Busy as a bee

For someone who only works 16 hours a week, I can't ever seem to find enough time.
How did I survive when I worked 50+ hours AND tried to keep things together?
Seriously.
The last month or so has been INSANE.

I'm not sure how I remembered to breathe.

First, Dave came home early.
(J. Marc you are dearly missed)
The next day my mom and aunt came into town.
We also had the neph (every weekend) and Strumbley here.
Yes, 7 people in a house that usually has 2.
Dyinggggg.
Don't get me wrong, I love to entertain, but this was a clusterfuck.

Carrie, mom, Brian-- loved having you guys, but it was a madhouse.
We all had great meals, lots of drinking, and a lot of time spent strumbling into the pool.
Yes, "strumbling" is our new word.
It's Brian's last name plus stumble.
Must only be used when referring to an action done while drinking.

After our little trip up to the Prescott house, Dave and I took the wedding bull by the horns.
We accomplished so much while he was here...not to mention he won't be home again until March.
Our engagement pics are already back and they are FABULOUS!!!
I have such a handsome hubs-to-be.
Also, shout-out to David De Dios for being such a talented photog!

Our little stay-cation at the Pointe Hilton was just what the two of us needed.

Lounging poolside is the best thing in the world.
Not to mention being surrounded by natural waterfalls & palm trees without leaving the city!

Dave, you always choose the best places for us to stay.
It even made me forget about NOT being in Costa Rica as planned.

Oh, and more info on the wedding website regarding the resort will be posted soon.

OH SHIT.
I can't believe I didn't say this right away...
I GOT MY REAL RING AND IT IS FUCKING GORGEOUS.
Thanks, baby. 

You have to get something you adore and you won't ever need to upgrade.
I look at my hand a thousand times each day and smile because I love it so.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend.

Dave went back to Afghanistan and I tried to stay positive...
and I ended up at David's Bridal on the way home.
I finally got my dress.

It's going to need major altering because my boobs are several dress sizes larger than my non-existent ass.

It isn't at all what I had envisioned or where I wanted to go, but things ended perfectly.

I feel gorgeous in my dress and I undoubtedly know Dave will agree.
Vera Wang, you are a genius.

Yesterday I enrolled in two classes at PVCC.
I begin with Psychology today and have meditation & wellness on Friday.
Being on a campus again is a strange feeling.
I'm excited to go to school again...

and you all know how I love school supplies.
I'm going to get my associates and then on to bachelors.
Maybe masters someday.

Needless to say, I still haven't picked up more hours at work.

Maybe just one more day rather than two...we'll see.
Peak season in Phoenix is coming soon, so I need to get my butt into gear.

I'm just so tired of the salon atmosphere.

I want to help people in a real way...
not just to look better.

Anyway, I've been feeling happy & content lately.
When I have a spare minute to slow down I realize how lucky I am.
Cooking even makes me smile -- WTF?!?!
A few years ago it made me want to pull my hair out.

I also figured out that I can cook and paint in between.
Bliss.
Two months ago I was in a very different state of mind.
So thankful to be where I am now.

Thankful for wonderful hubs-to-be.
Thankful for love & support from all angles.
Thankful for each new day.

XOXO