So In the midst of a storm, God has a great way of pointing out ways he has blessed me.
Here are a few:
1) I have managed to find 2 dresses within my parents' budget for my dress
2) I have decided rather quickly on bridesmaid dresses and colors
3) Mom and I agreed on flowers and managed to find a really beautiful package through SamsClub for our cream-colored roses. We're getting ALL of our flowers for $300 for bouquets, bouts, corsages, petals ... $200 for 250 stems of cream roses - going to use them to decorate the ceremony site and reception site ... and will get some baby's breath for making our decorations from Costco if SamsClub doesn't offer it online.
4) My future in-laws are just awesome, awesome people. They have supported our relationship from day 1, they are just like a second family. They are offering to pay for some of the wedding expenses too, so that the FI and I don't go into debt trying to help my parents pay for it.
5) While my job may or may not go full-time in January, I have an interview for a seasonal holiday job at Macy's near my home - interview is Thursday! I have worked bridal depts, home goods,etc ,and have experience working at Bed Bath and Beyond, so I think that will help me get a good placement.
6) Some colleagues at the school where I teach have started a Zumba work-out session and I've joined-- bonding time with colleagues, and a really fun work-out!
7) I'm a new faculty member at this school, and this is my 4th yr teaching -my principal is beyond awesome and sees all of the positive things I'm doing for the chorus program at the school. A parent delivered tissues and hand sanitzer (anonymously) today and the principal saw it and was like "this is amazing! good things are happening for you! this is the first of things come!" .... made me feel REALLY good about my job security, my job performance, etc.
8) I'm SOOOOOO close to being out of CC debt. The only thing left will be my student loans, home mortgage (the one I'm trying to sell), and car loan. It feels good to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now for that last $1000 of CC debt, which I have already saved about $500. It's on zero percent until April, so I'm going to make one lump-sum payment once I have all of the funding saved, which should happen by February or so.!!!
9) TK christian weddings board is just awesome. Great place to help each other through our problems. I have found so much comfort in TK boards, whether christian or not, because I can see the other brides are making some of the same difficult decisions that I have to make as far as the guest list, picking colors, food, dealing with parents and/or in-laws, etc. Knowing you're not the only one going through something is a relief.
10) My future "aunt" in-law (FI doesn't have mom or dad, so she's like his mom) -- we talked for hours about wedding stuff and she's so excited. She has been excited when my mom has not been, so it's a really good balance for me.
11) AWESOME bridesmaid selection. Just awesome, awesome girls. MOH is my sister-in-law (brother's wife), then FI's cousin (like his sister), a mutual friend of ours, and my little brother's girl friend (she may as well be family at this point).
I don't mean to sound braggy --- I know at times I won't be able to be as happy about things, but I know that it's helpful to share. I draw so much inspiration from you all on the boards, so I wanted to share my positives. WHAT a whirlwind this has all been!
~ Kelly
July 16, Our Wedding Day, is also International Juggling Day!
