Don't Stop Believing

Goodbye For Now, Columbus

2014-05-27T22:37:00.004-04:00

I've been so caught up in the excitement of buying a house and moving back home that I haven't really had the chance to think about what I'll miss about Columbus. Tonight as I was taping up the last of the boxes, I realized that saying goodbye to this crazy college town would be harder than I thought.

Fortunately, I am still working in Columbus a couple of times a week, so it will be more like "see ya later" than goodbye. But I think it's going to be different to be a visitor in this place that I've called home for the last five years.

This place will always have a special place in my heart. I'll always be a Buckeye and I'll always hold my years here in high regard.

The Shoe will always be the place where I promised Tyler that I would be his best friend forever and the place where I finally got my hands on that piece of paper I that I worked so hard for.

Oakland Avenue will always be the first place that I lived without my mom. It will always be the place that I spent lots of homesick nights wondering what I was going to do with my life.

The house on Indianola - the one that I can't believe is still standing - will always be the place that holds the most memories from my college experience. It's where my roommates became my friends and then my family - both figuratively and literally!

Scarlet and Grey will always be the best place to drink beer with folks from Mercer County on game days.

Somerset will always be the place where Tyler and I first lived together, where we added sweet Somer Girl (see what we did there?) to our family and where we spent our first year of marriage figuring things out along the way.

Columbus is more than where I went to college and started my career. It's where I fell in love with the boy who I eventually married. It's where I met so many people who have had an impact on my life and who I will miss dearly. It's where I grew up and figured out who I wanted to be.

So... It's goodbye, for now, Columbus. But I'll be back soon.

The Post Command Center

2014-05-22T21:55:00.003-04:00

We officially have an end date on our lease - and it's just over a week away! While we're still not sure exactly when we'll be in the new house, it's nice to have some kind of a plan in place.

So, instead of writing this blog, I should be upstairs packing. But packing is super boring and I can only stand so much in one day - and I'm much too excited about the new house to be solely focused on wrapping things up here!

Anyway, I don't have a ton of plans to redecorate the new house. I love so much about it already! I originally planned to paint one room - the office - but I've since decided to hold off, at least for now. One thing that I am really excited about is putting together a home base, or as it's known in the Pinterest world, a command center.

I've seen these kinds of "walls of organization" all over Pinterest for awhile now, but we didn't have a great place for one in our condo - and I figured with just the two of us, we could stay pretty organized without one. I was wrong. Our fridge is a hot mess of invitations, calendars, receipts, photos, lists and notes. Side note: with all of the things we have going on already, I can't imagine the chaos when we add kids into the mix.

We have the perfect wall right inside our back entry way that is begging to be used as a command center. I started thinking about it just yesterday - and after a trip to Home Goods after work, I have everything I need!

I made a calendar print to go in the large frame to make a dry-erase calendar. The burlap bulletin board will take care of invitations, photos, cards, etc. The mail sorter will hold mail (imagine that!), receipts, and other paperwork until it finds its permanent home (probably the trash). And I love that it has hooks - perfect for keys and puppy leashes.

I'm already using the basket! I thought why waste a box when I can throw things in here to transport to the new house? It will hold pens, dry erase markers for the calendar, scissors, tape, and notepads.

We have an upholstered storage bench that sits at the foot of our bed right now, but the new bed we just bought has storage drawers, so I plan to put the bench underneath the command center with a couple of throw pillows. It'll add to the appearance and be a comfy place to sit while you put your shoes on (this wall is right across from the coat closet - convenient!), plus we can store odds and ends inside!

I'll post an update when we're in the house and this little project is finished! Fingers crossed that it turns out as nicely as I hope!

Do you have an area like this - a "command center" - in your home? How does your family use it?

Say Hello to the Homeowners

2014-05-10T12:00:00.000-04:00

We announced a few months ago that we were planning our big move from Columbus back to Saint Henry. What we have delayed announcing officially - although some of you may already know - is that we found the perfect home and it's now ours!

We were lucky enough to find a house, owned by friends of ours, that was never even listed on the market. We quite possibly have had the smoothest home buying experience ever. Thank you, Mitch and Emily, for making our lives easier! It has been a pleasure doing business with you!

Our new home is a two story craftsman house on the north side of Saint Henry. It has everything we were hoping for, including a perfect kitchen, a master suite on the first floor and a great patio and backyard. I love everything about it. In fact, at this point, I don't plan to paint or change anything!

While it is absolutely adorable now (okay, I may be a little biased), from what I hear, it used to be the scary house in town that kids would run past on their way to the pool or park. Mitch and Emily bought it and completely remodeled it a few years ago. It's like a brand new house! Speaking of, they're doing that process all over again with another house, hence why they sold us this one.

We don't have an official move in date, but we're hoping to be in by the beginning of June. A housewarming party (also known as any excuse to throw a party) will be in the works shortly thereafter. Stay tuned!

Here are some pictures of the house we'll now be calling home!

Love Trumps All

2014-05-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

"The best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other." - Dalai Lama

Over the last four months, I have experienced the truth in that quote. As difficult as it has been to live apart during our first year of marriage, I think coming to that realization has made it worth the hardship.

During my first few years of college, Tyler and I saw each other every day and did nearly everything together. While I don't regret that because it helped form the base of our relationship, I came to think I truly needed Tyler to get through the day. I didn't know how I would handle life without him. Over the last few months, I have come to realize that I am a lot stronger than I ever thought I was. I can be independent.

Here's the thing: I don't want to be. I've learned that my love for him exceeds my need for him.

I think that learning this early on in our marriage is going to be important in the years to come. While I don't recommend living two hours right after you get married, I think there's something to be said about maintaining some autonomy in a relationship.

On a lighter note, I thought I would share with you the best parts about having the house to myself:

On days I work from home I can get away without showering or changing out of my pajamas
There's no one there to complain when I leave my laundry in the basement for days (...weeks)
Ice cream for dinner? Why not?
I can sleep with as many pillows as I want without complaint
The TV hasn't been tuned into ESPN for months

And the worst parts:

Taking out the trash
Jumping at every sound and constantly double checking that the doors are locked
Cooking for one person
Missing my hubs

This will crazy living situation will be over soon! The countdown is officially on - our big move is coming quickly. I'll have lots to share in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned!

Happy Birthday, Somer Dog!

2014-05-01T20:42:00.002-04:00

Am I really writing a blog post commemorating my dog's birthday? Yes, I am. And I'm going to tell you why. If you weren't wondering why, and just want to see pictures of a cute puppy, scroll down.

I knew after we got married that I wanted a dog. Tyler, on the other hand, knew that he did not. After a lot of begging, he started to warm up to the idea of looking at dogs - not necessarily bringing one home to live with us.

I took a couple of trips to the Franklin County Animal Shelter. There were so many adorable dogs (if you're looking for a four-legged friend, check them out!), but I just didn't connect with any of them immediately.

I found a purebred yorkie on Craigslist and I was sure he was going to be our new pet. We drove an hour to Zanesville to meet him - he was super cute and playful, and Tyler told me that if I wanted him, we could bring him home. But for some reason, I just didn't feel sure. (I still feel a little bad about that. I hope Boomer found his perfect forever family!)

Three days later, I found Somer Dog (formerly Roxy) on Craigslist. When I called to ask if she was still looking for a new home, the guy told me he had just posted his ad five minutes prior and I was the first one to call.

It was love at first sight. I knew that she was my dog. I had mixed feelings about changing her name, but when Tyler suggested we name her Somer after our first home together (Somerset Square is the complex we live in), I couldn't say no to that. That's when I knew he loved her, too!

Somer has been such a blessing to us during our first year of marriage. I'm not one of those people who thinks my dog is the equivalent of someone else's child, but she has taught Tyler and I to work as a team to balance responsibilities. If one of us has a happy hour after work, the other has to come straight home to take Somer out. If one of us has to go to work early, the other has to take Somer out and feed her before leaving for the day. Also, there was a time when Tyler would gag as he picked up dog poop in the yard. Now he's a pro - and has no excuse for not changing future dirty diapers.

We also never anticipated that we'd be living separately within our first year of marriage. It's going to be worth it, but it has been a lot tougher than I thought it would be. I honestly don't think I could keep it together it wasn't for Somer. She keeps me company, makes me feel safe and gives me a reason to get outside when I'm feeling lonely and just want to lay on the couch and mope.

I really believe that Somer was meant to be my dog. I think there's a reason that I didn't want to bring that cute little yorkie home. I think there's a reason I was the first one to call about her. I think there's a reason that Tyler finally gave in and let me get a dog. The Big Guy knew I was going to need her - and that she was going to become a big part of our little family.

So there you have it. That's why my dog deserves a blog post about her birthday.

Happy birthday, Somer Dog! You drive me crazy and wear me out every day, but you also bring me so much comfort and happiness. I love your ten second snuggles and your kisses that are few and far between. I love when you chase your tail and pretend to roll over for treats. I love when you try to act like a big dog at the park and try to protect the tiny dogs. You're smart and silly and annoying and a huge mooch and I love you so much.

Pinterest Recipes

2014-04-30T20:05:00.002-04:00

Who doesn't love Pinterest? Without it, what my wedding would've ended up like? How would my apartment would be decorated? What would I ever cook for dinner? I thought it would be fun to share some how some of my favorite "pins" panned out in real life.

Don't get me wrong, I've had my fair share of Pinterest fails (most of mine involve hair tutorials) and I love all of the Pinterest fail blogs out there (Pinstrosity is one of my favorites), but I have also had some success with Pinterest recipes! Here are some of my favorites:

BLT Pizza

This recipe actually inspired me to write this post! I just made this for dinner tonight and it was delicious. The directions are super straight forward and the end result looks a lot like the pin. Overall, I was pretty impressed.

Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy

This dish has become one of my favorite comfort foods. It's so easy - the hardest part is making the mashed potatoes to go with it - and it's my go-to when I'm craving chicken and noodles, but don't have any noodles on hand.

Dill Pickle Dip

I love this dip! It's kind of a twist on a regular cheese ball. It can be whipped up super quickly, and I usually have all of the ingredients on hand. I think I've brought this as an appetizer to every party I've been to in the last six months. If anyone's getting sick of it, they haven't told me!

Monster Cookies

BEST COOKIE RECIPE EVER. I'll be honest. I used to really struggle with homemade baked goods. For some reason, nothing ever turned out quite right. That all changed when I found this recipe. I make it so often, I've got it nearly memorized. The cookies turn out huge - but there aren't a ton. If you're bringing them somewhere to share, I recommend making a double batch!

Have you successfully made any of these recipes? Have you had luck with other Pinterest recipes? Share them with me! I tend to get stuck in recipe ruts. I'd love to know what's in your regular menu rotation.

Hey, There (Again)

2014-04-15T21:07:00.003-04:00

Let's just pretend that I didn't leave you all hanging for the last year, okay? I could make a million excuses for why this blog was a total fail. I could, but I won't. Instead, check out the updated About The Blog section to see why I'm resurrecting this project that you clearly thought was dead.

While you do that, I'm going to jump right to it. To say a lot has changed since the last time I posted would be the understatement of the, well, year. I'll try to get you all up to speed in the next 500 words.

The whole purpose of this blog (you know, that whole wedding thing) has come and gone.

I can't do my wedding day justice with one bullet point. It's going to require its own post one day, but not today. I'm sure most of you who are reading this were there anyway!

To sum it up as briefly as possible, it was a beautiful day full of love and laughter and family and friends. It was the happiest I've ever been, and I wouldn't change a thing.

Our honeymoon was as amazing as I ever could've imagined.

This is another topic that warrants its own post on another day. Here's what I'll say for now: Cabo is even more beautiful than the photos, the tequila goes down smoother at a swim-up bar and the hangovers fade quicker when you're lounging by the beach.

I left my job at the hospital and took the next step in my career.

Saying goodbye to everyone at the hospital was so hard for me (I still miss you all!), but it was time for my next move. I accepted a job at a digital marketing agency in Columbus. It has been about six months, and it's going really well! I get to work with some great clients and I learn something new every day.

I also have some awesome perks, like working from home... Which reminds me...

Tyler also left his job and accepted a new position... at home!

We're super excited to move back to our hometown and be close to our families and friends. We really weren't sure if we would ever be able to move back home, and we definitely did not anticipate it happening this quickly.

We're in the process of buying our first home.

Nothing is official yet, but we've found the cutest little house that's just perfect for us. More to come on that later!

Until we officially buy a house, we're splitting our time between here and there.

We're making the best of it, and it's all going to work out soon, but it's a rough time for us. I don't recommend not living with your husband in your first six months of marriage if you can avoid it!

I am to become homeowners for the first time, but I'm going to miss where we live now.

We have been super lucky to live in a great condo in a great neighborhood. We have the best landlord (Hey, Jules!) and it has been the perfect place for us to start our married life!

Luckily, I have a little someone to keep me company while we're apart.

Say hello to my best girl Somer Post. Well, she's my best girl most of the time. Sometimes I think she finds joy in making my life difficult (right about now is one of those times).

In all seriousness, I don't know what I would do without her right now. She is a handful, but I love having her. To be honest, I don't know how I talked Tyler into getting a dog, but I'm so glad I did. Don't be fooled - even though he was against the idea, they have become best friends. Somer is his girl.

Welp, that's that. See you next time!

There will be a next time. I promise.

A Big Announcement

2013-03-14T10:16:00.003-04:00

So much for being disciplined and keeping up with my blog. Although, in my defense, I have had a lot going on during the last couple of months.

So, even though you have have already heard via my LinkedIn and Facebook updates, I want to officially announce that I have accepted a full-time position with Nationwide Children's Hospital as a web interactive specialist. I am just thrilled!

I've heard a lot of people say over the last couple of years that the best jobs aren't ones that you find online, but are ones that you hear about directly from someone you know. In my case, that couldn't be more true! I am so thankful that one of my instructors heard about this position, thought I might be a good fit and passed the description along to me. Now more than ever, I understand the value of networking!

The situation isn't ideal. The position is a 36 week contract, which has the potential to become permanent in 2014. While it would be great to know where I will be working for more than nine months, I know that I'll be secure until after our wedding, and the experience that I'll gain will be so valuable in helping me find something else, in case the job doesn't become permanent. I'm not even going to worry about it, because I am so excited for this opportunity! I am focusing on the positives.

I had orientation Monday and Tuesday this week, and if it's possible, I'm even more excited than I was when I received the offer. Learning more about the hospital makes me realize how lucky I am to be working for such an amazing organization. I've always said that I want to work with children, and while this job won't allow me to interact directly or work hands-on with kids, I know that I will be giving back to an organization that helps so many children and families. I have no doubt the Big Man was looking out for me on this one.

It's true that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. As excited as I am for this new opportunity, it is hard to leave my current position with Ohio State's OCIO. I am so thankful for my time here and all that I've learned. I've been fortunate to work with some really great people who I will really miss. Thank you all for everything over the last two years!

High Five for Friday

2013-02-15T10:00:00.004-05:00

ONE. This is my FOURTH post this week. Go me!

TWO. I babysat this week for a family that I haven't seen in nearly two years. They used to come to the daycare where I used to work. They left, then soon after, I left, and we kind of lost touch. It was so neat to how things have changed for them in the last couple of years. They moved to the other side of the city into a beautiful house in an adorable neighborhood. The last time I saw them, they had two kids. Now, they have three! Such a sweet little family. It was so good to see them. They didn't remember me, but they warmed up quickly. It made my heart swell!

THREE. I hope you all had a happy Valentine's Day! This year is our last Valentine's Day together before Tyler and I get married. We didn't do anything too crazy, but it was nice to just spend time together. As crazy as my schedule has been since the start of the semester, we don't see each other very much, other than weekends. We exchanged gifts, went out for Mexican food and rented Ted from Redbox. I sent him a cookie bouquet to work, which got lost in the mail, so Kensey and I hand delivered it to his apartment. He bought me some PJs and a bag of Cadbury eggs. Why not Valentine's candy? The guy knows me too well. Cadbury eggs are my favorite candy and they're only available around Easter, so forget the heart shaped chocolates.

FOUR. I spent some time this week updating and re-designing my resume. I'm not going to share a picture, because that would be boring. But I think updating it with my newest positions and giving it some new flare has really boosted my job-seeking confidence! Fingers crossed that the next couple of months will bring something my way.

FIVE. My parents are cooler than your parents. It's a fact. And I hope Tyler and I share the kind of love that they do for years to come.

Throwback Thursday

2013-02-14T16:11:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentime's Day! While I don't believe it's necessary to devote a special day to showing someone how much they mean to you, I don't believe dessert is necessary either... That doesn't mean that both aren't nice. :)

So, anyway, have a great day with your significant other, or with your family or with your friends! Be thankful that you have people to love and that you have people to love you back, no matter what the relationship is.

I decided I want to start doing some #ThrowbackThursday posts, but with a different approach. Have you ever heard an older song on the radio or on your iPod and felt super nostalgic because of where the song takes you? It happens to me all the time (probably because, much to all of my passengers' dismay, I always have the radio in my car on scanning mode). I always think about texting the person who shared the memory with me or the person who the song makes me think of, but then I feel silly. Or I forget. So I have decided I am going to keep those instances in mind for Thursdays and share them with everyone. Well, everyone who reads this. So, okay, maybe a couple of people.

So, here you have it.

Tyler Valentime's present got lost in the mail (frustrating). Well, not really lost, but misplaced for awhile, so I had to pick it up at a UPS customer service center on the far west side of Columbus. On my way there, scanning as usual, Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive," came on the radio. I got that goosebumpey feeling and cranked up the volume.

I don't know how many of you are fans of Rock Band, but this song is one of my favorites to sing and that game is how I learned all of the words. Every time I hear it, it brings back a few specific memories.

First of all, when I was a junior in high school, Rock Band was the coolest thing ever. Everyone had it, so my friends and I usually ended up playing it at someone's house every weekend. I always remember my friend Whitney singing this song and killin' it. So, I always think of her when Bon Jovi blares through my speakers.

My next Rock Band memory is coming home from school on a Friday afternoon, probably still my junior year, to find my parents drinking beers and playing rock band and grabbing a guitar. Hey, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em right? Looking back on it now, I realize I have the coolest parents ever.

Finally, my mom, two of her closest friends and I are going to see Bon Jovi in concert on Sunday, March 10 at Nationwide Arena. I planned the outing and bought my mom's ticket as her Christmas gift. (I guess I get being cool from her.) I have no doubt that the next time I hear "Wanted Dead or Alive," on the radio, I will have some memories to add to the list. I'm sure that some of them will make me laugh so hard I'll want to pee my pants (I'm looking at you Jenny and Heather). Can't wait!

Do you have any memories associated with Bon Jovi? Do you get that feeling when you hear an old song? Or do you think I'm crazy?

I Will Never Be...

2013-02-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

I mentioned last week that I've been suffering from a serious case of writer's block, so I've taken a cue from a fellow Columbus blogger and decided to write my first "Things I Will Never Be" post.

I will never be...

... more concerned with my appearance than my emotional well being.

... able to go a day without talking to my mom.

... able to turn down a cookie, or a cupcake or ice cream.

... satisfied with the clothes that are already in my closet.

... the kind of person who puts myself before my (future) children.

What will you never be? It's a thought provoking topic to ponder. While you're at it, check out what Holly from Running in Stilettos had to say about what she'll never be.

Straight to the Moon

2013-02-12T10:55:00.000-05:00

Anytime the topic of our honeymoon comes up, I can't help but giggle and think about watching reruns of The Honeymooners on Nick at Nite.

Who didn't love Jackie Gleason? His character was so funny. Except for the whole threatening spousal abuse thing. But hey, it's a classic.

Nostalgia aside, Tyler took care of booking our honeymoon a few weeks ago and I couldn't be more thrilled! We are officially departing for Cabo San Lucas the Monday after our wedding.

Does anyone remember Mrs. Merchant's freshman geography class? We had plan our dream vacations and I chose Cabo after I saw the kids from Laguna Beach take a spring break trip to the Baja Peninsula. So, I guess, in a way, Mr. Post is making my dreams come true. ;)

We are staying at Casa Dorada Resort and Spa. It's going to be beautiful and fun and sunshine-y and I just can't wait!

Can we go now?

Look, I'm all ready!

High Five for Friday

2013-02-08T10:43:00.002-05:00

You thought I gave up on the blog, didn't you? You don't have to explain. I don't blame you; I would have thought so, too. I have been awful about keeping up to date lately.

As much as I love writing, it's all I really do anymore. At school, at work and at my internship, writing is my main focus. I am so lucky to get to do what I love, but when free time comes along (once in a blue moon) and I want to write something for me, it seems like I have writer's block.

I have a lot of ideas for upcoming posts, and I think keeping it fresh and fun and writing in a different style than I do in my (semi) professional life will make me motivated to update more often.

So, here goes nothing.

ONE. This January I started my internship with NTN Buzztime, Inc. You probably think you have no idea what Buzztime is, but if you have ever played trivia at places like BDubs or Applebees, you do. I have been given the awesome opportunity to write for their blog. The topics are new and fun and I love the people that I work with. I honestly could not ask for a better internship experience during my last semester.

TWO. My friend, and MOH, Liz, came to visit me last weekend. We got so much accomplished and did a whole lot of nothing at the same time. I don't know how we managed that, but I'm not complaining. We picked out jewelry for the bridesmaids to wear for the wedding and spent a solid two hours in Sephora. We also caught up on Pretty Little Liars via Netflix. Okay, she caught up, I re-watched them all and loved every minute of it. I had so much fun and it was so good to spend time with her. I couldn't ask for a better maid of honor!

THREE. My mom has been on me about biting my nails since I was born. Okay, probably not that long, but you know what I'm saying. I have always had an issue with biting my nails and I never wore nail polish. When I got engaged, my mom told me that if I was going to wear such a pretty ring, I needed to have big-girl fingernails, and for the first time, it actually stuck. I have become borderline obsessed with painting my nails. I am a self-proclaimed perfectionist (about most things), so painting my nails is a pain. Maybe that's why I never did it before? The second the polish starts to chip, it is coming off and I am spending (lots of) time re-polishing them to perfection. I keep trying new colors and new looks (thank you, Pinterest) but I keep coming back to this:

Hard-Kourt Fashionista by Nicole by OPI

I honestly don't even know what possessed me to buy it in the first place (Ok, I do know. It is my obsession with all things Kardashians. Don't judge me.) because it is not something that I would typically wear. But I love it! I've only had it for a few months and half of the bottle is gone. I am going to have to stock up before the Kardashians are no longer kool (see what I did there?) and it's discontinued. Woof.

FOUR. Tyler and I are heading home this weekend to meet with our FOCCUS couple assigned by the church to help us in our marriage preparation. Last time we met with them we had to take a "survey" (call it what you want, it was a test) about, well, everything. Tomorrow we will meet again to discuss the results. It's exciting to be this far along in the process, and I'm looking forward to hearing our couple's insight. While I'm home, I am planning to spend sometime with my good friend, cousin and bridesmaid Stacy, and visit the two cutest twins in the world. Wait, maybe I should ask their mom first?

Look how much they miss me!

FIVE. Tyler and I signed our first lease together last night. We are staying in Columbus and we will be renting from Tyler's former boss and her husband, who have become good friends of ours. I couldn't be any happier! I haven't stopped smiling. We officially (okay, not until July 15) have our first home together. The future is finally starting to fall into place and I am so pleased with the direction in which it's headed.

Tyler signing his "Herbie" Hancock

The last lease I will ever sign as "Morgan J. Passmore"

If you write a #H54F post, link up with Lauren. Have a great weekend!

Monday Blues

2013-01-07T18:23:00.001-05:00

Love this picture that I found here.

Happy Monday! Is there such a thing? Woof.

Today was my last first day of school ever. If I learned anything in college, it's that I am not productive before 10:00 a.m. on a Monday, so my schedule allows me to hit snooze a few extra times on Monday mornings. And on this particular Monday, my first class was cancelled, so I got a few extra ~~minutes~~ hours of sleep. :)

My schedule is jam packed this semester. On top of my regular class and work schedule, I start an internship to complete my professional writing minor on Wednesday. Even though I may have stretched myself a little thin this semester, I am so excited to start my internship at Interactive Hospitality. It seems like such a cool place to work and I think that it will be super valuable experience. And hey, it's only one semester. If I end up feeling overwhelmed by the last few weeks, I have the rest of my life to recover...

Have I mentioned that I graduate this semester?

Check back later this week to see how my first few days go and for a few new topics that I've been toying around with!

Blast From The Past

2013-01-06T12:55:00.000-05:00

Today is a sad day. My oldest friend told me that her mom is moving out of the house that she grew up in. It might sound strange that I would be upset about that, but I spent a great deal of my childhood in that house too.

Chelsey and I became best friends on the first day of kindergarten. We rode the same bus and shared the same assigned seat. Our first conversation went something like this...

"Hi, want to be my best friend?"

"Yes!"

It was destiny.

We were lucky to live less than a mile from each other. From kindergarten until sophomore year of high school, we were basically inseparable. We rode the same bus and were in the same classes through elementary and middle school. In high school, we took turns driving to school, had similar schedules, had the same summer job and spent all of our free time together.

When my mom and I moved to Saint Henry with Jim and sold the house I grew up in, it was hard. It was harder to switch schools and start over. The hardest thing was leaving my friends.

I have always been able to visit and stay with Chelsey and feel at home. I think that's why her mom moving is so significant to me. Both of the homes I grew up in are different now.

Don't get me wrong, I firmly believe that "home is where your mom is," and I am lucky to be able to call Saint Henry my home now. It's just hard to admit that life goes on and everything changes.

I will always cherish the memories that were made in the house that Chels grew up in. I will always feel nostalgic when driving past on the way to visit my grandparents.

There are some things that never change.

The Best Years of Your Life

2013-01-05T09:30:00.000-05:00

I never thought planning my wedding would bring back memories of high school, but creating a guest list of all of the people you want to share your special day definitely makes you reminisce. Oh, and it reminds you of how bad high school sucked and how glad you are that it only lasted four years.

I feel sorry for those who say the four years they spent in high school were the best of their lives. They are truly missing out.

I think the only people who really loved high school were those who never got picked on or had rumors spread about them. And I hate to state the obvious, but most of the time, those were the kids who teased others and spread gossip.

It's not like my high school years were completely miserable. I definitely had more fun than any high school kid should have and I got in way less trouble than I deserved. I hung out with a big group of people and had a few really good friends.

I'm not saying that I am completely innocent when it comes to high school scandal. That's definitely not the case. I don't think anyone can claim that they never hurt someone in high school, even if it was unintentional. I can think back to many occasions where I stood by and let bullying happen. Even if it wasn't physical and even if it seemed harmless, I regret not doing the right thing.

Don't get me wrong. I do have some fond memories from high school. There are times that I will never forget.

But there are times that I choose to.

Everyone tells you to make the most of high school, and I agree with that. But at the same time, don't worry about it if you think "the most of it" still sucks. It's four years. In the scheme of life, that's nothing.

College is way better, anyways. You meet new people. You become even closer to your real, true friends. You finally stop caring what everyone else thinks of you. You realize the guys you dated in high school aren't the ones who got away, they're the ones you had to let go of to find the right one for you. You start to become who you are meant to be.

Take it from me (or from Brad Paisley, if you don't believe me) the four years you spend in high school are no where near the best years of your life.

High Five for Friday

2013-01-04T04:42:00.000-05:00

It's been a few weeks since my last H54F post, but I am trying to get back into the swing of things after the holidays. Don't give up on me!

ONE. Our save the dates made their debut in mailboxes across the mid-west. They seem to be a big hit!

TWO. For Christmas, Santa brought me an elliptical, which I was really excited about. Unfortunately, he may have dropped it as he was coming down the chimney and cracked the main frame. Luckily for me, Santa shops on Amazon, which has a fantastic replacement policy! The replacement is already waiting on my parents' doorstep. So, I guess Operation: Get-Skinny-For-My-Wedding can wait until I go home next weekend. ;)

THREE. I am starting my big-girl-job-search early. I have started applying for some communication/public relations positions and have already received some feedback. I am not getting my hopes up about anything yet, but it feels good to get a head start. As long as I have a job (any job!) when I graduate, I will be pleased.

FOUR. All of my roommates are back in Columbus finally! I really missed them over break. It is going to be hard to move out at the end of this summer. We're going to have to have lots of family dinners, game nights and slumber parties next year at my new place.

FIVE. It's 2013! This is one of my biggest years to date! I can't wait for all of the exciting things that lie ahead.

What are the highlights of your week? If you do a #H54F post, link up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk Blog!

Obligatory New Year Post

2013-01-02T10:57:00.000-05:00

Catchy, isn't it?

While you wouldn’t know it from reading my blog (hello, lack of tags, sporadic posts and inconsistency), those who know me personally know that, overall, I am super organized (you wouldn’t know it from my room right now, either). I like to know plans in advance, I make lists on a nearly daily basis and I would be completely lost without my planner. It’s no surprise that I want to plan out my year (I would plan my entire life down to the hour if I could!) and try to organize the unknown.

So… I don’t like resolutions. I don’t like making plans that I know have the potential to fall through. I don’t like when I have to swerve left of center. But this is life and I’m learning little by little that nothing is certain, plans don’t mean anything in the scheme of things and sometimes you have to just wing it.

Instead of making resolutions, I like to set overarching goals for myself that I know I will achieve to some degree, no matter where the year takes me. 2013 is going to be big. I can’t wait to stop micromanaging every last detail and just start letting my dreams come true.

No Turning Back

2013-01-02T09:58:00.000-05:00

It's official. The date is being saved by people everywhere... Or at least our family and friends who live in the mid-west. Either way, there's no turning back now!

The Final Countdown

2012-12-02T18:06:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it is December already! Where has time gone? Each year seems to go by more and more quickly. I can't believe Tyler and I have been engaged for more than three months now. I am so looking forward to Christmas and to the new year. I have so much to look forward to!

In six months and three days, I will graduate from The Ohio State University with a B.A. in strategic communication and a minor in professional writing (For those of you who don't know what kind of job I will get with that degree, neither do I!).

In eight months and eight days, I will marry my best friend! I can't believe that I am old enough to get married. Wait, am I old enough to get married? Who is ever old enough? Either way, I am ecstatic and counting down the days (251!).

2013 is going to be a doozy. I just can't wait for all of the excitement! I am sure that things will get crazy very quickly and I will be wishing I could go back in time to when I didn't have to figure out the rest of my life, but until then, I am going to be anxiously waiting for each next step. Wish me luck!

The Name Game

2012-12-01T05:15:00.000-05:00

So I have been really back and forth about changing my name ever since Tyler asked me to marry him. Don't get me wrong, I have always known that I would do it, I was just back and forth on how I felt about it.

I mean, your name is your identity. I have been Morgan Janelle Passmore since day one. In fact, the only part of my mom getting remarried that I struggled with was my mom and I no longer sharing the same last name. I know it might sound silly, but it was really hard for me. I felt like a name meant so much.

It's strange to think about becoming someone new. It's strange to think about things like practicing a new signature and introducing myself as "Morgan Post."

Then on Thanksgiving, Tyler's Aunt Brenda text his mom and asked for my birthday and how old I'll be, because she wanted to add it to the Post calendar, which is handed out every year at the Christmas party. That same weekend, his cousin Alisha excitedly told me that next year I can go on the annual Post shopping trip (which I hear is a hoot and a half!). So I started thinking, maybe it won't be so bad to be a Post.

And then the other day while I was getting ready, I was sitting on my bed blow drying my hair, and I said "Morgan Janelle Post," out loud. And I realized how much I love it. You can call a spade a heart, but it's still a spade. And my name may change, but I will still be me.

And hey, at least my initials won't change. You know, so I won't have to throw out all of my monogram towels and stuff.

High Five for Friday

2012-11-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'd like to take the time to share with you a little something I just wrote. It's a spinoff of a song that my mom sings to me each year on my birthday, courtesy of her grandma.

Ahemm. A one, a two, a one, two, three, four.

A happy Friday to you
A happy Friday to you
May you feel Jesus near
Every day of the year
A happy Friday to you
A happy Friday to you
The best you have ever had!

I know, I know. That was magical. How am I not nominated for a Grammy?

And now, let's move on to the real reason you are all here- to hear about my majestic daily life (who caught the Jenna Marbles reference?).

ONE. I am so excited for the weekend because for the first time in as many weekends as I can remember, Tyler and I have no real plans. We can just relax and enjoy some down time. Wait, do I remember how to do that?

TWO. Tyler and I went to see Aerosmith at Nationwide Arena on Sunday night. It was a fantastic show! It is so hard to believe that those guys are my grandpa's age. They have still got it goin' on. They have so much energy and they put on a great concert. I would go again in a heartbeat!

THREE. One of my closest friends got engaged this week! You can read more about it here.

FOUR. Our engagement pictures came in this week! You can get a sneak peek here. And as an added bonus, when I went to pick them up, I got to have lunch with my mom and visit some of the Family Health ladies.

FIVE. We have made a serious dent in our Christmas shopping! We can check off Aleigha, Bennet, Kaden and Tyler's parents. Now, if only I had some ideas for parents and for my godmother! That is going to take some thinking. Any ideas? :)

Have a great weekend!

Remember me?

2012-11-29T16:37:00.000-05:00

Oh hey there, you look familiar. Remember me? I used to to blog here before my entire life was consumed by semesters. Truthfully, I am really disappointed in myself. This blog means a lot to me, but you wouldn't know it lately. Anyway, instead of making myself feel guilty, I am going to go ahead and share everything that has been happening lately!

First of all, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I hope that you all cherished the time spent with loved ones as much as I did. We don't get to spend enough time with the people we care about, so I try to soak in every minute of the time that we do have.

As far as wedding planning... My dress came in! My future sister-in-law (who is the best, by the way!) picked it up from her store last week and brought it home over Thanksgiving. I love it even more now! I can't wait for Tyler to see me walking down the aisle in it. It will be such a special moment!

My trusty bridesmaids Liz, Renee and Emily and I ran to Brides and Beyond last weekend for what was supposed to be a quick trip to browse for bridesmaid shoes. While we did not find any kicks, we did end up picking out tuxes for Tyler, the groomsmen and ushers, both of our dads, Kaden and Bennet! They look so nice with the bridesmaids' dresses! I am so excited to see everything coming together so nicely. I have to say a special thank you to my future sister-in-law's sister, Tara, for taking great care of me! I am lucky to have so many people to help!

Tyler and I also had our engagement pictures done a few weeks ago, and the proofs came in this week! I was so anxious I just couldn't wait until the weekend, so I made a quick trip to Greenville yesterday and had lunch with my mom and picked them up. They turned out beautifully! I am not surprised; our photographer, Julie, is fantastic! Here are a few, but I think they deserve their own special post!

Now enough about my wedding... I have some very exciting news to share!

The girl who has been my best friend since riding Fred's bus on the way to our first day of kindergarten has asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding next September! I am so happy for you, Chelsey! You and Lake are just perfect together and I adore your beautiful little family. I am honored to be a part of your special day!

Another one of my best friends, who has also become like a sister to me after four years of living together, got engaged tonight! Congratulations to Joelle and Brad! The love that the two of you share is an inspiration to me and to so many others. You have been through so much as a couple and I admire the strength of your relationship. No two people deserve all of the happiness that life can offer more than you do. I wish you all the best!

NOTE: Our friends' future husbands have a lot to live up to after the perfect proposals that Tyler, Lake and Brad* put together! We are three very lucky girls!

*Maybe (with the permission of the lovely ladies mentioned above) I will share the stories of how their boys proposed. Brace yourself; it doesn't get much more adorable!

And now I am going to say so long... Not goodbye. I will be back before another month passes!

Say Yes to the Dress

2012-10-22T17:12:00.000-04:00

Dress shopping, while nothing like Say Yes to the Dress, was a wonderful experience!* My entourage consisted of my mom, Tyler's mom, Renee, Aleigha, Liz and Stacy. I was so nervous! It took until about the 10th dress to feel comfortable coming out and showing everyone. It was so unlike me! I think it took me that long to realize that I was really trying on wedding dresses.

Everyone was way too nice! Well, except Aleigha, who was brutally honest. She told me I looked silly a few times, which is exactly why I needed her there! I guess they didn't have to say a lot because apparently they could tell right away whether or not I liked it based on the face I made as I looked in the mirror.

The consultant we had, Maggie, was absolutely phenomenal! She made me feel so comfortable, even though she was essentially dressing and undressing me! She really was the sweetest. At first I was really uncomfortable saying that I didn't like some of the dresses, because they really were all so pretty... Some of them just were not me at all. She told me that I did not have to explain why it wasn't the dress, and that made it easier to just say, "This isn't for me!"

In the end, it came down to two dresses that were both so beautiful. I was really struggling but I knew it was one of them. Maggie walked me across the store, away from the girls, and had me walk toward a mirror telling me, "This is what Tyler will see when the church doors open and you start walking down the aisle. Walk all the way to the mirror and then tell me how you feel."

I did it once and I told her I just didn't know. I asked if we could do the same with the other dress. So, once again she helped me out of one dress and into another. This time, I lost it while walking "down the aisle." It was the dress.

I ended up choosing the very first dress I tried on. It was also the very first picture I sent to Renee after we got engaged, telling her I wanted to try it on. I guess I kind of knew it was the one all along.

We all shared a very special, emotional moment after I made my decision. Maggie explained the David's Bridal tradition of ringing the bell. Each person with me took a turn making a wish for Tyler and I and for our future together, rang the bell and passed it on to the next person. At the end, I made a wish for our future and rang the bell. Everyone said such kind words that meant so very much to me. I cannot put into words the joy that I felt in that moment! Thank you all for sharing such a special experience with me!

We had looked at a few different bridesmaids styles and once I was sure what dress I was set on, I made my final decision for the girls' dresses. They compliment my dress just perfectly! Renee, Stacy and Liz all looked so pretty in them; I am sure they will be very flattering on the other girls as well! I want everyone to feel comfortable, so I hope I made the right decision. We found a coordinating flower girl dress for Miss Aleigha and she is going to be gorgeous!

My mom and Tyler's mom both found their dresses, too! I am so happy that it was such a successful day. I am even more excited now! Soon I am going to have all of the planning done that I can do until it is closer to the big day and I know that I will be anxiously awaiting the next steps in the process.

Before I wrap this up (which I need to do before I start tearing up again!), I just want to say thank you one more time to my mom, Jo, Renee, Stacy and Liz, and another big thank you to Maggie who helped me make such an important decision! See you for Thanksgiving, girl! ;)

*I have so many fun pictures but, of course, I cannot share them until after the big day!

High Five for Friday

2012-10-19T11:20:00.000-04:00

I am so bad at blogging. Well, I am not so bad at it when I actually do it! At least I (sometimes) manage to do High Five for Friday posts.

ONE

Tuesday was my 22^nd birthday! I cannot believe how quickly the last year has gone by. Twenty-one brought so many blessings like becoming Catholic and getting engaged… It’s going to be a tough year to beat, but I am sure that 22 is going to top it. In the next year I’ll be graduating from The Ohio State University with my bachelor’s degree, starting my career, possibly moving to a new city and getting married! This is the last year that I will celebrate my birthday as Morgan Passmore!

TWO

On a related note, thank you to all of my friends and family for helping make my birthday special. I am so blessed to be surrounded by so much love and support. My parents outdo themselves each year on my birthday and I could not be more thankful. Tyler pulled off yet another surprise – We will be seeing Aerosmith at Nationwide Arena on November 25! I am so excited!

THREE

I feel like I can relax a little when it comes to wedding planning… We have made so much progress! Thank you to everyone who has helped. We officially have our caterer, photographer and DJ booked. We are moving forward with pre-marital responsibilities – Our Pre Cana workshop is on November 10. I know there is so much left to plan, but I am so excited to have so many of the major details crossed off of my list.

FOUR

Speaking of photographers, we decided to book Julie Link from Photography by Julie for our wedding. She did my parents’ wedding and my senior pictures, so I am familiar with her and she does great work! We booked our engagement session for next Friday, October 26. I am so excited! I went shopping this week on my day off (hey, a girl has to have a little fun on her birthday!) and picked up the outfits we’ll wear. It’s starting to feel much more real now!

FIVE

I am so excited for the weekend! Tomorrow Tyler and I are going to the Ohio State vs. Purdue game. This will be my first game of the season! I am going to have to keep my wits somewhat about me, though, because we’re going dress shopping on Sunday! I just can’t wait. I am so looking forward to having some girl time, hugging on my soon to be niece and nephew and trying on some fancy duds. I have no doubt it will be a day to remember!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend. Go Bucks!!!