That Moment When You Realize...

Yesterday Michael and I took pictures together to send out to family and friends that may have not seen us in awhile. As I was scrolling through the proofs, I realized that Michael and I actually look older now. You might be saying, Duh! But, what I'm talking about is a distinct moment in my life in which time stopped and it dawned on me that I'm a real adult. Wow...

I look back at pictures of us college (and even graduate school) and I see such different people in those pictures. This feeling of new found adulthood and maturity fortified when I greeted many of my relatives today for the first time in a long time. I didn't feel like the little grandbaby that I once was. I see my younger cousins and sister as the little grandkids and myself as their role model. It's a good feeling. Although, I must admit... Id like the aging to slow down a bit. Michael will be 24 Tuesday, December 2, 2008. Geez, where does the time go?!

Oh! PS: The engagement party is in a few days...I'm super excited. I'll be sure to report back.

The Seconds Seem Like Days

With every moment, Michael and I are awaiting notice form Staff Sergeant Deppen regarding Michael's' official acceptance into the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School. It has been a long 4-month process to put together a competitive OCS application package.

Michael's relentless commitment to this program is blatant. Not only has his physique change dramatically (which is gggrreeaatt) because of the daily 5 a.m. work-outs. He also possesses a passion I've never seen as strong in him before. When I look into his eyes as he speaks of the mental and physical demands of serving as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps, there's a spark of excitement and honor. He yearns for a spot in OCS, a chance to pursue his childhood dream and devote his life to serving this country. We are awaiting response to his application package.

The seconds seem like days...

~Stay tuned.

Christmas Is Coming...

Yes, I know. It's only November. But, last Christmas we were not able to make a big fuss. In fact, we didn't even have a tree. We were however, lucky enough to spend Christmas with our dear friend Pam Gray and her family. This year...we are starting strong.

We are starting EARLY!!

So as you might have guessed from the photo, we have put up our Christmas tree. We went with very non-traditional colors. Our colors are snow blue, crystal white, chocolate, gold and bronze. Weird? I know. We both love it.

Invitations Have Gone Out

The invitations and announcements for my November 29th engagement party in Houston have gone out. Thanks to my wonderful two assistants, Oanh & Jessica, the process was painless. The invitations are absolutely beautiful. I cannot wait to see all my friends and family together having a great time. I will surely report back about this fabulous affair. If the invitation is any prelude to the event, I expect it to be very very snazzy. Ha Ha Ha.

To see more photos from the wedding planning process, check this link: WPA PHOTOS. Oanh updates it regularly.

(The folded pink paper [above] is the invitation. The flat papered items [below] are the announcements sent to those that will be unable to attend the engagement party.)

Did Someone Say HELP? ... It Was Me!

With the official engagement underway, the time has come to start planning. I initially wondered how I would be able to manage the many details involved in wedding planning while working the demanding 14-hour days at KIPP: Austin College Prep. Just like a light bulb switches on... a bright idea popped into my head. I realized that there are so many people in this country that have very successful event planning careers. To take it a step further, I realized that these careers must have started with some sort of internship experience.

Why not, I thought, create a working opportunity for a college student to gain invaluable experience in the details of wedding planning by assisting me?!?! Sounds great, right? This should be simple. So I posted an ad on Craigslist and sent a write-up of what I was looking for to the PR advisor at the University of Texas at Austin. The word was out.

Within less than 48 hours, I received over 35 resume's and cover letters by email. It was insane! I needed an assistant to help me find an assistant. Ha Ha Ha. I sifted through most of them and put together a hefty list of 10 interviews. A couple of girls did not show up, but for the most part all of the ladies (coincidence, I suppose) I interviewed were very professional, eager and motivated to take on the job of my wedding planning assistant.

I narrowed it down to my two favorite: Oanh & Jessica (ironic, I know). They were both very strong candidates in very different ways. I liked them both! The next step was choosing between the two. I've never been very good at this. This is why I have so many purses and shoes. Once I narrow it down to two, I have a lot of trouble sacrificing one for the other.

What's that saying?..."When in doubt, ask your friends." I hosted a small get together at my home in which some of my friends and family were able to meet and greet Oanh and Jessica. Afterwards, we discussed the two girls and found that making a decision was very difficult! I ended up deciding to hire both girls to be my assistants. After speaking with them about my decision, they seemed very relieved to have someone else to share the workload with. All in all, I look forward to working with these 2 ladies. They are very eager and talented. Task #1 is planning my Engagement Party in Houston. We'll see how it goes...

It's OFFICIAL. We're Engaged...

I woke up this morning to find a beautiful round brilliant cut soltaire engagement ring on my left hand. It is absolutely beautiful. I am so lucky to have such an adoring partner in life. I love him.

And the planning begins...