Happiness.

I feel like the last 6 days have been the craziest of my entire life. That may be a slight exaggeration, and I'm sure crazier times are sure to come, but I'm definitely on an emotional overload right now.

First off, I left Provo. The place that's been so good to me for over 4 years, where I've lived with my best of friends, won't be my home anymore. These past 4 years have given me the best friends I've ever had, my future hubby, and the craziest/funnest memories to date. How could I not be sad to leave??

Luckily, pulling out of P-town with Daren by my side was the only thing that made it better. After all, he's the reason I'm making this decision... and although i'm sad, I'm also DANG EXCITED for the future!!

Funny how that works. So much sadness and happiness all at once.

The next day, Daren and I took our wedding pictures. A little early, you ask? Yes. Very early. 5 weeks early. But, considering he'll be in California until the day before we're married, we had little choice. Plus, they were a BLAST, so why not!? I can't believe how happy I was just dressing up and walking around in our wedding attire pretending we were married. The ACTUAL wedding day is going to rock. I may faint of happiness.

This is the only pic I got of myself/us.. and you can't really tell at all what anything looks like. Just know that I LOVED my bouquet (complete courtesy of my mother) and my hair (courtesy of Pamela).

The next day, I went through the St. George Temple for the first time. It was so amazing to feel so loved and supported by my family and my Heavenly Father. What a blessing temples are!

Unfortunatley, the crazy week ended with my least favorite thing: Daren leaving for California. He started his big job today, which means we have one month of long-distance coming up! As I've been attempting to control my emotions the past few days (mostly concerning the leaving Provo/Daren leaving thing), it's been interesting to look at my life and try to be optimistic. Sometimes, it's really hard!

Isn't that selfish of me? To be sad that I'm going to marry the love of my life in only 5 weeks time and i get to live with my wonderful family until then??

Happiness is a decision. We can always decide to be sad and find things to mope about, or, at the same time, we can decide to find happiness and see the blessings around us. Thinking narrowly and selfishly, I find myself feeling empty and alone; however, looking up and towards the future, I can see a bright life of wonderfulness!

I'm going to make this month one of optimism and happiness. After all, I'm in love and couldn't be happier. Why waste time moping?