photographic memories.

Before you ask, no, we still have no wedding plans.  Things for us have been crazy lately.  We are waiting on word regarding J's financial aid for fall 2012 before making a decision on where and when to get married, at this point.  We had started to toss some ideas around but realized we might have to make some dramatic changes if J will be in college come fall-- we'd obviously have very few dates to choose from around the academic calendar, and we'd not have much money to contribute ourselves to the wedding if we had to continue on as a single-income family.  So, stay tuned.  Hopefully in the next 4-6 weeks, we'll know more!

One wedding-related task we DID manage to do was have our engagement photos taken.  We were excited to work with the very talented Rachel of Rachel G Photography for our shoot.  The weather was amazing, as it has been here in Chicago for most of the winter.  Though it was mid-February, the skies were sunny and the temperatures were in the 40s.  We managed to do most of our shoot outside, which allowed us to incorporate Chicago into the pictures-- exactly what we wanted!

Can I just say that I absolutely LOVE the way they turned out?  As a plus-size bride, I was intensely worried that I just wouldn't stack up to the gorgeousness of all of the other shoots I've seen.  I obsessed over my clothes and hair for weeks, trying to find the right look to showcase my best assets AND finding things that were in the same color palettes for both J and me.  In the end, I returned 90% of what I bought and ended up wearing things I've had for awhile.  Our pictures are perfectly us; laughing and in love.  We tried hard to be serious in some photos, but it's just not who we are, and that's ok!

We received over 350 pictures back from Rachel, far too many to post here.  Instead, I'll leave you with a few of my favorites from the session.  All photo credits to Rachel G Photography.  Please do not share without permission.

Set 1: Downtown Chicago-- Chicago River, Merchandise Mart, Kedzie Bridge.

Set 2: Wrigley Field

Set 3: Downtown Chicago-- Lightology

oh me, oh my.

Remember what I last wrote about things slowing down soon?

Well, there ain't no rest for the wicked.  I should have known better than to show my cards like that!

The last six weeks have been... crazmazing?  I just made that word up, because I don't have one that accurately describes life at the moment.

J is still unemployed, but I am so incredibly proud to announce that he was accepted into Columbia College Chicago just before the holidays.  It has been a longtime dream of his to work in the radio communications field, and he intends to pursue a degree in both production and talent at Columbia.  Right now, we are anxiously awaiting a financial aid package that will either make or break this dream for the time being!

I was very lucrative in my job search at the end of November and had a few great phone interviews.  Thus far, one of them has resulted in an on-campus visit that I am very excited about.  Next week, I will be traveling to North Carolina for a two day interview for a position that really matches my next desired career step.  I have also recently moved into a new position on my current campus that I'm very excited about, and I do love Chicago... it will really come down to gut instinct, I guess!

Of course, if I am fortunate enough to be offered the position in North Carolina, we will have some hard decisions ahead.  I am extremely supportive and encouraging of J's desire to further his education.  However, I also feel that the opportunity to move on in my career is something that can't be tossed aside flippantly.  There are other things to consider in the equation as well, such as finances, location and whatnot that weigh heavily in the decision.  I have a great/awful feeling though, that we will both get what we want (J =  a full ride, E = job offer) and someone will end up feeling like they might have missed out.

Further complicating matters, yet extremely exciting, is the fact that we're engaged!  J popped the question on Christmas Day (much to my chagrin... the story will get its own entry soon) and I, of course, said yes.  The funny thing is, things don't feel terribly different.  I mean, I now have this amazing ring on my finger to gaze at all day, but everything else is as wonderful as always.

have you ever seen something so pretty?

Don't get me wrong-- we are excited.  But, not excited in a Monica-from-Friends-I-have-my-entire-wedding-already-planned way.  In actuality, I have found that I have very little desire to plan a wedding.  It seems like so much work and so much money for something to please other people.  What would please me most is being married, not having a party.  I've bought a little more time on the wedding planning at the moment, however, until we figure out where we'll be in the next few months.  It doesn't make much sense to start planning something that might have to change due to moving or a class schedule.  Hopefully in the next month or so, all that will settle out and we can start planning... but really, anyone who finds wedding planning fun or thrilling, hit me up.  Your energy is welcome and appreciated!

With that, 2011 has passed and 2012 is here.  2011 in its entirety was crazmazing, now that I think about it.  We traveled abroad, celebrated big birthdays and anniversaries, dealt with being a one-income family and got engaged!  There was a lot of stress, but a lot of good in there as well.  I hope 2012 brings more positives and I'm committed to doing my best wherever I land and being appreciative for what I have and those around me.

What are you committed to in 2012?

agony of defeat.

VCU's run in the NCAA tournament came to an abrupt ending on Saturday night.  After playing some extremely impressive basketball over the last few weeks, the Butler game was a complete meltdown.  Whether due to fatigue, biased refs or simple bad luck, the road ended.

The Final Four party was a success-- about 20 Chicagoland VCU alumni showed up, and about 8 of my friends.  Everyone enjoyed snacks, pizza and the drink special.  I even got to see one of my favorite people from my time working in the Student Commons at VCU, what a treat!

Opening Day at Wrigley Field was also Friday.  This marks my third year of attending the home opener (obviously, a Jeremy-driven activity!), and the weather was typical-- cold and rainy!  Temperatures in the 40s all day with a steady drizzle.  Adding to the dreary mood was the fact that Jeremy wasn't feeling well and the Cubs lost.  Booooo!

The rest of our weekend was consumed with sleeping and laundry.  We slept for 11 hours on Saturday night-- which felt amazing!  I wish I had that chance more often, especially in preparation for the next few weeks at work.

Speaking of, I'm completely overwhelmed right now.  April is always our busiest time, and this year seems even more stressful than ever.  I'm trying to take it one day at a time, but that's hard when every day is jam-packed, including the weekends!  After the end of April, though, things significantly calm down.  I'm soooo looking forward to that day.

Jeremy has football practice tonight, so I will be home alone.  I really struggle to be alone sometimes-- not that it isn't relaxing, but I'm just so bored by myself!  I'm also an extremely light sleeper, so I tend to stay up until J gets home, which is sometimes almost midnight.  It's a vicious cycle-- I look forward to him coming home, and then I get mad that I'm up late and am subsequently tired and cranky the next day.  It is a good exercise for me, though, because I do need to understand everything doesn't work around my schedule all the time.  I also am admittedly jealous that J has hobbies and friends here in Chicago, something I lack.  It's hard to have a partner who lives in their hometown-- all his close friends and family are always nearby, but mine are 1000 miles away.  I look forward to the day when we are on more even territory!

shameless promotion.

Just a reminder, the VCU Final Four Chicago watch party is this Saturday, April 2 at 5pm!

All alumni and Rams fans in the Chicago area are welcome-- do me a favor and RSVP online before Friday at 5pm so I can get an accurate count to Wrightwood Tap.

RSVP online here.  Also, check out the VCU Final Four parties being hosted around the country.  RAM NATION!

watch party!

In the spirit of cheering on my alma mater, I'm hosting a Final Four watch party this Saturday.  If you live in Chicago or nearby and want to join, all are welcome!

VCU Rams vs. Butler Bulldogs Final Four Watch Party

Saturday, April 2, 2011 @ 5pm

Wrightwood Tap

1059 W. Wrightwood Ave

Chicago IL  60614

3 hour open bar (5-8pm): $15 pp

Wear your best black and gold and bring a snack to share!

mess with the the RAMS...

And you get the horns!

Congratulations to the VCU Rams on beating (the crap out of) the Kansas Jayhawks today!  We are now en route to our first ever Final Four appearance and it feels AMAZING!

GO RAMS!!!