I Do Believe In It

Relationships don't work the way they do on television and in the movies. Will they? Won't they? And then they finally do, and they're happy forever. Gimme a break. Nine out of ten of them end because they weren't right for each other to begin with, and half of the ones who get married get divorced anyway, and I'm telling you right now, through all this stuff, I have not become a cynic, I haven't. Yes, I do happen to believe that love is mainly about pushing chocolate covered candies and, y'know, in some cultures, a chicken. You can call me a sucker, I don't care, because I do believe in it. Bottom line is: it's couples who are truly right for each other wade through the same crap as everybody else, but the big difference is they don't let it take them down. One of those two people will stand up and fight for that relationship every time. If it's right, and they're real lucky, one of them will say something. - Dr. Cox // Scrubs // My Bed Banter & Beyond [1.15]

I believe that no matter the strain (and I've had a heaping handful of'em) on a relationship, that you should never give up on what you know to be true in your heart. It may not be super obvious to anyone, and it may be perfectly obvious everyone - my relationship with Matt isn't perfect. And no, I'm not going to push that 'perfectly imperfect' bs because that's over-done and annoying. Every relationship has its hardships, no matter what degree, length or effort. However, I can guarantee that, no matter the obstacle or issue, my relationship with Matt will always come out stronger. That being said, we both took a leap of faith to do something we had been trying to difficultly to do over the passed year - we moved out together and are trying it on our own.
No, issues don't disappear, feelings don't vanish, and trust doesn't magically reappear. It takes time. It takes effort. But most of all - it takes total faith in that other person to be able to trust them ever again. I can honestly say that, at this very moment, I am extremely happy with the decisions that I have made. My life isn't terrible, my new home is astounding, and my love for Matt has grown.
I'm absolutely excited for the wedding in several months (183 days, to be exact). I just ordered my save-the-dates, approved the proof, and printing has begun - now I just have to keep an eye on the mailbox! And although I won't have a certain someone standing up there with me as per their choice, I still have ever-faithful Tori to be there for me and help me along the way. I can't say I'm happy about the decisions that were made or the actions that were taken; however, what happened, happened and there's no changing the past.
My job, since I became full-time, has become so much better. I'm no longer just in picking, I also pack to ship orders in singles, as well. I am absolutely loving it so much, my job isn't nearly as unbearable as it once was and it makes me a billion times happier. I've gotten to that point in my job where I feel confident in my work.
I recently went to the Field of Screams with Tori. Its officially a tradition, lol. It was so freggin cold but sooo freggin worth it to have some quality time with my best friend and to go out and do something we both enjoy. Haha loved it when she smacked her body against the wall so hard cause this chick went from lifeless to psycho in .06 seconds. It was pretty great (: It was; however, too cold for my peacock costume. That's right, peacock. I will post a diy whenever I can. It's nothing special (except to me, of course). I didn't put too much effort into it, so it can be a sorta 'easy and cheap' diy.
I am loving mine and Matt's apartment. And so is Bitty :D She practically has her own bathroom, the whole place to herself for several, several hours and she is extremely playful. For nine years old, she's extremely lively. Decorating, buying furniture, and organizing everything has been an absolute blast for me! I'm just missing internet (netflix and hulu, oh how I miss you dearly) and the fact that we have yet to obtain a washer and dryer (first month bills are taking their toll but not taking us down!). I was so excited to set out candy for our downstairs neighbors' kids :D I've always wanted to wait on trick or treat-ers, but we've never lived in the appropriate neighborhood (my last house was on a giaaaaaant hill and I don't blame the kids for not taking the trek) - and this year I had to work :/ Ohhh well.

Hello Falling Leaves & Goodbye Honey Bees!

When is this weather going to chill out and stay that way? I'm dying to wear my cozy hoodies and sweaters again. Hopefully its sooner rather than later because my patience is wearing thin with each passing 90 degree work night in this wearhouse.
I absolutely can't wait to begin creating my Halloween costume. Of course, pictures will be posted on this momentous occasion (possibly even a diy - if it turns out as awesome as I hope). The best day of the year shall be upon us soon and I must prepare!! Gahh I'm so incredibly excited, I can't stand it..
Pretty soon peak season with all descend upon us - forcing us into 11-hour work nights and 5-day weeks. Bleh
However, we should be getting the apartment any day now (or moving onto another complex). We have a concert coming up (Yay, Taking Back Sunday!!).

Over The Next Few Months

September
Matt and I might be moving into our first apartment together.

October
Halloweeeeeeeen. Decorating. Fun. Movies.
Pumpkin patch visits
Hayrides.
Field of Screams
Costumes :D

November
My nephews 5th birthday!
Taking Back Sunday!

//FFWD//

January
5 years with Matt.

//FFWD//

May
We're getting married!

Transfer: Necessary

Tuesday, August 6

First things first, along with planning my wedding, my honeymoon, and finally a move into my first apartment, I'm also trying my best to excel at work. Of course, there are good days and bad days - but a lot of what I feel like is holding me back is the issue of my weight. Without going into detail, let's just say that due to my excess in weight, I often experience (painful) problems following a long nights work.
I am currently looking into solutions, but I am admittedly growing weary and hopeless in my search. I know that a solution won't be easily handed to me and I realize that the more obvious solution would be to lose weight; however, I've been trying to do just that for quite some time now, to no avail. It took me five months (from early December to late April or even May) of jogging and tread-milling several times a week just to go down 2 pant sizes. When I stepped on the scale, I had; in fact, not lost a single pound. Now that I have this job, all of that free time is gone, along with my energy.
I explained to Matt that once we are settled into the new apartment up here in Shepherdsville, that I want to join the 24 gym near work and start to go there on a semi-full time basis (basically, any time that I have the time). I'm really hoping that we can begin moving in in October (or late September - it all depends on how quickly we gather the money for that freakin' first month of turning stuff on and putting down deposits 'n all that). Oh and just thinking about October makes me super excited because I'm a Halloween-freak! I love all of the decorating and costumes and movies!! Ahh, I'm so stoked. I really can't wait to see the awesome costume that Jade'll have on Zach.
I hastily decided - before ordering my save-the-dates - that I would rather be more sure that the weather won't be cold; therefore, I chose to push the date for my wedding back two months (haha let's avoid those April showers!). I'm so excited that I've become overly anxious - wanting to get all of the planning and purchasing done now, when I have 9 months.. So I'm pretty much putting wedding stuff on hold for now and trying to focus on:
- Apartment
- Work

I'm mostly excited about finally establishing myself as an adult. I know that technically, according to my age, that I am an adult.. But 'living at home with your parents' doesn't exactly scream 'adult' to me. I mean, I finally have a job (first.one.ever). I've been waiting so long to finally try to live my life 'on my own'. Haha, even though I'll of course have Matt with me, like always (:
Ohh! I forgot to mention how excited I am about becoming a full-time Amazon employee in a week! August 14th (a Wednesday) I'll be coming into work (on my day off) to have orientation all over again (8 hours of paper work, re-training and logistical crap) and starting my first day as an 'Amazonian' (blegh at that word) on Thursday! I'll finally have insurance and a more secure job. I'll have more opportunities to branch out and find my niche. I've been waiting three months for this and hopefully it all pays off once I can (maybe) transfer to a different department (or even be trained elsewhere within my department). I'm hoping that if I can be transferred to a stationary department (or a lesser-movement department), then my issue with having to buy new pairs of shorts every single month might subside or even end!

Thursday, August 23

Well, I have officially transferred to singles. I'm picking the first half of the week (Monday and Tuesday) and packing the last half (Thursday and Friday). Singles is okay. It isn't the greatest thing ever, but it isn't the worst. We vto'd tonight :D It's great because my shoulder blades and fingers couldn't take anymore pain (cardboard cuts are evil, btw). I have an hour until Matt gets off and then we can go home and snuggle a bunch.
Last Saturday, Matt and I drove up to Louisville and saw Chevelle in concert. Other than the horrid drunk people, guys being dicks to their chicks, and the fact that I couldn't see more than half of the time - it was really fantastic. Their music sounded better than great and the lead singers voice is spectacular live (I hate bands that sound better on cd and suck live ::ahem:: Seether).
I'm finally full-time and I can't wait for that first paycheck :D

To be expected over the following months:

September
Sarah's Birthday
Jade's Birthday

October
Field of Screams
Decorating
Movie Night with Jade

November
Taking Back Sunday
Seth's Birthday
Send Save the Date's

December
Dad's Birthday

January
Matt's Birthday

February
Valentine's Day

March
Mom's Birthday
James' Birthday

April

May
Wedding
Honeymoon

20 & Engaged.

For my birthday, I wanted to get in touch with my childhood home, and camp in the spot where I've camped a million times since being born (seriously); however, that spot was all booked up - so we settled for something a little closer to Jamestown. I had hoped that Aunt Jenny, Lex, and Sean could camp also, but they couldn't, and we drove to them..
Saturday morning, Matt packed up the car, snatched Tori up from her deep sleep - loaded her in - and picked me up from work. I was so excited, that I seriously didn't go to sleep until 10 that night. The drive didn't seem as long as I had remembered it, probably because we all talked the entire way.
First, we checked out our campsite before heading over to Aunt Jenny's.. where we spent the entire day just hanging out, talking and enjoying each others company.
Once we returned for the night, we swam quite a bit, then watched Matt attempt to start the fire for what felt like nearly two hours. It was pitch black when he decided to ask the neighboring campsite - who allowed us the use of their blowtorch.. hah
The very next day, we packed up after eating breakfast just as it was about to pour down on us. We stopped at Forbus for some fudge and ended up with 1 1/4 lbs. Deliciouuuuus, until we left it at Aunt Jenny's. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Before we went back to Aunt Jenny's, we stopped back off at Alvin C York Park, where we waded in the freezing water, ate lunch while it poured, and oh yeah I got engaged :D I was so incredibly stunned that my initial response was 'Really?'
I just couldn't believe it, it was out of nowhere..
But of course, the realization of the moment kicked in and I gave him a quick yes.
Oh, did I mention he was kneeling in that cold ass water when he asked me?
It was so beautiful and fantastic, I love it. And at one of my most favorite places as a child. I never forgot that park. I always remember the green bridge and the tiny little dam. Its gorgeous there, and I can't wait to go back.. And eventually take my children there (:

Currently, I'm planning my wedding and getting everything figured out. I'm also apartment hunting still, so my schedule is overfilled. I'm so excited though, so it's not so bad. Jade has pretty much become my wedding planner, haha. She doesn't know what realm she has just fell into.

Well, until I have more to share later on (:
Anddd, if you're interested in following along with my wedding plans n all that, you're more than welcome to check out my blog:

Right Here

What's new :D

Welllll I've been working at Amazon for a little over a month now. I am loving being with Matt so much more often. And sometimes he picks with me (: We share fifteen minutes of lunch together every single night, too. Which is awesome! Anddd since tomorrow is my day off, and Thursday is the fourth of July, I have two days off, work Friday night, and another two days off (given that we don't have overtime). I have been beasting it up though, in picking - so we better not have any damn overtime :D And yeah, sure my feet are killing me constantly, and the hours are super lonnnnnnng, but it's good money and money is what I need to get my life on track. Anddddddd I just applied to be hired on full-time so that I can begin to have full time benefits and all that jazz.
My Jadey-poo will be gracing the great state of Kentucky with her presence once more while Brandi-Joe graduates from basic. She and little Zach will be hoppin' a plane over here. I'm hoping to see the both of them (although, not Brandon, I don't believe).
In a couple-o'-weeks, I'll be turning twenty. And what this girl wants for her birthday is to do some primitive camping down in Tennessee with my family down there (: I found the place, got the (free) permit, and plan on taking the trip down there with Matt and Tori! Aunt Jenny, Sean, and Lex are supposed to camp with us, too. I'm so excited and I can't wait for that weekend. Again, overtime betta not ruin my plans. It shouldn't, though. Since I started here, we haven't had overtime not once. Luck or coincidence?
More or less 'recently' I've decided to clean up my life and straighten some things out. Firstly, no more fake celebrating religious holidays. I'm not religious, I'm not celebrating. That means you, Christmas. And tou-tah-lou Easter! If I want to show someone how much they mean to me through the embodiment of a 'gift' or 'present' I'll do it at whatever time of year I damn well please. I will; however, be greedy and shop when it's cheapest bwahahaha That's the American in me. Oh, wait, sorry... 'Murican.
And just this passed weekend, Matt and I drove up to my mammaws house in Indiana (200 miles that felt like 2,000). I enjoyed it a lot more than I had expected to. The drive is what killed me. No working stereo........ 'Nuff said. Got home around midnight (practically on the dot, lol). I got some veggies to bring home with me that are suuuuper delicious and straight out of her and Ed's garden, too!
Well, I'll be definitely posting pictures later.
And I mean a shit ton.
Boat loads.
Too many for this site to handle, possibly? We shall see.

And for anybody interested, here's my friend Jade's blog:

http://staygoldsweetheart.blogspot.com/

Unwinding Because Its Summertime

I can't believe that my best friend Jade is finally a mommy (: It truly seemed like she had been pregnant forever. And he is splendiforously adorable!<br>

Yesterday Tori, Matt and I drove up to Newport and visited the aquarium, a tiny fair, and Ohio. The Ohio part was my favorite. We walked across the bridge into Ohio and walked down to the water. I really wish Seth had come along, but I had a great day nonetheless.<br>

I'm super stoked for the upcoming fair and for the rest of the summer. I totally plan on going up to Fort Knox to swim and all that good stuff.<br>

And let's not forget - taking seth to see Thomas the train

Today, I got my resized promise ring back from Zales. It feels incredible to have it back. Now, to await the arrival of my newly-sized, freshly-cleaned engagement ring!

Here are the pictures :D

June

So much has happened in the month of June (and it's only the third)!

+ I've started my (first.job.ever.) as a temp at Amazon with Matt. It's mentally the easiest job I have ever done; however, I'm physically worn after each and every ten hour shift. I absolutely love working with Matt, though. It's great being able to have lunch with him and see him around every now and then. Plus, the feeling of accomplishment once I'm in the car and riding back home (: I can tell that Matt enjoys me being there to ride with him as opposed to being alone.
+ Tori's 21st Birthday was jut yesterday and I made her some wicked awesome jello shots!!
+ Zach Bunnell will be making hs appearance into this world any day now. Possibly any hour.

A Little Update on Life

Several weeks ago, my little Jadey-poo hopped a plane with a belly full o' baby - San Diego bound. Now, she is nearing her big finale in which she will bring Zachary Michael Bunnell into this world! I'm so glad that Matt and I had finally gotten around to shipping off her four flat rate boxes and she has already torn into them! She's been keeping me updated with pictures every now and then and texting me practically every single day

{Apr 22}

{May 13}

{May 25}

"Recieved Brandon's box of personal effects from great lakes this afternoon. Everything still smells like him. Keeping his wedding ring next to my heart." - Jade

Brandon's already left for boot camp, and today Jade got his wedding ring in the mail. Before he left, him, Matt and I all went to a Sick Puppies concert together up in Lexington (after we made a stop for dinner at BWW). Oh and who could forget our detour into the 'shadow lands' at about one in the morning, all thanks to Mr. Bunnell.

{May 5} at Buster's Billiards for the concert

{May 5} Sick Puppies

Tori's finally out of school, but she isn't kicking back quite yet.. She's going into overdrive struggling family, her new busier work schedule and tae kwon do! Hi-YA!

A couple of weeks ago, I found the gown of my dreams and was reluctant to try it on. Welllll, thanks to six months of visiting the gym - and after going down two pants sizes - I was the happiest girl alive to zip'r up and actually be able to breathe. I'm keeping the gown a secret to everyone (for more shock and awe, obviously). However, I'm more than happy to share my gorgeous ring! A good cleaning and minimal resizing - and it'll be absolutely perfect. And then, I just have to wait for Matt to determine the perfect time to ask me (:


Only a few more days until I can (hopefully) finally start my new job! I was hired over a month ago, attempted (but was mis-scheduled for, not to my own error) to attend orientation twice already (each spanning two weeks in between). I'm eagerly hoping to catch a break and finally start rakin' in the dough.

Things to look forward to:
+ Jade having Zach.
+ Brandon finishing bootcamp and returning to Jade and his son.
+ Getting to see Jade, Brandon, and Zach.
+ ???
+ I'm definitely looking forward to saving up some money and getting these two tattoos:

"Off to San Diego, you go!"

Sooooo my pregnant best friend is moving all the way across the country ):
Tomorrow.

I'm gonna miss her soooo much, it's ridiculous. I'm gonna have to try my hardest to keep in touch, even though I know that her life is only going to get busier and busier.
One way to keep my spirits high is knowing that (eventually) I'll get to meet little Zachary Michael! He'll be about ten months when I get to see him - but she knows I'm expecting some birth pictures and follow-ups.
I'm so happy for her, that she gets to begin her new life with her husband in the navy and her new baby on the way (as soon as this July).

Onesies we made at the shower {Mar 29}
My two best friends {Apr 7}
Walking in the creek {Apr 7}
Mr. & Mrs. {Apr 7}
Playing cornhole for the first time {Apr 7}

Highlights

Everytime a woman is down and out about her appearances (me = weight), they do little things to alter them; although, not drastic, can perk up any dwindling self-image-feelings. Therefore, I decided I wanted to grow my hair out long. And I mean, long enough to extend my sproingy curls and end my curly q's. Along with it, I decided that (since I haven't dyed my hair in years) I wanted to have multi-faceted highlights in addition to my long hair.


It just so happens that Jade, Brandon and Tori allll came to visit (Jade dropped off some wish-me-well items, and Tori came to see my moms birthday present.


Tori immediately groped my hair and squeal-giggled.

Mr. & Mrs. Bunnell

Somewhat Candid
Photo credit: Brandon Bunnell

Mr. Papa Georgio, Mom's Bday present (which is tomorrow)

Catching Last Minute Memories with a Butterfly Net

Look at that belly :D


Gosh her belly. She's gonna burst in July


I made this for little Zach


Same day, naked belly.


First ultrasound of the little tyke, playing with his wittle feets.