Whirlwind

The last week has been a complete whirlwind.

@ Work: DHHS (Dept. of Health & Human Services) sent letters out with statements like "the state budget situation... daunting budgetary outlook... reductions come just prior to the end of X partnership with X... bad fiscal news... limited available funding..."

@ Chandler: offer on his condo, accept offer, close on 28th... phone call on 23rd saying party cannot buy, appt made with atty the same day, $500 spent... 26th, deal still off. 26th, deal back on... closing was 28th - finally. It happened.

WHIRLWIND

Chan [finally] starts his VA job on the 23rd of November! We are TOTALLY psyched!!! After sleeping on cardboard for a while in between when the movers brought ALL of his things to NC and when he closed on his place and now hotel hopping - he's ready to not be homeless! Can't say I blame him. We've been in heavy discussion about our options. On the one hand, he is ready for a new home. A bed. A place to park his car. On the other hand, we don't know anything about the area with regard to residential living. We don't want to rush into a decision because we have to; we're hoping to wait a little while and learn more about where we want to be. There are SO many things to consider.... it's overwhelming.

My thoughts are everywhere.

Anyone have relocation advice? Tips?

Current game plan is for him to find a cheap apartment or long stay suite for a month or two... I'm planning to drive up on weekends so we can get comfortable and familiar with places and start meeting people (???). Hopefully by January we'll be able to narrow it down and really start looking for a house.

No words necessary

Delivery!

Funny that the box that contained my wedding dress had "SINGLE" stamped on it. Hmmm... :D Seven months and some change to go! So far, planning is great and I'm not really understanding why people say it's so stressful. Choosing the date has been -by far- the worst part and I won't even go into it but many have told me I should see Bride Wars. (For the record, I don't think either of us have seen it! And by "either of us" I mean my friend-who-is-also-getting-married-on-that-day.)

So, my dress came - early! It was originally not supposed to arrive until mid-November and I was oh so excited when I got an email saying it had shipped!!! Oh so excited, except for the whole feeling like a giant buffalo part. That, not as exciting. But I'm told there are body shaping garments that squeeze you together and make you look a size or so smaller. We might be investigating those tiny torture pieces. I'm starting to wonder what kind of mirrors the stores have in them anyway...

Some weeks ago (and by some weeks I really mean last month), my sweet friends sent me a surprise you're-getting-married box! It was FILLED with the sweetest things!!! These girls... I really have no words for them. They put together the most fun box ever! I tried to take my time and slowly take out one thing at a time - they had several H's (for Chan's last name), a SUPER book that had really neat DIY ideas, two beautiful necklaces, one that someone made that had our names on it (LOVE IT!!!)... and a really cool planner for all of my lists with another H (and if I had to guess, I'd say they might have put that H on there too!) - I know another someone who is a little obsessed with initials. There were a few other things too and it totally made my day! Thanks again girls!!!

I would LOVE to post a picture of my dress, but Chandler pops in here from time to time and stalks me, so I have to refrain from too much dress talk. So far, he knows it's white and may or may not have straps. ;) He also knows it's long and I think that's enough 411 for him!

We had our engagement pictures taken a couple weeks ago and they were great!!! There were quite a few that I completely ruined... let's just say the "serious" face is not a good look for me. So much for any potential modeling career....

If I can, I'll post a couple of sneak pics - must ask our awesome B-Dub ...

Our weekend

Check it

Did you hear about this???

Wow.

Powerful indeed.

His Glory Appears

Song I'm loving right now...

"You gave me hope

You made me whole

At the cross

You took my place

You showed me grace

At the cross where You died for me.

And His glory appears

Like the light from the sun

Age to age He shines

Oh, look to the skies

Hear the angels cry

Singing, "Holy is the Lord"

It's personal.

How different would life be, if it was lived for Him instead of for us?

Lord, help me to love You more. Help me to know You more deeply.