22

Today is my 22nd birthday, and for some reason I feel like I've been waiting for this birthday all my life.  After the excitement of turning 21 fades, most people don't care too much about 22, but I feel like I have always looked forward to today... little did I know how much was in store for this year :]

Falling in love, getting engaged to my best friend, growing more deeply in God's word than ever before, watching my little sister get married and my parents renew their wedding vows, moving into my first apartment and making my own home has made for quite the 21st year. 22, show me what you've got!

Can't Be a Queen Bee Without a Bee Throne

I can honestly say I hardly ever crack open my actual computer anymore; more often than not I just do all of my internet stuffs via my beloved iPhone (which excludes blogging, since Blogger doesn't have an app!).  But tonight I get a night off(?) from most busyness and I thought I'd write a little....

It's been exactly one month since I moved into my new apartment and my fondness of it has only grown.  Sure, it's a long drive to work, but aside from that it is wonnnderful.  I just got a fridge yesterday, so 4 hours and 8 magic erasers later my new-to-me fridge is looking brand new, and I am finally able to buy real food again!  Don't get me wrong, I love pasta, but pasta every other night (along with pop-tarts, bread, and top ramen) is getting old.  Yesterday was an unbearably hot day to be moving a fridge from Long Beach to Anaheim, so we most definitely got to try out our pool for the first time.  Tonight while I was vacuuming James stopped me to say, "Amanda, I love our little place."  And we surveyed it together, from our fridge and new tea station, to the living room that's still coming along and constantly changing arrangements, to our little Ikea table and chairs... It's really an awesome little first home and we can't wait to finally live in it together.

Last weekend was my bridal shower and it was perfect.  I felt like time flew by, but I suppose that's good compared to other showers I've been to that drag on.  My maids of honor, Deb and Kayla, did an amazing job with not only the decorations but also with the events and the whole atmosphere of the afternoon.  I was impressed with how many people were actually able to come, and with how many wonderful gifts we got!  I finally have silverware! And cups! Ahhh!! I wish I had some more pictures for you from the shower, but unfortunately I didn't get to snag any as I was pretty busy.

On a side note, can I just add that I have the best moms?  Both my own mom and my future mother-in-law have been such a huge help to us this past month I don't know what I would do without them.  I guess our wedding countdown is truly winding down (40 days!), but with all of the last minute surprises and stress that's cropped up this month, they've been there for me and helped me through.  I got my wedding dress fitted and sent it in for alterations and seeing the dress on me got me very excited for our day.... that, and all these people getting married and engaged! August just needs to be here already!

[our new coffee/station... PTL for Starbucks benefits]

I've got two big interviews this week but before I jinx it and talk all about them, I'll just say God is good and more than surpasses what I ever feel I "need."

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly father knows you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

-Matthew 6:31-33

Finding a Place to Call Home

Well, finals are winding down, and in an hour and a half I'll be able to say I only have 1 left, which is on Friday at 8am (yuck).  This past week has probably been my busiest yet (that I can remember) and this present week doesn't look too promising, but there is so much on the bright side that I am actually still surviving.  Lots of growth, lots of grace.

My favorite part is that we got our apartment (our first "home!") on Friday, which is awesome.  We looked at probably 20 different apartments, but ultimately decided on the first one that we looked at.  It's being remodeled right now (new carpet and appliances, anyone?) and our move-in day is June 1st.  Of course, only I will be moving in on June 1st (along with some of James' possessions) but it will be cool to know that we have a home and he will be with me in August.  Three things that I am extremely stoked about: 1. Dishwasher and having water included in the rent payment (When you wash dishes all day at work, you don't want to come home and wash more.) 2. A pool, but also air-conditioning, so we can beat the heat. 3. A garage (no more street sweeping tickets!).  I'm sure I'll be writing much more about our home as it comes together, but this news has been sufficient for us for now.  I can hardly concentrate on anything else once I get going thinking about how to decorate and such.  17 days!! (Not that I'm counting..)

I have so much to look forward to these next few months, this has hands-down got to be the best time of my life.  Don't get me wrong, there are hardships galore, but we have so much in store and above else we have an eternal hope.  I mean, it doesn't get much better.  As of Friday I'll be done with school until late August, and just having that responsibility off my plate will be wonderful.  I suppose most guys don't feel the same way, but the thought of furnishing and spending time in my apartment the next few months, "nesting," is so alluring and I can't wait.  And apart from that, I will have a place of my own to study and cook and do as I please, without bothering anyone else.  Okay, I'll stop now.

On a side note, I'm glad to say that our wedding has been able to help so many people in Draw Something.

  

Until next time...