This love is ours...

Today, is an incredibly amazing day. Today marks the one year anniversary of Scott and I. This may be the end of our very first year together, but this is also the beginning of another year, and a very long journey that started with a simple statement that changed my whole life forever.

Not many people know how we started. I like keeping some things to myself, they are more sacred that way. But this story, I've decided to share with all of you. Probably nothing of importance or value to you, but it is a story that means so much to me.

A year ago tonight, I would be attending a New Years Eve party in which most of the time I was there, I wanted to literally put a gun to my head. I guess thats what will happen when you are the only sober one there, seeing as though I was in fact the designated driver of the night.

People were partying and having fun all around me while I just kind of stood in the background of it all and watched. By this time, Scott and I had been on a few dates, but we were not serious yet and I was respecting the fact that he was off doing his own thing and having fun with his friends.

Life was kind of boring until just before midnight, when more and more people huddled around the TV to watch the famous ball drop. That is when Scott came around and noticed that I was standing by myself. He asked me what was wrong and I mentioned how much I love New York City and that I wanted to one day be right in the center of all of the New Years Eve chaos in Times Square. I mentioned how I was kind of jealous of everyone there and how I would love to be there at that very moment.

Life changing statement: Scott then says, "Next year, we're going." Meanwhile I'm looking at him like... "whaat?". He looked at me dead in the eye and said, "Yeah, we're going..... but under one condition.." Then he looks at me and says, "You have to come with me as my girlfriend."

...the rest is history.

I was hooked from that moment on. I'm still hooked.

So.. it's finally "next year". Is he going to take me? Did he live up to his promise? Well... yes and no.

Technically I am not his "girlfriend" anymore since we got engaged in July. So, there goes that. And, well, we'd probably have to stay overnight in NYC and we are really trying to save money for our future together. So... things plans have changed. We will be going to NYC for New Years Day instead... which, I won't complain about!!

*Things I've learned*

- Love is a beautiful, wonderful thing.

- Love is easy.

- Relationships are hard.

- Sacrifices are sometimes necessary.

- You can't choose family.

- Be thankful for what you have.

- It takes courage to hate.

- Keep Smiling.

- Never give up.

- Trust.

- And maybe one of the biggest things that I have learned in the past year is that people are so quick to judge, become jealous, and hostile... and it's usually the people who have really nothing else to do with their lives. I've learned to just smile in the faces of people like this. It tends to make them angry that their hatred doesn't work on me.

So yes, I'm about to do this... I'm about to use a Taylor Swift song to make a statement!! You know you love it.

"So don't you worry your pretty little mind,

People throw rocks at things that shine

and life makes love look hard.

The stakes are high, the water's rough

But this love is ours."

I love you Scott =) Happy Anniversary!

Keep Smiling,

Karla =)

300th Post

Wow! 300 posts! Go me!

Hello BlogWorld! With the crazyness of Christmas, it was hard to find the time to blog. But, here I am again.

I am actually just waiting to post this so that I can post another piece that I have been writing for quite some time now. I even have a title for it. =)

+ Christmas was lovely. Sort of.

- I was sick (throwing up) all Christmas Eve, which sucked because I couldn't eat any of the yummy Italian food thatScott's grandmother made.. bummer.

- Scott had an allergic reaction to seafood on Christmas Day.

+ He's okay now.

- Driving all over CT to see a bunch of different families really stinks.

+ Seeing family was really nice =)

+ Scott made a good Santa this year, he got me a gorgeous purple and green ring (our wedding colors)

- It snowed.

- A lot.

- Shoveling stinks.

-My back hurts.

+ It was a good workout.

+ Work has been slow, not many kids are showing up because of the holidays.

+ My year anniversary with Scott is on New Years Eve.

+ I have an outfit picked out.

+ It's going to be a very special night.

++ My huge post is coming soon =)

Keep Smiling,

Karla =)

My Fiance Rocks

Today I came home from work to a HUGE surprise.

Yes folks, Buffalo Chicken Salad.

Scott made me my favorite, Buffalo Chicken Salad!

Okay... first of all... I was shocked that he had said that he made me lunch... and second of all, I was shocked that he actually cooked chicken!! And... third of all... I was ultra shocked that this salad tasted FABULOUS! I've already requested that he make it again. I loved it.

Let's just say, that Scott just barely knows how to boil water, but I guess from watching me cook day after day, he has learned a thing or two!! He makes me smile. =)

Also-- he must have been reading my blog because he spent most of his day cleaning the basement of the house to clear a space on a tiled floor for me to tap dance. He found a shoe rack to put all of my dance shoes on, and he even brought a large boom box downstairs and put it on an old dresser so that I have music. There are spotlights on the ceiling and everything!! All that is missing is a wall of mirrors!! I was SO impressed and SO happy. I was holding in tears.

I danced last night for an hour. I am so sore. But, it's a good sore. I'm dancing againnn!! YAY!

We have a birthday party to attend tonight. It will be our first time out in quite some time. Saving money, getting sick, and working too much has gotten in the way of Scott and I going out and having a good time! So, we are excited! Besides all that, it's a party for my Maid of Honor. So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL! I love you!!! =)

Keep Smiling,

Karla =)

We are silly... =)

Back.

"There's a lot I don't understand about life. You meet thousands of people, and then you meet one person and your life is changed"

-Love and Other Drugs

So. That quote basically sums up life for me at the moment. I have ignored this blog, ignored all of you readers, and I have instead let this one person change my life forever.

It's crazy how completely different my life is now, compared to my life a year ago. My goals have changed, my dreams have changed. But I suppose this is all part of "growing up". Sounds cliche, but it's true. EVERYTHING changes when you meet that one person.

I have missed blogging, and I think about how I have neglected this blog everyday. But, I am back, and I plan to do a lot more blogging than I have.

With school, working more hours, and trying to keep a house clean... things like blogging, sleeping, hanging out with friends, and even sadly...dancing... have taken a back seat.

I am frustrated because I have not danced nearly as much as I would have liked to over the past few months. I do attend dance class back home every week, but it's not enough. I miss my parents house, where I was able to blast music when no one was around, and dance to my heart's content.

Now, I wake up to darkness, I get home from working with children all day... get ready for school... and come home to more darkness. It sucks not seeing the sun. Darkness makes me tired, kids make me tired, school makes me tired. I leave next to no room for dancing...which might I add, is a HUGE change in my life. Seeing as though dancing used to be the core of my being.

I'm okay with the change though. Things in my life are good. Better than good. I am happy. Nothing can fill the empty spot of not dancing as much as I used to... except for dancing. So, I plan to find the time and space to do that more often, now that school is over for winter break.

Besides school and work....sicknesses, viruses, birthday parties, family get-togethers, bar hopping, candlelight dinners, christmas decorations, recipes, baking, laundry, christmas shopping, cleaning, babysitting, driving, saving money, and trying to eat healthy have been quite a big part of my life recently.

That basically sums up my life for the past month that I have neglected this blog.

I am still dealing with a few more final exams this week and then I'm done. Christmas shopping is done. December birthday shopping is done.

I'm excited for a new year. Possibly starting WW again to get healthy and lean for trying on wedding gowns. Because, yeah, I keep forgetting that I am engaged!! And, I kind of might need a dress! I'm also excited for the wedding planning that I have to do. Reception spot and ceremony spot have been chosen. Now the fun begins!

I'm still smiling.

Always smiling.

And loving this life I have,

cuz it's the only one I got.

=)

Keep Smiling,

Karla =)

Snowy, Sick...but Smiling =)

It snowed here last night. Woke up to sleet pounding against the window and a lovely white blanket of snow across the lawn. Yay. It's winter.

Also woke up to a terrible sore throat, coughing, and nausea. I have been feeling that way all weekend, which is also lovely.

But, I'm smiling because well... that's just what I do.

As I type this, I am looking at the picture I have on my dresser of Mrs. Lathrop and her husband Mack, posing for a black and white picture after one of their performances in the 1930s. She is 20 years old.

I bought the picture from a guy who was selling some of his father's old stuff. His father had passed away, and the picture was found in a box of his things. The son put the picture on ebay, and I just happened to come across it.

Mrs. Lathrop passed away a year ago yesterday.

I looked back on some of my old posts from around that time. I cried a little, thought about how quickly a year went by, and then spent the morning at church with Scott. I prayed for her, and for the dance school. It was my Aunt's birthday, so I went to her birthday party later in the day. We talked for a bit about how much we miss Mrs. Lathrop (since my Aunt dances with me too). No tears were shed.

I was proud of myself.

I love and miss her so much, but mostly when I think about her now, I smile. And, I know that that's just what she would have wanted me to do.

We are having a party for her this Thursday at dance. I can't wait. It's going to be a small celebration of her life. I am making stuffed mushrooms. Scott is going to come too. Champagne will also be part of this night, Mrs. Lathrop's favorite. I know she will be watching down on us, as she does every Thursday night. =)

Mrs. Lathrop, I love you.

And as she would say...

"Keep Smiling"

-Karla =)

Halloween Weekend!

Went to work this morning...even though I had to fight myself to get up. Went to work for only a few hours because I had a bad allergic reaction to cinnamon. Yeah, I'm allergic to cinnamon.

So, after getting sick a bunch of times and having my neck turn beat red... I am doing a little better. I'm trying to rest it off. Can't keep food down though, which makes me very weak. This stinks.

I can't even believe that it's already November. It is so freezing cold outside. Yesterday was Halloween, and Scott and I spent it in Newtown with my family. We dressed up as a gangster and a flapper. It was so much fun. Most of my family get into it, which makes it even more fun.

We also spent the weekend looking around at cars. I'm interested in trading in my car to find one that is a little bit better on gas since I am now commuting to school. I feel like I am spending way too much money on gas, and filling up way to often. The search has been a difficult one... but I hope to look at another car tonight that seems nice in the pictures of it online.

I register for my very last semester of classes tomorrow morning. I can't believe the spring is my very last semester of classes. I will be walking with my class in May, and then student teaching in the fall to completely fulfill my degree and be certified as a K-6 teacher. I cannot wait!

I also found out today that I get to see my engagement pictures tonight for the first time! I am SOO excited to see them. It will be nice to look at them with Scott and pick out the one that we want to put in the newspaper for our engagement announcement. =)

Not much else to report. I'm buying my Radio City Christmas Spectacular tickets soon. Scott has never been to the show, so I'm excited to go with him.

Keeeeep Smiling!

-Karla =)

Ew. Yuck.

Yeah, those two words explained my week this week. It was midterms week. Gross. Glad it's over. I think I did okay on my exams. I hope. We'll see.

Here are the plus and minus's of the week:

+ Got a Halloween costume! Scott and I are dressing up this year, for the heck of it. Not really sure if we'll go anywhere to show off the costumes, but anticipate pictures!

- Money is so tight... mostly because we're trying to save a crap ton of it.

+ Wedding reception venue has been chosen!!!! =) WAHOO!

+ I have so much help for paying for the whole wedding!! =)

+ Date has been officially chosen...

*** May 5, 2012***

You know, it's funny... because the date we will be married is 5-5-12... and .. my name has 5 letters, Scott's name has 5 letters, and both of our last names combined have 12 letters. (5/5/12).

Weird??

+ Scott and I are having our engagement pictures taken tomorrow!

- I missed dance class last night... =(

+ I feel confident about my midterm exam grades!

+ I really really love my job and had a fantastic lunch date with one of my coworkers =)

+ I'm continuing to be a really positive person.

I notice that a lot of people who read this often compliment me on how positive and happy I sound in these posts. That's mostly because, I actually am happy and I actually am a positive person.

You know what's interesting... I notice that a TON of people who see that I'm a very happy, smiley person try SO hard to bring me down on many an occasion.

It used to work..

It doesn't now. I have a strong positive outlook on most things. I'm strong. I have an extremely supportive fiance and even more supportive friends and family whom I love dearly.

Lately, certain people in life have been trying to push the wrong buttons, push the envelope, and create unnecessary foolishness in my life.

And to them I say,

Good Luck.

Keep Smiling,

Karla =)

So.

So, one of my favorite Rockette's has written a book. It's been published. It comes out on 10.31.10. Halloween.

I think I'm more excited about buying and reading that book more than I am about devouring as much candy as physically possible on that night.

Rockettes, Rockstars, and Rock Bottom.

Speaking of devouring candy... (yes that was a joke)...I'm trying to steer clear of that whole mess. I hate it when I roll my cart down that deadly candy isle... or just happen to walk by that huge center section of a store that has all the huge bags of Halloween candy at really ridiculously cheap prices.

It's a funny thing, shopping with Scott. He always wants to buy that bad stuff. But once it gets home, he won't really touch it. Whereas, I can't stop glaring at it, thinking about eating it, and relentlessly convincing myself over and over that I don't need it.

Sigh.

I carved a pumpkin with Scott over the weekend. And I guess we'll be doing the whole corn maze, apple picking, cider drinking thing too. Those are a few things that I will let myself conform to for the fall season. It's just that darn candy tradition that I prefer to stay away from.

In lieu of the season, I have been making a delicious pumpkin and sausage pasta meal quite often. I can't take any credit for it, because it is a recipe of Rachael Ray's genius.. but I can say that it is delicious, and that my healthier, WW friendly version is just as delicious.

Google it.

"Pumpkin Sausage Pasta, Rachael Ray"

It'll be well worth your time.

Wedding News: We may change the date. Move it up from May 2012, to late summer 2012. We may need more time to save money and such. No big deal. We don't mind waiting. We both just want this wedding to be perfect. Small and simple. But, perfect.

We will be having dinner with my parents this weekend to discuss the guest list, and the reception venue that we are interested in, as well as budget and so on.

I'm excited. =)

Scott and I have started reading together. We read at night. I read aloud and then he will read aloud at times too. Right now, we are reading a Mitch Albom book called, "The Five People You Meet in Heaven". It's one of my favorites, and Scott hasn't read it. He's enjoying it. We are going to watch the movie after we are done.

Flu shots this weekend. The season is here. Booo.. =(

I get paid on Friday... wahoo!! Love having a job! =)

Lots of "Fall" related things this weekend.

I may be in a photo shoot too on Saturday! Fun!

I leave you with pictures.

Happy Monday!!

Keep Smiling,

Karla =)

Pumpkin Carving.

We went to a lighthouse, too.

=)

Dancing heals all

This week was tough. It was such a long week and I had so much to do at both work and at school. It seemed like it just inched by. Scott is gone for the weekend, so it seems to be inching by even slower. I hate being home alone..

Luckily, I spent a bunch of time with my maid of honor last night and this morning. We did a little shopping and just caught up on life.

It was nice to get back to dance. I went to dance for the first time since May on Thursday. And like I said, I was so glad to be back. We have a new studio, which I loved. It was also good to see everyone. We started 2 dances already. It felt great dancing again. I hadn't danced much all summer long.

Dance for me really is the "cure-all". It clears my head and gets me focused and in a better mood. Dancing has always been able to do that for me. It cures me of all things. There is truly nothing in life that dancing can't make better. There is a certain type of dance for every mood... whether to a tune in your head, or a song on the radio.

Thank god for music... because without it... there wouldn't be dance. Although I am also a firm believer of ... "those who don't dance really don't hear the music"

In wedding news-

Scott and I are deciding between 2 places for our wedding venue. Really, the decision will come down to a matter of less expensive versus more expensive. Both areas are lovely. I do prefer one over the other...but I would be just as happy with either one.

Colors have been chosen, and I have a good idea of what kind of dresses I want for my bridesmaids/maid of honor... and also for myself. No shopping has been done yet... that won't be until later. But, it's nice to think about and prepare for ahead of time! =)

The guest list has been written, and re-written... and will probably be re-re-written. Ha!

We both want a small, intimate wedding. So, we are looking at around 100 people. I don't want anything too extravagant or big...and neither does Scott. It's hard to cut down on guests though as we are both afraid to upset certain people who we may choose not to invite. It's so hard! Never knew that planning a wedding was so tough... but it is also so much fun and exciting.

Congrats to Holly!! Holly- If you are reading this, I'm so happy for you! So glad you bought your dress, I hope you love it! =)

Not too much else is happening in my life. Just working, going to school, and enjoying my crazy life. =)

Keep Smiling,

Karla =)

Something that will bug me for...

...probably the rest of my life....for many different reasons.

Have you ever felt this way?

I know that I sure have.

These thoughts that would wander through my head is what eventually started my journey to losing weight and getting healthy.

In fact, all the things listed in the photo above are things that I have dealt with throughout my life. I still struggle with a few from time to time... but what is most important is that these things no longer dominate my life.

We always feel as though we have to be perfect. The thinnest, the best looking, the coolest to be around, the smartest, the most talented.

Perfection is non existent. What is the definition of perfection anyway? Who gets to define that?

I don't see my life in comparison to others anymore. I don't see my life as "not perfect" anymore... because no one's is. I don't look in the mirror anymore wishing that I was perfect.

I like to think that I look in the mirror and smile at all that I have accomplished. Because..well... I do look in the mirror and think that. I am proud of that. I am happy where I am.

I like to see the reflection of imperfection. I'm an imperfect girl, with dreams, with issues, with goals, with emotions. I have imperfections. I have scars both inside and out. Freckles where I really don't want any... and big dancer thighs that I used to wish would disappear.

But all those things, good and bad... make me who I am. And that's okay with me.

I've learned to love me.

Do you love you?

Have a great weekend!

Scott and I put photos in a photo contest at a local fair where we first met one year ago tomorrow. He one third place for this photo...

And I got honorable mentions for these...

more pics...

Keep Smiling,

Karla =)

Looking back, I like where I'm at.

You know those little booklets that you might have had when you were little. What were they called... flip books?

Those books that had what seemed like 1 million pages. They were tiny. Each page had a small cartoon drawing on the bottom right hand corner. Each image was slightly different than the one before it and you had to skim through the pages real quick to see each cartoon dance? And in what seemed like 2 seconds, you had flipped through the whole book and you were done with it.

Well...

That's kind of what I feel my life has been like since I started this blog. I started this blog on a journey to a healthier, leaner me. Then, when I reached that goal, I changed the blog to... a journey to a better me...

...and I like where I've ended up.

..so far.

There is much more to my story that I have not unraveled yet... there is much more to all of our stories that we all have not unraveled yet. Bridges we haven't crossed, I's we haven't dotted, and T's we haven't crossed. It's all waiting for us up ahead... on this beautiful journey of life.

Get excited. =)

I am.

below.... pictures of my gorgeous ring. Done by Marisa Pellerin Photography. =)

Keep Smiling,

Karla =)

Crazy Crazy Crazy

Today, Thursday September 9th, at this very second...1:30pm... is the very first time that I have been able to sit down and do something for me...besides maybe going to the bathroom...but who counts that as "me" time?

Yes, I have been non-stop for days.

School started and my weeks are hectic. I wake up around 4:30/5am ... get dressed, eat breakfast, and head out the door to be at work at 6:15am. I then stay at work til noon... and go to school there after until 6pm on some days, 4pm on other days. Then its cooking dinner, cleaning the house, washing dishes, doing laundry... and running errands that takes up most of my evening time. I go to bed around 9pm... which is so different for me because I was a night owl all summer long. Then... well... a new day begins, and I start all over.

Some changes in my life have occurred... especially in my eating habits. I am eating 5-6 times a day. I eat in small portions. I eat a cereal bar for breakfast with some mini muffins about 2 hours later. I'll have cheerios with my kids at the daycare about an hour later... I also eat an apple 3 times a day... sometimes more. I eat a ton of fiber and always make healthy meals for dinner that are usually packed with protein and vegetables. This way, I am more alert and awake for class when I get out of work. These eating habits keep me focused, and keep my stomach from constantly grumbling as well.

I have the day off from school today because of the Jewish holiday, which has been real nice for me. I have caught up on laundry and housework, as well as homework and ... sleep!!

I have decided to put some pictures into a photo contest at a fair nearby where Scott and I live. Scott is putting some of his pictures into the contest as well. We are both real excited about it.

Scott and I actually met about a year ago at this particular fair that we are putting our photos into. The fair is in 2 weeks. I can't wait!

We are actually going to a fair this weekend, which I also can't wait for... I think I will allow myself to indulge in some fair food! That's what fall is all about! =)

Dance class starts next week. I wish it started tonight. One more week... ughhhh...

Saturday, Scott, and my maid of honor and I are going to check out a venue that I had in mind for the wedding reception. It should be a nice morning. We are getting a tour of the whole place. I am excited, yet nervous. I hope I'm not too overwhelmed.

That is the news for now, for all of you who still read this blog. I would love to be able to have the time to update it more often. Hopefully I will find more time to squeeze in to do just that. I miss the blog world.

Keep Smiling,

Karla =)

Engagement Party, Vacation...and now...back to reality.

My Engagement party could not have gone any smoother. Both families got along well, the food was great, my parents helped me so much, and everyone had a great time. The only thing that I wished could have been better is that I wish I could have spent time with each individual person... but things were too crazy to do that at times.

My parents bought us a beautiful white cake that tasted just as good as it looked, and a lot of our family members made and brought food. I was very thankful for everyone's help and encouragement. I was so nervous that something would go wrong. I especially get tons of support from Scott's grandmother. She was an amazing help to me, as well as my Mom. I couldn't have been happier with the outcome.

Just 2 days after the party, Scott and I headed south to Maryland. We enjoyed our 4 day stay in Ocean City. The sun rarely came out and it was cold and windy... but we sure made the best of it. We ate at several different restaurants and had lots of seafood! We also tried to jump in the pool once and did some shopping. We went on a huge ferris wheel and also on a speed boat ride. We got to see dolphins and we played 3 games of mini golf.

Now that our vacation is over, I have realized that I have most likely put on 5-7lbs from the past 2 weeks of vacationing and partying.

Now that school starts tomorrow, I plan on buckling down again and getting back in the WW groove. Luckily, we went grocery shopping yesterday and I have to cook all my meals for the week tonight. Everything will be ready to go when needed during the week nights. I love making my life easier by doing that. Cooking ahead of time not only makes life easier, but makes it harder to cheat when it comes to WW.

I'm both nervous and excited for school tomorrow. This was by far the best summer of my life. I spent a lot of time with the love of my life... I moved in with him... our relationship got stronger and better, I was able to go onto the Great Stage at Radio City Music Hall, I got engaged, I had a wonderful birthday, I had a fantastic engagement party, and then it all ended with a very relaxing vacation. I couldn't have asked for a better summer.

Today I'm doing tons of cooking, some back to school wardrobe shopping, dinner at the Olive Garden =) .... and then it's early to bed for me. I get up at 5am now. Boooo..

Updates on school to come!

Keep Smiling,

Karla =)

I'm ready for the beach!

Tomorrow is the long awaited engagement party for Scott and I. I'm excited...minus the whole fact that half of our wedding party can't attend. It's going to be weird without them. Three on my side won't be there and two on his side won't be there either. But, we will make the best of this day. It's supposed to be a celebration, and I plan on being happy and having a good time! There will be lots of surprises for some of the guests who are coming, which I'm so excited about. More on that later!

Scott and I have worked so hard on making this day special for the two of us. Our families have both worked hard too. We all couldn't be happier. =) I will post pictures in another post after the party!

Anyway, lots of last minute cooking and other preparations will be made today for tomorrow's party. Sunday will be spent packing away for our vacation to Ocean City. I can't wait! I am sooo ready for the beach.

I got a new swim suit to wear as well, from Victoria's Secret. I love their end of summer suit sales! I got a nice suit at a real good price. I'll probably burn to a crisp out on the beach because I am as white as a snow man. Oh well.

School starts soon. A little too soon. I'll be starting on the 30th. I'll be working 6:30am-12pm Monday thru Friday and then going to school 1-5pm Monday thru Thursday. I will be pretty close to exhausted when it comes time to study and do homework. I'm just praying that I'll be able to find the time to sleep, practice dance, stay healthy, cook, plan a wedding and possibly keep my sanity all at the same time.

I got this.

Keep Smiling,

Karla =)

Reservations? Check!

This weekend was spent laying low and visiting more family. I think Scott and I have officially visited every family member now since our engagement...with the exception of my 5 family members up in Maine. We are thinking of taking a weekend trip sometime in September to see them.

Friday night we got pizza with a gift card I had gotten for my birthday. So, WW went out the window that night. Saturday was spent going to my parents house to visit with one of my great-aunts and to also start preparing for our engagement party this Saturday. We ate a Red Lobster for dinner, it was delicious!! I had a shrimp and lobster dish with pasta and lobster sauce. YUM! But, yet again, WW= out the window.

Sunday was a very relaxing day. Scott and I got some decorations for the party at a local craft store. We even bought 2 white canvas's and finger painted. The painting is now hanging up. It looks so cool! We painted blindfolded, so it was neat to see how it turned out. Definitely looks like Picasso. Haha..

We used the other canvas to make a pretty "signature board" for the party. There is a picture of us on it, along with our names. Guests will be able to sign the board along the outer edge. It will be a nice momento for us.

Now, maybe you are thinking... Ok.... what's the deal with the title of this post??

WELL!!! Scott and I made reservations yesterday for a hotel room in Ocean City, Maryland. I've been there several times before when I was younger. Scott has never been. We are going for 3 nights/4 days. I can't wait! Our room looks really nice. One block from the beach. I can't wait!!! Oh ... wait, I said that already.

We leave one week from today. We definitely need this vacation! The only downside is that, right when we come back, I start school. Booooo... It's been such a whirlwind of a summer and I don't want it to end.

Anyway, this week will be spent trying to lose a few more pounds before vacation, and also getting even more prepped for the engagement party. Oh, and did I mention that I'll also be praying that it doesn't rain on our party....or our vacation for that matter.

Happy Monday!

Keep Smiling,

Karla =)

TGIF!

So glad that today is Friday. I have been working 9-6 shifts all week. Working with children for this long gets very, very tiring and I am exhausted. But, it brought in some good money. I woke up this morning to a very lovely and rather large paycheck. =)

My engagement party is a week from tomorrow. Scott and I have a lot to do this weekend to prepare for it. All my planning has finally come down to this! I'm excited. I'm putting together a slide show on my Mac of pictures of us along with some music that is very special to us. It makes me tear up when I see it.

WW is going well. Scott is doing SO well. I am doing fine too, but I am used to it, where as Scott, isn't. I am so impressed with how well he is doing. He is really enjoying cooking with me too. So much so that he looked into going to school to be a chef. We actually toured a culinary school the other day and he may start in January. I'm happy for him.

WW is hard during that time of the month. I am constantly wanting to eat. It stinks. Thankfully, it only happens about 2 or 3 days out of a month.

Dance starts up again soon. I am SO excited. Wait. Scratch that. I am BEYOND excited. All summer, I feel like I've been cooped up. On my birthday, Scott helped me pull out my wooden dance board that I tap dance on. That was the first time I had danced since my recital. I hate that my dance season is only during school season. Anyway, I re-register for dance on the 21st. This will be my 18th time doing so. =)

My birthday was last Friday. It was a lot of fun. My parents were leaving for Baltimore for the weekend, so Scott and I watched their pets for them. It was nice just being with Scott and relaxing for once. We basically did nothing all day (we both had the day off from work and were exhausted). But, he took me out to dinner to this place called, The Melting Pot. I had always wanted to go... and I am so glad that we went. It was awesome!! It's a fondue restaurant and you basically cook, and dip your food into delicious bowls of deliciousness!!

If you have a Melting Pot near you (they are located in various places throughout the world), then YOU should really consider going! Trust me... you will not regret it!!

The day after my birthday was spent hanging out with my best friend in the whole wide world. We went out to lunch and also got ice cream. It was so nice seeing her again. =)

Sunday, Scott had a birthday party for me with his side of the family. It was so nice. He made the food, and also bought a cake. I don't think I stopped smiling that whole weekend. Scott got me some clothes for "back-to-school" and also made me a nice dinner of lobster ravioli!!!

* * *

In two weeks, Scott and I will be on vacation! We aren't too sure where we are going because our lack of money has changed all of our plans. We may go to a beach somewhere for 2 or 3 days or maybe up to Maine to visit my grandparents.... that is just about all we can afford. We are really focused on saving up for a new place to live and of course, the wedding.

I hope to set a date soon. My plan is to get it set by the end of September. I hope.

Not too much else to post about... except a letter that I wrote to my friend, Dance.

Dear Dance,

My life is boring without you in it. Please come back to me. Oh, and you can invite Inspiration to come along with you. I could use some of that in my life too.

Thanks in advance,

Love Always,

Your Friend,

Karla

Hahaha

Keep Smiling,

Karla =)

Life Lately...

Life has picked up speed within the past week and I have not found the time to blog until now. Lately, I've been looking for apartments with Scott and also trying to plan an engagement party, a vacation, and of course... a wedding.

Money is extremely tight!! Scott and I are saving for our party, our vacation, and now for a place to live. Oh.. and the wedding! Thankfully my family is helping with that. We have become so money conscience... which is great. Very frustrating though. I think I need to win a million dollars.

I wanna be a billionaire, soooo freakin baaaad..

I digress.

I've been slowly searching for that perfect wedding dress. I really like the BIG, white, FLUFFY, tutu material- type wedding gowns. You know, the ones that I'm used to wearing in dance!

You think I could just get away with wearing a white tutu??

Tonight is my family birthday party at my parents house. I'm excited. I miss my family, I don't get to see many of them often.

Friday is my birthday. I'll be 22. My lucky number.

I remember being in my teens and just dreaming about being 22. I couldn't wait. I had so many dreams, so many plans. I look back now, and I am so happy where I am. I have a good job, I have goals, I have a great fiance, and so many family and friends whom I love and count on to support me.

And... I have hope.

I am in love with hope.

Hope for a new day, a better tomorrow, and as much awesomeness in my life that I can cram in.

Because, at the end of a long, hard day... hope is what I turn to. It's healing. It's always there. It doesn't hurt. Have hope. =)

Keep Smiling,

Karla =)