Mickey Waffles

On Monday morning, Joe didn't have to go to class until 12, so we decided to make waffles for breakfast. I absolutely love the Mickey waffle maker that I gave Joe, and we love to cook with it! We ate waffles, talked, and watched Friends before I had to leave at noon. On the way home, I heard back from Broadway Across America. Unfortunately, the Group Sales Manager position had been given to someone else with more experience. However, I was in the top three for the position! I must say, I was quite disappointed, as this was something that would be considered a "dream job" or something I would love to do. Right now, I have to trust that God has something better out there for me. I am trying so hard to "Be Still and know that He is God." It sure is hard! I will continue my prayer that He will provide the right job for me soon.

On the other hand, I am so thankful to have so many friends and family to support me. I am greatful for everyone who has offered prayers and love during this crazy time. I love you all!!!

A Church Job and the Smithsonian

Could you imagine putting a necklace like this together?!

Jewels, jewels everywhere!!!!!

Marie Antoinette wore these beauties.

This necklace was given to a Prima Donna at the MET from her husband on their wedding day. Coincidence?? I think I could make it work with an outfit.

Holy Sapphires!!

I was thinking I could borrow the one of the right for the wedding. Please and thank you.

Of course, none of these compare to the one Joe Joe gave me! :)

Absolutely gorgeous.

The Hope Diamond, out of its original setting.

That T-Rex was HUGE.

Look! We found Nemo, Marlin, and Dori in the same tank!!

Joe had his chance for an up-close-and-personal. I don't think he liked it.

I think it was taller than me.

Look how gross that giant squid is!!

The Natural History Museum at the Smithsonian!

On Sunday morning, Joe and I got an early start on the metro to downtown Washington, D.C. Thankfully, he was able to get a church job during the school year that only needs him for three hours on Sunday morning. We arrived at the church at 10am on Pennsylvania Avenue (just a few blocks from the White House) and had to split while he rehearsed for the 11am service. The church was beautiful and had alot of rich history-a few presidents have visited there, including JFK and Ronald Reagan.

Even though the service was Catholic, the music was absolutely gorgeous. I was really able to appreciate the music Joe's choir sang because most of it was either classical or some sort of gregorian chanting. They even sang Beati Quorum Via, a song Chorale sang during my freshman year. I must say, it did make me miss singing in a choir. After the service, Joe had rehearsal for about an hour, so I went to a deli down the street to get some lunch and kill time.

Once he finished, we decided to walk to hop on the metro towards the Smithsonian to see the Hope Diamond. I wanted to see it because the actual diamond was out of its original necklace setting, as it had been recently cleaned and weighed. It was breathtaking! We walked through the gem exhibits and were able to see some of the biggest jewels in the world. While we were at the Smithsonian (Natural History Museum), we looked at the dinosaurs and the sea exhibit. It was great! Our feet were killing us after two long days of walking, so we got back on the metro and headed back to Joe's apartment. We each relaxed and took a little nap before going to the grocery store to buy some goods for the Colts game (a pizza, cookies, and all the junk food you can imagine). Let's just say after that trip to the grocery store, Joe and I looked at each other and decided that the wedding diet is starting SOON. :) All in all, we had a great time together and enjoyed talking and being with one anot

A Quick trip to Maryland

We found these plates and really like them for our kitchen. We are thinking to mix and match them with other solid color plates in blue, yellow, and red. Looks like something from Chili's....huh??

Joe really like the Chip and Dip holders. The momma pig holds the chips, the little piggies hold the salsa!

At one of the food courts, there was a train little kiddies could ride that swerved in and out of all the tables!

After getting my schedule at work for this week, I noticed that a rare event had occurred. Instead of having to work Saturday and Sunday as usual, I had been given the weekend off! I contemplated what to do with my free time, and Joe and I decided that we wanted to spend some time together. On Saturday morning, I got up really early to drive to Maryland and be there by the time he woke up (it's about a 4 1/2 hour trip, not bad). When I arrived at his apartment, we had many options for what to do, and had trouble deciding which was best! Joe researched a huge mall about 30 minutes away called Tyson's Corner and suggested that we go. We had both been so great about saving money and being responsible that we thought it was time to treat ourselves.

Once we got to the mall around early afternoon, we were blown away with the size of the place! It was one of the biggest and best malls I have ever visited. For you Indiana folks, it was like a combination of Keystone and Castleton. EXCELLENT. They had just about every store you could think of and alot of new and great resteraunts. We both ended up buying something for ourselves, and even had time to stop at Macy's and check some of the home goods/wedding registry stuff!

For dinner, we met up with his graduate friends, David and Aaron. They are both really great and alot of fun to be around. We all decided to go to this Modern Mexican resteraunt in the mall that was bent on serving all natural food. I was a little skeptical at first, but the food ended up being fantastic. Everything was so fresh, from the guacamole, to the queso dip, to the chicken and steak in the tacos. The only bad thing: the meal sure wasn't modern affordable. 60 dollars for the both of us!!! It was worth it.

We went back to Joe's apartment to watch some Friends episodes before calling it a night. It was wonderful to be able to treat ourselves to a little retail therapy and a nice meal together.

Love Happens

Yesterday, Mandy and I met to spend some time together. It was the first night I had off of work for a while, and was excited to do something fun. After working a little bit in the morning, I met up with her at the mall and did some shopping. We decided to go to the movie, Love Happens, at 7:30 and quickly hurried over to the movie theater.

I love going to movies. I don't know if it is the exclusive trailers for the new movies, the anticipation of the plot, or all of the fun snacks I get to eat while watching it! The movie was somewhat depressing, but really good. It really made me think about how I live my life-and living it to fullest! Mandy and I decided that the next movie we go to will definitely have to be something a little more light-hearted (last movie we saw was My Sister's Keeper).

Today, at the church we have been visiting in the meantime, the pastor spoke about living your life with the end in mind. It was fascinating. The message somewhat coincided with the movie last night, except the sermon had more of a Christian focus. of course. Even though I am almost 23 years old, do I live my life with the end in mind? Do I make every day count and try to make a difference in the world around me? I must say, I don't think about dying alot. However, I know that life is a precious gift from God and can be taken away at any minute. This is something that I can always do better. I want to wake up every morning, realizing that it is a gift, and serve the Lord using the gifts He has given me.

Be Still My Soul

So...no news yet. I have been anxiously awaiting some sort of answer from this job. I have wrestled with the possibilities in my heart about things like, "How did that interview go?" or "Did I impress them enough?" or wondering, "Do they actually want to consider me for this job?" I have been having a tough time sleeping at night and sometimes tossle and turn with different scenerios about the subject. This morning, before going to work, I came across this passage that really struck me.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" -Matthew 6:25-27

God has it all under control. Whether this job is His path for me or not, who am I to worry? Worrying would make me feel like I am in control and don't trust in God's infinite plan for my life. Obviously, He's got it all together! And most importantly, if I worry, will that change God's mind about certain issues and situations in my life! No-He already knows and has determined the outcome. All it does is add wrinkles to this almost 23 year old face!

A Very Important Interview

During my last trip to Indy for interviews, I sent an email to a friend of a former choreographer who worked at Clowes Hall. She informed me that at the present time, she did not have any openings for positions within the theatre. She included in the email that is anything came across her plate, she would forward my resume. At the time, I didn't believe her.

About a week ago, I received an email from the Operations Manager at Broadway Across America in Indy. She remarked that my resume had been forwarded to her by the employee at Clowes Hall, and that the company had a position open in the Indy office. The position was the Group Sales Manager that would report directly to the Regional President in Louisville, KY.

I immediately email her back with my enthusiasm about the opening. She forwarded my cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to the Regional President for review. The Regional President emailed me back within a couple of hours to request an interview. I was stoked! However, the only inconvienient part about the deal was the fact that I had to leave Joe a day early to drive to Indy for the interview. I am so thankful he is supportive of my future career. I left to drive home Monday night and woke up Tuesday morning to haul myself to Indianapolis. I arrived late in the evening at the Shadday's home and was very excited to see Jessie, Cooper, Baylor, Missy, Joe's Mama, and a few of Missy's friends who were constructing baskets for the upcoming Food Pantry Auction.

This morning, I woke up extra early to prepare for the interview. I left for the downtown office around 10am-giving myself plenty of time to get there early and focus. The interview began at 11am, and I was able to meet the Regional President as well as the Operations Manager. The position is awesome, and one that is right up my alley. I am thrilled about this opportunity and hope that something will come out of it. The interview went very well, and I should be hearing back from them sometime by the end of the week or beginning of next week. All in all, I hope that God's will is done. If He wants me to have this position, I continue to pray that He will open doors. If not, I pray that He will close the door and open a door somewhere else. Nevertheless, I am encouraged!

Labor Day and a Sendoff

Our attempt at a self portrait until...

...someone helped us out! Washington Memorial.

One of the Smithsonian Museums.

Washington Monument on the left...

...and the Capital Building on the right. Cool!

Joe Joe and Megan Gril on the Metro!

When Joe decided to go to Maryland, I was excited for the opportunity to visit Washington, DC when I came to see him. The University of Maryland is about a mile from the Metro to DC, and the ride into the city is about 20 minutes. We knew our Labor Day was going to be spent in the city going to museums, walking about downtown, and seeing what the city had to offer. When we arrived in DC, we walked around to see the Capital building and the Washington monument. Everything is relatively close in the downtown area, so we were able to see quite a bit. After seeing the major monuments, we headed to the Holocaust museum. I have always wanted to go, but have never had the opportunity.

When we walked into the museum, we were given an id with a story about a person that actually endured the Holocaust. While going throughout the exhibit, we read through the id and what that particular person was experiencing during that time. At the end, it revealed the fate of each id. My id stated that I lived, Joe's died. The museum contained an enormous amout of reading, videos, and artifacts. I was completely overwhelmed with emotion at some points. Although I am definitely glad we went, I don't think I want to go again for a while.

We headed back to Maryland after the museum to eat dinner before I needed to leave for home. Unfortunately, during our crazy busy day, we didn't find time to eat breakfast or lunch. We were extremely hungry!! Of course, we decided to remedy this by going to Chili's. I think our waiter was quite baffled after Joe and I consumed the chips, salsa, and queso we ordered for an appetizer in less than 5 minutes. All in all, we ate two helpings of chips and both of our meals. We really were hungry!

After dinner, we headed back to his apartment to get my bags before leaving for home. Saying goodbye to Joe seems to get harder every time we see each other. I always want to stay longer than possible, which really makes me sad. I can't help but fight back tears when I drive away and see him waving goodbye. I am so happy for him and the opportunities that Maryland will bring, but I can't help but have the desire to be close to him. To help cope with the sadness, I think that every time I see him is one time closer to getting married and seeing him forever! Thanks for a wonderful weekend, Joe. I love you so and miss you even more. I am very thankful for this opportunity and am eagerly counting down the days until I see you again!!

East Coast Crabs

The "trash" bin. Containing crab legs, inerds, and claws. Gross!

The middle part of the crabbing process. Intriguing, huh?

The master at work!

This is what was thrown to us. Not what I expected when she said, "We will have crabs for dinner."

On Sunday, Joe had to finish a bit of homework before we headed out for our plans during the day. So while he did schoolwork in the library, I sat on a computer in the library looking at fun websites. It sure is weird to think he is doing all of his coursework for his masters, and I am done with school. I never thought that day would come-where I could look at fun websites in the library.

After finishing the little bit of work, we picked up David and his friend Cory and headed to Laura Lee's house in Baltimore (Laura Lee is the Director of the opera studio). She had invited all of the first and second year Maryland Opera Studio grad students for a welcome party. When we arrived, she had prepared a gracious spread of food, including the staple food of Maryland-crabs. Now, I don't like seafood. At all. In fact, it kinda makes me sick just smelling it. The kind of crabs Laura Lee bought were-well-competely whole and steamed. We had to learn how to peel off the legs, crack open the shell, and fish out the crab meat. There were mallots and knives involved, and it was extremely messy. By the second round, I wanted to give it a try, and ended up opening the whole crab and handing off the meat to Joe. It was really fun!! A good stress reliever. Now I can say that I know how to break apart a crab.

That night, we went back to Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner, and it was nice to be alone and talk. We had a great meal and were definitely full after a big day of eating. After getting back to Joe's apartment, he told me to pick out a movie to watch. I chose Sweeny Tod. It was a crazy musical, but overall a good choice. If you are squeemish about blood, I wouldn't recommend it.

Saturday at Maryland

Look at that yummy homemade meal!

Having a blast together.

Check out that entrance! It was HUGE!!

Off on an adventure. I love this boy!

On Saturday, we were able to relax and take our time to make plans for the day. We decided to go out to lunch, and Joe really wanted to take me to a mall that he found about 20 minutes away. We left late morning and arrived before 1pm. Since we didn't get breakfast, we were starving and went straight to lunch at Chili's. I must say, I have missed eating at Chili's. For a while, I didn't think Joe and I would ever eat anywhere else but Chili's. I guess it grew on me.

The mall was humongous. The entrance to the movie theater looked like some sort of Las Vegas resort. Within the mall, there were tons of stores-regular retail stores and outlet stores. The mall had a Best Buy, Bass Pro Shops, and even a Medieval Times! We had a great time walking around and shopping-even if we didn't buy much.

On the way back from the Mall, we stopped at the grocery store to buy food for dinner. We decided to make breakfast for dinner (one of my fav)-Mickey waffles, bacon, and sausage. It was great! We watched some Friends, and alot of football. The Maryland football game came on late, so we watched a little bit of it before calling it a night.

Off to Maryland!

At Ikea. Um, Yes, I will take this for my closet. Thank you!!

In front of the Terrapin football stadium. Huge, isn't it?!

I bought a shirt at the bookstore. I have to support the school that is helping my man to become a star!!

The recital hall. I know. Amazing. (ps-who is that famous singer standing on the stage?)

Walking into the School of Music. 4 Theatres of the first floor, music library to the left.

On Thursday night, I headed to Maryland to visit Joe for Labor Day weekend. I was very anxious to get there, because it had been almost a month and half since we have been able to spend time together! I was also very excited to see his new apartment, new school, and new friends. Thursday night was mainly spent relaxing, watching movies, and enjoying one another's company. It was so nice.

While Joe went to class on Friday morning, I took my time to get ready before meeting up with him for the day. He picked me up after his class to go back to campus for a tour. We started by driving around campus and eventually parked to enter the School of Music. It was AMAZING. Maryland has an excellent Opera Studio with nine theatres to house all of the School of Music activities. Yeah-that's right. NINE. The whole time I kept thinking....I did my senior recital in a choir rehearsal room?? The opera theatre is beautiful, the recital hall is equally as great, and the music library is amazingly exhaustive. After the tour and meeting the head of the opera studio, we walked around campus to the student union. Their student union was incredible-a bowling alley, a movie theatre, a bank, a bookstore, and somewhat of a food court (Subway, Sbarro, Sushi, Taco Bell, Chick-Fil-A...etc.) are all housed in this building. I was in awe!! It sure is a huge difference for two people who are accustomed to going to smaller colleges to walk around a campus of 40,000 students.

After getting a feel for the campus, we headed to IKEA for the night. It is the best place to buy furniture anywhere!!! Since Joe has his own apartment, he had a few more items he needed to get to become organized for the year. After walking around the huge store for about 3 hours, we finally left with some necessities and the housewarming gifts I bought him.

That night, we met up with the other grad students in his opera studio at Buffalo Wild Wings (there are 9 people in his class). It was a great atmosphere, and the wings were really good! We had a great time, but were definitely exhausted by the end of our busy day!