Someone's Goin' to the Chapel...

Mother & Bride to Be..., originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

But first they had to get toasted at their bachelorette party!

What an amazing, amazing night. So much fun... dinner at Buca di Beppo, dancing/mechanical bull-riding at Saddle Ridge and then even more dancing at Matrix.

It's so hard for me to believe that I've known Lauren Mac (and her family... including my NetNet) for more than eight years now. I am so happy that I am around now to enjoy such a huge moment in Lauren's life... and that I was around to watch the events of the night unfold!

Here's a pop quiz for you:

Which of these two - Lauren Mac or her mother - was the drunkest at the bachelorette party? ((pauses)) Okay, okay. Here's a hint since I know some of you don't KNOW these two women...

But the drunkest one definitely wasn't wearing a veil.

(Maybe that had something to do with Net announcing that one of the girls there that night happened to have a sex swing on the second floor of her house... to quote the ever-yelling Net, "OH MY GOD! I WASN'T SUPPOSED TO TELL?! I DIDN'T KNOW I WASN'T SUPPOSED TO TELL THAT ****** HAS A SEX SWING!")

Nothing feels better than this.

Nothing feels better than this., originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

There's nothing better than getting off from work on a beautiful Friday, hopping in the car with one of your best friends/coworkers and turning on the radio to hear:

"I'm so excited! And I just can't hide it!"

Sometimes, life just knows what you need.
And what I needed was that blissful moment.

Never, Never Land

Never, Never Land, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

I know, I know -- I'm 22. I'm not in my childhood anymore. I haven't been a "child" for a long time now. But still, hearing that some of your happiest memories from your childhood have passed on... can't help but make you feel like you're desperately holding on to something you can no longer hold on to anymore.

Tonight, I went to Mary Lewis's funeral viewing.

A lot of people in my life never even heard me talk about her - because I hadn't seen her in years. She (and her husband, Jimmy, who passed away when I was in 5th grade or so) lived next to my Grandma & Grandpap Shaffer for over 50 years.

I'd say more than half of the time I spent down at my grandparents I saw Mary & Jimmy. At times they babysat us, at times they came over to visit -- or played with us in the yard. We used to sit on their porch for hours. Sometimes we'd get in trouble because we spent more time visiting them then our own grandparents.

They were such good people -- so endlessly good to us all.

-- Then Jimmy had a heart attack & died while moving the lawn.
-- My Grandma was sick for years in a nursing home.
-- Then she too died.
-- Eventually my Pap had a stroke & moved into a nursing home.
-- My grandparents' house was sold.
-- Mary filed for bankruptcy. She had a gambling addiction.
-- She had to move out of her house,
-- Which eventually caught on fire. (We still don't know how.)

So much has happened since the days when we used to run across my Grandparents' yard to play with Jimmy & Mary Lewis. So much of life has changed -- so much of it appears very different then it once did. Now all I feel is like I'm just holding my breath, waiting for my Grandpap Shaffer to pass away too. Then those summer days will all be gone. My sister & I will be the only ones left alive in the memory. Even the houses no longer remain ours.

"Well to my surprise, I grew up to fast;
And that easy life of Tinkerbell never did last.
Though I dreamed myself far, far away -
So that I could be immortalized like Peter one day.
And that's my childhood as I recall,
Though in some ways it never did end..."
--Never, Never Land

Ears Pierced: Take Three

Ears Pierced: Take Three, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

So tonight I was peer-pressured** into getting my ears pierced (for the third time.)

Each time I've had them done before - even if I've kept earrings in them nonstop for over a year -- all it takes is three or four days out before the holes close back up again.

But I like girly earrings and would love to actually be able to wear them... so here we go again!

FYI: If you ever see me without earrings, slap me upside the head.

**Thanks, Lauren Danek. Photo also taken with La's phone.

Where's My Color Purple?

Liiiiiiiiiiike the Color Purple, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

"God takin' his time getting around to you, I admit, but look at all he give us. Laughin', and singin', and sex. Sky over our heads, birds singin' to us. I think it piss God off if anybody even walk past the color purple in a field and not notice it. He say, "Look what I made for you." --The Color Purple

As much as I am looking forward (and dreading) my future, I really need to focus on the time I'm living in now. My room is surrounded by things that make me wonder where I'll end up... my Broadway posters that line the wall against my bed, the Chicago frame on my nightstand. And those will come someday, probably someday soon.

But there's got to be some purple I'm overlooking now.

Oh Mother

Oh Mother, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

My mom's away all week, at some thing that I know she's told me about in great detail, but I honestly can't remember now because I don't think I was listening at the time. All I remember is, "I'll be back Thursday night!"

I woke up this morning to realize she has little faith in us.

She's convinced that while she's away, we aren't going to remember to feed the fish. I'm willing to bet what ended up happening though is he got fed three times -- by my dad, my sister and myself. Oops.

No Longer Kids

No Longer Kids, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

It's funny, Dana (Bride #3) and I first "met" as pen pals in second grade.

Our second grade classrooms (each in a different elementary school of the same district) were paired up to write letters/cards once a month throughout the year.

Dana was my pen pal all year. But I didn't meet her until first period, freshman year of high school when we both sat across the aisle from each other in the same boring Civics class. I still remember her turning to me and asking if I was the same Kari that had been her pen pal so many years ago.

She's been best friends with Lauren (the same Lauren I see for 13 hours a day now) ever since they were younger... so its nice to see them together for such a huge time in Dana's life. Today was the beginning of it all... the wedding shower.

They may no longer be kids, but they'll probably always be best friends.

Makes me wonder when the day will come when I'll stand up at the altar with my best friend on her wedding day.... and when/if she'll stand up there for mine.

Don't Stop Believin... Unless You've Graduated

Lauren D!, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

Tonight, Melissa, Lauren D and I went to St. Anthony's Festa down in Monongahela.

I'm pretty sure it's been held every summer since Christ was born, but I've never been. I'd heard good and bad things about it (good = food, bad = running into people you knew you'd never want to see again after high school graduation) but finally, this summer opted to go.

What I didn't realize, was that quality advice is offered at no additional charge!

Lauren D: You know, I heard your chances of meeting someone dramatically decreases by a significant amount once you graduate college.
(Obviously Single) Me: Umm. Thanks, Lauren?
Lauren D: Oh. Uhhh... But that's not always true! I mean, look at Melissa! (Melissa just had a few successful dates with this guy who lives nearby.)
Me: (pause) Melissa hasn't graduated yet.
Lauren D: Oh. Well then. Nevermind.

Oneness

Potluck Reunion, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

"I haven't seen you in a while, yet I often imagine all your expressions. I haven't spoken to you recently, but many times I hear your thoughts. Good friends must not always be together. It is the feeling of oneness, when distant that proves a lasting..." -Unknown

It's amazing how a group of people can be apart for so many weeks, months, years... but once they are all back in the same room - although they've grown, they've changed -- their love for each other has only intensified.

Aaron's parents are putting their house up for sale next week.

Another sign that everything around us is changing, except for our love.

Pizza Loaf Instructions

Pizza Loaf Instructions, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

Tomorrow night, I have a potluck with a bunch of friends and Spud -- our choir director from high school. Our dinners/potlucks always end up being a blast and I'm sure this one won't be any different. Who doesn't love a night filled with food and friends?

Oh. And laughing. Endless laughing. =)

So I decided to try this "Pizza Loaf" recipe... It turned out pretty good, but I think I may have made too much. I have three loafs ready to go for tomorrow... I figured I'll take two of them and I could leave one here at home. I may or may not have eaten some already.

But knowing my family -- even though it's already past 11 and I am leaving at 7 a.m. -- there's a chance all three loafs could end up half eaten. So I decided to make my point loud & clear. Let's see what's left in the next eight hours...

In other food news:

Dad: (yelling from the other room) Bob Evans died!
Mom: (With sadness & complete seriousness) What!! Down on the farm?

In Search of a Stronger Suit

AMNERIS!, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

I was kind of bummed out today, I have to admit. I really spent a lot time and put a lot of energy into letting things roll off my back this morning. Kelly Clarkson also helped.

But I must admit, nothing made me smile more than coming across the file and passport of a woman by the name "Amneris."

For those of you who don't know -- Amneris is part of the love triange in my favorite musical of all time... AIDA. Princess Amneris also goes through the most character developement throughout the show... and happens to sing one of my favorite lyrics/quotes from the show.

"Someday I'm bound to find a stronger suit..."

I hope so. Because this 'suit' sucks.

Same Idea, Whole Different Meaning

Same Idea, Whole Different Meaning, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

My team leader spends a lot of time giving me bullshit assignments.

Today was no different.

It's hard to believe that I have a college degree and I'm stuck doing tasks such as "putting business cards in alphabetical order by client" or "typing up outlines of emails she has received."

I have no problem typing things.
But I miss the feeling of doing something of meaning to me.

I miss journalism.

My Cubicle/My Escapes

My Desk Decorations, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

I spend a lot of time in my little cubicle corner. Sadly, we are only allowed to bring in two photos -- either two 4x6s or one 5x7. We are allowed two "knickknacks" as well - like a mug to keep pens in or something.

Take note that I have gotten away with three photos and one knickknack (my CHICAGO mug!); I also have two fortune cookies I got during the last weeks of my time in AZ. One fortune promises that when winter comes, heaven will rain success on me. The other says something similar -- about overdue rewards.

The three photos I have up are ones that make me smile. One has me with four of my favorite Arizona girls in it -- Kristen, Elisa, Allison and Anna. Another one is from when Kristen, Allison, Rob & I were drunk on the Salt River in Phoenix under my amazing Arizona sky. The last one is of Aaron during his mission... when he was riding a pig.

I focus on the photos as much as possible when I'm at work.
I'd like to suck myself into them... I dream of being somewhere else.

(80-Year-Olds) Just Wanna Have Fun!

Aunt Jane & Uncle Jack :), originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

Since my cousin's wedding was this weekend, two of my favorite relatives were in town -- my Great Aunt Jane and Great Uncle Jack. That would also be my Grandma in the middle.

Now, I LOVE my Great Aunt & Uncle. My Uncle Jack was my Pap's youngest brother, where as my Pap was the oldest in the family. One of their other siblings passed away over a decade ago and the only other remaining one is a bitch (in my opinion.) So I don't see Uncle Jack or Aunt Jane as much as I once did.... once a year, at most.

Jane & Jack are such wonderful people -- and it makes my Grandma so happy to see them. Not as happy as it makes me though... especially seeing my uncle. Oh he reminds me so much of my Pap -- or the memories I have of my Pap - from when I was little. Whenever I get a hug from him, I feel like I'm getting a moment back with my Grandpap. And with each season that passes, I value my time with Uncle Jack more and more... knowing that as I get older, my "last chances" with my beloved Grandpap are slipping away.

Uncle Jack spent a lot of time this weekend at the wedding telling me how proud he is of me; how he expects so much good to come from me; how my Pap would have been so proud. How much he (and my Pap) loved me.

I'm happy and saddened at the same time.

How Beautiful

How Beautiful, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

As I sat behind the altar today, with the most perfect view of my cousin and Greg as they said their vows, I did everything I could to keep myself from crying.

I was able to completely hold myself together - until the very last word of the scripture I was reading, "...And the greatest of these is love."

But what really got to me the most was the beautiful version of "How Beautiful" that was sung at the wedding. As I looked at how stunningly gorgeous Holly was... I thought of how proud my Pap would have been to have seen his oldest granddaughter at that very same moment.

"How beautiful the radiant bride
Who waits for her groom with his light in her eyes
How beautiful when humble hearts give
The fruit of pure lives so that others may live
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful..."

So endlessly beautiful...
That I just know my Pap was there.

The Beauty of Years Gone By

Holly and Greg..., originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

My cousin Holly and her fiance Greg had their wedding rehearsal and dinner tonight. I'm reading scriptures for the wedding tomorrow and my sister's helping with the guestbook, so we happened to be invited.

I've known Holly was engaged for awhile now -- she's even been dating Greg for three years. But for some reason, it didn't really hit me that we weren't still too young to be married. It's been a wake up call thats for sure -- as it was watching Christine, Lauren and Cera get married over this past year.

But to see Holly -- someone I've watched go through all of life's great moments ahead of me -- actually walk down the aisle on my uncle's arm in her little sundress... I honestly felt like I was dreaming. Even though it was just the rehearsal, it wasn't a real moment I was living.

I remember watching Holly learn how to ride a two-wheeler and then having her teach me (ME! A little kid!) in their famiy's backyard. I remember seeing her collection of "Special Edition Barbies" that were even so valuable we weren't allowed to take them out of the box. I remember how she used to do my makeup when I came over, because I didn't know how to do it myself. I remember how she was one of the leads in her high school musical... and I remember being so excited that she even had a solo. Holly graduated high school - and I was there, shocked that within four years it would be me as well in the cap and gown.

She's gone to college.
She's started teaching high school kid.
She now has her own class.

She moved out of her parents house and bought her own.

All of a sudden, it wasn't the girl I had watched climb to the very top of the tree in my grandparent's backyard all those years... it was this amazing, 27-year-old woman who just astonishes me in every way. And suddenly, I found myself (yet again) looking at her in amazement and thinking "that could never be me."

Just as I have every other step of the way through life,
Only to realize someday it would be me.

And I'm not sure what terrifies me more now - the fact that we aren't all kids anymore... or maybe just that pretty soon, I may really have to accept the reality that *I* am no longer a child with a Wiffle bat in my Pap's backyard trying to hit the ball as she throws it towards me.

((Kari Collapses Into Dark Depression))

Kelly Clarkson, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

Well. This is the closest I guess I'm going to get to Kelly Clark this summer.

Today, Kelly Clarkson canceled her summer tour.

I was going to go to Cleveland since she wasn't coming to Pittsburgh - stay with family for the weekend - and see her live with (probably) Aaron. But no. No tour. Not anymore.

I've seen Kelly live three times and I've only loved her more and more each time. Especially last summer when we had lawn seats (re: Kari dancing seats.) So I was REALLY excited at the thought of seeing her live for the fourth time - especially with her new album coming out. I've already listened to it (obsessively) since Anna found it online for me...

And although I admit, it's no Breakaway (its much darker...) -- I like the "rock out" Kelly. The album on a whole grows on you - I looove her song "Sober" - but my absolute most favorite song would have to be this one called "Maybe." I have a hard time turning it off.

I don't want to be tough,
And I don't wanna be proud.
I don't need to be fixed -
And I certainly don't need to be found.
I'm not lost... I need to be loved,
I just need to be loved.
I just want to be loved by you,
And I won't stop cause I believe that maybe... yeah maybe.
Maybe you need me... Maybe.
I should know better not to touch the fire twice.

Frustration

Frustration, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

frus·tra·tion - noun

1. The condition that results when an impulse or an action is thwarted by an external or an internal force.
2. The blocking or thwarting of an impulse, purpose, or action.
3. A red car in front of you, driven by someone older than Moses, that happens to be going ten miles under the speed limit for 75% of your drive to work, when you already happen to be ridiculously late due to car trouble.

See also: pissed off, screaming, cursing, road rage.

Summer Tease

Lunch Break, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

This is what summer looks like in Pennsylvania.

Unfortunately, it hasn't looked like this very often this past month I've been home. And even when it does - with our Monday through Friday 8-5 job (not even including the hour and a half we spend at the gym each night), La and I miss pretty much all of it.

The only glimpse we really get to see - is during our lunch hour.

Going back to the cubicle is so ridiculously hard;
I don't want this to be my life.

What sucks though is the reality that I've barely saved any money from my first paycheck. This summer is turning out to be much more expensive than I anticipated.

And don't even get me started on my job applications... because I haven't touched them since Tucson. That depresses me beyond words.

Clock Out, Work Out

Clock Out, Work Out, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

....Where did the weekend go? And how come today lasted forever?

And JUST HOW COME the gym sucks up so much of my night? Or should I say... getting to the gym, changing at the gym, cardio-ing at the gym, weight lifting at the gym, driving home from the gym... I mean I know we get out of work at 5. But somehow we get home between 7:30 and 8.

And I know I am definitely not working out for three hours every night.

...as do my hips! They can not tell/show a lie.

The Brightest Light

Sacrifices, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

With every moment I've spent with you since last weekend, I find myself discovering just how much I not only love you -- but how much I have missed you.

You were such a crucial part in who I have become. You were such a crucial part in who all of us have become. You are one of those friends who is life-changing and everlasting... the biggest light in the darkest of places. A light I've known the beauty of for almost eight years now.

Two years passed so slowly and so quickly at the same time.

But to sit in the pew of your church today, to watch you give the message you did -- to all of those who have loved you and prayed for you for these past two years -- to see the man that you have become... Truly does make me realize the beauty of life and God's plan for all of us. You are the shining example of what any boy in that church should only strive to be. You have done exactly what has been asked of you and done it with more honor and love and humility than anyone I have ever encountered.

I realized something that I know, deep down, I already knew.

Watching you today and watching those emotions and words pour out of you -- I cannot question for a moment the fact that life is not accidental. You were placed in my life, in our lives, for a reason. You were given to us for a purpose we may not even fully understand even today. Maybe not ever.

All I know is that when I was sitting in that pew, surrounded by your family, your loved ones -- as we all watched you give the most beautiful message I have ever been blessed enough to have witnessed myself firsthand --

I realized just how honored I am to have

Known you, befriended you, loved you...

And let you go. For two years. Let you out into the world so that they could see how incredible you are. But today I realized just how worth letting you go was. Because with every moment that I found myself missing you these past two years -- it has obviously been a minute that was put towards some of the greatest work of your life.

And with each minute you were gone, I realized it was another minute where somewhere, out in Idaho, someone else was discovering the incredible individual you have become.

I have never been more proud of anyone in my life.
Nor have I ever felt so inspired.

Yes. My Sister Cut My Hair.

Yes. My Sister Cut My Hair., originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

Well. I finally let her do it.

I let my sister cut my hair.

I was lucky. I caught her towards the end of her training at beauty school. I didn't want to be one of her original guinea pigs -- I wanted to make sure she had plenty of time to mess up other peoples hair before she got to mine. You know. Practice makes perfect and all that.

She only cut about two inches and shortened my layers a tiny bit - but still. There was lots of room for screw ups. Its hair. I know it grows back -- but that takes time. Luckily, I think she did a pretty great job.

Though her customer service skills could use a little work. ;o)

(After ruffing up my hair, but not really styling it. Or brushing it.)
Lauren: Okay. You're done. (Starts to pack up stuff.)
Me: Um... really? You're done?
Lauren: Quit your bitching. You're done.

Now... are we SURE she didn't go to the Annette MacPherson School of Beauty... REALLY? REALLY? Because that was perfect NetNet if I've ever heard it.

Our Own Pursuit of Happyness

Our Own Pursuit of Happyness, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

Tonight, I had my mom watch one of my favorite movies -- the Pursuit of Happyness.

I can't help but watch that movie in awe. How can I dare complain about not knowing how I want to live my life -- where I want to go, what I want to be -- and look at this man. Look at everything he struggled with. Look at where his life was and where he took it.

Look at where my life once was... Look at all of the people I've met. Loved. And continue to hold on to... even if we aren't together at the present moment. I've been blessed. And yet I still complain.

Cliche or not - every time I get to the part where Chris Gardner talks about the pursuit of happyness, I can't help but tear up as I look ahead at my own life.

"It was right then that I started thinking about Thomas Jefferson on the Declaration of Independence and the part about our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And I remember thinking how did he know to put the pursuit part in there? That maybe happiness is something that we can only pursue and maybe we can actually never have it. No matter what. How did he know that?" --The Pursuit of Happyness

Pap's "Visit"

Pap's "Visit", originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

Today, I called off work because I was up late and because... well, I basically ended up throwing up all last night / this morning (lovely, I know).

So all I did until about 4 or 5 this afternoon was sleep.
A ridiculous amount. And I'm still exhausted.

Somewhere in there was a visit from my Pap.
Not sure when he came or when he left. I saw him for a sec in between naps.

But I figured I'd post a picture of him visiting (re: sleeping) in our living room rather than a picture of me sleeping. Because really, the picture of me and the state I was in all day would have not been that attractive.

Friends. Coworkers. LOVERS.*

Friends. Coworkers. LOVERS., originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

So I was told if I didn't post these on the blog, Lauren was going to take credit for the idea and post them on myspace/facebook.

And since I'm all about copyrights and taking credit when credit is due, I figured I might as well blog about it.

The thing is, now that La and I aren't just friends -- we're 8-5 coworkers, carpoolers and gym Chub Club buddies -- we're spending a ridiculous amount of time together. Almost to the point of obsession... but at times, paid obsession, so its still somewhat healthy.

One day last week while on our lunch break, I was playing with her phone and took an "exhausted" photo of myself. Then I realized I could put that photo into a heart that says "I Love You."* THEN I realized I could add the text "Soulmates!"* to it all.... all while still on her cell!

Needless to say, its now not only my caller-ID pic, but her wallpaper.

Later that night, she sent me one of herself to use for mine.

At least its nice to know my feelings are returned.*

*Anna Deem, you are to completely disregard this blog. I'm still madly in love with you. Lauren's just a summer fling. But you... are my eternal flame. PLEASE DONT MAKE ME SLEEP ON THE COUCH!

Big Brownies, Big Kathy Fans, Big Laughs

Kathy Griffin D List Fan Club!, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

I realize I'm 22 years old and I shouldn't still be having friends over (okay, friends and SOMETIMES their moms) to watch television. That's something you do when you're 12.

But I really freaking love Bravo's Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List.

So a bunch of friends (including Aaron!) came over to laugh with me.

Oh and there were brownies. They came for Kathy and the brownies.

It was honestly the most simple night ever... but I laughed so hard I almost started to cry at times. Honestly, as much fun as we've had over these past two years, a huge part of who we are as a group was missing. And it is just so nice to have that huge missing piece back where he belongs.*

It's also nice to have 6 whole new episodes of Kathy Griffin this summer. Hah.

*I am in no way insinuating that Aaron is a big, huge anything!!!

Oh how I have missed these times.

Aaron: (With plate of brownies) Here Regina, want a brownie?
Regina: (Looking at it delicately) Ohhh. I'll take this one since its closer.
Aaron: Uh-huh. Right. It only happens to be the BIGGEST BROWNIE... but oh no. Its CLOSER to you. That's why you took it.

Disney Style: The Gayest Birthday on Earth

060407, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

Lauren's boss had his birthday this weekend.

As a surprise, his team purchased and planned the most ridiculous surprise office birthday for him possible... complete with Little Mermaid cake, plates, cups and even a bracelet for the big, birthday boy!

The big purple, blue and pink balloons they tied to his desk even matched his baby blue shirt.

And no, her boss is not a homosexual, unfortunately.
He did graduate from Cannon Mac though - so that's obviously held against him.

Surprise Stuffing

060307, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

Otherwise known as:
Reason #4,567 Why I Love Momma Janita.

Matt and Melissa's mom made a huge turkey dinner today.
And I was invited. To eat... stuffing.

And if you know even ONE thing about me -
It should be that I probably love stuffing more than my mom.

It was a good day.

Aaron: I'm a big deal!

Can I Get an A-Men(zer)?, originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

Aaron Menzer is finally back from his two year mission to Idaho... you know him though probably as my friend that was riding the pig. Hah. ;)

But he's back. Finally. After two years of only letters.
Two years of no laughter, no phone calls, no hugs.
But (I think) those letters definitely brought us closer...

WOW have I missed him. You know how you can miss someone so, so much but not even truly begin to realize just how much you have missed them until they are back? That is Aaron. I seriously felt like a huge piece of my life just slipped back into place.... I can't even express to you how happy I was to see him today. Of all the people I have come to know and love over the years, he has always and will always hold such a special place in my heart.

Realizing he's back has done a complete 360 on my views of the summer.
Those bitches in Idaho were lucky to have had him for two years...
And for good reason.

Because, to quote Aaron, he's a big deal. ;o)

Um. Hah. No.

Um. Hah. No., originally uploaded by reasonenoughtocelebrate.

TGI... Finally.

Work was much, much better today but I still couldn't get over how exhausted I was. So by the time I got off of work on Friday I felt AMAZING. I blasted music the whole way to Melissa's and I couldn't stop smiling. I have the whooole weekend ahead of me. No wonder 9-5ers look forward to the weekend so much; I had never experienced that while working at Old Navy, the UMart or the Box Office. Weekends usually just meant more work for me.

I spent the night shopping for dresses with Meliss. You know... dresses, as in plural. Ahead of me this summer I have:

Three weddings (Cousin Holly, Lauren Mac, Dana)
One wedding rehearsal dinner (Cousin Holly)
One wedding shower (Dana)
Two bachelorette parties (Lauren Mac, Dana)

It's going to be a busy summer.

But I think I've now decided Melissa is the best shopping buddy EVER...

Except for sometimes. Well. We both like the same dress. In the same color. And we haul it back to the same dressing room. And we try them on at the same time...

Only to realize how ridiculous we both look.

Sometimes we make the same wrong decisions - but at least we both KNEW they looked awful. Haha. Nothing like wearing a big grey bag to the wedding...