Unemployed Life

I am still waiting for the state to approve my substitute teaching license...it feels like it is taking forever but I am learning patience. I am also enjoying freedom to do whatever. To recap since my last post:

-I spent last weekend in Louisville. Friday was shopping with Leah so that I would have a dress for her wedding. She picked out a pretty red one that I can really wear again. Saturday began with a morning massage - a Christmas/birthday gift from Brittany. It was amazing! Then Saturday afternoon was my shower in New Albany hosted by Rose. I was happy to spend time with friends from college AND to see some of my camp loves (a HUGE surprise!) A special thanks to those who made some long drives - esp. Laura who came from Pittsburgh!
-Tuesday Mama, Grandma, and I made the trip to Amish Country to take my quilt blocks to be quilted. I am so thankful for all of the hard work that Grandma put into making the blocks and am excited to see it when it's done for our wedding gift.
-Wednesday I went to see Mark in Vincennes. I conquered my fear of bridges and had a wonderful afternoon of just playing around.
-Today Mama and I went to Owensboro to visit with Momaw. I had my final wedding dress fitting and it is finally perfect! I am so glad that it really feels like mine now! Then it was lunch at the club and a trip to Macy's. I finally bought new sunglasses. It's been since high school and mine keep peeling off on my face. So, it was time.

I am excited for this next week as well. It's scrapbooking this weekend, Mark's 21st, and then the beginning of marriage counseling with our minister. Happy End of February and Beginning of March!

Lakeview Love

Every year of my life, since I was about twelve, I have dreamt about Camp Lakeview. I would go for a week each summer and by two weeks later I was literally having dreams about going back the next year.

Camp has always been such a happy and safe place. It has always been the physical place that I have been drawn to most in the world. I have had the priviledge to attend camp as a camper for four summers, serve three summers as a JC followed by three summers on staff. In all of those years, camp was always in my dreams and my thoughts.

This year is different. I feel my heart and mind longing to spend another summer there, to serve God there for 11 more weeks, but I do not feel called to serve there this summer. Many nights this past month I have dreamt of being at camp but no one can see me or hear me. In those dreams there is a new staff, carefully chosen by God to carry out His will this summer. So, to the new staff, whoever you may be, "May the Lord Bless and Keep You, Make the Lord Make His Face Shine Upon You, and Give You Peace"

Unemployed

Last Friday was my last day at Macy's. I cried on the way home. I am not sad about leaving the job as much as I am sad about leaving my friends there.

Last Monday I went down to the EVSC office to apply to be a substitute teacher. I have all of the paperwork finished so I just have to wait for them to get my reference sheets and UofL transcripts back, then I have to wait for my permit to come from the state, and then I have to watch videos and attend a class. I am hoping this whole process only takes two weeks because I only have one more paycheck and then my severence pay from Macy's.

I am trying very hard to stay optimistic and not to worry too much about all of this. However, Mark and I are now under the "3.5 months unitl our wedding" point and with both of us not working it feels scary. Thank goodness we have faith. God will be our guide.

No More Macys...

Last Thursday, just minutes after walking into work, I was called into the Executive Offices to receive some bad news. Due to budget cuts Macy's Corporate has been eliminating positions in their stores - mine was one of them.

Considering the economic condition of our nation at the moment, it was not a complete surprise to hear that the company was cutting back or to hear that my position was being eliminated early on. I understand that I am the newest member of the team and that means I am the easiest to let go. So, I am now, once again, searching for a job.

Despite my frustrations, and worries about money, I am comforted by the knowledge that my life is in God's hands. I am thankful for all of the people that I met while working at Macy's and for the ways that each of them touched my life. I am anxious to see where God leads me next...

Fair Trade AND Organic!

One of the things I loved most about living in Louisville was being able to shop at so many different studios of local artists. I loved Bardstown Road shopping but also the Museum of Arts and Crafts and the Glassworks downtown. I loved the Louisville Stoneware store. I loved that driving almost anywhere in the city led me to local artists and fair trade goods from all over the world. In moving home, I have really missed that.

Today I took advantage of my day off and went to a store I've been passing by on my way to and from Vincennes each week. It's called "Imagine That." I fell in love with fair trade goods all over again! You can shop at the store (12100 Highway 41 North, Suite 3) or online at www.imaginethatevansville.com

Cake and Flowers

Yesterday we were able to get the cake planning and flower planning finished! I am very proud of my first week of true wedding planning.
CAKE: Mom insisted that the cake come from Piece of Cake on Main Street. So, we went and had an appointment. I had already found a picture of the perfect cake and mixed some of my ideas with some of theirs and now we have a wedding cake! We also designed the groom's cake which is really fun and is perfectly themed for Mark and me. Special thanks to Cara at P.O.C. who was amazing - she answered all of our questions and provided yummy cake samples! :)
FLOWERS: The flowers are being designed by Pat Ingram. I am so excited to have her as part of our big day because she was my middle school speech coach. I credit her for ALL of my public speaking skills. She is also a wonderful artist and was full of great ideas. I am excited for the earthy, organic feel that our decorations will have.
The to-do-list is getting shorter...which must mean the big day is getting closer! Just 17 weeks away!

We're FINALLY planning!

This past Sunday Mom and I went to the Wedding Expo at the Centre downtown. We went with two goals in mind:
1) Taste Wedding Cakes
2) Find the perfect photographer
We succeeded in both. I had mentioned at work that I was beginning to look for a photographer and both Joyce and Tina shared that Michelle Forche had photographed their daughters' weddings. So, at the show we made a point of finding her. She has taken some of the best wedding pictures I have ever seen. I was so excited to see that all of her pictures are different - they way I think wedding pictures should be because every couple is different. As soon as we started talking, we just clicked. She is so energetic and fun and was even full of decorating ideas and tips. My other favorite thing: she's a flute player! After that, I was sold! I am looking forward to working with her on our big day. Please check out her website: memoriesbymichelle.com to look at her photo galleries AND to see Mom and I signing our contract on her blog.