FRIENDS

It's one of my favorite T.V. shows. I lucked out a few years ago and got the entire series on DVD from Borders Marketplace. The box for the set was damaged so the company couldn't sell it in store. In that case I got a bargain. I am currently watching all of the episodes in order, for the second time (mind you the first time I did this was in 2009 - I think). I like to think it brings out the child in me, as I lay in bed laughing at Joey or Chandler, or miss ridiculous Phoebe.

What I like best about the show is how a group of six friends become family. The series moves along the years with some of them getting married and having family while trying to lead the life of carefree youth. Through all of it, they remain the best of friends.

Over the last couple of years I've learned a lot about how friends and family shape life. They support you when your going through something tough. They love you when you make a mistake. They are there to celebrate and make you smile.

I'm blessed to have friends I've known since as far back as I can remember. And I am blessed to have gained friends as I've grown up. In a matter of months I'll "officially" gain another family. A pair of sisters, aunts/uncles and cousins. All of this feels really important to me. Important in the sense that I am gaining something invaluable. I get the chance to make a positive impact in their lives and be by their sides to celebrate the good and the bad.

You're probably wondering where all of this talk about friends and family is coming from. Over the last couple of weeks I have been "showered" with wonderful pre-wedding events. Pun intended :) First, my wonderful Maid of Honor and her mom hosted a Bachelorette party at their house for me and the bridesmaids, as well as a handful of friends. The following week I was showered two more times. Once from family friends of the Rothmeeler's (mom) and the other from the Wenstrup family (Drew's family). I had a blast at all three events. To be honest, it was really overwhelming to be in the spotlight and surrounded by so many people who think highly of Drew and me. The party hosts put in a lot of time and thought to making the events wonderful and I am extremely grateful.

Drew and I both are anxious to walk down the isle and begin our lives together as husband and wife, but we both agree we are extremely grateful for time dedicated to our engagement. We have hardly felt rushed or stressed and therefore have been able to enjoy all of the process and festivities that come with getting married. If I can offer anyone pre-wedding advice it would be to enjoy the engagement.

ps. Yikes! A whole month has passed since my last post. Every time I say I am going to better and I fail. I do know that by the time I get home each day, the last thing I want to do is sit and type at a computer. The weekend rolls around and it's so busy, it's over before I know it, prompting me to say, "I'll write next week." I do consider taking a break at work to write, but I know how much people like to look at pictures and I don't plan ahead enough to get access to them.