Random weekend highlights

We had a lovely non-burb weekend. It was great to stay home, run a few errands (Finally dropped my wedding dress off at the dry cleaners), watched a few movies and did the weekend chores. The Hubs mentioned that he felt bad about being lazy but after the running around we did before the wedding it more than makes up for it.

We have our netflix streamed in so the Hubs is in one room watching Lost and I have been able to watch some interesting movies that I recommend:

Arranged
Brick Lane
Confessions of a Superhero
Kramer vs. Kramer

Yesterday, I made some pulled pork for today and as leftovers for the week. I am so relieved that I don't have to cook tonight.

We also spent about a hour and half researching and discussing our health care options now that we are married. While my plan has the extra pharmacy benefits, it will cost an arm and part of a leg. His has great co-pay and cost sharing options but, my monthly costs on prescriptions alone will cost a lot more. It is more than frustrating.

As the hubs said the other day "I wonder if all this health care options in Congress, will get more steam as people try to figure out how much more they will pay one way or another while open enrollment is active."

What are your thoughts?

Huh?

So I got a comment in Russian, my first ever. Ironically it is anon and it was in Cyrillic so, I translated it and it says:

Let us officially by agreement make on the physical persons and colleagues of the enterprises of passage in the metro into the network of the supermarkets of the metros cache and Kerry: passage in the metro with your photograph (it is done with you in the very store OF THE METROS), with the serial number, by the code, by magnetic strip, by the name of the organization, from which you will be by us registered and designed. You can carry out two people with yourselves. The cards of metro take shape: to the citizens of Russia and foreign [grazhdan].[Oformlenie] is produced without [predoplaty], i.e., at first we record you, you obtain the maps of metro to design the cards of the metro, then you pay. Payment is produced during one workday after formulation through [Sberbank] RF, the supermarkets [M]ETRO Of cash and C[a]rry work [kruglosutochno].[Srok] of the action of the map of the client of metro of 3 years, after this period agreement renews through a mutual agreement of [storon].[Dlya] of the rendering of this service we we find organizations, which have vacant places in these shopping centers, and we conclude with them the appropriate agreements, according to which the organizations [obyazuyutsya] to grant to you the right to use their places in these hyper-fogsalmon with period for three years. Formulation and registration are produced in the different German shopping centers [M]ETRO Of cash of & C[a]rry, on the selection of legal persons in accordance with their territorial location. After obtaining passage into [met]r[o] in one of the German stores of the metros [Kesh] and Kerry you can it use in any other stores of this network of the shopping centers [M]ETRO Of cash and C[a]rry in Russia and abroad. [url= http://www.c-c-metro.ru/20-5.php] AS TO USE THE MAP OF THE STORE OF THE METROS CACHE! mordant! [/url] [url= http://www.c-c-metro.ru/29-2.php] dishes for the restaurant the store of the metro! fresh fish! [/url

Anyone venture a guess to what it means?

The pro shots (

So without futher ado... finally some of our pro shots

All images are from Grey Street Photography. We love Brian and Chrissy so much and they were such an amazing team to work with.

Our rings

The bridesmaid's flowers

My shoes

With my mom

My brooch

The back of my dress and the hands that helped!


The best man prep

Counting the minutes



With my dad

The church






My flowers

With my hubs

Our two centerpieces and cake and cupcakes

Andy my favorite

Holding myself accountable

I can't believe that it is November with winter around the corner. I have been mastering the art of hibernation because there have been some days Lately where I don't want to leave the house. I just want to curl up, read, make a few necklaces or watch a movie. On Saturday I did just that. We did not have any plans for Halloween so we just stayed in drank champagne, made some yummy finger foods and watched The Tutors…for hours. That series is addicting and we finally finished the season last night.

My to do list is growing and I have to get on it, but I really have no motivation to do so. I just have to get up and do it….maybe this weekend.

Actually, I have some plans to take care of a few things this week during the week so that I can actually veg out and relax over the weekend. I plan on getting some accomplished!

so what is on my to do list:
-Take the wedding dress to the cleaners
-Clean out my bookshelves and take them to the half price book store
-Mail a package to my Mom
-Print some wedding photos for mom for said package
-Upload my wedding photos
-Finish Name change
-List our gocco for sale
-List our bookshelves for sale

We'll see how much I get done.

In our world

Things have slowed down for us lately and it Is fine with me. We actually spent the weekend in a very mellow sort of way and had no place to go nor major things to do. So we each cooked for a day. On Saturday, Hubs made chicken stock and then used it for a soup. I made braised short ribs ragu on Sunday. We have tons of leftovers but since our schedule is a bit warped this week, they make perfect dinners.

Last night, the girls ,Diana's mom and I went to a class at the Chopping Block, it was by Dawn Jackson Blatner and it was so good. She made some lovely dishes for the appetizer theme. We got to eat some Indian Samosas with an Indian pesto, goat cheese zucchini rolls, Thai lettuces wraps and chocolate covered grapes! Everything was so good. It will help to know how to make healthy meatless meals since Hubs and I were thinking of adding one meat free meal a week to our diet (one that is not pizza or mac and cheese).

I am quite pleased with how I cut my spending drastically last month. My credit card bill (minus the wedding debt we are still paying off ) was so low. I plan to put some more money in savings. But this month is going to be a killer thanks to my dentist bill that did not meet my deductible. Well you win some and you lose some. I am just glad to know some of our sacrifices are starting to pay off. Next on our list, we are selling some things that we do not need anymore and I am going to clean and sell my wedding dress.

What is on In your world?

Part of the family

This weekend, Hubs and I headed to farm country for his brother's wedding. We spent the weekend with his family and there was a lot of driving. But it was a nice change of pace. The leaves were lovely and the drive was relaxing but, it made me realize how much of a city person I am.

We headed out on Friday afternoon about 45 minutes earlier than our original intention due to the fact that Hubs, forgot to read a portion of the email that mentioned that there was in fact going to be a rehearsal. We did make it to our hotel early but underestimated the distance between the hotel and wedding site, so we ended up being 10 minutes late. It was cold and windy and I had a dress that I bought in Paris and strappy sandals, not my best idea, nor was the cup of tea that I thought was decaf at 9 pm.

Saturday, exhausted and grumpy, I drove the groom and his brothers to the wedding site. It was fun to have them all in the car since they have this history that I get to learn about. Like how two of them picked corn for a summer and that if cows are sitting it meant rain. The ride back to the hotel was not as fun. I headed to the site again with Hubs' aunt and we waited inside for the wedding to start. It was an outside wedding and while I was wearing a cute dress and the same sandals, I was warm….spanx to the rescue. I was holding my soon to be 3 year old niece to prevent her from running up and down the aisle. Hubs told me that I looked like I was holding on to her for dear life but hey she had a down coat and it kept me warm too (that was my real plan)

They had a cute and meaningful ceremony, surrounded by their family and friends in a very pretty outside ceremony. I have never seen Hubs' brother so happy.

The reception was fun, the food was great, the father daughter dance was awesome and the groom and two groomsmen played a song for the bride. We caught up with family and everything was lovely.

Now they are in Paris and I am slightly envious.

It was a lovely time (minus some family drama but, hey what wedding is not void of drama).

***I know I owe you all some wedding photos and I promise they are coming.

on the up side

It has been getting chilly too fast here. But with fall come some lovely fall activities. The Hubs and I have been more relaxed (for the most part) these past few weeks and it has been what we needed. We have got time to spend together doing nothing. We've been able to be homebodies and spend the weekends doing things that we want to do.

A few weeks ago we went to an apple festival and this past weekend we went to his friend's house for chili. I had an awesome time meeting his friend's wife and sweet kids. Their son called me a princess and we were fast buddies when we played with his Batman toys. They had such a simple and clean house that has inspired me to start getting rid of clutter that has plagued us for the past few months. (does anyone need unbleached tote bags, I have about 12 of them)

this weekend we have a wedding, Hub's brother is getting married. We are glad to be guests and that we may actually eat. However, we have been both dragged into some family drama but, Hubs and I have talked about it and we've decided to stay out of it.

I have been making some beaded necklaces ever since I took a beading class. I am hoping to sell a few of them but I first have to build my inventory. So I have been working on that the past few days during my free time.

So things are looking up….

Yes

It was a year ago today and we went for a long walk along the lakeshore. It was in the high 70s and sunny. The lake was the green grey blue colors and the leaves were red, orange amber and yellow.

You got down on your knee and asked me to marry you...and we did.

New fall activities

So there have been a few things that have been happening since the weather changed

-I took a candy making class with CBN and Diana, we made truffles, turtles, toffee and peppermint bark. I have not made candy before so it was a lot of fun and I have some great holiday gifts ideas not too mention tons of candy at home.

-Since getting married, I have acquired 5 nieces and 1 nephew and during the fall come the "our kids are raising money for their school" emails. So the Hubs and I set a cash limit and will be purchasing something from each set of kids.

-The fall catalogs have started to come in making me lust for clothes and shoes. I looked at them, drooled and tossed them in the recycle bin. No new things this year.

-The days are getting shorter and that means I leave and come home at dawn and dusk. Getting up in the morning is harder without the sun.

-We've decided to try one new recipe a week for the next few weeks (to start off with). So far this week I made quiche Lorraine (amazing) and the Hubs made chocolate Carmel donut holes. tonight I am making saffron and potato garlic soup!

-I am in a weird state of mind and I am trying to sort things out. In a way, I feel very alone and isolated, like I don't belong in certain situations and I am sort of giving up in trying to belong (there is no use in forcing my way in parts where it is starting to become obvious that I am not a part of). It is something that I am trying to figure out and it frankly sucks. I can't really talk about because it is so complex and people will think it is stupid and I have been extremely hard on myself. I want to be out of this hole but can't see the light just yet and I have to be careful not to be sucked into my own self pity party. Not going so well....

This has nothing to do with my marriage!!! He has been such a support during this time, he has watched me become more negative and self deprecating and tries to pull me up but, it is me who has to realize a few things rather than take things at face value. But it has been hard.

I am trying, I am trying...

Fighting the bugs

I think I am coming down with something. I get these weird shooting pains in the back of my head and my ears. Then I feel "cold" in my chest and after that...a cold begins.

It means that I will have some soup for lunch, keep hydrated and hopefully fend off this bug with out a trail of tissues.

What are your "getting a cold" symptoms and your "Cures"?

pieces

Just the bits of what has been going on…

-Have been reading voraciously. I currently have two books going at once. Hubs gave me a Kindle for my wedding gift and I have been reading every night. currently reading "My Life in Paris" by Julia Child. She is a remarkable person and has such a classic love story and relationship with her husband Paul. It makes me want to move to Paris.

-For my birthday last week, Hubs gave me the ubiquitous cookbook "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" by Julia Childs. We've been talking nonstop about her since we were in Paris then saw "Julie and Julia". Her recipes are copy written so they are not on line. But I really like the way she writes and I am planning on making a few dishes. Anyone interested in a dinner pot luck at my house (seriously)….Can we say Camembert soufflé?

-I have decided months ago that this fall, I will make beef stock. As God is my witness, I will make it.

-The past few nights, I have been beading. I haven't uploaded any photos because I need to create a light box since the photos are not coming out well. It is on my to do list. I also need to buy more beads but I have to wait a few weeks to do that!

-We are 98% done with our Thank you notes. We errr I have to buy stamps.

Mojo

I feel like I lost my mojo when it comes to writing and blogging. My life is ordinary and there has not been much excitement since the wedding. The Hubs and I are back in our routine work, come home, walk dog, make dinner, eat, watch TV or read, bed….rinse and repeat. Our weekends have pretty much been full of errands and chores.

There has been little chaos, little drama as of late and while that in and of itself is blissful, it is also a wee bit boring. I love hanging out with Hubs and being his wife. Things just slowed up, that is the way that it is.

Other than starting the process of changing my name, nothing glam or exciting has happened in the past few days.

Lazy and energy

I have been falling off the wagons….the gym wagon, the blog wagon, the bead wagon. It just seems that I am tired, my body is tired and sometimes I just want to veg out in front of the tube. I think that it means that I need me time. At the same time, I want to get back into the activities that I enjoy.

Regardless, I do force myself out especially if I have prior commitments. So Sunday the Hubs and I went to see U2. It was utterly amazing, the set, the songs the vibe. It was one concert that I did not want to end. It is one of my top concerts that I have ever seen!

Last night, I went to Shecky's girls night out with CBN and J9. We had a lot of fun and the few drinks were loaded, so it took me just one drink and I was done. During the evening, J9 mentioned acupuncture and the energy she gets from it. So I may look into that. I just am not feeling fully charged (no I am not pregnant) but I think part of that is the lack of sleep. My cat has a bad habit of scratching my closet to illicit a response and it wakes me up every single time. I have bought a spray that seems to be working but, from weeks of interrupted sleep takes its toll!

Does anyone have experience with acupuncture to share?

It was a beautiful day

It was a beautiful day in NYC, blue sky with a few wisps of clouds.

I took the train into the city as per usual, but I was by myself. Dad had to go to a funeral and would be on a later train.

Instead of heading to my office , I went to my doctor's office.
It was there that I heard whispers "Planes….World Trade Center"
It was in my doctor's office when he came in and told me what happened.

I had to head to mid-town, the subways were empty as they passed by, finally one stopped
I headed to Herald Square and walked towards 5th
My cell phone did not work

It was on 34th and 5th that I saw tower 1 fall
It was there that traffic stopped…the world stopped
It was there that I heard silence and screams in a matter of seconds
It was there that the woman standing next to me fell on her knees and the man next to me started to cry
All in front of the Empire State Building…the tallest building on that island.

I ran across the street that was motionless to my office a few doors down

I walked in and all my co-workers were on the phone and watching the TV.
We had only 5 working lines
I had 7 messages on my phone
My friend could not find her husband, an NYPD officer
My co-worker could not get in touch with her friends that worked downtown
My other co-worker remembered that his cousin was in the building

It was there when I called my mom and finally got her
I was in the office when I heard her say "Your father went in to the office after the first plane hit, he has to check on his staff"
A few moments later "Tower two fell
My dad worked in tower two.

My VP walked out and told us that he was leaving the city and we all could go
My boss and I went to Grand Central to find it closed with police all around
"Harlem", I said," we have to make it to Harlem"

We took a bus to Harlem
It was packed, people wanted out of the city
People were crying
People in private cars, pulled over and let pedestrians into their cars
Strangers were crying and hugging each other on the streets
People just stopped to stare

There was the train at Harlem to take me home
It was standing room only
People in the vestibule were listening to the radio
We heard….Pentagon…plane down in Pennsylvania….terror….World Trade Center
I got home at around 2:13 in the afternoon
We had 21 messages on our answering machine.

The phone rang within minutes of me getting home
My aunt began to cry when she heard my voice

I turned on the TV and paced
I was in shock
I called my friends who I knew had family and loved ones in that area
I took messages for my mom
I had no idea where my dad was

A half hour later, he walked through the door, slightly covered in some dust

For 100 days there was dust, smoke and a smell that you can't ever get out of your skin and to this day, the memory burns my nose
Sirens were a constant but when it reached a certain pitch, I began to shake still

It was like a dream, a bad dream
The stories came pouring out with the tears, some of luck others of misfortune
My friend's sister was ok
My friends husband was at fashion week in Bryant Park so he was not patrolling downtown
My other co-worker lost 5 friends and spend days looking for her former fiancée in all the area hospitals… she found him a few days later with short term memory loss
My co-worker's cousin was found alive and was the last one of the survivors to leave the hospital

But there were people who lost their spouse, partner, friend, child, parent
Pets lost their mom and dads

I have not worn the beige blazer that I had on that day ever again.

But that is all I remember.

Note-I have been meaning to write this for many years but this is the first time that I put it all in writing. I still mourn for my city, it was never the same.

How does it feel

Yesterday, I was talking to a colleague who works out in the East coast. He has been in our international office for a few months and now he is back in the US and we are planning a project together. He sent me an email and congratulated me on my marriage and during the course of the conversation, I brought up "my husband" (specifically, "My husband has me drinking peach lambec since I miss cider").

He asked me if being married and referring to Hubs as my "husband" feels different. I did not have to take long to answer.

Hubs and I have been together for over three years and lived together for over two. So, we did not go through the traditional moving in together. when we first moved in together it was a bit of an eye opening experience and it took some time to adjust to the small things but now we are so used to it. We are relatively low maintenance sometimes a good home cooked meal and a DVD is all we need.

One thing that seemed to shift was our priorities. We now are more focused on our future and our family. Our priorities are aligned better and we both are making some sacrifice to reach our goals. We are working hard on reducing our collective debt and trying to find ways to enrich ourselves together as well as individually. We have not lost our independence and we both support it.

I guess it is because he is the missing puzzle piece, the yang to my yin but being with him as his girlfriend, fiancee or wife is uncomplicated and that makes it easy.

What about you, did you feel different when you reached a milestone in your relationship?

Just a homebody

This weekend was wonderful because there was no crazy running around, no places that we had to be and no trips to the burbs. We stayed in town and did some things that we have been meaning to do. We hit Target and did some grocery shopping. We hung up (OK the husband did the actual hanging but I helped) some Pen and Ink monograms that I got the Hubs as his wedding present and cleaned up!

The two highlights were taking a wire and bead class with Diana We spent a few hours learning how to make earrings using different wire techniques. Then we went shopping and bought beads. I have made two earrings so far (not including the four that I made in class) and have to stop myself because otherwise I will be at the craft stores non-stop and we want to get out of debt so we are watching every penny. Diana and I had so much fun though and are going to take a necklace class next month. I think we have found a new creative outlet.

The second highlight was making these short ribs. For the past few weeks, I have been craving short ribs and asked Restaurant Refugee for a recipe so he posted this one. It was so good, the beef melted in your mouth and the bones fell out when I picked them up. We have enough for one more meal and I am saving the bones for my fall project when I attempt beef stock.

I had a great weekend very low key, uneventful and fun. I had a great time with my girl Diana and it was nice to spend some time at home with our NetFlix account.

So what were your two highlights?

A teaser

We are just waiting for the disk of our photos....I hope to have some up next week

Have a good weekend, what are you looking forward to?

The "D" word (nope not THAT "D" word)

One month has flown by, it is hard to believe that a month ago we were getting ready to have our wedding. Now we are settling into our married life together. Hubs and I have lived together for more than two years, so we are used to each other and our habits. But now it seems we are more cognizant of our own habits and more diligent about doing small things to make the other person happy. They are really small things but, they do add up.

We are in debt due to the wedding, not a great deal but still in some debt. It freaks me out the "d" word up until now, I have always paid the balance off on my credit card. This last payment, I could not. It really freaked me out, I had many sleepless nights and have been in a very introspective mood. I also have been looking around the house for assets that I can sell. We have a few things that we want to post on Craigslist so we have decided that anything we make will go towards our debt repayment.

We have also decided to be more vigilant and use a budget when we go grocery shopping or shopping in general. We have been fortunate that we have this grocery store around the corner that is hands down cheaper than most of the major stores and we can go there and get more for less. We also are going to use the entertainment that we already have our gym membership and our Netflix.

Each dollar that we save will be used towards our debt. We are looking at ways where we can cut costs and have some really good ideas to use the craft products we bought for our wedding for the holidays.

We hope to have it paid off by the holidays and we are doing it together!

Blurbs

To tired and lazy to compose some cohesive thoughts so...

• We have gotten our photos back and they are amazing, just waiting for the disk so I can upload a few
• Was a huge homebody this weekend, I left the house once on Saturday.
• We found a lost cat in our complex yesterday afternoon, thankfully it turned out to be our neighbors
• Did massive amounts of laundry
• We are halfway done with out thank you notes.
• I heart my new crock pot, love it.
• My house is looking better then a few days ago
• I have to cancel my dentist appointment this week, no change in the coffers right now
• We have to get our marriage licence, I got to start the name changing process
• Thinks fall came early...like in July
• I can't beleive my birthday is coming up, where did a year go.
• Plans to finally post some items on Craigslist to sell
• I could not get out of bed this morning because the cat was all cuddly

The bell blues

I have been feeling kind of blue lately. Perhaps it is the post-wedding "back to reality" phase. The Hubs mentioned that when we were on our honeymoon and did not have to think about work and the stresses of being home, some things that we have been pushing aside have re-surfaced. Things that will affect our future that you do think about during the engagement process but it gets shelved. They are not bad but they are practical questions that we, frankly, have to consider and talk about. Things that freak me out and cause me to worry and consider the options (Kids, career, wills etc)

On top of this I am feeling somewhat bitter. I don't want to get into why I am bitter about a few things because it would be feeding into it and I just don't want to do it. I should be happy but part of me is still hurt and upset about a few things. Bitter and blue make for a not-so-fun combo!

So while this is swirling in my head, my issues with self esteem have re-surfaced as well and let's just say, I am not too happy with a few things (things that I can't change and things I can). I have to start my gym routine again (I decided to start in September) and slowly get rid of clothes and shoes to de-clutter and save for some better outfits. But in the meantime, I am still having my issues and I can't pass the hump.

I am really missing my friends and family who made the trek for our wedding. It is hard knowing that I will not be seeing them for the rest of the year and may not be able to see them until late next year.

I feel stuck in a rut so to speak, I have all this pent up energy that gets wasted since I used it all to work on favors, seating cards etc. Now I just go home, cook (sometimes) and vet out in front of the TV or read. The Hubs mentioned that he is feeling the same way. So we have decided to look at taking a few classes independently me beading and painting and for him classes in digital photography. Well we plan on this once the coffers fill up again.

I just don't know what to do with myself in the meantime.

The BIG day

I actually slept the night before our wedding. Not too long but I was able to get in a few hours. I was staying at the hotel of our reception so it made things easier.

Saturday
I was up before my alarm, took a shower, ordered room service and just had some "me" time before things started to ramp up. I was on a media black out, I just wanted some quiet time.

The chaos started at 9:30 with my hairdresser (love her) starting on the girls. In the meantime, I was under the assumption that my brother was on his way from the airport to the hotel. Until I saw my mom! She started conferring with my matron of honor and all I could see were hand gestures they were speaking softly. I had to find out what was going on. They did not want to tell me, but finally my MOH blurts out "There was a bomb scare in LaGuardia and they had to evacuate the airport.". My brother was on his plane ready to take off when they had to go back to the gate, evacuate the plane, evacuate the terminal, get the all clear and start the process over again. His 6:30 flight left two hours late.

Needless to say, I was a bit freaking out. Thankfully, we were able to track his flight and once we saw that it took off, we were relieved. Some of my mom's friends were unable to make it as their airlines could not accommodate them in time.

At 11:40 am, I got a text from my brother telling me he is at the hotel. Less than two hours before we had to leave for the church.

There was some high fiving and tears of relief as he made it.

I will do some more re-caps in the next few weeks once I get my photos!

The text and why I got so stressed...

So the 11:30 text….here is a bit of the background

A few weeks before the wedding, Hubs sent out an email to the entire wedding party telling them not to be late. As an aside to the groomsmen, he asked that they try on their tux at the shop in case they needed any alterations or changes. It apparently amused some people but for the most part put the fear of God in others. We had to send that email out because there was one person in the party who is notoriously late and he was a part of our day so if he was late I would kill him. (we are talking hours late not a few minutes).

So my brother (not the late one) was a bit nervous and asked us to pick him up from the airport so that he can try on and pay for his tux. Well he decided (against my pleads not to) to fly in on Friday morning. Flying into/out of O'Hare is never a smooth experience. I have had flights delayed or canceled more than I have had them leave/arrive on time. So I asked him to come in Thursday but he wanted to arrive Friday morning.

Well the 11:30 text…"My 8 am flight was canceled, re-booked for 1". Meaning that he will barely arrive with time to get the tux, shower and head to the rehearsal. Ok fine, we'll pick him up and drive like hell.

Friday
we woke up without a care In the world, we were getting married in one day. So we looked at our to do list and had to run an errand that included getting my brother, a back pack, picking up pies and a cake and then head home to get ready for our rehearsal. As per my brother, the flight was still on time so we went our merry way. Accomplished 1/5 of our errands when the phone rang…it was Hubs' brother. He was staying with a friend and did not know how he was going to make it to the rehearsal (he is a cheap-o and did not want to pay for a cab). so we agreed to pick him up, have him get ready at our place and take him with us. Except, when we got closer to his friend's place he was out to lunch! We finally picked him up and then went to pick up pies. Traffic in Chicago was a nightmare. It took us almost 4 hours to get 4 things done (we picked up my brother's tux without him)!

Well that 1 pm flight that my brother was scheduled for left on time did a circle and landed back at the original airport. Engine problems…he was not sure when the next flight would be. So he has me freaking out, my mom and I were on the phone nonstop. Although at this point it was more her and my brother figuring out what to do. I felt like vomiting and was so stressed out.

Finally, I am home, showered and ready to go to our rehearsal, the Hubs is showered and ready to go, his brother is showered and taking a nap!

We woke him up and raced to our rehearsal (we were late which was a joke considering the email). We had the rehearsal (with stand ins for my bro) , I got to talk to some wedding party members who I have not seen in ages, and we headed out to eat.

The dinner was nice and loud with my nieces dancing around and the wine flowing. My father-in-law gave a lovely speech and our party loved their gifts.

The fate of my brother at this time is unknown...

From the start...

I have decided to post pone some re-caps until we get some photos so that you can see parts of our day.

It was a whirlwind, so I am going to chronicle the days leading up to the wedding:

Wednesday
My bridesmaid j9 had the Hubs, my parents and I over for dinner. She made a feast for us and wanted to do something to help so she made us dinner. Everyone had a great time especially my mom and her husband who talked smacked about each other's NY baseball team. (Mom is a huge Mets fan aka anti-Yankee) so it was fun to watch.

Thursday
We both decided to take Thursday off and since my matron of honor was in town, it was a declared girls day. We met her at the hotel where we had to drop some things off and then he did his thing and we did ours. So she and I headed back to our place and she helped me clean up and tidy up. It was so needed and it was fun to have someone just as silly as you helping out. Afterwards, we went to pick up the dress so, we headed downtown. The best thing that the bridal shop could have done was just give us the dress at reception which they did, MR was ready to tell the head of alterations off after the first incident that happened when she called me fat and said a few nasty things and then threatened to charge me for her mistake. MR is a Brooklyn girl so you do not mess with her girls. Thankfully, she did not get to use the speech she was preparing in the car.

Once we got the dress, we headed back to the hotel since she was the keeper of the dress. We laid it out and she started to get teary. She had not seen the dress nor have I showed them any pictures. She got goose bumps and kept hugging me. We of course had to call my mom who was at the hotel and she came up and we ogled the dress.

Finally, it was mani and pedi time so we went up to a spa in Evanston. Afterwards, Hubs met up with us for wings and we had a blast hanging out. Afterwards, she headed back to the hotel and we went home.

Around 9 we got a call from some of my friends who landed at Midway and were coming to stay with j9 but since she and her husband were at the Sox/Yankee game, they came to stay at our place until j9 got back. It was good to catch up with them for a few hours before the wedding since I did not really get to see them afterwards.

At 11:30 pm a text came in for me that was the biggest stress of the weekend….

The flip side

Aaaand we're back...Married and jet lagged but back.

I will be writing a re-cap or two over the next few days.

But married and happy.

And then there was one

So we are one day away (well in a few hours it will be one day away) and we spend most of the day running around and tomorrow will be more of the same except in heels.

But before I check out of blogland I wanted to say thanks to...

Diana and CBN for their friendship and support during this process. The let me vent over tapas and sangria. The were a big support and provided a lot of laughter not to mention crossing state lines for an illicit evening.

Nilsa for her advise, suggestions and recommendations. I appreciate your emails and your words of encouragement by making sure I keep my eyes on the prize. It helped me breath and realize it will all be okay.

Jessica for your cheery messages and for coming out to the Field with us. It was great to meet Bob and Seth and realize that we will be a family too. Not to mention taking us out of wedding madness to enjoy the city we live in.

Pseudostoops for meeting with me and helping me navigate our trip to Paris with suggestions and advise. I will have a gelato for you girl!

For Resturant Refugee, a new favorite read, many thanks for your email full of good wishes. That made my day!

I will be passing my baton err bouquet to Non Sequitur Chica, Pasiana and Amber. May your weddings are filled with laughter, love, family and friends.

Although I have had the good fortune to meet you all via this unique medium and I appreciate all your support. Thank you....see you on the flip side.

Tres

So here is the last round of who is in our bridal party, we are profiling our siblings

Bridesmaid SM
SM is the BFs older sister, they are separated by 11 years. She is a very ambitious woman with a high profile job in a well known company. She has travelled all over the world and has even been in an elevator with U2. In addition to her work, she is a mom to three girls. She provides them the balance and shows them how far women can really go. While she and her brother are not too close but they share a similar sense of humor. We see them every few months and she has made me feel welcome

Groomsman MJ
My younger brother, well really my only brother. We used to be close as kids but as we grew up, we grew apart. It was further strained a few years ago but we are on the road to repair. He is really busy balancing a stressful job and grad school. It is never an easy task but he is determined to get it done. I am proud of his accomplishments because no matter what happens or what had happened, he is still my brother.

I will be posting for the next day or two....I have a few things that I want to say.

Four

So with 4 days to go, I am at this weird zen/stressed stage. I am zen with how our final meetings with vendors are going and the fact that I am getting married to the most wonderful man. Stressed with certain events that popped up (ie. a lost checkbook and freaking out over how we are going to pay for some things). It is a very weird feeling

Anyway, on to our next bridal party members:

Bridesmaid SD
She is one of the BF's best friends. They have known each other since they were teenagers and have been there for good and not so good. One of my favorite stories is how he lost a bet to her and she made him watch "Beaches" in a face mask at his house (with his brothers around). She is really sweet and when we first got engaged met up with us at his dads house bearing gifts. I've gotten to know her over the years and she is hardworking and very easy going.

Groomsman PK
I met PK at work, he became the big brother that I never had. When I first moved to Chicago, he kept his eye on me and encouraged me to go out and explore. He is one of the most easy going people I met. Even after he left the company, we would routinely call each other to fill each other in on what is going on and he would tease me and torment me like any brother would do. A few years ago I attended his wedding and watched him go from a single man to a husband and now a father. He was the big brother I never had but somehow found. And he is going to be there when I get married.

V

That is right, we are using one hand now and this weekend we got a lot done. We packed for the honeymoon and finalized some detail

Oh and we saw:

Bridesmaid CS
She is the BFs niece and perhaps one of the nicest girls around. She and her sister and brother are so polite, attentive, kind and funny. We spent Saturday hanging out with them and their parents and grandpa. She was one of our original choices but due to "family obligations" I was forced to include my sister in law. However, she and my brother have separated and we were able to get C back in the party. She is excited and told her mom, that the dress makes her feel like a princess. I can't wait to spend more time with her on the day!


Groomsman TS
T is the second actor in the bunch of bridal party members. He moved to LA a few years back and has been seen in a few shorts, commercials and extra roles on TV. Last year we were watching TV when the BF yelled that his brother is in a commercial. It was really cool. T is very funny, quick witted and just an interesting guy to hang out with. Ask him who the cheapest tipper in Hollywood is...We are glad he is flying in to support his brother and walk with his niece.

Ocho

Just 8 days left and the re-cap continues...

Bridesmaid J9
I met J9 in college, we were in similar classes and had some of the same professors. WE just became friends and it ebbed and flowed though our years there. After college, we both worked in NYC and we would sometimes pass each other walking to our jobs. Then I moved to Chicago and about a year and a half later, so did she. She bought a place in Rogers Park and a few years later so did we. We now live 5 blocks from each other, we hang out with our guys and our pets. She is a loud, opinion, organized and kind person. She is no push over and that is what I love about her. I am glad that she will be there in 8 days.

Groomsman RQ
This is one of the BF's brothers. He is a quiet music lover type of guy. As with most of this brothers, the BF and RQ have their own language and they have some funny stories of growing up. We tend not to see RQ as often as we would like but we are glad that he will be there and standing up next to Tim.

My kind of town

I know that some of you are going to be at Blog Her '09. I am sorry that I can't make it, there are some panels that I would love to be a part of, but we are at the single digit mark so this weekend is our last weekend to do some last minute stuff.

If anyone wants to get together, informally let me know. My weekend is pretty flexible.

Enjoy Chicago!

Re-Caps continue tomorrow...

Just the fingers now....

Wow, 10 days left until the big day.

So to continue on with the members of the wedding party, I want to introduce two more:

Bridesmaid-PDB

I met PDB at work, she worked with the matron of honor and that is how we met. She was this firecracker who had some strong ideas and would force you to look at things differently. She and her husband are perfect for each other, it is like watching a dance, they move so well together. She used to have this huge purse and would inevitable have to find something at the bottom and if he was next to her he would hold his hand out so that she can put her wallet or whatever in his hands while she searched. But they would not skip a beat in conversation or what they were doing, they just worked. Their marriage is such an inspiration to me, they truly love each other and laugh every day. they have two beautiful and well adjusted kids. She is a woman in so many ways.

Groomsman-SA

The BF and SA have been friends for years. In fact they both have sandwich named after them in a local bagel place. They are kindred spirits in a way. Since SA loves movies, the BF always has a date for the movies that I do not want to see. I met SA almost a year into our relationship because our paths never met. I used to tease the BF that SA was a unicorn, a mythical creature only seen by some. But once I met SA, I knew why he is such a good friend. He is laid back, funny, sweet and kind, when we hang out, it is a lot of fun. He is very creative and has a local band and is holding back on touring until after our wedding. He is "super psyched" to be a part of it.

Stay Tuned…

Eleven

We have been channeling our inner Martha Stewart this weekend with crafts abound. Our chopping block is covered in paper punchers, stamps, ink, powders and paper. Our coffee table and side table are covered in ribbons yet, we are making progress. However, it is the BF who deserves a lot of the credit. He did the escort table cards all by himself. He was on a roll and I was very delighted that he has been so gung ho about the last minute tasks.

Our to do list has gotten a lot smaller and now we are focusing on the honeymoon and beyond. We have some more wedding tasks to do but they will be nailed out tonight.

Our first guests arrive this week and we are heading out to the burbs this weekend to see them. After all, the kids are part of our wedding.

It seems so surreal that it is this close.

In the next few days, I will be detailing people in our wedding party since they are so close to us. Today let's start with the Matron of honor and the Best Man.

Matron of honor:
She and I met in college, we were neighbors and we met early on in my freshman year. She was a year older and we just clicked. Throughout the college experience we ebbed and flowed but we would always come back together for long chats. After college, she went to work in what I thought would be my dream job. A few years later, she convinced her boss to hire me and I am still in the same business. She was bitten by the acting bug and has produced, starred in shows off Broadway. She has been an extra in various TV shows and has written, starred and produced some indy films. She was my roommate in NYC before I moved here and a five years ago, I stood up in her wedding. She is the sister I never had but wanted and the best friend anyone can have.

Best Man:
M is the BF's brother. There are six kids in the fam and the BF is the baby, M is the fifth kid. When the two of them get together, you just have to sit back and watch. They are Oscar and Felix but with their own language. They quote the most obscure move lines known to man and have a "who can lay the best insult" on other people. He is getting married in October and we just adore his fiancé. She and I are good friends that we hang out without the boys. The four of us have so much fun together. I know that he is thrilled (in his own way) to be part of our day and the BF and I are so happy to have him.

Stay tuned…

Musical interlude

Source

So last night the BF and I headed to Wigley to see the Elton John/Billy Joel concert. We had such a good time! Even the BF was shaking his groove thing.

I am a huge fan of those two, I've seen both twice separately before and I've seen them together three times.

Maybe it is a byproduct of growing up in NY in the 80s when their music was everywhere. I remember seeing Elton John on the Muppets singing "Benny and the Jets" I was in awe of that man. As I grew up and became more acquainted with his songs and throughout college his music was part of our collective memories. He sang two of my favorites "Levon" and "Daniel" last night, I was so thrilled.

Billy is a NY staple, you grew up with his music no matter where in the state you were. You may recall how Billy flirted with me. He was so popular in college even though he had not done anything new and was not grunge. Many of his songs bring me back to Siena and to some of my favorite memories. "Only the Good Die Young" will always remind me of our friend who died way to early at 24. He was an avid fan and when I hear that song, it reminds me of him.

We bumped into our realitors who were having a blast sitting in front of us. One of the BF's co-workers was behind us. The entire stadium rocked and it was so much fun.

I will never get tired of seeing them and they will have a special part of my heart,

It was a nice break from wedding tasks...15 days.

17 days left

I can't believe we are so close to the big day!

So the BF is traveling for work and that leaves me at home with the ever growing to do list. But I have been able to cross quite a bit of them off. In fact I am a bit ahead of the game. I knew that the devil will be in the details and that is proven to be correct. All the tiny decisions have to be finalized. On top of that, we have to clean the apartment because over the next few weeks people will be in and out so we just need a through clean and daily tidy tasks. Although it is easier said than done.

So tonight is my last night alone and I have plenty to that I want to do. So we'll see how far it goes before I get caught up on a movie. But most of my list is achievable and I can't wait to cross them off!

I would love to be able to tie some swiffer pads to the paws of the cat but he will not be amused,

And so it goes

I knew that our "to do" list would expand and contract as we get closer to the days. The BF is so on top of his game and completed so many things over the weekend. I took care of a few odds and ends and together we got a lot done.

What I did not account for was all the tears. I knew some people would not be able to make it but as the final numbers came in, I was very disappointed and sad. I know that there are obligations and financial concerns, I get that but it still does not help me because I am so upset by it. I have travel all over the world for weddings and now when it is mine, people can't. It is the battle between the rational and the emotional. Right now the emotional is winning. I am just so sad.

I appreciate all the "yes" people but it is some of the nos, that have really hurt me.

I'll get over it but like many before me, I won't forget it.

Agita...no suprise there.

I knew that it would happen, it is bound to happen…the mounting to-do list and the corresponding stress level. The BF has been tackling things like a champ, serious he has done more of his list and was right there next to me on the sofa working on escort cards last night. So I know how lucky I am, it is just there are so many things more to do . I have the list right next to me so if something pops up I try and write it down. I tend to forget what I was suppose to write down at a moment's notice. (I am kinda worried about that). I am also kind of slacking because I am so tired of doing things for the wedding. But I am ramped up!

There are a few things that are causing more stress than others. Namely transportation issues, my dad offered to deal with it, then passed it back to me (who freaked out) so he took it back and now it is in a state of flux.

There are other emotions….I am sad/disappointed that some friends won't be able to make it. We suspected as much due to the tanking economy but we did not think it would be as bad as it is. Some of our friends are coming without their spouses. While we are so glad that many of the people we wanted and love are going to be there, we can't help but feeling bummed when certain people send their regrets.

There is anger…why anger, well due to my soon to be asshole of a brother in law (not one of the BF's brothers but the man who married his sister). A few weeks ago he cornered the BF at a family BBQ and asked if we would have a cake at the wedding for his daughter's birthday. Her birthday is the next day but since all the family would be there, he thought it would be nice to call her up, have everyoen sing her happy birthday and present her a cake. When I heard about it, I put my foot down.

This was my only Bridezilla moment, because I am sorry, under no circumstances will I be forced to do this at the reception. The BF's dad was appalled at the suggestion, as was the BF's sister. His dad said it was because her father is not participating in the day, he saw this as "his moment" as the father of the birthday girl. He wants any sort of spotlight, we have him written into our DJ contract so that he does not get the mic!

After seeing red and calming down, we decided to have a cake for her at the rehearsal dinner. That way, we control the situation and cut him at the pass. Oh and to steal his thunder, we are presenting another cake after the birthday cake, to celebrate the BF's brother's anniversary since it does fall on the day of the rehearsal.

But there is happiness…we are a few weeks out before it is official. Happiness to head away for a few weeks.

I know it will all get done and what will be will be. But in the meantime….ACK!

Last few weekends....

It was a lovely weekend, truly the calm before the storm.

Friday was our busiest day with us helping the BF's brother and fiancée move something to their storage unit. After a great lunch, I headed to get ready for a fitting. While I was in my gown, the BF got ready for our BBQ. We had a few people over and it turned into a great night. The BF manned the grill with the guys and the ladies and I chatted. Everyone had a great time especially the dog who was adored, petted and played with. She is still recovering from all the excitement.

The rest of the weekend was full of errands and crossing things off of our "to-do" list. We are trying to get to get as much as we can done before the big day. We have done a lot but there is always more things popping on the list.

I know as the date gets closer we will be more stressed out and frazzled but we are trying to stay on top of things. Plus, we are getting excited about leaving it all behind as we head to the honeymoon. Because nothing says relax like Paris and Barcelona.

Just a matter of weeks

As of midnight, we are exactly one month away from the wedding day. Our to-do list for this week is quite large but we have been crossing things off daily and today we will get to cross off four more items (hopefully).

Yet, as things slowly fall into place, my stress level has gone up. I have to remind myself to eat because I am not stress eater but rather the opposite. In fact, I made it a point to tell a few of my bridesmaids to ensure that I eat on the day of the wedding. August is hot and I do not want to be a fainting bride.

I am very aware of all the possible scenarios and that on that day what ever will be will be. I am not freaking out about the things that I can't control like the weather. I find certain tasks calming and trying not to get worked up. That being said there are plenty of things that get me worked up (i.e. my parents and there last minute "suggestions"). I am trying to balance the last appointments with the finances, trying to balance the ying and the yang.

But regardless, the most important thing is that in one month, I will marry my best friend. I will be his wife, he will be my husband. I will walk down that aisle with my father, listening to the music we picked, looking at the guests who we invited and I will walk to the man I love.

That my friends, is priceless.

Amongst wine

This weekend was one that won't soon be forgotten. The BF headed to Las Vegas and my best friend headed into town to keep me company. Little did I know that she and the bridesmaids were planning a surprise. They had a shower at a local wine shop where we had a tasting and some great cheeses. While I had my suspicions about the shower (or something) I had no idea that my mom would be there. She flew in on Saturday and surprised me. I was so shocked and was so happy to see her there.

Everyone got along so well and many were able to put names to faces and make new introductions. I suspect that there were many facebook exchanges over the past few days!

Afterwards a few of us headed out for tapas and the sangria and tapas were flowing. Everyone had a really great time.

Yesterday, I dropped my mom and my friend at the airport and came home. It was strange to have an empty place after a few days of having it full. But it was only a few hours later that the BF came home with his stories from his trip. We caught each other up and talked until we fell asleep. I woke up in his arms and knew that we were home.

Four weeks to go!

Round n round!

Life, such is the merry go round. I am so tired so bullets will have to do:

-The BF's brother is hoping to be released today, all the tests came back negative and he is now on a series of drugs for up to 6 months to help. He was to be released yesterday but they had calabrate the meds. He has been in good and sarcastic spirits and his fiancé deserves an award for all the things she has done for him and the family. We've visited him every day and we know that it was much appreciated.

-My condo is a disaster area (see above). It would not matter but the BF is heading out of town this weekend and my friend is staying with me for a few days. Tonight and tomorrow are "operation clean".

-We got our sideboard, looks great. Now we have extra furniture that we have to get rid off/sell/give away. I don't want to toss them.

-Our hotel in Paris canceled our reservations because they are renovating the hotel. so they re-booked us at this crappy place and I am not happy about it. So now the craziness begins. And caused some emotional eating for lunch yesterday.

The fun never stops but, all in all we are glad that the BF's bro is doing better and that is all that really matters!

Lemonaide...and lemons

The past few days have been a hazy reminder of how good things can be stopped short by an unexpected dose of reality.

Things have been going really well on the wedding planning front. We asked the BF's niece to be a junior bridesmaid (I told her mom the whole story which involved my soon to be ex sister in law backing out of the wedding) and she is very excited. Her first question was what she was to do with her hair. We are going to pair her up with her favorite uncle so that sweetened the deal! We are so happy she will participate. The BF also picked up his groomsman gifts and started to get ready for his trip this coming weekend.

On Saturday, I was getting ready for a facial when I got a text from the BF, it was a text to call him immediately after the facial. Of course, that is never a good thing so I called and it turned out his brother was in the hospital. So after an hour of pampering I headed to the hospital. His brother was in his room and was not looking that good but the prognosis was better and they are working on getting him back on his feet. So most of Saturday and yesterday we were in the hospital hanging out with him, his finance and his dad. We know he will be ok since yesterday he was sarcastic, surly and funny, so he is back. Plus his color has returned. Today they are planning another test to rule out a few more things and he should be home tomorrow.

So we did not get part of our honey do list but we spent the weekend with family and when the chips are down, we will always pull together.

Unless you are one of the future brother in law's who I seriously want to hit….more on that later.

Bits and Bobs

I am feeling lazy so here is what is going on in my world

• We are getting some responses back and it is now fun to go through the mail.
• I have been getting good nights of sleep, but have been waking up more tired than I began
• I am a bit not sure of what I need to do next for the wedding. It is starting to freak me out that it is so close.
• We need to spend a day cleaning and organizing the apartment.
• I am actually ahead of the laundry game, as of last night.
• Jet dry does make a difference in the dish washer
• I am so over the rain, seriously. OVER IT!

So what is going on in your world?

I did not want it to end

I had such a great weekend, that I feel like I am still on cloud 9.

I got to NYC on Friday and headed to my matron of honors in laws. She is currently producing a indy film and had to do some editing and the only date and time she could do it was an hour before my flight arrived. So I spend part of the day with her mother in law and we had iced tea. She had a lovely tea service all set up and we just chatted for a few hours. Plus I got a bite of good authentic NY pizza that my body was craving because there is nothing like NY pizza and frankly nothing comes close. (I do know that they are fighting words). That night she took me to dinner and there was a surprised guest, one of my college roommates. It was great to see her and we ate, talked, laughed and just had a great time! Plus this restaurant was so good, the sangria was so addicting and the tapas were so delish. Tapas are seriously the best way to eat.

Once we rolled out of there we headed to my MOHs house to go to bed. Saturday we woke up got ready and headed to my mom's house for the shower. My mom and the MOH outdid themselves there was ton of food, there were decorations everywhere. We had about 23 people there and people were so generous. I was (and still am in awe) of how much we got. I can't get over it all.

One of my friends from high school who I haven't seen in over 7 years came with her mom. It was so good to see her. She is pregnant with twins and is due any day…and she came to the shower for a little while.

My cousin's 4 year old daughter helped me with the ribbons and unwrapping the gifts before she got bored.

The highlight was when I unwrapped a "nightie", it was short and white and blue and lacy. So she asked what it was, so I told her it was a nightgown…she looked at me and the nightie and then said, it was too short to be a nightgown. Everyone died laughing!

It was a great time.

I have amazing family and friends.

Getting ready for I don't know what

I am heading home this weekend for one of my bridal showers. My mom and my matron of honor have been busy planning for the event and according to my "matron" there is going to be a big turn out. Most of the people who were on the invite list are coming. I am very excited and touched because I wasn't sure if people would even show. It will be really great to see some people who I haven't seen in a few years.

On top of that, there is some mysterious event that I know nothing about. I have been told to bring an outfit that is fit for going out. I have NO idea what this "event" is and I have been lovingly told to "shut up and show up". So when questioning my "matron" especially since I don't know what to bring, all my cute jeans no longer fit and I have given up on buying clothes for the sole purpose of going out. She simply told me, "then we will go shopping".

I am really looking forward to this weekend, it is starting to bring all the elements together before the big day. It will be so worth it.

So my friends, what types of outfit should I pack? Mind you the only clue that I've been told is that this "event" is in the city and will not include male strippers (per my only request).

Nothing a nap can't fix

It was a good and busy weekend for us in Chi town. We did a lot of things but were not overwhelmed. The BF is recovering from his work trip so we kept things low key on Friday.

Saturday I was woken up early (well for me anyway) because somebody accidental placed his i-phone in his cup of water. So a string of profanity woke me up. The phone was fine but I was up, so I got up for the day. We ended up grabbing a bite then headed home where I took a nap. We have been wanting to see UP since we are big Pixar fans so we went to see a show. Later at night we went to a birthday party only to come home an hour an half later tired.

Yesterday, we met Jessica, her husband and her son at the Field. She was in town for a conference and through FB, I found out that she was in Chicago. It was great to meet another blogger and her fam.

I have a short week ahead of me, I am heading home for my bridal shower this weekend. Time is really starting to fly or at least seemingly so!

How you were treated

Yesterday, I had an appointment, one that I was looking forward to. When I left, I felt like crap, they made me feel like crap and once I got home. I cried. When I told the BF what happen he wanted to call the place immediately and give them a piece of his mind.

I worked in customer service for years and had dealt with all types of people and a wide range of problems and issues that are unique to my industry and I like to think that I've developed the skills to handle all types of situations.

there is one mantra that I used during my CS years (I can't remember who coined this)

People will forget what you said
People will forget what you did
But, they will never forget how you treated them

Yesterday I was treated horribly and yet I can't do much about but it because I have to deal with them a few more times and once I am done I plan on speaking to a manager and perhaps write a review on yelp about the experience.

But for now, I have to suck it in...

Signed, sealed...mailed

So on my way to the car this morning I dropped our invitations in the mail box. I had to pause for a moment to let it sink in. I am mailing the invites to our family and friends who we would like to have at the wedding...it makes is more and more real. It was a great way to start the day despite the rain.

The BF is away on business so it is just me with the two beasts. So my routine is a little different, I take Yukon out when I get home and get up early to take her out in the morning. We went out early this morning just before some rain and it was nice and quiet. The two of them miss the BF and were waiting by the door until they realized that I was getting ready for bed. Chaplin curled up on his dad's side rather than the top of my head and Yukon remained at her post in front of the door but would check in every few hours.

We all miss him but I am so excited for him and this opportunity that came up for him. He'll be home in a few days and will have a huge welcome.

how many days?

The wedding tasks have come back in earnest but, it is a good thing. We got our lovely invitations last week so yesterday was "invitation lockdown". We spend most of the day working on them and getting them ready to go out. So today I have to go and get the postage and finish them up to post them (can you tell I lived in London?) tomorrow. I am so pleased with them and can't wait to check them off our list!

We spent all of Saturday at our pre-Cana session. We were expecting it to be full of religion but it was not, it was based around the premise how well do you know your partner and identifying the areas where you need to talk or where you differ. So it was interesting and we both came out of it feeling satisfied that it was useful. So with that piece of paper we are one step closer to getting married.

Saturday night we went to a concert at the Chicago theater given by the members of Spinal Tap. It was a lot of fun but made for a late night and a long day.

It is 60 days people, 60! Why does that number freak me out??

A future in law

My father in law to be is just awesome. He is smart, witty, sarcastic, warm and on top of any game. He has a very methodical but creative way of developing solutions.

This weekend we went to his house for a BBQ with the BF's bro and fiancé. During the course of the afternoon. J and I were dishing on our favorite guilty pleasure. The Real housewives of (insert city). Now it is NJ and it is such a train wreck and we love it.

Not one to be behind the times. he was puzzled about this show, he sent the following email to the BF who then sent it to me and I have to share:

"Intrigued by your discussions on Saturday, I have just tuned into "Real Housewives of Atlanta". WOW! Talk about Tramp Camp !I'm going to become a faithful fan.

It will even displace Dog the Bounty Hunter from topping my list of favs."

This is why he is awesome.

Lame

I am very tired today, but that is what happens when you wake up at 3 and couldn't fall back asleep so it is bullet/lazy cop out time:

-I called my brother the other day to check in and left him a message. He hasn't called me back and I can't blame him
-We went to two BBQs this weekend, one at the BF's father's house and the other at his brother's house. Both were fun, I am BBQ'ed out though!
-I was working on the wedding budget and I am pleased that we are over the budget by a small percentage (So far!)
-We got some crafty things for the wedding and I know what I will be doing for the next week once we get our invites (hopefully tomorrow)
-I am on day four of giving up soda, so far so good.
-Our office starts the "Biggest Loser" contest tomorrow. We have a pretty cool team and have planned a strategy cause we want to win.

What are some of your bullets?

Back down

I have been told that I will be down another bridesmaid. My brother and his wife have separated and she had decided that she will not/can not participate.

Anyone wear a size 14 (can be altered)?

Seriously thought, I feel bad for the both of them. I really don't know what happened and frankly, it is none of my business. My mom is devastated.

Friends and cupcakes

We spent the weekend doing out typical errand running but we got to have quite a bit of fun along the way. Our wedding task of the weekend was to meet with our florists again to solidify the plans and all went well. We are very pleased with what they did so, one more thing checked off the list.

On Saturday night, we went to a BBQ at a friend's house. She is one of my bridesmaids and I was able to finally give her the dress. It is so funny that we are both from the east coast (we grew up 40 minutes away) and we now live 5 blocks away but hardly see each other. So it was great to see her and her husband plus her stepdaughter and her parrot. We had a great time!

Sunday we grabbed a bite for breakfast at one of our favorite places and then I met the girls for a cupcake class here. Afterwards, I met the BF and as we were walking back to the car we windowed shopped at our favorite store. Lo and behold the sideboard we've been coveting was reduced in price, and we could afford it. So we got it. I am so pleased that our living room is done (well once it gets delivered).

It was a much needed sunny weekend.

What was your highlight?

Splurges

Well I have been trying to limit extra spending due to the wedding etc. But then I become aware of things evil bad things which are...cute unique web sites and stores. So to torment you too here they are:

Etsy-I love this site, I have used dedicated crafters to create my bridesmaid's gifts, my hair piece and my bridal jewelry.

Mod-Cute vintage dresses and clothes with funky accessories

Trashy Diva-Come on who can resit a visit to this site. This site was a siren...want to see my newest splurge, check out the trixie 2 dress in aqua...

Le sigh!

Other than that I've been good....somewhat.

Guess again...

It has been no secret that I have been second guessing everything about the wedding from my dress to the flowers, to the venue to the food to the photographer to the date and beyond. I think it is because it is so unknown to me what it is like to be a bride. I've been to plenty of weddings but orchestrating one is a completely different. My friend told me the other day (I a moment of irrational crisis on my part) that she loved getting married but hated being the bride. I can see that point.

I am not one to jump into the spotlight and I can be very indecisive and I tend to second guess a lot of my decisions as they happen. Part of it also has to deal with the crap that we had to deal with from our families. Every decision was a battle with someone and after a while, it made us question certain things.

But that comes with the territory and I have accepted that onions, comments and suggestions that are both welcomed and unwelcomed. We have about 80 days left and I have to make the decision to trust myself or question every little thing….I am planning on trusting myself.

Tired woman

For some reason, I am still tired from my trip out east. It is not like I was out late but, since I've been back all I want to do is sleep!

The trip was productive and of course the seminar was great. the instructor was so personable and she just oozed confidence. Her experience and sense of humor disarmed any skeptic. What was best about the group is that there were so many varied personalities and yet we were all engaged and found our individual voice. Some of the topics were how to say "No" and mean it, dealing with difficult people, emotion in the work place and leadership. I have a few tools that I can build upon. Overall it was a great success and I was so glad to have been able to participate!

I got home tired on Friday afternoon. We had some errands to run then we grabbed dinner in River North. I was sleeping by 7:30! I was so tired.

Saturday was more errands and Sunday was brunch with the BF's brother and his fiancé then groceries then home. I took a little nap in the afternoon.

I am hoping for the engagement photos this week!

What is going on with you?

Treats and trips

One of the BF's friends sends care packages to his mom and family in southern IL, he spreads the leftovers among his friends here. So he called the BF and told him about the treats. We met up with him last night at one of our favorite dive bars a block away and he gave us homemade spice nuts, ginger cookies and orange marmalade. He is an amazing cook! It was nice to just hang out and chat for a little while.

Tonight I have to forgo the gym to pack because I am heading out east for work. I am excited for this trip because it is for a seminar about Women and leadership. The topics sounds really interesting and I know that I will learn a lot. Plus I am travelling with one of my fav co-workers and my former boss who I love will be there too. So it will be very empowering!

Plus they are working on the office roof this week and it gets really annoying so I will be gone for the bulk of it.

The office is doing a "biggest loser" challenge and I am going to participate. We have a team of 4 and we are all talking about how we can win. I plan on eating better and adding a day or two at the gym.

Oh and my matron of honor by best friend in the world is back from her French vacation and I really missed her.

Things are looking up!

What are you looking forward to this week?

The locals

We try to support local businesses and I think that we do a pretty good job. We buy our groceries at a little grocery store a block away (and we save a ton), we are going to order our invitations from one of our fav stores and we bought our furniture from a local store. However, the furniture store is closing because the owner is retiring after 40 or so years.

So yesterday we went in to see what they had left. The two things we were needed were a sideboard and a coffee table (and a bed but that is on the back burner). We ended up getting a coffee table and almost got a sideboard.

Before we left the house we talked about how much we can spend while considering the variables of the wedding. We are trying to be better about money and have to start working on a budget.

So we left the sideboard at the store. It is sad that they will be closing their doors but there will be more sideboards in the world.

Water logged

So it has been raining off and on here in Chicago. It has been very annoying and the ground is waterlogged (but the trees are starting to bloom).

But we did not expect our condo to get waterlogged. Yesterday afternoon I was coming back from a trip to the store and went to the bathroom to wash my hands. I heard the whirlpool tub noise from our upstairs neighbors and thought nothing of it. I closed the door* and went to the kitchen. Then not more than 30 seconds later the dog was licking the floor in front of the bathroom and this dripping sound was getting louder. So I opened the door and saw water pouring from our vent and our light fixture. So I ran upstairs and knocked but the did not answer the door.

I went back down and started to place towels around and frantically called the BF who happened to be walking through the door at that exact moment. He ran upstairs and the neighbors came down with him. Apparently they** were taking a bath and had a "little" spillage. The developer also came by and took a few fixtures down.

The neighbors were very helpful and offered to do what they could. We just have to let things dry to ensure that the drywall is ok and that there is no mold issues.

So that is how we met the neighbors (officially) and why I had a straight daiquiri last night.

Ahh the joys of home ownership!

* the beasts love the bathroom and cause all sorts of havoc so we close the door to prevent them from being annoying

**The neighbors are a married couple with a very petite wife and a medium buid husband. So based on the ideas of physics and displacement we suspect that she was bathing and he joined her or they filled the tub and one of them got in cause the water to overflow.

Another one hits the dust!

It was another whirlwind but productive weekend. We accomplished

-Ordering our cake for the wedding
The selection was pretty good and we had a lot of fun eating. We hit the wall a few hours later!

-Getting our wedding rings ordered
My engagement ring is back with the jeweler because he will be creating a customer setting.
My finger feels weird and I miss the ring but I get it back in a few
days and yes I had my "Oh my God, I lost it" moment or two or a few more than two

-Book rehearsal dinner space
My future father in law has graciously offered to host this on our behalf and after providing him with a list of about 10 options he narrowed it down to two and then to one. So we all went out for late lunch that he enjoyed and booked it on the spot. It was great to knock another one off of the list.

-Worked on the invitations
We had to make a few changes so we did that and dropped them off that the place where we will order them from. So after one more proof, we will be ordering them

It is such a relief to check them off!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have a question for all you work out people, I am going to add an extra day at the gym. The options are

-1 day of pilates and 1 day of muscle definition (I tend to get there early so I do 5-10 minutes on the treadmill to get my heart rate up)
-2 day of muscle definition

Both of these will have to be Tuesday and Wednesday for an hour each.

The schedule is changing next week but from what I have seen, it is not a huge variance.

What do you think would work best? I may have to add a day of walking or Wii'ing as well.

99

In 99 days we will be saying I do!

Time really flies by during the planning process. This week we had our cake tasting and we had fun with that. Although the sugar crash came a few hours later.

Tomorrow we are working with the jeweler to work on our wedding bands.

Crossing things of our list is a wonderful thing.

I just can't wait to be married

100 days until the honeymoon!

Like a dog chasing its tail....

I feel like I am running around in circles. Most of the projects that I have been working on this year projects have been halted mid way through or at the end and shelved, split apart, on hold or discarded. It has been extremely frustrating to say the least. I spend days setting up meetings to have them post punned or forgotten about. I work on a certain topic only to be told that is not what I should focus on but rather change my direction completely.

I am just frustrated and have been asking myself, is this what I really want to do?

One more check mark

So last night eh BF and I had our tasting at our venue and it went well. We were treated like royalty and ate some really amazing dishes.

Our wedding coordinator was there with us and I must say that he is part of the reason why I am not worried about the day. He was extremely spot on and on target. He made us think about some things that we did not think about so that was very helpful. We like him a lot and it just makes us relieved that he knows what he is doing and he is not going to take any thing from anybody. He told us he is here for us!

Today we have our engagement session! I am very very excited and so is the BF. He is out shopping for a new sport coat to wear. I will post a few once we get them back.

And to top it off it is in the 60s!

Love it!

Busy bee

The next few days are going to be chopped full of stuff that we have to get done and appointments to be honored. However, it is all good stuff and I am looking forward to most of the upcoming events.

Tonight we have our menu tasting. The BF and I narrowed the menu down and are looking forward to trying the items and firm that up. Tomorrow I have a dr appt (not really looking forward to that) then we have our engagement session. I still have no idea what to wear but I have narrowed it down.

Saturday we have to head to the burbs for my future niece's first communion. So it will be good to see everyone.

So it is all good but I will admit, I am looking forward to a low key Sunday!

What are you looking forward to this weekend?

Half way details

It was the start of wedding crazy month this past weekend. I had my first dress fitting! I stopped looking at dresses once I picked the gown but It was hard for me to remember certain details and once I tried it on, I felt a whole lot better that I made the right decision. Of course it is big on me and will need a lot of work but I am sure it will be done well. I tried it on with my mom's veil and it looked amazing. I was floored that it worked so well. I also got to pick up the dresses for the girls and they are this pretty grey lavender color. Love them. My mom is taking three of them with her to NY to distribute to the girls there.

Afterwards my mom and I went to look at some jewelry and I came this close to buying some but when I saw the prices I had to slowly back away.

Since my parents were in town we went to dinner at a place I have been wanting to try and it was very good, we will be going there again for sure. We went to mass and then for dinner took the parents to Tapas Barcelona, hands down my favorite place!

This week is going to be very busy, I have a few doctor and dentist appointments, our tasting and our engagement photos. So we are busy once again but at least it is a good busy. But I still have no clue what to wear for the pictures!!

Help!

When things happen...

I am a lurker and sometimes it is because I like being behind the scenes watching things unfold.

One of the blogs that I lurk is experiencing heartbreak in a way that I can't fathom. Her beautiful 17 month old daughter Maddie, passed away.

Maddie was born a few months premature and had lung problems. She was in and out of the hospital and a few days ago was rushed back to PICU for breathing problems. Sadly, she did not make it.

There are no words to take away the pain from her parents, her family or her friends. The outpouring of love, and donations from people all over the world is outstanding.

If you care to help you can make a donation to the March of Dimes, in Maddie's name.

I hope that you find the peace that is on the other side and know that you are loved, Madeline.

No pain no gain

I did it, I made it to my second class at the gym. This particular class is dedicated to muscle definition and is apparently quite popular.

What is great about the class is that you work within your limits and even if you limits are low you get a workout. It is not easy but it is reasonable and does test you. I am sore today but that was expected. I feel better because I have been making excuses and now with the wedding a matter of a few months away I want to do something besides making excuses.

I am also planning on adding another day to my work out to do it three times a week for an hour. I really like taking classes because it is different from my regular routine.

The hard thing is to keep motivated and on point. What are you motivation tools??

Blurbs

For some reason I am in a" bullet" mood, so here we go

• I twisted my ankle and fell at work the other day right under the "this facility has gone 240 days without an accident" sign, I have to check to see if they had to change it. Talk about irony...
• My dress is in....I am very excited and I hope that I like it as much as I did when it was ordered
• We ordered our invitations and are waiting for the digital proofs!
• I have discovered this awesome wine and gourmet store 5 blocks away. The BF, a friend and I went to a wine and food tasting yesterday afternoon and got to try some really nice wines. I found a new red that does not give me head aches. Lets hear it for rioja!
• My parents are coming into town this weekend
• I have fallen off the gym bandwagon, I have to get back there tomorrow!

So what is your bulleted list?

I'm

I am...

Tired, so tired
pissed and cranky
broke

And you?