8 Weeks!!

Exactly 8 weeks (or 2 months) from today, Jason and I will be tying the knot!  Hard to believe its almost here.  Time flies and I definitely learned the extent of this when I graduated from Grinnell College Monday May 23rd, 2011.  Though my brother was busy with his new job my parents and future in-laws were able to make an appearance.   Mom, Dad, thanks for all you have done and continue to do to make me the person I am today.  It's been a grueling 17 years of school but I've finally done it!

My maid of honor, Veronica, and bridesmaid, Hannah, also graduated along with me. I met these girls playing softball and hope to continue being good friends with them into the future.  Good luck in all your endeavors girls, both in New Mexico and Chicago!! You will be missed dearly..

And of course, the love of my life was there in full support :).

I'm not sure how they managed to slaughter my first name but at least they got my last name correct. Meh, oh well.  It's real, it happened and now I'm free!

Since this occasion, I've started working at Monsanto.  I've been a lab assistant--printing tags, running errands, and doing a little computer work.  In addition, I've helped in the warehouse putting things away and driving the forklift.  While many of these jobs can become tedious, the money is worth it and certainly better than an entry level job were I'd only get maybe $9 an hour.  I think I can deal with this for now to pay off some wedding stuff and plan a honeymoon.  In the meantime, I'm hoping to get a social work position in the hospital helping and/or educating families.  I've decided while I like the technical aspects of being a nurse or technician I'm much better with helping people cope or give advice.  We'll see where it leads me, I've got time. 

Aside from laying out career plans I'm back on the wedding train, planning and playing the waiting game.  As I said before, its hard to believe that I'll be walking down the isle in less that 60 days!  Since my last post I've had a bachelorette party, planned bridal showers, filled out a pampered chef registry, made labels to send invites, and got a couple more of the boys fitted for their tuxes.  The girls have purchased their dresses and I've purchased my rehearsal dress.  I'm anticipating the next few weeks will fly so I'm taking advantage of this three day memorial weekend to really get some stuff done.  I'm also hoping that within the next few weeks we can purchase our wedding bands!  Sooo excited :).  Here are a few pictures from the bachelorette party:

I was wrapped like a mummy instead of a bride, ate cookies, drank punch, and whacked a pinata filled with fun prizes.  It was a blast and I'm thankful for all the people that were able to make an appearance and celebrate with me.  (Thanks so much Veronica, Hannah and the other individuals that helped in making this party a success.  I know it was hectic toward the end of the school year, but we made it work!)

The softball girls came to wish me luck also!

A final highlight of the past few months has been Jason and I's most recent friendship with another couple.  Though I was introduced to them last summer it wasn't until recently that we've come to really embrace this relationship.  Through that, we've been to various concerts, grilled out and even helped them move into their very first house!  I hope and anticipate many more adventures with them to come.  It's nice to have another couple we can relate to as we continue with life's challenges and rewards.  

Until next time... :)