Times a' changin.

Well, it's happened. I've found a job! I'm incredibly excited and grateful to have found work in such a tough economy. (especially around here) It is a temp job, but one that should suit me well. I will be working at an educational service and start next week. I think this will help me open a few doors. My dad and stepmom are putting up the house for sale in the spring, so apartment hunting is looking more and more imminent. And I'll admit it, a little scary. If you're starting pay is $12 an hour, and you work FT, it's possible to budget and live on your own right? Right.

Meanwhile, a group of my girlfriends (Amanda, Christine) and I threw a bachelorette party for my best friend (who's getting married on Halloween) a couple of weeks ago. It went great without a hitch. When I say "party" I really mean "get together". You see, my buddy is a quiet girl (in fact, we all are) and decided that a gathering with a small group of us was more her style.

4 of us bridesmaids, (I'm the maid of honor) got a hotel room and split the cost. Then we went to dinner.

According to casino rules, you're not allowed to take pictures inside. (Who knew? I didn't.) So the pictures that I took inside (before I knew of the rule) cannot be posted here. We chose Harrah's because the buffets are cheap but REALLY good. $15 a plate for all you can eat. By eating, I mean lobster. (It's usually $30, but Amanda had a discount) My friends were amused during dinner because a guy approached me and asked what grade I was in. Being in your twenties, getting carded, and asked that question IS pretty amusing. :) Afterwords, some of us played the slots. I love watching my friends gamble more then I like gambling myself. I loved just hanging out with them. We may have not be able to take group shots of us inside, but Amanda did get an awesome shot of our bird friend near the car.

We went to the outlets by Atlantic City after that. Now, let me explain something about AC. You do not want to be there after dark. Actually, you probably shouldn't be there at all. But they do have great outlet stores. Erin (our bride to be) has been talking about getting a Coach purse since forever. So of course we hit there first.

Erin got a messinger bag with purple trim. I shall remain jealous. ;) Walking past the Disney store, we all began reminiscing about our childhoods and recalling who are favorite Disney characters were. Mine was Belle. I always enjoyed a good book as a kid, (even going as far as reading while walking, just like Belle) Once inside, we made a beeline for the Halloween costumes.

"Bet you could wear this." Erin tells me, smiling as she holds up "Belle's" dress meant for a ten year old girl.
"Oh no," I replied.
The girls continue giggling.
"No. WAY." I said laughing.

I tried on the dress. It slipped right over my head. Although it was a little tight in the...um...chest area, I was stunned by how well it fit me. The girls almost fell over laughing. "Seriously, THIS was my highlight of the night," Erin gasped, wiping away tears.

After becoming tired of shopping (no I didn't get the Belle dress, much to Erin's disappointment) we went back to the hotel. We had brought a chocolate fountain with us and strawberries, rice krispie treats and various other things for dipping.

After that, we played wedding games, chatted and watched movies well into the night, before finally turning in at 2am and going to lunch the next day.

My life is awesome. I have the best friends. It's all you could ever ask for.