I realize that it’s been a while from my last blog post and I blame that on the fact that I’ve been extremely busy (& I just generally suck at blogging). But seriously, I feel like I’ve been go go go go go these past couple of weeks, so I thought I’d share what I’ve been up to so I can catch all of my 2 viewers up on my life.
The first update is a really sad one, so I apologize.
About three weeks ago, my family had to put Sierra, our precious pup of 16 years, down. I’m convinced that loosing a pet is one of the hardest things in the world. I don’t really remember what life was like without coming home to her loving face. If you have a dog, you know the joy it is to be unconditionally loved by them and I definitely felt that with her. My only regret is that I didn’t get to spend much time with her these past couple of years I’ve been away at school. I feel like our time was cut short, but I rest easy knowing that she is free of pain now and probably frolicking or sleeping in a rolling field of green.
Here are a few of my favorite pictures of her that I took over the years.
Here she is sleeping 🙂
She loves me even though I force her to take pictures with me.
Derp.
This was a few days before she passed. I love that little gray face.
Another sad thing that happened was that Lauren, one of my best friends from high school, left me to go teach in D.C. for 4 years! Luckily I got to hang out with her pretty much everyday for a week until she left. Lauren is one of the most selfless, kind-hearted, equal-minded & determined people I know. I have no doubt in my mind that she is going to make a wonderful educator and will truly change the lives of her students. We need more teachers like her. So proud of you, Lo! Can’t wait to join you on the East coast in a few years!
Here’s a picture of us at Swabby’s on our last day together. We realized this is the only picture we have taken together since high school, which is just stupid.
Already miss her, but D.C. is incredibly lucky!
The week that I hung out with Lauren, an exciting opportunity presented itself to me. I had returned to Chick-Fil-A in Elk Grove with plans to work there part-time like usual and also try to do some substitute teaching so that I could pay off student loans. To be honest, I wasn’t really excited about the prospect and was even more nervous about making enough money to survive. However, that was quickly squashed when my operator, Darrell, approached me and asked me if I was interested in a Director position at the store since I was going to be sticking around for a while. I was shocked because it was a huge promotion and opportunity that had not even been on my radar. After a few meetings and lots of thinking, I accepted that promotion and I’m starting training to be the new Training Director at CFA. I’m really excited about the opportunity to grow in the company and as a leader. It’s going to be a challenging position and I’m scared I won’t succeed, but I’m choosing to grab this opportunity and rise to the occasion.
I don’t have a picture to document this occasion, so enjoy this picture of me I found of me at CFA! It accurately describes how I feel when I think about this opportunity!
This was my face after realizing I have a full-time job!
Part of the reason things have been crazy this past week or so is because I was preparing of the wedding of my best friend, Grace, to her best friend, Matt. I was privileged to be asked to stand by their side as they pledged their love and devotion to each other for eternity! But first, we obviously had to celebrate the bachelorette with a fun-filled, crazy weekend in San Diego! Thanks, Gabi!
The driving crew! Roommates reunited again!
The view from our hotel room!
My legs look like tree trunks in this photo, but I love my Gracie!
Pool side chillin’.
Our hotel from pool-side.
The bridesmaids & bride taking a stroll!
#f96chickstakesandiego
San Diego at night.
This was my otter friend at the zoo! I could have watched him for hours!
Young otter love.
San Diego zoo. It was so hot and we were so tired but it was so fun.
There was only a few days turn around until I was heading back down to L.A. again for the actual wedding! The whole weekend was a blur and I can’t believe that Matt and Grace are actually married now! I am so thankful that I got to be a part of their special day and I only hope that one day I’ll meet someone who will love me as much as Matt loves Grace (and vice versa)! Thank you for letting me share in the joy of your love!
I don’t have many pictures of the day because I was occupied by celebrating and getting ready, but I promise it was beautiful and filled with absolute pure joy!
All the bridesmaids with the beautiful bride!
Me and my sissy before the wedding!
Me and the GORGEOUS bride! Love you Gracie!
Gorgeous venue! Gorgeous ceremony! Gorgeous couple!
I now pronounce you husband & wife! Yay!
Cheers to the happy couple! Love you guys!
In the craziness of everything this weekend, I realize I didn’t get a moment to really talk to Grace and Matt and express my love for them, so here is a quick note with just some of the things I would have liked to say to them!
Grace,
If you’re reading this, I want you to know that I love you so much and I am so thankful that we became friends freshman year and that I got to stand by your side on your wedding day! You are the Blair to my Serena, the Monica to my Rachel & I could not ask for a better best friend! You have taught me determination, to laugh at myself, and that it is 100% okay to just be myself. Thank you for loving me and encouraging me these past few years! I can’t believe I don’t get to live with you anymore–and you have to live with a boy! (; There are so many things I could say to you about how happy I am for you and Matt, yet I can’t find the right words to express them! For now, I wish you all the happiness in the world and can’t wait to hear all about this next adventure in your life! Thanks for forging this uncharted territory for the F96Chicks! LOVE YOU B!
xoxo, S
Matt,
If you’re reading this (or if Grace is reading it to you), I want you to know that it has been an absolute privilege to watch you love Grace these past few years. You are selfless, loyal, intelligent and best of all, you love Grace will all of your heart. I was watching you during the ceremony and it was so apparent that your heart overflows with love for Grace, so much so that your eyes couldn’t contain that love! I want you to know that you have set the bar high for what a devoted boyfriend, finance & husband looks like for me. Thank you for sharing Grace with me just a little bit these past few years! Treat her right, because you have a gem among gems in her!
Love,
Alyssa
That’s pretty much all I have in the way of updates on what’s been going on in my life. I promise to be more consistent in posting and hopefully I can deliver on that promise. I’m at the place where I’m realizing I really love my life even though nothing seems perfect right now. I’m not where I want to be, but I am definitely on that path and I am thankful for all the people who are surrounding me and encouraging me to continue to put one foot in front of the other!
alyssa janell 