One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things.

-John Burroughs

I have never been big on New Year's Resolutions. Quite frankly, I can't remember a single resolution I made last year, so they couldn't have been that good! This year, however, I am making them, I am writing them here, and I am doing my best to uphold them. 2011 holds a LOT of special potential for me, and I feel like I ought to pay my respects to it with a few resolutions:

1. To be more organized. Most of the time, I appear extremely organized and type A. However, certain pockets of my life are what I like to call "organized chaos." Such as my email. I never delete anything, or file it, or sometimes even read it for that matter. Until today, my gmail inbox had 837 messages, 246 of which were unread. HOLY SMOKES. No more of that. I am going to use the tools that gmail gives me to organize it. I will file away things in their appropriate folders if they need to be saved. I will delete the Groupon email the moment I decide not to indulge in it's wonderful deal of the day. I will not have more than 10 items in my inbox at a time (This is big.). mark. my. words.

I will even do the same with my school email. and if I get really organized, I will forward my school email to gmail to allow me to better organize it. Because outlook is not nearly as nice for such things as gmail. lets be real.

I will also organize the office (Matthew- this one is for you babe!) I will no longer have piles of school notes mixed with coupons mixed with bank statements. I will put the school things in binders and the statements in the file box. Immediately. Not 3 weeks after I receive them. I will throw away the coupons I know I will not use. I wont keep things I know we don't need!

I will also organize my sim lab drawers- I will no longer spend 10 minutes digging through junk I don't use or need everyday (hammer, pres/res dentoform, rubber dams etc) just to get to the things I know I always need. I am cleansing and organizing it all!

2. Make more time for quiet time and prayer. & spend less time wasting time on things like facebook! I have a new devotional book and I am going to make a point to devote time to that everyday. and maybe even journal too.

3. Pass NBDE Part 1 Boards. The 1st time. This one is self explanatory, but I would like to get it out of the way sooner rather than later and with as little undue stress as possible. I am also resolving not to freak out about it, and I am accepting that I will not know everything. period. I will put effort in and pass and move on to treating patients!

4. To not stress about the wedding. It is too easy to get caught up in all of the stress of every little detail, especially with all the other things going on in my life as I try to plan this wedding. But I resolve to not stress, and to remind myself that the only truly important thing is that at the end of the day on August 13, 2011, Matthew and I are married.

5. Be under budget. My fiance is an accountant. So naturally, we have an elaborate and very to-the-decimal-point budget. Yet, I still have a knack for going over it from time to time (or all the time...). This year, I'm going to pay attention to the budget. I'm going to be better about needless spending. I am going to try my hardest to stay under budget, rather than trying my hardest to pretend the budget doesn't exist. I will even make more coffee at home and drink less Starbucks. This may be the hardest resolution yet...

6. Be healthier. Overall. I have done a decent job with this this year, but there is always room for improvement. I am going to skip the gym less and skip the sweets more. I will drink more water and less soda. I'll take the stairs, not the elevator. I will get more sleep. I will take my vitamins more than twice a week. I will eat a good breakfast everyday. I will stretch. I will put my health before my studies!

So there you have it, my resolutions for 2011. So enjoy the last days of 2010, and think of your own resolutions for the new year. It is sure starting to look like it will be a good one!

Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air

I know I can count on you

Sometimes I feel like saying "Lord I just don't care"

But you've got the love I need To see me through

Sometimes it seems that the going is just too rough

And things go wrong no matter what I do

Now and then it seems that life is just too much

But you've got the love I need to see me through

When food is gone you are my daily meal

When friends are gone I know my savior's love is real

Your love is real

You got the love

You got the love

You got the love

You got the love

You got the love

You got the love

Time after time I think "Oh Lord what's the use?"

Time after time I think it's just no good

Sooner or later in life, the things you love you loose

But you got the love I need to see me through

-Florence and the Machine

This song is basically on repeat on my finals playlist. Halfway there!

Take a Listen.

PS: 11 days until Christmas!

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."

-Mignon McLaughlin

So in 248 days, Matthew and I are getting married. We are doing all sorts of things in the upcoming months to get ready for it, and then we will have a life together beyond that. I like to call us [Soon-to-be] Team Warnken, and I can't wait to drop that whole Soon-to-be part. Matthew and I are both sports enthusiasts so Team Warnken just fits. Someday we will be more of us than just enough to field a ping-pong team or a tennis double. Anyway, I decided this whole future and marriage thing deserved its own blog. So, here it is!

[Soon-to-Be] TEAM WARNKEN

Check it out! I am excited to see where it goes, and where our life together takes us!

“I am with you always…”

Matthew 28:20

In the past few weeks, I have done some serious soul-searching. I have wondered if the path I am on to being a Dentist is truly the path that was meant for me. I have talked to God, I have questioned God, and I have questioned myself. I have cried. I have yelled. I have tossed and turned at night. The hardest part of all of it is that prior to the last month or two, I have always been SO sure that this is the path I am supposed to take. Prayer and introspection has lead me to believe that it still is, but that I can't do it alone. I need love and support. I need to rely a little bit more on that love and support. I need balance, and more than just dentistry in my life. But above all, I need faith. Faith that no matter how hard it gets, this is where I am meant to be. And I have been seriously lacking in that faith.

Its amazing how some people can inspire you. My sister has a blog that inspires me every time I read it. My friends post things about people I don't even know that inspire me on a constant basis. Matthew and his constant patience, love, and understanding inspire me daily.

I have realized that more than anything, my faith pulls me through. Faith in God and his plan, Faith in my future, Faith in those around me. It is when I express this faith, and allow it to allow me to see daily small miracles, that I am most content. So take some time, see the miracles. (Even if the only miracle you can see is that you got through the day without your bridge falling apart on you in lab). Because life is so much brighter when faith illuminates it.

"Wasn't it easier in your lunchbox days?

Always a bigger bed

to crawl into

Wasn't it beautiful when you believed in everything?

And everybody believed in you?

It's all right, just wait and see

Your string of lights is still bright to me

Oh, who you are is not where you've been

You're still an innocent"

-Taylor Swift

So October was a long month. 19 days of school, 14 exams. Not exactly my idea of fun. But we all survived, and I learned a few things:

1. I can handle more than I thought. Even at its worst, I am still doing what I want to be doing, which is an incredible blessing that not everyone can be thankful for. (But, if we never have a month like october again, I will be totally okay with that).

2. No matter what life brings, balance is a must. However, it is much easier said than done. Often, my loved ones get pushed to the wayside because of the stress of exams and ambitions. I'm learning that when that happens, I only end up frustrated and distanced, and it is never really worth it. I think this is an ongoing battle for most, and those that find some sort of balance are happiest. I'm slowly getting there :)

3. Teamwork is also a must. I am not sure what I would do without my classmates sometimes. For instance, a few weeks ago, we had to take PVS impressions on manikins for our removable partial dentures class. Basically, this sort of impression is nearly impossible to get off of a plastic mouth with no saliva. It was frustrating, and all of us were fed up and struggling. My friend nick handed me his plate with his dentoform on it (basically what you screw the plastic mouth to and then put a face over to simulate the patient). His impression was stuck so he said "Here, hold this and PULL." It didn't work. So Billy jumps in and says "We just need more people." He grabs the plate as well and before we know it there are SIX people pulling from one side or the other:

Naturally, Anna took pictures. And the best part was, after a few minutes (literally) of tugging, the impression came flying off and all of us went flying in different directions. It was hilarious. So even though the day was frustrating and basically a wash for most of us, we had fun and got a laugh in. Which is basically why I could never survive dental school without my classmates.

4. When I start to lose sight of my center and what is truly important, God tends to remind me. The other day, I was driving home when I witnessed an act of kindness and love that honestly brought tears to my eyes. I was driving down Wisconsin Avenue on my way home from school when I saw a man on the ground in the middle of the road, near the divider. He was older, frail, and a little rough looking. And he was struggling. As I was processing the situation and panicking he was going to be hit, a dark, sleek SUV going the opposite direction stopped. In the middle of Wisconsin Ave. Put the car in PARK. In the middle of Wisconsin Ave. Did I mention it was rush hour? If you are from Omaha, imagine Dodge at 5pm (only you can turn left on Wisconsin). Tampa friends- imagine Dale Mabry, but 2 lanes rather than 3 or 4. Busy. Bustling. Road-Ragers everywhere. Additionally, this particular part of Wisconsin Ave is a little bit rough. most people drive through trying not to look around or stay too terribly long... Anyway, the SUV stopped and out-stepped a well dressed sleek looking man, probably in his 30s. He picked the man up from behind, and then put his hand out, stopped traffic, and walked the man to the other side of the street. No one honked. Every car stopped (and not simply because the light was red, it had since turned green). It was amazing. Before I even realized it, my eyes were welling up. SUV-Man did not have to stop. No one else did. I am honestly not sure I would have had the courage to. I have no idea how long the fallen-man had been in the road. But SUV-man stopped, and made the rest of the road stop in doing so. It was so incredible and moving. There IS still good in the world. People care for people they don't know. And God has a way of reminding us all to love our neighbors as ourselves.

5. I seriously can't wait for August 13th, 2011. I thought I was excited 15 months ago. Now I am downright ecstatic and I still have 9 months of being patient. We took engagement photos 2 weeks ago- I will be sharing as soon as I get them! I booked a DJ, so if all else fails there WILL be a party :). A bridesmaid dress is IN, another is ordered, and 5 more are being decided on :). One shower is planned, another has a date, and another is in the works. All 3 in different states! I love my family and this long distance wedding thing is really not so bad at all. I'm working on save-the-dates, a florist, and little unique ideas to make the whole thing truly ours. Matthew is continually supportive and occasionally gives an answer other than "whatever you want, babe." While some brides might rejoice in this response- I quite frankly can't stand it. This isn't MY wedding. It is OUR wedding. What he wants matters too -unless of course it is green and red tuxes (Matthew's fraternity colors) for the groomsmen. Then its my wedding and no green and red allowed- but only then! Its an August wedding- green and red? really?!? Then, of course, he snickers and says "I just love to see your face when I do that!" At least he's entertained?? Needless to say the entire process has been entertaining and both of us just can't wait.

So now that we are in November, I'm focusing on balance, relaxation, and peacefulness. Im slowing down and trying to enjoy life outside of school while keeping school under control. only 4 tests all month so I'll let you know how that goes... :).

Sorry for the long update- go do something fun before its freezing and there is snow on the ground (its in the Milwaukee forcast- ewww). Have a good week!

Jesus said "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to the mountain 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

God works in mysterious ways, and sometimes I think we forget to give him credit. I've been stressing out a lot lately. October is going to be a rough month. Tests basically barfed on my planner this month and decided to spare far less days than they took hostage. Two this week. Three the next week. Three the next week. Fall Break (a whole day off- thank you for being so generous, Marquette). ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS. More tests. So needless to say, I've been feeling a little bit overwhelmed. Then certain things reminded me that no matter what, I can handle it. And in times of darkness, He will be there. It's easy to forget to make time for reflection and prayer when my life gets crazy. But these days, God finds ways to remind me as long as I pay attention.

For instance, Today I was studying away, listening to the GLEE station on the amazing pandora app I downloaded (FOR FREE- bonus) onto my ipod. A song came on that made me immediately think of my sister and a situation that is currently going on in her life. I sent her the song and low and behold she was sitting in the PERFECT place for her to listen to and share that song. Thanks Big Man.

Or earlier today, when I was stressing out and feeling super overwhelmed and I stumbled upon this scripture writing. Coincidence? I think not.

Sometimes we just need a small reminder that we are not alone.

This month, I am going to make an effort amid the mine field of tests to make time for reflection, meditation, and prayer. God gave his only Son so that we may live. I can give God 10 minutes of my day to appreciate His creation and to thank Him for His works of Grace.

What scripture inspires you? Find one. Write it down. Put it somewhere you will see it at least once a day. And have a little faith...

I've decided that when I see something that I just think is awesome, I'm going to make an effort to share it, like this print from holstee.com. It reminds me of some of the important things that I may forget to do on a day-to day basis. Sometimes, when I am busy studying and stressing, being creative gets thrown to the wayside. I need my creative outlet to be in balance, and this reminds me that that is important....

Happy (almost) Friday. Do something expressive or creative today.

I want to darken in the skies

Open the floodgates up

I want to change my mind

I want to be enough

I want the water in my eyes

I want to cry until the end of time

I want to let the rain come down

Make a brand new ground

Let the rain come down

Let the rain come down

Make a brand new ground

Let the rain come down tonight

- Sara Bareilles

I am a firm believer that anything can be cleansed, and sometimes all you need is a good, solid, all-out-let-the-flood-gates-open CRY. Now, don't freak- I have not had one of these in a long while. But this song on Sara Bareilles (love her) new album made me think about this, and the fact that I haven't had a cry like this in ages. I am fortunate in a way, I haven't had anything to have a cry like this over. I am so blessed. I have amazing friends, a wonderful family, and a fiance that is beyond incredible and more than I deserve. I am incredibly blessed and sometimes I forget to be thankful for that.

Beyond being more reflective and thankful, not a whole lot is new in my life as of late. Fall semester is in full swing. Matthew started his job!!!! And the best part is, he loves it. It is so great seeing him do something he just downright LOVES. Seeing him happy makes me happy, even when it means he is gone for weeks at a time. Pico, however, is not so excited about Matthew starting work. It means Pico gets less attention. We had one little issue while Matthew was gone last week- Pico sat on his chair (he has(d) his own chair, yes), looked straight at me as I was studying pharmacology, and started peeing. (Sidenote: this kitten has NEVER had an accident. He ALWAYS uses the litter box) Needless to say, I FREAKED out. He got a firm talking to, the carpet was scrubbed and sprayed, and the chair (which was cheap thank heaven) went immediately to the dumpster. We have since not had any issues. I'm thinking after having his face shoved in his own urine (I was mad, I don't regret it) he won't be having another 'accident/rebellion' of that sort for a while. We will see what he comes up with for his next attention-grabbing tactic. I will be sure to keep you updated.

Last weekend Matthew and I did some serious Spring Cleaning (yes, I realize we are two seasons behind, minor details). We rearranged the entryway, put the mini-fridge in the coat closet (thanks to some help from Craig and a small hole in the wall) and sold Matthew's desk to make more room in the office now that he doesn't have studying to do! We also negotiated with the building managers to replace our linoleum, clean our carpets, and repaint our walls. So finally, after a whole year, this place is starting to feel less cluttered and more like a home!

I almost forgot, we ran a Half Marathon!! We completed the Lake Country Half Marathon in Oconomowoc, WI on September 4. The first 6 miles went great. Miles 9-12 were rough. And there was a hill that was about 0.75 miles long that started in mile 12 and carried to mile 13 that hurt. But we did it! It was an awesome feeling. I will do another one, but not for a bit, haha. I miss the gym and my spin classes, so I am going back to those for a bit. Next on my bucket list is a Triathalon.

What's on your bucket list? Think about it. Write it down, and have a good week!

You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face.

-Gatorade

I've done my fair share of wanting to throw in the towel, particularly in the last few weeks. When I started Dental School, they told us there would be at least a time or two that we wondered what the heck we were doing there, what we had gotten ourselves into, or whether we had really made the right choice. I swore I would never wonder any of those things and that this was exactly where I was supposed to be and I would be just fine. THEN, 2 weeks ago happened. I failed a practical on account of one DEF on one of 13 criteria for a Gold Onlay Prep. There was an undercut in my box (not gonna lie I still to this day have yet to find where it was...). I was 1 of 44 people that failed so I swallowed my anger and frustration and just said "oh well, it was my time." The prof swears everyone fails at least one in dental school and he's prob right. I needed to pay my dues. So I was doing okay. Frustrated, but not throwing in the towel.

Then Wednesday came. Wednesdays are denture day ALL day and they are always really rough. This one- BEYOND ROUGH. Or patient ended up finally going into a position we had previously registered as something else. While this was not entirely our fault (3 different doctors missed her class II skeletal relationship- NOT just a rookie mistake on our part), it resulted in us essentially starting where we had been 2 weeks prior to that. and doing 3 weeks worth of work in less than 24 hours so that our denture could go to the lab on time (A BIG DEAL). So that was the day I called mom, started crying (I was stressed!) and basically questioned whether or not I could actually be a dentist. Poor Tommy thought someone had died when I walked in the door I think.

The denture went out on time. I did 4 near-perfect preps and passed the practical retake. I'm back on the court and I didn't throw in the towel, I just needed a water break (literally, water-works and all).

I also realize a few things. I learned more in 1 week than I had in probably all of summer semester. I know a handful of denture tricks I never would have learned had a I not had to basically redo the entire thing in a time crunch. I can make some killer gingival rolls in half the time thanks to Dr. Imp. I know how to window a trial base (technically not allowed in the class!) thanks to the maverick Dr. Eicholtz. And, I know I can pull stuff off in a panic. I also know I can fail a practical and be just fine.

I can also run 10 miles at an pace under 10 minutes a mile. Which means I am on target for my half marathon!

AND- Muddy Buddy is this Sunday. Things are looking up and Summer Semester is looking all downhill from here :). Good thing I didn't throw in that towel.

And heck, maybe now I have even more reasons to do pediatric dentistry- no onlays or dentures involved!!!

Next time you hit the rough patch, don't throw in the towel. Wipe that sweat and keep on going.

Don't bunt. Aim out of the ballpark.
David Ogilvy

So I have been seriously slacking on the blog updates this summer. I guess between spending 15 hours+ a week in the lab working on projects for dentures, studying for other classes, running 25-30 miles a week, and "wedding planning" (read: looking on the knot for ideas but not ACTUALLY making any decisions) I lost track of the blog updates! So here are some updates in condensed form:

School: is less fun in the summer. I would rather be outside in the sun soaking up some rays, getting a tan, and synthesizing vitamin D instead of in the sim lab (read: dungeon) making a denture. There are several Wednesdays where I wonder how the heck ANYONE ever makes a denture in less than 8 weeks. Then I remember they have experience, assistants, and a lab to ship everything off to to be done. But our patient is wonderful, patient, and SO EXCITED to have teeth. & when she smiled with our trial denture in last week it made the entire frustrating morning of ripping out and moving teeth and replacing wax worth it. At least until the doctor made us redo the entire mandibular tooth arrangement (16 wonderful teeth) all over again in the afternoon. I'm starting to get used to doing things 4 or 5 times at this point...

I was also recently elected ASDA Vice President, and Vendor Fair Chair. I've never really been a sidelines, not involved person- apparently that hasn't changed! I will be organizing the vendor fair, learning the ins and outs of ASDA and attending various conferences throughout the year. I am VERY excited about all of it. ASDA is a wonderful way to learn about organized dentistry and I can't wait to be involved.

Running: Last Sunday we ran 9 miles! & this week, we dropped 2 minutes off of our 3 mile time. 2 whole minutes. It was awesome. 13.1 miles is seeming more and more possible. We had a rough week a few weeks ago where I wasn't feeling well and that made a 7 miler miserable, but I have since bounced back and the runs have gone well. Training isn't supposed to be easy, so a rough run every so often I can take in stride. We have also OFFICIALLY registered for the Lake County Half Marathon on September 4. YAY!

Wedding: I have begun looking into florists and music, as well as working on our wedding website! more to come there...

Life: Sarah Fred came this past weekend and we were off to Colie's lake house for the Princess Koronis Olympics and an epic weekend of reunited-ness. That will get its own post as it was EPIC. Then next weekend is Casey's bridal shower (the wedding is coming up fast!). I am so excited for her and can't wait to start celebrating! The weekend after that I am off to Carroll, Iowa for Abby and Tony's wedding weekend. I am SO excited for them and I can't wait to see my pi phi ladies! The second half of July involves Thriller at Miller and Muddy Buddy. It will be a busy, exciting and fun month with some tests and dentures mixed in! oh yay!

Family: I'm missing them like crazy. Kimmy got to go home last week and I was SO jealous. Matthew and I will be spending a week at home in August but that still seems so far away. Matthew is studying away for the CPA and takes test 2 of 4 next Tuesday. Still no results from the first test, but they should come in the next few weeks! Keeping our fingers crossed and saying lots of prayers. Pico is active and hilarious as ever. Last week he learned to climb the clothes drying rack we have. Instead of yelling at him I took pictures and sent them to my sister via BBM. Sometimes he's just too cute and funny to be upset at!

Well, more specific posts to come on various events, but this was the overview :). Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July!

Gratitude is realizing we don't deserve anything.

-Unknown

It's been quite awhile since my last update! The biggest thing I have realized is how truly blessed I am in so many ways. That, and how quickly time passes when you are busy!

Mom and I visited Omaha over my break in May and booked a reception location (Hilton Omaha!) and a photographer (Andrea Bibealt!). I am totally beyond pumped about both. The Wedding Coordinator at the Hilton is absolutely wonderful as are the facilities. Their foyer for the pre-reception cocktail hour is unbelievable with floor to ceiling windows that overlook part of downtown Omaha. It is probably my favorite part of the entire place!

Andrea and her husband Ed were wonderful and exactly what I was looking for in a photographer! They have an amazing perspective on everything and I am nothing but confident that the photos will be breathtaking. We have scheduled an engagement photo session in October and I absolutely cannot wait! I am excited to have the fall ambiance surrounding us as well as a chance to get to know Andrea and Ed a little bit better before our wedding day!

Other than that I have done little else for the wedding as school started again full swing for the summer! This summer we have our dentures course, which has basically taken over my life. Things just take soooo long to do! Our patient is WONDERFUL though and I can't wait to complete the whole process for her!

Matthew and I have started training for our half marathon! We ran 7 miles yesterday and it really wasn't bad at all. Once we hit a good stride it went rather smoothly. We explored a new trail and surprised ourselves at where we ended up and how far away we really were when we turned back. Getting to 13.1 miles in the next 10 weeks doesn't seem so impossible!

Pico is growing like a weed and has learned he can jump up and down from just about anywhere in the apartment (read: to the top of the refrigerator). Therefore, I bought a squirt bottle and Pico is now learning that just because he can doesn't mean he should. It's all a learning process!

I have several trips coming up in the next month and a half so I will be sure to post more often and stop slacking in that department! Happy Sunday- go enjoy some sun!

I would get this burst of energy and tell my legs, "Go!"

My legs would then respond, "Shut up!!"

-Matthew Warnken

So somedays I have to give Matthew some credit for putting up with me. I study all the time, I hog the covers on the bed, I hate folding laundry, and I come up with really crazy ambitious ideas and tend to drag him a long into them (read: pout until he says okay.)

My newest, possibly best, crazy idea to date is the MUDDY BUDDY. Now I will explain this, but please be sure to click on that link and watch the video because it will give you a true picture of this wonderful escapade we have registered for!

Now, Imagine. Teams of two [read: Team (future) Warnken or Team Marriage Prep- open to feedback]. Each team has ONE bike. For each mile leg, one teammate runs and the other bikes. When the first teammate gets to the first obstacle (YES! OBSTACLES!) they leave the bike, go through the obstacle, and start running the next leg to the next obstacle. Teh other teammate (the one running the first leg) gets to the obstacle, does it, and then gets on the bike for the next leg. There are about 6 obstacles so each teaammate runs 3 miles and bikes 3 miles. THEN at the end, you wait for each other and TOGETHER you army crawl through 300 or so yards of MUD (hence Muddy-Buddy).

If crawling through pit of mud TOGETHER doesn't scream "READY FOR MARRIAGE!" I'm not sure what does.

Needless to say, Matthew is excited but not nearly as thrilled as I am. Which makes him a wonderful person. I am not sure even my sister would pay to crawl through mud with me (love you sister!).

So August 1, 2010 in Chicago Matthew and I will be fearlessly competing in the Muddy Buddy challenge. We are looking for a photographer so if you are interested in witnessing and documenting such a fine event, please let me know!

The training has already begun and will continue, as I am also considering training for a half marathon in September or October (I can't make up my mind which one to do- imagine that) so that would simply coincide with my muddy buddy training (basically I have no idea how to train for such a crazy event with obstacles and mud so I think I will train for a half marathon and use this as a fun diversion. haha).

I will be sure to keep you updated.

Happy Monday! Go find something fun to set your sights on completing!

Be a best friend.

Tell the truth.

Overuse "I love you."

Go to work.

Do your best.

Don't outsmart your common sense.

Never let your prayin' knees get lazy.

And LOVE LIKE CRAZY...

-Lee Brice

In exactly 16 months I will marry my best friend! 16 months from today. 486 days, 21 hours, and 52 minutes. I don't have a countdown on the dashboard of my mac or anything.

I have tried to avoid dishing about the wedding and the planning on the blog, but rather than not talking about it at all I promise to keep wedding posts to a minimum :). However, I figure those that read need an update every so often. So why not exactly 16 months before the big day!

Many ask why we are taking so long to plan the wedding (our overall engagement will be exactly one day short of 2 years). The simple response to that is I am in Dental School. haha. It was unrealistic to think I could take on my D1 year, moving and adjusting to milwaukee, and planning a wedding. Additionally, our wedding is in Omaha. I live in Milwaukee, my mother is in Tampa, and my sister and MOH is in Auburn. It just wasn't going to fall into place in any less time! Additionally, I am indecisive and pretty much can't decide on half of the things we are supposed to decide on. But the wonderful thing about it is that planning is not stressful. At all. It's FUN and a nice break from studying (read: good procrastination tool).

So what have I done so far you might ask?!

We have a church- St. John's!

I have a dress!! (if you have ever been or will ever be a bride you know this is HUGE)!

We (read: I) picked colors and haven't changed my mind in over 3 months!

We have scoped out, but have not yet decided on or booked a reception hall. Mom and I will be doing that in May while Matthew diligently studies for the CPA exam.

I started looking at pictures of flowers. AND cakes. AND ideas for favors.

Matthew and I each started to look at wedding bands (even though we don't actually need to do that for several months/ a year. haha)

We have also started to narrow down our honeymoon options!!! (this is almost as exciting as a dress. an entire week together with no other commitments? is this real life?!)

So there you have it. The wedding update. There is way more "TO DO's" than there are "Already done's." But I think I'm okay with that for now.

Happy April 13th. Love like crazy.

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams

I have always always loved spring. When it comes, it gives me a crazy feeling inside that just makes me want to dance in the sunshine. Here are a few reasons why I think spring is so wonderful:

• SUNSHINE. As soon as spring shows up I can basically feel my energy double due to the vitamin D my body is finally getting enough of again. I just want to sit outside and soak it up for hours and hours. I want to run in it, sit in the grass and bask in it, and even get up early to watch it rise and then sit and watch it set in the evening.
• EASTER. It is such an awesome holiday celebrating the Risen Christ. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and family. Matthew and I were blessed with visitors (Jenny and Tommy) as well as loving friends who welcomed us into their hearts and home for Easter dinner (Thank you McIlrath family!). Not to mention I think I ate the most delicious garlic mashed red potatoes I have EVER had. Mr. McIlrath is quite the cook and we were nowhere near hungry when we left! It was absolutely wonderful to have such great (and hilarious) people to spend Easter with.
• FLOWERS. My aunt sent me flowers for Easter and when I called to thank her she simply said "Well every house needs flowers for Easter!" I could not agree more. I love fresh flowers. They can completely brighten a room in an instant. I also love walking outside and seeing flowers in bloom. Just the sight of them makes me smile and appreciate life a little bit more.
• BEING OUTSIDE. Fresh air inspires me. It inspires me to run farther, to study harder, and to enjoy life more. I love going on long runs and walks. Just walking to class brightens my spirits because I am not freezing to death.
• THUNDERSTORMS. My cousins and I used to pretend that really bad thunderstorms were actually God bowling. The big lightning bolts only happened when he got a strike. Some nights I think God was bowling 300. I love the smell of rain and watching the lightning in the distance. And I can't help thinking God is reminding us to take a break and have some fun every so often.
• BACKYARD BAR-B-Q. Or just outdoor parties in general. Or just drinking a beer on the porch. This goes back to the being outside above.
• LIFE. The signs of new life that spring up everywhere give me the warm-and-fuzzies. Flowers, budding trees, ducklings, birds chirping. All of it just gives me the warm-and-fuzzies inside.

Happy Spring! Go outside and enjoy it!

"Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman

So many things make me come alive these days:

• Dental school. Even on the bad days.
• planning our wedding. (I bought a DRESS!!)
• cooking. new and interesting foods. Did you know that Sweet Potatoes are the MOST nutritionally valuable item you can buy in the produce section of the grocery store? Try boiling them with the skins on (that cooks in all of the really good antioxidants) and then peeling them and making mashed potatoes. Sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on top and they are TO DIE FOR.
• time with family and close friends. I spent my entire spring break with my parents, sister, her bf Cale, Matthew and Sarah and I would not have spent it ANY other way. It was a BLAST.
• Pico. and his adorable little face. even when he chases my cursor on the screen and walks all over my computer keyboard.
• Running. and Spinning. but especially running outside. We were able to run outside while we were in tampa and it reminded me how much I have missed a good long run outside. I think I am going to train for a half marathon. Now I just need to pick one....

Those are the things that are currently making me come alive. & I am LOVING my life right now! Happy Monday!

"When I went to Catholic high school in Philadelphia, we just had one coach for football and basketball. He took all of us who turned out and had us run through a forest. The ones who ran into the trees were on the football team." - George Raveling

March Madness is upon us. And I LOVE IT. When I was 4 or 5 years old my dad sat me down and I filled out my first March Madness Pool. He told me the team colors for each match-up. I told him which team colors I liked better. I won his company pool, some cash, and most importantly my addiction to March Madness was born.

Now the March Madness Pool is a Bullard Family tradition.

Mom hates it. She only participates because we make her.

Kimmy doesn't really care much, unless by some stroke of genius, or luck, she is winning. Then all of the sudden she LOVES it.

Dad seriously eats, sleeps, and breathes it. He talks smack via email, text, post-it, and even verbally. His world revolves around it for the month.

I just love how much fun it is. I'm not all that intense (unless I am winning and then you will know it).

Matthew has now joined the Family pool for the second year and he is ALMOST as bad as dad when it comes to smack talking and obnoxiousness.

(And secretly I love it because it is just one more reason I know he is the ONE for me.)

So the pools are in. The dance has begun. I am already angry at ND and the Gators for losing. I am also not so happy with Nova for nearly screwing over 1/4 of my pool. They need to get their act together. Otherwise, I am doing okay so far. Dad and Matthew need to lose a few games though.

So the Bullard Family March Madness Tradition continues.

I hope you all have traditions in your family as fun as this one!

Have a wonderful Thursday and enjoy the MADNESS!!!