So, this place isn't really too different from Michigan when it comes to dramatic changes in weather, at least. Despite all that snow last week, it was again a sunny, blue-skied, 60 degree day. Patrick and I are hoping to go on a weekend camping trip or a day hike sometime soon to enjoy the weather (hopefully it stays) and to get out of the house and do something active!

Our recreation lately has been mostly to plan wedding stuff at night (we think we're pretty on top of things, aside of still not knowing the time and place, of course- haha), and even our weekends have been pretty tame too. This last Sunday we went to our friend Kat's apartment for a mini dinner party with a couple of other people. It was quite nice (and yummy!) so we are hoping to do those more often in the future.

As for work, I've caught on quite fast- it's not too difficult of work-and I like it alright. I'm still keeping an open eye/ear out for other prospects though. I had two interviews last week in other campus departments for full time jobs, but one of them I don't think I'd like to accept even if I was offered. It sounds like a lot of work, for not much more money, and I'm not sure I'd feel like I fit in with the people I'd be working with. I guess that's how you know when some things aren't worth it.

Anyway, sorry there hasn't been too much exciting news to report over the last month. Hopefully with the start of spring we'll be motivated to seek out some new adventures to go on, and then report on! :)

Is this Michigan or Missouri?!

Today we had a SNOW DAY! The Springfield area got around 5 or 6 inches of snow last night and the whole place shutdown. I know, what a joke! We also witnessed a rare sight this morning as well- TWO snow plows went down our street. The City of Springfield doesn't actually own any plows and had to contract the county to help them out. We were shocked.

This is something like the fifth or sixth day MSU has been closed this semester and if they keep it up the school year might get extended by a week or so. Yuck.

Our snow day was somewhat productive: we shoveled the car out (we might be the only people on the block with a shovel), called GVSU Event Planning to get information on the Cook-Dewitt Center for the ceremony, checked out "save the date" postcard prices and details, and did laundry.

Date and Place picking

We are very excited about this whole wedding thing and have jumped right into getting plans ready. Atalie has been delightfully looking up different types of wedding dresses, cakes, decorations, bridesmaid dresses, etc. Of course, none of that really matters much if we don't have a time and place picked out.

It's been taking us a while to decide those two most important elements of the wedding, since we obviously want as many people to come as possible but still have a venue and time of year we love. So far we've narrowed it down to several different weekends thoroughout early to mid summer, and we're particularly interested in Frederick Meijer Gardens and the Eberhard Center on GVSU's campus. We set up meetings over Easter weekend to speak with an event planner at each of those locations, and we're trying to find a couple other places as backups in case those are too expensive.

As for everything else, life's not too exciting at the moment other than an alarmingly high electric bill and another job interview at the university for a full time position. Atalie's not telling the HR dept. about that quite yet; however, I don't care what they say if she gets offered it- we need the money. Hope you're all doing well!

Wedding date selection help...

All this wedding stuff is very exciting, however we're kind of at a loss as to what time of the year we should have it. Patrick has put up a little poll on the right that asks about a few times of the year. It pretty much covers the whole year (2009) so choose wisely. Since those of you reading this blog are among our closest family and friends and will be (most likely) at the wedding, your input would help us a lot. We're really excited so get to choosing!

Double Whammy

So, another reason why Valentine's Day was a big day, is because it was my first day in the office at my new job. (The ice days we had this week postponed my start date that I mentioned in a prior blog entry.) There's not a whole lot to tell you all yet, after only my second day, but the ladies I will be working more closely with are quite nice and helpful. My work isn't very challenging, since all I've done so far is alphabetically file tax and personnel documents and mail carbon copies to different departments, but it's something to keep me busy and earn a little money. I received user id and password information for their computer access today too, so I might get a little more variety of tasks next week. And oh yeah- I already get a day off, since the university is closed Monday for President's day. :) That's pretty sweet.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Remember how Patrick and I mentioned at the end of October that for our 5 year anniversary we were going to go somewhere fancy for dinner because we never had yet? Well, that never happened, so we thought we'd do it this Valentine's Day, and guess what- it still hasn't happened! haha!

We originally had reservations for a nice restaurant, but because of the fixed four course menu it was using today, we decided to cancel and opt for something cheaper but still romantic by having a tasty dinner at home on the floor in front of our first experimental fire in our fireplace. I decided to surprise Patrick with the firewood by dragging in a bunch of mangled branches fallen in our yard after the ice storm we had earlier this week. I was proud of myself, but it kinda shocked him when he got home and opened the office door. :)


After our lovely Chinese Barbecue Chicken Lettuce Wraps served by candlelight in front of a warm crackling fire, Patrick picked up the platter and dishes and took them to the kitchen, and when he came back and sat on the floor he brought something else back with him- a ring! And as you can assume, I said yes. :) So check out the picture of the gorgeous ring Patrick had made for me- a blue sapphire bordered by 2 white sapphires and set in white gold.


I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day, but to tell the truth, I am not so sure yours will top ours. All the same, lots of love to you all!

First Week of February

Not many noteworthy things happened this week- except, perhaps several beautiful days, including a 69 degree day- but the week and weekend flew by, nonetheless. Following a Friday movie night with friends, Patrick and I made some delicious vanilla-almond-crunch French toast out of a loaf of challah bread I baked, and went on a nice evening walk on Saturday. We cleaned the house up (finally) on Sunday- it looks really sharp!- and had a couple of friends over for brunch and the Red Wings game that was on in the afternoon. Patrick was super excited, despite their loss, because there's been a lack of broadcasted hockey down here. We already know what we're doing next week Sunday too, seeing as there will be another aired game. :)

As for the coming week, work and school for Patrick as usual, and my first day on the job on Tuesday for me. I'm a bit scared since I will be leaving the comforts of home behind, but I've already made a list of how all my paychecks over the next year will be spent- haha. :) I'll have to let you know how it all goes, so stay tuned.