BIG CHANGES

That's right! I'm engaged!!!

Oh my goodness. It has been so long since I last blogged, I decided I had to re-vamp the whole thing. Many HUGE life changes have occurred over the past few months. Here is an overview...

Grad school interviews: I'm so glad that I went on so many interviews. I ended up having my pick of where I wanted to go, so I know that the program I chose was for me. My final decision: the University of Pittsburgh! So next year I will begin training to become a genetic counselor. Interviews were stressful and time consuming... so I got a little behind in classes. But it was great getting to visit so many different places and stay with so many people! Thanks to everyone who let me stay with them!!

Finishing my thesis: This was quite the process. Lots of work, 3 presentations, and a 30+ page thesis that is now available to read online! (feel free to ask me for the link!) My life became consumed by this amazing project. I didn't find out what I expected to, but I learned a TON about how to design, implement, and interpret results from a survey.

Graduating: Towards the end of the year I realized something... As I learn more, I feel like I know less. What does this mean? I keep learning that there is a lot that I don't know! And the more I learn, the more areas are shown to me that I don't know anything about!
*After completing my thesis and coursework I also realized that going to OSU for a 5th year was the best decision ever. It brought me such a sense of accomplishment that I NEVER would have felt. I took on more than I thought I could handle, and amazed myself at what I could do. I actually feel accomplished, and it's a great feeling.

Many other great things have happened recently...

Graduation was much better than I anticipated. The 96 degree weather did not hurt as bad as I thought it would! After graduation my parents, Kate, Greg and Colin, Dave, his parents, Jon and Rachel, and Christy and Andre all went to Bucca. We had a great time, and it was so nice having everyone meet each other. What a wonderful way to celebrate!

The following weekend I went to Pittsburgh to look at apartments, and found a GREAT place!! So exciting!

I got to spend a few days with my parents, Giselle, Michael, Lily, and Andrew! It was great to spend quality time with them for a few days.

This past weekend my family had a big graduation party in Cincy for myself, and my cousins Chris and Gwen. We had a great time. Lots of people came, and it was so nice seeing the family together. I was glad Dave got to spend some more time with them.

ENGAGEMENT!!! I'll admit, I'm still in a little bit of shock. I keep looking down at my hand in disbelief. Oh, I knew Dave and I would get married... but I wasn't expecting it to happen Sunday! He really caught me off guard! What a wonderful surprise. I couldn't be happier. I'm sure you want the story...

Sunday morning Dave made me breakfast. I had been feeling like pancakes, so he made some for me... they were wonderful! Then we decided to go to Highbanks to take a walk in the park. (this is not an unusual activity for us). We're walking around like always, and he lets me choose which way to go. As we reached the overlook we sat down together to soak in how nice of a morning it was. He gave me a kiss and then asked if I wanted another... I said yes... and then he told me I had to answer a question first. At that moment, I knew. <> He got down on one need and asked me to marry him. Perfectly calm, not nervous at all! I said yes, of course!!

So time is changing... and I couldn't be happier. I'm excited for everything that life has coming. I just wonder what great experiences I have ahead!