Collierville United Methodist Church; Mary, Molly and I with the bride and groom
As the professional wedding attender, I had to take pictures of the tables. :)
Wedding cake! Yum!
Katie and JT's Wedding in Ooltewah, TN
Wedding cake! Yum!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Oh Boy!
This weekend was CRAZY. That is the only word to describe everything that happened the entire weekend. Crazy fun, crazy scary-at times, crazy weird, crazy happy-friend time!
I drove to Memphis along with Mary and Molly which accounts for about 40 % of the craziness right there. :) Most of our friends probably kept up with Molly's Twitter and knew all of this as it was happening, but for blog-sake I want to tell the whole story. Within an hour of driving, right as we passed the Alabama line, I get pulled over...He asks, "Were you wearing your seatbelt before I pulled you over?" Now in my head I just answered the question. But Mary and Molly both heard, in a fairly offended tone of voice, me say, "Yeah, I always wear my seatbelt! It's the first thing I do when I get in the car!" Turns out his car said, "Seat Belt Enforcement." What other state has that by itself?! I get that he couldn't see that I had it on, but I did and I was annoyed. Strike #1 on the trip. We decided early on that we would try going Highway 72 through Alabama instead of up to Nashville and across to Memphis because it's supposed to be shorter. However, we missed the turn to stay on 72 and started heading towards Birmingham before we realized what had happened then got misguiding directions which got us lost for a good hour or so--Strike 2! In the midst of being lost, it stormed really hard with really scary lightning and thunder and crazy loud rain--Strike 3. It definitely put me on edge because I hate driving in the rain (who doesn't?) and I hate lightning. It makes my throat spasm every time it strikes. Molly hates being lost so she was on edge and on the phone with her parents (who live in Virginia) trying to get us back on track. Mary, I'm sure, on the inside was laughing her head off because that's just the kind of person she is. Later, once we were back on track and through the storm, we laughed and sang really loud with the windows down and were a big happy family again.
We FINALLY made it to Memphis, and believe it or not we had not pulled our hair out or killed each other! Listening to Whitney Houston made all the strikes a lot better and the last couple of hours tolerable. We stayed with Mary's awesome friend Carrie, in her sweet apartment, and had a fun night on the town. Fun fact about Friday night: A stranger sang "Part of Your World" to Molly--hilarious and awkward!
Saturday, we met up with Molly's friend Rob who chauffeured us to Graceland!!! I was pumped, and I was very impressed. It took me a little longer to get through the exhibits than everyone else because I was so enthralled. It was so cool to see everything and to think that Elvis lived there. I don't idolize him by any means but the history of Elvis is very interesting.
Bethany's wedding was gorgeous, as expected. The church was huge with big, stained-glass windows. She looked like a wedding edition Barbie doll! Her dress was so pretty and she and Kyle are so sweet together. The reception was awesome at the Pink Palace. I was so excited when we pulled into the drive of a HUMONGOUS mansion. We picked a table that was in the room with the shrunken head. Food was good, cake was good, band was good. We stayed as long as we could and were very happy that we were there when they were announced and to see them cut the cake.
We opted for going the interstate on the way home after Friday's fiasco, so it was a straight shot to Nashville and then to Chattanooga. Mary and Molly were awesome car riders and kept the driving fun and kept me awake! Our jams included as I said before Whitney Houston, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Boys II Men, Nsync, Backstreet Boys, Ben Folds, and many more. Overall, a crazy, fast road trip to Memphis that was a lot of fun!
Some of my favorite quotes from this weekend include: (credit to The Hangover for some of our quotes)
"Put your pants on Alan."
"Rebecca, quit being a diva." (after I complained about my hair after we had the windows rolled down.)
"You struck back at the lightning."
"CULLMAN, MOM. C-U-L-L-M-A-N! I feel like I'm talking to an Alzheimer's patient!"
I can't remember all the good ones. :) Lots of fun. Pictures coming soon.
I drove to Memphis along with Mary and Molly which accounts for about 40 % of the craziness right there. :) Most of our friends probably kept up with Molly's Twitter and knew all of this as it was happening, but for blog-sake I want to tell the whole story. Within an hour of driving, right as we passed the Alabama line, I get pulled over...He asks, "Were you wearing your seatbelt before I pulled you over?" Now in my head I just answered the question. But Mary and Molly both heard, in a fairly offended tone of voice, me say, "Yeah, I always wear my seatbelt! It's the first thing I do when I get in the car!" Turns out his car said, "Seat Belt Enforcement." What other state has that by itself?! I get that he couldn't see that I had it on, but I did and I was annoyed. Strike #1 on the trip. We decided early on that we would try going Highway 72 through Alabama instead of up to Nashville and across to Memphis because it's supposed to be shorter. However, we missed the turn to stay on 72 and started heading towards Birmingham before we realized what had happened then got misguiding directions which got us lost for a good hour or so--Strike 2! In the midst of being lost, it stormed really hard with really scary lightning and thunder and crazy loud rain--Strike 3. It definitely put me on edge because I hate driving in the rain (who doesn't?) and I hate lightning. It makes my throat spasm every time it strikes. Molly hates being lost so she was on edge and on the phone with her parents (who live in Virginia) trying to get us back on track. Mary, I'm sure, on the inside was laughing her head off because that's just the kind of person she is. Later, once we were back on track and through the storm, we laughed and sang really loud with the windows down and were a big happy family again.
We FINALLY made it to Memphis, and believe it or not we had not pulled our hair out or killed each other! Listening to Whitney Houston made all the strikes a lot better and the last couple of hours tolerable. We stayed with Mary's awesome friend Carrie, in her sweet apartment, and had a fun night on the town. Fun fact about Friday night: A stranger sang "Part of Your World" to Molly--hilarious and awkward!
Saturday, we met up with Molly's friend Rob who chauffeured us to Graceland!!! I was pumped, and I was very impressed. It took me a little longer to get through the exhibits than everyone else because I was so enthralled. It was so cool to see everything and to think that Elvis lived there. I don't idolize him by any means but the history of Elvis is very interesting.
Bethany's wedding was gorgeous, as expected. The church was huge with big, stained-glass windows. She looked like a wedding edition Barbie doll! Her dress was so pretty and she and Kyle are so sweet together. The reception was awesome at the Pink Palace. I was so excited when we pulled into the drive of a HUMONGOUS mansion. We picked a table that was in the room with the shrunken head. Food was good, cake was good, band was good. We stayed as long as we could and were very happy that we were there when they were announced and to see them cut the cake.
We opted for going the interstate on the way home after Friday's fiasco, so it was a straight shot to Nashville and then to Chattanooga. Mary and Molly were awesome car riders and kept the driving fun and kept me awake! Our jams included as I said before Whitney Houston, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Boys II Men, Nsync, Backstreet Boys, Ben Folds, and many more. Overall, a crazy, fast road trip to Memphis that was a lot of fun!
Some of my favorite quotes from this weekend include: (credit to The Hangover for some of our quotes)
"Put your pants on Alan."
"Rebecca, quit being a diva." (after I complained about my hair after we had the windows rolled down.)
"You struck back at the lightning."
"CULLMAN, MOM. C-U-L-L-M-A-N! I feel like I'm talking to an Alzheimer's patient!"
I can't remember all the good ones. :) Lots of fun. Pictures coming soon.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Yesterday was one of my first days off during the week that I've had since Alex left for camp. It was so nice and relaxing. I went to the pool with my mom and brother, then went shopping thanks to my mom :), and had plans to go biking at the River Walk downtown but the rain but those plans away and my family just came over and chilled at my apartment. We watched TV and played games and ate cookies. For lunch, I cooked spaghetti, which I know isn't hard, but I cooked! I'm very proud of myself actually taking yesterday off and not cramming a bunch of crazy plans into yesterday so that I could actually rest and recooperate from the last few weeks.
Alex is doing well. The next two weeks of camp will be a little hectic with not a day off until I get there July 1! :( But they'll be ok. The band is doing well and loving having Johann, their electric guitar player, actually there instead of via computer tracks! It allows them to have a lot more freedom during worship and a lot more fun. I hear that he is doing an awesome job at leading Bible study and having conversations with students--pretty impressive for his first FUGE summer. I think they're all loving being at the beach because it allows for some awesome free time activities. They go sea kayaking almost every day off. I've heard about some awesome "sno-balls" that are made with a little bit of ice cream, and some good Korean food. I'm really looking forward to going down there in a week and a half to experience Panama City Beach and spend some vacation time with Alex.
Until then, I am working, going to another wedding as my last post explained, and taking the NCLEX and passing (positive reinforcement!)! Prayers would be appreciated. :)
Alex is doing well. The next two weeks of camp will be a little hectic with not a day off until I get there July 1! :( But they'll be ok. The band is doing well and loving having Johann, their electric guitar player, actually there instead of via computer tracks! It allows them to have a lot more freedom during worship and a lot more fun. I hear that he is doing an awesome job at leading Bible study and having conversations with students--pretty impressive for his first FUGE summer. I think they're all loving being at the beach because it allows for some awesome free time activities. They go sea kayaking almost every day off. I've heard about some awesome "sno-balls" that are made with a little bit of ice cream, and some good Korean food. I'm really looking forward to going down there in a week and a half to experience Panama City Beach and spend some vacation time with Alex.
Until then, I am working, going to another wedding as my last post explained, and taking the NCLEX and passing (positive reinforcement!)! Prayers would be appreciated. :)
Monday, June 20, 2011
Weddings Galore!
After this coming weekend, Bethany and Kyle's wedding will make my fourth wedding in three weeks! It really is the season of weddings for all the people my age, as Alex was a groomsman in the first one of the four, and I was a bridesmaid in the second one. I will post pictures after this weekend of all four weddings. :)
Wedding #1: Chris and Glendra Craig
Chris and Glendra and really good friends of Alex and myself. Alex met Chris in middle school and I met Glendra in high school. The four of us went to prom together, we did lots of double dates and triple dates with other couples and had a lot of fun together. Their wedding was at the General Woods Inn in Rising Fawn, Georgia. Since it was so close to my friend Mary's house, two of my friends and I went to her house to hang out before the wedding after dropping off our groomsmen. Once we got back up to the Inn we were ready for the wedding. It was pretty warm outside still at 5 pm. It had rained that afternoon too so the humidity was terrible. The wedding was absolutely beautiful. When I post pictures you will be able to see the backdrop of mountains they had behind them when they said their vows. Their Zelda theme was very tastefully done. :) Food and cake were delicious. I happened to win VIP passes to Riverbend from work for Saturday night and since Alex came in for the weekend we decided to head out after dinner to spend some time by ourselves. The bride and groom were totally ok with it--thanks Chris and Glendra for being awesome about that. I heard the rest of the reception was a rockin' party with lots of dancing!
The Beach Boys played at Riverbend Saturday night with special guest John Stamos!!! It was such a blast. Alex and I sang along and danced the whole time. Of course I was stoked that John Stamos was there playing and singing with the Beach Boys but they put on an awesome show. So glad Alex and I went.
Wedding #2: JT and Katie Nelson
Katie and I met in high school and have been best friends since then! Through us going to separate colleges and her starting her teaching career, each time we see each other we just pick up where we left off. Our time together is usually also with our other best friend Molly White. The three of us were a mess in high school--so silly but great friends and it remains that way! It was so much fun to be a part of Katie's wedding and to be around those friends. All the bridesmaids spent Friday night at a hotel (thanks to Katie's mom!). We watched silly Youtube videos and did our nails and ate cupcakes and played Mad Gab and finally crashed around 1:30 am. It was also great to get to know a couple of JT's sisters who were bridesmaids. That family is so funny and awesome! Glad we're friends now. :) Saturday, we woke up and at breakfast together and started doing our hair. We had a lot of chill time at her house after we left the hotel because there were so many people to help set the wedding up, which was in her parent's backyard. The sun stayed around until about 4 pm as we were finishing up pictures, and then dark clouds rolled in bringing thunder and then of course...rain. I thought everyone was going to make a run for the tent so I did, but the rest of the family and bridal party just huddled in the barn. I was in the tent for about 20 to 30 min with some of Katie's family when we saw everyone running from the barn! Thankfully water dries so no one's clothes were messed up and Katie looked beautiful despite the rain. Thank goodness she was an awesome bride and took the rain with grace! She was so carefree and laidback that it made that crazy situation of everyone under the tent surrounded by pouring rain fun and not stressful. A lot of people still showed up and we were only delayed about an hour. The ceremony was still able to happen outside and it was beautiful. When the music started playing I just started crying because I was so happy it was actually happening. Lots of waiting but so worth it. The sun started to come out about 8 pm, just in time to wish the off! Definitely unforgettable!
Wedding #3: John and Becky Partin
John is one of my many cousins and he and Becky got married around the same time Katie did, so as soon as I left Katie's wedding I headed downtown to catch the end of their reception and to see some of my family. The band was really good and so much fun to listen to. If I had had a dance partner I would have been dancing the whole time I was there. When they started playing "Jesse's Girl" I had to get up and dance, so I pulled my 8 yr old cousin up and he danced with me some. It was so good to see my family and catch a glimpse of the bride and groom and give them a hug of congrats at the end of their celebration! A very exhausting day, but it wasn't over yet. My friend Sarah met me at the reception downtown and after I changed we headed down towards the river to catch the fireworks at Riverbend. Most of the way, we ran because they started while we were still walking, which I'm paying for now with some painful shin splints but the fireworks were good and we still got to see a good bit of them. I slept really well after two weddings and a late night with the fireworks!
This weekend Mary, Molly and I are heading to Memphis to see Bethany's wedding. I met Bethany through Molly and we were in a Bible study together. I'm so pumped to spend some quality time with Mary and Molly because this summer has been crazy and I'm pumped to be in Memphis for Bethany's wedding. We may even make a stop at Graceland. :) Pictures to follow soon.
Wedding #1: Chris and Glendra Craig
Chris and Glendra and really good friends of Alex and myself. Alex met Chris in middle school and I met Glendra in high school. The four of us went to prom together, we did lots of double dates and triple dates with other couples and had a lot of fun together. Their wedding was at the General Woods Inn in Rising Fawn, Georgia. Since it was so close to my friend Mary's house, two of my friends and I went to her house to hang out before the wedding after dropping off our groomsmen. Once we got back up to the Inn we were ready for the wedding. It was pretty warm outside still at 5 pm. It had rained that afternoon too so the humidity was terrible. The wedding was absolutely beautiful. When I post pictures you will be able to see the backdrop of mountains they had behind them when they said their vows. Their Zelda theme was very tastefully done. :) Food and cake were delicious. I happened to win VIP passes to Riverbend from work for Saturday night and since Alex came in for the weekend we decided to head out after dinner to spend some time by ourselves. The bride and groom were totally ok with it--thanks Chris and Glendra for being awesome about that. I heard the rest of the reception was a rockin' party with lots of dancing!
The Beach Boys played at Riverbend Saturday night with special guest John Stamos!!! It was such a blast. Alex and I sang along and danced the whole time. Of course I was stoked that John Stamos was there playing and singing with the Beach Boys but they put on an awesome show. So glad Alex and I went.
Wedding #2: JT and Katie Nelson
Katie and I met in high school and have been best friends since then! Through us going to separate colleges and her starting her teaching career, each time we see each other we just pick up where we left off. Our time together is usually also with our other best friend Molly White. The three of us were a mess in high school--so silly but great friends and it remains that way! It was so much fun to be a part of Katie's wedding and to be around those friends. All the bridesmaids spent Friday night at a hotel (thanks to Katie's mom!). We watched silly Youtube videos and did our nails and ate cupcakes and played Mad Gab and finally crashed around 1:30 am. It was also great to get to know a couple of JT's sisters who were bridesmaids. That family is so funny and awesome! Glad we're friends now. :) Saturday, we woke up and at breakfast together and started doing our hair. We had a lot of chill time at her house after we left the hotel because there were so many people to help set the wedding up, which was in her parent's backyard. The sun stayed around until about 4 pm as we were finishing up pictures, and then dark clouds rolled in bringing thunder and then of course...rain. I thought everyone was going to make a run for the tent so I did, but the rest of the family and bridal party just huddled in the barn. I was in the tent for about 20 to 30 min with some of Katie's family when we saw everyone running from the barn! Thankfully water dries so no one's clothes were messed up and Katie looked beautiful despite the rain. Thank goodness she was an awesome bride and took the rain with grace! She was so carefree and laidback that it made that crazy situation of everyone under the tent surrounded by pouring rain fun and not stressful. A lot of people still showed up and we were only delayed about an hour. The ceremony was still able to happen outside and it was beautiful. When the music started playing I just started crying because I was so happy it was actually happening. Lots of waiting but so worth it. The sun started to come out about 8 pm, just in time to wish the off! Definitely unforgettable!
Wedding #3: John and Becky Partin
John is one of my many cousins and he and Becky got married around the same time Katie did, so as soon as I left Katie's wedding I headed downtown to catch the end of their reception and to see some of my family. The band was really good and so much fun to listen to. If I had had a dance partner I would have been dancing the whole time I was there. When they started playing "Jesse's Girl" I had to get up and dance, so I pulled my 8 yr old cousin up and he danced with me some. It was so good to see my family and catch a glimpse of the bride and groom and give them a hug of congrats at the end of their celebration! A very exhausting day, but it wasn't over yet. My friend Sarah met me at the reception downtown and after I changed we headed down towards the river to catch the fireworks at Riverbend. Most of the way, we ran because they started while we were still walking, which I'm paying for now with some painful shin splints but the fireworks were good and we still got to see a good bit of them. I slept really well after two weddings and a late night with the fireworks!
This weekend Mary, Molly and I are heading to Memphis to see Bethany's wedding. I met Bethany through Molly and we were in a Bible study together. I'm so pumped to spend some quality time with Mary and Molly because this summer has been crazy and I'm pumped to be in Memphis for Bethany's wedding. We may even make a stop at Graceland. :) Pictures to follow soon.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Alex is at camp and I am doing really well, if I don't say so myself. No tears have been shed, compared to the last summer when I cried atleast two to three times a week if not more. Alex is doing really well. I am so thankful for the peace God has given me though. I know without a doubt that we are doing the right thing, otherwise Alex and I wouldn't have the peace that we have in this decision we have made to be apart for a few weeks. Last year I really struggled being away while planning the wedding and working, and I felt like I was missing something. This summer I have a lot of determination to be strong for Alex and myself because crying all the time is exhausting and I'm not fun to talk to. I am also keeping myself very busy working almost 40 hours a week, helping with VBS, planning time with friends, and studying for the NCLEX. I am staying strong for Alex so that he knows I support him, but I know that it's not from within my own self that the strength is coming. Praise Jesus! Marriage still works even if you're not together every night!
Speaking of the NCLEX, I am scheduled to take it June 28 and am studying for it every day via an online review course. For now I am staying at my current job because I absolutely love it. I'm struggling with what I should do as far as looking for another job. I'm not sure if I should wait for my dream job and until then work where I am, or bite the bullet and get a floor nurse job and hate it until I get my dream job, OR stay where I am for a while and LOVE it and wait it out. I'm praying about it but it's hard to discern what God wants me to do from what I really want to do and be comfortable with.
Busy, busy, busy as always! Loving life though. I'm going to four weddings the next three weekends and I get to see Alex on Friday so I'm super pumped. :)
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