The Story of Us

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Don't you hate it when you have typed a lot and then accidentally close it? Yeah... I just did that.

But anyway, what I was saying was that I'm sorry I'm so terrible at updating. I'm not the most organized person in the world. Something I really need to work on, especially since I have a wedding to plan. According to our checklist, we are right where we should be. We have our venues, our musician, our DJ, our photographer. I made a final decision on colors and a bridesmaid dress. We've asked (almost) all of our wedding party members to stand up. I'm getting very excited! The past few days, it's all I've been able to think about. I think that probably has something to do with the fact that my friend Catie got married on Saturday. She's actually my sister's best friend, and I always tend to refer to her as such. But she really is my friend as well. We play volleyball together. She's known me since I was probably nine years old. Yikes. That ages us both. Even though I hated her then, she really is a great friend. I'm so happy for her and her new hubby, Matt. She was such a beautiful bride!

I haven't even officially announced that Jerrod and I will be an aunt and uncle again! His brother Jake and his wife are expecting their first child in January. Last night, they had their families meet them at Tucan's Custard Stand in West Bend. They informed us all they were having a boy by ordering Blue Moon and Blue Raspberry shakes. We got to see sonogram pictures and footage. We are so excited for them! I can't wait to see him in his cute little tux at the wedding!

My new job is going well. I really enjoy it. I'm learning so much! And all the people I work with are really great. Jerrod and I have had a pretty busy summer. I'm sad that it's almost over. This Friday is already my sister's birthday. Which also happens to be our six year anniversary. It's hard to believe it's been that long. It's even harder to believe this is our last "dating anniversary". This time next year, we'll be married. Who knows, maybe by then I'll be blogging about babies... nah. That's too scary of a thought! We'll jump that hurdle when we get to it!

Wednesday 8 June 2011

On Monday, I started my new job at Delta Media, LLC. I was hired as a programmer. I will be writing code for Squeeze Pages. This has only been my third day, and I love it so much already! I really lucked out with this position. It's so perfect for where I am right now. I really owe it all to my friend, Josh, who I had classes with at MPTC. He saw something in me that I didn't even know was there. He's coaching me now, and I already feel like I've learned so much from him. Everyone seems so nice and so helpful. They seem like a great bunch of people to work with. This job seems too good to be true!

Last Friday was my last day at Badger Billing. It was a bittersweet day. I was sad and scared for such a drastic change, but I felt relieved and proud to make a huge leap in my career. I already miss my old co-workers, but we've become such good friends, that I'm sure we'll keep in touch!

I graduated from MPTC! There was some confusion on my part, so I unfortunately missed my graduation ceremony. But I'm so excited to be done. Although, I'm still working on my internship class. I have to finish it by July 25th in order to complete the course and program. Otherwise, I'll have to take it again next semester. Luckily, the hours I work at Delta Media will count towards my required hours for the class. I've been such a procrastinator, I really need to get it done and over with! It will be such a relief to completely be done!

We have a pretty busy month ahead of us. We went to a wedding last weekend, for Brett and Amanda (Keller) Cottrell. It was such a beautiful day, in every way. The rest of the month, we have graduation parties for my cousin Kim, our friend Leah, my friend Catie's Bridal Shower, and then Breakfast on the Farm. July is surprisingly quiet -- so far. I won't be taking my week long vacation because of my new job. But I'm still excited to see everyone up at the lake the weekend of the 4th! Noah just turned 5 and he graduated preschool. He's off to kindergarten in the fall. Madie had her first dance recital a couple weeks ago. I can't believe how much they're growing up!

Wednesday 6 April 2011

I turned 23 on March 30th. I officially feel old. It shouldn't feel any different than 22, but it does. Maybe it's all the responsibility. Or the fact that I just had to put my glasses on to read the screen better. Yes, I got glasses about three weeks ago. I really needed them, and I'm glad I did; aside from the fact that Jerrod thinks they make me look like Sarah Palin. If five years ago, I was told that I'd be where I am now, I probably wouldn't believe it. It's hard to believe all that has happened in such a short time. It's been almost five years since I've graduated high school. Since then, I've become an aunt four times, I've gotten engaged, paid my way through college and a trip to Mexico, bought a car, moved out into my own house. I hate to admit it but... I'm growing up. Not too thrilled about that. Don't get me wrong, I love my life and all the exciting things that are happening. But if I had the chance to be six years old again, I would. I loved playing Barbies and Legos with my friends and cousins. I loved running around the neighborhood with the Verheyen and Bley kids. When I looked forward to Christmas and it was still okay to be a little selfish. When I was still small enough fit on my Mom's lap. When I didn't get teased about my blankie or taking the crust off my sandwiches. Life was so simple and I miss it. But I am so excited about where my life is taking me. I have so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to.

Yesterday was election day, and I have to give a big Congratulations to one of my favorite people -- my Uncle Jimmy! He was elected the Town of Port Washington Chairman. It was a big win for him -- 101 to 48 votes. Our whole family was very excited for the big victory, and I can't wait to celebrate with them this coming weekend. I think there are great things in store of this town now that he's Chairman. I'm very proud of him!

My internship is moving along slowly, mostly to blame on my procrastination. And my nerves. I just don't have the confidence yet to dive into these projects. My clients are Community Learning Center, Melichar Broad Acres, and Badger Billing Services. Hopefully I can pull it all out in the end.

Wednesday 16 February 2011

I'm sure no one has been on the edge of their seat waiting for an update from me. Although it has been way too long, and I apologize to anyone who wants to know all the happenings in the life of Amanda. The holidays have passed and a new year has begun. The Christmas season was a quiet one for us. We spent a lot of time with each of our families, as enjoyable as ever. Being the procrastinator I am, it took me almost until the new year before finishing up my final class of the semester. It was a course I dreaded, and was certain I'd never pass. Luckily, I had an instructor to let me focus on my other classes in order to complete them on time, and gave me an extra to weeks to get caught up and finish out his course. I passed with flying colors. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the classes I actually tried in. Go figure.

I took a spontaneous trip to David's Bridal in mid-January with my mom and my sister. I chose several dresses and fell in love with the second one I tried on. To this day, sparks still fly when I see it. It's everything I never thought I wanted, but it's just too perfect. I got it for half the original price, which is no down fall by any means. I'm horrible at keeping anything from Jerrod and this will be the longest, hardest secret I've ever kept from him. FYI.. when I say "your secret's safe with me" I usually mean "your secret is safe with us". He scolds me for it, too. But when it's things he really just doesn't need to know, I can keep my mouth shut.

A week later my Mom and I went to check out Five Pillars Supper Club as our reception venue. After being quickly annoyed with the woman assisting us, we left after only about 4 minutes. We had an appointment and she acted as if we were interrupting her interview with the President or something. We decided to stop out at the Belgium Community Center just to see what kind of information they could offer us to take home. It was there we met Amy; an angel in a BCC apron. She answered all of our questions before we even had to ask them. Seeing as this is the closest, most reasonably priced and largest hall we could find, we had pretty much already accepted the fact that this is where we'd have to have our reception. Proms/Melichars/Kellers are a fertile bunch. Our guest list is already well over 400 people, the majority of that being family. I'm sure after our parents take a look at it, they'll add on guests we couldn't come up with off the top of our heads, putting the total near 500. At least, that's what we're estimating. But this is our wedding day, and we are going to do it our way. We want to share it with the people we love the most, and what can we say, we love a whole hell of a lot of people.

We booked the BCC there on the spot. If you're thinking ahead, this of course means that we set a date as well. We had been planning on getting married June 30, 2012. When my mom and I were told this day was already booked, our jaws dropped. Luckily, our original date, June 16th was still available. Long before we were even engaged, while drifting away into a nap one afternoon, I dreamed that June 16th would be my wedding day. Curious, I looked ahead on the calendar as saw that June 16, 2012 fell on a Saturday. Call it fate, call it coincidence -- but everything involving our wedding so far has just been happening too perfectly. The pieces are falling into place just as I'd hoped. These next 485 days are going to go so fast, but will also feel like an eternity. I can't wait to celebrate our marriage and begin the rest of my life as Mrs. Jerrod Keller!

So as of now, we have a date, a hall, and I have my dress. I know which colors and kinds of flowers I want. We almost have our wedding party chosen. The BCC caters, so we just have to decide the menu. I haven't put a whole lot of thought into a DJ, but I know a good one. The one thing I'm panicking most over is a photographer. This is by far the most important part of the day to me. I have it narrowed down to a few, but it's a matter of how much I really want to spend. All I know is you get what you pay for, and I'm willing to pay big bucks for the best photographer I can get.

I cut my hair shortly before Christmas. I went in for a trim and ended up donating 7 inches to Locks of Love. I miss my long hair sometimes, but it's so much easier to maintain at this length. I'm back to school as well. My internship class, the last requirement before graduating. I'm very nervous about this, we'll see how it goes. I'll keep you posted. It's required to create a blog for this class to keep my instructor and peers updated on where I'm at. If you care to check it out it's at www.amandaprom.com/internblog As of this date, I only have the opening blog created. So that will definitely keep me plenty busy and stressed out. Then trying to fit in a diet and exercise, making dates with friends and family, maintaining a house, wedding planning, and quality time with my Lovey... I'd say I'm pretty much booked.

Wow -- looking back at all I've written makes me realize my life isn't as boring as I thought. Who'd-a-thunk-it.

Monday 29 November 2010

We are yet again blessed with another little bundle of joy! My sister-in-law, Ashley, gave birth to her third child on November 28th at 7:48 pm. A beautiful baby boy to be named Jaxon John. He was 20 inches long and 7 pounds 9 ounces. I was tortured all day, longing for 4 pm when I got off work. I ran out of the office and drove as quickly (and as safely) as I could to the new Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. Naturally horrible with direction, I need a nurse to escort me to the room. A picture hung on the door of a handsome little face.

Once I held him in my arms, I didn't want to put him down. Madie and Reese were of course, as sweet as could be. Both very excited to be big sisters to little Jax. He's cute as a button. He wore an adorable green knit hat. He's a precious little angel and I'm so thankful to be his auntie! I can't wait to see what the future has in store for him! Happiness is being an aunt! :)

Noah Ryan, Madeline Jean, Reese Lea, and Jaxon John -- Auntie Manda loves you!

Tuesday 23 November 2010

If I can give advise to only who reads this, it would be to always be grateful for the people in your life. And never let anything stand in your way from letting them know how much they mean to you. Make use of every photo opp, and never waste a chance to say "I love you". Because the truth is, life is short. We all say that or have heard it said, but we never take it seriously until its becomes so painfully real. This date may not be significant to most people, but to me and my family, it's one of the painful days that we'll never forget.

It was Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. I had spent the previous week calling in sick and missing classes due to a case of mono. My second bout which is said to be impossible. However, I felt miserable. Swollen tonsils. Fevers. Body aches. Loss of appetite. The works. But on this particular day, I finally felt well enough to frequently venture out of bed. It was late in the afternoon; my mom and sister were off work. Around 4 pm, I walked to the kitchen simply because I could. There was one night that I woke up so dehydrated and had to lay down just as I made it out my bedroom door and frantically wake up my sister, which was difficult because my throat was so dry. I was in high spirits, but it didn't last long. I quickly became exhausted again after only several minutes, and slowly walked back to bed. Looking back now, it seems like I was back in my room for only seconds when the phone rang. Then I heard my nephew, Noah, crying and I looked up to see my sister grabbing him tight. I thought he was hurt so I got out of bed only to walk several feet before my mom came around the corner with tears in her horrified eyes.

My heart sank. A million things ran through my head. My Grandmas. My Dad. My brother. What was the bad news? I never saw it coming. I begged her to tell me, but she couldn't find the words. Through her tears she said "I can't tell you! I can't tell you!", as I collapsed to my knees. She told me my cousins, Brandon and Aaron, were in an accident... and that Brandon had died. I screamed and pounded the floor with my fists. I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it. But in the background of the madness, the TV showed the scene. A white car, with four teenagers, were driving south on I-43. The car left the freeway, hit the median, slid under the cable barrier, and were hit by a North-bound SUV. Two girls. Two boys. Two immediate fatalities... and no explanation. The day was overcast, but no snow or rain. According to witnesses, there wasn't even heavy traffic. The freeway was backed up for miles. This accident shook the entire community. It was plastered on the news for weeks. But this story was more like a nightmare.

Brandon was 17 years old. He was a Senior in High School. Number 52 on the football team, number 28 in baseball. Eldest of three boys. One of the most genuine, kind, and funny people I have ever known. He had the most unforgettable smile. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him. He means so much to me, and my life hasn't been the same since that day. For being so young, he taught a great lesson to many people. Live with great intent and never stop smiling!

It took a long time for me to get past the pain on a daily basis. I can finally talk about him or that day without crying. I can look at his pictures and smile. I spend time everyday thinking of him and the wonderful times we shared together. But on this day... that's easier said than done. It's hard not to cry. It's hard not to think of all the pain that came with this day, three years ago. Jerrod said something to me once that really hit me. Brandon is not the accident. He is not my.. dead cousin. He's just my cousin. He's my Brandon and he always will be. The only difference is, now, he has wings. I can't hear him or see him, but I can feel him in my heart every day. He's our angel. And I'm grateful everyday that I had him in my life. I will never stop missing him and I will love him forever.

Rest in Peace, Brandon Thomas Melichar 12/27/89 - 11/23/07 You are my angel. I love you and miss you, everyday.

Thursday 18 November 2010

Changes already! Jerrod decided at the last minute that he is going Up North after all. I'm a little nervous about spending the weekend alone at the new place. But maybe I'll actually be able to get some things done! I have plenty of cleaning, organizing, unpacking, and homework to keep me busy. I bought myself an early Christmas gift today. I got Rubbermaid containers with the Easy-Find lids. Red of course! I think our kitchen is pretty complete. All we could really use is a nice, complete set of silverware. But that can always wait for our gift registry! It's these little things that make me excited most. I've been dreaming of this for so long and now it's finally coming true!

As soon as Jerrod's dad gets his safe moved out of the house, I'm going to start painting. The family room is going to be a burnt orange. It's called "Falling Leaves", which is pretty appropriate considering our decor will include Jerrod's deer mount, bear skin, and beaver, mink, and ermine furs. I never imagined I'd fall in love with such an outdoors-man! But that's what makes him who he is, and I love who he is! As soon as possible, we are getting rid of -- to put it mildly -- the well-seasoned carpeting in the family room. We are replacing it with laminate floor. This once-upon-a-time-white carpet is now a grotesque grayish brown color. It has seen better days and is in definite need to be removed and never be seen again. This house is desperately crying out for a woman's touch. Jerrod and I have big plans. I just can't wait to get started. By the way, if anyone finds our long lost rich Uncle... be sure to give him our number. I'd love to meet him ;)

Wednesday 17 November 2010

Well, I'm past the half-way point of my last full semester. Once I survive Electronic Commerce, Emerging Web Trends, and Visual Basics, all I will have left of my MPTC career will be my internship course. As long as that goes well, I'll be graduating in May! Can't wait to get there. All this time and hard work will finally pay off. So, if anyone is in need of a Web site, let me know ;)

I've been living with Jerrod for about a week and a half now. Haven't completely unpacked yet because I want to paint first. I can't paint until his Dad is fully moved into his new house. Jerrod doesn't close until November 30th. It's just a waiting game for now, but I'm very excited to get started. The transition wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I cried a little as I started packing and taking things out of my old room. But I already spend so much time and Jerrod's that it didn't feel like too much of a change.

Our new nephew should be here any day! Joe and Ashley have been keeping us updated on their progress, and their little boy should grace us with his presence by the weekend. We are very excited to meet our new bundle of joy.

It's so hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only a week away. Jerrod won't be going Up North for the hunting season this year, which is very strange. But he has so much on his mind, and so much has been happening. I think he'll feel much more comfortable hunting close to home. This will be the first Thanksgiving we'll spend together. I'm really looking forward to that! No plans yet, but we still have time. Christmas will be here before we know it. My parents' are hosting the Melichar family Christmas this year, and they have a ton of projects to finish before the party on December 11th. Lots of painting, rearranging, and new counter tops. I think a whole new look on my childhood home will make leaving it that much easier.