8 months together...what an adventure!

It's funny to think that Paulie and I have been engaged longer than we actually dated, but nonetheless, we've been together 8 months today. And they have been an amazing 8 months at that. Planning this wedding with him brings me so much joy. It's been the easiest thing I've ever done. I think that's because we had a lot of people saying prayers for us when they first heard of our engagement. A lot of the older couples in the church want the best for us and because we're young, they've given us great advice and guidance for our marriage preparation.

We're checkin' off things left and right. We went to the baker's yesterday and picked up a pamphlet. We just have to schedule a quick appt. and let him know that this is what we want our cake to look like! I already bought that exact cake topper at Michael's and have rose petals gallore! Goodness I'm excited! The bakery even has FUNFETTI cake! :) You know that's what I want!

We get our engagement pics taken on Saturday...super excited to be getting recent pictures of us! All the ones I have of us, Paulie is clean-shaven and I'm white as a ghost! Now I'm tan, he has a goa-tee (how do you spell that?) and I have short hair.

...as of right now I don't have any good pics of my new do just this one from my phone. But I got 5 inches cut off. I haven't had it this short since...2004? That's almost 5 good years of long hair that I HAD to keep because of headshots/auditions. Well guess what...the place that I perform now doesn't really care what my hair looks like! :) Paulie likes it a lot too. He said that it's the "new Emily Rose." He also said that I remind him of what I'll look like when I'm a mom. And that I shouldn't take offense of that because I'm gonna be a hot mom. LOL. He's silly.

Work's been kinda slow lately and this week, the patients have been down right hateful towards me. So much so, 2 of them brought me to tears. One after the phone call and one during. Jeezo peet people gotta take a chill pill! But I'm not letting that get me down. I keep putting one foot in front of the other and praising God that I even HAVE a job.

Thank the Lord it's Friday, that's all I'm sayin'! Have a great weekend!

Peace & Love.

Completely in awe of it all.

Life always seems to take crazy turns when you least expect it and for me, they have been GREAT turns!

First off, I'm madly, deeply, crazy in love with my fiance Paul and the countdown until our wedding continues to excite me...185 more days! That's great considering it started at over 300! I'll take 185 over 351 any day! :) I haven't seen much of him lately because we've both been working a lot. (I just started full-time and recently took over the office...making more money and getting more hours are 2 very VERY good things when you are planning a wedding!!!).

Next, my involvement at church has gotten a little crazy, but in a good way! I'm helping out with a drama for the women's conference and I found out recently that I will be singing with the praise team for this event as well! Awesomeness~last weekend marked my first time singing with the praise team at Faith Church...I'm honored...seriously. I sang up there last night at the last minute and I'm so grateful that I'm so familiar with the lryics now that I can do that. I also help out in the KOF (Kids of Faith) children's ministry on Sunday mornings, teaching small Bible lessons to lil ones. It keeps me busy throughout my week most definitely.

Things are coming along quite nicely with wedding plans. I got a majority of my bridesmaid's measured and I finish up my last one tonight...going to dinner with my maid of honor afterwards. My goodness it's been forever since we hung out! Since like November! It was great to spend time with my lady friends this past weekend. My movie star Ana was home. My oh my I missed her face. Had a nice girls day with her and Sarah. Got a chance to say hello to Bri at Coldstone and sat outside in the gorgeous weather eating ice cream and drinking smoothies. Ah, it was nice.

I feel like I'm all over the place with this blog but that's how my thought patterns have been lately.

Getting engagement pics done soon by the lovely Brittany Browers. Super excited about that...getting tan for them too! fun fun.

Hmm...what else...

Falling in love with my man every single day. Missing him to pieces. Can't wait to see him..ugh...

Hope you have a blessed rest of your week!

Peace & Love.

Against company policy...

But I just gotta blog!

Well, I'm sitting at work and have absolutely NOTHING to do for the first time since I started. I have a feeling that when I run this office soon, this will happen a lot. I guess I can just be glad I'm good at my job. Sure. That sounds good.

Life is good. Enjoying employment, but having a hard time with time management in other areas of my life. You know, family time, Paul time, and God time. It'd be cool if I was better at trying to work out too, but that is something that may not happen for a little while. The gym I work out at (haven't since early October) has a creeper that works there that I kinda dated for a bit. I guess I could just flash my engagment ring to ward off all creepers but I'm not sure how this dude will react. When I "broke up" with him (after 10 days), he became kind of a butt. So I got busy and stopped working out because I didn't really want to run into him.

Anyway, wedding planning is coming along nicely. The only difficult part is trying to get all of my bridesmaids to help me out with their schedules! Trying to get 6 girls in one place at one time is not working to my advantage right now. 1 lives on the West Coast, the other in Chicago, and the rest are too flippin' busy for much of anything. I just have to keep telling myself that it will all work out just fine.

Paulie and I bought a TON of wedding stuff a few weeks ago and took care about most of the small, detailed things. Center-pieces, decorations, invitations, napkins with our intials, etc. All that is left is to pay for all the big stuff: photographer, DJ, food, cake, and pastor's fee. But that's it! It feels good to narrow it down to only a few things. And once we narrow it down even more, we get to start focusing on apartments. We've already been looking around the Arnold/Fenton area. Hopefully when the last insurance policy comes in, we can let Miss Emily move in an apartment early so her car can rest a little while. I've put over 7,000 miles on my car since March. Not good. I really don't want to keep putting the major bucks in gas either. But I will not complain. It could be SO MUCH worse...like last summer's gas prices...YIKES! This $2.19-$2.29 is nothing.

OH! This just in:

Shelby came up to me after Tuesday night's service and told me that she heard I wanted to sing with the Worship Team. "I really want to start working with you as soon as you can. I know you're super involved already with the youth band, KOF, and drama ministries, but I'd love to have you up there with us." How awesome is that?! I'll be singing with Faith Church St. Louis' praise and worship team soon! Yay! It's been what I've wanted to do since I started going to that church back in July...can you believe it will be a year in about 2 months?! My goodness! She even told me that I'll be singing with them at this summer's Women's conference...awesomeness!

Do-te-do...bored, bored, BORED!

Guess, I'll wipe down the desks one more time...

Peace & Love.

6 whole months.

Tomorrow Paul and I will celebrate 6 months together. I would have never thought that I would fall so hard for someone like I have fallen for Paul in such a short period of time.

He entered my life so quickly and we weren't dating very long before we dove into wedding planning. I can't imagine life without him now. He's my best friend and my soul-mate. Each day that passes is one more day we grow deeper in our faith and deeper in love. The voicemails and the text messages I get from him on a daily basis bring tears to my eyes. I'm a hopeless romantic and I'm not ashamed.

God knew how much I needed this. All of it. The roses, the chocolate, the love letters. It's all so cliche and I really don't care. I'm blessed to have this simplicity. It helps lessen the likelihood of me going crazy or stressing out. I actually get a little unpleasant when I don't get to see Paul. Haha. So I really can't imagine me locking myself up in play rehearsals for months at a time any more. I'd miss him too much. I'd rather love person over something that will never learn how to love me back.

*sigh*

I'm headed to SIUE to see a few friends perform in "As You Like It." I still go to support them because I remember how important it was to me for people to come support me when I still did shows. I'm actually really excited to see a lot of them. I've been kinda anti-social these past few months and it'll be nice to say hello to my pals.

Anyway, this weather is absolutely gorgeous and makes me want to visit the beach! :)

Have a blessed weekend everyone!!!

Peace&Love.

When did I grow up?

I stayed home today because my body was screaming at me to do so. I've been running myself ragged for over a month and my immune system is definitely showing it. But it was nice to get a chance to sleep in, clean my messy room, put away laundry that has been sitting for a week, and do some ironing. *Sigh*

Sometimes I wonder whose life I'm leading since it's changed so drastically in one year. Can you believe that one year ago I was getting ready to graduate college? I can't. It seems like yesterday, but at the same time, it feels like forever ago. I'm now getting ready for marriage. It's weird how life works. You get used to something for a few years and then suddenly, your life takes a turn and you're older. Most people, like me, are in gradeschool for 6-7 years, then junior high for 2-3 years, high school for 4 years, and then college for 4-6, and some people continue schooling for 2-5 more years after that. Each time you reach a new level of education, your environment changes, your mindset changes. And each time, you have to get used to the person you are becoming.

I've noticed over and over again that I am not the Emily of a year ago. God did some MAJOR changes to my heart and mind this year and oddly enough, it began shortly after I escaped the grip of education. I no longer could look to the instituation of education to define me. I wasn't a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior any more. I wasn't a cheerleader, band-o, SETO officer, or theatre major. I eventually started to lose the title of "actress" as well. I had to learn how to be Emily Rose. Just me. And let me tell you....it's hard to find yourself when you have been told who you are by someone else your whole life. I'm reminded of the labeling every single time I log onto facebook and I'm bombarded by people from my past. Pictures, stories of cast-parties, and people complaining about writing papers and freaking out about projects that are due. I work now. Yep. I spend my days working in an office, in front of a computer and answering phones. A job I NEVER thought I would be good at, let alone enjoy. But I do and that weirds me out to no end! :) I also spend my nights volunteering at church. Performing silly skits for the kids in the Kids of Faith Ministry and singing with the youth band, Innerlight. And in between work and church, I spend time with my best friend, my fiance, Paul.

I have come to a place where it's okay that I don't have a million friends that I spend all my time with. I'm completely content with what and who God has given me to play out my days. My life is simple, yet it keeps me busy. I am who I am and I wouldn't ever want to change that.

*Sigh* I'm not really sure what this blog was about, but I know that every time I catch a glimpse of my past on facebook, I feel the need to announce the change that has entered my life. I don't party anymore, I don't really act in plays or musicals (or even have the desire...which is REALLY weird), I don't really enjoy watching plays anymore either (I don't know why that is either). I have reached another level of life called ADULTHOOD.

But I'm left wondering...when did I grow up?

Moving forward...

I'm finally getting back into the swing of things as far as the wedding is concerned. I'm going to look for my dress tomorrow (FINALLY!) and I just bought Paulie's wedding ring. I'm going to try to surprise him with it on our wedding day. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to. He'll know that I bought it, but he won't know what it looks like until that day. I'm excited!!! :)

I paid the deposit for the reception hall and will hopefully be making more calls about the cake and dj and whatnot. Luckily, the food is going to be taken care of as well. Don't have to worry too much about finding a caterer. Thank God!

I need to keep my bridesmaids updated. I'm doing a bad job of that. I found the dress for them, I just need to make sure they get measured sometime soon! I added another bridesmaid a few weeks ago (now I have 7 including my lil sis who will be a junior bridesmaid...craziness!). I really wanted my cousin Katie to be in it since we were really close growing up and I'm only getting married once. Things just shift so much when you get older. I don't stay in touch with all my friends as much as I should, but at this point, I hardly see Paul. So if I haven't talked to you in awhile, don't take offense. I'm trying...

Honeymoon stuff:

We're praying for a trip to Hawaii. The inheritence money is taking a lot longer to receive then first expected. There's a possibility we might have to take one of the insurance companies to court. If this is the case, we may have to use the money out of our own pocket for our wedding. Pretty much like every other person on the planet that doesn't have a rich mommy and daddy. It's okay though. Everything is pretty easy to pay for so far. Not sure how much my dress is going to cost me, but at this point, I don't want to spend more than a few hundred dollars. I'm only wearing it for one day and not even a full day...9 hours. The food will probably be the most expensive thing, but it's still going to be under $2,000. It's kinda crazy how quickly things start adding up. I'm just ready to be married, but at the same time, I'm glad Paul and I get to enjoy being engaged for awhile.

Well, I'm going to enjoy this gorgeous Spring day. What a lovely Friday!!!

Have a blessed and beautiful weekend all!

Peace & Love.

Catching my breath.

So my life seems to have been running out ahead of me as I trail behind it yelling "Hey! Wait for me!!!"

Let's just say life got shoved into hyper-drive in the matter of a few weeks. And I now know the meaning of ADULTHOOD......WORK. Yes, yes...it's what I do now. And it feels really good, but at the same time I definitely don't feel like a kid any more. I may not have my own place, but there are things that I go without now that used to be at the center of my life because I had the freedom to do pretty much whatever I wanted if it was outside of theatre and the classroom.

I now understand why the weekends are so precious to so many working individuals. You need it! To catch your breath, to relax your body and mind. To rejuvinate before Monday comes learing around the corner. I truly love my new job. I'm good at it (not to sound too proud). But I give all the glory to my Maker for giving me the brains to be an amazing multi-tasker, organizer, and number-cruncher! I never thought I would enjoy working in an office, but it's perfect for a person like me who needs constant mind stimulation. Acting was good emotional stimulation, but now that I have God and Paulie, I've gotten that taken care of. I never had to use my thinking skills, my mind, my brain to dive into acting. I mean, yes, I had to use my mind pychologically. It was challenging emotionally, but it was never really the REAL mental challenge (not mentally challenged, lol...mental challenge...one that can be overcome...lol) I needed. I haven't had to use these math, communication, and organizational skills since I was in high school. College was stressful only because I was never stimulating my whole mind and never pushed it to where I know it could go because of how God made me.

I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to be "when I grow up" (professionally speaking), but I do know I'm called to be a servant of God, a strong and compassionate wife, and a loving mother. And it looks like I'm headed down the right path so far. :) I love being Paul's fiance. I couldn't ask for a better title (well, until 'wife' comes along in 8 months...). I love him with all of my heart and love sharing my life experiences with someone so precious and amazing like Paul.

I also don't know if/when I will go back to theatre. I'm still performing all the time at church. Singing in the youth band and performing as "POW" the superhero bible character (lol...never thought I would ever say that word combonation) for the children's ministry. It's more fulfilling than any of those characters I have played in the past because I'm impacting children's lives and their walk with God. What could be more meaningful than that? Definitely better than cussing someone out or stripping on stage. Drenched with pride and arrogance and confused out of my mind as to what is right and wrong. Wondering why I didn't get the part because "I'm so much prettier and talented than her!" My goodness have I come a long way from that life. Thank God that He loves me enough to not let me stay the same and to constantly change me.

Anyway, I guess I was feeling in a writing mood today. I just wanted to reflect a little bit on how far I've come.

I'm full of the fruits of the Spirit today as I remember what today is. Our Savior died for us on this Good Friday and He is Risen and we get to celebrate it all this weekend! Praise the Lord! I feel so loved. Warm and fuzziness. :)

I hope you all have a beautiful Easter weekend!

Peace & Love.