Joy Every Step of The Way: Saturday October 5, 2013

Lunch at Oktoberfest Dublin in the Biegarten. Photo Taken By: C.

As you all know, I'm living abroad from Georgia for the first time full-time. With that, I understood it would take some sacrifices. I can't just jump in my car or on a plane any time I want (as much as I'd like to believe and tell you that I can), so sometimes there are things I have to miss in person.

It has actually been written into my heart since I've moved, but really long before I ever moved, how special and dear my friends and family are to me. They aren't all in Georgia, though a lot of them are, and they mean so much to me. And it has made my joy fuller and fuller each day to share pictures, stories, skypes, and emails. It doesn't matter where we live, we carry each other in our hearts. Yes, I'm aware that sounds cheesy. But I mean it :)

This past Saturday I woke up ready to run (Halleluiah there was sunshine!) in Corkagh Park and then have a girly afternoon in town with Caoiv. It was the final weekend for Oktoberfest Dublin, so we planned on treating ourselves to everything they had to offer. Fun, no? :)


Welcome Back, it's a beautiful day to be here. [Oktoberfest Dublin 5/10/2013] Photo Taken By: M.

We walked through the aisles of candy, watched the nutella crepes get made, bought candy apples, sampled chocolates and fudge, people watched from the docklands, and soaked up the glorious sunshine and return of summer weather. I treated myself to one more beer, because that's the best way to finish your bratwurst lunch, and went all out with a cheesy pretzel.

Me and Caoiv at Oktoberfest Dublin 5/10/2013.

Caoiv also tried her first baked pretzel, bratwurst and spicy mustard meal, and Oktoberfest! She spoke German to some of the workers there and reminded me of when I visited Amy, Matt, and Bridge in Germany last summer. I still remember my survival phrases, but mostly "Danke" as I take my pint :)

While I was appreciating how beautiful the day was here and how fun it was to be back at Oktoberfest, I started to think about another special day happening in Tennessee. I was hoping it was just as beautiful if not more and people were having the time of their lives. I'd been talking to the girls all week, and of course was sad not to be going in person, but was happy knowing we'd had a fun summer celebrating (Diva Half Marathons in Myrtle Beach, dinners in the city, Bridal Showers at the pool, and send off cookouts around home) and knew I would be there in spirit. Because not being there Saturday was so hard, bare with me when it's the holidays. To my sweet surprise and delight though, I started to get text messages, snap chats, and voxer messages from some of my favorite people (Props to Krystle for picking a quality picture, being so thoughtful, and being really crafty! You could pin this on pinterest! haha)

Safety First! Ready for the roadtrip from GA to TN! "Flat Melanie" is ready :)

Krystle, Mel, and Kori ready for Bmacs WEDDING!

Hanging out with the beautiful J and Amy.

Krystle and I had talked in advance about making a "Flat Mel" for the wedding, but I had no idea it would turn out so well! My BF$ could go into business with 'Making your flat loved ones, so your events are never undone.' So cute. hehe.

Look how pretty my friends are?

Amy and I waiting on the bride!

Brittany and her daddy.

Brittany and Josh... Mr. and Mrs. Siefert!

Chilling with Kori at the wedding.

This was SO much fun! I loved getting these photos and messages. I really felt like I was there with ya'll and didn't miss too much. ;)

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HILARIOUS! :)

I am so full of happiness and joy for these friends. They are a match made in Heaven. I can only imagine what a beautiful day this was in person, but from my seat it was perfect! You both deserve it, B*Mac and J*Sief! <3>

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Siefert!

And to top it off, I even got to talk to the bride and groom on their drive from Chattanooga to Atlanta! I know they are having a blast now in Jamaica, mons!!