So do you have a Pittsburgh license Yet?

The title of my blog is what my best friend, Christy, (who is an engineer) said to me during my trip to New Jersey. I looked at her and said, "No, but I have a Pennsylvania license." Ahh Christy....good times. No worries, Christy....I say air-headed things all the time!

So, I ventured out to the Garden State this past weekend to spend some good, quality girl time with Christy and her handsome hubby, Ben. I was a little nervous flying by myself, so I made Mike come in with me to help me check in. I was a little reluctant to leave him- but he patted my head, said, "my little girl is all grown up!", and sent me on my way. I had the "privilege" I guess you could say to sit next to a kind old man on the plane. He was kind until he asked me to become a member of the "Mile High Club"....little freaky, little scary... and he also wanted to take me home to his recently divorced son because he saw us "having fun together" as he winked and nudged me. Needless to say, I was glad when we landed. But he was kind enough to show me where I picked up my luggage because the Philly airport is so hard to get around.

So I finally get to Christy's, just talked one another's ear off about life until Ben came home, and then we all went out to eat. Christy's used to going to bed pretty early, so we didn't stay up too late. But we needed our rest for our big shopping adventure the next day. We sent to the Mall of Prussia, and it was AWESOME. I got everything I needed there, and I was so happy about it.

After the mall, we went to see the new Harry Potter movie, which was so cool....need to read the books (Huh, chris...) now. Good Christmas gift....hint hint. We went home and hung out with Ben and watched TV till we were too tired to keep our eyes open.

The next say we woke up and watched "White Christmas" and vegged out on the couch. Then it came time when I needed to head back to Pittsburgh. The trip home was much more uneventful than the trip there, and I was thankful for that. But the trip as a whole was awesome, and it was just what I needed. Christy is one of my bestest friends, and any time with her is well worth it!

So that pretty much brings me up to date with my life....

Oh, I had a root canal yesterday...wasn't the greatest experience I've ever had...but it wasn't the worst....

Peace out Boyscouts!!

An update from the good twin (hehe...luv you Becca!)

For some odd and annoying reason, my blog is being stupid, and not downloading pictures from Nanette and Gabe's wedding. Grr... but you can see some at Becca and Jamie's blogs. Once my computer stops being dumb, I'll post some of my own.

Anyhoo-

I haven't written in a while, so I'll catch you all up to speed. I went to work on Monday with a small ache in my tooth, and over the course of the day, it grew into a full fledged throbbing in my mouth. It was UNBELIEVABLY painful, and I had to call Mike to bring me medicine.

Work called me off the next day because they weren't busy, so I spent all day trying to find a dentist that would take my insurance. FINALLY, after about 12 tries, someone gave me an appointment. Comes to find out I have a sizeable infection in my mouth, and I need a root canal. Yuck. They can't take me for a couple of weeks, so they gave me pain killers and antibiotics. That night my face swelled up to the point where I looked like I had a golf ball in my mouth. It scared the snot out of me, so I called my dentist as soon as I got up and left a message telling them that I need to come in ASAP. I had to work that day, so I went in and opened the studio, and called my manager and told her what was going on. So she let me off, and I went home and waited until the dentist to call me. They finally did, and they told me that I had to wait 48 hours for the antibiotics to work, and until then, I needed to up my dosage of painkillers.

Finally, on Saturday, the swelling was gone, and I could function like a human being again.

As for work, I didn't go in on Friday (which was suppose to be my last day). Mike and I stayed in NY for a day longer, and we had the most WONDERFUL time home. My mom made the best thanksgiving dinner, and got to spend lots of time with my older sis and my brother. My mom and I spent the day on Friday shopping, and it was so fun. It actually wasn't too busy in the stores...thankfully!

Sooooo....
This weekend was the first time that I sang on the worship team at Crossroads. It was tiring but fun. Mike and I had a lot of fun ministering together again, and we'll slowly start putting me into the rotation. Sunday night Mike and I put on some Christmas music and put up our tree together. We had so much fun. This was the first time we put it up together, and I want to start making it a tradition.


So that brings us to today where I've spend the day cleaning, and getting ready for small group tonight. I have a huge list of things that I need to get done this week, and I've been trying to cram in all in today. But then I realized that I don't have to work this week, and I have lots of time!!! So I sit here with my warm cup of hot chocolate and my lap top, taking a breath, and looking forward to the weekend when my sissy comes down!!!!!! YAY!!!!

So I hope that all of you are doing well! Oh, and John, Amy, Christy, and Jamie- I need to know what you want for Christmas!!!!!

Peace Out!

On to Greener Pastures

I figured that this is the best way to tell you all what's been going on in my life because it's been really hard for me this past month or so, and I don't want to have to tell my story over and over (I get really emotional..imagine that), so this is my solution.

So I put my two weeks notice in today, and it was probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I've been having a lot of problems there, and I just feel like it's time for me to move on. The hardest part about it all is that I LOVE my managers- I consider them friends- and I knew that I was going to hurt them by leaving.

Mike and I talked about it, and we decided that I wouldn't wait until after Christmas to quit, and that sooner would be better. You see, I was suppose to take over the assistant manager's job while she went on maternity leave, and now they have time to find someone else before she leaves.

So after a sleepless night, and getting up early to pray, pray, pray, I went to work. I decided that I would tell my managers at the end of my shift, so I spent all day with my stomach in knots. Whenever I felt my anxiety taking over, I'd just go to the back room and pray that the Lord would give me strength. I honestly have never been so scared. I know it may seem stupid to get worked up over something like a part time job, but I just couldn't seem to calm myself down.

At around 4:30, I told my manager that I needed to talk to her and Becky (who was coming in at 5), and she looked at me and said, "is it bad?". And I just looked at her. She said "you're quitting, aren't you". And I knew I had to tell her then and there, and I just told her that this was such a hard decision, and that I'm so sorry that I was doing this in the middle of the busiest season we have, but I had to leave because of personal reasons. You guys, she was SOO understanding, and so wonderful about it. She told my assistant manager, and she also was so nice about it. So I told them that I would stay on until next Friday, and then I'd be leaving. I was so relieved that it went well, but I know that there will be some fall outs in the next week and a half with other employees, and I know my managers will get stressed and take some of that stress out on me- but I'm prapared for that.

I left work tonight with a ton of mixed feelings. Peace because I knew I did the right thing. Guilt for leaving at such an inopportune time. Tired because I hadn't slept the night before. Relieved that they took it so well. And foolish for being so scared about it.

But I'll sleep well tonight, I know that. I'm going to take some time off and let myself heal before I find another job...I'll start looking beginning of December. I don't want you guys to think that I'm being lazy by doing this, but I really need time to get my feet back under me, and really figure out what to do with my life- with my career...

So that's what's goin on... thanks for your prayers and concerns. I love you all so much, and I ask that you continue to pray for me over the next few weeks!

Much Love!

Zathura

Mike has Fridays off, and to brighten my spirits a little, he treated me to a day of going to the movies, dinner, and a little Christmas shopping. I wanted to see Pride and prejudice, but it only comes out in select theatres today, and apparently no theatres were selected in Pittsburgh....grrr. So we tossed a coin between Chicken Little and this new movie that came out today called Zathura. It's like an outerspace version of Jumanji. The previews looked cute, so we thought, hey, lets check it out. BIG mistake. Huge.

We're pretty sure the movie has no plot. There were some mini plots that kept you occupied for a few minutes, but nothing to write home about. And the last 15 minutes of the movie we didn't really see all of because the movie reel went haywire, and the alignment of the movie moved up about a foot and a half, and all the heads were chopped off. Totally lame, and extremely annoying. Two thumbs way down. The ONLY good thing about the movie was the little boy- he was so cute.

I'm embarking back into the world of Sears Portrait Studio tomorrow, so I'd appreciate some prayer. I'm having a hard time trying to make a decision about staying or leaving, and I've been pretty upset about the whole thing. Poor Mike has to deal with my mood swings, so you can pray for him too! I'll keep you all posted about it all.

I'm sorry I've been so neglectful with my blogging! Life has thrown me a few curve balls this past week or so.... i hurt my back at work (where's Kurt when I need him!), and I now have to go to Therapy 4 times a week- it's a total waste of my time. I've been working a ton (and it stinks cuz I hate my job), and this week I came down with the WORST case of the flu EVER. Plus I've barely seen Mike this week, so I've been bumming. So needless to say, I haven't had much time to get on the internet.

But enough of my whining and ranting...

I got the chance to play with my new camera this past weekend. Our friends, Nate and Natasha, got married last Friday, and they asked if I could take some pictures. Of course I jumped at it cuz I love to do it, and the pictures turned out well. I still need to figure out my camera a little bit more, but overall, I'm pleased. I posted a few for you all to see. Enjoy!

Hope all is well with you all!

Mike was at it yet again, and he sang and danced along to Ice Ice Baby at the wedding, just like he did at Christy and Ben's. It was so hysterical! The little flower girl wanted to be just like him. Dare to dream, little one!

Jersey Girl

One of my bestest friends in the whole wide world, Christy, has lived in New Jersey for a little over a year now. I miss her so much, and just like I feel with my Rochester friends, I miss having her near me to talk to and hang out with. I was so spoiled having her a door away in college, and it's been hard not being able to see her whenever I want to. I really, really, really need to make a visit to see her new place, and how life is now that she is married. And by the way, her hubby is AWESOME, and I miss him so much too.

Christy and I have been playing phone tag for oh... 2 weeks I think, and I'm pretty sure she checks this, so I'm dedicating my blog to let her know that I will get ahold of her one of these days, and to also let her know that I'm missing her like crazy, and that we will see each other soon!!!!!!!

The Greatest Band Alive

Mike is one of the biggest U2 fans out there, and when he got the opportunity to get tickets to a concert, he pounced. Now I'm not going to hold it against him that he asked like, 5 people before he settled on taking his not so rock and roll wife to the concert. But I have to say that I am SO glad that nobody else could make it, because it was seriously the best concert that I have EVER been to. I've never seen Mike so exctied and giddy before. John, Amy- remember when we all went to the Air Force show, and Mike was like a kid in a candy store? Yeah, multiply that by 10. The only difference was that he stayed with me, and didn't leave me stranded in the middle of the highway-er, stadium.

But anyway- Bono is an incredible entertainer, and the band is to tight. But that wasn't even the best part of the concert. The music wasn't about sex, drugs, and rock and roll. It was about world issues, and religion... their songs were informative. The very first song was "City of Blinding Lights", and the lyrics at the end of the song were: "Blessings aren't just for the healers"- and then Bono looked up and raised his hands, and said, "Luckily" - and it was worshipful. He just created all of these moments throughout the concert and I was so taken back by how emotional it made me. It was very cool. I wish I could explain all that happened, but I wouldn't do it justice. But I'll leave you with this- even if you aren't a huge U2 fan, you should make a point to go to a concert before they retire. You will not leave disappointed.

Here are some shots that I got of my brother and his team.

It's Family Fun Night, and Gosh Darnit, We're Gonna Have Fun!

This past weekend I went home to see the fam, and it was SOOOO much fun. My brother is a senior, which scares me, and all us sisters hiked back to our old stomping grounds to watch Josh play his last home soccer game. It meant a lot for all of us to show Josh support, and to embarrass him to no end by cheering him on with our loud - well let's face it- unusually loud mouths. But no matter what Josh says, he loves every minute of it.

This weekend was unlike any other weekend that I've ventured home. There were so many people that a. I wasn't expecting to see, and b. hadn't seen in years, so that was an added bonus. So thank you to Jon A., Eric, Cuca, Brooke, Julia, and April for being the icing on the what was the already delicious cake.

I took my sis back to Rochester so I could see my newly engaged friends, and it was both wonderful and sad. It was wonderful because i got to see the ring (which is the classiest ring I've ever seen- well done John), and because I got to catch up with two of my favorite people. But it was sad because I realize that I'm missing so much of their lives because I'm not there. But I guess that's why they call it growing pains...

I stayed up way too late with my bro-in-law, but it was totally worth it because I miss that man to no end. Thanks, Denis, for listening to me talk for hours and hours. It meant so much. And thank you to Becca and Allison for being the best sisters around, and making me laugh 99% of the weekend. You rock.

Usually it's always hard to hug my mamma and daddy goodbye and head back home, but for some reason, it was a little harder to bring myself to drive home. It's not because I don't like where I live, or because I wasn't excited to see my husband (because I totally was)... I think the most frustrating thing out of it all is that I didn't really know why. But after tears were shed, I took a deep breath and traveled onward. Allegany will always feel like home in a sense, I guess.... and I'm okay with that.

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!

Here are some pictures that I took while I was at the park with my new camera!





There is so much I can do with this camera! I don't even know what to do with myself!

These are the roses that Mike got me for our anniversary. He's so sweet!

My New Camera

So I've been waiting and waiting, and saving, and saving to get a digital camera, and today I finally got it! I've never been so happy to see a UPS man! The camera is the Canon 20D, and it's a lot like the 35mm I had before, so I can use the lenses. I remember when I got my Canon 35mm Rebel 4 years ago at Christmas, I didn't move from the couch for an hour because I was engrossed in the manual. Well, today was just the same, and when I finally got a handle on everything, I got in my car and headed to the park. I got some good shots! I've posted a few just to show ya! I love it!

A toast to one of my favorite couples!

Congratulations, John and Amy, who got engaged over the weekend! I'm so happy for you both! You are both so special to me, and were there for me during times in my life where I felt like I had no one in the world, and to see the two of you together and in love warms my heart! So tonight, even though it's mine and Mike's anniversary, we will toast to our dear friends who are about to embark on one of the most amazing adventures in life- living happily ever after. Love you guys!

Update from the Mother Ship(man)...get it mother ship- shipman...haha

So maybe someone can clear this up for me.....

Where I work, I don't get any breaks. The only thing I'm allowed to do is leave for 5 minutes at a time to either run to the food court to get lunch, or run to the bathroom. But other than that, I can't leave the studio. And if it's really busy (and most of the time it is), I don't even get that. I worked all last week, and there were 2 days where I didn't get a bite to eat or a bathroom run for 8 hours. Is this illegal? I know that in NY it is, but are break regulations different in PA?

Anyhoo-
I have the rest of the week off, so I'm excited to just relax, and enjoy the fall weather. I was just talking to my mom, and I was telling her that this time of year- with the leaves changing, and the smell in the air brings me back to my wedding day. It so wierd how smells can bring back so many memories. Tomorrow is officially our 2nd wedding anniversary, and Mike and I will enjoy a nice, romantic evening. Two weekends from now (when Mike has time to take off), we will go someplace special for the night, and then we're going to a U2 concert! Mike is so pumped!

This coming weekend I'm heading up to my parents house for the weekend. My brother is playing his last home game, so it's senior night, and all the Freer sisters are going to make a big ruckis, and make my brother totally embarassed- it's gonna be awesome! Can't wait to see everyone!!!!

Shout Out to the West Coast

This goes out to my favorite doctor on the west coast- Dr. Kurt Perkins, who I met my freshman year in college. I had a teeny tiny crush on the guy for oh.....a year, and then he gave me the "I'm so glad we're just friends" talk, and we managed to stay close after I picked up the pieces of my heart. :-)

I was SOOO excited when Kurt did his internship for Chiropractic school in Buffalo where Mike and I were living, and for a year he helped out with the youth at East Aurora, and became a very close friend of Mike's. Now I think that Kurt likes Mike more than me...sniff sniff.... but i love that they are close.

I seriously consider Kurt a brother cuz he's been there for me through all the crap, and all of the exciting times. We annoy each other like brother & sister, and he DOES NOT let me get away with any whining-which Mike caught on to, so now I can only whine to my sisters and my mom.

Then Kurt had to grow up on me and move away to sunny California. Mike and I both miss him tons! Hopefully things are going well for ya, Kurt- missing you!

The Perfect Day Off

I always look forward to Fridays because that is Mike's day off, and we get to spend time with one another. Unfortunatly I have had to work the past few Fridays, so we haven't had a day to just hang out with one another in a while. So FINALLY this past Friday we both had a day off. We slept in (and those who know me know that this is VERY important to me) until 10:30, and we had breakfast and paid bills. We decided we would go to lunch and a movie (Flightplan with Jodi Foster). But after lunch, we decided that it was too beautiful of a day to sit in a theatre, so we went putt-putt golfing. We had SO much fun that we didn't want it to end, so we decided to play 9 holes at their golf course. Those who know me know that I do not play golf well. Mike's taken me to the driving range a couple of times, and I drove the cart once when Mike and Kurt played- but other than that, I STINK. And Mike was so patient with me when I had to take 4 or 5 swings before I even made contact with the ball, and eventually, after many many swings I would finally get the ball in the hole. Then it happened. There we were-on the 3rd hole, and I'm a little nervous because there is a huge pond between the tee deck and the green. Mike gives me a few pointers, and then stepped back to watch. I took a deep breath, said a prayer, and then swung. Right before my club hit the ball, the Heavens opened and angles started to chant, "Rachel, Rachel!". Finally, as if my swing was in slow motion, my club makes perfect contact with the ball, and it floats through the air, and the angels give a sigh. My ball lands straight on the green and sticks-about a yard from the whole. Mike stands in total shock, and I jump up and down making a spectical of myself! IT WAS AMAZING! I was ready to go home then-because life was complete. Of course I STANK for the rest of the time, and settled for just driving the cart for the last couple holes-but for just one moment.....I was great.

So once that was over, Mike and I did a little shopping, and then grabbed a couple milkshakes and headed home. We weren't even home for 15 minutes when our friends called and said that they had tickets to the Pirates game, and wanted us to go. So we put on warm clothes, grabbed a blanket, and headed to the city with our friends. And as a sat next to my husband and friends on the 3rd base line, 50 feet from the field, with a hot dog in my hand, I thought- this is what evey Friday should be like....

Perfect.

Then Saturday came....
Back to reality- and back to work- and in a foul mood that I missed my college Homecoming. Oh well- all good things must come to end, I guess.

Since everyone else is doing it....

I totally stole this from John and Amy, but it looked like fun! So here it goes!

20 years ago I... (1985)
1. I was probably driving my mother crazy as she chased Becca and I around the neighborhood. I'm sure we were a handful!
2. Dreading going to kindergarden. I specificly remember sitting on my porch one day, knowing that my life wouldn't be as fun when I started school. I knew that once i started school, I would be in it until i was really old (and at that time in my life, 22 seemed REALLY old!)
3. I was jealous that my two sisters had cabbage patch dolls that had long pretty hair, and mine had short red curly hair that i could do nothing with! So 20 years ago, you could find me with a hair brush, trying my hardest to brush out the curls.

10 years ago I... (1995)
1. I was starting high school, and getting used to the fact that my school merged, and i was now an Allegany-Limestone gator, and not an Allegany Blue Devil.
2. I was FINALLY growing out of my awkward phase by getting my braces off, growing my hair out, and growing into my hips.
3. My family was starting to get back to normal after my brothers accident. I still can't believe that it happend 10 years ago....seems like yesterday.

3 years ago I... (2002)
1. I met and fell in love with Mike! Sigh.....
2. I watched my sister walk down the isle and marry one of the greatest men that i know. She was the most beautiful bride that i had ever seeen....until 10 months later when i got married...hehehe.
3. I spent the summer with two FABULOUS girls (Becca and Christy), and two fairly odd boys, traveling from camp to camp trying to lead teens down the path of righteousness!

1 year ago I...
1. I was living in the "quaint" town (as John says) of East Aurora doing the youth ministry thang.
2. I celebrated my first year of being Mrs. Michael Shipman, and I loved every minute of it... and i still am.
3. Mike and I were starting to realize that God had a different plan for us other than youth ministry, and we began to pray about where we were suppose to be.


This year I...
1. Mike and I were faithful to God's calling, and I sucked it up and moved to Pittsburgh, away from my family, but moved to a place where it feels more and more like home every day.
2. I became a photographer! I'm learning a lot about what it takes to become a studio photographer, and I'm also getting opportunities to dabble in wedding photography! Tons of fun!
3. I lost 10 pounds! I joined Weight Watchers, and set out to loose 25 pounds, and I'm over 1/3 of the way there. I've been bad this month though....I haven't exercised at all! I've been very naughty....

Yesterday I...
1. I had the day off, so I slept in and went shopping with my friend Marcy.
2. It was date night for Mike and I, so we went out to dinner at a resturant called "The Tavern", and it wasn't that great. Then Mike and I spent the evening cuddling on the couch watching TV.
3. I FORGOT TO CALL JAIME ON HER BIRTHDAY! I will hold this over my head for an entire year until i make it up to her next year.

Today I...
1. Had the day off again (yes, be jealous), so I spent the morning cleaning my house, and spent the afternoon grocery shopping.
2. I got a few more pages done on a scrapbook that I'm making for my brothers graduation (shhh, it's a surprise). All i have to say is that my brother was THE CUTEST baby EVER, and he is THE HANDSOMEST man EVER. I wuv him so much!
3. I've been counting down the hours until Lost is on! Woo hoo! What happend to the people on the boat? I don't know, but I'll find out in T minus 3 hours!

Tomorrow I will...
1. MISS ALIAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! I have to work the evening shift, and I will miss the first half hour/45 min. of Alias. The world is ending!
2. GET OUT AND EXERCISE! I have to get back into doing that!
3. Did i mention that I will miss Alias....oh, the headaches are back.....

In the next year I will...
1. Find out what Michael Vaughn's REAL name is, and if he truly IS a double agent.
2. Reach my goal weight!
3. Hopefully buy a house, and begin to plan about when to start a family. Gotta make my mom a grandma!

Jaime

This goes out to all you single christian guys out there who are looking for a top notch gal, meet my friend Jaime! Isn't she lovely....isn't she wonderful...sing with me now!

I'm an awful friend!

So yesterday was my bestest friend in the whole world's birthday, and yours truly forgot to call her! How bad of a friend am I? Her name is Jaime, and I've known her since high school. At first i was totally intimidated by her, but during our junior year, when we were on the same soccer team, we started to become close. She was closer to my sister than me (and i was quite jealous), but during college we spent a summer counseling together, and that sealed the deal! She's been my best friend since-which is why i feel so awful that i didn't call her!

So Jaime, this is my public and sincere apology, knowing that birthdays are important to you, and that it must have hurt (even though you say it didn't) that i didn't call! But I love you SOOO much, and I hope that this next year brings happiness and blessings!

Marcy and Jeremy Gilligian

Meet Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Gilligian!! The two love birds wed on September 24th, and it was perfect sunny day for a beautiful wedding.
Like I said previously, Mike and I sang "A Page is Turned" by Bebo Norman (and we pulled it off quite well i might add). Marcy was a georgeous bride who just beamed (and cried) as she walked down the isle. Since Mike and I sang, we got to sit on the stage, and it was so neat to be able to see their faces as they exchanged vows. Mike and I went a little crazy with pictures (we took 12 rolls of film! That's almost 300 pictures!), and we can't wait to see how they turn out. We get them back Thursday, and I'll post some of them then.
But we had a great time at the wedding, and we love Marcy and Jeremy so much! We went out to dinner with them last night, and they already have a new gleam in their eyes.

Marcy has the day off today, and so do i, so we're goin' shoppin' with wedding money! Woo Hoo! Check ya'll later.

My Sis

This is my twin (she is on the right), Becca. She asked me to write a little something about her, and since she is the pushy twin (which makes me the pushover), I've concured.

We started out at "wombmates" as she likes to call it, and then came the whole being born thing, and I was the smarter, more curious one who came down the birth canal first. But my sister decided to stay a while, and eventually had to be taken out my cesarean an hour later. My mom says that she was a pain from the start. :-)

We went from "wombmates" to roommates for 18 years until we decided to venture out and room with other people in college. I didn't particularly like it at first, but I learned to live with it. Then one day she fell in love with our choir directer, Denis (I know that probably makes him sound old, but he is only a year older-he's just a piano prodigy), and they got married in December 2002. I actually saw her more AFTER she was married, which doesn't really make sense, so it wasn't too much of a life change for me. Then 10 months later I married Michael and moved away- which was very hard on both of us. We still aren't thrilled that we live far from each other- I hate being away from all of family for that matter, but we get through. But I love that I've had a built in best friend for my entire life, and she's the best.

Attention all Nicholas Sparks Fans!

Just reminding all my Nicholas Sparks fans that his new book will be out October 18! Can't wait! I've been dying to read this sequel and see just what Jeremy Marsh will do! I know, I know, I'm a nerd....

Mike has the day off tomorrow, and I'm sure we will spend the whole day practicing for the song we are singing in the wedding on Saturday because we always do everything last minute!

Oh, and one last thing... did anyone watch Lost last night? HOLY CRAP! If you did, I'd love to hear your take on it.... night, ya'll

My First Blog!

This is officially my first blog! I've given in to the times, and I'm allowing both strangers and friends alike to get a glimps of my personal life! I'm doing this mostly to keep in contact with my friends and family back in NY (because I miss you all so much!), but I'm also doing this as a way to work through any problems or ideas that i have. I'm a true believer of getting things off your chest, and this is a perfect way to do it!

So there isn't much going on here in Pittsburgh....Mike and I are singing in a wedding this weekend for our friends, Marcy and Jeremy. We met them at church the first weekend we came down here, and we've been friends here ever since! I can't wait to see Marcy in her wedding dress. She is actually wearing the same dress as my best friend, Christy, wore at her wedding back in August. It's a georgeous dress, and I'm sure Marcy will be stunning in it just like Chrisy was.