What A Picture's Worth...

So today we finally got to take engagement photos with a real-life photographer! For our first 'engagement photo', that we did the day after Greg proposed, we just had a friend use my Canon powershot and we posed in front of a nice brick wall of a nearby church, and that photo was the photo we used for engagement party invites, and ever since, we haven't had a real photo taken of us. Since the wedding planning is moving along now, we decided to do a photoshoot with someone here in Aspen while we spend our summer here with friends. The guy we live with suggested someone, and it really worked out today - we went to the river, got the mountains and trees in, and even did some cute shots near a white picket fence (how domestic!). I think they will turn out really great, and will post them as soon as I get them, which should be in two days or so. Meanwhile, here's a list of things I'm grateful for (since I saw someone else's blog and they make it a habitual thing, and I thought that was a lovely way to be positive):

1. Greg - so obvious, and kinda 'lovey-dovey', but being with him now is such a blessing and it makes it all the more great since I was away from him for so long this year during my Master's. The time we have together is so much richer and meaningful and memorable than anything else I've done without him.

2. Our summer jobs - they may seem trivial and not in the vein of our degrees, but while we're here in Aspen, I'm soo grateful to be getting more than minimum wage working at the Gap, and with great people who make working much more interesting. And it's so cool that I can make new friends from all walks of life - locals who've been here since birth and can show me around, or people from around the US that are here for the music festival as well. Also, Greg and I can have some income which I hope we manage to save for the wedding!

3. A great living environment - the people we live with show me so much more to life than I would have ever thought was possible. Their new perspectives, and attitudes, their level of gratefulness and awe of all that life has to offer, and the things and experiences we have on earth is just eye-opening and makes me learn so much and gain greater appreciation for people no matter where they're at. The lady we live with is mainly the biggest contribution to this wider perspective, and she inspires me and makes me grateful and positive because she is so full of loving energy, and I thank her for that. These 2 summers with them has been great for both of us.

4. hot water - not fun when it's gone during a morning shower. but man when it's there and you've lucked out, you really are greatful for the little things....and that brings me to...

5. the little things - I've really noticed myself being grateful for the little things in life recently. These have included: a new bra (haha, but it's fun to have a new one, isn't it?), walks in the sunshine, a cold soda, a comfy bed, lotion (and the list can continue forever...)

So that's it for today, will put up new pics of the 2 of us asap, I really will try to get all of them as possible just for record's sake, and to use in the wedding guestbook that people will sign a note in. That, and the save-the-dates are what we'll use these new pics in! I'm so excited to see it all come together.

OH YEAH! Greg has emailed the lady at Carnival to book our Mexican Riviera cruise for our honeymoon. So that's a step ahead in the wedding planning process. We are hoping to register for excursions so ppl can contribute an event or memory during the honeymoon instead of a traditional gift if they prefer, which is a nice sentiment.