I would have written tonight off as horrible...

I got attacked by a door and am now sporting a ridiculous bruise on my upper left arm,

I spent four and a half hours in a boring corporate taxation class,

and when I was finally able to leave said boring class I discovered that one of the straps on my adorable (and expensive) laptop bag is broken.

However, I came home to the sweetest card from Doug's uncle congratulating me on my graduation and new job! His uncle is one of the most caring people I have ever met. He is always the first person at gatherings to ask me how I am and what is happening in my life. However, he isn't the only one. Doug has (with maybe one exception) really nice and incredibly caring families on both sides. I have always felt completely welcomed by them and am excited to become part of both families. Bonus points for the fact that they are both large families. (Those of you who come from small families probably won't understand this, but big families rock.)

I already have a very large and wonderful family who I love so much, but in less than a year I will be gaining some wonderful new family members and that makes me really happy. Yay for mood changing cards from new uncles and yay for new family being a part of this whole getting married thing!

Happy graduation to me

After almost a month of debating whether I should replace my laptop, tonight I ordered a new one. This shiny new toy from Toshiba should be on its way to me tomorrow. Over the course of the last month, I must have talked myself into and out of this purchase a hundred times. While it is true that Abe, the laptop that got me through college, still works, he has begun to show his age over the last year. First it was a broken power cord, which I replaced (for $100!) Then, the spring that holds the screen up broke and Doug had to fashion a custom bracket to hold it in place (it's pretty sweet, you should see it). Now, Abe no longer will function without being plugged in, and while I have been told replacing the battery will fix that, I have decided it is time to move on.

Finally today I forced myself to get over the sentimentality I have for Abe as well as the parting with of almost $900 and ordered a replacement. Of course, Abe will still be a part of the family, as I will occasionally need to use a program only he has and Doug will most likely still use him most days. Hopefully, he will enjoy a peaceful semi-retirement.

We did it!

Bridesmaid Alyssa and I at graduation tonight. She is moving to Michigan for her new job, and wow, how much I am going to miss her! Definitely going to have to figure out how to get to Michigan and for the sake of my sanity, I imagine I will be spending a bit of quality time on whatever road is between here and there.

Love you Lys!

On Wednesday I had an interview for a job that I would really like (and since Doug was laid off, we really need). I think it went well and am hoping for a call about a second interview this week. Any prayers and good thoughts sent my way would be greatly appreciated.

Three final exams and a presentation currently separate me from graduation on Friday. After which, you can look for wedding discussion to resume. In the lineup will be invitations (as the last item I need for a mockup is currently on its way to me) and flowers.

4 classes and 4 exams left until graduation in 11 days.

And then what? your guess is as good as mine.

Dear crazy out-of-control subconsious,

I know that I am working you overtime in this insane try to graduate, find a job, plan a wedding, and deal with real life plan I've got going right now, but I just can't keep having so many nightmares. It is unacceptable for you to continue.

I promise to give you a little break after April 15th and an even bigger break after May 8th. (that is, of course, until operation study for the CPA exam commences shortly after, but let's just not think about that, ok?)

So, ya... no more nightmares, ok? Because the lack of sleep is only hurting the both of us.

Thanks, Jamie

Really hard questions

Liz kindly provided me with these questions to help me in writing a post since my head is currently full of useless strategic management and business law crap.

However, these questions are so hard that it took me 3 days to answer them. Please excuse any subpar answers.

1. When did you know you and your FI were headed for marriage?
I honestly think we knew from the very beginning. There was instantly this high comfort level between us. Looking back, I think I may have known from our very first date. Our first kiss was perfect. That awkward first kiss feeling was completely absent and it happened so naturally I couldn't believe it. When it got to be 2 am and I had to usher him out of my residence hall because of the overnight guest policy, I had no idea where the time had gone. I knew then I was in trouble. Later, I have realized that even though I had thought I had been in love before, I had no idea.

2. If you had to eat one food for a whole week, what would it be?
My grandma's mashed potatoes. I just ate a full meal and am still salivating at the thought of them. Supposedly my mom makes them exactly the same, but there is definitely a difference.

I was going to say Italian food so I could have more of a variety, but I'm guessing that is a bit of a shady way to answer.

3. If you were a color, what would you be? Why?
I honestly have no idea. So, I googled it and took a quiz. The quiz said I was blue because "You give your love and friendship unconditionally. You enjoy long, thoughtful conversations rich in philosophy and spirituality. You are very loyal and intuitive." I have no idea if this is the truth, but I had to find a way to answer the question.

4. Do you have a theme song?
So, I totally had to break out the ol' iTunes to think about this one. And I have decided that my life certainly has an ever-changing and varied soundtrack that includes everything from Styx to Edwin McCain, to Kenny Chesney, Chris Botti, the Foo Fighters and even more artists from all parts of the spectrum, but I'm not sure about a theme song. I have decided on Keith Urban's "God's Been Good To Me" because it's true and it's something I try to remind myself every day.

"Oh the sun is shinin' on down in Tennessee
And right now where I'm right where I wanna be
I've never felt so loved, so peaceful and so free
Hey there ain't no doubt that God's been good to me"

5. What is your perfect job when you get done with school?
This is the only easy one for me. I would love (and believe I would excel at) a position in cost accounting with a major St. Louis manufacturer. For me, the power of accounting does not lie in the debits and credits, but in the large amount of knowledge about operations that can be gleaned from all of the information once it is collected and how it can be used to make improvements. Anything I can do to analyze operations and assist a company in becoming more efficient and profitable interests me. In real life, I will be taking any position that presents itself to me and is in any way related to accounting, finance, or economics.

Winter Break

As of 3:30 today, I officially have 3 accounting and finance free weeks! My first attempt at working on an invitation design will probably occur in the next week, as all materials for this project are currently on their way to me. I will be attempting an invitation à la Wedding Bee's Miss Fondue.