boots on ground.

The past several weeks have been very eventful. I feel like I haven't had time to just sit and breathe, which is a blessing in a way. One of the best ways of protecting my sanity throughout this process is by remaining busy and not letting my brain catch up to the reality of my current situation.

For the most part, happy things are keeping me busy. Just last weekend, the much-anticipated Hogan wedding finally happened! I had the honor of being a bridesmaid for this occasion (and Eric was a from-afar groomsman), so between crafting nights, little wedding errands, the rehearsal dinner, and the actual wedding, that special little occasion took up much of my time in the best way. The wedding day was incredible. Madison and Tyler got married in such a beautiful location-- a hops farm in Aurora, OR. It was the perfect country setting. The event itself was so meaningful, too. The couple exchanged the most incredible vows I've ever heard, and hearing all of their loved ones make toasts and speeches was so heartwarming. Eric also had a presence there; their officiant mentioned Eric and his service in the first opening sentences of the ceremony. Eric was devastated he couldn't make it to the wedding, and prepared a recorded video toast for the couple to watch. We didn't bank on the video being shown at the actual reception, but Mad's family made it happen. They played Eric's toast as the last speech of the night, which was quite moving. I am so beyond thrilled for my two wonderful friends who, in my mind, have been mentally/emotionally/spiritually married for quite some time. These two are inspiring both as individuals and as a couple, and to witness their marriage was a huge privilege.

Major props to Katy Weaver for capturing the unbelievable spirit these two have. My heart bursts when I look at this picture.

I also have been keeping busy with planning our own wedding for next summer. It's less than a year away! All of our vendors are booked, so now the momentum of planning is kind of in a lull. Sometime it feels like a fake fantasy I'm working on since there's no groom in sight. But, Eric is doing a wonderful job contributing from afar in the ways he can. We've started bouncing around the idea of a honeymoon as well, I'm very excited to see where that conversation goes!

I also am currently moving out of my apartment into my dad's house in Lake Oswego. I'll be officially living there as of this weekend. Transferring my life to the LO house will mark my 7th consecutive annual move. I'm starting to wonder if I'm going to get an itch to move every year of my life even after things settle down. This move will also mark the first time I've lived with either of my parents since high school. I'm a little nervous that Perry and I will drive my poor dad crazy, but I suspect it will go very well. Both my dad and I are going through pretty significant life changes right now, and neither of us were too keen on living alone through our respective situations. So, I'm glad we can be there for each other as family and as roommates this year.




Finally, the most impactful event for me; The goober to the left has arrived to his "home" for the next several months. In keeping with what the army tells me I'm safe to say, "boots on ground".

So far, we've learned that Eric has WiFi. Score. This alone will make enduring the deployment so much easier. Although we've suspended his data/cell plan, we can still Facetime, Skype, and use other apps we have to text. I also love that he can still use Instagram and Facebook. I know this sounds super millennial of me, but the fact he still has a social media presence makes me feel like we still have some sense of normalcy.We're not confident how often he'll be at his home base to use the internet, but the fact he has it at all is a major win.







We've already surpassed our previous record for the longest we've gone without seeing each other. Up until now, that record was six weeks. Now that stretch seems like child's play, because six weeks barely scratches the surface of what this deployment's timeline is. As of now, we still don't have a solid date to count down to. I'm crossing my fingers they don't hold him there past May, but we just don't know. In the meantime, the McOmie and Ruberg households are proudly displaying our deployment ribbons until he returns.

So, on my to-do list for now is simply to adjust. In keeping with how 2014 has gone for me thus far, I'm aiming to continue being flexible to the frequent changes that I'm going through, whether they're out of my control or not. Easier said than done, but I've gotten a lot of practice at this whole adjusting thing in the past few years, so bring it on, life!

they said "yes".

It's pretty much a well-known fact: us females would all be lost little souls without our lady friends. This statement somehow becomes even more true once you transition into the exciting, overwhelming, and manic world of bride-dom. The process of planning a wedding can be so harrying, and I fully intend on relying on my friends to get me through it with love. Cue The Beatles- "With a Little Help from My Friends".

It only took a day or two after Eric's proposal for me to start thinking about the women I wanted by my side on our wedding day. I always assumed I'd have a smaller bridal party, maybe three or four friends. It wasn't until I faced the reality of selecting my bridesmaids that I realized how impossible it would be for me to have only three or four. Let's be real, though, how awesome is it that that's the "problem" I faced? As I started to think about the ladies that have truly been there for me from the start of my relationship with Eric, I realized quickly that I am extremely blessed with so many wonderful friendships. Although I have dozens of friends that have been there for me throughout the years, I chose to ask a very particular group of women to be my bridesmaids. I asked the women that have truly gone above and beyond the definition of friendship over the past several years. I have laughed, cried, and bared my soul, secrets, and insecurities to these ladies, and still, they choose to continue being there for me time and time again. Not only that, but each of these ladies have also stolen Eric's heart, too! These are friends that will surely stay in my life for the decades to come-- of that, I have no doubt. They're so wonderful, in fact, that I want to dedicate a blog post to my NINE bridesmaids (Yes, NINE!! I told you I was blessed!). So, to all nine of you: I love you ladies more than you know, I feel so fortunate for the friendships I have with you all!

Maid of Honor: Madeline Marie Ruberg

Madeline Ruberg. 21. Senior at University of Oregon, studying Public Relations. Loves trashy reality TV, slow jams, and warm weather. The fact that Maddie is my Maid of Honor is no surprise, we've pretty much been planning on being each other's MOH's since learning what weddings are. Maddie is so much more than my sister; she really is my best friend. The first thing I did when I turned 18 was drive down to the seediest tattoo parlor in all of Seattle to get her initial etched behind my ear. Eventually, she did the same with mine. Maddie and I are the only two "kids" in the Ruberg family, so we naturally grew up very close. We relied on each other in the hard times, and reveled together in the happiest times. In the later years when the frequent moves became taxing for us, we adjusted to the new towns by being each other's only friends. She has carried me through the most vulnerable times of my life, and celebrated with me in the most happy times. She knows me better than I know myself. Maddie also happens to be the most thoughtful person I know. She spoils those she loves with everything she has to give, and I am so thankful that I happen to be her sister. Over the past few years, Maddie has truly adopted my new little family as her own, and Eric and I are so fortunate to have her love and support.

Bridesmaid: Abby Michelle Chambers

Abby Chambers. 24. Dietician Extraordinaire. Loves cowboy boots, whiskey, and Garth Brooks. Like many of my bridesmaids, Abby is a sorority sister of mine. We were in the same pledge class, so we met our freshman year at OSU. Upon moving into the KKG house sophomore year, her and I really clicked and became close friends. Abby is so down-to-earth, and has such a caring heart and compassionate soul. Not only that, but she's always down for a spontaneous good time. I'll never forget the time senior year that the two of us decided to skip our responsibilities and have our own little bar crawl on a weekday during Spring Term. We literally stopped by every bar on Monroe, and ended up dancing the night away at Impulse, the local college “club”, just the two of us. Whether it's a day together, weekend together, or an entire vacation together, it's always a blast. And somehow, our group always comes out of these weekends with a trademark “Abby quote” to commemorate it, such as, “it’s all down here from here”.  I also will be forever thankful to her for getting me in touch with my country side. Abby has an infectious laugh, and can out-tomboy the best of them. Seriously, challenge her to a belching contest. She'll beat you. 

Bridesmaid: Dallas Katherine Defrees

Dallas Defrees. 23. OMSI Camp Counselor that all the kids crush on. Loves microbrews, her ranch, and Harry Potter. Dallas is one of the best people I know. I just feel like I'm kindred spirits with her. I can't put a finger on why, but I seriously feel like Dallas and I have been best friends our whole lives. It's impossible for me to be around this lady and have a bad time. Dallas is one year younger than me, and I met her when she joined KKG my sophomore year. Throughout that year, our friendship grew to the point that we basically fell in love. The next year when she moved into the sorority house, our friendship blossomed even more and she became someone that I constantly sought out to do everything with. She's so laid-back, humble, adventurous, easy-going, smart, driven, kind, fun... I could keep going. One of my favorite terms living in the sorority house was during junior year when she and I became roommates. Even just hanging out and talking about nothing felt like the time of my life because she's so funny and awesome. She’s the type person that’s truly always there for her friends and listens when you need someone to talk to. She truly brings out the happiness in everyone, and I always feel like my best, most fun self when I'm with her. 

Bridesmaid: Dejia Elyse Morrell

Dejia Morrell. 25. Fashion Maven. Loves movies, saltwater taffy, and Beyonce. Dejia is by far the most unique friend I've ever had. Many people who are close to us giggle at our story of how we came into each other's lives so many years ago. I first knew of Dejia when I was 15 years old and living in Idaho. She went to the high school up the road from me, and somehow we learned that we were dating the same guy at the same time. So, naturally, we didn't start out as friends. Years later, I heard through the grapevine that we had both chosen to attend OSU. So, I reached out to her to see if we could put the past behind us and have each other as friendly faces in a place that would be new to both of us. We quickly became friends that first week in the dorms, ended up joining the same sorority, and the rest is history. This girl is one of the most fiercely loyal, fabulous, and sassy friends I've ever had. Dejia is always up for being lazy with me, I can't even count the number of movie nights (complete with winco bulk-candy runs) we have had. She calls it like she sees it and doesn't change for anybody, and I really love that about her. I love our silly piece of shared history, and how it luckily turned into a friendship I treasure. 

Bridesmaid: Liberty Rachma Pertiwi

Liberty Pertiwi. 23. Public Health Policy HBIC. Loves men in suits, coffee runs, and jet-setting. Liberty is the definition of a "sister friend". Like Abby, I met Liberty our freshman year when we both joined KKG. However, we didn't realize how destined we were to be “besties” until sophomore year. That year, Lib and I both moved into the sorority house a week early because of our on-campus jobs that we started in the late summer. So, there we were, just Liberty and I in a giant, empty sorority house. Naturally, we spent a lot of time together that week, and our friendship quickly blossomed into one of the closest I've ever had. Ever since, it's been her and I against the world. Some of the younger girls in the house even coined nicknames like "Libron" and "Libonica" because we've always been so attached at the hip. Liberty is also the reason Eric and I were introduced! She was friends with Eric's group of high school friends through leadership, and she's the reason our groups even got together for that fateful weekend trip to Pendleton. Even now that we're on opposite coasts from each other, we can't help but talk daily, constantly speak in inside jokes, and be continue to be "attached at the hip" from afar. 

Bridesmaid: MacKenzie Lambert Searles

Mackenzie Searles. 26. Master's in Anthropology. Loves intellectual discussions, holidays, and chocolate. Mack is just the best! This lady and I have become the female additions to the McOmie family. Mackenzie came first, as she has been in a relationship with Eric's older brother, Grant, for going on seven years! I met Mackenzie on a New Year’s Eve trip that her family hosted on Bainbridge Island back in the first few months of Eric and I dating. Ever since that trip, I have been so fortunate to have her as a friend in my new family. She has always been such a welcoming and friendly person, and is someone I always look forward to spending time with at McOmie family gatherings. This gal is as sharp as they come, and is always such a fun time; she's constantly starting games, competitions and conversation. She introduced me to Bocce Ball and Settlers of Catan, how can you now love that? Over the years, our friendship has grown into a relationship I feel so fortunate to have now, and for all of the years to come. 

Bridesmaid: Madison Christine (soon to be Hogan) Parker 

Madison Parker. 25. Just graduated with her Master's in Communication. Loves the women of SNL, open-mindedness, and pork. I'll always remember first meeting Madison. We were in the TV room at KKG, it was within the first couple weeks of us getting our bids. A group of us new members were sitting around introducing ourselves and trying to remember each other's names. When it came time for Mad to introduce herself, she just said "Hi, my name is Madison, and I have no cartilage in my nose". Then she proceeded to push down on her nose until it was completely flat. I already was sold. Then it came to be my turn to introduce myself, and after I said my name she blurted out, "Can I call you Ron Ron?" I responded with, "Only if I can call you Mad Mad". So, that's who we've been to each other since. We proceeded to become roommates at our live-out senior year, which brought on some of the best college memories I have. However, I think the real magic in our friendship happened after we graduated. Mad is engaged (married in less than a week!) to an awesome guy named Tyler, and Eric and I started spending a lot of time with them after graduation. Because of that, we've become especially close in these last few years, and I'm now wondering how we went so long without realizing how inseparable we're meant to be. Madison is someone who I constantly look to as a role model, because, deep in her core, she is a solid, good person. She's one of the very few people in this world that makes me want to actively better myself, and I'm so thankful for that.

Bridesmaid: Sara Anna Elizabeth Schumacher

Sara Schumacher. 24. Ingenious Graphic Designer. Loves adventure, late-night hangouts, and competition. My first memory of Sara was when we happened to be placed in the same "walking group" during recruitment freshman year. Anyone who knows Sara will tell you she's one of the most competitive people you'll ever meet, and I remember immediately feeling this sense of rivalry with her. I don't know what it was, but as soon as we found out we both wanted to be Kappas, there was an unspoken sense of, "oh, it's on" (ohhh, to be a freshman). Fast forward to bid day, Sara and I both open our bid cards, realize we both made it into the oh-so-coveted KKG, glance at each other across the room with ironic humor in our eyes, and our competitive fronts instantly melted. (for all of you counting, that's Abby, Dejia, Liberty, Madison, and Sara all from PC'08 in KKG!) Now thinking back on it I chuckle, because this girl can literally make "It’s December and I'll stick my hand out of the car longer than you will" a game. That first interaction with her is so true to who she is and the quirk I so love about her. Ever since then, Schu has been one of my dearest friends. She is completely adored and loved by so many because she is one of the most fun, spontaneous, and caring people you’ll find. She has touched so many lives and I feel blessed to be one of them. Any time with Sara is guaranteed to be wonderful memory, and I completely treasure the many memories we've made throughout the years. 



Bridesmaid: Sara Michelle Weaver

Sara Weaver. 24. Fabulous Interior Designer. Loves fashion, creativity, and city life. Sara has such a special place in my heart, because in an otherwise very difficult part of my life, she provided me with happiness, love, and laughter. I first met Sara during the first weeks after my transfer to Skyline High School in Sammamish, WA. She will have no problem telling you-- I was a scary little nightmare at first. So, for obvious reasons, our friendship didn't blossom immediately. However, both of us transferred to the local community college for our senior year, forgoing normal high school life. We ran into each other on campus one day, and it just clicked. In the final months leading up to our departure to our respective colleges, we spent so much time together and quickly grew a deep friendship. Even though Sara and I only spent about nine months being friends in the same town, we have continued to grow our friendship through the last six years of being long-distance friends! She has the most contagious smile, loving soul, compassionate heart, and is so thoughtful. She even returned my proposal to be my bridesmaid (which I sent via card) with an acceptance via flowers delivered to my desk at work. How amazing is that? No matter what, I know that Sara is there for me through thick and thin despite any distance that comes between us. 

...WHEW! There you have it folks. The nine ladies that will keep me sane and walk down that ailse with me next year. Am I lucky, or what?