Finally got my silver lining!

Hi guys! I have such exciting news to share that I couldn't postpone writing a new post any longer! For the past 6 months I have been waiting to find out if I would become a permanent teacher at the high school where I work. Last Wednesday, I got some of the best news ever! I was hired as a full time ESL teacher starting in September! I couldn't be happier! The past year was really difficult with Connor just starting medical school and me finishing my Master's. Money was TIGHT to say the least. (It still is, of course, with the wedding approaching.) It is such a relief to know that starting in the Fall we will be in a much better place financially. I wasn't sure what was going to happen if I didn't get the job, but thankfully, I don't have to worry about that anymore! No more subbing!

I'm pretty nervous about all the work that is to come, but it will be so wonderful to finally get to do what I love and went to school for! So to all those teachers out there who are losing hope in finding a job, I hope I can be even a small inspiration. It can happen!! Stay optimistic and keep working hard. It will absolutely happen, if you don't give up. :)

So with all this good news coming my way, I can't wait to party with everyone I love at the wedding! 6 more days!! :O I'm promising myself to enjoy this wedding week as much as I can! It'll be over before we know it!

Love,
Mandy

Summer Lovin'

Okay, so I feel like an embarrassed puppy that peed on the carpet. Right now, I'm backed into a corner giving you sad, puppy eyes and seeking forgivness. I've abandoned my blog for longer than any respectful blogger should. All I can ask is that you forgive me for my neglectfulness!! :(

I have to say my life is not complete without this blog. I had phantom limb syndrome for the past 2 weeks. I knew it should have been there, but it just wasn't. Okay, so now is the time when I flood you with excuses about why I haven't written. I'm going to try to avoid that route and just say... I am getting married in 10 days and today is my FIRST day of summer vacation. Yesterday was the last day of testing at the high school, which means I can now be a human being outside of work and have a life of my own! I'm very excited to put all my energy into this wedding and making it as wonderful as possible.

Almost four years ago, I met Connor. How cliche it will be of me to say it was love at first sight; but, how else can someone explain the world completely melting around you into nothingness as you stare into another's eyes wondering how life ever meant anything at all before this person was in your world? Yes, okay, so now you get it, right? Love at first sight. Now, is that to say I allowed myself to show this to Connor right upfront within the first hour of meeting him? UM NO! I'm a Leo! I'm a prideful, stubborn lioness. It takes time for me to soften my hard exterior and show my vulnerability. So naturally, I played tried to play hard to get. Until 2 weeks later, I gave up and told Connor: "I think you're rad." And to which he replied: "I think you're rad, too." This was 2009, not 1989. BUT that was the first word that came to my mind when I thought of him. Don't judge me. Love does funny things to your brain.

Anyway, fast forward to today. We are 10 days away from becoming Mr. & Mrs. and we couldn't be happier. Stressed, but happy! I am so looking forward to the honeymoon and all the relaxing that will come with it. 

So about that medical student who was the inspiration behind this entire blog: He's really enjoying the OMM preceptorship because it's entirely stress-free, aka the antithesis of medical school. He's been learning different methods for all parts of the body. And when the weather is nice, he rides his bike to and from school. Summer is such a nice delusion from reality, isn't it? September will welcome us with it's claws right in our backs as we desperately scramble for every last bit of Summer. But for now, let's enjoy this delusion...deeply!

I can't wait to share wedding pictures with you very soon!

Love,

Mandy

25 More Days until Wedding Bells!

AHHH! Hello, it's just me in wedding planning HELL. The wedding is 25 days away and I could not feel more overwhelmed with all that needs to get done! Thankfully, Connor finished school on the last day of May, so he's been such a big help. While I'm at work, he's been making phone calls and working on the seating chart. Today, I went to my bridesmaids first fitting, which went really well! They looked beautiful and the shoes matched (thank God!). After, I came home to dinner already made for us! Connor made grilled chicken, vegetables and brown rice. I was so happy and thankful because I was exhausted after running around all day. So lucky I have such a great teammate! ;) (Thanks to all those years as soccer/lacrosse player, maybe.)

So, I had my second dress fitting yesterday and it was MAGICAL. The dress fits like a glove! I can't even believe how well it fits. It's like it was made for me! It looks totally different than when I tried on the sample (in a VERY good way). The sample was HUGE and ivory, so it was difficult to imagine what mine would look like. The dress completely surpassed all of my expectations. I have my final fitting on the 20th and I'm hoping I can bring it home that day! I'm tired of going to the city! Too much traffic.

Thankfully, this Friday is the last day of classes at the high school!!! So excited to be done with classes. After this week, we will just be proctoring regents exams. Much easier days ahead, which is what I need with all this wedding craziness!

Connor will begin his preceptorship for the summer next Monday. So I will tell you all about it after he has orientation and we learn more about what he will be doing. :)

Love,
Mandy