The final sprint!

I know I should be in bed right now, or at least getting ready for bed, but a lot is running through my mind and I just have to write.

1 month until the big day.

31 days.

4 weeks and 3 days.

It feels like an eternity, and yet a speeding train all at the same time. I'm so excited, and then I look at my list of things left to do. Planning a wedding entails the craziest mix of emotions imaginable. I feel like I'm up and down constantly. I'm experience more joy than I've ever known in my life, as well as some pretty draining and stressful nights.

But it's DEFINITELY worth it. In 1 month/31 days/4 weeks and 3 days, I'll be married to my best friend! How did I get to be so blessed?

So as an update since I know I've been neglecting my blog, most of the BIG decisions/to-dos are done! Wedding colors, cake planning, engagement photos, wedding dress, flowers, announcements (we finished these tonight and will get them in the mail tomorrow--hooray!), photographer, hair, apartment shopping--all planned and done except for some reception details (my mom has been an angel and is doing a lot of work in Oregon to help get ready for this). And I must say, Richard has been a HUGE help in all of this as well (except the dress ;)) Again, I'm not sure how I got so lucky to find a man who is willing to help and add input when I ask, but otherwise let's me plan to my heart's content. I'm surprised he's not going insane yet with me constantly changing my mind about bridesmaid dresses or being picky about table centerpieces or stressing about address labels. He has been so loving and patient and supportive, and I love him for it =)

And despite the chaos of planning a wedding, we've managed to sneak away from our cares now and then and simply enjoy each others' company. In fact, last Saturday Richard planned our day: from hiking to ice cream to going to a driving range to dinner, the day was packed with fun. He certainly treats me better than I deserve!

So that's the update; at least, all I have time for since it's midnight and I do have to get up and be at work by 8. Speaking of work--the internship is going great! I also have bitter-sweet feelings about it since the internship ends in 3 months (end of August). Life after that? Who knows, but I'm sure it will be great!

And for your viewing pleasure, here is a sneak peak at some of our engagement photos:

We're almost there!

A Sea of Tulips

On Easter weekend, Richard (and I) finally got to visit the most beautiful state in the county: Oregon! (I suppose I am a little bias.) It was sunny and warm and green and glorious to behold! Spring had come and everything was in full-bloom.

There is one flower that I favor above all others, and that's the tulip (red in particular). So when my mom suggested we visit the tulip festival in Woodburn (south of Portland), I was ecstatic. And I never expected it to be quite this beautiful! As we pulled up to the farm, I thought I had reached paradise (I imagine gardens full of tulips in Heaven). Thousands and thousands of tulips spread as far as the eye could see, all in rows of different colors! It. Was. Stunning.

And since pictures say a thousand words, I'll let you take in the sea of tulips for yourself:

(My favorite color of tulips!)

Walking in the sea of tulips

Richard got a little bored and brought a toy to keep busy ;)

My beautiful mom

Tulips + Oregon + Richard = One happy girl!


And more Oregon pictures to come...