it's fall, yall.

What a wonderful Sunday afternoon!  This weekend (which isn't even over yet) has been almost perfect- (the almost because Chad is not here- its SEC Cross-Country meet and he's running with a stress fracture.. don't think that's the best idea but he's going to do what he wants anyway).  Lana and I carved pumpkins, made spice tea, and roasted pumpkin seeds; I've had some of my favorite people visiting since Thursday; it was a fun day in the Grove, despite the loss; and tonight I'll be trying to come up with something to wear for a Halloween party... any ideas?

Leah, Rob, and Cullen, my Auburn "alumni" friends, just left to go back to Nashville.  However, this was only after we rescued Cullen from his flat tire on Highway 7.  Actually, I don't know if you would call it rescuing... Rob helped a little but Leah and I were mainly there for moral support. 

Currently, I am watching one of my favorite movies... which has one of my all time FAVORITE movie scenes..


That scene makes me SO happy every time I watch it!

There is an awful lot I could write about that has happened lately- it makes me feel bad for not posting very often... This week is test-free so updates are in order..So until then, here's a few fall scenes from the GO!

Until next time,

HART

Just can't get enough.

I don't have time to make a LONG OVER-DUE post.... so in the mean time, CHECK THIS FOR TODAY'S FESTIVITIES!

ring finger

CAUTION: THIS WILL BE EXTREMELY  LOVEY-DOVEY- proceed with caution.

I have found it super hard to concentrate the past few days- which is rather humorous since I have had two written exams, an OSCE (oral clinical exam), a med chem project, and two quizzes all in just three days.  Pharmacy school has really put on the heat lately...  but that is of little concern to me because all I can really concentrate on is my left ring finger...  yep that is because I AM GETTING MARRIED.

Here's the scoop :
I have dated CHAD BERRY for about 2 years.  We met the very beginning of my Junior year in my "don't date in '08" phase of life.  Yeah, that's right- I was single and ready to mingle and "long-term relationship" was nowhere on my radar.  But you see, this Chad Berry guy did not take no for an answer.  In fact, the day after we met, he creepily got my number from Christy and called me saying "Christy and I want to get a group of us  to go eat tonight, do you want to come?"   Christy could have easily asked me, especially since she lived right across the hall, however, I did not catch on to this little scheme. This "group" ended up being Me, Chad, Christy, and Samuel, and "this group" also ended up being a double date, not realizing it myself until my meal was paid for- and it didn't end there.  That was just the beginning of what I call the "Persistence" phase.  I would like to say that Chad was the only one who was persistent, being that he made sure to not let himself leave my mind, but I would be lying to say that I didn't love every minute.  I kept claiming "I do NOT want a relationship," but deep down I knew that I liked this Chad Berry kid. In fact, I liked him a whole lot. 

I will refrain from recounting our entire relationship- but as you can see, things went rather well.  I'll go ahead and skip to "THE STORY."

Just so you know, Chad and I had two different "paths" as far as future plans.  After finishing his grad school year, Chad was to move to Dallas, TX to work with PWC, which is where he did his accounting internship this summer.  I, on the other hand, am off to Jackson for the next two years to finish Pharmacy school.  To say it very lightly, I was dreading an eight hour long-distance relationship with someone I knew I truly wanted to be with for the rest of my life.  (Wow, I can legitimately say that...).

It all started Saturday morning... just a normal day.  I was starting my day of studying at the kitchen table when I get a call from Chad.  "Let's go take a study break and get some BBB." (Big Bad Breakfast for those of you not familiar with the fine eating establishments of Oxford). We then decided to spend a little time outside since Saturday was BEAUTIFUL.  So naturally (again, nothing out of the ordinary), we got some Yaya's and took it to Rowan Oak (William Faulkner's home) where we always take our dessert and as we did on our first date. Chad got out the frisbee and we took it to the back field to work on my LACK of frisbee skills.  Chad throws the frisbee and naturally I don't catch it- so I go to pick it up and there's a piece of paper taped to the back of it... 

OK SO FLASHBACK (These are things I did not know):

1. Chad and his mentor had a conversation last January about timing... Allen asked Chad, "So you think Hart is the one?" And Chad was like "Well yeah... but there's so much uncertainty and things to work out.  I don't even have money for a ring, and won't have any until after my internship."  Allen said, "Chad, why don't you just not worry about that and pray for a ring- the Lord will provide it if it's the right time."  Chad was thinking in the back of his mind, "Wellllll last time I checked, rings cost thousands of dollars and I doubt one is just going to come from nowhere..."  Well, to his surprise, his next trip home, his mother told him that she had his great-grandmother's antique Emerald Cut Diamond ring.  (You should know by now I LOVE antiques- I practically raid my grandmother's basement every other day.)  He knew it would be perfect, so he took it and got it restored and has had it since MAY! 

2. Chad said he knew this summer that he did not want to be away from me. We both knew we did not want to be long distance after our 10 week separation this summer.  However, he had warned me from the beginning that he would most likely be working in Dallas because it is what he had always wanted and its where he would get an offer. So I had prepared myself for that.  I was OK with it and was completely content.  Chad on the other hand realized something else this summer- he sent several rounds of emails to accounting firms in Jackson just seeing what was out there, but unfortunately, he had no luck.  No one was hiring and they weren't going to have any openings.  He was praying for the right timing for us and he knew that if we were supposed to be together, the Lord would provide a job opportunity in Jackson.  By the end of the summer, he was offered a great job with PWC in Dallas- everything he had wanted, but by this time was really feeling led to be with me.  He gave one more shot at trying the firms in Jackson.  Again, there was no luck, except for one firm.  They said they would give him an "office visit" but this was in no way a job interview.  This was just a way for him to meet them and possibly get a foot in the door.  Well, the LORD had a plan and by the end of the office visit, Chad had a job offer.  He has known since August 22 that he would be joining me in Jackson.  I, on the other hand, had NO IDEA. 

OK- BACK TO THE FRISBEE AT ROWAN OAK:
I see the piece of paper on the back of the frisbee- I open it up and it's a contract that Chad had signed saying that he would begin working for KPMG in Jackson starting in Fall 2011.  At this point, I am sobbing.  I cannot explain the relief of just knowing he would be not only in the same state, but the same exact TOWN.  Now, I had NO IDEA what was coming next...  before I even finished reading the contract, I look down and Chad is on one knee.  He said some very very very sweet things (I'll spare you).  I don't remember much of it because I was in such shock and apparently I looked like "someone punched me in the stomach" according to Chad. (I'm not sure if that's a good thing?)  But needless to say I was surprised.  He told me the story of asking my Dad (which is another story in itself- perhaps I'll save for later), but after I said YES, the first thing I said was, "Does my DAD know about this?"  So obviously I was in a bit of a daze when he was proposing. 

That afternoon Mom called and asked if Chad and I wanted to come home and her cook us a steak.  I obviously took her up on the offer and Chad said he would join.... to my COMPLETE SURPRISE (part II), I opened the door to find my entire family, my Dad and Jan had come from Chattanooga, all of Chad's family, his grandparents, and brothers all at my house to celebrate!  Mom had prepared a feast and we celebrated all night long!  It was such a special night with my whole family and some family friends.  We stayed up until 1am just enjoying each others company and woke up the next morning with a huge brunch and continued the celebration.  Chad had planned it all and I had NO idea. 

I'm telling you, Chad wanted me to be surprised, and THAT I was.  I'M GETTING MARRIED!! AHHHHH can you believe it?  I'm still in shock, honestly.  Somehow I have managed to pass my tests while taking (too many) frequent study breaks on stylemepretty.com and photography blogs.  Oh the fun begins! We have a tentative date but it won't be official until next Tuesday----- so I'll be sure to post it when it's OFFICIAL!

Proud of you for hanging in there if you made it to the end- but that's the story, the whole story:) 

She ain't nothin but a tease...

... MRS. BERRY.... MRS. BERRY (soon to be). 

Details to come later- after I study for the 3 exams I have this week...You could say I've been a bit distracted...

"roomie love"

This week has been tough... so tough for so many reasons.  It's these tough times that I realize what wonderful roommates I have... That has always been the case.  College has been so wonderful, but with the good times also comes the bad... and what a BLESSING it is to have wonderful roommates to help you through!  All throughout college I have had incredible roommates, each one has her own gift... whether it's comforting, pure humor, encouragement, listening, SERVING, advising, cooking, entertaining, the VOR (voice of reason), understanding, accepting, guiding, and really, just "getting" me.. (I'm on odd person and when I start unloading my thoughts/feelings, it can be overwhelming, I'm sure.)  So, here's a little "roomie love" to all of my sweet roommates... past and present.

CATHERINO

WELL HIYA! It seems like only yesterday that Catherino and I moved into Martin 401.  I must say, our corner room was always occupied as Catherine met almost the entire dorm within one week...  I owe it to her for knowing majority of the people I now know at Ole Miss.  Catherine provided me with laughs at a time when I needed it the most.  She's a girl of FULL TIME ENTERTAINMENT.  Whether it is her stories or her "fashion shows" of the clothes she suddenly outgrew freshman year,  she had me in stitches 24/7.  Literally.  She's a great listener and is ALWAYS on YOUR side.... a loyal friend she is!

EM

 

I think it's safe to say that I've lived with Emily majority of college.  We started out sophomore year in the Cros on the DG floor, but thankfully got an upgrade to the DG house second semester.  THIS, my friends, was the beginning of the ROOM 13 ERA.  If you didn't know, Room 13 was a big deal.  It was mine and Emily's heaven.   Em is very special.  She's a listener, a comforter, and the world's BEST at making you feel better after ANYTHING.  She really "gets" me.  In fact, I think she she really "gets" a lot of people- she has a gift for getting to really KNOW others and truly understanding them.  She makes you feel understood- which is a big thing for me as my biggest fear is "being misunderstood."  I have never worried about that with Em, not once. She was a wonderful roommate and I am so thankful that I spent not only sophomore year with her in room 13, but also some of junior and senior year.  Now, she lives with Kurt... he stole her, but it's OK. I am stealing her back next year in Jackson. Also- pictured above is "Danyul Bear" because he was also our roommate.  That darn bear. I think he's been replaced by a kitty named Piper, now.

LAURA HALL

AS SWEET AS THEY COME.  This is Laura Hall.  In the middle of Junior year, Em had to move out of Room 13 because she became a big deal and was dg pres... she had to go live in "the single room."  I was going to have to take someone super special to come into Room 13... and that's exactly what I got!  Laura is a Greenwood beauty who just so happens to be an incredible athlete as well. She's kind, generous, easy-going, and one of my friends who is "just-so" (a trait of another listed below).  Laura had to listen to me a lot... At first I wondered if she just thought I was "out there", but by the end of the year she was one of my best friends.  This girl has the sweetest spirit and a heart of gold. 

MOLLY

Good ole Molly Sims.  I met this chick her senior year of highschool when she stayed with me in Martin! Little did I know that she would one day be my roommate!  Molly lived with Laura and me in the DG house first semester of Senior year.  Molly taught me to just "go along with the flow."  She is probably one of the most laid back girls I know!  AND did I mention, she has THE BEST SHOES!  Molly has more shoes that anyone I know- and guess what?  We wear the SAME SIZE!!! To be honest, I think I have ended up with a pair or two in my closet right now... Good thing Molly isn't a stingy one! 

BEEFY

How does one describe Beef ? (I forgot her real name, ,I think it's something like Beth Watson). Words really cannot... you can read her HERE if you want to get a taste of "the daily beef."  Beth and I go back to Freshman year when (the first time we met) she told me what sorority I must join.  That kinda sums up Beef in that 1. She tells it like it is, 2. Is LOYAL as they come, and 3. Wants the absolute best for you.  I was fortunate enough to live the last semester of my Senior year with Beef and Em at THE GO!  Beef is full time entertainment, SO FUN, gets you out of your box, and so genuine. She loves big, and I love HER just as big.  What would I do without BEEF in my life?  OH ME LARD I just don't know!  She's tearin' it up, being "righteous"  in St. Louis at WASHU... so that tells you, shes rather smart, too!  

And now,I'm still at the GO, but living with...

LANA-LEE

All I have to say is LUCKY is the man who wins the heart of Elena McPherson.  Servant is what she is.  This week was a pretty bad test week for both Tyler and I and Elena had us well-fed and taken care of all week.  Lately she has made us gourmet meals and deserts and also keeps this perfectly neat and tidy.  Spoils us is what she does.  She also is "the great VOR."  Sometimes, you just someone to tell you what you NEED to hear, not what you WANT to hear.  Elena is the great Voice of Reason- for almost everything.  She speaks truth and is sincere with every word. Elena is a true servant in EVERY meaning of the word- physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Let's be honest, she can be really cheesy at times, too- she's a "pun-lovin'" girl- but gosh I wouldn't know what to do without that in my life.

TY

Ty's name is in Maroon because she does visit Starkville alot... I mean, what do you expect from the Mississippi State Homecoming Queen?.. She know's where her heart is- and it's with that cowbell:)  No- on a serious note, there are unlimited things to admire, so much to respect, and everything to love about Tyler Kellum.  She is absolutely GOOD to the core.  She is kind, encouraging, HUMBLE, so thoughtful, considerate, and basically LIVES the fruits of the spirit- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Those words describe Tyler to the T! (no pun intended).  Elena and I say that she's "Just So."  From her super organized closet to her color coded balanced checkbook, Tyler is just together- that's the best way to put it... She'd NEVER want you to think she has it all together and humbly disregards that statement- but I'll let you in on a little secret... She does! And  I admire everything about her SO much. 

I have to give a little love to my Roommate in Spirit- Ling.  (I refrained from her other nickname because she hates it).  Ling was going to be my roommate in Jackson this year, but we had a slight change in plans- but we will always be "roomies" regardless:) 

Now you are probably jealous by all of my Roommates- past and present.  You should be.  Me?  I just consider myself blessed.  Aren't you so thankful for the people in your life?  Gosh, I know I am! 

Here's the the Joys of roommates!