A few

There were so many to chose from, but we have about 30 favs out of the 200 or so he took. These were some that he took, that weren't our top fav that we had him crop, and touch up. However, Shaun played with them a little, and wow, they look great now!!
More to come, of course. Maybe when the time comes to see them all, we will post three of our favorites, that you all can vote on to help us decide which one to use for our save-the-dates. Maybe I can get Jeffrey to help me with a posting a poll. What do you think Jeffrey, can you help me?

So, we had our engagement sitting with our photographer. We had so much fun. We got about 200 photos taken, and at lots of various places. Our photographer was great. He is very nice, willing to take pictures of whatever we wanted. Very pleasant. At the end of the evening, he sent us a picture of one of them. We are supposed to have the rest of them today. I can't wait to see how they turned out!! I, of course, will post a few of them here when we chose some of our favorites!

WW Week #2

So, I weighed in today at Weight Watchers. I only lost 0.8 lbs, but I expected it. Of course, week 1 I can't expect to be perfect. I am gonna try extra hard this week, and try to get moving some. I bought a pedometer, so I can join in on the pedometer challenge at the group. I tend to get lots of steps at work, but I want to try hard and get more steps. Maybe, if I keep getting out there, I will start running again. That would be nice. My weight loss goal, and I am going to share it with everyone, so I stick with it...is 30 lbs. I will try to post weekly my progress for the week and overall progress.
Other important things going on. Well, today we are posing for our engagement photos. Yippee! Also, this weekend, we booked our honeymoon. How cool is that?? We are taking a Mediterranean Cruise, 7 nights. I am so excited about that. I will be applying for my passport this week, too. Super exciting. I have never had a passport before.
What else is new? Umm, oh we registered for gifts for the wedding. That was super fun. We had a blast looking at all the gadgets and gizmos, and planning what our house could potentially be like, if we got everything on the registry.
This week for wedding planning, my goal is to start researching photographers, and get an officiant. Those are some major ones, so I have lots to do this week.
Loving the new place, and the new job so far. I have worked a total of 4 shifts so far, and I like it. The people are really nice. I am really looking forward to this assignment. I have been good all week too, I brought my lunch each day. Of course, that reminds me...I need to go grocery shopping, again.
Okay, this post has turned into a to-do list. Sorry about that. Stay tuned for more updates.

Move and then some

So, we are all moved into our new apartment. I started my new job yesterday. We love it here. The area is wonderful, beautiful, and clean. The new job...we'll have to see, but so far so good. Everyone was really nice, and it is alot like Tuality (my old job in Portland), so I feel at home.
We don't have internet yet. Hopefully the cable guy will come today. I am getting a wireless signal from someone, in order to access the internet. I was thinking just keep using the free wireless signal, until we can't anymore, then getting our own. It is a strong signal, and there was only a period of about an hour, that I couldn't seem to get any signal. I think that is a great idea, don't you?
I also decided to join Weight Watchers. I had lost about 40 lbs total last year, but have seemed to gain about 15-20 of those back. I don't EVER want to get back to where I was at the beginning of last year. Way too big for me. So, I joined and weighed in on Monday. Shaun is doing it with me, but from home. I pay and go weigh in, he just weighs in here. I tried to change my gym membership, so I could go to any gym, but they want $300 down and increase to $50/month. I can understand the $50/mo, but not the additional 300. So, I will just use the gym here, and the beautiful outdoors. Which is ok, since I really hate gyms anyhow.
I signed up for Half marathon about 3 months ago. It is coming up Sept 9th. I have decided not to run it, since I haven't ran in almost a year, but Shaun said he would walk it with me. I think we can handle a 13 mile walk, once. Hehehe. I haven''t decided for sure.
Hmmm, not much else going on. Still trying to unpack a few odd things. Trying to find a home for them. I don't get the same furniture, so things fit differently. Plus, we have way more stuff than if I was traveling alone, and planning to move every three months. I know I will be here longer, and Shaun has all his stuff, so it is a pain to move. We are really hoping we can just stay here for the remainder of the time.
I don't have any pictures of the place, but it is nice. Oh speaking of pictures, we have arranged to take professional engagement pictures next week sometime. We are really excited about that. Hopefully they will be good, and we can send them out with our save-the-date cards!
As soon as we get our internet decided upon, I will post more again.

Upcoming Move

We are scheduled to move to the Baltimore area on Saturday. It is really weird though, because we don't get our new address until tomorrow afternoon. It is strange knowing we are moving in less than one week and not know where we are going.

Started packing things up. It is pretty easy to move to a new place when we don't have to deal with furniture. I have a bookcase that we got, but other than that, just clothes, some pictures, computers, and a few kitchen items. Hardly anything at all. But, since I don't have my SUV anymore, Shaun's Dad said he would come to help us.

I start my new contact at Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore on Monday. I am really excited to be moving, and starting at a new hospital. It is fun to start new jobs, learn new things, meet new people. Hopefully we live in a community, where there are some other couples close to our age. That will be nice.

Only three more days in Hagerstown. I did pick up an extra shift today. But, after today, only 3 more left. I am so happy to finally be done with this place. I haven't been happy at this hospital for a long time. I just don't like the way things are run. I know there is good and bad at every place, but when the bad over takes all the good, it doesn't make for a good work environment. Here's to good over evil at the next place!!

I am home from Washington. I had a blast. I got lots of wedding details started. I gave each of my bridesmaids a job, and we found a place!! We are getting married at Promise Gardens in Pasco. It is beautiful!! I can't wait.
I also got my dress, but because Shaun has access to my blog, I can't post a pic. Besides, I want it to be a surprise for everyone else too!!
Lots of details of course still needing to be completed. We talked with a caterer, and I have to look at websites of various photographers, so we can narrow down one. We wanted to get recommendations from people in the Tri-Cities, people who have hired photographers, that way we know we get a good one. Too many of my family and friends were not pleased with their photographer, and they didn't get the pictures that they wanted.
Umm, what else...hmmm. Let's see. I have gotten great ideas from so many people, but if you have a great idea that you want to share, I am willing to listen. That is how great weddings come together...take many ideas, and make them work with my wedding. So far our theme is Springtime butterflies. Colors are pink and green. It is an outside, afternoon wedding. Let the ideas flow...

Lightning Storm

Tonight was an awesome thunder and lightning storm. It sounds and feels like it is right over us. It is so loud, and bright. The lights have gone off twice, but came back on right away. It doesn't seem like its going anywhere quickly...it seems to be over us for about 15-20 minutes now! It is raining like crazy out there. In just about 10 minutes of the rain, it looks flooded in areas. Of course, this area has been SO dry lately, its hard to soak in, I guess.
I can feel the thunder in my chest, that's how loud it is! Crazy. I wanted to sit on the porch/deck and watch it, but it is raining too hard, and it's soaked. We just stood with the door open for a while. It is really neat!!

Engagement Pictures

We had some fun taking our engagement pictures. We decided just to do them ourselves. No point in paying a photographer to do what we can do. Well, yeah, they would do a better job, and get way more pictures than us, and could get things that we can't get, but hey...way cheaper!! :)
Here is our favorite, along with some fun shots!

New Car!

We decided that since I kept having problem after problem with my car, that it was time for a new one. On Friday, I went out to my car to go to work, and it wouldn't start. It hissed at me. It was really weird. Last weekend, fuses kept blowing. A few weeks before my drivers side window broke off its track (that was my fault, but still), and the passenger side window doesn't always go up when you push the button. So, instead of dumping more money into it...I decided just to say good bye. I owed more than it was worth, so it was quite a struggle dealing with these car people. However, I finally found someone willing to work with me.
I found this cute car. Its a Mazda 3, 2007. In the used lot, but only with 66 miles on it. Sweet! There is a funny story as to why its in the used lot...but I won't share that. We drove it off the lot tonight, and I am so happy with it. I love it! I will post pictures of me in my new car soon, but here is the internet search photo. It looks about exactly the same but tinting isn't as dark. Ours is white, but a sparkly white. I have never named a car before, but I felt this one needed a name. So...we (by we, I mean, me) named her Pearl!

Okay....ok....

Settle down.

Here is your new post.

The reason I have been off for a while is I worked nights, then after two night shifts, we left straight away for NY Friday morning. Shaun's Dad and sister each had birthdays this weekend.

It was a great weekend, we had a ton of fun, and lots of leisure/rest time. Of course, it is a 6 hour drive from here, so I tried to sleep in the backseat (after working 12 hrs), but it was hard, and I didn't sleep terribly well. At least I got a doze or two.

We went out to dinner, played some games, made dinner and baked a cake for them. We went to church on Sunday, then relaxed. On Monday we drove to meet his 93 year old Grandmother. She is super cute. Then headed off to see his old college and old college roommate. His name is Jason, and he seems pretty cool. Went to dinner with him, and we just got back.

Of course, the first thing I did was post. That way you could get an update immediately! (That's for you Jeffrey!)

Oh...I got a new assignment. I will be working just outside Baltimore. We will find an apt half way between, so neither of us has a long commute. Both about 30-40 minutes. Better than an hour or more. That will start about middle of August.

I love quizzes..

Your Relationship Will Last... A Long Time!

Your guy is ideal, as close to Mr. Perfect as he could be If you took this quiz, you may be doubting that... Don't! No guy is perfect but yours comes really close You guys will last for many years, as long as you appreciate him!

How Long Will Your Relationship With Your Guy Last?

Your Love Life is Like Casablanca

"Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time." For you, love is never finished. If you've loved someone once, you'll always love them. You're an old fashioned romantic... even if your relationships don't end up as romantic as you'd like. Your love style: Traditional and understated Your Hollywood Ending Will Be: Complicated and ambiguous

What Movie Is Your Love Life Like?

You Are Very Happy

Your life is totally together, and you enjoy every day. And you don't need a quiz to tell you that! You know how to find pleasure in the little things... And even when life isn't so great, you have a good sense of perspective.

How Happy Are You, Really?

Your Emoticon Is Smiling

Right now, you're feeling cheerful and content - without a care in the world.

What Emoticon Best Represents You Right Now?

Your Depression Level: 0%

You aren't depressed, and you probably already knew that. Like everyone else, you have ups and downs. But unlike most people, you've mastered keeping your mood stable.

Are You Depressed?

You Are a Good Student of Men

You're pretty good at knowing what men are thinking But you're not dead on 100% of the time Let your guy off the hook sometimes... because you may be reading him all wrong!

How Well Do You Understand Men?

You're an Passionate Kisser

For you, kissing is all about following your urges If someone's hot, you'll go in for the kiss - end of story You can keep any relationship hot with your steamy kisses A total spark plug - your kisses are bound to get you in trouble

What Kind of Kisser Are You?

Date Night

I got all caught up in Saturday, that I forgot to blog about our date Friday night. We had an amazing dinner at Red lobster, then headed to see Transformers. Shaun has been counting down the days to see this. It was released July 3rd, but we didn't get a chance to see it until Fri.
The dinner was great, complete with dessert. I love Red Lobster, it is quickly becoming one of my favorite restaurants...well it definetely my favorite around here. All my personal favorites aren't around here, so RL takes #1 slot until we move to something closer. Hopefully be nearer to Baltimore come August.
As far as the movie goes...it was REALLY good. I was never a fan of transformers before, but they did a great job. Creative storyline, amazing effects, and of course...its cool to see anything just transform before your eyes. It wasn't cartoon or computer generated...it was actually a movie. Pretty neat. I was very impressed. It was long, but it didn't feel like it during. I recommend it to everyone!

We are ENGAGED!!

Shaun asked me to marry him today. I guess they say it is the luckiest day ever for a reason!! 7-07-07!! Three has always been a good number for us, but 7 will do too! He surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers with a love note. After I was done reading, I turned around and he had the ring, and asked me to marry him. Of course I said YES!!!
Here are a few pictures of the ring and flowers!!

HP 5

Harry Potter : Order of the Phoenix Movie is going to be released in just a few days. July 11th. Originally it was supposed to be released July13th, but apparently, changed their minds. I so cannot wait. Shaun and I watched the Goblet of Fire (4th movie) about a week ago. It got me back into the mood for Harry. So, I went out the other day, and bought book 5 and book 6 again. I have read both before, but it has been a while. And while the movie comes out next week, the 7th and final book is relased on July 21. So, I wanted to re-read book to get ready to see the movie, then re-read book 6 to get ready for the release of the final book. I cannot wait. I love both the movies and the books. Of course, the books are better, but thats just because you can fit so much more into books, and the movies would be rediculously long if they included every detail. Plus the books keep your imagination working and keep you turning the pages for more. I love that. So, while I am working nights, I am getting as much Harry Potter as I can in. So far in two nights of reading...I am well into Chapter 6. So many adventures, so little time...

4th

HappyFourth of July to all my fellow bloggers!! Hope you have a great night of family, fun, and fireworks. I, however, have to work. Grrr. I agreed to work a couple weeks of nights to help fill the spot of a recently departed nurse. I wanted to be a team player, but am really regretting agreeing to it. Oh well. Only 6 shifts of nights, then I am back to days! :)

Me and my guy ...

Your Relationship is Strong

You've built the foundation of a great relationship, and it would take a lot to shake it. Through good communication and respect, you have a true love that can last a lifetime.

How Strong Is Your Relationship With Your Guy?

King's Dominion

More fun in the gift shop!

Before riding Avalanche. It was like a bobsled, a lot of fun!!

Anaconda. Fastest and highest of them all in the park. Even went underwater once. Pretty neat!

All four of us standing in line. The longest line was for Volcano, we stood in line for about 2 hours, but all the other lines were less than half hour, most with only 5-10 minute wait. I am glad we didn't have to wait 2 hours for every ride. That wouldn't have been fun.

Yeah, we know we're cute!

There was a ton of water in this park!

So, as you can see, we had a blast at King's Dominion. Tammy and Andrea came up on Thursday night. Went to dinner and a movie. We went and saw Live Free or Die Hard. It was really good. I love a great action flick. Had some awesome stunt work and amazing special effects. Bruce Willis seems like he should be 80 by now, but he still looks good!
I had to work Friday, so Shaun and the girls just piddled around Hagerstown until I got home. Then the party started. Hehe...kidding. I was so tired from getting home so late Thursday night that I fell asleep about 15 minutes after we started a movie at home. Saturday, we headed off to King's Dominion. Shaun had been wanting to go since his birthday, so we were really looking forward to it, and getting very excited toward the end of the week. It was a blast. They have a water park, that we were gonna spend a few hours at, but we couldn't fit everything into the locker, so we decided not to go. That's ok though, cuz we got to spend more time with the coasters. We went on about 8 of them. There we a couple Andrea wanted to go on that Shaun and I said no way. We know our limits.
Volcano was the first, and it starts off with a fast acceleration. Then spits you out upside down at the top of the volcano. It was super fun. It is the type of ride where your feet dangle.
The other super cool one was the Anaconda. The last one we rode. It takes you upside down several times. See above pictures.
We also went on about 3 or 4 wooden coasters. They we fun, but you really get thrown around. Some are really violent. By the last one, my shoulder was really hurting.
We also went on a cool ride. It looks like a kiddie ride cuz its just one car at a time. But, you get moving fast, and the way it makes sharp turns, really makes you feel like you are gonna fall off the track. It was neat.
So, short of making this a really long post (I know, too late)...I won't explain every ride we went on. Just wanted to share some of my favorites. After the park we went to dinner then said good-bye to the girls. They headed back south that night. Otherwise their drive on Sunday would have been long, and Andrea had to work Sunday evening.
Overall, it was a fun-filled weekend, and we had a blast!

Caution: another fun-filled weekend ahead

Shaun's friends are coming this weekend. Actually, Tammy, his friend from Georgia, is coming Thursday afternoon for "The Fray" Concert Thursday night. Then, his friend Andrea, from NC, is coming Friday afternoon. Then we are all headed to King's Dominion on Saturday for fun. If you remember, we were supposed to go to KD for Shaun's birthday back in April, but couldn't go due to bad weather. We decided to go in June on this weekend since they were already coming up anyhow.
So, we are super excited to have houseguests again. Last houseguests were Mara and Shaun's sister, Deanna back in April during Easter weekend.
I think the concert and KD is about it, partially because that's enough fun to be had in one weekend, and because they live so far away and have to drive back. Then, I get a couple more days off before I get to work nights for a couple weeks. Starting on July 4th. Yup...I get to miss July 4th. I normally don't mind, but I am over here in the East where I have never seen any 4th celebrations, and I am with Shaun. I would like to celebrate holidays with him. Oh well. We are gonna have a good day before I have to go to work. My night shifts are all bundled together, so I will get them over with in about a weeks worth of time.
Other than that, nothing new to note. Shaun was supposed to have a 2 week training thing in July, but he isn't going now. So that is good news. I don't think we have any plans, but gives us more time to plan something fun to do. We might head up to see Shaun's Dad again in July. His Dad turns 60 on July 16th, so there is a big party planned. He was really bummed when he thought he wouldn't make it due to the training thing, but now gets to go...and I just happen to have the weekend off. :) Yay for us!

Sugarloaf Mtn

Headed down south to Sugarloaf Mountain on sunday for a day hike. We planned on following the hike mapped out in the book we bought "50 hikes in Maryland". It was fun, strenuous but fun. First 1/4 mile was practically all up hill. There were lots of other people around as well, until we got about 1/2 mile into the hike. After that, we saw very few people.
There were several lookout points that overlooked the beautiful landscape we call Maryland. Unfortunately, neither of us thought to bring our camera. We headed to breakfast at Cracker Barrell before our hike, so we were only thinking about how hungry we were. We know...bad us.
We ended up cutting it short about a mile or two. We planned on a 7.5 mile hike, but ran out of water at about mile 4. Oops, it was hotter than we expected, and we drank more than we thought we had. Oh well. So we cut it short, and figured we did about 6 miles. It took us about 3 hours to do it all, but it was up/downhill lots. We saw a deer run away and heard lots of little scurrying along our hike, but nothing other than that. Overall, we were pooped and ready to be done. However, it was great way to spend a Sunday afternoon together!

American Falls

American and Canadian Falls



Having fun in the gift shop.

All ready to walk the cave of the winds, and get soaked!!

Maid of the Mist Boat. It takes you right into Horseshoe Falls (Canadian), pretty neat, but more wet!!

Overlook onto the Falls

Shaun and I before Maid of the Mist Boat ride

American Falls, view from the boat!