Thankfulness!

Sometimes I get discouraged. Everyone does. For me it's my job that brings me down a lot, or the fact that I hardly get to see my fiance. But this time of year always makes me realize: I have A LOT to be thankful for! And here's my list.

-i have a fiance who loves me and cares about me more than anyone ever has.
-i have a loving family who is weird and silly and fun to be around.
-i have a roof over my head, a full tummy, and plenty of cold, fresh water to drink!
-i'm getting married... in less than 7 months!
-i have a car that gets me where i need to go (even if it is missing a hubcap!)
-i have a job in a really hard economic time... and i occasionally make tips!
-i have plenty of warm clothes for the winter.
-i have the blessings of technology at my fingertips (phone, laptop, ipod, etc.)
-my packers are on a small winning streak!
-i have a church filled with people who love and adore me.
-i have friends who lift me up and encourage me!

So, with all the many blessings in my life, why don't I do more to lend a helping hand to others who are not so fortunate? I don't do it enough. I am setting a goal (yes, goal-setting is not just for New Year's) to do an act of service every day. Yesterday my act of service was to offer consistent rides to a boy at my work who has been riding his bike in the rain. Today I have not yet sought out service opportunities. I should always be STRIVING to serve someone! It makes me feel sooo good to uplift someone or just help in an obvious way. I would encourage everyone to HELP a fellow neighbor, co-worker, sibling, parent, or friend... or even a complete stranger, and let the smile on their face fill you with satisfaction and happiness that you were able to make their day brighter by being in it! I'm telling you... when there are problems in your life, take the focus off yourself and start SERVING. You will definitely find happiness that comes back around to you! I love you if you're reading this, and I am THANKFUL that you are in my life! Happy Thanksgiving Eve Eve! =)

Catch-Up Blog

It has been awhile. I'm terrible at blogging. Trust me, it is not for a lack of exciting events to blog about... I have plenty to say. Where to start... There are A LOT of good things going on in my life that I am excited about.

1. I got my wedding dress. Yesterday I went to David's Bridal with the intention of TRYING ON DRESSES, and specifically told my mom and sister not to let me buy anything. See, I knew they wouldn't have the type of modest dress that I wanted. I figured I would have to go somewhere far away and find a temple-ready dress. But I fell in love! It is beautiful...and you'll have to wait to see it. I ordered it in my size and it doesn't come until March. Grr...

2. We set our date/got our venue! June 19th, 2010 I will be Susan Renee Schapper, and the LUCKIEST girl on this planet! We are doing the temple ceremony in the morning on that day, and then going to Blue Rooster Bed and Breakfast for the ring ceremony and reception. It is so beautiful out there. It's 54 acres of farmland and a huge barn with hard wood floors. It's going to be AMAZING.

3. I had my birthday. It was November 7th, and I am now 23. That is near-death. I'm scared of being this age. When I was younger for some strange reason I never thought I would live past 23. I hope that I am wrong! Anyway, my birthday was great! Neal was AMAZING... he planned a whole day of fun things for me! First I had an hour massage that was soooo relaxing. Then we went to Fred Meyer Jewelers and ordered our wedding bands! (We just got them on Thursday and they're beautiful!) Next we drove out to Putters and played a round of mini golf, then played some arcade games. It was fun, even though he beat me by a stroke ON MY B-DAY! haha. After Putters we went out to dinner at PF Changs and had some DELICIOUS dinner! It was sooo yummy, I love it there! After Changs we went to my house and had a bunch of people over for Marie Calenders Chocolate Satin pie, which is beyond tasty. My mom got me lots of nice things, like a new hair straightener, a couple nice gift cards, new socks, and pantyhose! All in all it was a wonderfully planned day by my loving fiance! I am seriously so blessed to have him.

4. I started delivering pizzas for Papa's. I have worked at Papa's Pizza for 6.5 years... way too long. But honestly, they work so well around my schedule and I am just comfortable there! But now it's all worth it, because I finally get to start delivering! That's where you make all the tips... and it's been a great help in saving for our wedding! Plus it's a lot more fun than cooking!

Things have been really great for me. I don't feel nearly as stressed out as I did last month. I think I just overwhelmed myself with work and wedding planning and tutoring, and I didn't have enough "me time". We have our date set now, my wedding dress is picked out, along with the bridesmaid dress, we have our venue, and we've made our rough draft guest list... the goals for November are as follows:

1. Mail out "save-the-dates" to out-of-town guests.
2. Choose our honeymoon site and buy tickets ASAP to get them cheaper!
3. Figure out which birth control works for me...yikes!
4. Confirm wedding party participants.
5. Decide what the groomsmen are going to wear.

We are already half-way through the month! Yikes, I hope these goals are achieveable! Anyway, I love you all! Sorry for the long gap!

Don't Think Twice It's Alright

I have been blessed in my life to have grown up with great music. My parents both love GREAT musicians like Bob Marley, Neil Young, John Hiatt, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin, and Bob Dylan. I got the amazing chance to see Bob Dylan live TONIGHT at MacArthur Court.... and it SUCKED big time. He only played 3 songs that were older than his newest albums, and every song he sang (including these 3) sounded terrible. I went to the concert and stood in line 4 hours with my brother, and we were SO psyched... and then he came on stage and after every song we were hoping the next one would be better but he was seriously GROWLING instead of singing, and none of the songs sounded like the originals. Oh I am so angry! I mean, the tickets were $45.50 and I expected to see a legendary performance. It's so weird because everyone around us was loving it... and it seemed like only Ross and I really knew what was going on... or something. I'm just so annoyed and upset that I had to blog.

Don't get me wrong... I still get to say I saw him in concert. He has been a good part of my childhood and I love his music. I just wish it would have sounded like music. I wish he would have played some songs without his mediocre band... songs that changed people's view on things. That's what he's famous for... change. I'm severely disappointed. But I love the man, so props to Bob Dylan for the legend that he is. I just wouldn't recommend seeing him at age 68.

I'm sick in bed and not happy about it! I need money, and I needed to work today. =( Oh well, maybe I can pick up another shift... but I doubt it!

Anywayyyy... Wedding plans have been falling into place for me. Okay, that's kind of a lie. I've been stressing out majorly but it seems to be paying off. I have figured out my bridesmaids and I am so excited about these girls. I love them all so so so much! I would like to introduce them to you!

First I have my maid of honor. This girl is one of my very best friends. We have worked together for a couple years, so we haven't known each other long, but she is amazing. We have so much fun together in and out of work. She keeps me sane. Christina Hughes

Next is my matron of honor, and yes I am doing both. My sister is one of the best there could be. I couldn't imagine planning a wedding without her to help me! Whenever a thought goes through my head about how I should decorate, or what kind of centerpieces I'd want, or what dresses are pretty I think of calling her. She's so organized and on top of things... which is the opposite of the way I am. Liz Bernard

The rest are my bridesmaids, and I haven't chosen an order yet, but I will soon. Elyse George is one of my best friends also. I have known her since high school and we've developed a much stronger friendship since then. She has helped me through some really difficult times, and given me million dollar advice. She lives in New Hampshire, yet she is always texting/calling/facebooking me to ask if I need help. She looks things up for me and is so helpful! I love her.

Jenni Cook is also one of my best friends AND my cousin, which works out perfectly. I have always pictured her as one of my bridesmaids so this was not a tough choice. We grew up together, and have made many fond memories. She is gorgeous and makes me laugh and we always have tons of fun. She's always there for me and willing to give me advice on things. She's the best EVER!

Chandra Sarkez is also my cousin, who I love DEARLY. I am so excited about her, because I wasn't sure she'd say yes! She has a lot on her plate, but she reallllly wants to be in my wedding and I couldn't be happier about it! She is so sweet and just a beautiful person, and although she is younger than me, I have always looked up to her. Now my wedding party is finally complete!
Aren't my bridesmaids GORGEOUS?!? I love them all!! And here is the dress they will all wear.

Location, Location, Location!

Ahhhh, I'm going crazy! I'm not good at staying calm about this wedding stuff. If you have any ideas about a good reception/ceremony location, please let me know! We have 200+ guests and need room to accommodate them all... and we'd really like to do it outdoors, but are scared of June rain. So please, if you know of a place that is outdoor but also has a back-up indoor place for the reception, TELL ME! =) Love you all!

The Proposal

As most of you know, Neal Schapper and I are engaged! It happened two weeks ago, but it seems like MUCH longer. I guess that just means the engagement is going to seem like an eternity in itself! But we are SO excited and are having lots of fun planning our wedding.

I decided it'd be a good idea to tell everyone how it happened! Well, Neal had suggested that we go to the coast and we both asked for it off work. We wanted to make sure we made a trip out there while the weather was still nice. We couldn't have picked a better day! It was SO beautiful in Florence! He first took me to Heceta Head Lighthouse, which is my very favorite place on the coast! It was a gorgeous day, even though the forecast said RAIN. It sprinkled on the way there but it was dry the entire time we were in Florence! We hiked up to the lighthouse and the volunteers were there giving free tours! So we got to go to the top and see an amazing view!! Then we played on the beach, climbed on rocks, and took pictures in the pretty surroundings!

Around 6 we went to dinner at Driftwood Shores restaurant, right on the beach! It was so pretty, and even though the food wasn't the best, I had so much fun with my Neal! After dinner we went down to the beach and wrote things in the sand, and just walked along the shoreline holding hands. The sun was setting and the clouds looked amazing!! Neal was being REALLLLLY mushy, saying how much he loved me, how he couldn't live without me, and I was like, "Wow, you're being really mushy Neal, I love you too!" haha and we kept walking and he told me he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and pulled a box out of his pocket!! He got down on one knee and accidentally opened the box upside-down before correcting it and asking me to marry him!!! I nearly tackled him and said of course I would!! And asked him if he was for real!! haha. It was the most amazing experience. I love Neal so much.

For those of you who don't know, we have known each other since the 7th grade. We dated in high school and have loved each other for a long time. We are SOOOO excited to finally be living a dream we've had for over 5 years! AHHH!!! We don't have a wedding date set yet, because we are trying to find a place big enough to accomodate our HUGE families! But we are going to the Portland Temple, and will have a separate ceremony later in the day! WOO!

Cheesehead Fo' Life!

For those of you who don't already know, I am a HUGE Green Bay Packers fan! I have loved them since I was in elementary school, and I will always love them. Did you hear me? ALWAYS! Even if their ex-star quarterback is a giant sleezeball. People often ask me "Do you like the Packers now that Brett Favre is gone?" This is my answer... I have loved THE PACKERS since elementary school, not Brett Favre. I love the franchise... small town, humble coach Mike McCarthy, great receivers Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, and amazing running back Ryan Grant. I love their new quarterback Aaron Rodgers also. I think they'll have a great season. They have an awesome defense, and it showed in their first game against Chicago where they picked 4 interceptions, and held the Bears to 2 points (safety) in the first half.

Now, for the Brett Favre issue (I can barely type his name I'm so furious). Yes, I used to love Brett Favre, because he came with the rest of the Packer package, and he seemed so humble, and he made some sweet plays and was undoubtedly one of the best quarterbacks ever to play the game. He should have retired with the respect of his most dedicated fans, and left it at that. Well, he retired alright... TWICE... and then Mike McCarthy didn't want him back and I don't blame him. Aaron Rodgers was ready to show his stuff! The offense had already adjusted to Aaron's throwing style and it wasn't fair that Brett wanted to make another grand return.

So Brett went to the Jets. He played for them last year and SUCKED. They didn't make the playoffs. Brett threw just as many interceptions as he did touchdowns, and then announced to the Jets that he was RETIRING?!?!?! But (shocker) he didn't retired at all! Instead he went to the dark side. The lowest of lows. His arch-enemy for so long and my least favorite team (with Denver at a close second). The Minnesota Vikings. Are you KIDDING me?!?!? The sad part is, Adrian Peterson is amazing, and they have a lot of other great players too. I'm scared. But mostly IHATEHIM! So there's the answer to everyone's question: No, I am not a Vikings fan now that some famous quarterback left my team. I bleed green and yellow, and not just for the ducks, but for the Green Bay Packers. And my blood will not turn purple and gold for some washed-up, should-have-retired, 40-year old quarterback whose green and yellow jersey that I've worn since 5th grade is hanging in my closet.

I need a new jersey. Not a purple and gold #4, but a green and yellow #12... Aaron Rodgers.