30 days of Thanks :)

I saw a lot of my friends doing the 30 days of Thanks on Facebook. While I didn't participate there, I am going to do my own 30 days of thanks, within one blog. I have so much more than 30 things to be thankful for, and these are in NO particular order.

30 things I am Thankful for today and always <3

1. My God. His never ending mercy and forgiveness when I am SO not deserving. He has (and continues to) Bless me in SO many ways. His never ending love and guidance is such an amazing thing.
2. My Fiance. I am lucky to be in love with my best friend.
3. My Family. All of them. I love each and every one of you more than you will ever know.
4. The time I was able to spend with my mother. She may have passed away while I was still young, but I am thankful for all the years and memories I was able to make with her.
5. My sister. We didn't have the typical sisterhood that most do, but our bond is no less.
6. My Friends. All of them. Each and everyone of them has left a lasting impression in my heart. Words can't begin to describe how much they mean to me. I am so blessed to have such wonderful, trustworthy, drama free (for the most part) friends!
7. My Doggy Chico. He shows me unconditional love, every single day.
8. That I don't have a mortgage
9. That I am able to provide for my family. Bills are paid and food is on the table.
10. My health. I may have a variety of different health issues going on but I am able to live an active lifestyle for the most part and that makes me thankful that I am healthy enough to get up and go each morning.
11. That I can forgive.
12. For all the charity events that I've participated in. I always meet so many inspirational people.
13. That I started going to church in 2008 and made some life changes that have brought me so much more peace and happiness.
14. My hairstylist, Deina. She is awesome and never ceases to amaze me when I trust my hair in her hands and say "surprise me"
15. My Daddy. :) <3 We don't have the typical father/daughter relationship, but we have our own. I love him so!
16. Music. Hearing the right song at the right moment can make all the difference in the world.
17. The gym - great place to work off frustrations
18. BROWNIES. I am a self proclaimed chocoholic. Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate is my favorite brownies.
19. Steak & Shakes Peppermint Milk Shake during the holidays. So delish.
20. A good book on a rainy day
21. Photography. My memory may suck, but my photo's last forever :P
22. Non Judgmental People. I try not to judge and love it when I meet people that do the same.
23. Animal Shelter Workers. They do (and deal with) more than we can imagine, on a daily basis.
24. My tempurpedic bed. It's definitely helped my back!
25. Answered prayers. <3
26. McDonald's Frappes. SOOOO delicious.
27. Days that I have NOTHING to do. They don't happen often but boy am I thankful when they do!
28. Chick Flicks and Comedies. My favorite types of movies.
29. Girls Nights In or Out. Love that my girlfriends can make time for each other.
30. That I am happy and at peace with where my life is at. I may not understand things as they happen, but I do know that they happen for a reason and the more and more closer I draw to God, the more and more everything makes sense.

Okay blog world, there ya have it! I hope you have some wonderful things to be thankful for as well. And I hope each and every one of you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

 Day 25: I believe I am still alive today because I have yet to complete God's plans for me. :) <3

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.  
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.  
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

XOXO

Day 24 - Playlist for someone

Playlist for my fiance.

#1 Lucky - Colbie Caillat & Jason Mraz (self explanatory, the lyrics are all about being lucky to be in love with your best friend, and I am!)

#2 Simple Man - Lynard Skynyrd (theme song for him)

#3 Lack of Color - Death Cab for a Cutie (one of the first songs I remember him always playing on his guitar)

#4 Over & Out - Foo Fighters (he always played this song for me after I had a break up with an ex)

#5 Razor - Foo Fighters (another song he plays often on his guitar)

#6 She is Love - Parachute (he sings this for me often)

#7 Got Whatever It Is - Zac Brown Band (He says this is one of his songs for me)

#8 Home - Michael Buble (when we were both out of state, he told me to listen to this song, that he'd be home soon)

#9 Touch my Body - Mariah Carey (the first text her ever sent me was lyrics to this song)

#10 Beautiful Girl  - Flight of the Conchords (this is a parody song, from a really funny show, he went to play this at a public event(Easter 09), really loudly one time on his guitar and singing and I remember walking away like "OH NO!" we weren't dating yet, and I get embarrassed super easy!)

Thanks to my friend Daisy Petals for creating this awesome playlist for me :) <3


Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.  
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.  
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

 Have a blessed, safe, and happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. Give THANKS! <3 

XOXO

I'm Sorry Video.

This video makes me cry every time. Volunteering in a shelter, I've seen half of these happen first hand. The one that made me the angriest was one time seeing someone bring in an older cat for surrender, all the while, allowing their children to run around, asking about picking out a new kitten. It made me sick to my stomach as I know how traumatizing it must have been for their older cat to be brought into a new strange place and watch its family walk out the door forever. I could just imagine them doing the same thing to their new kitten, 10 years down the road.




* I'm just traveling too much. I'm sorry.
* We are moving. I'm sorry.
* He's just too old now. I'm sorry.
* He's impossible to train. I'm sorry.
* She has too much energy. I'm sorry.
* The shelter can find you a better home. I'm sorry.
* I didn't realize they needed to go to the vet this much. I'm sorry.
* I had no idea a puppy was this much work. I'm sorry.
* I don't believe in spaying or neutering my dog. I'm sorry.
* I no longer have the time. I'm sorry.
* We are remodeling. I'm sorry.
* We just had a baby. I'm sorry.
* We are getting a divorce. I'm sorry.
* My landlord just found out I have a dog. I'm sorry.
* The kids of outgrown the dog. I'm sorry.
* I just don't want a dog anymore. I'm sorry.


*I am dependent on YOU to take care of ME. I am affected by YOUR decisions. A victim of your excuses. And suffering from your APOLOGIES . Please think SERIOUSLY before you add me to your family. 

--- I wanted to post this blog today, as the holidays near, as I know many families like to buy pets for their children for a Christmas present.  Please watch the video above and as it says above, think seriously before you make an addition to your family. A pet is supposed to be a life long commitment. Not a when it's convenient commitment. ---

Now don't get me wrong. I fully understand that in some cases it is absolutely necessary to have to surrender your dog to a shelter. I've seen families (now more than ever) that have had to give up their beloved pet as they are no longer able to financially afford it, or lost their home due to the recession and had to give up their pet. I've seen people come into the shelter heartbroken and crying. I understand these situations and can't even fathom to imagine the pain that their heart feels. I don't place blame for our over crowded in shelters on these legit reasons. What I don't understand is habitual offenders, people that go through multiple pets in a years time. People that surrender one dog, get another, and surrender it a few months later. Repeat offenders I guess you'd say. And I reallyreally wish more people understood the importance of spaying and neutering. Sure, those 8 little puppies are cute but where will those puppies be a year from now?

Have you ever looked at your local SPCA or animal services statistics? They are very disturbing. Here's a look at my local stats for two shelters in my COUNTY. This isn't statewide, just one small county. 

2009  Animal Shelter Statistics

* Animal Services*

- 8787 dogs impounded or surrendered
- 2582 dogs adopted out or reunited with owner
- 6152 dogs EUTHANIZED

- 14841 cats impounded or surrendered
- 478 cats adopted out or reunited with owner
- 14335 cats EUTHANIZED

*SPCA, Inc*

-- 3343 dogs surrendered
-- 1162 dogs adopted out or reunited with owner
-- 465 dogs EUTHANIZED

I am thinking seriously about starting an animal blog. My passion is definitely with non profit and charitable work and animal shelters are a big part of that for me. It is my goal to raise shelter awareness not just locally but globally. I want to somehow, some day, make a career out of doing what I love (helping animals). I figure a blog may be a simple start.

Maybe you can spread this video on. :)

XOXO.

 

Day 23: Something I wish I'd done in my life? Well, there is no sense in wishing! I am still here, so what better time than now, to make my wishes come true? I will find a way to incorporate my passion for helping animals be some type of career for me.

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself. Day 2: Something you love about yourself. Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for. Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for. Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.

Mileage & Baby Squirrel

Since hitting the 100,000 mile mark on my car (in a mere 5 years) I have had many people ask me where the heck do I drive all the time to rack up miles like that, especially since I've never drove this car out of state. I really don't know how to answer besides a lot of inner city, local driving, back and forth, as I am always on the run. It baffles me because I have two friends that got their cars at the exact same time as me. One bought hers new, and she only has around 80,000 miles on it (and she commuted to and from college during holidays, etc). The other friend bought her car with about 7,000 miles on it and I have already surpassed her mileage, and she drives to a different city for work! Because of this, I decided to track my driving for just one week. It was actually hard because my memory sucks and I'd forget to set my trip calculator. Anyways, this is what I came up with:

Saturday 11/13/10 = 130.7 miles
Sunday 11/14/10 = 35 miles
Monday 11/15/10 = 75 miles
Tuesday & Wednesday (forgot to reset tracker) 11/16/10 & 11/17/10 = 108.5 miles
Thursday 11/18/10 = 145 miles
Friday 11/19/10 = 95 miles
Total for one week of driving = 589.20. Apparently I drove just a bit more than my usual weekly average because I figure it took me 5 years to hit 100,000 THAT would be an average of about 384 a week. Either way, it's a lot of driving for someone who doesn't like to drive!

On a cuteness note, I've realized that I have a family of 3 baby squirrels living in my front yard. I first discovered them on Friday as we were setting up for the yard sale. They are so precious. I watched one of them drape its arms around its momma (or daddy) and give it a hug! Awww. I want so badly to leave some food our there for them, but I have 3 cats and my neighbors have some as well, and I am just hoping they don't catch them while they are on the ground. One of the babies came down to rummage through acorns today while momma (or daddy) was nearby. And my room mate was able to snap a few pictures.

In other news, a friend of mine told me yesterday at our church (which I did not attend as I was visiting another church) that our Pastor used an illustration when talking about helping God's creatures in which he spoke of two girls, one who rescued a snake, and one who rescued a dog. I rescued a dog Friday (see that blog) and my friend rescued a snake. How cool to be used as an example for others. <3 Once that sermon is posted live, I will try to remember to update the blog with a video.


Have a great week everyone. It's getting mighty close to BLACK FRIDAY!!

XOXO

Day 22: Something I wish I hadn't done in my life? Razzles, Daytona Beach, 2009. Enough said.

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself. Day 2: Something you love about yourself. Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for. Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for. Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

You can't find peace, until you find all the pieces.

Blog title today comes from one of my favorite television shows, The Locator. This is a show, in which, Troy Dunn reunites lost family members. Thus far Troy has helped over 40,000 people find long lost relatives, loved ones, etc.

This show is close to my heart as I have quite a few histories of adoption in my family. My mother was adopted, as well as my half sister. My mom was fortunate as she grew up in a wonderful family, and also was able to meet and have a relationship with her biological mother, and half sister later in life. My half sister and I are lucky as that while we were both growing up, we were aware of each other. As far back as I can remember, my mother always spoke of my older sister. What sucks is that my sister was not able to meet my mother (her biological mother) before she passed. I can't even imagine what it is like for my sister. Our mother passed three years before my sister and I actually met up for the first time EVER. Thanks to one of our wonderful aunts, we were able to meet (under semi odd circumstances, at the funeral of our biological grandmother). Regardless of the situation, I am just so happy that we were finally able to meet! Since then we have only been able to meet up a handful of times, as we live in different states, BUT I was able to be in her wedding which was very special to both of us (she will be in mine as well, so I can't wait to see her next year!)  Being able to hug her, and be with her in person was unexplainable. She resembles our mother in so many ways and I could without a doubt see my mother in her. It was like having a part of my mom come back to me. It was also very important to me because I was able to answer some questions for her. She wasn't aware that she hadn't been GIVEN up, but that she had been TAKEN away. I'm glad I was able to share much of our mothers love with her. Once we met in person and started communicating more, we realized how many random things (personality and otherwise) that we had in common! It was insane. This bond is definitely unbreakable. <3

My beautiful sister <3

1st time we met :)

Anyways, back to the show. I admit, I tear up on about 90% of the episodes. The quote from the blog title is true in so many ways. I have a very close friend of mine that has been missing a very important person in their life for years and they have many questions that remain unanswered. I've seen how it tears them up (even when they appear strong on the outside). This breaks my heart and I have been trying my hardest over the years to surprise this person with finding the lost loved one. I have not succeeded yet, but I will not give up, and every time I watch The Locator, my hope is renewed.

On a random note, on the way to church this AM, my fiance and I passed a HUGE brown cow outside of the pasture I'm sure he escaped from. This was on a main highway/intersection. He/She wasn't in the road YET, but I called 911 to report it before it caused an accident, as well as saw a cop car at a local convenience store right by where the cow was at, so I ran inside and told them as well. As we left I heard the cops on their walky talkys saying they were "headed out to deal with a cow in an intersection". Times like this I wish my camera was not dead! You don't see this in the city :D

Day 21: Today's topic was a bit weird for me. 
"(scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?" 
Seriously?! The fight would not matter AT ALL.  I'd immediately drop WHATEVER I was doing and say a prayer as I rushed to the hospital. I'd stay at the hospital as long as they needed me there and make sure they knew how much I love them.


Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

Missed a day (it was bound to happen!)

It was bound to happen. I finally missed a day of blogging! I started this blog on October 4th, and up until last night, had been very faithful with finding time (even if it was a few minutes) to update the blog! Yesterday it didn't happen! Here's a quick breakdown of yesterday.
* woke up EXTREMELY early for me, a little before 6am.
* went to the chiropractor (if I haven't mentioned it before, I have a pretty messed up back and lots of neck stiffness as well)
* surprised my fiance with breakfast in bed from Subway (eat fresh)
* 3 mile walk/jog
* ran by my work to pick up tables I needed for a charity yardsale
* set up tables, got called to church to go through some left over yard sale stuff there (room mate and I stuffed my Dad's van FULL of goodies we could sell! It was quite a sight, us two girls loading up some pretty big and bulky items, the Van was definitely fully loaded)
* worked around the house with my Dad setting up for the sale
* had to run by the bank, and a couple stores to buy some birthday presents for some kiddies :)
* cooked dinner (Ham, Mac & Cheese, and Black eyed peas)
* watched a movie (Charlie St. Cloud, good movie!)
* had a tickle fight (I lost) with my fiance
* BED! Early, before 10pm. This has been happening more often lately! (It was at this time I realized I forgot to update my blog, I told myself I was sleepy, laptop was off, and I wasn't going to get sucked in to the world of blogs and be up for another hour)

Today was just as busy, just didn't do as much :P Worked the yardsale to benefit the Children's home from 630a-1pm. Rushed to clean that up so I could take the tables to a friend of mines house for her two boys joint birthday party! Hung out at the party for a couple of hours, and now I am about to watch another movie, and the plan is to sleep early again tonight. We shall see! I have a cool picture to share.

Doggy that stopped by our sale. He's huge(151lbs 2yrs)! His owner is a frequent shopper at our sales!

 

 

Sadly, I have missed two days of the 30 days of truth blog :( I missed day 18 (as I updated my blog that day but never had a chance to go back and add my 30 days part, and of course day 19 was yesterday). My plan was to start it on the 1st and end it on the 30th since there is 30 days this month. So, I am not going to back track. I will just pick back up with today, day 20.

Day 20: I have very strong opinions on drugs and alcohol. I have had quite a few loved ones battle (and still CURRENTLY battling) addictions  that range from alcoholism to narcotics. I have seen first hand how these addictions destroy families and relationships. I've seen and personally know people that would rather blow their money on their addictions, than a place to live. I have a relative that is homeless due to an addiction. It seems when you are battling an addiction you push those that care THE MOST, away. You isolate yourself and drown in a sea of selfishness. I understand that these addictions are extremely hard to break, but I've seen them broke, and I KNOW it's possible. I have personally known people that were able to quit hard drugs, cold turkey, because it was what THEY wanted to do. I have long learned that I can't change people. The change HAS to come from within. But I do know that once the decision is made to make that change, it IS possible. As long as it is what you want, and you are determined, it can be done. I don't care what people say about an addict, there are NO hopeless causes. Everyone is able to make permanent changes in their lives, if they want to. My mom had a problem with alcohol and she was told she would NEVER recover. She proved them wrong. The day she found out she was pregnant with me, she never touched a drop of liquor again. She was sober for 16 years, up to the day she died. THAT takes true strength,  THAT is amazing to me.  To see a miracle, you must first see an impossibility. As far as alcohol goes, I DO drink. I am a social drinker though, and I don't drink to get drunk, nor do I drink often. Since Alcoholism runs in my family, I am more than careful with this, and I never, ever, drink to forget a problem.



Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.

Venues, Ducks, Doggy & Premarital Counseling

WHAT A DAY IT HAS BEEN!

I've been a busy little bee today. As the blog title says, Venues, Ducks, Doggy & Premarital Counseling. Let's break it down.


My fiance and I went to look at venues this morning as our tentative wedding date is approaching quite fast. The problem is, I am VERY indecisive and my mind changes constantly (one plus is I am not very picky, so that will be good when the time gets closer if things go wrong). I had always wanted an extravagant wedding however now I am realizing how quickly the $cost$ really does add up and I don't want to spend that much on just a few short hours of celebration. I'd rather spend more money on something like a down payment for a house, etc. Granted, it's not just a few short hours of celebration as a marriage should last forever, but it seems crazy to us to spend much of our savings on one day of celebration. SO, our new plan is to have a wonderful ceremony and celebration with our loved ones, but definitely do it on a smaller budget. We checked out a few venues today, including a local church that we are not a member of but we both adore this church. It's location is also great as it is a few short blocks away from where we'd like to hold our reception. The two places we checked out where totally different, one would be an outside ceremony, the other would be a church. Again, I had always thought I wanted an outdoor wedding BUT the more I think about it I have mini panic attacks of "what if it rains, this is Fla after all and April showers bring May flowers" SO, the church may work out much better stress wise.

a Butterfly and Water Garden at one venue

Arbor Garden at the same venue

Potential Church

After we were done visiting the 1st venue, as we were walking back to the car I remembered I had a ton of day or two old Publix bread that was getting harder by the minute so what better time for an impromptu duck feeding? (The venue was right across from a Lake). PERFECT! We spent a bit of time feeding the duckies. :)

bread.... bread.... bread..... they came running

jump for it!

I <3 Geese

Goodbye!

Thennnn, we passed a small dog on the side of a road. I saw it ahead and told my fiance "Ohmygosh! There's a puppy up there. Slow down please, you may have to pull over in front of it and I'll rescue it". So, that's what he did. The puppy actually was a doggy (about 9 years old) and was very timid at first and I was afraid it would cross the street again, but it inched it's way towards me, shy at first but tail wagging. Finally he was within my grasps. I knocked on a few doors and no one claimed the dog as theirs. We didn't go to many of the houses because they had fenced in yards and we didn't just want to walk up and take a chance of getting shot or something (hey, you never know out in the country!) haha. So we debated what to do as we had an appointment in an hour and a half and the local SPCA was quite a drive away. We decided to head towards the SPCA with the intent of leaving the dog if it wasn't chipped, and I'd later post an ad on craigslist and some found fliers up around the area. Drove all the way out to the SPCA, had him scanned and dun...dun...dunnn... HE HAD A CHIP!!!!! I was elated. They tried both numbers registered to him, one was disconnected, the other just rang. She asked if I was familiar with ____ rd and I said "YES! That's exactly where I picked him up from! He had just wondered across the main road!" SO, she wrote down the address and phone number for us, and I said we'd return him home. Got in the car, read the ladies name to my fiance and what do you know... dun dun dun... He recognizes the first name!! He went to school with a boy with the same last name that lived on ____ rd. Coincidence? I think not! It was the boys mothers dog. WOW! As we parked across from the house debating to go through the fence or not, I saw a lady walking out so I got out of my car and she saw me with her dog and was so ecstatic! She thanked me and gave me a BIG hug and said she was just on her way out in search again for the dog. I told her no worries, he had enjoyed his car ride with us and was happy to be home. During the short time we had him, we called him Toby! We found out his name was Otis. Toby, Otis, you know, close enough. Otis was very happy to be reunited with his mommy. Come to find out he is a shelter rescue that she got from our local animal control aka "the pound". Another happy ending for Otis! Microchips are so awesome! Just remember to keep your contact info up to date. You'd be surprised how many animals are chipped but their owners move or get a new cell and never update their info.

he was just happy to go for a ride!

After all that, we made it to our 1st appointment with our Pastor for some premarital counseling. We are starting this book

Alls well that ends well. :) XOXO