrats James! I'm glad someone swooped up such a hard, passionate worker!

snarky emma...that's my girl!

emma eating ribs!

Delayed gratification...

I'd really like an iPhone... but I will not get one for a couple of years... Two years to be exact... when my contract with Verizon ends... and I'm paying on my student loans... not taking more out.

It's official...

I'm stressed out. Too much to do and too little time.

Twenty things I did today...

A little run down of what I've accomplished today...

1. Ran to Target to get some cleaning products and organization tools
2. Stopped by Staples to try to find a certain type of removable tab and pen dispenser...no luck... did get very cute journal for cheap
3. Dishes...many, many dishes
4. Laundry including sheets and towels
5. Sweep patio... more like gather leaves in one central location... after getting two bags of leaves together... I wait for another day
6. Clean bathroom countertop... and the toilet
7. Mop bathroom floor
8. Mop kitchen floor
9. Vacuum... even between the couch cushions...
10. Go to work, shred three boxes full of stuff, organize storage room, figure out finally how to sync my Palm to my laptop... cumbersome to say the least
11. Get mail
12. Watched "Thank You for Smoking" which doesn't really mean that I sat down and watched... I got the general gist of it though... I have a hard time just sitting and watching a movie or a TV show... the movie theatre is about the only way you get me to stay still.
13. Watched the end of "The Queen"... didn't quite finish it the first time I sat down... See #12.
14. Clean kitchen sink
15. Organize bookmarks on Firefox
16. Bring out more stuff from closet to put in my newly organized carport storage unit
17. Watch an episode of the Sopranos
18. Put the shoes on the floor back into the closet, go through the mail, tidy up, etc.
19. Take many trips to the garbage bin and recycle bins because I greated much trash today
20. Mark all the "to-do's" off of my calendar for the above 19 items

Brain fried...

I am thankful that at noon today my one week intensive is OVER. It was Addictions and Family Treatment. In the beginning of the week, I thought the class would fly by and that this one week intensive would be a breeze in comparison to the normal two week intensive I've experienced at Fuller in some really difficult Biblical Studies course like Writings or Pentateuch. Yet that hope failed me about Wednesday when I was ready to be done. It is probably a combination of things like the topic matter, the format of the class, etc. but right now my brain is fried. I did manage to bam out over half of the take home written final after class and now I am going to switch to the Journal assignment, but I am so looking to 5pm when I am going to high tail it out of work to some R&R. The beauty of this weekend is that it isn't full at all. I have all of Saturday to take the day as it comes. I have a to do list a mile long but love to order it in whatever way I want to. James and my mom will probably be to Escondido sometimes Saturday night or Sunday and I'll greet them with bells on. Until then, I'm going into relaxation mode.... I think though I might use this blog to do my Journal about my class. There is something that blogging does that journaling just doesn't inspire me to do... So, until then... I'm out.

Joy-filled heart

I received a GREAT email from my sister today. James flew back to Ohio today to help my mom move back to California. I couldn't go with because of school and the like so off he went to visit with my family (including one of my favorite nieces Emma!) and drive my mom with my mom well over 2,000 miles. Hmm...We'll see how that goes! I digress...

I received an email this evening from my sister, who I cherish more and more each day... It read as follows:

Subject: James

"Hi sister! I just had to tell you that James is so delightful! He is such a fantastic guy, I really enjoy his company. I'm so glad he is a part of our family. Wish you were here too!

love ya!"

I knew my sister had felt this way but it was just so great to have her take the time to tell me. It just made me feel good.

Anyway, there you for little ways in which God fills my heart with joy!

my cute mom and my adorable fiance

Friday afternoon I picked up my mom from the airport. She came in for the weekend to surprise my poppa for Father's Day. I ran her around on a plethora of errands I needed to run and then James came over. We went to my favorite Zankou Chicken for dinner and then put in a movie for evening. It was more than a mere 30 minutes into the movies that my mom was fast asleep on the couch and James fast asleep in the recliner. It was a sight to see. I thought of taking a picture to include on this post but thought out of deference to my mother that I wouldn't. That was good thinking on my part. I bused myself with budeting, paperwork and the like and got a ton done. So, I think for everyone it was a win-win. :)

engagement photo preview :)

it's destiny

James and I joined Weight Watchers tonight. We're pretty excited about tackling this tough area together. It was fate when in the newbie meeting after the main meeting the leader asked us how we met that she too met her man on match.com. Weird! We all got a kick out of it. We then marched over to Ralph's to stock up on good food. It was a good evening. We'll see how it goes.

it is done

I realize that I always feel compelled to blog whenever I finish a quarter and this time is no different. Tomorrow I open up "Family Treatment Plan.doc" and hit print. I collect it from the printer and attach a genogram and a BDI-II test and walk it to Kathy in the MFT Department. Then.... then I can be officially done.

I feel tired. I feel relieved and in that relief I feel tired. I have exactly 12 day, 11 hours and 27 minutes to enjoy before the summer quarter begins. I need to enjoy every second and take a breather. The next four quarters (and the last four quarters!!) will be challenging. I'll start practicum in 22 days, 12 hours and 25 minutes. I'll decide on whether to stay at my current job. I'll also get married in 192 days, 15 hours and 54 minutes. All great stuff but a lot. That sounds like me.

I'm thankful for another quarter to be behind me and 10 weeks of flurry to be over. With that, I am signing off, vegging out to some TV and going to bed.

Month at a glance

Sunday, June 3rd
1. Family Treatment Plan for Take Home Final in Assessment
2. Start studying for Child & Family Development final

Monday, June 4th
1. Work
2. Walk with Michelle
3. Study for Child & Family Development final
4. Take James to Rick's for a spudrito (potato burrito)

Tuesday, June 5th
1. Take Child and Family Development final at 8am
2. At approximately, put both hands up in the air and pull in a downwardly direction while saying, "Yesss!" because Spring 2007 has come to a close. Call James to tell him all about it and hear him say, "I'm proud of you honey!"
3. Enjoy the next 13 days of no class, homework, etc. Yipee! See James smile extra big cause he doesn't have to share me with Fuller Theologial Seminary for 13 days.

Friday, June 15-17 MOM comes from Ohio! She tells me we'll have to do something for the wedding. Zoey is currently scrambling for lists of things Mom can buy!

Monday, June 18th
Summer 2007 quarter begins. Sad. Happy that it is last summer quarter of classes EVER!! Yipee! Happy that I just have one week intensive on Addictions and Family Treatment. Happy to take first online course at Fuller, Christian Worldview & Contemporary Challenges. Happy the other class is a correspondence type course, Intro to Islam. Need much discipline for self-directed work!

Friday, June 22nd
Finish Addictions and Family Treatment class

Thursday, June 28 and Friday, June 29
Orientation for Pasadena Mental Health! It's actually at the main campus for Five Acres since PMHC has recently been acquired by Five Acres so we will see how that goes!

That's June at a glance. Super excited about June!!

snafoo

Well, we got a letter from the chapel we are supposed to be married at telling us that the construction in front of the chapel that was supposed to be completed by our wedding now will most likely be completed in the beginning of the year. Hmm...

So, we are back to the drawing board when it comes a place to get married. Sharon, my wedding coordinator, has a list churches to call. Then the second option might be to get married outdoors at the Fullerton Arboretum (sketchy in mid-December) and then maybe at the restaurant where our reception will be. So, we will see. My goal would be to have that determined by mid-June and get the invitation ordered at that time.

Pray, pray, pray.

Things I am thankful for....and knew I would be:

My wedding coordinator! I was hemming and hawing my decision last week about it and now I think I am brilliant again. :) I knew I would!

Any suggestions for church in the North Orange County area?

cleanlines is not next to godliness but it sure makes a girl happy

Memorial Day Weekend 2007 wasn't your typical weekend getaway for me this year but was packed full of CLEANING! I'm pretty excited about it too!

I decided that this past weekend was going to be spring cleaning. I didn't have a ton of schoolwork and not a lot of plans and to top it all off I had the energy to do it! So, from Saturday afternoon to Monday afternoon, I basically touched almost everything that I own. I organized, threw away and gave away a ton of stuff. I probably could be a bit tougher on that process but it was a step in the right direction.

You see... I have this boy moving in soon. It's about 6 months away. He doesn't have much but I have a lot... and we've registered for alot. We want to paint our little pad to refreshen it up and then a few of his pictures, etc. will be added and after December 15, 2007, it'll be the home of Mr. and Mrs. James & Zoey. Yipee! So, needless to say, this process was a huge project for this summer and I'm about 90% done. James was a huge support in getting things done this weekend. I couldn't have done it without his support and the freedom to do it.

I feel sooo much better after a whirlwind that this past year has been. It seemed like I could never get on top of things but I feel I am getting there. Work has been great. School has been manageable and just so what I love. Wedding plans are right on schedule. James and I are doing great and eagerly anticipating our marriage. My praciticum starts on June 28 & 29 with orientation. I've been walking 3 times a week with a friend getting that part of life back on track.

I'm going to enjoy this little bit of life. It just promises to get crazier but I feel like I am going into it one step ahead.

spring break update

I had to read my last post to remember what I planned on doing for my spring break. I was pleasantly surprised to see that I had already accomplished many of the things on my list.

I had a great time visiting my family in Ohio. It was a short trip but it was filled with many times of playing with little Miss Emma Z. She's the cutest ever. She's so happy and very, very busy. She's going to give her parents a run for her money but she's precious as ever. She carries around a picture of me that Carrie put in a frame and gives it smooches and says "Zo Zo". She's so cute!! Carrie and John are expecting again on September 17th! They'll find out in four weeks as to whether it is a girl or a boy. Yipee!!

I've read two books for pleasure and I'm working on a third one. I've read "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion and "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson and Donna Diamond. I'm starting to read "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell. I also bought "The Tipping Point" by the same author.

I worked out twice while I was in Ohio. I've been sideline by this cold thing but look forward to getting that on track. I went to a step class with Carrie on Thursday and was reminded that I love classes like Step and TKB so hopefully Wednesday I can get started on this workout schedule. Right now it's a diet of orange juice and water!

I found my wedding dress and figured out the bridesmaid dresses. I actually bought my wedding dress while in Ohio. It was important to me that my mom and sister got to be a part of the process but I never anticipated finding THE dress but I did and I love it! My sister is going to ship it to me. It was too much to try to carry on the plane. I can't wait until it gets here. I've got an idea of what I want the tables to look like at the reception. My next goal is to get the stinking save the date cards out!

James picked me up at the airport on Sunday. It was good to be home again. Home is just him as a person. The guy that lets me lay my head on his shoulder, tells me to sit down and he'll get my luggage, let's my sleep on the way home and just as happy as can be to see me. Tomorrow night he is off work so I am going to go and see him. He's been working two jobs to help pay for the wedding but my boy is TIRED. It'll be good to see him tomorrow and spend some time with him. He has Saturday off too which will be a day of wedding details and hanging out a bit. We are soo busy that each moments matters that we spend together. So, need to work on the have fun with James but just glad I get to spend some time with him.

Haven't cleaned the house. Need to clean the house.

starting to breath...

The papers are printed.

My bags are packed for Ohio. Stick in the make-up and I am good to go.

My house is still a mess but I finally sat down to breath.

I'm looking forward to unwinding in the next week and a half. I need to make sure I do unwind since the spring quarter is right around the corner...March 26!

My goals for the break are:

• spend time with my family in Ohio
• get on a eating and exercise schedule
• work on wedding details
• read a book for pleasure
• clean my house
• have fun with James

The bummer is that I am also working full-time next week. I fear that week will go by too fast. All in all I need to rest to make sure I am excited about the next quarter.

Anyway... I am so excited to have the last quarter finished. I am excited to have only 8 units next quarter. The grass is always greener on the other side. I am busy again and just a few short months ago I was bored. It is for sure that I am tired of busy busyness. I guess I don't like the adrenaline as much as I once did. It's finding the happy medium. So, that is life.

Here's to the happyness an end of the quarter brings and the week and a half that I don't think about school. YIPPEE!

12:05AM

I formally accepted my offer by leaving a mesage with the Clinical Director of Pasadena Mental Health at 12:05am on Thursday, March 8th... Practicum Decision Day.

No, I didn't set my alarm so that I could wake up and call her just to be cheesy. I was already up and actually on my way home from the OC. James and I went to a Tyrone Wells concert. I had given him some music of Tyrone's to listen to and since the end of last year James has been talking about going to see Tyrone in March. We had a ton of fun!

Anyway, so I was out and about and thought I would leave a message... which still is kind of cheesy but seriously my overactive imagination got the best of me when I thought that maybe somehow, someway, something would happen where inadvertently in the three days I had to wait to officially accept the position would slip from my hands. Needless to say I am eagerly waiting for her call today to confirm, etc. I hope to start in June! Yipee!

I did get another offer from La Vie Counseling Center on Tuesday night. It was very flattering to have received 4 out of my 6 interview spots. I haven't heard yet on the other two but that's water under the bridge now. I called to turn down the offer from La Vie and the Clinical Director called me back to say that the site that had me was fortunate and I was going to make a great therapist.

Also, my TA today who is doing who internship at SEEC said that she had hoped I would choose SEEC. I was flattered but felt frustrated that I can't be at them all!

All this to say that this week has stroked my ego sufficiently and given me a sense of confidence I need as I move closer to now actually seeing clients. I am excited!

I got to see James tonight after a few days of not seeing him. I accepted my dream trainee site. I finish classes tomorrow. I've received great encouragement earlier today. I don't know that a girl could be happier with her life. I think maybe losing 50 pounds would make me happier but that would just push me over the top of the 100% happiness I feel right now!

I am so incredibly thankful!

Another offer...

I received my third offer of placement at SEEC in Covina, CA. I had to call and tell them I wasn't accepting the offer. I was flattered to receive it but I really feel strongly about PMHC! I've had three offers thus far. That is a great encouragement!

WOO HOO!

Today, I got a call from Eden, the Clinical Director at Pasadena Mental Health, who offered me a trainee position!

WOO HOO!

I am so excited! It hasn't really hit me yet but I am beyond excited to get THE site that I wanted! I have to wait until Thursday to officially let her know but I think she got the drift when I said "You've made my day!" after she offered it to me.

I have to choose June or September to start and figure out the other logistics of life but I couldn't be happier!

YIPEE!

first trainee position offered!

In the mail today, I received an offer from Foothill Family Services for a trainee position. Yipee! It's not my first choice but glad to know that I have one! This site is in Pasadena and is a good site for getting started in April, exposure to a diverse population and working in a large mental health agency. In the letter, they spoke of orientation, etc. That just got me excited. I wish I could do them all!

Hopefully, more to come....

ToDaY

Saturday mornings are for sleeping in but today I did no such thing. Well, I feel really bad for James who didn't get home until 1am after working his second job (to help pay for the wedding... such an amazing guy!). Anyway, he picked me up early this morning and we made our way to Culver City to watch Amber Van Wyk (bridesmaid extrodinarie) compete in the Pacific Coast Sectional figure skating competition. The girl rocks! She looked hot and she skated circles around the other competitors. I've never been to a "live" figure skating competition but I am for sure an Amber Van Wyk groupy. She placed second and is on her way to the national competition in Chicago in April. Anyway, it was a fun, fun morning.

Then we went to Zankou Chicken for lunch and watched a couple TiVo'd showed that had a magician story lines in them. The episode of The Office a couple of weeks ago had Michael doing a straight jacket routine that was hilarious and then Criss Angel was on CSI:NY. It was a nice Saturday afternoon.

Then James had to scoot off to a gig and then to his second job. Hard working man. I'm busy clearing up my house and need to get some homework done. Tomorrow we are going to the happies place on earth for the afternoon. I really gotta get some reading done in the DSM. This week (and the last week!) we are learning about sleeping disorders, adjustment disorders and VCodes. I am SOOO glad that this is the last week of school and that this week I get to find out about pracitcum. Happy week!

finally...engagement pics

The tree James proposed to me under. This isn't the actual day he proposed but a few days after so that we had the place captured in photo forever.

GREAT interview and GREAT site

Today was my last interview in this whole practicum site process. As I mentioned in a previous post, next week is practicum site notification week. Monday through Wednesday we should receive our offers and then by Thursday we communicate to THE site our acceptance of their offer. I am really look forward to having another piece of the puzzle place in this process of being a psychotherapist.

Today was Pasadena Mental Health Center. This is by far my top site to date. I think it encompasses all the things that I am looking for in a practicum site. It has been an anxiety provoking task to try to nail down exactly what I want in a practicum site knowing that there probably isn't really a bad decision. This site is a community based program that serves Pasadena. The population is diverse as is Pasadena and most clients are working class ranging in income from low to mid income. They make too much to qualify for MediCal but often their jobs don't offer health insurance or their health insurance is inadequate to cover mental health services. It is a private facility so all clients are self-referred. The supervision is excellent and the training is great. You hold a client load that is at minimum 6-7 clients and they also encourage you to participate in one of their school based program or their first offender program. Oh, and you'd also have one hour of client intake where you are answering the phone and doing initial assessment to either refer them on or to arrange a fee and set them up for being contacted by a therapist. All in all it is a great well-rounded program offering a variety of training, group supervision by case presentation and individual superivision with supervisors who specialize in all different modalities. Can you tell that I am so excited? It would be hard work to be a part of the team at Pasadena Mental Health Center but I am excited about the type of clincians I'd be at the end of my time there.

The interview today was a group interview. We had about 10 people in our group interview. I tried my best to answer the questions differently than my peers and to make myself stand out. I thought I did good but I wasn't ready for the reaction my fellow classmate Michelle gave me as we left the interview. She said first that she was glad to see me in action being that it was the first group interview we had been in together. Then she proceeded to tell me that I nailed the interview. She said that Eden, the Clinical Director and interviewer, had a "glazed eyes face", a "I'm interested, I'm listening face" and then the "Zoey" face which from Michelle's impersonation made me feel good. She said I stood out amongst everyone else and that she said that I could be 98% sure to be offered a placement at Pasadena Mental Health. I was overwhelmed by Michelle's response to which she wanted me to know she wasn't just saying it or blowing smoke. Michelle is one of those people who tells it like it is and when it's a good thing, you feel great and trust her feedback.

So, coupled with my already excitement for the site through the Q&A part of the interview and then with Michelle's feedback, I am super excited that this might be the site that I will end up being at for the next year. Eden hopes to let us know on Monday and I do hope that it is a reality that I get a call. I'll be disappointed if I don't get Pasadena Mental Health. I might be sad or even angry but there are other great sites as well. Oh, I hope it is Pasadena Mental Health!

So, I covet your prayers for this opportunity as well as all the details of what it means to work 20+ hours (for no pay) at a practicum site and go to school... and what to do with the GREAT job I have at the school (that does pay). I'm just trusting in the Good Lord to work this out especially as James and I still eagerly anticipate our wedding and our new life together. I know it will work out as I know that being a therapist is something I feel more and more passionate about as being what I was created to do. It's just STRESS to think about money especially when you're also beating yourself up about how you've spent money in the past! Money that could make this STRESS go away. Oh well, I still have A LOT to be thankful for and A LOT that many others don't have so I know it'll work out. It's a year of my life. A great year with so many exciting things to come!

Stay tuned for posts of the minute by minutes of practicum decision week.

Blessings!

Week 9 DONE!

We have come to the conclusion of week 9! Yipee! I get giddy thinking that this quarter is coming to a close pretty fast. Joy! Glee! Happyness abound!

next week and beyond

Next week... week of March 5th...

Week 10 of the quarter.

Start to receive trainee positions offers from practicum sites on Monday, March 5th. Then start a process by where I can only have one offer open at a time. Once I received the second offer, I have to decide between those two, deny one by calling the site, don't call the site that I am still interested in until I receive a call from a site I am more interested in then the one I kept open. Repeat as necessary.

Tuesday, March 6th...Test in Psychopathology on some other chapter in the DSM that makes me scared to be a therapist. Celebrate that torturous Tuesday's are over for this quarter in which I had no break from 8am-9:30pm.

Wednesday, March 7th. Wait for last of the sites to contact. Agonize over decision. Turn in major budget project at work.

Notify site that I want on Thursday, March 8th. Did I make the right decision? Based on the decision I do make, my life will look like ________________ and I'll have to make the following changes to my life ____________________. Stress. Relief. Both emotions. Continued debt because I can't work my free therapy job and my real job and take classes. All in all will just be glad to know what life holds in the next year... well at least where and when I have to show up. I guess that's all we can really know. All in all celebrate the opportunity to start seeing clients and kick back a glass of wine and a good meal because of it.

THREE HOUR forms orientation on Friday, March 9th. The golden rule of therapy, document, document, document. In three short hours, we'll show you how.

The weekend... March 10 & March 11. Take home final in Pscyhopharmacology. Take home final in Marital Therapy. Church history paper from last quarter. Internet research project for psychopharmacology. Pray to the J-E-S-U-S that I passed Psychopathology.

Week of March 12... Breath. Finish up work and turn it in. Hop on a plane to Ohio to visit my family. Try on dresses. Do some other wedding stuff. Sleep.

Then work during spring break. No classes. Sleep a lot. See James more. Watch movies. Play hookie. The options are endless.

Stay tuned.

update... delayed

Next week is week 8 of the quarter... need I say more! I'm tired! I love my classes but I am a little burnt out of the pace of life. I am looking forward to the much needed breaks that comes in a few weeks. It's the mountain I gotta climb to get there that makes me a even a little more weary. I wouldn't trade my schooling experience for the life of me. Yet I do look forward to that phase of life coming to a close. It really is right around the corner and I need to realize that before I know it will be at the place I've waited for all along.

I'm still in the midst of interviewing for practicum sites. That has been an interesting experience that has left me more confused than given me clarity. Every site that I have interviewed at seems great for many reasons. I guess I want a little of what they all offer. It really depends on what site give me an offer of placement and then I'll trust the good ole pros and cons list, gut instincts and a lot of verbal processes to get me to the place I need to be. I think it is that I am just so excited to experience everything that it is hard for me to focus. I guess since I am still in training it is good to be opened minded and have an insatiable curiosity about it all.

I think all in all I get frustrated by the limitations of myself and the limitations of just what it means to be human. You have a specific time here on earth and bodily limitations that you can only push so far before it all backfires on you. Yet I can't deny in me an insatiable curiosity and a propensity to get bored easily. I felt the need to focus my life and that focus was on therapy. I'm content in the field of therapy and yet I realize that that field opens up another broad field where focusing is needed again.


Then I realize the light and darkness of my personality... a personality that has been with me from day one. My mom would be the first one to tell you that since I breathed my first breathe I as ready to take on life. I have an insatiable curiosity. I don't focus on today or tomorrow but always the future. I am easily discontent always looking for more idealism. I am never satisfied with certain parts of life. There is good to that and there is bad to that. That is the war within myself.

Wedding plans are coming along. We have a reception site and a church. I've ordered save-the dates and I'm starting to work on collecting addresses. I'm going to Ohio in the middle of March and will try on dresses with my mom and my sister as well as have my sister try on dresses. I'll also plan on dragging them on other wedding errands when I figure out what those are. Spring Break will be a great time to have some space in my mind for such thoughts, decisions and discussions.

James and I had a beautiful first Valentine's together. We made dinner avoiding the Valetnine's Day dinner rush. Then we just did all that romantic stuff about how much we loved each other, blah, blah, blah. I'll save you the details cause I know we already push the envelope of barf and gag me. :) I gave him dinner and a movie for Valentine's Day and he gave me a stainless steel Starbucks' mug I had been eyeing, a cute Starbuck's Valetine bear, a Starbuck's gift certificate and a four boxes of candy hearts. Does this man know me or what? It was a priceless and thoughful gift. I had always imagined one day I would have a man who would remember that I loved candy hearts and give them to me on Valentine's Day. James is that man and he did. That, I think, was the best. He didn't even know he was making one of my day dreams come true. It's silly but it meant a lot to me.

week in review

This past week has been a CRAZY week! It started bright and early at 8am on Monday morning and didn't end until... I don't think it has ended just yet. It was all GREAT stuff but just a lot of it.

I had two practicum site interviews this past week and one agency tour. I scheduled 2-3 other inteviews that'll happen in the upcoming weeks. That has made life crazy. I've liked the three practicum sites I've had exposure to this past week for different reasons potentially making this decision making process hard. I won't be offered every one of the practicum sites so maybe life will be a bit easier but there has been a lot to think about. Community mental health. Private practice training. Private practice is my ultimate goal but with community mental health comes a wide range of exposure that might make me a better therapist in the long run. This keep me up all night.

Wedding plans are getting along nicely. We booked our reception site and are excited about a potential ceremony site although it might be on the small side. Gotta keep cutting down that list! We've talked to some of our friends who are in the wedding biz and "booked" some as vendors. Spring Break will be a beautiful time to really get on top of things.

Work was especially busy. It just seemed like one thing after another with a huge projecting coming in in the end of the week.

School was school and with it being week 5 of my 10 week quarter.... I'm tired. Week 6 is historically the toughest week for me. I am mentally and emotionally tired from the rigor of school. I think I anticipate it being the same this quarter too.

My mom is coming into town today and James and I are going to go meet her and help her out at her storage unit. She's giving stuff away and consolidating stuff. I'm securing me a glider and maybe some other stuff... we will see.

Tomorrow will be a great day to relax and recoup. James is at orientation for a second job to earn cash for the wedding so I'll be studying, doing dishes, laundry and enjoying SuperBowl with some friends. Then the madness will start over again... but then again I wouldn't trade it for the world. Well, I'd give up the exams and papers... Have a good weekend!

first practicum site interview scheduled

I just received a call from Fuller Psychological Family Services to schedule an interview for a potential placement with them as a MFT Trainee. Yipee! I'll keep you posted!

me ziplining!

James took this picture of me ziplining in Costa Rica. We had a ton of fun!

practicum site search

Last Friday was practicum site fair day. It is a day for all the counseling agencies to come to our school, give a 3 minutes presentation and set up a both to talk to students and receives resumes. It was a little nerve racking but after all is said and done the worst is yet to come as we follow-up with phone calls, resumes, cover letters and many prayers for a call from an interview. There were a lot of great sites for many different reasons. Flexibility in schedule, theoretical orientation, private practice training, community mental health experience and the list goes on. It kind of feels like I just hope I get one. I could start seeing clients as early as April or as late as September. That is kind of crazy! All of the sudden it is here! Yikes! I am sure anxiety will continue to increase as that date becomes more of reality but until then I am just doing it day by day, assignment by assignment and class by class. I guess it'll go that I'll survive the responsibility of being a therapist client by client. That seems more manageable.

tired

Today was a tiring day. Tuesday's will be the tiring day for the rest of this quarter. Only six more to go! I start the day at 8am and the day ends at 9:20pm. The day is filled mostly with classes with a little work inbetween. I am catching up on some TiVo right now in an effort to wind down. I am about ready to call it a night!

The thing that brought me up today was James. We had played phone tag all day both having busy schedules but we finally talked after work. It wasn't long but just in the few minutes that we debriefed our day I felt my spirit lift. I love that just talking to him makes me feel better. I had a moment of insight and reflection in the middle of our conversation and just was thankful for him in my life. I didn't expect him to make my feel better and I didn't even ask him to cheer me up but it just happened and I caught it in a moment of self-awareness. There was even a moment in my day that I thought what would James say to me in this situation and I had a little talk with myself and felt better. His perspective on my life helps me keep me from going to places in my emotional life that are unhelpful. Anyway, I am extremely thankful for him and looking forward to all that is to come in our future!

Tomorrow is a bit of a lighter day. I have Clinical Foundations Lab in the morning and the rest of the day I am at work. I've got a 3 page paper to write and gotta memorize the chapter in the DSM on Delirium, Dementia, and Amnestic and Other Cognitive Disorders. Woo hoo!

James and I are visiting a reception site on Thursday evening. We are pretty excited about that. We gotta nail down a church and I need to make some follow-up and initial phone calls about that. I can't wait to get those details finished. We really look forward to being married. Yipee!

handsome man in costa rica

The next day was Costa Rica and that is were we zip lined! That was fun! Here's my handsome man with his helmet on as we are getting ready to let a cable suspend us 60 feet above the rain forest! Safety first!

the happy couple in panama

This is James and I on the boat about to disembark to explore Panama. We didn't get past much of the pier and a bunch of touristy shops but it was fun to be off the boat after two days at sea.

BIG news!

I'm engaged!

WOO HOO!

The wonderful Mr. James Holguin and I were engaged on January 2nd, 2007!

Here's the story:

We were in Florida awaiting to embark on a cruise to the Western Carribean. It was a family reunion of sorts as all of the Murphy (that's James' mom side) family was present and accounted for on this trip. We got notice in the afternoon of Tuesday, January 2nd that our trip was going to be delayed a day. James original plan was to ask me on the second night of the cruise and then changed it to the first night of the cruise because nerves were getting the best of him. Well, with this report of the trip being delayed, he couldn't take it anymore. Mind you... I have NO IDEA what is about to happen when we both agree to go take a walk around his aunt's property. So, we walk and we go off to this beautiful area that has a pond, green grass and a weeping willow looking tree that has spanish moss hanging off of it... it was beautiful. We stop there and James says to me "You have something in your ear." to which I respond, "Oh! Can you get it out?" I realize I am not the sharpest tool in the shed sometimes! And what he pulls out is... the ring! My jaw drops, my eyes are as wide as ever and I am in total shock! He says all these wonderful things about me and about us (I honestly can't remember because I was in state of shock!) and then drops on his knee and pops the question to which I respond, "Absolutely! Yes!" He puts the ring on my finger...and we're engaged! WOO HOO!

I am still floating on cloud 9 even in the midst of getting back into the swing of school and work (hence the delay in letting people know!). We are planning a wedding in December of 2007. We're still working on church sites and reception sites, etc. and then we'll have a specific date.

Anyway, we are both very excited and look forward to our day to be married and all that the future holds for us! Stay tuned for more details!