Friday, October 31, 2008

Wii kicked my abs

So while I was away in the lovely Tri-state area last weekend, the BF got me my Christmas gift. I have this knack for guessing what it is or insulting it inadvertently as you may recall from this episode.

But he was planning on giving it to me anyway when I got home...he got me a







While he was away I used it and it was a lot of fun and more challenging than I thought it would be. I sweated and today my Abs are killing me. It will be a good thing to do to supplement my trips to the gym.

The BF got home last night and we were all glad to see him. I do not have to get up at the butt crack of dawn to take the dog out and I was able to warm my feet against him last night. He is the perfect heater.

Tonight the girls and I are going to take a garlic cooking class so vampires beware!


Thursday, October 30, 2008

The dog barks at night...

The title sounds like there is a secret spy network and that is a code name for a top secret project….maybe it is or maybe it isn't. Maybe the dog DID bark at midnight and woke me up. Maybe it was not a doggy dream. Maybe she was protecting her mommy and kitty bro because her dad was out of town. Maybe….

So I have a totally huge brain jumble going on. I have so many ideas for the wedding and things to do but haven't a clue about how to tackle it all. So here is the root of the plan that we have to work on. First we have to pick a date.

Now that does not seem to be too difficult but since we are having a Catholic church wedding and we don't belong to a parish that is a tad difficult. The BF and I found one that we liked a few weeks ago but we just have to register as parishioners and see if we can meet with the priest and then pick a date. So that is the task we are faced with tomorrow. I will be working from home and the BF may work from home so we can dash over at lunch. Or at least that is the plan.
Sure we can have a wedding without the whole church part but, I wanted it. Now I am not much of a practicing Catholic, I have a deep aversion to plaid, a healthy fear of nuns, a deep respect for Franciscan friars and know about theology, biblical studies, Catholic thought in the modern world and morality-thank you all the years of Catholic school. I have also come up with my own ideas and thoughts that contradict what I learned. But that is what the whole liberal arts critical thinking Catholic college instilled in me which was question everything and think for yourself.

Regardless, getting married in a church has some elements of tradition that I hold strong. both the BF and I had parents who were/are married to each other for so long. Saying part of the vows that our parents, our grandparents, our great-grandparents said just has this link, this bond that runs and that means something.

The rest of the wedding will be more reflective of us.

The one issue that I am having a problem resolving is whether or not to include my SIL. I am not close with her, I have nothing against her but very little in common with her. I see her 3-5 times a year at most and don't really have any sort of relationship other than her being my brother's wife. However, because she is my brother's wife my parents are bullying me into having her as part of the bridal party. My issue with this is that by having her in the wedding means I have to not ask one of my good friends, a friend whom I have known for almost 15 years to be in the wedding. My conflict is that my friend has been there through the ups and downs and my SIL is not a friend to me.

This caused a much expected argument with the parents. The BF hit the nail on the head when he said to me later that night that from his perspective, the fact that my mom wants this picture perfect family and as such is forcing me to be her friend , to like her, to bond. Which in turns causes me to naturally resist. If my mom let it be, then things will fall into place and we can develop a relationship organically.

I want to limit the bridal party to a few people and this whole issue has upset me. I know I am damned if I do and damned if I don't but the real issue is the question what would cost me the most down the line. It will be thrown in my face in a few months, years, decades if I don't include her. So I've decided to bite the bullet and ask her. Not that I am too pleased about it but in reality it is a drop in the bucket and I have a lot of things in this planning process to look forward too.

Question for you all. The BF has 5 nieces and 1 nephews that range in age from 2-13. I would like to ask the oldest girl and the only boy (the two oldest) to be part of the wedding. But if I do that, I will exclude their sister and their three cousins. I just think that 6 kids in the wedding party is too much. The three girls who we see the most often can get really hyper, rude and just unruly. I am not too keen on including them. the other three are just peaches, so polite, fun and just good kids. But can I get away with just asking the two oldest or should it be best not to ask them at all?

Weddings are just so political!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Can I have my weekend back

So the best part of the weekend was the NKOTB concert. It was freaking awesome. We had such a blast and all the people there were around our age. We did see the dutiful guy with his wife/girlfriend/daughter. I had such a fun time. At one point I called my friend in NY when they started to play her favorite song.

Getting up the next morning was not fun. But the BF drove me to the airport and I headed to NJ. Then went to my parents house for dinner.

On Sunday, my mom and I went to try on some wedding dresses. I found one that I liked but I am not sure if it is the one. So this weekend I want to check out one or two more stores and make a decision. Of course now we just need to set a date.

Monday was my meeting which went well and left me with some more work to do for another meeting in a few weeks. During this time I will be traveling at least two more times before said meeting. It is wearing me out. Plus I ate something yesterday that did not agree with me and lets just say I was glad to be home. In fact, I am working from home today to be closer to the facilities if I need them.

Such a long week ahead of me!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Word to your motha

So this evening my girl and I are heading to see the New Kids on the Block! I know you are now banging your head against the keyboard for one of two reasons:

A-You are so freaking jealous
B-You can't believe that I admitted that

We are going to party like it is 1988. We are going to out dance any tween. We are going to sing at the top of our lungs. We are going to remember our crushes...Oh Jon, sigh!

I hope I don't break a hip!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Hangin tough

So I am heading out east again for the take two meeting. Ya know the one that had me in the office a few weeks ago, the one when I got up at 3:30 in the freaking morning ,the one that got canceled! Yeah that one! So I have to head back for a meeting on Monday morning. The one good thing is that the COO has made it perfectly clear that all must attend and in my passive aggressive way, I mentioned that I will not be conducting a web based meeting which means there better be butts in those chairs!

Before said meeting I get to spend a few days with my parents. They have not seen me since the summer and not since the engagement. My mom can't wait to see the ring even though they've seen photos. Plus the negotiations er discussions have to begin and Mom wants to look at dresses.

There is a chance that I have to head out there in a few weeks again for another meeting that could be done via webinar. But nooooo, they want me to come out to east to go to this small town in a battleground state. It is hours away from the nearest airport and I do not want to go.

The only upside is that I am getting me some frequent flyer miles. So that means we can fly first class to our honeymoon destination. Spain or Italy anyone?

Oh and tomorrow I am going to the NKOTB concert....so I am reliving my pre-teen years with a few adult beverages.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Re-cap now with crunchberries

So this weekend started off with a snooze. I actually fell asleep on Friday at 7:30 pm. I will let that sink in for you all...that is right 7:30 pm. One minute I was on the sofa reading then the BF* woke me up to play video games and I fell back asleep while he played then went to bed because I was too pathetic!


Saturday I got up early for me on a Saturday, picked up CBN and we met up with Diana to have our morning bootcamp class. We were tired but all ready to go and we were waiting and waiting only to have the receptionist call our teacher and be told that he had to report to guard duty that day. So no phone call or anything. But all was not lost, we headed out to breakfast and chatted and laughed. And we did work out, we did some fork and coffee cup hand movements.


That afternoon the BF and I headed to the burbs to see his dad. One of the BF's friends came over as well. So we all sat and chatted. Then his brother and his bro's GF came to show us their new car. It was getting late so after a debate between the boys (they are like the odd couple) we decided to head out to eat where we continued to chat.


It took us about 15 minutes to find a parking spot when we got home. Ack! Yesterday morning we went out to breakfast at this place and then we headed to mass. We are seeking a church for the wedding and this is one of two that are near us. We really liked the church and the priest was very nice and not fire and brimstone...the Catholic version. So we are thinking about setting something up there.


I got this award from Princess Pessa. this girl has gone through it all and has lived a life beyond her years. Yet through it all she approaches life with a mature attitude and is making her way in the world. She is a happy soul!

And I have to nominate at least 7 blogs:


Diana-she is just such a wonderful awesome person! We met through blogging and she is one of my dear friends. Her blog is funny, honest and just plain fun.

Come back Nikki-another cool blogger who is another dear friend. She writes with such honesty and conviction. Her stories are priceless and she is just a great woman.

Jessica-My first commenter! She is a mom to a beautiful son and is a keen observationalist. Her snippets range from family, polls and fun. I am glad to know her

Slick-What can I say about slick...he brings our the inner pervert in all of us. His posts make me laugh and his touching post about his mom a few weeks ago had me in tears. His blog is required reading!

SoMi-A new newlywed who is now in Costa Rica after getting married this past weekend. Her blog is one that I look forward reading. She writes about politics, her wedding and life in general. I hope to meet her soon

Cranky Prof-With a frank and honest take on life, she brings us into her world as a mom and a professor. She highlights the stupidity of the world and makes us laugh with stories of her kids. I love her frank and snark.

Teriana-She has a different look on the world but she is intersting and has taken some cool twists in life. She is working to become a police officer and I have such respect for the path that she is on. I want her in my corner!

Caustic Cupcake-A blog I have been reading for a while now. She is the cool bartender at night student by day superhero. She is going to school and balancing life. Plus she has a cool BF and a bunny with dangerous streak.


Finally I would nominate the BF if he ever posts!


So pass on the wealth!


*I decided on keeping BF but rather than Boyfriend it will be Best Fiancee

Friday, October 17, 2008

That time of the month

Nope not THAT time of the month but the monthly bank account check up.

I am doing better than I was a few months ago because I consolidated my students loans and this month our living room set will be paid off. We've also cut back on eating out and with gas prices going down, I've been spending less. I did have two splurges this month one was my hair cut and color and the other was the few outfits I got a few weeks ago.

On the downside, I am impatient to get my savings up to where I would like it to be. I know it will take time but it is not quick enough.

I am worried about how we can afford the wedding that we want. It will not be over the top, we want it to be a reflection of us with some quirky parts. I've gotten a few good ideas that we can do ourselves. But at this point we do not have a budget yet. We are working on that one in the next few weeks. The wedding industry is amazing how much is out there and the costs! I had my freak out already and both MR and the BF* calmed me down. Both had words of wisdom that reminded me why I hold them in high regards.

We are thinking of hiring a wedding planner (when we nail down a budget)to work with us to ensure we get more bang for our buck. Plus they have more clout with vendors and others than we will. And to prevent my freak outs.

Above all, I will be marrying my best friend and when it is all said and done that is all that matters.

*BF is not a good name anymore, what shall the mystery man be called now?? Let me know what you think.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The babysitter?

I have to head back to the east coast for work next week. I am not pleased about it but this trip is due to the fact that my meeting last week (while I was in the east coast office) had to be canceled. the reason was that some of the directors who had accepted the meeting invite forgot about the meeting including the champion of this project. My next phase is critical that I have their approval to move on because after the meeting no changes will be made.

I hate babysitting middle aged men, come on people! My boss was madder than I was and sent a few emails expressing his disappointment, how respect works and a veiled threat if they miss the next meeting. My boss is awesome. We have this cool working relationship that is very easy and supportive.

So I get to do this all again. The upside is that since the meeting will be in the morning on a Monday I can fly out on Saturday and see the parents for the weekend. My mom especially is wanting to sit and discuss all things wedding. (she has emailed me some pictures of the dresses that she is wanting to wear).

I went to work out last night. I have found my motivation and decided to try and work out at least 2 times a week. The girls and I did our bootcamp on Saturday and Capt. Zen (our nickname) had us work on arms and legs the whole time. It was a long hour! Yesterday, my arms and legs remembered Saturday and they are killing me today. But I am seeing tiny changes in the body so that is what the purpose is.

I was in the gym at the hotel last week to work off the anger I had about the meeting being canceled. So I am getting it in. I hope to keep the momentum going.

Is anyone else having issues with google reader? Mine is no loading and I can't cope with not having it. I am getting the shakes!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Not it

D tagged me for a meme so here it goes:

A. Attached or single? Attached
B. Best friend? My Girl MR, who I've known since college many many moons ago
C. Cake or pie?Depends on the mood, I love tarts more (quite telling eh) but sometimes I want a chocolate cake or a carrot cake. I love cupcakes though.
D. Day of choice? Saturday
E. Essential item? Eyeglasses/contact, keys, and cell phone
F. Favorite colour? Shades of purple and blue
G. Gummy bears or worms? neither
H. Hometown? Somewhere in NY
I. Favorite indulgence? Make up and a good haircut
J. January or July? Neither but if I had to pick...July...I don't have to shovel out my car in July, just clean the bird crap.
K. Kids? Two beasts
L. Life isn’t complete without? Fiancee,Friends, family and the pets
M. Marriage date? Sometime next year....Ack we have to pick a date.
N. Number of magazine subscriptions: 3
O. Oranges or apples? Oranges
P. Phobias? death, fear of falling off tall buildings (glass walls are an oxymoron and freak me out)
Q. Quotes? "The most important thing to remember is that you can always get more toast"-Albert Goldman played by Nathan Lane in the Birdchage
R. Reasons to smile? My fiance, my dogs, my cat, my friends, the beautiful fall weather
S. Season of choice? Spring and fall are my favs,
T. Tag 5 people. Anyone
U. Unknown fact about me? I am starting to get addicted to my Wii....Super Mario Brother Galaxy.
V. Vegetable? Tomatos, spinach, carrots, corn.
W. Worst habit? I pick at my nails
X. X-ray or ultrasound? X ray - the last time I had and ultrasound I had to drink tons of water and they pressed on my bladder and told me to "hold it"
Y. Your favorite foods? I love pasta
Z. Zodiac sign? Virgo

So who is next?

Monday, October 13, 2008

You all

Thank you so much for your kind words and best wishes.

It is still a bit surreal. This morning when I got up I check on the ring to make sure it was not a dream.

We've been so lucky to have our family and friends get all excited. Some people cried, others screamed and all offered such wonderful thoughts. All of your comments and emails mean the world to me. I never knew how a blog could enable me to meet and talk with such amazing people. I have met two awsome women via blogging and I have plans to meet some more.

Thank you for reading, thank you for commenting, thank you for the laughs, thank you for the support. You all are some amazing people. I am so fortuante.

So thank you!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

He

He makes me laugh many times a day
He is my rock that I can count on when the storms come
He cooks me amazing meals
He pokes fun of random things that come out of my mouth
He lets me be who I am
He is my biggest cheerleader
He saw me through finance, two medical issues and career ambiguity
He let me get a cat and at times tolerates my need for another dog
He lets me refer to my self as mama to the dog
His smile lights up my world
He is the love of my life

He asked me on the beach to marry him...I said yes.



Wednesday, October 08, 2008

A stay in bed day perhaps?

So tomorrow I get to head out to the east coast (again) but this time I will be taking a 6:30 flight. Yep, that is 6:30 AM (!) so that means that I have to be up at 4 and out of the house by 4:30. I am debating whether I should drive to the airport or take a cab. Both have their pros and both have their cons. I don't necessarily feel like driving at 4 something in the morning so the cab is looking more realistic.

But....my first email this morning was from one of the major key players in my project and while he accepted the meeting he now has to decline due to another meeting that his boss called. So he can't make it. He is the only reason that I called this meeting and will be heading out east. He is the only one who can formally approve the project and while others will be at the meeting. His viewpoint is the only one that really matters. So in essence my meeting will not be as productive as I want it to be. I am currently in a holding pattern and I just want to move forward.

So it is frustrating. I just want to get this trip out of the way and all the points we need to be approved to get approved.

In other news, I already spilled on my white sweater. So it is so far a stellar day.

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Being an adult

Sometimes being an adult can suck. The BF and I had our finances talk last night, we are ok and will be able to pay the bills. However, I have to think of ways that I can save more. I kept a spending log in August and found that most of my money goes to food, groceries or going out. Gas and random shopping was second on the list. So we've cut going out to eat and with the gas prices falling the fill ups are a wee bit less expensive. I am also taking public transportation a bit more rather than driving to save on the wear and tear and gas costs. We've also discovered a local grocery store that we are able to get our staples at a lot less than the major stores for the same items. So we are going to do most of our weekly shopping there. I am not as big as a shopper as I used to be so at least I do not have to cut that out.

To add to that, I have been paying off my student loans which I have reduced by consolidating but I added years to the repayment schedule., I am seriously thinking about how to get extra money just to add to my savings account. I have considered getting a second job (just don't know where or what to do) and selling some old jewelry that I never wear. I am also thinking about selling some of my paintings. I am starting to think about my job and how I can leverage that to get a raise or another higher paying job.

We are fortunate that at the end of the month all our bills are paid and still have a few dollars left. Other than the car payment, the student loans and the mortgage, I have no debt. I pay my credit card off every month. It is just I am not at the point I want to be with my savings account, I like to have a set number and I am falling short.. I also don't know if (and when) we can afford the wedding that we are talking about (no we are not engaged....yet) and that stresses ,me out needlessly.

With the holidays around the corner, I am thinking of what and how I can get gifts. I've decided to start shopping now so that way I can but items here and there without the major January bills.

Or I can win the lottery (attention Lottery gods!)

So, with things the way they are, what are you doing to save a few bucks?

On the flip side, after our serious adult conversation, I made pecan banana pancakes for dinner. So sometimes being an adult can justify the need for such a treat.

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Squat

So yesterday, D, CBN and I went to our bootcamp class. We met D there and she had the look of pure relief when we walked in. Apparently our instructor was chatting with her and it was a bit odd.

It turned out that we were the only three in class. We suspect that he toned down the original work out in for us. But he was the king of squats and lunges. IT seemed that every third move involved a squat or a lung or both. At the end my legs were burning and today, my ass hurts.

The three of us were so worn out! But it got us moving and in a way it was like having a personal trainer as it was just the three of us. He was teaching the next kick boxing class which was after ours and after our work out he proceeded to do all these push ups, sit ups and running exercises.

When we got home, the BF and I ran a few errands. We went to a store know for their designer mark downs and got a Le Crusset pot for half off. We grabbed that (and a yoga mat) and ran (We did pay). Today we ran a few more errands and my beef stew is stewing.

I am not looking forward to another Monday. Ick

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Moment of Zen

We've been to the new gym two days in a row. On Tuesday we just did our typical work out to get a feel for the gym and the flow. Yesterday, I talked the BF into taking a basic yoga class with me. I used to take yoga classes about 6 years ago with my mom. I loved it, I felt so refreshed, relaxed and streach-y (I know it is not a word in the technical sense). when I stopped going, my body missed it. But life went on and I have not really taken a class in years until yesterday.

My body totally remembered the flow and some of the movements. It was like my body was saying "About bloody time". Some of it was challenging but the other part was just relaxing. I had a great time

The BF though it was OK and did like some of it. the instructor had a heavy accent so it was hard to understand her at some points and that made it harder for him. But he gave it a shot and I was glad that he did.

So I plan to take at least one yoga class a week in addition to the other stuff to get my Zen on.
However the annoying cat woke me up at 2 this morning being his normal abnormal self. It was hard for me to get back to sleep. Of course I fall asleep at around 4:30 only to wake up for work an hour and half later! I also had this killer stomach ache this morning. Maybe all the movement and flow caused a mini freak out in the system.

On Saturday I will be taking a book camp class with D and CBN. I plan on sweating and swearing a lot!