February 15, 2007
Rice Is Nice
I just found out that rice does not kill birds and there is no reason not to throw it at weddings. I am really surprised that this is an urban myth. So surprised that I felt compelled to educate my readership.
Am I the only one who believed this?
Quote of the Day:
Fortune can, for her pleasure, fools advance,
And toss them on the wheels of Chance.
Juvenal (55 AD - 127 AD)
June 5, 2006
Married!!!
The last few days have been fantastic. The wedding and everything that came before it was a real dream. Not "dream" as in totally perfect (because that would be an impossible wish), but you know that lovely warm fuzzy feeling you have when you wake up from a wonderful dream? That is how a feel. Sharing our wedding day with so many people we love surrounding us was far more profound then I expected. There really aren't adequate words to express my feelings about that day. We laughed, we cried, it was good.
Then the Honeymoon. Sun, Sand, Shopping and Love...what more could a happy newlywed ask for? More on that later, I have some unpacking to do. :)
Quote of the Day:
"When you love someone, all your saved-up wishes start coming out." - Elizabeth Bowen
May 26, 2006
Holy Crap!
I am getting married tomorrow. This is great and terrifying. I am ready for this right? Yeah, I'm ready.
St. Martin or Bust.
Posted by La at 8:42 AM | Comments (1)May 23, 2006
Down With The HOA
For a minute there, we forgot we lived in a community with a Home Owners Association (read as the House Police). First they wrote us a letter asking us to power wash the back of our house and clear some random stuff out of our backyard. Fair enough! We didn't use our backyard at all at the time, and hardly even looked out the back door. The space needed some help, so we complied.
A few weeks later we received a letter asking us to do something about the cherry tree which currently resides in the front yard. I will admit, this tree has seen better days, and it appears there has been some termite damage.However, it bloomed beautifully in April and I had hoped it would make it for another season. It is not to be. Tomorrow my Uncle G (who is a "tree guy") is cutting the tree down to the stump. I am a little sad to see it go, but so be it.
Up until this point, I was dealing with the HOA and trying to respect the rules with benefit us all. Remember, at my core, I am a legalist. Mi Mama has done a lot for our wedding, but as our main and crowning gift she is going to have some new steps a shed built for our back yard. Both of these items are sorely needed. We got an estimate, the materials were purchased and the workers were starting to dig when Flounder reminded us that we needed to have the building plans approved by the HOC before we procceded. Damn! Now that I have spoken with the folks at the good old HOA, and once we have submitted our plans it will take them 2-4 weeks to give us approval. So sad for us!
Down with the HOA!
Posted by La at 2:34 PM | Comments (0)With A Sigh Of Relief...
I am almost afraid to say it, but I think we have everything under control. I now have my new passport. I can go on our honeymoon with confidence, knowing I will be allowed back in the country. This is very good.
Last night we finished tidying up just in time to fall into bed. The amount of trash and recycling we put out on the curb this morning was really staggering. I couldn't believe how nice the house looked with of the junk put away. I can't wait to see it all shiny clean tonight.
In addition to turning 21, my brother Micah has just become a parent. He adopted a puppy Cass* (read as Ca-ZZ) on Sunday. Cass is a super cute 8 week old husky-german shepard mix. I wish him patience and clean floors.
Quote of the Day:
Yesterday I was a dog. Today I'm a dog. Tomorrow I'll probably still be a dog. Sigh! There's so little hope for advancement.
Charles M. Schulz
*as in Casanova
Posted by La at 2:15 PM | Comments (0)May 22, 2006
5 Days
I think I might throw up.
I have an appointment at the emergency passport office today and my anxiety is running high.
I am happy to say that all the important stuff for the wedding is done. But my head is swimming with details and worries.
I think I feel a headache coming on.
May 18, 2006
9 Days
I am not sure when it happened, but my house is liberally coated in Stuff. Wedding decorations, materials used to make the decorations, print outs, notes from my spring semester class, shoes, mail, plastic bags, empty boxes and various other bits are everywhere. Oh and lets not forget the scraps of grass and dust. Dear God! In a move to save my sanity, Merry Maids will be coming in on Tuesday to manage the mess. But what of the Clutter and Stuff? That is what Flounder and I will have to tackle this weekend. Most of the projects that required the crafty stuff to be out in the first place have been completed. The rest either needs to go in the trash, or find a home. Wish us luck!
Messy house aside, J.Wo, Flounder and I had a very productive eventing last night. We folded the programs and finished the place cards. I am so happy to have these two items completed. I just have two other little paper related projects to finish, and then I can try to focus on all of the tiny details I may have forgotten about!
Quote of the Day:
A strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.
Patricia Neal
May 12, 2006
Is It Legal To Be This Happy?
I think "over the moon" is the only way to describe the general happiness that is washing over our home these days. Each morning (and night for that matter) we marvel over how close the wedding is and what about our life will change.
I haven't totally lost my mind. I don't think saying "I do" will magicly transport us to some amazing place called "married" were the whole world will be different. I do forsee a subtle shift in our life together. I expect our little family to be a little more Real.I don't know how to describe it. Tell you what, I will report back after the honeymoon and tell you (my kind reading public, all 5 of you) if I am right.
Quote of the Day:
Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.
~ Martin Luther
May 9, 2006
18 More Days
I have been checking tasks off my To Do list like a MAD Woman. I am feeling really good about the status of our wedding planning. I am touching base will all of our vendors and making sure everyone is getting their final payments. I think we are nearly set. I won't be able to release the current tension I feel until we have dropped all of the wedding stuff (and their is a lot of it!) at the site. Then and only then, I will release control of this crazy affair and focus on getting married, not throwing a party.
Tonight is my final exam for ENG 102. I realized I really should have done some reviewing for this test before today, but oh well. I better log off and make some flash cards!
Quote of the Day:
My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She’s ninety-seven now, and we don’t know where the hell she is.
Ellen DeGeneres
May 5, 2006
22 Days And Counting!
Flounder and I are Tying the Knot in 22 days time. Everyone told me the last few months would fly by and they have. I have been very busy, writing paper for my ENG 102 class, creating wedding decoration and generally flipping out. I have been neglecting this space, but trust me my friends, all you have missed out on is whining. You are better off for the radio silence. Now it is time to do a little catching up.
Some great things that have happend since I last wrote:
◘ Our Family Friend MS threw a beautiful bridal shower in my honor. It was a beautiful afternoon (though rainy) filled with fond wishes from so many women I love. Afterward, Flounder, His best friend Yess, Mi Mama and My Future in-laws all went out to dinner. It was a really terrific day!
◘ I have had both my hair and make-up trials at the Red Door Spa. The hair stylist I worked with there spent two hours working with me (and my hair) until we found a functional yet unique hair style for the big day. The make-up artist was also great to work with, encouraged critique and really knew how to listen. I know they will be a joy to work with on the 27th.
◘ Mi Mama and I have finished a lot of the wedding projects (although there are several still outstanding) including the banner, cake stand, and jam jars.
◘ I have had my third fitting and all systems are GO! on my dress. It fits. I am happy.
◘ I have turned in my second (and last) paper for ENG 102. I felt like ten pounds were lifted off my shoulders when turned that sucker in.
Great things that are yet to come:
◘ Micah's 21st birthday is coming up on the 18th. My little brother is growing up so quickly.
◘ I am really looking forward to delivering all the decore items and wedding supplies. I will not be able to stop obsessing about the details until all of that stuff is out of my hands.
◘ In 22 days I get to marry my partner and the love of my life. What could be better than that?
◘ Getting to honeymoon in St. Martin.
Biggest Surprise:
◘ I have really enjoyed writing thank you notes. Who knew?
Quote of the Day:
Someone's boring me. I think it's me.
Dylan Thomas
April 13, 2006
Under A Bough Of Cherry Blossoms
Yesterday I was lured to the Willard Intercontinental Hotel under a false pretense. I thought I was going to be manning a nametag table for one of our company events at 3:00. How wrong I was. My female co-workers pulled the wool over my eyes. When I arrived I found the Hotel dripping in Cherry Blossoms and my co-workers sitting at beautifully laid tables. Once I sat down I discovered we were having a Bridal Shower Tea! The meal was slow, friendly and beautiful. I recieved lovely gift and fond wishes. It was a terrific way to spend the afternoon, especially since I missing out on work. Oh, what a lucky Girl am I!
Quote of the Day:
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy: They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
Marcel Proust
April 12, 2006
Mega Macho
This past weekend revolved around my bachlorette (or Hen) party. I spent two days preparing for it, enjoying it and recovering from it. Such good times.
Many bloggers have recounted the naughty goings on.
For instance, we enjoyed falice themed games, sang Karaoke while highly intoxicated, participated in a relay race involving cucumbers and for some, achieved life-goals. I will add that we also laughed our butts off, took plenty of photos and amazingly managed to stumble to and from Adam's Morgan unharmed. I don't think anyone even fell down! I couldn't have asked from a better time! I yet again gratefully thank Ms. Rather be Traveling and Mr. Bad Apologies for making it happen!
Quote of the Day:
Forsake not an old friend; for the new is not comparable to him: a new friend is as new wine; when it is old, thou shalt drink it with pleasure.
Bible
April 7, 2006
"It's On The Card."
A little bridal wisdom from our friends a NBC.
The More You Know: Wedding Invitations
Thanks to Mr. Bad Apologies for sharing.
Quote of The Day:
Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.
Confucius
April 4, 2006
What A Night!
I arrived home this evening to find a package on my doorstep. I had to dash off to class and didn't have time to uncover it's contents. Upon returning home, I unwrapped the package to discover our first wedding gift! Hurrah! So exciting! The gift came from some of Flounder's family who can't join us for the event.
Guess what else! I got an A on my first paper of this semester. This is especially important since this paper constitutes 25% of my final grade for the class! Yahoo! It's been a good day.
Quote of the Day:
"We don't love qualities, we love persons; sometimes by reason of their defects as well as of their qualities." - Jacques Maritain
March 9, 2006
Goodbye Social Life
I know, my social life wasn't all that bustling to begin with, but between now and the second week in June it will officially be dead. Previous obligations aside (like theater events with J.Wo) I highly doubt I will be making any additional forays into society. Why is that, you ask? Because if I take on one more action item, responsibility, or calendar event I might just explode. Would you like to see the run down? I will oblidge!
1) This weekend Mi Mama and crew will be re organizing all the stuff in our basement in order to create a new living space for her. This will easily take several hours (there is a lot of stuff) if not an entire day.
2) Saturday Mi Mama and I taking a drive into the city to pick up the mini fridge for previously mentioned new living space from someone she found on craigslist.
3) I have to finish laying out the invitations for the wedding (why did I think I could do this?!) before Friday of next week, so that I can have a sample weighed for postage. These babies need to go out in the next two weeks.
4) I need to can at least another 20 jars of jam and then label and ribbon all 130 or so jars.
5) I need to attend no less than 3 fittings in order to alter my wedding dress, oh and did I mention I need to lose 30 pounds so that it might fit?
6) Oh right, and I have a 8 page research paper to write. I need to have a rough draft by this coming Tuesday and I still have more research to do.
7) Have a mentioned that people are bailing out my department like rats from a sinking ship?
8) I need to obtain a marriage license.
9) I have to get my passport photos taken and re-apply from a passport on Friday.
10) I still need to make decorations, a banner and placecards...
And of course that is not really the end of the list. Don't mind me I am just spazzing out. I am sure it will all be fine, right? RIGHT?!?!
Quote of the Day:
If I have lost confidence in myself, I have the universe against me.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
March 5, 2006
Fleeing The Country
THANK YOU GOD! Last night I found my lost passport. I thought for sure it was gone forever I feel a great weight has been lifed off my shoulders. Now I must get it renewed in time for the honeymoon. Please cross your fingers.
Quote of the Day:
Hope is a waking dream.
Aristotle
February 19, 2006
Mark It Off The List!
I struck at the heart of the wedding to do list this weekend and cast down tow major items!
Yesterday Gma H and I went shoe shopping. We searched DSW top to bottom to find a pretty pair of wedding shoes that wouldn't kill my fat hooves. No Dice. I was not discouraged though. A quick trip to Payless solved my problem. I bought not one, but two pairs of shoes for the low low price of $17.85! I picked out one with a mid height heel (I really can't to truly high heels) and low slipper stlye. I will covered rain or shine. Whoo Hoo!
Today, Flounder and I went down to the Dulles Expo Center to check out the jewelry show. Such success we had. We purchased both Flounders yellow gold wedding band and my white gold and diamond band. We are both thrilled with our choices and you can't help but be pleased with jewelry show prices.
Tomorrow we have another pre-wedding milestone. Mi Mama and I going to pick up my wedding dress and veil. O dear, this wedding really is getting close.
Quote of the Day:
In marriage there are no manners to keep up, and beneath the wildest accusations no real criticism. Each is familiar with that ancient child in the other who may erupt again. We are not ridiculous to ourselves. We are ageless. That is the luxury of the wedding ring.
Enid Bagnold
February 1, 2006
Putting It Together
I will not be sharring the detailed goings on from our pre-matiral counseling sessions. I will however say that we had a very constructive meeting and I think we both really got a lot out of it. I expected it to be a little uncomfortable to deal with Pastor RBT, but I was wrong. Having back ground information on him as a person really lent credibility to his advice and opinions about adulthood, parenthood and marriage. I am very happy with our choice. Yay!
The current issue I am freaking out over: What song should I walk down the aisle to? Here is the background. We have asked my Godmother's Husband to play the accustic guitar in our wedding ceremony. I need to talk to him about what he will play when Flounder and I walk down the aisle. His musical background is rather rock/folk so I thought we could go with something that played to his strengths. But what? WHAT? I am wracking my brain.
What else is going on? I am making another batch of jam this Saturday. Flounder and I are meeting his parents for lunch on Sunday in celebration of Flounder's upcoming birthday. Also on tap is some very exciting cleaning and organizing. Seriously though, for the first time in several weeks I feel like I have managed my time well enough so that I can construtively use my time with weekend. Bring it on!
Quote of the Day:
"Never judge a book by its movie."
J. W. Eagan
Posted by La at 2:35 PM | Comments (0)
January 30, 2006
What Is This Thing Called Blog?
I have been very absent from my blog space of late. I am not sure why, except that the major things going on in my life (Mi Mama's move, our dogs illness, Flounder's Grandpa, Return to school) just aren't very interesting to write about or I imagine read about. Thus, I have not been writing. I will be scouring my daily life for little things to write about in the coming weeks so that this space does not all into a state of disuse. I love my blog. Really I do!
Tonight Flounder and I start our premarital counseling. I am actually looking forward to going through this process. Our relationship is very strong and I think talking about the big "life stuff" can only help us. The person doing the counseling however is the interesting variable here. We have asked Ms. Rather Be Traveling 's father to officate at our wedding and as a result, act as our premartial counseler. Pastor RBT is someone I have known for 12+ years however our relationship has always been defined by the fact that he was my friends father, if you know what I mean. Pastor RBT is not someone to whom I have spilled my guts or even discussed very personal issues. It is going to be strange to redefine our relationship so completely. Don't get me wrong, I am sure our meetings with be productive, very useful and generally a good thing for Flounder and I, but I am very aware of the fact that Pastor RBT is my good friends Dad. It will be interesting.
Posted by La at 1:26 PM | Comments (0)November 20, 2005
People, We Have Wedding Dress!
1 full day shopping and 3 stores later, I am the proud owner of a (ordered) wedding dress and veil! I know, pretty quick huh? I won't say much more about it here (Flounder might be reading), however J. Wo took lots of pictures of the whole adventure. Feel free to pressure her into posting the shots.
Long story short, I am very pleased with myself. Whoo Hoo!
Posted by La at 1:29 PM | Comments (1)November 9, 2005
Biting The Fluffy White Bullet
It's time to start wedding dress shopping and I am dreading it. For one, I am not the size I wanted to be while shopping. I am smaller than I was 7 months ago, which is very good, but still not small enough to fit in many of the samples that the bridal shops will stock. Secondly, the wedding is only 6 months away and the clock is ticking. Anxiety! Angst! Bridal Nightmare!
My wildest dream walking into the bridal consignment shop I have been eyeing and finding something right off the rack (pass go! collect $200!) and be done with the whole thing. Pray for me.
Quote of the Day:
Seize the moment of excited curiosity on any subject to solve your doubts; for if you let it pass, the desire may never return, and you may remain in ignorance.
William Wirt (1772 - 1834)
October 8, 2005
Hands Off
Firstly the image above has been stolen from CNN. I am just trying to imagine the internal dialog of the little boy who is about to loose his passifer to the wily monkey.
Today's events with the future in-laws went really well. We hashed out a lot of details for the coming months. Thanksgiving and Christmas have been planned. We also settled on a rehersal dinner location -- That's Amore in Rockville. We even squezed in a very wet trip to Butler's Orchard to buy pumpkins.
Other than the above mentioned monkey hijinks, all is right with the world.
Posted by La at 8:59 PM | Comments (0)October 3, 2005
90 On The Shelf
Would you believe I already have 90 jars of jam/perserves/butter for the wedding? I know, it's shocking news! I was very pleased when I did a count last night. I still want to try the Sweet Cider Apple Butter recipe I found. I also have some frozen blackberries that I need to make into jam and some frozen mango I am going to combine with pineapple for a tropical perserve. In the end I am going to shoot to have 150 or so jars ready before May. On the off chance that the seal was less than firm on a few of the jars I want to have more than enough to cover the wedding.
Quote of the Day:
The two things that matter the most to me: emotional resonance and rocket launchers. Party of Five, a brilliant show, and often made me cry uncontrollably, suffered ultimately from a lack of rocket launchers.
Joss Whedon
August 20, 2005
Golden Rule
Flounder and I are attending the wedding of a childhood friend this morning. I have spent the last few months mocking the upcoming ceremony. Are they nuts getting married outside in the middle of August? They have been dating how long before they got engaged? I found fault with every detail. To be honest there are legitimate reasons to doubt the prudence of this match. However I am ashamed to say that only 30% of my concerns regarding the wedding were for the couples future happiness. The other 70% of my criticisms were born out of spite and a feeling of my own superiority. It was easy to pick at the flaws in the brides choices while viewing my own as better in every way.
I had become bridezilla in a totally different way than I had ever imagined. I have been careful not to make unreasonable demands on others time, ask them to spend unecessary money or order them around like my own personal slaves. I have worked to keep my sense of entitlement in check. All the while I have had nothing but catty things to say and ill will to spread when it comes to the wedding we are attending today. Actually this behavior is too easy to blame on the bridezilla syndrome. In reality this kind of stab in the back behavior is all too common in my life and my dynamic with my female friends. Talking about one another out of real concern is something we do, but criticising each other for entertainment value is pretty typical as well. But I am getting off track here.
Long story slightly shorter, I am going to this wedding today and I am making it my personal challange to only be kind and supportive. No matter what nasty thought comes into my head, I will keep it to myself. Its the least I can do I think. I would like to arrive at a place where I have less nasty thoughts, but one step at a time.
The golden rule will be my mantra.
Posted by La at 7:52 AM | Comments (0)August 18, 2005
Turmoil And Angst
Angsty Issue #1 - Should I invite my Estranged Biological Father (EBF) to our wedding?
The issue breaks down to a few parts.
1) He hasn't been a major part of my life since my early teens when he moved to Florida. When he did live in this area, I would only see or talk to him once every few months.
2) Even when we were in regular contact our relationship was awkward. Neither of us seemed to know how to relate to one another.
3) Once he left the state I didn't make an effort to keep the relationship up. I didn't know what role (if any) I wanted him to play in my life.
4) There has been little effort on either part to forge an adult relationship. I have been in regular contact with his mother since high school. I know that she would be heart broken if I didn't invite him to the wedding. She holds out quiet hope that we will one day (during her lifetime) come back together.
5) If I chose to invite him, how do I include him in the festivities without creating discomfort for the rest of my family? I know my step-father would feel very uncomfortable. Not being very reliable himself, there is a good chance he might not show up if he knew EBF was invited.
6) We are planning the Rehersal Dinner as an opportunity for my and Flounder's family to meet before the big day. The party will mostly consist of our immediate families and grandparents. Can I invite EBF's mother (my grandmother) and not him? Will there be any way to bring this group together without havoc and turmoil?
Any suggestions, advice or thoughts would be much appriciated. I am having a hard time getting perspective on this situation.
Posted by La at 9:29 AM | Comments (1)August 16, 2005
Backup Plan
Thanks to Storybook Father we now have a backup honeymoon plan. Our hearts desire is to stay on the island of St. John (USVI) but the resort we are scouting doesn't open for reservations until later this year. On the off chance we can't say on St. John, we have a reservation at a resort on the Dutch side of St. Maartan. So pretty! So multi-cultural! Ah, this is what day dreams are made of.
Quote of the Day:
Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.
Miriam Beard
August 15, 2005
Sweat Equity
Yesterday's blackberry picking was a very sweaty business. Thankfully with Flounder, Fliven and I all picking we were able to collect approx. 12 bountiful pounds in under an hour. We met up with Ms. Write Again Soon, and headed back to our air conditioned home to make some jam! While the jars boiled and the blackberries cooked we had a chance to plan a weekend trip to Deep Creek Lake, discuss fun website ideas and hash out some wedding plans.
Two batches of preserves, 1 blackberry cobbler, many berry stained fingers and a day full of fun later, I went to sleep very content last night. I had forgotten how nice it was to have a house full of friends.
Quote of the Day:
A good friend can tell you what is the matter with you in a minute. He may not seem such a good friend after telling.
Arthur Brisbane
June 27, 2005
Terrible, Horrible, No Good...
My day started with major hair malfunctioning. Why won't it cooperate? Bah!
Next I was shat upon. Not for the first time this year mind you. But certainly for the first time directly outside my front door. Damn the birds that decided to raise their brood in our powder room fan vent. I hates them.
I got cleaned up and headed into work. Am I being irrational to think that the rest of this day may not be peachy keen?
Looking back to happier times...my weekend was rather nice. Flounder and I spent a few hours on Saturday shredding old files and useless paper we had shlepped from out former homes and left in the basement for the last year. It was a rather cathartic experience actually. I reflected back on a time (not too long ago) when I was seriously in debt and afraid to open my mail. It's nice to think about how far you have come. We now have several yard-waste sized craft paper bags filled with shredded paper bits. The recycling guys are going to love us tomorrow. We also took our first swim of the season Saturday which was lots of fun.
Sunday was the cake tasting and I have to say most of the flavors at Creative Cakes were delightful -- or so Mi Mama, Flounder and Mi Mama's best friend tell me. I had but a few morsels, but they were delish! I need to ask the folks at CC a few questions today. Maybe this will be the only tasting we go to?
Next week we are going on vacation and I couldn't be more excited. I need a break! F and I are headed down to North Carolina for GRP's wedding, but we will be spending a few days at the shore first. Ah, I can almost hear the waves now. V. Excited.
Quote of the Day:
The summer night is like a perfection of thought.
Wallace Stevens (1879 - 1955)
June 14, 2005
Flower Power
Today feels like a day to set things right. The office has devolved into chaos since M left. I don't mean people have lost their heads and productivity has grinded to a halt. The office space itself is a mess. There are boxes everywhere in preperation for an event next week. I can hardly think with all the clutter. Not something you ever expected me to say is it? Little Miss Clutter herself. I know, but I am slowly changing my ways. Maybe. Eitherway it's driving me nuts and I have to do something about it.
I am excited about my meeting with the florist tonight. I am sure I will meet with others, but being the first one, I am rather jazzed. I have even written a Floral Brief to give her. Perhaps it's a bit over the top, but I want to give the florist some creative licence, within limits of course. So I will be showing up with a list of flowers I like, the ones I absolutely don't want, the general feeling I want and the number of pieces I expect to need. That's not unreasonable is it?
Quote of the Day:
If I have lost confidence in myself, I have the universe against me.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
