135 days away

      I will be a married woman at this special place in 135 days!  I am in awe at the beauty of my beautiful church.  It is the place where my faith has grown leaps and bounds through confirmation.  I have worked summer camps here.  I have witnessed funerals and weddings here.  It is a place I call home.  Now I cannot wait to marry my best friend in the church that means so much!  This picture was taken by Dr. Robin Lindsey, senior pastor of Dalton First United Methodist Church.

Dalton First United Methodist Church - February 13, 2014

Snow in the South

     I am typing this blog entry with a cup of coffee beside me while in the comfort of my own apartment, because school was canceled for today.  This makes snow day #3 for this semester.  It is crazy that it was 60 degrees on Sunday, and now it is absolutely freezing.  I do not get excited about the snow, but from the inside, it is beautiful!  As a teacher and perfectionist, these snow days throw off my lesson plans.  I have my full 2-weeks of teaching coming up, so I am just playing the waiting game, because I do not want to plan something that won't be able to be covered during that time frame.  I hope that we get to go to school tomorrow, because I can't wait to see my students again.  We all have so much to learn from one another.  Hope everyone stays warm today!

Relaxing Weekend

     There's no place like home.  I might have to battle Atlanta traffic and long nights of driving, but being home with the people I love is worth it all.  This is the last weekend that I will be home until mid-way through Spring Break, and I wanted to soak up every minute of it.  Normally I have to sort through wedding details each time I come home, but this time I was home more for relaxation.  Saturday started off with a workout...thank goodness the "resolution crowd" has fizzled.  I then went to get a much-needed pedicure.  Getting pedicures relaxes me more than ever...those chairs and massages just put me in the best mood.  I spent the rest of the afternoon organizing and napping.  My sister went to the school dance later that evening, and she looked just lovely!  Finally, mom and I went for dinner at the Oakwood Cafe in Dalton, Georgia.  This small-town cafe has always been a favorite place of mine.  It has the greatest Southern comfort food; I even ordered a strawberry cake for dessert!  I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend spent with those they love.  If you can't be with your family or friends for various reasons, make sure you tell them that you love them!

Inspired by others

I am all about social media.  In fact, I am on it more than I should.  However, sometimes social media can be inspiring.  I am "friends" with a lot of women who have been in the same shoes as me.  Yesterday I saw one girl, who married a 2011 USNA grad, that is about to go through her first deployment.  She posted pictures of them dropping off his belongings on the ship, and I admit that I got a little choked up.  More than likely that will be Joe and I dropping off his stuff on the massive ship in a few years.  I will always be concerned for his safety and what he is doing, but love conquers all those fears.  I am continuing to pray for the girl and her husband, because I know she is also nervous.  I have heard that the best advice during a long-term deployment is to stay busy with work, friends/family visits, and trips.  It is a time when the girl can dedicate her life to supporting her husband with kind words and prayers.  I will be strong, just as I always have been in my long-distance relationship with my fiance.  I hope that others will be inspired by my hopes, dreams, and love.

xoxo

Beautiful February

     Happy groundhog day and super bowl Sunday!  Phil, the groundhog, predicted six more weeks of winter, but he could not be more wrong!  Today has been a "balmy" 60 degree sunny day in Georgia...perfect to stay inside and watch a football game, right?!  I went to the gym this morning in hopes to balance out how much food I will eat today.  I read that Americans consume 1,200 calories in snacks alone while watching the game...yikes!  AND I don't think those extra 1,200 calories include beer!  I will be rooting for the Broncos, because Knowshon Moreno has always been one of my favorite Dawgs.  Too bad I was still in high school when he played for UGA.  No matter who wins, I will still be disappointed because it's been a miserable year for Atlanta (and Georgia) sports fans.  One day we will make it back to the top...I just hope it is sooner rather than later.
     Next year during super bowl Sunday, Joe and I should be in the process of packing up and moving from Quantico, Virginia to our next location (wherever that may be).  We will be nomads for a while, but I am willing to move with Joe as he serves our great country.  God bless our country and enjoy the big game!

 

Welcome to my blog! xoxo

A little about me:

     Hey y'all!  I am a senior early childhood education major at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs)!  I am finishing up my final semester at the greatest college in the SEC while also planning my wedding to Joe Di Pietro on June 28, 2014.  Joe is a firstie at the United States Naval Academy (30th Company majoring in American Politics and Law) and will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps following graduation.  Joe and I met in a crazy way back in 2009, but you can visit our wedding website to find out more about us: http://www.theknot.com/wedding/Adrienne-and-Joe.  I am excited to move to Quantico, Virginia this July and start our lives together.  In fact, I have been reading inspirational texts since I have became engaged.  The most recent book I have completed is titled The Meaning of Marriage:  Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God by Timothy Keller with Kathy Keller.  Mr. and Mrs. Keller have a profound outlook on marriage, because it will be worth it, but not not always easy.  After reading this text, I feel even closer with the Lord and to my future husband.  I hope that you all read it, no matter if you are single, engaged, or married.  I just ordered a new book titled The 5 Love Languages Military Edition:  The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary D. Chapman and Jocelyn Green.  I look forward to sharing many more entries in the future!  Much love from Athens, GA!

1 Corinthians 13:4-7  (Photo credit:  USNA 2/C Katrina Herrera)