Happy Birthday Heather!

After Heather got home from work, we went to Red Robin with the family to celebrate. Red even sang "Happy Birthday" to her!

There have been lots of things to celebrate in June! One of the most exciting things is my sister's birthday today. She turned 21 today. Even though we are almost two years apart, she has always been such a great friend to me. I am so proud of all the things she has accomplished at college and of the wonderful young lady that she has become. She has such a warm personality, and Heather is always thinking of others above herself. I am a firm believer that the relationship between sisters is one of the most special things in life. There are many times that we know likes, dislikes, and thoughts each of us is having before my parents can figure it out! She is a very special person, and I am so thankful I could spend this birthday with her. I love you Heather! Happy Birthday!

On another note-today I had an interview for a part-time job at Michael's. I got the job and will starting next week. I am excited because this job will allow me to save up a little money while searching for a full-time job, and give me flexibility to work a few days a week and possibly go to interviews that I may obtain. Plus...maybe I can keep it for a while to get discounts on wedding merchandise!

Time with Mandy

So silly!

She is just so sweet.

Yesterday, my friend Mandy and I went for a night out on the town to Pittsburgh. She is a good friend of mine from Anderson, and her family just happens to live in Butler. We always laugh, because she was only a year older than me and we went to high school together, but we never officially met until I went to Anderson. She is such a sweet girl, and I always enjoy spending time with her. Mandy just accepted a position as a kindergarden teacher/violin instructor at a Christian school in town, and I am very excited for her. I am even more excited that she will be someone I can spend time with for the time I am here at home. We went shopping at our favorite mall in Pittsburgh called Ross Park mall, and ended the night at Chili's for dinner (It was my choice! I guess when you go there enough, you get attached!) I had such a fun night with Mandy and am excited for the next time we get together.

Happy Birthday Joe Joe!

Today is Joe's birthday. For a brief time (about 4 months), he gets to be the old man in our relationship. Haha, just kidding. Currently, he is in upstate New York for a music colony called Seagle, where he is performing various roles in shows around the colony. His big role will be at the end of July, when he will be playing Prince Ramiro in La Cenerentola. I am hoping I can go see it! Joe is such a talented person. On top of being such a gifted man, he has a wonderful personality. Joe always knows how to make me smile and laugh, and he has such a positive outlook on life. Everyone that has ever known Joe loves him, and so do I. I am so honored and blessed that I get to spend the rest of my life with him. I miss him when he is gone, but I am so excited to see him soon! I love you all the world! Happy Birthday!

Ideas for the future

Since I have had quite a bit of free time as of recently, I have been thinking about what I want to accomplish in the next few years. I already have a list of things I want to do before I die (which keeps growing!), but I wanted a smaller list of fun activities and goals that would give me something to work on during this short time. So... here is what I'd like to do:

-Run a half-marathon
-Run a full marathon
-Read the entire Bible
-Pray more
-Volunteer time at an organization or local charity
-Buy a SLR digital camera and take more pictures (improve my skills from Disney!)
-Sing more/Audition
-Go to a professional football game
-Take a cake decorating class (I've always wanted to learn)
-Take a trip with my girl friends to a different city
-Visit Washington D.C. to see the cherry blossom festival with my handsome fiancee!

Of course, I'm sure this list will keep growing. These are just some things I have thought would be fun to do in the next couple of years. I am in no way expecting to do them all, but I would like to think that I can do a few of them!

Happy Father's Day!

"A righteous man who walk in his integrity-How blessed are his sons (and daughters) after him." -Proverbs 20:7

This morning, we went to a church in town and the pastor had a short message about fathers. For the first time, it really hit me. I don't know if it's because I am at the age where marriage and families are starting to become a reality, but I am so thankful for the father that I have. We celebrated him with a steak dinner and opening presents tonight. I can honestly say that throughout my life, my dad has always been there for me. Not once did he miss a softball game, a piano concert, a voice recital, a cheerleading game, a church function, a graduation, or a special ceremony that I was apart of. When I think back about all of the circumstances that he has endured, it is amazing to me that he always listened to God to guide our family on the path he prepared for us. He always made sure that I knew he loved me, despite all of the broken hearts or situations I experienced. I am so thankful that he took the time out of his crazy hectic schedule as a pastor to be a dad. Dad, you are such a great role model, and I am thankful for you! I love you!

Belle Bichon

She is one crazy puppy!

"Ok, I'm ready. Throw the ball!!"

"Will you play with me?"

Since most of has been at work for the week, it was my job to take care of the little member of our family. When I left for Disney World, little belle bichon was a cute puppy and did not get into much mischief. However, she is very busy now. I can't believe she is almost 8 months old. She is always wanting to play tug-of-war and fetch. She hardly ever calms down and is quite the show-off. I usually take her out for a walk, but that never makes her tired. It is not uncommon to hear "No!! Belle!!!" in another part of the house-which usually means she is up to no good. Her favorite things to eat right now are toilet paper and ice cubes. Even though she is alot of work, she can be very sweet at times. Belle always has to be next to me, touching me, or laying on me. Whenever I wake up and walk outside of my room, she runs up to me, licking my face and jumping up and down.

I love Belle. However, the more I take care of her, I can't help but think what it will be like to have kids. Let's just say that we can wait awhile after we get married to have kids. (A WHILE)

When you wish upon a star...(reflections)

Instead of having a post that goes on for pages....I made a separate post for all of my reflections over the past 6 months in Disney World. These are some of the highlights:

January:

-Moved to a completely new state, city

-Did not know anyone!

-Met new roommates, acclamated to new job at Hollywood Studios

-Literally went to a Disney park everyday
-Earned my ears and became an official Disney castmember

-Sang in the American Idol experience and Won!

-Shivered a little in the unusually cold weather

February:

-Met our awesome neighbors

-Experience warmer weather~80 degree weather in February!

-Went to the parks even more

-Watched and cheered at the American Idol Motorcade and official opening of the attraction

-Joe and I celebrated our two year anniversary with an amazing weekend in Disney World

-The start of my internship and the entertainment show production class

March:

-My family visits to Disney!

-Job shadowing at Beauty and the Beast

-Singing National Anthem at Atlanta Braves Spring Training Game

-Many wonderful Siesta Key visits to spend time with Missy, Jessie, Baylor, and Cooper

-Saw my first space shuttle launch

-Took a tour of the Magic Kingdom resorts

-MORE park visits

-A great couple of days in Siesta Key with Joe and his family (circus, St. Armands, and walks on the beach)

April:

-EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival

-Dying easter eggs with roommates

-Getting to know and love roommates more on many wild and crazy adventures

-Finished internship with job shadowing at American Idol

-GOT ENGAGED!!

-Spent the most amazing weekend of my life with Joe and my parents celebrating our engagement

-Got dolled up and went to the Going Hollywood formal at the Coronado

May:

-College Program Graduation

-My college graduation at Anderson

-Joe's college graduation at Depauw

-Curtis' graduation from Seminary

-Seeing friends and family in Indiana

-Saying goodbye to roommates

-Moving into a new apartment and beginning the extension of my college program

I have been so completely blessed by my experience at Disney. I began there with many hopes and ambitions, and I felt as though I left a different person. I learned so many things about myself, and learned how to be a true professional at all times. I learned how to let loose, have fun, and never take any day for granted. I saw many doors open, but also many doors close. Disney will always hold a special place in my heart. I will never forget the day Joe asked me to marry him. The people that helped make that wish a reality will always be special to the both of us. I can't wait to visit and remember the cherished memories we made that weekend. It is hard to explain all of the amazing experiences in which I had, but I know I will never forget them.

Change

Wow. These past two and a half weeks have been crazy to say the least. I'll give an update about all of the events that have occurred to keep everyone up to speed.

After the most recent post, I worked a few days, but continued to feel physically exhausted and ill. On Saturday, May 30th, I decided to finally go to the doctor and get medicine to aid the pain. After a two hour wait at the med check, the news was not good. The doctor diagnosed me with shingles, and prescribed me three different medications for the illness and the pain. She wrote a note relieving me from work, stating that I wouldn't be able to go back to work for about a week. I was shocked! I had no idea that the bumps on my face and the extreme exhaustion I was experiencing would be shingles. For a week, I layed in bed, watched every season of Friends, and felt an immense amount of pain. To say the least, I was a little discouraged.

Through a serious of other events (my car battery dying, my computer crashing), I felt as though it was best to end the college program early and go home. The doctor, my family, and I were a little concerned about returning to work after being out for a week. One of the causes of shingles can be a weak immune system, and returning to the world of little children and germs was not the best remedy. Since returning from Joe's graduation in Indiana in the middle of May, I felt as though God was tugging at my heart. Through very obvious signals, I believed that God was showing me that my journey and time in Disney World was done. Thankfully, I had completed my first college program in May and was only working the extension of the college program into the summer. After talking to my managers at work and my family, the decision was made to end the program early and return home.

On Tuesday, June 9th, my dad came down to Disney to help me pack up all of my things and leave. I was able to say goodbye to all of the managers and wonderful people I met at Disney. A few of them gave me their cards and numbers. They assured me that when Joe and I wanted to come back and work for Disney, all we would have to do is give them a call, and they would work up some sort of gig for us. Wow! Joe and I love Disney, and I have no doubt that we will see them again soon. I sure hope our career paths cross again someday.

After over 1,000 miles in the car and a 18 hour drive, my dad and I made it safely home to Butler, PA Thursday evening, June 11th. What an amazing feeling it has been to be home once again. I have such a feeling of relief, and truly a place where I can rest and feel renewed. I have had many days to think, reflect, remember all of the amazing experiences I had in Disney. What a blessing it is to have a place to come home to and a family who is supportive no matter what.

I am encouraged about the future. I have no idea what is in store, but I feel as though God is daily leading me and sculpting me into the person He wants me to be. I can't wait to see where He leads me next, and am more excited to see how He continues to mold me as I prepare for adult life and a marriage to the man of my dreams, Joe.