finally, an update

okay... so it's been a while since i've updated. a lot's happened in the last couple of months and i haven't been very good about updating.
a series of big events...

my cousin felicia and my parents came to lansdale for the fourth of july. it was our parents' first meeting. it went absolutely splendidly. paul made us some of his famous beer ribvs, we had brunch at the restaurant at the reception site, saw the terrace where we'll be married, and met the neighbors. they were exhausted from the plane ride over, but i think overall they were really glad to have made the trip. my cousin sandy and her husband scott came as well. big family gathering. we had a great time.

my dear friend gavin came for a visit. he was visiting his family in upstate new york, so he made some time to see us for the weekend. we had originally planned on attending the grassroots festival, but we never made it. instead, we grilled out with some friends, drank beer, and shared great stories. i think gavin forgets just how important he is in his field. or he's VERY modest. i think it's a combination of both. anyhow, it was great seeing him. we caught up on old times, laughed about college-time antics, caught paul up on some of the classic stories, and introduced new friends to him. i used to hate mix my different worlds (i.e. my college friends with my grad school friends, etc.) but now, i'm really enjoying seeing how all of my friends and family get along.

paul's parents threw us an engagement party. it was supposed to be a small family affair, but it ballooned out to be a giant backyard party with 80 people. tents and all. at first, i was really overwhelmed by the whole thing. the affair was turning into one big mini-wedding reception. paul's parents put so much work into the party, i didn't know what to make of it, really.
once it started, though, all my fears were allayed. all the work and meticulous planning really paid off. everyone had a great time at the party, we met a ton of family we hadn't met before, and we were surrounded by dear friends who wanted to celebrate with us. everyone was so generous with us, too, we were very touched. of course, i'd be lying if i didn't say it...
i really like the rice cooker we got.

as for other news?
work is progressing along. my case load is huge, and there's never enough time in the day... but i think that comes with the territory. i've been in the courtroom from the first week on the job, and i learn something new every day. i'm not sure if this is the lifestyle i want to lead for a very long time. while i'm not in the office 12 hours a day like some attorneys, each minute of my day is incredibly intense. last pre-trial date, i had 122 cases on my docket in a 4 hour period.
but the job definitely has its perks. my co-workers are all really nice. we try to make time to socialize outside of work. i'm getting to know all the cops on the ithaca pd. once in a while, i feel like i'm really making a difference in someone's life (that's a little rarer).

okay. now i'm just typing for the sake of typing.
i'm including some pictures from the 4th and the engagement party.
i'm off to syracuse tomorrow for prosecutor's training. i worry that paul's going to eat nothing but pizza and chicken wings until i get back. but i think i worry more that i'm going to be insanely lonely.
i don't do alone very well. have i mentioned?