A Dose of Reality and (another) Lesson in Patience

It's no secret that I work in the wedding industry. There are times that I absolutely adore it and then there are others where it gets very trying. Now hold on a second, don't get me wrong,

I. LOVE. MY. JOB. 

But as a "single" girl dealing with booking weddings and going to wedding shows and attending weddings, it gets taxing. I get all caught up in the planning and the magic of all things wedding that I start to plan my own (I have a whole board on Pinterest, but who doesn't right?)--to the point where I'm in a super rush to get married. 

I tell Joshua (and may or may not pressure him), he gets annoyed (ok so I am pressuring him), then I get annoyed that he's annoyed, and it doesn't end well. 

This is the point where I start to feel like an old maid, and get this slight panic feeling that Joshua never wants to commit and doesn't love me anymore (see out. of. control.) and that I may never get married and then....I realize....

Wait a minute. I'm only 22. I only graduated college 6 months ago and I have so much that I want to accomplish.

There is no absolute rush to get married. 

There are two trends in the industry right now--that I've noticed.

One: Getting married in your early twenties or earlier. 

Two: Getting married in your mid to late twenties.

Each are perfectly fine and a personal preference. 

I'm not here to tell you that getting married so young is wrong and that you should wait until you're 27.

When you're ready, you're ready and only you as a couple know that. 

What I do know, is that as much as I'd like think I'm ready, I know deep down that I'm not. 

(wow that took a lot to admit) 

If I'd got married now, I'd be doing it for all the wrong reasons (because everyone else is). After all of the glitz from planning a wedding fades and I have a second to sit down and think about it. Getting married scares the crap out of me. I'm not ready to grow up, take on all of the grown up responsibilities (I'd like to take this whole grown up thing in as many tiny steps as possible)--much less share anything with Joshua (besides our dog). Call me selfish, but that's where I am in my life right now. 

#divastatus

 And I know there are so many goals, individual goals, that we both want to accomplish before we tie the knot.

I have plenty of time to grow up and plenty of time to get married. Yep that's right people, you heard it here first. (ring the alarm and someone tell Joshua) I will do my best to try to stop badgering him about the type of ring I want, updating him on who's getting married and when, and what the best month to get married would be.

If I get proposed to tomorrow that would be great, but if it's another two years that's great too. 

Because I said so.

#kinardblackwedding

As I mentioned earlier one of my friends was getting married this weekend! It was an abosolutely perfect wedding and I hope she enjoyed every second of it. She was totally ready to be a "Mrs."

Friday, after finally getting my act together and finding a dress, I made it to the rehearsal. Who knew practicing walking down the aisle could be so complicated and take so long! I'm glad we did practice though--I would've been so lost.
The dinner was wonderful (yummy yummy STEAK!) We took about a dozen pictures and I was caught up on everything that was happening in everyone's life. We survived the dinner with only a few broken forks (Kaila) and dropped knives (myself) --I guess we aren't the most graceful bridesmaids.
After getting lost and driving through the MOUNTAINS, we made it to the hotel and spent all night watching wedding shows like Say Yes to the Dress and Something Borrowed Something New--what better way to get in the wedding mood!

Watching wedding shows and keeping it classy drinking wine our of plastic cups

Ashley and I at the rehearsal dinner--See I found a dress

The day of the wedding started out bright and early! Hair and make up started before I was even fully awake. Hillary's (the bride) grandma made us breakfast and we watched Pitch Perfect while we got ready (can you say perfect). We also all got these matching shirts, monogrammed of course, to get ready in! Fabulous!

I have to hand it to Hillary--she was so incredibly cool, calm, and collected the entire time. I would've been a nervous wreck..needing Xanax and mimosas!
The ceremony itself was beautiful and didn't even feel like real life. Like what? She's married now! I teared up a little bit when they said their vows, but they were quickly dried up when Will (the groom) couldn't find the ring! (turns out, the little ring bearers mom had it) Adorable.
I hope she had a very special day. I know I was honored to stand in her wedding and had a great time celebrating with the two of them!

I wonder, who out of all of my friends, will be next?!

Ch Ch Ch CHANGES...

Oh hey its Allison. Remember me? Its been forever since I've posted a new blog. Life has been happening and I didn't want to jinx anything by posting about my job interviews, butttt......

I have good news! I BASICALLY GOT MY DREAM JOB!!!  The JOB SEARCH is over! After two nerve wracking interviews, I am now employed. Holla! I couldn't be happier! Working for this catering company in New Orleans as their marketing/sales assistant is like a dream come true. I can't wait to start my NEW JOB (so weird saying that) July 8th. And then that Friday is my 22nd birthday and the week before is family vacay. What a great way to start my birthday month right? Seriously. 

So even though I haven't even started the job yet much less received a paycheck yet AND despite the fact that I only have like $60 to my name, I am OBSESSED with apartment hunting. (that been my main goal since I got out of school) So I have created a budget spreadsheet and if I live at home until like December and only spend money on necessities (such as clothes, out to eat, little Laney, BarMethod classes, and gas) necessities right? I can save about $4,000 for this new, imaginary apartment! I love to plan so I keep making up all these plans to save money and create this dream life. 

Since this is a post all about CHANGE, I would like to wish my high school friends Kayla and Kevin a HAPPY WEDDING DAY! (do people do that?) They are getting married tomorrow!! WHAT?! Are you sure we aren't like 5 years old and our biggest responsibility was tying our shoes? 

I have a Big Girl Job, my childhood friend is getting married tomorrow, and I turn 22 in like a few weeks...WHEN DID WE GET SO OLD??

I secretly love this exciting time where everything seems to be changing. It keeps me on my toes and if I don't let myself think too much about it, I'm really not all that worried or scared. 

One more thing.

 

Because I Said So. 

(ok I didn't really make this up, but it worked for me and it's great advice!)