Are those wedding bells I hear...

So I know I would tell all of you about all my wedding planning, and I haven't really. So we are officially - 109 days away from the wedding! It's crazy to think that what seems like yesterday I was telling people I had well over a year until we are there. Now, it's right around the corner. However, before I start the posts of my own I'd like to share with you all of the upcoming nuptials of some of my dear friends and family. 

Two of our best friends, Danielle & Jason, are kicking off the season in about a month! Kevin and I are lucky enough to be included in the bridal party!

Aw little Hannah :) Of course Jason & Danielle look amazing too ;P

They are soon followed my Kevin's sister, Megan and Mark's wedding. 

So excited to not only gain a sister-in-law this year but a brother-in-law too!

A week later good friend Miranda is marrying her long time love R.J.

How cute are they!

That's just July people! 

In August we are going to slow it down with only Zack and Danielle's wedding.

They have been together since high school! 

September brings the wedding of the Waldo's - Sam & Sean

Yes, we already call them the Waldo's! The name change shouldn't be to tricky :D

Ours is next in line about a month after Sam & Sean! 

Can't wait to become Mrs. Kevin O'Dell <3

 

Finally to wrap things up we have Alex & Derrick.

I'm so happy we get to share our wedding month with them :D

I'm excited for each and every one of these wedding. I get to share a very special day with several of my great friends. I wish them all nothing but the best and a long happy life together! It's going to be a wonderful summer/fall season filled with love, happiness, fun, friends, and family! Each step closer gets me more and more amped up for my own! Not that I'm not already super excited or anything. Of course, I'm hoping and will surely get some inspiration along the wedding season way as all these weddings are going to different from one another.

I only have 3 words for this wedding season...

BRING ♥ IT ♥ ON!

I just have one question?

Karma, it's a beautiful thing

What goes around comes around...ain't that the truth!

Recently, I've been thinking about karma a lot. I suppose that's because I've heard and noticed many karmic things happening around me, both good and bad. And let me tell you what, it's a sweet sweet thing. There are a few people in my life that have had wonderful things happen to them in the last few weeks because they deserve it! They are overall good people - hard working, caring, friendly, ambitious. All the qualities that you hope to see in yourself and those who surround you. They've graduated, gotten jobs, enjoyed themselves on well-deserved vacation. Thankfully, that list could go on. It's a good time in the lives of myself and those around me. Why shouldn't it be either! It's well-deserved if nothing else!

Now, on the opposite end of the spectrum we have those people that are having their bad karma moments. I know that karma comes back up and bites people in the hiney all the time. However, it seems like lately I've actually gotten to see some of that bite instead of hearing the bark. I feel a little bit bad admitting that I am enjoying watching it all unfold. Mind you what is going on in these people's lives aren't awful, awful things, but deserved. I don't feel sorry for them, there is no pity or sympathy from this girl. It's kind of comical because it makes me ask the question, "Are you really that surprised?". At this point for these people I'm not. I'm more surprised that karma hasn't gotten them sooner. I can only shake my head and laugh a little thinking back to what has lead up to this moment for these people. I do hope that these people's lives change for the better...but I guess that's not for me to decide, is it?

Who are you riding for?

Pelotonia. I'm sure many of you have heard about it, but there are many out there (especially outside of Ohio) who have never heard of this amazing cause. The company that I work for plays a huge part and is a sponsor of the event so the race has been in my ear since April! I've been itching to get the word out.
What is Pelotonia some of you are asking? Pelotonia is a bike race (well they say it's a race, but really it's more like a bike ride) with one goal: end cancer. Every single cent that is donated will be given to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center –
Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, or more commonly known as The James Center. It's a great cause that is becoming more well known by every year. Pelotonia was just started in 2008 and has done nothing but grown since. Last year there were  4,047 riders and raised $7,846,705. As of today with 74 days still to go there are 3,021 riders and have raised $1,677,289. 

The James Cancer Hospital

How can I help, contribute, participate you ask? There are several ways that you can participate in the cause. A couple of the ways you don't have to do much more than lift a finger to click on the mouse! How easy is that?

There are four options to participate, you could be: 

1) A rider - a rider commits to raising a certain amount of money based on the distance you'd like to ride. 

• Columbus to Groveport – I commit to raise $1,200 for Cancer Research. 
• This is approximately 25 miles, 1-day ride
• Columbus to Amanda – I commit to raise $1,250 for Cancer Research. 
• This is approximately 43 miles, 1-day ride)
• Columbus to Athens – I commit to raise $1,800 for Cancer Research. 
• This is approximately 102 miles, 1-day ride)
• Columbus to Athens and Back – I commit to raise $2,200 for Cancer Research. 
• This approximately 180 miles, 2-day ride)

2) Virtual Riders -  individuals who choose to participate in Pelotonia by only fundraising instead of riding or volunteering.There are no fundraising minimums for Virtual Riders, but you must make a donation of at least $10 to register as a virtual ride. 

3) Volunteer - you will be at the race: registering riders, passing out information, at the rest stops passing out water, and most importantly there for support. 

4) Donate - contribute any amount of money to a rider(s). This could be a friend, family member, co-worker, or you can visit the website below and find rider profiles to donate to. There are some very inspiring stories out there to be heard. Any amount of money will help this cause. Please contribute if you can. 

If you are interested in learning about Pelotonia or you'd like to register visit this site. 

Official Pelotonia Website

Also see:
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter

Last week I heard the testimonials of some co-workers who rode last year. Each one of their stories was touching and inspiring. They also showed this video that, even at work, brought tears to my eyes but put hope in my heart that one day we will be able to beat this awful disease. 

I've wanted to be part of Pelontonia since I found out about it. This year I cannot ride due to my crazy busy schedule, but have pledged to myself that next year I'll be there. However, I've done my share by donating to several co-workers and friends who will be riding. 

Rider Profiles (includes virtual riders)

Please help fulfill the goal of Pelotonia, and I'm sure many others to end cancer. 

Dedicated to my childhood

I'm blaming vh1 for my need to listen to 90's music at the moment. I just can't get enough of it! It reminds me of my childhood & preteen days. Hard to think that was over 10 years ago because it feels like yesterday. These songs take me back to the days of hanging out with kids in the neighborhood, summers spent at the swimming pool and trips to Michigan to see family, jamming out in the car with my mom or friends (I wasn't the one driving). It's feel good music and with summer upon us I only feel it's appropriate to share with you all these feel good songs!