Keep Dreaming

Six years ago I took the ride of my life.  I left for Italy at the beginning of February to spend three months studying abroad.  This trip was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I almost didn't go. 

In Capri

I can't remember how I started thinking about going, but I know a couple of my sorority sisters were planning on going so we would talk about it often.  I think in my mind I was talking about it more as a maybe and something that probably wouldn't happen.  God definitely had a different plan for me and this trip was definitely an example of how God was nudging me to do something and I was dragging my feet.  I could not have imagined how God would use this trip to create experiences that only come once in a lifetime and friendships that last a lifetime.

A little blurry, but this was our first weekend trip experiencing Ryan Air.
We were headed to Scotland, we were excited about being able to understand the people!
However, we quickly learned the Scottish are just as hard to understand!

This morning, I woke up thinking about my trip.  Lately I find myself day dreaming about different aspects of that trip.  Most of the time it is just stuff we would do every day like walking to class or going to the frutteria and sometimes its more of the big stuff we did like weekend trips to Scotland or Barcelona. 

Mallory and Heather came to visit!
This is Easter morning at St. Peter's.
It was Pope Giovanni Paolo's last service

The other day I received an email from a professor at the College of Human Sciences about a position available as an ambassador to the program.  As I read over the duties of the position I couldn't help but think how awesome that job would be.  However, I am not qualified so my day dream bubble was quickly popped.  But I couldn't help thinking how great it would be to go back or to live there one day.  So in the spirit of dreaming, below are a few of my favorite pictures.

The whole group

Lunch looking over Lake Nemi

Netherland and I overlooking Positano

Positano....quite possibly my favorite place on Earth!

Capri

Well, for now I'm going to keep dreaming.  Maybe one day I will make it back there!  Until then, I'm going to go wake my husband up and go enjoy the warm weather this weekend!  And I'm going to look forward to the first weekend in April when I can get together again with these wonderful ladies!

This time last year

I had a weekend that I may never forget.  Last year the weekend started out almost like any other, except it was snowing and I was able to leave work a little early on Friday.  The snow was coming down so hard many of the streets were already closed and/or completely backed up.  I took the back roads home and it still took over an hour!  I was really excited because I was able to get home in time to make a red velvet cake, it's kind of a tradition, and still have plenty of time to get ready for when Ryan would get home.  We were planning on celebrating Valentine's Day Friday night since it was falling on a Sunday.  We went to Maggiano's and it was delicious!  It was such a blessing in disguise that we went Friday night! 

Saturday, Ryan had to be to work by 8am, however this was somewhat of a challenge, since it had snowed so hard the night before and all of the roads were iced over.  I was so nervous and worried about him getting to work.  We had texted back and forth all morning.  I had been listening to the news talking about the roads being so icy it was making me a nervous wreck and I really hated that Ryan was out there picking people up in those conditions.  Well, I heard on the news that the roads were clear so I wanted to venture out to get some errands done!  Since we had in fact gotten married less than a month before, I had some returns, I had a wedding shower gift to buy and I wanted to take my sister to the movies.  Well, that never happened.  On my way up 400, I was being very cautious and noticed several accidents along the way but I wanted to make sure that I would not be one of them, however, that is completely out of my control.  I was in the far right lane and came to a shady part of the road where obviously the ice had not had a chance to melt.  My tires started to slide and so I went with the slide, however when my car hit dry ground, my car spun out instead of gripping the road.  I spun out in the middle of 400 with my passenger side facing the on coming traffic.  I was hit from behind and when I finally stopped I thought I had hit the median, I had no idea another car had hit me.  A nice family from Canada stopped to help me and let me sit in their warm car while we waited on the police and fire department to move my car.  They would not give me their names or address so that I could properly thank them, but they were my saving grace.  They made sure I was OK, kept me warm and really calmed my nerves. 

Thankfully I was not hurt except for a cut above my eye.  I'm still not sure what caused this, but I'm not complaining.  God really watched over me that day.  It makes me emotional to think about it, but I could have easily been killed.  It wasn't me who stopped those cars from hitting me, it was God, he has a plan and it was not my time that day.  It's still hard to this day to be in the car during bad weather, but it's getting easier.  I can't let it control my life.  My car was totaled and so a month into our marriage we had to purchase an unexpected new car.  It was stressful but we made it.  Ryan was so supportive and really helped me heal.  So needless to say, I'm so grateful that this Valentine's Day was much less eventful. 

Weekend Recap

I really wanted to take advantage of the nice weather this weekend!  65 degrees in January is awesome, a much needed break from the bitter cold!  Ryan had to work on Saturday morning so we met for lunch and then I convinced him to go antique shopping with me.  I have been dying to go because I read all these great blogs about great finds and fun DIY projects that I wanted to see for myself.  We took Miles with us and headed to Roswell.  I found some really cute things but I didn't end up buying anything.

I took a couple pictures with my phone but it won't let me upload them.  I found a really great clock that would be perfect for a mantle (not that I have a mantle yet) and I found some handmade cake plates made with china that were really cute but decided not to get them because I realized I could probably make them.  So I am now on a mission to find a couple nice china plates as well as some candle holders.

Sunday we were out in the nice weather again.  We were on a house hunting mission.  I think we must have looked at at least 15 homes.  It was a long day.  I really appreciate our Realtor being so patient with me. It's been a little stressful the last couple of weeks.  We originally put an offer on a house two weeks ago but realized it really was not the best thing for us so we had to give it up.  It's hard finding such a great home and knowing that it just wouldn't work to trying to find something that compares to that home.  It's been a sea of emotion for me.  We have changed our minds a few times, we have changed areas a few times and now I'm not sure what the best course of action is.  Buying a home is not easy. I don't think I will ever be one of those people that enjoys house hunting and car buying, it stresses me out too much.  Ryan on the other hand, loves it!  But for now we are in a holding pattern.  My best friend is getting married this weekend, so I will be heading to Pensacola for the BIG DAY!!

Happy Anniversary

Well, I'm about a week late, but Ryan and I celebrated our year anniversary on Sunday.  It's hard to believe it has been a year.  It's been a good year too.  We have really learned a lot from each other.  We joined a church and a wonderful small group.  We got a dog!  And now we are looking to buy a house.  It's amazing what can happen in a year. 

Below are a few of my favorite pictures!  It was the perfect day!  I loved my flowers, I loved my dress, if I could I would wear my dress everyday.  I'm actually a little sad I don't get to wear it again!  We were surrounded by all of our family and friends.  The only down side of the day was that it rained ALL DAY LONG.  But I hear rain on your wedding day is good luck.  We sure didn't let it spoil our day!!

For our anniversary my parents sent us on a weekend trip to The Grove Park Inn.  We had a wonderful day at the spa and a great anniversary dinner at the Sunset Terrace.  Thanks Mom and Dad!!