amber's wedding

so... my little sister got married. it was a bitter sweet day for me. she's always been my little sister/best friend/role model. I've been really blessed to have her really close to me my whole life. we were unseparable growing up, and well, our whole lives until her wedding day. sometimes we would pretend we were twins because everyone thought we were anyway. we had the same group of friends growing up, and then in college, and even now. there isn't anything that we've gone through without the other by our side. so, needless to say, escorting her through the temple and handing her over to Gregg was a tough thing. but, I also couldn't be happier for her. she found the perfect guy and I've never seen her happier. the day was beautiful, despite the rain and it was great having the whole family together. the pics can explain it better than I can, so here they are.

free time!

it's been kind of nice having so much free time! I'm not to the point yet where I am ok with the fact that I was laid off, but I can appreciate the opportunities I have because of it. the timing was perfect for Amber, I had about two weeks to devote all of my time to her and her wedding. (don't worry, there will be a big post about this very soon).

I was also able to go to Hanksville in the middle of the week for a funeral. Pam was my BFF growing up. all through elementary, middle, and high school. I loved her to death, and I loved her mom even more than I'm sure any of them knew. Denise owned the grocery store and managed the Sinclair and Piccadilly Pizza. she was my mom's first friend when she moved there newly married, pregnant with me, very young, shy and clueless. she gave her a job at the grocery store, and later at the Sinclair. She gave me a job at the Piccadilly when I was in high school, and gave me a big advances on my pay check for things like cheerleading uniforms, camp, and our senior trip to California. she made SO many things possible for me and my family, and she did it all without recognition and very quietly. I loved her and I'm really grateful I got to attend her funeral.

I've also had time to reorganize my house and deep clean it! I love that feeling. in fact, I'm going to do more cleaning today.

I have been spending a ton less money! no more eating out every day for lunch, no more driving all over the valley every day, and no more seeing friends every day to make plans with. it's kind of sad, but it's good for my finances!

I've been able to go to the dentist as soon as he can get me in every time. yes, I've had a lot more dentist nightmares. over the past 2 months I've had two root canals and 11 fillings. next week I have to go in for another root canal! all the pain in my mouth has kept me from eating my worries away though, and I've lost 6 pounds! I've also had a lot more time to go to the gym, which has helped that along too.

so, even though the job seach is discouraging and days can be long and lonely, I'm trying to look on the bright side. I'm sure the right thing will come along eventually, but until then I'm trying to enjoy all this free time.