A Day In The Life of Ang

Hello? Is anyone here?

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 17:09:00 +0000

Funny how excited I was to share my wedding with the world - and then life hit and over a year later all you know is we got ready...

This little spot on the internet is still important to me - but my job is a lot of computer sitting and writing - and Eric's job has him getting up early - so the combination of a lack of wanting to be on the computer and only about 4 hour to spend with the hubs after work means I spend more time instagramming and snapping my life than blogging it.

However, I do miss this - and I would like to get my blog back.

So here is step one. I am going to try and blog at least once a month.... and update you on life. You- whoever this is that is reading (Hi Mom)

There are things to share - July 2015- August 2016 has been a rollercoaster to say the least.

Thanks for putting up with my lack of posting.

#MeetTheMendelsons - Getting Ready

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 04:54:00 +0000

The wedding is over, we have honeymooned and the pictures are in….Time to blog about the wedding.
I can’t even begin to put into words how perfect the day was. Perfect weather (minus the wind that kept us on our toes), everything I dreamed in my head was executed to perfection by my mother and my friends. It was PERFECT.

The house had two amazing areas for the bridal party to get ready – the man cave – with a bar, pinball machines and tvs and the beautiful bride’s suite with amazing windows and a huge mirror.

Eric and I choose not to see each other the day of until the first look – we had some close calls, and for a while it seems like every time I walked into a room I was darting back out and sending someone in to shoo him away. Finally I parked it upstairs and let him be :-D

Now for the pics First up the guys – I had reminded them all that there would be no staggering down the aisle – and if they did drink too much, they hid it well :-D

I got Eric and LCD screen for his GoPro,I knew this would be good for his diving on the honeymoon. It was my back up gift – my first gift was back ordered….I got it the day we got home from the honeymoon – fantastic.

Dad playing a little Pac-Man

Gunner and his daddy

I love this one of G-man and Uncle Eric playing

They played and waited until I was ready for the first look.

Eric worked on his note to me before the wedding – I was writing it the day of…talk about role reversal.

That was fun to brush the next day

Sweet June was 2 weeks old - such a good girl

Eric gave me a necklace with Enzo's paw print and a long sweet note

one thing mom and I didn’t do was practice getting in the dress without destroying hair – so we got recruits to help!

This is my excited face - the "its real" face

By the point I knew we were behind schedule and I was ready to see my dad and then get to Eric. I was a bundle of nerves and getting super anxious to see him.

And that is where I will leave you…

Vendor Information:
Dress - Mori Lee
Dress Shop and Tuxedo Rentals- J and B Bridals
Hair and Make up- Cindy at The Cutting Edge Salon
Photography - Beth T Photography

Linking up for Wedding Wednesday

Currently...

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 12:58:00 +0000

Doing it again this week...

Feeling... tired with a side of stress. I have a lot of loose ends to tie up at work, and I can’t seem to get the uninterrupted time at work to do the work. I am breaking a rule of mine – and taking work home with me this weekend with the hopes I walk in Monday much closer to leaving things in a way I am comfortable (hey! I took work home maybe twice in my two years working here!)

Reading... I haven’t been doing a lot of reading this week… I read a little on Sunday at the spa while waiting for my massage

Watching... We caught up on all but the finale of The Walking Dead this week, and some of The Voice last night. I wrote thank you notes while watching – too much to do and not enough time to do it!

Listening to... Sam Hunt – I got an email from Jill this am, which put me in the mood for out road trip staple….Made me miss the roomies!

Drinking... Diet Mt. Dew – DANG IT, I was doing so well giving it up- and then I have had a few weeks with restless nights and it became a survival thing for me…I will quit again….maybe…

Thinking about... How extremely blessed I am. My Bridesmaids threw me the best shower and bachelorette party this weekend. I am going to bug them for pictures and recap it here soon! They were amazing. It was perfectly me….

Working on... getting ready for change. Getting things at work completed, getting appointments made for my new job, getting things for the wedding completed and getting my house in order so that when I am working at home I am not stressed.

Needing... A tan! The wedding dress doesn’t need a tan, but it would sure look better with one…I am more worried about the honeymoon. I typically get sunburned (no matter how much sunscreen I use) when we go to Bethany Beach for the first time of the summer, I can’t imagine what being closer to the equator will do to me! I am so not ok with tanning beds…praying for some warm days I can sit outside and soak in some rays and investing in stronger SPF

Loving... Warmer days. We walked the dog last night and I didn’t wear a coat! Windows were open in the house yesterday. Days when the windows are open all days (and night) are my favorite!

Excited about... Passover Seder tonight and my Hair and Makeup trial tomorrow! (Plus a dress fitting right after! I get to see the whole look!!!!)

Currently....

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 16:28:00 +0000

One of the blogs I really enjoy Planes, trains, and running shoes always does these posts. In an effort to blog more and get back to my happy place writing, I am going to copy her idea!

Feeling... A huge mix of things – one I am tired, I have been exhausted all week. I think due to the stress of making a huge life decision. I am currently feeling sad and excited. About an hour ago, I put in my notice that I am leaving my current position. It was really a difficult decision but I am also excited about the new position. I will have normal hours, and no commute. Pretty much exactly what I have been praying for

Reading... Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. My goal is to get our financial life in order and pay off debts and save for our future!!

Watching... I haven’t watched much TV this week. Our DVR is super backed up too… maybe I will get some time to watch some stuff this weekend (HA)

Thinking about... How in all that is holy is it SNOWING on the first day of spring? Makes me so mad!!!

Working on... Getting my files updated and all my ducks in a row so that I leave the next person with as little extra work as possible.

Needing... Sleep. The dog has been having sleeping issues (I am taking the blame and I think he is allergic to the almond butter I used to give him his pill so he got an ear infection) Luckily I stopped with the almond butter and put the ointment from last time in his ear and it’s much better, of course last night he slept perfectly – you know, the night I go to bed at midnight and get up at 5:15.

Loving... all of the great things coming down the pike for me. Bestest is coming Friday, and my bridesmaids are planning a fun weekend that they won’t tell me about. The wedding finally feels like it is close and I couldn’t be more excited!

Excited about... Getting RSVPs back, I have had many texts and messages that the invitations have hit the mailboxes – so now I am just eagerly waiting on their responses

In Happier News - Wedding update

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 19:12:00 +0000

This weekend I checked off a lot of things on the wedding to do list.

Friday I took my mom's veil to her friend's house, and discussed how she was going to make it into a thing of beauty fitting for 2015 (right now it is super 80s).

Saturday Eric and I went to the mall and looked at his ring. He picked out what he liked so that I could go order.

Sunday I went to mom's and let her show me some things she is working on for the unity candle and a few other décor items.

Monday I went to Eric's mom's house and began sewing the bridesmaids gifts. I am fully finished one project, and we started another. One more day there and I will be finished with the girls' presents. Eric and his dad created the bases of the Chuppah for the wedding and they are ready to go to our friend who will plant flowers in them.

Tuesday I went out in the afternoon in search of a bra/corset for my fitting on Saturday. (nothing like waiting to the last min) I didn't find anything, I am hoping I don't need it after all.
I also ordered Eric's ring while I was out.

Last night we were working on the wording for our Ketubah - the Jewish Marriage contract, and basically wrote it so it was unique to us. We decided to use the saying on the Ketubah as our vows, so our vows were written last night as well!.

Plus, last week Jan finished our invitation and is working on the RSVP cards. We booked the venue for the rehearsal brunch, and I figured out the escort card/favors.

So much done, yet so much to do.

I need to figure out the little people's gifts, create the escort cards, create the programs, create some signs for the wedding and get the invites out the door next month.

Eric needs to figure out his gifts for the boys, and make sure they order their suits! We also need to make the corn hole game.

We are in double digits- 96 to be exact. There is still so much more than this list has on it, but its a start. I am just excited how much we accomplished this weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 18:06:00 +0000

There is so much more that I haven't blogged about, that I want to blog about, and yet, the only thing on my heart is something pretty sad.

You may or may not know, my grandfather is battling lung cancer. He did radiation and tests now show there is a 2nd spot.

When I found out he was first diagnosed, I didn't know how to handle it.

I am blessed beyond measure. I am 30 years old, and still spend holidays with all four of my grandparents. It is not lost on me how rare that is.

I found out in August. All I could think about was my wedding, how sad I would be if my grandfather wasn't there. I got angry because that felt so selfish.

We knew that radiation wouldn't do much, there was not going to be a story where Grandpap, beat cancer. Now with the 2nd spot, it is more like when.

At Christmas, it was in the back of all of our heads, that this was probably the last Christmas with him, but there was hope that it wouldn't be. Now it seems as though it really was the last one (though I pray the doctors are wrong)

Now it is bigger than my wedding. I am selfish, I don't want to spend a family dinner, birthday celebration, thanksgiving, Christmas without him. I don't want there to not be the latest joke from readers digest being told.

I haven't had to deal with this before, and I don't want to. This pretty much sucks and I don't know how to handle it.

Eric Mendelson Photography - A.K.A. my new part-time unpaid job

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 20:10:00 +0000

It has been Eric's dream for a while to be a wedding photographer. He wants to have his own business, but its been difficult to break into the field.

He is working with a company which sends him to weddings, and he gets to keep his images for his use, but the profit goes to them.

We had a logo created for him, and purchased a new website design that was much more feminine and sophisticated - his other site was dark and manly, not exactly wedding-ish.

I have been working on creating the galleries and getting the website running.

Next comes marketing and social media. I want to get his stuff out there and have people interested in his work.

Check out his new website Eric Mendelson Photography and pass it on to anyone you know looking for a wedding photographer.

You can also like him on Facebook.

Long Overdue Engagement Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 19:58:00 +0000

Back in June, yup June, Father's Day to be exact we met up with our wedding photographer Beth in Old Town Alexandria Virginia for our engagement shoot.

I stressed for days trying to decide what to wear, and I still don't love my outfit. But I love my pictures.

We debated location for a little bit, our first date was down town Frederick, so I figured that is where we would go. But Eric thought about Old Town since a lot of our dates were there when he would come to VA to visit me.

Old town is so charming and wonderful with many great places to shoot.

It took me a while to get comfortable being in front of the camera. I was pretty awkward at first. Eric kept making me laugh, which resulted in great pictures.

Here are some favorites, and some outtakes.

outtakes:

I think this is right after I said "I am so awkward"

This was supposed to be a football pose, but I have had many gutter related commented instead. HA

Don't miss it

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 20:29:00 +0000

Sometimes I get caught up in the future I miss the present.

My friends are all at different places than me, some have kids, others just bought a house, some are in the process of house hunting, but no one is planning a wedding.

That’s ok; it means that the year I get married I do not have to juggle other people’s wedding obligations. It means that I was able to enjoy every bit of their wedding process when they were going through it. It means that I am Aunt Angela to awesome kids, which is totally amazing to me.

Sometimes though, as I walk through my neighborhood, I see the houses and driveways (b/c I park on the street sometimes far away from my house) and want to go ahead and start that process.

But the truth is, I have a home, I don’t have to house hunt and its pretty perfect for what we need right now (sorry pup, the yard will come one day.) We can live comfortably in this house, and even start a family with no issues. It means when it is time to buy a house it can be the perfect one. It means I can be picky and wait for just the right one, I don’t have to settle.

Right now things are exactly as they should be with my little family, in our nice home. It is ok to look forward to the changes of the future, but not so much that we miss exactly what we have.

A long overdue update

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 04:13:00 +0000

I thought that once I finished schoil I'd have all this time and I would get back to blogging and maybe even wake up my long forgotten baking blog.

Turns out working full-time, getting home at 9 pm daily, having a dog and planning a wedding doesn't leave much time for that.

But one day I will. Eric wants to get into food photography, so if I dust off the baking blog it will at least have better pictures.

So what is new?

Well let's see. Wedding wise I am in a good place. We have the venue, food, DJ photography and videographer picked. This past weekend I found cake stands and figured out the look of the cakes. I found my dress a few weeks ago.

Mom and I had two appointmenst one Saturday. I was dreading dress shopping. I was worried about how I would look, nervous I wouldn't love anything. Mom really wanted to go to this place about an hour away in PA. I wasn't sure what the obsession was but I made the appointment. I am so glad I did. The girl helping me was amazing. I found my dress, I tired on 7 but ended up with dress #2. I was so excited. I wanted to show everyone, but I finally had to stop because I wanted some pepole to be surprised come May. The best part is my mom's wedding veil works perfectly (once I get the funky hat thing taken off and a nice comb added)

I am working on flowers right now, I have an appointment with a local florist to see about them making my bouquet, the table flowers and other decorations are so simple we just need the flowers ordered.

Eric and I need to spend some time building the corn hole games for the yard at the venue. That will be a weekend project really soon.

Aubrey is coming up in October so hopefully we pick the bridesmaid dresses then.

It's all coming along I'm getting so so excited.

In non wedding news Eric and I have almost finished our bedroom makeover. I plan on doing a post about this and go room by room, something along the lines of from bachelor pad to beautiful home. I still need to get some artwork, and our bedding (which is on the registry so I am waiting until after the wedding to get that) but our room looks amazing and I love the color we chose.

Enzo is great walking off leash now, being such a good dog. I'm so happy I have him. I love him so.

In memory of Mike McCoy

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 13:39:00 +0000

I wrote this driving home from work (VIA – 4 talk to text memos, with a lot of spelling and word choice errors) it has been sitting on my phone waiting to be edited and posted. Today is the1 year anniversary of the passing of a man who spent the majority of my middle and high school years, and continued after I left, making a difference in the lives of youth in Frederick, MD. Mike McCoy spent a week of his vacation every year on mission trips with our youth group, spent Sunday mornings with his wife teaching Sunday school and many many other hours hanging out, caring and loving on kids. We will never understand why God called him home before WE were ready, but God must have needed some comic relief in heaven because he called home his number one jokester. We love you and miss you Mike. Thanks for spending your life making a difference. Elisa, Em, Patrick, Munchie, Elizabeth and Austen, Thank you for sharing your dad with the world!!!

Right now each of us has a chance to make a difference in our community through the life of a young person. Every day I work with children many who live in single parent households, whose parents work full time can barely make ends meet, who are lost and wandering looking for direction. Every day I also work with special individuals to give up their personal time to come and spend a few hours with our kids. Some people often come from far away traveling over an hour to spend 2 maybe 3 hours with our kids. Sometimes our kids are not fun, sometimes their behaviors are frustrating and will make you absolutely angry; however we make a difference for the kids. It's one person who will take the time to look at their homework and help them complete it, it’s one person who will play a game on the computer with them, it's one person who will play a game of tag or basketball. The volunteers that come don't realize the impact they're making our kids. No they're not paid to be there the kids know I'm paid to be there but the volunteer and the tutors come because they want to be there. Investing a few hours of your time in the life of a young person can make a world of difference. Our young people are looking for help, they're looking for someone to care, they're looking for their place and they don't know where to find it. The volunteers who give their time are making a difference. The kids are exposed to people in a different area of life, a different community, their exposed to people in college who are furthering their education. Our kids are maybe getting to slowly see firsthand ways of life more than the community that outside their front door. You wouldn't think it but many of our youth haven't even left their neighborhood. Last summer kids went with us to the Smithsonian on the mall, and a couple of them had never even been to that area of Washington DC. Yep they have lived in DC their whole life.If you have an afternoon that's free reach out to a school, reach out to a program, and reach out to a church. Donate a few hours of your time to a life of a child. The children are our future and sometimes that's a scary thought, when you look at what's in front of you. It's just a little bit of TLC needed for our kids who are rough around the edges and putting on a hard front because that's all they know and that's their survival instinct that can really change the world and it all starts with an older person. If you just care a little bit or even a person who cares a lot change make a difference. One of our kids left the program but has stayed in touch because she's reaching and searching for someone who cares in her life, she's searching for someone who wants to know what her report card looks like. This young lady is searching for her place, she is not in our program she doesn't have to give us a report card but we still get it from her every quarter because she want someone who cares she want someone to say I know you can do better than that F, what happened? let's work on it. Her brother has no one and won't reach out to anyone and I'm terrified for him I know he could do big things in his life but he's getting lost in the shuffle and I am praying that someone would just reach out and take him under their wing and show them they care. The struggle of our inner city kids real, the struggle of all kids is real. Our lives are much more busy than they used to be, our parents are working multiple jobs just to put food on the table, spending long hours at work just to keep the house over their head. The struggle is real, I get it, I know we can't let our kids get lost in the shuffle. It's not always just because their parent doesn't care or is lazy, sometimes it’s that they're just doing what they can to provide and it's our responsibility to help pick up the slack to keep that child from falling through the cracks and ending up in the system or worse. If you don't have time donate I get that, take care of your own, put down the phone and iPad, turn off the shows and show an interest. Make it known you care about their grades, make it known you care about what they're doing with our lives in the future, talk about the future even if they are young talk about school, college, jobs, what are you dreaming for and then support their dreams and show them that you support by being there to begin working on their dreams. Have fun with your kids just spend time with them, a lot of our kid’s behavior problems are there because they want attention and will take it any way they can get it even if it's negative.

I'm guilty of being distracted, Eric and I will sit at the dinner table with our phones in our hands not even talking, we've got to reconnect with each other and we have to connect with our kids(when we have them) or we will lose them to this world. The world is a scary place, imagine how scary it will be without a generation of kids who have had no positive influence in their life. My job is to work with kids, to support their families and it's something I've become passionate about. If I had more time to give to other places, I would, but I don't right now, so all I can do is what I'm doing now one day I'll do more. I know I will, I want to make a difference in this world and I'm starting with our kids.

Offically a graduate!!

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Mon, 19 May 2014 18:45:00 +0000

3.5 years ago, I decided that I wanted to go back to school and get my Master’s degree. I started looking at local places, but quickly realized that working fulltime, trying to find a program that fit into my work schedule would be really difficult. I put it off for a little bit, and then decided to look into some online programs.

The University of Maryland University College had a master’s degree in management of nonprofits and associations. I have always known I wanted to work for nonprofits but I wasn’t sure how or doing what. I decided I would apply for this degree. While applying I read about the dual degree program, for another 18 credits (or a year) I could get my MBA upon completion of the Masters of Science in Management of nonprofits and association. I applied, and a soon after got my acceptance letter.

At that time in my life, things were in flux, while I didn’t know it right then, my 5 year relationship would be ending, but I knew things weren’t great. I wanted to do more with my life than be a nanny and I wasn’t sure how. This was the first step, it was scary.

My parents and grandparents and family were exceptionally supportive. They were so excited when I said I would be going back to school. There was much support given, cheerleading and checking in. My mom and dad, and my grandparents were always there to listen to my stresses, cheer me on, rejoice in the good grades and were understanding when school came before family get togethers and wedding planning. Also to my little brother, who is my constant comic relief in life and who is currently kicking ASS (sorry grandparent’s) in his first year of undergraduate with 3 A’s and a B in his classes!! I couldn’t be more proud.

In the middle of the first semester my world was flipped upside down. I left a relationship and moved and somehow managed to not fail the classes. I had a lot of people supporting me and I didn’t want to let anyone down. I also dug deep and found the strength to focus on me. I put my head down and worked hard on school and focused on that and running only. Probably the way I healed the most.

I met Eric during my 2^nd semester; however, I don’t really remember it. I went over to Jess and Travis’ house to watch football… except my nose was in a business statistics book the whole time and I was struggling with a question. He tried to help me, but quickly retreated and said he had no idea (neither did I and I ended up turning the assignment in with that one blank) I remember him being there, but I wasn’t much fun, and I didn’t really talk to people much so I don’t really count it as meeting him.

Eric met me at the beginning of Grad school and dated me throughout the whole time, 2 years of long distance and only seeing each other on weekends, with many of those weekends with me behind the screen of a laptop. I tried really hard to balance school and dating, but sometimes school had to win. There were many times when I was so stressed and grumpy, many weekends where I ignored him all day, which were really hard. Times when I wanted to spontaneously go and do something, but we couldn’t. Beautiful days spent inside because school calls. However, he never complained and always supported me in my schooling. I am not sure he will ever know how much it meant to me that he was supportive of me during that time. Thank you babe for the patience and understand you showed the past 2.5 years, WE made it!!! Now let’s go on some dates! :-D

To my friends, thank you for not being offended when I spent many Friday and Saturday nights not hanging out. I have answered no I can’t to many a text message requesting my presence at someone’s house, or downtown, yet they still asked and never took offense. Trips were planned around my syllabus. Many a night I spent at friend’s house with my laptop in my lap “hanging out”. BEST FRIENDS EVER. I am back!!! Let’s hang out!!

Graduation day was great; I didn’t walk with the first degree because it didn’t feel like it was over. This degree, I walked and it was the final stamp on the hard work I did.

Funny story about this pic - see how big my smile is...well, that yellow card in my hand has my name on it, and is how I get my name announced to walk across the stage - that is my 2nd one... I left the original on my seat!!! I got in line over there and realized when I set my program and phone on the chair I left the card! I may have freaked for a second, but they are smarter then we are, and had people with blank ones walking up and down the line for people like me :-D I got a new card, and the guy behind me made a joke about it, and all was well!

3 years of hard work, countless hours of reading and writing but I am finished. I have 2 master’s degrees and I am ready to change the world.

My Aunt hosted us all back at her house after the ceremony for some YUMMY food, and family time, and a fantastic cookie cake (my only dessert request!)

** All pictures from the talented Eric Mendelson Photography

New Addition

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 13:12:00 +0000

I have a new alarm clock. It wakes me up around 7:00- 7:30am everyday. It doesn’t have a snooze button and can get quiet loud.

Its name is Enzo.

Eric and I have been looking at dogs for a while now ( ok I have been) and the consensus was we would get a dog after I finished Grad school.

Last Saturday we went to Pet smart for a $12 fish tank item.

I jokingly said, we are going to get a puppy, even double checked with Dani, our roommate, to make sure she wouldn’t kill us if we brought a dog home. Though I was still mostly joking.

We get to pet smart and there was the most beautiful black dog. He looked like a lab, upon asking, he is a lab and black and tan coonhound mix.

He looks so pretty, mostly black, but his fur is showing a lot of brown.

They said he was 11 months, and was already house trained, knows some basic commands and is working on behaving on a leash.

He was perfect, exactly what we wanted – an older dog, but not so old that he has unbreakable bad habits.

We walked around the store with him, and decided we would fill out the application, only one weekend early.

She spoke to one of our references, and was ready to give him to us. ( I personally believe she recognized us, as we go to pet smart on Saturdays, at least once a month, if not more, to look at puppies) He was perfect for us.

We did the paper work, and then went on a shopping spree. YIKES. Buying a dog on impulse means I didn’t get to scour craigslist for a cheap used crate, but our little boy now has a forever home, and we are forever hooked.

The first week was an adjustment for all, Enzo was used to living in a house with 7 other dogs, which provide constant entertainment. We weren’t cutting in, especially when we tired to do other things, like eat dinner, or do work. However, he is doing much better entertaining himself.

Taking long walks every night has been nice (until the rain came!) and it will be good for Eric and I too.

The first couple nights he slept locked in his bed, but then he did so well, we decided to try leaving the door open at night (I have some guilt about him being crated a few hours a day) he starts our laying by the bed, but always ends up sleeping in his crate.

Enzo had a great first vet visit, he was instantly everyone buddy there. Yesterday, we went to pet smart to get him food, and as we were leaving one of the employees there said “Is that Enzo?” They knew him and everyone liked him.

Enzo loves destroying his toys (must only purchase hard plastic toys now)

Watching life out the window

Playing in grandma and grandpa’s back yard- though Kobi (his uncle) hates him.

and snoozing.

We are in love.

Daddy left for work and we were sad

Enzo thinks he is a lap dog

Watch this and try not to cry

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 16:48:00 +0000

I failed...

My mom seriously is the best, she has always done anything and everything for us, always putting herself last.

I love you mom.

The last class

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 20:07:00 +0000

They say the final class is always the hardest, and boy is that ever true this time around.

The class itself is extremely demanding, with it basically being one large group project, as well as a lot of individual projects due as well.

This semester I have less free time, I spend 10-12 hours a week in my car driving, compared to the 5-6 hours before.

I worked at my new job last semester, so I am used to having less time during the day to work, but I am still getting used to the routine of working and getting school work finished.

I have more distractions, when I come home I want to hang out with Eric, I want to see how his day was and I want to go to bed at the same time he does. Before, I would take a break and talk to him on face time and then when he went to bed, back to work I went. I saved a lot of my work for the weekends as well. That doesn’t work now as I have to have my sections to my team by Thursday evenings.

I want to plan my wedding. As much as I said I wouldn’t be worrying about the wedding until May that is a lie. I can’t help it.

I am over school, I have been doing this school thing for 3 years, and I am tired of having no free time, tired of not getting to watch my shows, tired of having to say no to friends because school work needs to be done. I am tired of writing and researching.

This last semester, when it is finished, will allow me to feel a real sense of relief and accomplishment. I am pretty sure I will cry tears of joy when I submit that last assignment.

I can’t wait to READ a book, catch up on my DVR that is filling up, paint my bedroom and decorate it, spend an entire weekend with Eric and not worry about when I am going to get my assignments complete.

I can’t wait to hang that piece of paper on my wall.

Have you set a date?

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 03:16:00 +0000

You get engaged, and the first thing people ask is “have you set a date?!”

Seriously? I JUST got engaged, no. I know I want a spring 2015 wedding, I have plenty of time.

But then you lay in bed making guest lists, and researching venues/caterer/DJs and realizing that 1- there is a lot to do 2-it costs a small fortune to get married (yes dad, I know the church is free, but I am not diggin’ the basketball court feel)

Then I started looking at venues more closely, since I knew that would be the first thing we had to decide.

I couldn’t believe it but May 2015 dates were already filling up.

I called and booked a tour the next day with our first choice in venue.

Eric and I drove out to Walkersville, my hometown, the weekend after we got engaged on Sunday afternoon. Driving out there I made the comment that I have never been super emotionally attached to Walkersville, I moved away pretty easily, but there is something about getting married where I grew up, just a mile or so from home, and right across the street from my middle school that is pretty cool; when we saw the place, all that didn’t even matter anyway.

It was beautiful, and perfect for the vision I had created in my head of my wedding. I didn’t want formal and fancy. That isn’t me. I wanted casual and fun. The guys aren’t wearing tuxes, and we just might serve BBQ as part of the dinner menu.

The venue allows for lawn games like corn hole and horseshoes and there is a fire pit in the yard for late night s’mores post dancing.

Another plus is you get the place until midnight and if it gets cold, then they will put the sides on the tent and heat it for us, for free. Amazing.

We left there a little bummed because we loved the place, but the price for a Saturday was over half what we wanted to spend on the wedding total! We threw around the idea of a Sunday wedding, as it offered some more savings, bringing it to a manageable price. Eric’s mom called us later with an idea that since we were thinking about Sunday, what about Monday, Memorial Day, it would offer much more savings and allow me to use that money for something else, putting us back on track budget wise.

I wasn’t 100% on board with the Monday wedding. So the next day Eric took his parents to show them the venue, and put a hold on the date while we look around at other venues. But once I knew we had a date at that venue, I got super excited and it didn’t matter anymore that it was a Monday.

It will be perfect.

Now I can’t stop researching other aspects of the wedding, reaching out to caterers and DJs.

Once school starts back up I will have to chill, but I am so excited, 2015 seems so far away! But I know it will be here before we know it.

****all pictures are taken from the venue’s facebook page , they aren’t mine, and not of my wedding ****

The Proposal

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 03:33:00 +0000

I didn’t know how it would happen. I had ideas, but I wasn’t sure. I had told Aubrey that I really didn’t know, he wasn’t a planner at all so who knows what will happen, but I was sure I would see it coming.

Little did I know, I helped create my proposal. One day about a month ago, while chatting on Facetime, Eric mentioned his background on his computer was lame and that he didn’t have any picture of us. To send me what he had so he could pick his favorite and make his background.

So I like a sucker, sent him every picture I had ever taken of us.

Fast forward to Friday, December 13th, 2013. Eric had his work holiday party during the day, and mine was that night. He asked me the plan for my work party EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. I seriously got mad and said why the hell are we talking about this if you aren’t going to remember it at all, ill just text you instructions Friday am.

What I didn’t know was that Wednesday night he went to talk to my parents. Got their blessing and decided that since Friday the 13th was his lucky day he was making it happen that day.

He mentioned to mom he might do it at midnight. So Thursday he mentioned early in the day he might come stay with me. But then he got to his house from work after 9:30pm. I told him it didn’t make sense for him to come down, since I get up at 6 on Fridays, I would just be going to sleep when get got there. OOPS!!!

So Friday night we get dressed up and head to my work party. He finally got to meet all the people I talk about on a daily basis. After dinner, awards and secret Santa, they started dancing and he was ready to go. The party wasn’t over, but people were starting to leave. I don’t dance so I didn’t really have a problem leaving, but watching everyone dance is always entertaining, so I was slow to leave. Eric had a sense of urgency which I didn't understand. I think I even asked what his hurry was, what did he have to do tonight.

We get to my apartment, and he said he had to change his shoes. The plan was to drop him off at his car, and drive to Frederick because we were watching our friend’s baby Saturday. I had to pee, so I left him at the car, changing his shoes (what?! lol) and ran in to pee. I went upstairs to my bathroom, and when I came down he said come here, and handed me a package. He said it was random present day.

No, I didn’t pick up on it yet.

The package was a photo book, of all the pictures (you know the ones I sent him) throughout the first two years of dating.

No, I still didn’t pick up on it yet.

I am reading the book, and making comments and laughing, and turned to the last page. The page that said will you marry me?

I fell backwards, covered my face with the book, and started crying. I yelled “I didn’t think this would happen today!!!”

I sat back up and he was on his knee and asked me to marry him. I of course said yes!

He put my ring on, and it was amazing. More than I could have dreamed, even after seeing it before.

( I was going to wait until next weekend to do my nails so they were nice for Christmas and new years – but I went Saturday am!)

AMAZING.

And because my 2nd mommy said “don’t just send me one picture from straight on, I want to see details” a few more pictures of it.

We had to go right away because he promised my mom we would come over after, and it was already late.

So we got in separate cars for the drive-up. I was too excited to be alone!!! I called both my grandparents and my aunt and uncle as well as Aubrey.

Then we went to mom and dad’s, my brother wasn’t home which bummed me out, but his girlfriend came over and we hung out and I told the story.

We saved our calls to friends until the morning (we did call Jess and Travis on the way to mom and dad’s once we were together.)

It was hilarious because the calls were so different. My calls had squeals of excitement on the other end, and his were cool and calm.

My favorite was watching him tell his good friend Josh. He was the last person we were waiting on to call us back. We had gone out to Home Depot to look at dishwashers, because that’s what old people ask for for Hanukkah and their birthday (YES, I am calling Eric old – but I will be thankful for that dishwasher!) and his friend called. He walked around the holiday section with a big grin on his face, talking about how exciting and cool it was. I loved seeing how excited he was.

He used to call me his future wife all the time, because I would always stomp my foot and yell at him, or stare at my invisible ring, either way he got a reaction out of me.

He called me his future wife today, and the butterflies went crazy in my tummy.

I am getting married!!!! I am so happy I found the man who will make me happy for the rest of my life.

Girlfriend: Retired

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 05:52:00 +0000

I have a new title now. Fiancée.

Lets go back.

I have said it before, that this relationship is different, and the feelings and happiness I feel are more than I have ever felt.

So when we started talking about the future it made sense. But it was always hypothetical talk, or just day dreaming.

This summer though, things changed and the discussions became more than just hypothetical. It was clear that marriage was the plan.

As the summer went on, my type -A self started thinking about January. January 20th 2014 my lease is up. I knew that my roommate would be moving with her boyfriend alone. I also knew that I wasn’t going to be able to afford to live in Virginia by myself.

I mention this dilemma to Eric, and he said live here (his house). It wasn’t the first time I have heard that, but typically it was after I had just made a delicious meal. I laughed and said I won’t live there without a ring. I have been burned once. While I believed that he loved me, and saw his future with me as a part of it, I couldn’t handle the promise of forever, without a little more commitment. I let the conversation end with my I need a ring comment and it wasn’t talked about for a little while.

But then things got closer to January (read: end of summer) and my stress level was starting to get a little higher. Eric again told me to live with him. I again said I can’t without a ring. This occurred a couple times. I was adamant that I wasn’t moving to Maryland without the commitment of marriage.

One day, he asked, how firm was I about that statement, and I said solid as a rock. A few weeks later, we looked at rings randomly at the mall one day. I got hot and started sweating and my heart was racing. It was actually very difficult to concentrate on the sales person and what she was saying. I think he left with some ideas of things I hated, but not much else.

Later, couldn’t take it anymore, I needed to start working on a plan. I asked him if I needed to be apartment and roommate hunting. He said no. I reminded him of what that meant, and he said he knew, he's been talking to his parents about it.

We went to the beach for Labor Day, and after dinner one night, we walked the shops of Rehoboth, his mom took us in a jewelry store and we actually looked at a couple rings. Eric and I stopped in another shop alone, and really narrowed down what I liked. I was giddy. There is nothing like trying on rings!

I always said, I didn’t want to know anything about it, and I meant it. That changed though, and I am glad it did.

At Rosh Hashana dinner, Eric’s parents gave us a box, with the disclaimer that if I didn’t like it there were no hard feelings. Earlier, Eric’s dad had offered him his mother’s engagement ring setting. Eric wasn’t sure if I would like it or not.

I thought it was nice, and unique, but I wasn’t sure, it was dingy and dirty from sitting in the bank for years. Eric took it the next day to get cleaned and brought it to me and I loved it. It didn’t have a center stone (but this works out best because the original stone was round, and I prefer square), Eric’s mom had made it into a necklace many years before.

So I saw my ring, I put on my ring, but it wasn’t my ring. I saw my ring, and I knew that there was a timer on getting engaged. How on earth would I be surprised?!

October comes and goes, Thanksgiving comes and goes, and I am seriously starting to plan moving to Maryland. How on earth will I be surprised?! I was trying not to look for it, or expect it, but seriously, I knew it was coming soon, how could I not?

When it didn’t happen at the beach where we met Thanksgiving weekend, I was sure it would be New Years Eve since that was officially 2 years since we met.

But I was pleasantly surprised.

So here is the part you really want to hear about….but I think it needs a post to itself. It is that special.

So Blessed. So Thankful

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 22:12:00 +0000

I have learned throughout my life, to not take it for granted what I have. I am reminded of that every single day when I walk into my work. It is that time of year when we all specifically take the time to reflect on all we have to be thankful for, even if all we have is just a little.
I am thankful for my job. I have always wanted to make a difference in the world. I am not here on this earth to make big bucks and get rich with a job in an office. Every single day, I wake up knowing that today, I will make a difference for someone. It might be the 2 hour break the mom down the hall gets from her children’s homework (which is surprisingly very frustrating for 1^st grade homework). It might be the one hour of my time that they get to sit and talk, express their concerns and get some advice or just a listening ear. I am thankful for the youth in our program. They make me laugh (sometimes pull my hair out) daily. Every day I express to them that they can do big things one day, and I hope I hear all about it. When they leave here, I hope they take two things with them, they are worth something and that they can do anything if they put their mind to it. I hold them to a higher standard than many, I refuse to lower that bar just because they are in Ward 8 or are from South East DC. Nope, no way, I don’t care where you are from, you can, and I expect that you WILL be that success story, that one who beat the odds. I refuse to believe our youth are lost causes. My job, while stressful and emotional at times, makes me a better person. I am thankful I can say that.

I am thankful for my parents. My parents are the rock that I stand on. I moved out for good the summer of 2009 and during that time, while I was mostly independent, there were times I needed help. They were always there to support me. No matter what, they were there. Through moves, heartache, stress, meltdowns, bills, success, everything; they were there for it all. I wouldn’t be where I am today if they weren’t there with me.

I am thankful for my brother. My little brother has come so far. I still remember the proud feeling I had, seeing him standing tall at his Marine Corps graduation. Now, almost 4 years later, as he is preparing to get out of the military, he is researching schools and programs and has decided to get his degree. He has matured (ok, not all the time, but he has his moments) into a funny, kind hearted man. I can genuinely say my brother is my friend and nothing makes me happier for that. There were times I didn’t think that would happen.

I am thankful for my love, Eric. I knew from the beginning that my relationship with Eric was different. What I don’t know was that it was true love. Everything I thought I knew about being in love was wrong. Finally I found someone who makes me happy, truly and genuinely happy. Love with Eric is easy. Yes, living in different states and having crazy work schedules makes it more challenging, but it still is easy. I have never questioned his love for me, I know exactly where he stands. He is supportive of everything I do. I love that we go outside and play, but can also stay in and watch a movie on the couch. Meeting him was the best thing that has ever happened to me.

I am thankful for my education. In high school, going to college was the next step, I never knew any other option. In college I found friends that I will have for a lifetime. I learned many lessons about life and love, but I also had fun. The four years I spent at the University of Maryland were some of the best years. Going back to school to get my Master’s Degree (times two) was a scary decision, but lots of hard work, missed social gatherings and hours of sleep and I am one class away from being finished. I cannot wait to be able to say I have two master’s degrees. More than all of that, I am finally using my degrees in my work. My undergraduate work closely mirrors my work at SOME. The knowledge of nonprofits and the MBA will hopefully allow me to move up in this organization one day, however, I am seeing aspects of all three degrees in my everyday work. Nothing makes me happier than FINALLY doing something with my degree. (I also can’t wait to hang them up on my wall – all 3 of them!)

undergraduate

1st masters
I am thankful for my family. I am realizing more and more just how special it is that I am 29 and I have all four of my grandparents living. They have all been a source of support throughout my life. I have found memories throughout my life with them.

I am thankful for my friends. My inner circle of friends, the ones I turn to on a regular basis, are so special to me. Aubrey, the bestest, keeps me sane and life in perspective. She lives far away from me, but we talk almost every day, and when we get together its like nothing has changed. My college friends Meg, Jill, Carol – and their spouses (even though two who would go under high school friends – we became closest in college) have been through a lot with me, heartache and happiness. We don’t always see each other too often (though hopefully that will change once we all migrate to the same area – Beadles, you know you want to move to Frederick) but when we do the laughs and fun are never ending. I am still friends with a couple high school friends. Chrissa and Jess has helped me when facing scary times in my life, unemployment, moving, breakups and the good times too. They share their children with me and allow me to be Aunt Angela and come snuggle up squishy and not so squishy babies when I need a fix. When I was sad, Jess suggested I come to the beach for New Year’s Eve. I didn’t really want to, but I did. That changed my life, because that is when I met Eric. I have a lot of other Friends in my life who brighten it up, and just because they aren’t listed by name, by no means, makes them less important to me. I am truly blessed to be surrounded and supported by such wonderful people in my life.

And of course any pics I have of Jess or Chrissa are on my old phone. I only have pictures of their kids on my phone now. Either way, I love them anyway.
I am truly blessed. This just scratches the surface of my blessings.

New Ink

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 21:37:00 +0000

I can’t believe I didn’t blog about this.

After I ran my marathon I knew I wanted to commemorate it in some way with a tattoo.

But just having 26.2 seemed lame and weird – especially since I wanted it on my foot.

The more I thought about it, the idea of having my dad write it kept coming to me.

My dad has been a runner my whole life. I have memories of stealing his race shirts to sleep in when we lived in GA – I am pretty sure he only ever ran 5ks in GA, I don’t think he ran a race in MD.

Then he decided to run a half marathon with me.

Pretty fun!

So I was like I will get 26.2 on my foot – but that still was underwhelming. It was what I wanted but was just eh.

So when I asked dad to write it, he said the numbers or the words. CLICK – the words.

My dad’s handwriting is unique in my opinion, and so having him write it out would be perfect.

So I had him write it, and then made the appointment with my college roommate Meg. This was back in July. (bad blogger!)

Getting the tattoo on my foot sucked. It hurt, and I would twitch and I couldn’t control it, I was worried that I would screw it up. But I survived and I love it!

I still look down and forget I have it. I do get many questions about it. What does twenty-six . two mean? Who wrote that? It’s a nice conversation starter lol.

It is nice to always have a piece of my dad with me always too.

This was the peanut gallery at the tattoo shop – who sat and waited nicely while Meg and I got tattoos.

You know what they say about Daddy’s girls…

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 08:52:00 +0000

Actually, I have no idea what they say about them, and I am not going to look it up, I just hope it is good things…

Today is a big day!!! My daddy is another year older today!!

I am a daddy’s girl, oh yes I am. I am 28.5 and I still will crawl in my daddy’s lap if he is sitting in his chair – sit and talk for a min (then my butt/arm/leg gets a cramp or falls asleep and I have to move).

I try to text, email or call my dad almost every day (though with the start if this new job – my communications with everyone are a lot less – and now that my mom texts and emails – I think she took the top spot for daily communications)

My dad is the man who keeps me sane and brings me back to earth when I am freaking out.

Happy birthday dad! Thanks for always being there for me.

Making me laugh all the time.

Inspiring me to do great things.

Happy Birthday to the first man I ever loved!

Thanks for always presenting the logical side to the situation.

Giving me big shoes to fill, and supporting me as I grow up and into an adult.

Instilling in me a love of learning ( though, I am stopping at 2 masters- you can be the DR of the family)

Supporting me and my dreams.

I love you daddy! You will always be my main man and I will always be your biggest fan, no matter your rock star status in Frederick; No one will love you more than me! I always say you got lucky in the daughter department, but I hit the jackpot in the daddy department!

The Color Run 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 15:09:00 +0000

Eric is not a runner – I used to be a runner. I am working on being a runner again.

I signed us up for this race knowing that we would walk most of it, but figured it would be fun for us.

It sure was. The color run was awesome. We walk ran the whole thing and really enjoyed it.

If you get the chance to do a color run/run or dye/ or any of those new races – do it, totally do it.

All clean before the race

Seriously love that boy.

One lucky girl

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 03:34:00 +0000

Sometimes I don’t believe it is true.

I used to dream of this. The random text messages to say hi. Calling just because. A message on my iPad late at night saying I am thinking about you.

(ok his habit of taking screen shots of me on Facetime is kinda creepy - at least I am smiling in this picture – usually I am making a dorky face!!)

It’s not flowers, or random gifts. Nope. But its every single day a reminder or two or three of how much he loves me. I’ll be focused on work at my desk, and look over and see a blue blinking light, which means a text from Eric. 90% of the times its just 3 simple works I love you. (sometimes I miss you – but usually I send that one )

If I am there in person I don’t have to compete with games or sports (in fact, usually he is competing with school work – but that just means he gets to play his games while I work)

It was unexpected, I wasn’t looking for love. But I guess that’s how it works. You find it when you aren’t looking for it.

I wouldn't change a thing (except maybe living an hour away)

I found someone who loves me for me,no matter what. Even when I am stressed to the max and have a complete breakdown, when I am HANGRY (you know - angry from hunger), or silly and boarderline annoying...I am still his favorite.

I love that I laugh all the time now.

Still not sure how I got so lucky. But I am sure glad I did.

(p.s. – I swear he wears more than just that tee shirt! I just noticed that the 3 pics I pick from June, July and May – the boy is wearing the same shirt! HA!)

Professional Penny Picker-Upper

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 04:45:00 +0000

June 17th I started a new job.

I am now a family case manager for the residents of one of the SOME (So Others Might Eat) homes.

I get to spend time with them monthly and help them get on their feet and back to living independently and successfully.

The other part of my job is running the youth programming.

I have always said that I want a job that makes a difference in the world.

I believe with this job, and with this organization, I will do just that.

When talking to a friend about my new job she reminded me about a sermon we heard at camp one summer.

The pastor talked about how people walk past pennies laying on the ground all the time, because they don’t see their worth and aren’t worth the time to bend down and pick them up. The people we spent the week ministering to were the pennies of the world. Poor and down on their luck, often times skipped over by others because they didn’t see their worth. But as Christians, we should see everyone as worth our time and effort to bend down and pick them up.

She was struck by this sermon and came home and has been a penny picker upper ever sense. I remembered the sermon when she started reminding me of it, but she said, your job is to pick up the pennies and help shine them up.

Perfectly put. A lot of these people have gone through hard times, they are down on their luck. They have been tossed aside. I get to go in daily and pick them up.

I will be fulfilling my personal life mission to make a difference in the world, every single day.

So exciting.

The end of an Era

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 04:19:00 +0000

May 31, 2013 was a tough day for me.

Rewind September 8, 2009, I started working as a nanny for two adorable 4 month old twins.

May 31st I ended that Journey.

3.5 years of teaching, playing, loving and watching those little babies grow up to be little ladies.

I got a job at a nonprofit in DC and it was time to pass the baton to someone else. They have an Au Pair from Sweden now.

My last day I took them to the park, and we fed the ducks and took a lot of pictures, and then met their parents for lunch and then ice cream, before a tearful, goodbye (even though it is really just see you later)

It was weird to not wake up Monday am, and go to their house. I still talk to them, and have some dates on the calendar to babysit. Today actually we facetimed and they ran around showing me things and telling me about camp and swimming.

I miss them so, but I am excited for the next chapter in my life.

Some pictures from the last day.