decisions decisions...

So Tom and I have been facing a lot of grown up choices that I dont know if we're ready to make. We were looking at houses and then chose a house and were getting ready to decide to make an offer, and then we changed our minds. I think more then anything it scared us. We wouldn't have the freedom to do things as we please (financial freedom), and that's not exciting to us. I know owning a home is an investment, but at this point it's not something we NEED to do. But going back to pre-not buying a house, I was getting really excited. I was going to be able to pick out paint, and tile, and flooring and learn how to frame (we want a finished basement), and all of these things would have given me something to do. I am a very project focused person. If I am given a project to work on, I really focus on it. So, I was getting very excited about the idea of picking out patio furniture, planting a garden, and being able to have people over! But! We changed our minds, and it broke my heart. I know deep down this was a choice we needed to make though. Waiting until after the wedding will free up a lot of cash (we're currently saving over half of my income each month to pay for it), and will also give us a chance to adjust to paying our student loans and all the randomness that comes up. Once this choice was made I was in a bit of a funk. I was just like, "what now? What am I going to spend all my time thinking about and planning and gathering ideas for? Because it's not a house anymore..." And then Tom kindly reminded me that I WE have a wedding to plan, and that apparently I am lacking... I had no idea. So there we are. Confused, overwhelmed, anxious, and excited all at the same time. We will continue our home search in the spring, but at that point will be able to afford a much larger (Nicer) home. Confusing I know....

Day One... Right?

For those of you who don't know... I'm Lauren, 22 years old, engaged to the wonderful Tom Duris (I get to become his wife next June =] ). We recently made the bold choice to move to Cincinnati (Hamilton actually) to begin our adult lives together. Why Cinci you ask? Well, it's a long story with a lot of decision making and discussions. BUT, the short version is that Tom was offered an awesome opportunity down here to work with a Funeral Home that will offer of great long term opportunities down the road. As for me, I have my teaching degree and know that there are few to NO jobs in Toledo, so moving down here would hopefully lead to a teaching job. As for now I am a Nanny for a wonderful family in Mason, OH. They have two children (three and two months!) and I couldnt be more thrilled that they chose me =].

So that's enough about me... The point of this here is to let my family and friends in on what is going on in our lives. Tom and I are not the best at communicating and need to start doing a much better job! This is one way to start for sure. It is also going to be about our journey. We are starting to make very adult decisions that we haven't had to make before and it's really intimidating. Things like buying a house, making wedding plans, and planning for our future are here, and I want to share the process. =]