The moments before the air erupted in celebration...

Ohio: Day 2

It's always exciting to wake up in a new city - the air of possibilities and curiousity of the unknown embracing you. I woke up around 8:15, happy for a little extra sleep. Pink tights. Blue jean skirt. Pink tee. Brown Sweater. Ready for seizing the day :) Then I headed to Derrick's room to make sure he was up and ready. Good morning, Honey!

The church was our first stop - and we found that with ease...thanks to Thelma (GPS). I wanted to go help decorate, spend more time with the wedding party, and introduce Derrick to everyone so he would feel more at ease during the various events. I also finally got to see Mrs. Juli - who was like a second mom to me during the summers around freshmen year. The decorating didn't take long - rearranging flowers and deciding whether or not to use reeds. Opening bubbles and arranging them. The decision process took the longest.

Then it was time for Derrick and I to be on our own in the big city. Time for new adventures. Endless Opportunities.

First we pulled over in a mall parking lot, finding many restaurants and possibilities of things to do. But none of them satisfied us. I had promised Derrick Long John Silvers, something that he had fond memories of as a child - so we punch it in the GPS and on we go. We were the only customers in the Long John Silver, which always makes me a little nervous. Plus, fast food fish for lunch - the concept seems a little odd. But it was better than I had expected. And not as good as Derrick remembered. Cross that off the list.

Time for the zoo. We had planned to spend the afternoon exploring the Cincinnati Zoo, and I was excited. We had never been to a zoo together. After driving around the block several times, Thelma getting mad at me, we finally pull in. (I will preface this next part by saying that Derrick and I are very tight with our budget. Very. We don't go to movies. We eat fast food, hardly ever going out to eat. I don't buy things for myself...). The lady says it's going to be $7 for parking. $7! I ask how much admission is...$14 a person. Quick calculation lets me know that it's going to be a $35 trip. Nope. Sorry. No zoo.

Back to the hotel - where I fell asleep and Derrick watched Top Gear and played on the computer. Relaxation and sleep = boring success!

The rehearsal dinner that night went very well. Tortellini and prime rib! Cheesecake and good company! Swords and wands! Tears and sweet words...it was a good time of fellowship, as was the rehearsal. Everything went well, and I enjoyed spending more time with the girls.

New Years Eve! Derrick and I pulled into White Castle on our way back to the hotel and ordered a random assortment of new things. Then we had high hopes of sparkling grape juice, a movie, sliders, a midnight kiss.

Sparkling grape juice in plastic cups accompanied our White Castle burgers...and no movie was chosen. Around 10:30 I realized that the chances of us making it to midnight weren't looking too good - so I suggested we pray for 2011. Derrick opened it up, praying for the wedding, the future, the year ahead, and thanking God for His blessings. I talked to God, asking for blessings on our relationship, our jobs, our friends, and our families in 2011. Asking to be used in a big way in the coming year, to make a difference in the world. I love standing on the edge of a New Year - and knowing that God is already there!

 Then...at 11:30 I gave Derrick a premature goodnight kiss and strolled down the hall to my room, falling asleep in the moments before the air erupted in celebration, fireworks, and kisses. 2011 had a silent beginning to me. Relaxation and sleep = boring success!

Happy New Year! Isn't it beautiful? The air of possibilities and curiousity of the unknown...

...And if I had the choice, I'd do it again!

Ohio: Day 1

Going to a new place is always an adventure. You get to see places you've never seen and meet people that you wouldn't have otherwise met - and my time in Ohio was no different.

The 10 hour ride up went by more quickly than we had expected - passing through snowy hills and mountains, over bridges and through small towns, finally to arrive at our destination. The drive up was filled with a random selection of tunes and random topics, tired eyes and bursts of noise to keep Derrick awake.

As soon as we got there, I had about an hour to eat and get ready before it was time for the "bachelorette party". I didn't know what to expect and my stomach was in knots as I tried to navigate around Cincinnati, but I was at ease about the party and excited to see Jessi!

Jessi met me at the door with one of our squealy hugs, and I was happy to have this opportunity to celebrate this time in her life. Jessi's friends were unbelievably amazing and sweet! It is such a blessing that God's daughters can be connected by the heart and by a shared joy and come together in celebration, and this definitely was a celebration. I met everyone, trying not to become Jessi's shadow...and a conversation about how undeniably amazing sweet tea is ensued. They didn't understand.

After we had all eaten a little, we joined together in a time to talk to God about Jessi and Evan. We prayed for a wonderful, memorable, stress-free next few days. A romantic honeymoon. And a blessed life together. A life that would help Evan and Jessi continue to grow in love with each other and grow in the Lord - serving Him side-by-side. What a blessing!

Next came our murder-mystery game. Immediately I was out of my comfort zone. Amanda explained that we would all be a character, receiving a packet of notes to tell us our biography, how to act, and what part we play in this story. I'm not at actress. I direct. I encourage from the background. I don't act. And a part of me wanted to run away...but I was the murderer (unbeknowns to anyone), so I had to push forward.

The story unfolded and everyone played their character brilliantly. When the time came for guessing the murderer - no one guessed me. Then I revealed the truth and read my confession: "...I killed her! And if I had the choice, I'd do it again!"

Although the game forced me out of my little bubble, it was a great way to get to know everyone - and left me with so many blessing and great memories!

Stay tuned for Ohio: Day 2



Departure Time: Tomorrow

Tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. Derrick and I will depart from my house on our way to Cincinnati, Ohio to celebrate the marriage of one of my best friends. This trip has been a source of much anticipation. Anxiety. Speculation. Stress. Planning. And excitement.

I am a planner. And I like to be in control. Going 10 hours away, not sure what to expect, where things are, and not knowing many people doesn't seem like a controlled situation to me. What's the traffic going to be like? Are we going to get there in time? What's Derrick going to do while I'm doing bridesmaids stuff? Did I pack everything? Do I have all the information I need?

Chill.

The truth: I'm excited. This weekend holds the promise of an adventure. An adventure that holds new things and unique situations. An adventure that isn't perfectly planned or thought out - but is holding on by faith and anticipation. An adventure that I get to go on with my very best friend.

The truth: I'm ready. This weekend holds the promise of celebration. Celebrating the love of my life and how blessed I am to have him. Celebrating all of the many blessings that God has given me in 2010 - and taking time to reflect on a truly wonderful year. Celebrating the beginning of a New Year - new blessings, new adventures, new friendships, new memories. Celebrating a marriage and my wonderful and fun friendship with Jessi Buker (soon-to-be Chiu).

The truth: I'm looking forward to it. This weekend holds the promise of a memory. A memory that no one can ever take a way. That I can hold onto forever. That Derrick and I can laugh about and find warmth in. That Jessi and I can share, a memory that will make our friendship stronger. A decade from now we'll still talk about the New Years that we spent in Ohio...and that will be something special.

10 hours in a car with Derrick, listening to new cds and snapping pictures of new places, talking about everything and nothing, laughing and singing. Meeting new friends and sharing fun times with a wonderful group of girls. An afternoon in a new city with a camera in one hand and Derrick holding the other. Celebrating a beautiful day with one of my dearest friends. That's life. That's adventure. That's celebration. That's a memory. It doesn't sound too bad, now does it?