Sorry for the delay!

So, I guess the reason I haven't written in so long is because I just don't know where to start! Is that a good reason?

McKoy and I are still hoping to make a move to Cincinnati or Indianapolis this summer. I am in the final stages of a job with Butler University. My interview went so poorly I can't help but think I don't want to work with these people- and the pay isn't that great- so I don't know what I am going to do!

I had a phone interview last week with University of Cincinnati and I am really hoping that this job will work out. Add to all that that McKoy and I want so badly to take a Jamaica trip this summer, that moving jobs just makes it that much more confusing! I already have a ton of time off stored up at IU and I know that I can swing taking an almost three week trip this summer... so I guess I don't really know what I want.

And then.... and then there is the wedding! Because we made it our goal from the beginning to make sure that the wedding is uber simple, it really hasn't been a big deal to plan. It is just now that things are getting a little crazy. I think I found the perfect set of vows and perfect ceremony for us- less than 15 minutes! But, we can't find a pastor who is available on our date... and to be honest, I am not sure that a pastor is what I want. So, who knows who will "marry" us. If any of you are interested in the job- let me know!

Otherwise, I am really excited about the following things:

- a bouquet of pink and white lisianthus, like this: http://floristblogs.com/photos/avante_gardens/picture5703.aspx

- jerk chicken! strawberries! pineapple! salad!

- our cake! with real flowers on it!

- cornhole, heineken, horseshoes, red stripe!

- time with family and friends

- a night in Madison with the HC crew!

Maybe it isn't conventional to share all these details about our wedding, but there really isn't much conventional that is happening with the whole thing! And focusing on all of those good things, just took the stress off of me... whew.

I know it will all work out and I refuse to lose sleep over the idea of weddings and job changes and vacations because in the end, what is supposed to be, will be. Besides, I should always remember that weddings and good job changes and vacations are all blessings and blessings shouldn't create stress!

What a day!

Today was an incredibly weird day. My scheduled interview did not proceed as expected and I will need to think very hard about things if I am offered that job. Maybe I'll tell the whole story after the entire process is complete.

On the way home, I got pulled over for speeding- ugh! What! A! Day! Luckily, the officer let me go with a warning. When I finally did get home, I was so incredibly drained that a workout wasn't possible.

I am trying to convince McKoy that we should join a gym here in town. It looks like you can join on a month by month basis without any joining fee. We do have a "gym" in our apartment complex. I use quotes because it isn't really much- 3 treadmills (usually 2 of them work), 1 broken bicycle, 1 elliptical, a couple of free weights and a broke ass weight machine. I'm totally bored with it and feel like I need some additional tools to get me back into the swing of things. All I've been doing lately is jogging/walking on the treadmill and I feel like it just isn't enough! So, tomorrow after work, I'm going to visit the gym- wish me luck!

Other than that, nothing new besides some wedding planning. Really, the wedding planning is not overwhelming considering this is sure to be the lowest key wedding in the U.S.! This weekend I am going to Madison to see my grandmother, talk about flowers, cake and food! I'll update next week.

Ahhh, stress!

I'll admit, I am a stress eater. There, I said it. :) Admitting your shortcomings is half the battle, right?

These past few weeks have been insane! Things are very, very busy at work, I am planning a wedding (yay!) and in the process of applying to and interviewing for a new job. I have an interview this Thursday with Butler University for a position as: Associate Director of Diversity Programs and International Student Services. McKoy and I have talked a lot about this opportunity and I think we are both truly hoping to make the move to Indianapolis this spring. A job search on its own is not too much to handle- but trying to plan a wedding in about 8 weeks on a serious budget is adding to the mix!

We have decided on May 22 for our wedding date and we plan to host the wedding at my uncles farm. The wedding will be very low key and very McKoy&Melissa- an outdoor event in the daytime with a nice cookout following! I am excited about planning this event- but I feel a bit out of touch with the process and a bit rushed.

So, bear with me over the next few weeks- it could get a little crazy!

I'm Back!!!

Another great India trip under my belt. Although this trip was very different from my first trip in Fall 2008, it confirmed that I still love India. Security was much higher in all of our hotels- x-ray machines and bomb sniffing dogs, it felt more like Indonesia than India. Even with the higher security and even less free time, this trip was still great. I had a little bit of time to get out of the hotel and do some walking and shopping and sightseeing. The trip was way too short-only about 8 days and it takes a day and a half to fly each way! Since I've been back, I've slept way more than I've been awake. I slept a full 9 hours last night and about 5-6 hours during the day. Jetlag (especially on the weekends) is tough!

Anyhow, I'm glad to be home. I'm in the process of applying for a new job at Butler University. Although I think I'd love the job (student services for international students) I'm really not sure I'm qualified. Also, I know what the job market looks like right now- it's tough! Regardless, we are happy in Bloomington but looking to get back to the city- preferably Cincinnati :)

Tomorrow McKoy has a big dentist appointment and it is my last day off of work. Maybe we will go to the movies or something to celebrate getting over his appointment and my last day off!

The Olympics!

The Olympics! If there were one reason that I wish I weren't leaving for India next week it would be the Olympics (oh, yea, and a week away from McKoy).

I get so into the emotions of the athletes, imagining how much effort they put into making a sport their life, it is all over there face in emotions of victory or defeat. For the most part, it is a feel good TV, something we don't always have. So, I'm excited to watch as much as I can until Thursday!

I think I am ready for India. I am already kind of psyching myself out about the 15 hour flight- ugh! I did buy two books last night for some reading and I'm hoping there are some good movie in the in-flight entertainment. I guess I can go to the American website and check that out!

Anyhow, nothing much happening here. I'll try to post again soon :)

Back to India!

These past few weeks have been rough at work. My plate is definitely full and I am truly struggling to stay focused and perform at the level that I need to. Not to mention that I have been in pain pretty much every day for the past two weeks... thank you trainer.

I can say for certain that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Yesterday, my bosses and I made a very last minute decision- I am going to India in 25 days. Typically I would have months to plan and manage a trip before actually going. 25 days is a tight turn-around, but I sincerely feel energized by it. When planning a trip, I have a few step by step actions that I need to take. The first time I planned to travel for IU, I really turned it into a science.

I will only be in India for about 8 days, but I am ready for a visit. It was my first location of overseas travel and I loved it. I'm sure I'll get a little stressed over the next few weeks of planning on short notice, but the renewed energy and the ability to visit a place that I love again is just too exciting to pass up! More details to come!

Well, so far we are about 2 weeks into the new year and McKoy and I have been doing great with our resolution to make better choices about our food. I am trying to see food as fuel (which it truly is) instead of something pleasureable. Hopefully someday I'll get to the point of seeing it as both. We've done well, but I won't lie, I'd love some hot wings! We are still trying to figure out how to rework that flavor into better and healthier choices. Maybe a meat replacement and hot sauce. Seems sacreligious. Ha.

In other news, I tested for allergies for the second time in my life this past Friday. I am allergic to about 60 of the 70 things they tested me for. The process was much better than it was when I was tested at age 12. Essentially, they explained to me that most of the health issues I have had all of my life are directly related to allergies. Which I now can see. It was a great visit- I really felt like they were paying attention to me and my issues!

So, typically the outcome would be a few prescriptions (which I do have) and daily or weekly allergy shots for the next 5 or so years. Instead, this office is participating in a new program called "Rapid Desensitization." Essentially, this is a 5 hour appointment of allergy shots. Leading up to the appointment, I'll be on a serious round of allergy meds to keep me from reacting to any of the allergy shots. When I go in for my appointment, I'll be there for five hours during which I'll recieve three shots in increasing doses every 25 minutes. After this appointment, I will have achieved what may have taken 6 months to a year and I will be at the maintenance level of allergy shots. I am incredibly excited about this!

So, my appointment is this upcoming Friday. Let's hope I don't have to use the epi pen that they prescribed and that all is well!