New Years Eve

Sooo unfortunately I did not pull up quite as well as I had hoped for today, so I am now stuck at home sick, seriously I would rather be at work :( 2011 you certainly have thrown a lot at me, but I am very happy to say I have come out of it, a lot stronger, a lot more confident, and with a smile on my face to achieve more in 2012.

I went a couple days ago to see the new movie "New Years Eve" and yea it was your typical chick flick devoid of any truthfulness, well so you would think. But one thing stuck with me. "What would you do today if you knew you couldnt fail?" I find these pretty strong words. Why are we so afraid of failing anyways? We shouldn't be afraid to reach for the stars and chase our dreams. But for some reason we feel like failure is a sign of weakness, but instead I think it should show how courageous people are for trying something, don't you?

This year as you know from my previous posts I quit my job, and at the time I thought it was because I was weak, because I had failed. I felt like I couldn't hack the pace, the stress and the work load. Yet when I look back, it took a lot of strength and courage to walk away from it. To put my hand up and say no, this is not what a work environment is meant to be like, this is not how I should be allowed to be treated. And now I know going into 2012 I will have a new job, that I know I am going to love and cant wait to be able to announce it to you all.

So if you could do anything today and not fail what would you do? I think this is a question I need to ask myself everyday. Thats why I have decided that in 2012 I am also going to further my studies on a part time basis, I am going to plan my dream wedding, and help one of my best friends plan hers, I am going to enjoy life again! Because never again will I be afraid of failure, because to me there is no such thing.

Anyways i should get back to the wedding. With all main factors now decided upon and booked, the wedding can most definitely go ahead. We have a lovely garden wedding venue, a stunning reception venue, we have a celibrant who we both know and trust. Therefore whether we have guests or not, we can get married!!!

As well as this, bomboniere gifts are sorted, I have sourced the attendant gifts, and once these arrive it will be time to ask my bridesmaids if they would like the honor... We have set up our guest list which currently stands at 94, 96 including us. Which is perfect!!

Today I am also going to email my travel agent today and see if she can put a bit of a cost package together for our honeymoon so we have something to work towards moneywise, and also to get our registry sorted, because we are already set up beautifully from our engagement party, we have decided to ask our guests to help us pay for our honeymoon, and hopefully people will be happy with that!

So with todays post I wish you all a happy new year and do me the biggest favour of all and don't be afraid to succeed in 2012!

Money Woes

I have spent much of the last few months worried about money. Whether it be for the homeloan, the wedding, the honeymoon or simply the cost of living. Finding the balance has been a tough, I think living with an accountant certainly does help though. Our budget does seem to be working for us.

We have also started to get the quotes coming for certain aspects of the day, drinks and food per person very lower than what we had budgeted for and in turn, it means I can squeeze the dream dress into the budget if I choose that it is in fact the dress I want.

Providing then the remainder of our budget does stick to schedule then all should be ok. I have found the most amazing bridesmaid dresses, so now just at the point of picking the actual bridesmaids. Still haven't got around to calling the prospective celebrant, but that is definitely next on the to-do list.

I must say planning a wedding is a lot of fun! I am enjoying the whole process and can't wait to get more into the nitty gritty of it all!

But for now, I have been struck by the cold/flu and I am off to bed before working all day tomorrow, yep I draw the short stick on the working of NYE. At least its only until 5pm.

Have a wonderful New Years all!!! Be safe and be happy!

Resolutions..

Its coming to that time of year where the new years resolutions start to come out. Have you been successful for 2011? I have managed to go without McDonalds for the year, this wasnt because of the fatiness or poor nutritional value of the food, its because I felt I was relying on it too much. Those sweet chilli chicken wraps were a very common lunch for me, so in order to save money, and I guess in turn my waistline I put it on my new years resolution list, and you know what? Its the first resolution I have ever kept!

This year I do have a few resolutions I would love to keep:
- I want to put a ban on another fast food, I could do Maccas again? KFC? Subway? Pizza? Not sure yet...
-I want to be able to run 10km like I could before I had pneumonia earlier this year.
-I want to go back to the weight I was at 18, 60kg, do you think I can knock off 14kG in a year? Don't get me wrong I am not big by any means, but I do want to look great for my wedding day.
- I want to have time to go to the gym at least twice a week.
-Get 1 BNF vote in netball.
-Lastly I want to have time to cook, and I mean actually cook, not just chuck something on quickly.

So I guess I have a few there to up-keep. I am thinking a better work-life balance will help me achieve these. The support of my friends and family, I am sure I can achieve any of these after the year I have had.

So tell me what are your resolutions for the year?

The Honeymoon

So I hope you all had a wonderful christmas! I spent it with family, ofcourse ate too much, got way too much chocolate and I am sure I am going to have to go on a health and fitness diet for the next 6 months to work it all off, but hey if you cant do it at christmas when can you?

I have spent my last few days off working out the Honeymoon also, we have decided to jetset off to America, its the place I want to go more than anywhere in the world, and have been attempting to go to for about 4 years now. So we have decided we would love to go to New York, Washington DC, Georgia (for the US Masters), Florida (I'm in Miami Bitch!!), Texas y'all, Arizona, Nevada, California and finishing off with a relaxing couple of days in Hawaii.

Its going to be one hell of a trip!!! I am finally going to get to see Manhattan, an NBA game, the US masters and a baseball game!! I imagine the Grand Canyon would be amazing, Hollywood is by far what I am looking forward to the most, rodeo drive, the hollwood sign!!! I want to celebrities!!!! and see how much taller I am than them haha :)

Anyways I am finding it a bit scary how much this will all cost, but I think its more than worth it! If I have to sit on a plane for 24 hours...and believe me I am not the best flyer by any means...I am going to want to do it all!

So any suggestions on whats not to be missed in the US of A? Post them below and help Daz and myself plan away :)

And so this is Christmas...

Christmas is just 2 days away! Doesnt really feel like it though, still got 2 days left at work and I've come down crook too, oh the joy! I suppose like me you all have a million places to be the next few days...I have Xmas eve lunch with my immediate family, Christmas lunch with the wider family, boxing day I have the famous drouin boxing day races and Darren's family lunch, so I tell ya by the 27th I'm gonna be soo ready to stay at home and not do a thing...

I used to get excited about Xmas, but not anymore, think its an age thing, I've obviously passed that point now, because pretty much I just see commercialism of a day that should be about appreciation and generosity.

Not a lot of wedding planning will be taking place the next few days I don't think, maybe a few quotes or something like that! I heard about a great florist today, someone who is just starting out, so that sounds really great to me! Other than that just waiting to see the invites and maybe off to the travel agent to get our honeymoon priced up! Yay!!

The wedding cake

Why is anything to do with weddings so expensive and why do suppliers feel they have the right to be rude? I sent emails to about 10 invitationalists (did I just make up the word?) and most of them were snobby and didn't want to work with my budget! So frutrating!! Not everyone can afford a $30k wedding and honestly I know it's an important day and all but would u wanna spend that much on one day??

Anyways the one supplier that has come back to me, is happy to work out something for our budget, simply she wants our day to be as special as hers was and that's someone who I would want to pay my money too! So if your looking for someone willing to help you no matter the budget google (or as a ninemsn employee maybe you should bing lol) j&s invitations! I can't wait to receive my mocks!

Today I wanted to talk about the cake! What type of cake to have, how big, all that fun stuff!! What amazes me is the cost of cakes! And again why is it necessary? Darren and I are thinking of having a gigantic chocolate ripple cake! It's something we can make ourselves, which I think is more important than the amount we spend, we can make it two or three tiers no problem, it'll probably cost about $20 in biscuits and $40 in cream, but certainly seems the best option to me! And most of all it's white! And I love chocolate ripple cake! I got this idea from making one last night for christmas lunch.

Wedding cakes can cost anywhere from $300 to $1000 and who cares what it looks like as long as it tastes good, right? It's that or a shitload of ice cream cakes, perhaps one per table? Haha now that'd be fun!

Now a little off topic! But PMG (that's an in joke with some of my favorites, most people would say omg) Christmas is like 3 days away! It feels so strange working this close, well not me, I always did, but everyone else, usually people have a couple days off before, it actually doesn't feel like Christmas is that close. Only one and a half wok days left, well two and a half if you include planet surf on Saturday...then it's new years and 2012! Sheesh I'm
Nearly 23....scary!

It's about weddings I promise!!!

Soo yes this blog is about weddings, I have been a bit off topic of late haven't I? So planning planning planning, I am always planning! I have my bomboniere boxes, which still need to get made up, I also put in for a quote on invitations last night, I found the most amazing centre pieces by accident and we have finalized the guest list.

So the bomboniere boxes rocked up from china about a month ago now,
But since I have to glue them together, I feel like its too soon to do so at the moment, because maybe they'll fall apart by the time the day comes around. So they are on wedding hold until about this time next year now.

Last night I also put in for a quote for invitations, we are going pretty sweet and simple, plain cards, black writing and RSVP cards too, as for the registry we can add that part ourselves, I've also requested plain envelopes and normal mail sized invitations to save money! Because $10 per invite is simply not an option for us...but let's see what the mock up is once I receive it back in a couple weeks.

Words cannot describe how amazing the centre pieces I found, more like stumbled upon are. They are simply amazing, I'm going to keep it quiet for now, but it suits me down to a tee and I think the guests are absolutely going to love them to (a little bit of a pun) pieces! I love finding the perfect things by accident!

Lastly we finalized the guests at 91 for now, giving us 9 seats to move, incase we meet someone new or people get partners! Now we just need to head out to the golf club and get some quotes on food and drinks per head so the budget can be more
Correctly calculated!!

I'm also very excited because I get to go to my first bridal expo on January 8th! Words cannot express how excited I am to see other ideas, price ranges and really just get a feel for what costs what!

Anyways so that's where the planning is to date! Sooo now it's back to work, another day another dollar, just 3 more left until the Xmas break and boy am
I looking forward to that!!

Reminiscent

Today I find myself reminiscing, it always happens at this time of the year. It's because this is when I get my new diary and transfer anything of importance across, and find myself reading what I did on which days! The start of 2011 I was so happy, working at national foods and Dahlsens. Yet all I wanted was a full time job because I thought that would be easier to manage and less stressful...

Geez I got that wrong didn't I? Anyways my diary also tells a story of what I gave up for a so called career...even though flexible hours were part of my taking the job! Monday's read basketball, tuesdays read gym in morning and netball training at night, Wednesday's, Thursday's and Friday's also all read gym. Weekends usually consisted of work or fun nights out with girlfriends. All of which was soon to be forgotten, once I got to the February dates, I remembered what it was like to tutor, the thrill of going for job interviews, or some I should have gone for instead of canceling them when I got a job offer..

Then it was march, future music festival, more exercise, walks with friends, well until mid march anyways...that's when I started the full time job, the time I would usually play sport was taken up by sitting on a train, lunch breaks were non existent, overtime was the norm and no energy was ever left over on the weekend, and what was, again was spent trying to catch up with my work load.

What struck me today is that I'm not disappointed in the place, I'm disappointed in myself, why did I cancel interviews and turn down other roles to begin with? But mostly why did I let it go on, even after being seriously Ill with pneumonia didn't seem to make a difference and it should of, back at work after two weeks, 10kg lighter and still no lunch break, still working til midnight to keep up, and why? Why should any job be worth that?

I guess by may I finally came to my senses, and no longer would I stay back, no longer would I go through the day with out lunch, finally I stood up for myself and did what was right for me! I started on the job hunt, the dream job came up and I had an interview at the afl, something that I have never mentioned until now, but my confidence was that low that I gave a horrible interview and with that obviously didn't get the job.

I am never going to let that happen again! I was good at my job, I am a good person and I am competent to handle what anyone throws at me, and I know this because I have tackled a lot in my childhood and since and if anyone ever makes me feel like I am inferior or unable again, I will resign on the spot! Maybe that's strong or maybe it's irrational, but I refuse to ever again feel so low that I miss a golden opportunity.

Now that's not at all about weddings today, but hey at least you got some insight into the inner workings of my brain, all because of a diary changeover...I look forward to the 2014 diary when I get to see my wedding date in the past and I'm guessing I'll have a tale or two to tell about that day too...

The Proposal

Sorry for the lack of posting the last couple days. It was one busy weekend this weekend, lots on and lots to do. Just one week left until christmas and our christmas shopping is complete! This week I just have to make chocolate ripple cake and all will be well! This weekend also brought my first shift at Planet Surf. It was fun to work in such a relaxed and fun environment, having a chat with people and hearing there christmas shopping stories. I think I am going to enjoy this for the next month or so!

Anyways I have been blogging now for a little while and I still havent told the proposal story, so I do think its about time...Now our proposal wasn't a massive deal, no ring at the bottom of a champagne glass, probably because I don't really drink the stuff, no ring hidden in a piece of cake, now this is probably because I down cake so quickly that I would most likely swallow the thing and not notice, it also didn't happen on a holiday, or a birthday or any special days. This is because thats just not our style. We are pretty relaxed people, and for about the last 5 years, all we have heard, are you gonna get married? when are you getting engaged? are you going to say yes? will you have kids? And to be completely honest I hadn't thought about any of it. I was happy with Daz so it didn't matter if I had a diamond on my hand or not, I was pretty happy with the $50 ring he had bought me back in Year 11...

We had been talking about getting married for a little while, especially with buying a house together and about to move in. We knew we were going to be together, so on the night of August 13th 2011, when we were lying in Daz's bedroom listening to a match of AFL on the radio, to us it set the perfect scene. Because as most of you would know, my life does revolve around the football. Daz put his arm around me, leant in and said, I think its time to get you a ring...no cliche' down on one knee, because hey why would I wanna do what everyone else does? People may think my story isn't as romantic as others, but to me how it happened was absolutely perfect!

So we decided to wait until we got the ring before telling anybody... so off we went Saturday morning, we chose the perfect ring together, a moment we will never forget! Then we headed home and preceeded to tell close friends and family, and then by about 7 o'clock that night, it was time to "confirm" and make the facebook relationship change, because hey everyone knows it's not official until it's on facebook. We headed to our favourite restaurant, Thai of course and had a wonderful night!

The thing I love about preoposal stories is that every single one is different, I love hearing the surprise stories, the holiday stories, the anniversaries, the birthdays, and thats what makes an engagement so special to each couple! I like to think back to the movie Bride Wars, two girls played by Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaways' character was sitting on the couch, not expecting anything when her boyfriend proposed, where as Kate pushed the engagement out of her boyfriend after she was snooping and found the ring hidden in a closet. Yes maybe this isn't real life, but neither of those girls were disappointed on the way the proposal, because that's not the part that matters.

What matters is that you have found your best friend, that you want to share all the highs and lows with for the rest of your life, not about the size of the diamond, or even the white dress, and I think sometimes people do need to remember that!

This morning I have the lucky seat on the train between two people who won't shut the f up for the last hour!! I don't care about what pub in Sydney you both went too...now I don't usually get bothered by this. But today I'm feeling particularly unwell...I have a massive head ache, a nose that won't stop running and in massive pain from the first netball training last night! Seriously how can someone talk this much?!!!

Anyways yesterday was a pretty cruisy day, I've been learning a lot at work which has been fantastic, they have process, they have procedures and they stick to them! This makes learning a new role so much easier, I also love how supportive they are of my netball and my life outside of work! They don't want my world to be centered around them, the people are friendly too, they understand their products, they know what they have sold and they know how to work as team which is great!

I am very happy that it seems like at this stage I have made the righ decision with my life! Things are feeling good! Well except for my arms and legs which I can barely move after training last night!!

Tonight I am hopeful for a nice relaxing tea with my amazing fiancé and an early night because I am absolutely exhausted, hopefully the day will go quickly!

Winner!!

Have you ever won anything? Yesterday must have been my lucky day, I was already off to an early screening of a movie with tickets I had won, and I got a phone call saying I had won a $700 package to stay at crown with VIP entry to their NYE party! Seriously I never win anything!!! I am so excited!!!

With the money spent on the party, doing up the house, we would never ever be able to afford a night stay over anywhere, let alone crown! And last time I did scrape together the cash to do it, I was unwell with pneumonia and it simply wasn't as enjoyable as it could or should have been! So I am certainly going to make the most of this one!

I guess it is a slight luxury of sitting on a train for 3 hours a day, I have time to write my blog, I have time to Facebook and I have time to enter every competition I come across! But this isn't the only reason I consider myself a winner!

Saturday night just showed me how lucky I was! The friends and family that both Darren and I have are amazing! We had a friend fly across from Perth, many people trekked down from the city and other weird and wonderful places; places where the excuse of its too hard or too far could have definitely come into play, yet these people didn't let it stop them, they were there on one of the most important days of my and Darren's life and I hope it was worth the drive!

My entire life at the moment feels like I have won a competition, I can actually say I am happy, my job is relatively stress free at the moment, and seems to be a great group of people, the work loads are managed carefully and the culture seems a good one! Additionally to this I get to start my social job this weekend! Sell some clothes, have a chat and make some friends, while getting paid for it, well I ain't complaining :)

The engagement party was an absolute delight! Presents we received will go such a long way with helping us finish off the house and help with the wedding! One out standing friend has given me the most amazing present! Hair styling for the entire bridal party! How amazing is that!! Which may mean I can afford the dream dress, but let's not get to ahead of ourselves just yet! From the night I also think its pretty clear who the maid of honor will be, and I am also pretty sure I know who I want in my bridal party, should they choose to accept it!

I am taking this week off planning and trying to relax, not sure how the first netball training will go though, my fitness is not where it ought to be, so tonight could be interesting...
Let's hope I can smash something out anyways! Then next week I want to to jump straight into the wedding planning, organize a meeting with the celebrants, revise the guest list and finalize colour schemes!

The party!

There is absolutely nothing more humbling than all of your friends and family showing up to celebrate with you! Knowing that about 150 people took time out of there busy schedules is simply amazing and there is no way to thank everyone enough for their time and presents..

I'll tell you what though, hosting a party is a busy business! I spent the night saying hi, hi, hi and the end of the night saying bye bye bye! Unfortunately not a lot of time to actually catch up with people and have a chat! However I have heard good things about the night and everyone seemed to have a great time just like we did which is the most important thing!

Our friends and family have definitely amazed us with their generosity! We got so many wonderful presents that will definitely help set up our lives together, we might even be able to get a new couch!! Our kitchen and bathrooms are definitely completed now too! And I can't wait to start to focus on creating out new room and also the garden!

Life is exciting at the moment and I couldn't be more happier!

PartyTime

I can't believe it, I actually have some time to write a post today of all days!!! The room is semi set up and ready to go for tonight. Our current delay is that we can't set up the balloons until midday, toherwise they may begin to deflate over the night.

But thats ok, its kind of nice to sit down and just enjoy the moment, well Darren is watching the cricket and I am minute out to write to you all. Only 7 hours to go and I am so excited for what tonight might bring.

Hair cut and coloured...check
Tan...check
Dress....check
Shoes....check
Hair Up booked....check
Make-up booked....check
Catering recieved....check
Helium Booked....check

After planning this party, my interest in event management have increased dramatrically, unfortunately I believe its another career path built for city living. I am a country girl, I love living where I live so in 4 months I need to find thatr option for being closer to home.

I made a friend on the train on Thursday night, she just started at Flight Centre, a career option I have been considering for quite a long time now. She was telling me how much she was enjoying it, how much fun she was having beating her budgets and also having a role that's just 20 minutes away from home. I tell you what I think she is a good sales woman because man I think she has sold me on Flight Centre now!

But we have 4 months to sort that out! Anyways I should head off because its nearly time to head back out to the venue!

wooohooo!!!!

TGIF

Thank god it's Friday. Finally the end of the working week, the first week of a new job usually flies by. A mixture of the information overload and the anxieties of a new job seem to be a good match...however this week seemed to go forever!! One more day to go now...

I am very happy to say that I don't look like an oompa loompa after my tan, you can never be quite sure when trying a new place, it depends on the product they use, and whether it has a green or orange undertone, believe me ladies you want to steer clear of a tan that has an orange undertone (most DIY supermarket brands) or risk looking like Lindsay lohan!! My only issue with the spray tan is the way they come off, I am yet to have a spray that fades away evenly, but let's hope this one (the naked tan) is the first!!

So tonight is Thai night! I love Thai night! But it won't be as relaxing as usual, tonight I am
Going to get all the plates of food ready for Saturday!!! Then all we have to do is set up the room Saturday morning, which will take some time with the balloons, then hair, make-up and nails if I can find the time!

My favourite part of the next 24 hours is the rsvps who pull out last minute! Whether the reason is legitimate, or in their mind "they were never actually coming", admit it you've done it before! Now I dont judge people by this, because things happen, plans change, I guess the part I like is the why, it's always entertaining!

The part i dislike the most if the guests asking "what do you need/want?" now if I don't answer they will push you until you say something!! But if I skip that and just say "vouchers" is that rude? I feel as we haven't done the cheque dance of that makes sense, the cheque dance comes from my favourite tv show How I met your mother, where Ted pays for dinner and the girl didn't participate in the "dance" by offering to pay.. Of course the reason we are having a party is to celebrate with our friends and family, but presents are also going to be a part of it, so what do you do? Do you dance? Or would you be one to just put it out there and say "bunnings vouchers" for example?

Ahhh parties haha they are more stressful than what you think they could be, thank god that part is over now! Hopefully this train starts moving soon and I can go smash out some work and Saturday will be here before I know it!

Xoxo

The clackers

I am a bit of a girly girl, but nothing like the clackers on my level, think the devil wears Prada! These girls all work for the gossip mags and look like models at a runway show every day, the fashion is amazing! The heels, the hair, the make-up is all impeccable! I find myself wondering how do these girls have the time and money for this?

My bank account is already looking very sorry for itself, and hair, tanning, a new outfit and make up is a special occasion thing for me. I guess maybe these girls don't have a mortgage, but surely they have to pay rent and bills. So I have no idea how they afford the Chanel and the Marc Jacobs? If someone knows the secret, please let me know how?

Anyways I got my hair done last night! Not going to tell you what I got done just yet, everyone can wait and see on Saturday! So did I go a little more blonde or a bit more red? Did I cut is short or leave it long... Off to get the spray tan tonight! I love a good spray tan, for once I won't be white as a ghost! After tonight everything is then on hold until Saturday.

Off to work again today, hoping the train isn't late for a change, there will be barely anyone there today with the ninemsn Christmas party taking place in Sydney! Think I'll also give planet surf a call and see when shift number 1 is as well!

Another day another dollar

Today has been a good day so far, work went well, I learnt a lot about the systems and programs that I'll be using and also a lot more about the processes, hopefully by the end of tomorrow I will be feeling a lot more on top of things, especially with almost everyone else out of office in Sydney for the christmas party.

I realized I'd only be working at this place for 74 days, that's really a short period of time, considering it takes people 3 months to fully understand a job and be able to work pro-actively, but I guess there is always the option for extension..

Anyways on the train home now and still can't decide what I want to do with my hair, eek! By this trains standards I have atleast another hour to decide! Then the beauty regime needs to kick off from tonight, especially with the tan tomorrow, certainly need to be prepared for that! Providing the train can get me there on time of course, and we all know that's pretty unlikely!

I think one last dress trial run before the tan is probably in order too, and with the time my hair takes, that's making for one late night tonight :( but it will all be worth it in the end!

3 days!!

Blogging on your iPhone is rather difficult, it deletes things, and freezes, surely a blogging site should be more smart phone practical? But maybe that's just me?

Anyways just 3 days to go until the engagement party now! And I am so excited! Off to the hairdressers tonight after work, not too sure what I am going to get done yet, bit more blonde or a bit more red? Confusing!! Then I think a small trim and a treatment to get things looking good for Saturday :)

The weather forecast is also looking promising, 27 with developing storms, but I am happy as long as I can get into the venue dry and not be cold in my dress once I am in, surely that's not too much to ask?

Gonna be an early Saturday morning I think, lots to do, gotta put the helium in the balloons and set up my room and then have hair and make-up, get Daz looking swarve too! Also gotta get all of the food and goodies ready! I'm worried by party time I am going to be ready for bed!

Anyways nearly at work for day 3! Day 2 started off a bit off note but by the end of the day I was feeling much better, I think because I had such a poor experience at my last job, I am having trouble trusting the new one! I am going to liken it to having a bad break up and never wanting to see a boy again... So I need to get my confidence up, believe I can do the job and dominate it!! I'll let you know how the positive mind set goes :)

Have a great day all xx

2011

What a pretty Tuesday morning, blue skies and the sun is shining, pity it's still cold as anything, hopefully it's a bit warmer by the weekend, because a jacket really doesn't go with my dress! Yesterday my cute little bomboniere boxes arrived from trusty china, the fun job of gluing them together awaits, but that's a task for a much closer day.

So it's less than 3 weeks to Christmas, this year has flown by, I actually can't believe it, it's been a strange year with lots of ups and downs, I'm hoping 2012 has a few more ups! This year started ok, still working as a lab tech and in retail, a small beach holiday with Darren, one hell of a drive to Alice Springs filled up my January, February was a bit quieter, still working, searching for a new job to get me a house loan, lots of sport and my birthday, march is where things changed, started the new job and my life disappeared, working 12-18 hour days, giving up korfball, netball, basketball, the gym and even food and sleep to try and stay on top of the work,

No wonder really that by the time April rolled around, so did pneumonia from the stress and exhaustion, 10kg lighter, and worse for wear, I returned to somehow push through may and June, July is where things started to turn around, we choose our house and purchased. Saved like crazy for August except for the enagement ring ofcourse and finally moved in on the 14th of September.

The 14th of September was such and elusive date, I never thought it was going to come, but it did, followed by a lot of painting and moving, October rolled around and it was back to work, a few tears over a lost grand final and a realization that no job is worth being unhappy about...

So then came November, the 1st being Melbourne cup day and a big decision made to resign and take the risk on the job hunt, and after possibly the longest month ever it was finally the end of November and the end of my time at that role. With the sadness of leaving my friends but a relief that maybe I will regain my confidence and fight.

So it's now december, and my second day at the new job, I do still have mixed emotions, but hey I'm two days in, you never know what a job is going to be like at this stage, right? I am glad the Christmas shopping is done, the engagement party is planned and I'm hoping for a quiet new years eve to sign off 2011 and ring in 2012.

It has been a year of peaks and trophs and one I wouldn't have got through without some wonderful friends by my side. Whether it was the friends beside my on the train to and from work, the ones who texted and facebooked me during the day to make sure I was sticking up for myself, the ones who talked me through all my options and the ones who sat beside me all day at my desk and supported me through every minute of every day! From this I do just want to tell everyone out there, no job is ever worth making yourself sick, affecting your health physically, socially, and mentally is not worth any amount of money, life is short, enjoy it with the people who mean the most to you

On the train again..

On the train again, how I can't wait to be on the train again... Well that is about as sarcastic as it can possibly get, back on the late train and of course it's late... As this train always was and apparently still is, yet the first day was a good one! I had my photo taken for a security pass, got a tour of the news rooms and where they film the Sunday footy show, now all I need is a glimpse of Eddie and I'll be happy! Unfortunately no invite to this weeks Christmas party in Sydney though, I was hoping for an invite, but probably would have been a bit much with the engagement party!

Currently sitting at 150 rsvps! I am very very humbled by this, knowing this many people want to share in one of Darren and my special moments, and hey if you don't make an effort here be prepared to be struck of the wedding guest list haha! Because as $100 a head, you'd wanna be there for me lol!! Today I have realized I have been telling everyone 18 months to the wedding and it's really only 15!!! Woah that's a bit scary!

This week the focus is on the engagement party but after that it is on!! I need a celebrant, I need some idea of flowers and I think I need to announce my bridesmaids earlier than march, I am thinking January or feb now, because with all the planning I am definitely going to need some help!

Well it's off to basketball tonight if I ever get home! Lucky I have my man on tea cooking duties and had one productive weekend when it came to chores because nothing is getting done this week that's for sure! Hopefully a rest tomorrow but then hair on Wednesday! Yay :) speak soon xx

The Engagement Party

The engagement party is now less than a week away!! Exciting times ahead, but this does mean for a super busy week this week. Tomorrow is my first day at Ninemsn in there sales operations department, the feelings are strange with this one, yes I am excited, yet I am slightly scared and wondering what this job will bring. Nevertheless, the first month in this role will fly by with the engagement party,  christmas (shopping all over and done with...yay!), New Years and starting at Planet Surf! And hey then there is only 3 months to go if I am not enjoying it, and thats going to go real quick too, because next year will be full on! Lots of dress shopping as a bride and as a bridesmaid, two engagement parties of friends, we still need to have a housewarming, my birthday too! Then topping it all off with a holiday at the end of it all in April.

My life is going to be busy, but I am feeling positive, I am feeling happy and I just can't wait for it all to come at me! Anyways my apologies for not posting yesterday, had another full on day, two friends birthdays, one taking us up to Melbs and the other back in Warragul, both great nights!

So the engagement party planning is coming along nicely as you all know, everything is organised its just a matter of putting it into practice now. I have the dress, the shoes, the hair appointments, the tan, the make-up, the photographer,then we have all of the catering and decorations, but we are DIYing the balloons, which is going to make for a very fun Saturday morning! I finished off the slideshow yesterday and now I just have to write a little bit of a speech for the night!

Well I am off now, need to choose the outfit for my first day, work out my train times, and try and find an obliging friend to pick up the helium for us on Friday, so we can get balloon blowing and centrepieces down before Friday! Will definitely keep you all in the loop over the next week, as one of the most important milestones is reached in my life!

It's Over

Well my time is now over at the job, and surprisingly I am not as excited as I thought I might have been! Leaving my friends was extremely difficult and it's already very weird not seeing them! But the cheerio's will be friends forever, so I am trying to be positive and know that we will stay in touch!

Anyways yesterday I had a day off! So I do apolygise for not posting but I had a busy day! Lots of errands to be ran in the morning, and ofcourse some more dress shopping, tried on the dream dress again, dam you money!! Why Can't I be rich? But I did happen to find another goregous store, relatively close to home, with everything you can imagine needing for a wedding! The best part was great pricing, fantastic service and also being close to home for fittings! So girls we will be of Moe town shortly for some dress trying on fun!!

Other than that I signed up to Bridal Service Australia and have been inundated (is that how you spell that?  You get the point) with photographers, videographers, car services, caterers, hair and make-up artists, stationary providers and more all competing for my business! I love it! Its given me a place to start with my quotes and get some ideas, so for any brides to be head over there, http://www.australianbridalservice.com.au/ just be prepared for hundreds of emails once you do!

Today we finally get blinds in our house!! It is going to be the best feeling not to have a blanket hanging up in our front window thats for sure. House wise things are coming along nicely, will be tackling the garden this weekend, so I get to do housework today! I really don't like housework one bit! Especially on my days off, but yesterday was pretty relaxing, got to have one lovely but painful massage, apparently the knots in my back were horrible, can't guess the stress that caused that?

Anyways I am so excited, but also terrified to start Ninemsn on Monday! Such a big company, could open up a world of opportunities, so my fingers are crossed and my feelers will be out there for an amazing PR, publicity or journalistic opportunity that may come up once my contract is finished! I am also hoping to score an invite to the chrissy party, do you think I would be starting too late to get invited? I am not too sure. Planet Surf store opened up yesterday and I have heard it was a success, can't wait to get the phone call for my first shift!

Today I am definitely feeling a lot more positive about where I am headed, about life in general and I am going to enjoy it! I have an amazing new job to start, I am getting married to my best friend, wonderful friends and I have a wonderful house, so I think next time I am feeling down I just need to remind myself of these things.

So as one chapter has now closed, a new one will begin! Can't wait to fill you all in! Also Engagement party is only 8 days away!!!!