All I need is love... and chocolate

I had an "appointment" today. It was extremely successful, actually! Which was surprising and exciting and happy all in one. Until they mentioned that it is contract, not full-time, no benefits. 

-boo-

Overall, I was kinda bummed out after I left, because I knew that the offer just didn't have enough to make me take it. It's nice that I was good enough to merit such a rapid offer, for what sounds like a very dynamic and exciting job. But in the end, I'm probably not looking for a career, just a stable position that will keep me happy for the short term. Maybe I'm Debbie Downer right now, but it just wasn't what I hoped it would be. Getting the offer is almost worse than not getting it at all. On the positive side, it's nice to know that at least one company/industry found me highly qualified and desirable. 

Tomorrow is Joan's birthday... 25 on the 25th! I had always wanted to do something cool for my 25th.... I ended up extending my Christmas vacation that year and having a quiet night with the fam. Which was actually perfect! But I'm not sure what to do for my honey. Especially since there are time constraints...... I think I will attempt to make the following, though. He requested chocolate, but he isn't a fan of coconut so no German Chocolate Cake. I thought a dump cake would be s i m p l e and perfect, but he doesn't care for cherry pie filling.  So, I'm taking out all the stops! I already know I don't want the white chocolate on top, so I think I'll drizzle chocolate and have whipped cream to top it. I better get to the store and get cooking! It could get interesting, as I don't have a springform pan and will mostly likely buy the pre-made cookie crust. I'll be sure to take pictures and document! And if anyone has any last-minute fun ideas for what I can do with Joan from 8-10 pm tomorrow night besides eat divine cheesecake, let me know!!

Momentous Moments

First, I have to announce that in two months from today, I will be Mrs. Erica B. Gonzalez!! June 15th keeps inching closer and closer, despite all of life's attempts to make it seem far away. WOW! That's super exciting and I'm glad we still have some time to plan and get things finished up. In all honesty, most of the wedding things are taken care of... at least the major ones. Announcements are in progress of being designed, we've found an apartment, the honeymoon is coming together (from what I'm allowed to know about it) and soon it will all be happening. The best part of being engaged? Realizing ever so slowly just how much Joan loves me by all the small things (and big things) he does just for my happiness. 


Second, I now have over 300 blog posts. I love writing!!


Third, I think Spring Break really worked for me. I had gotten really run down emotionally with work, and even spiritually too. (And physically.) It was so wonderful to sleep in! To stay up late reading a book! The days were still rather stressful, particularly with searching for an apartment. I have driven so much in the past week, it is nuts! Today was very rewarding though. Joan came to church with me, which was fantastic, and several of the talks and lessons touched on happiness. It's been a difficult winter for me to maintain a healthy emotional balance. Of course I've been thrilled with many aspects of my life, but others have been so opposite in the other direction that... it's been a challenge. Today though, I feel like I am back in charge of my life and my happiness. Some days will still be hard, I know. Some days I might not remember that I am in charge of my happiness and my attitude. But I will do my best to remember!


There is so much in the world for us all if we only have the eyes to see it, and the heart to love it, and the hand to gather it to ourselves.

Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874-1942)

Spring Break

It's my week off!! What am I doing with all my time?

1. Find an apartment. (This took 5 hours today and could take more tomorrow.)
2. Finish grading things for school. (I refuse to spend more then 3 hours of my vacation days doing work for my job.)
3. Cleaning, sanding, and spray painting frames for wedding decorations.
4. Organizing, de-cluttering, and packing to move.
5. Coordinating my move out and a new roommate to move in. 
6. Working on invites, guest lists, and all other things wedding....
7. Sleeping in. 
8. Obviously, staying up late sometimes :)

I'm sure I've missed something in there. Oh yes, there may be some job searching and interviewing happening. Like yesterday when I drove all over the place to run errands and interview.  Oh yeah, seeing doctors too. Man, and it's not even halfway through the week! It's all exciting stuff, but boy is there a ton to do and think about and worry about. 

Official Pictures!

Vote for your favorite!!

My Best Friend's Wedding

I'm not sure how many people read my blog, but if you do I am calling on you to help me for about 2 minutes. My best friend and maid of honor is engaged!!! And she is in a contest to win her dream wedding! She needs all the help she can get to win, so here's what to do. Head on over to this website, http://inspiredweddinggiveaway.blogspot.com/ and click on the VOTE tab on top. Then vote for #3, Jenelle and Jeff! They will definitely appreciate your votes. You can only vote once per computer, so once you vote, tell your friends to vote too!! 


Thanks guys for helping out! Jenelle is one of the coolest people ever and she definitely deserves an amazing wedding. Your two minutes is appreciated!