Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Highs and Lows

I often have my staff members start our weekly meetings by sharing their highs and lows for the week. As I lie here tonight (not quite sleepy enough to sleep, but certainly tired), I cant help thinking that my week has been defined by highs and lows thus far.

My actual workload has been heavy but manageable as we approach closing the residence halls. High.

The other night, Michael and I encountered a handicap parking nightmare in which we learned the school won't tow anyone for 48 hours, even if they are parked illegally, and even knowing Michael uses a wheelchair and lives on campus. This was a day ruiner and left us really disappointed. Major low.

The President of the United States was on campus yesterday, clearly stating he was a Tar Heel fan. High.

A dear lady from First Baptist Lithia Springs named Roberta Quinn (or Mrs. Roberta as she's more widely known) passed away this week. High for Mrs. Roberta and Heaven. Low for those of us who love her here.

I got a beautiful new computer at an awesome discount. Super high.

I have a difficult situation at work that I'm trying to remain positive about but feel discouraged by. Low.

Michael and I had dental appointments today and no cavities. High.

I've had about 9 hours of after hours work-related obligations this week. Low.

I got to host a CD candidate for dinner tonight and reminisce about my job search and CSAA. High.

It's just been one of those weeks where Tuesday feels like it should be Friday and the highs are needed to deal with the lows.

I'm looking forward to a high on Sunday when I get a pedicure. I feel like I deserve it this week.

Monday, April 9, 2012

I Said Yes

Today marks two years since I said yes when Michael asked me to marry him.  With such a momentous occasion, I thought it would only be appropriate that I relive the memories of that day.

Michael and I had planned a trip to our favorite place in the world, Berry College.  I had an agenda set and people to see, because that's just how I roll.  We arrived at Berry in the morning, so naturally we went to the Office of Residence Life first thing.  We visited for a little while with those kind folks and then got a key to go get an up close look at the new residence halls, Morgan and Deerfield. After checking out those beautiful halls, we went to see Ms. Allie in admissions.  Michael and I had been dating for about 4 years, so I knew a proposal wasn't far away, but I distinctly remember telling Allie that Michael would not be proposing that day. He had let me plan it all out, so I really didn't think it would be happening.

It got to be lunch time and Michael asked what I wanted to eat. Naturally, I said McDonald's (A girl has to get her sweet tea fix every now and then). We got our McDonald's and headed up to the parking lot at the foot of the hill up at Frost Chapel.  The plan was to picnic.....until I saw the mower.  I was not about to eat outside with grass blowing around. So Michael and I had a car picnic - something we actually do a lot :).  A couple minutes later, Berry Elementary let out for recess, so added to the mowing noise were screaming children - it was great.

At some point (post cheeseburger), I looked over at Michael and he was holding the most beautiful engagement ring.




He said sweet things that I can't remember, asked me to marry him, and I said yes. It was the sweetest, most "us" proposal that could have happened.



Michael later told me that his original plans hadn't quite taken form.  He told me he had practiced getting down on one knee for our outdoor picnic - if that doesn't tug at your heartstrings, I don't know what will.

Of course, we had to return the key we borrowed from Residence Life which meant those folks were the very first people we saw post-engagement.  How fitting that residence life was somewhat involved in our engagement when it had definitely been involved in our meeting one another (I met Michael at my very first hall social - thanks, Susan!).

I later had to practically stalk Allie through Rome to share the good news with her, but it was worth it to see my buddy on that very special day.

A few months later on a very hot day in August, we had our engagement pictures shot at none other than Berry College.  Here are a few of my favorites:







I am so very thankful for Mr. Michael and the joy he brings me every day, and I will always be glad I said yes.

Friday, April 6, 2012

No Time Like the Present

Hello Everyone!

Time and again I said I was going to start a blog and time and again I did not...until now! I have several friends who blog and it makes me feel closer to them by having a sense of what's going on in their lives in a very unexpected way; I hope that my blog will offer the same experience to my family and friends. The internet offers great opportunities to maintain connectedness, and it's time that I jumped on board :).

My original intention was to begin a blog when Michael and I moved to North Carolina. I wanted to chronicle our first year of marriage, my first full time job, the experiences I've had at Carolina, and whatever else happened in between.  I may be a little late (....9 months or so....) to accomplish that, but there's no time like the present!

May you all have a wonderful Good Friday, remembering the immeasurable love God has for each of us.