Background: I was told in September that I would receive my wedding gown in mid-January. In mid-January I was told due to Chinese New Year that I would actually receive it mid-February. Not understanding the relevance, this only frustrated me because that is like telling me I won't receive it on time because of Groundhog Day. What does Chinese New Year have to do with me?! Evidently, it comes from China and all production comes to a screeching halt when CNY comes around. Some of you wondered why I didn't go apeshit on the boutique owner. While I was sure to tell her that I was upset about the delay, I didn't feel like I was in a position to let her have it. First, it truly wasn't her fault that it was delayed. Of course, since this apparently happens every year with this company she should take this important fact into account when telling a bride when her dress will arrive - that is her fault. But there was no way she could make it come any faster. I would basically be yelling at her to make me feel better. The other reason I did not go apeshit is because you may remember that my dress is quite inexpensive because it is a bridesmaid dress. I felt that if I were to have a nasty exchange with her that she would say, "You know what? Here is your money back. This certainly isn't worth my time." And then I would be up S-Creek. So, albeit a bit uncharacteristic of me, I waited somewhat patiently until the gown arrived.
I received an email Friday afternoon from Debra (the boutique owner) who said the dress is here. FINALLY! I told her I could come by around 12pm on Saturday. On Saturday morning, I woke up early like a good little bride-to-be and went to the gym to work out. Then I drove across the bridge to go to a Vinyasa yoga class. I skipped coffee with my yoga friend so I can go back over the bridge and straight home.
I asked The Man if he would come with me to pick it up. For some reason, I didn't feel like having a friend accompany me. Jon said sure so I told him to wait for me while I took a quick shower. It was raining hard outside and since I was going to try on the dress before I took it home, it was a perfect time to wear sweats. But I didn't. This is especially odd since, because of my job, I've been looking like a camp counselor lately. I put on my warmest wrap dress, stockings and I took the time to put on my make up - like The Man and I were going out for dinner! When I told Jon I was ready for us to leave, he noticed I was dressed up and asked me why. I told him that I wanted to look nice when I saw my dress. "You got dressed up to meet your wedding gown?" I did! It sounds so strange but it's true.
We went to the bridal boutique and were told to wait a few minutes. There was a bride with her friend choosing a bridesmaid dress. The Man, because he's such a good sport and wanted to be supportive, patiently waited and thumbed through wedding magazines with me. Once the two women looked like they're going to leave, I turned to Jon and told him that he couldn't see me try it on. Now I know I was very unconventional in having help me pick out the dress. And while he did see similar dresses on me he has not seen the wedding dress on me. He looked suprised and asked, "Well, do you want me to leave?" and I said, "Mmm, you can either look away when I try it on or wait in the car." He said he'd rather wait in the car, kissed me and said goodbye to Debra the boutique owner.
Debra and I talked a few moments about the bride that was before me (the gal had come to Debra the week before and let her know she was getting married in two weeks! She actually found a dress that fit her in Debra's samples and bought it off the rack right then and there. Can you believe that? Two weeks!!) After we chatted about that, she asked, "So do you want to see your dress?" OF COURSE! She handed me a garment bag and told me to try it on. I went into the bathroom, hung the hanger on the hook and slowly unzipped the dress.
Hellllooooooooo dress.
This simple gown, this dress that was designed for a bridesmaid but the dress I chose as my wedding gown is the dress I will be wearing when both my parents walk me down the aisle. This is the dress I'll be wearing when I exchange my vows with The Man. This is the dress I will be wearing when I tell The Man why I love him so much and how much he truly means to me. This is the dress I will be wearing when I change my name for the man that I love and become Mrs. Ramirez. This is the dress I'll be wearing when we are pronounced husband and wife in front of our families and loved ones. This is the dress that I will be wearing in the wedding photos that we will eventually show our children and grandchildren.
Do you see why it was so important that I looked nice when I first met this dress?
I have hardly gotten overly emotional about this wedding (by that I mean mushy, not the fury or frustration I have felt regarding RSVPs:) I think the only thing that makes me tear up is thinking about the declarations of love we will write and say to each other. I wasn't at all emotional when I chose this dress as I wanted to get the process done as quickly as possible! (I only went to one bridal boutique.) I didn't cry or get watery eyes when I tried on my gown but, somehow, this dress became a significant symbol to me. I took it off the hanger and carefully put it on. There was no way I would get make up on this! I asked Debra to finish zipping the back of my dress.
It fit perfectly.
This was suprisingly since this dress wasn't tailor-made for me. But other than needing it hemmed considerably, everything fit perfectly. I told her I wanted to lose weight before the wedding and she told me that I could lose a few pounds but not to lose anymore because the fit is really good (I am still going to try to lose weight - I don't mind at all if I have to take it in on the sides!) I looked at myself in different angles of the mirror and was so happy, so relieved, so at content ... because I finally had my wedding dress.
Debra helped me get out of it and I put it back in the hanger (again, carefully!) and back into the garment bag. After all this time, I finally had my dress. And although it was nearly two months late, it all turned out OK. I'm sure she's used to it but I gave Debra a BIG HUG before I left and thanked her for all her help. She apologized again for causing any anxiety or distress. I walked down the stairs and down the driveway to Jon. He was so sweet - he was so cautious when he arranged the garment bag so it could hang on the hook in the car and drape along the passenger seats. He knew how important this article of clothing was to me.
As soon as we got home, I went into a different room away from The Man and I took out my wedding sandals and necklace to see how it looked with the gown. They all looked very nice together. It's now tucked in my closet, waiting to hemmed and then for the big day in one month and 23 days.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
What to write about ...
I have a blog because it's like an email blast to my good friends but even better because we can interact. But sometimes I struggle about what I should write about. Especially when it seems trivial.
Of course, that hardly ever stops me.
I thought about writing how I don't understand why I sabotaged myself. I had heff-ed out this week and completely disregarded my calorie intake. But I decided not to do that and just quietly got back on course. I can beat myself up publicly another time. Then I thought about writing how work is going but it's always kind of dangerous to do that. I mean, it's no problem being vague but I'd rather give examples and details. Oh well. Work is actually quite positive, though. I'm still very happy and am #1 in my team this week! (I have one of the lowest generating areas, though, so this is not something that will be a regular occurrence. I'm just going to enjoy the short-lived feeling of accomplishment :)
Then there's all that wedding stuff. Do I want to write about my dress? Not really. But I think I will finally get to see the blessed thing really soon. Then there's the ceremony. Every day I think about what I'm going to say to him at our wedding. We aren't writing our own vows - we're going to have the standard vows. But we are exchanging what our officiant calls "declarations of love." I don't mean to but every day, multiple times a day, I think about what I want to tell him. And then I start tearing up. Oh NOOOOO ... I'm going to be one of those people who can't keep it together at her own wedding! I hope not. So I am also thinking of light-hearted things I can tell him that will make him laugh. Plus I'm having my make up professionally done, complete with lashes, and I can't be looking crazy!!!
I think I feel like I have nothing to write or talk about because I'm so tired. Waking up at 4:45am is starting to wear on me. I hope I get used to it soon because I really start to feel it by Thursday night. But other than being very tired, I am still happy and loving life. I'm just EXHAUSTED!
Of course, that hardly ever stops me.
I thought about writing how I don't understand why I sabotaged myself. I had heff-ed out this week and completely disregarded my calorie intake. But I decided not to do that and just quietly got back on course. I can beat myself up publicly another time. Then I thought about writing how work is going but it's always kind of dangerous to do that. I mean, it's no problem being vague but I'd rather give examples and details. Oh well. Work is actually quite positive, though. I'm still very happy and am #1 in my team this week! (I have one of the lowest generating areas, though, so this is not something that will be a regular occurrence. I'm just going to enjoy the short-lived feeling of accomplishment :)
Then there's all that wedding stuff. Do I want to write about my dress? Not really. But I think I will finally get to see the blessed thing really soon. Then there's the ceremony. Every day I think about what I'm going to say to him at our wedding. We aren't writing our own vows - we're going to have the standard vows. But we are exchanging what our officiant calls "declarations of love." I don't mean to but every day, multiple times a day, I think about what I want to tell him. And then I start tearing up. Oh NOOOOO ... I'm going to be one of those people who can't keep it together at her own wedding! I hope not. So I am also thinking of light-hearted things I can tell him that will make him laugh. Plus I'm having my make up professionally done, complete with lashes, and I can't be looking crazy!!!
I think I feel like I have nothing to write or talk about because I'm so tired. Waking up at 4:45am is starting to wear on me. I hope I get used to it soon because I really start to feel it by Thursday night. But other than being very tired, I am still happy and loving life. I'm just EXHAUSTED!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Courtesy of the Sister
Now, here is what you are supposed to do ... altered for the blog world ... copy and paste the entry below, delete my answers and put in yours. Then tag a few people you think will put it on their blog. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little-known facts about those you know.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes. It was the late 70s and Ms. Minelli was in her heyday. According to my father, there was also an Olympian around that time with my name but I have yet to prove that correct. The other part is my name is after my mama. Her name is Aurora who is the goddess of Dawn. And there you have it.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? I think I was crying while I was throwing up so two nights ago.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes, when it's not rushed. When I'm taking notes, it's fugly.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Honey roasted turkey
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? No. Just two furry puppies that THINK they are kids. And sometimes I think they are too.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? HA! Well, we would either be best friends or civil acquaintances who barely stand each other.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Oh no. Never.
8 DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Never say never but it's not on my list of top ten things to do.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Honey nut Chex and Honey nut Cheerios combined!
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Rarely but I try to because it messed up the sneakers when you don't.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I want to write yes but the over-analytical side of me replies, "Define strong." So I'll just tell her to shut up and write YES.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Cookies n cream
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Skin
15. RED OR PINK? Red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Muffin top. (Sounds cute, doesn't it? It's NOT.)
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST Sister!
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO DO THIS? Sure
19. WHAT COLOR Skirt and SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Pleeeease. I'm wearing gray sweats.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Akmok crackers, Better 'n Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Butter (sounds gross but it's all from Trader Joe's so you know it's not that bad.)
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The humming of the computer and heater.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Easy. Periwinkle. OK, maybe not so easy - Aquamarine. What do you think?
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Jon's aftershave and cologne
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My mama
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I better! She's one of my best friends (but even better because we're family so we can't lose touch. Phewww!)
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Olympic gymnastics. My palms get all sweaty, especially when the announcer repeats that the balance beam is barely wider than a remote control. Oh jeebus, I love watching gymnastics!
27. HAIR COLOR? Dark brown with (purchased) highlights.
28. EYE COLOR? Brown
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Lumpia (I think it's because I haven't had it in a while.)
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Bourne movies on DVD. I love Bourne Identity and Bourne Ultimatum. I could do without Supremacy.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Gray sweatshirt (I may be dressed like a slob right now but I have the decency to match.)
34 SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter wins by a small edge - Christmas!!
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs. Both the action and the Hershey product.
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Milk chocolate
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Veronica! :)
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Sister, as she sent it already
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Knitting directions. And I'm stumped on one of the directions. Sister?!
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? That cool gel thing you can rest your wrist on.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV. LAST NIGHT? Brothers and Sisters (slim pickings, people. I don't have cable.)
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Ocean waves. If I can be more broad, beach sounds - a few seagulls, a couple kids playing in the water (far from me), and the water lapping onto the sand.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Oh goodness, I'm sorry. I don't know enough about either to make an informed decision.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? I'm geographically challenged. What's farther, Europe or the Philippines?
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Yes. My thumbs are double joined.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Hayward
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Any of them :)
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes. It was the late 70s and Ms. Minelli was in her heyday. According to my father, there was also an Olympian around that time with my name but I have yet to prove that correct. The other part is my name is after my mama. Her name is Aurora who is the goddess of Dawn. And there you have it.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? I think I was crying while I was throwing up so two nights ago.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes, when it's not rushed. When I'm taking notes, it's fugly.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Honey roasted turkey
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? No. Just two furry puppies that THINK they are kids. And sometimes I think they are too.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? HA! Well, we would either be best friends or civil acquaintances who barely stand each other.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Oh no. Never.
8 DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Never say never but it's not on my list of top ten things to do.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Honey nut Chex and Honey nut Cheerios combined!
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Rarely but I try to because it messed up the sneakers when you don't.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I want to write yes but the over-analytical side of me replies, "Define strong." So I'll just tell her to shut up and write YES.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Cookies n cream
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Skin
15. RED OR PINK? Red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Muffin top. (Sounds cute, doesn't it? It's NOT.)
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST Sister!
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO DO THIS? Sure
19. WHAT COLOR Skirt and SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Pleeeease. I'm wearing gray sweats.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Akmok crackers, Better 'n Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Butter (sounds gross but it's all from Trader Joe's so you know it's not that bad.)
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The humming of the computer and heater.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Easy. Periwinkle. OK, maybe not so easy - Aquamarine. What do you think?
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Jon's aftershave and cologne
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My mama
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I better! She's one of my best friends (but even better because we're family so we can't lose touch. Phewww!)
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Olympic gymnastics. My palms get all sweaty, especially when the announcer repeats that the balance beam is barely wider than a remote control. Oh jeebus, I love watching gymnastics!
27. HAIR COLOR? Dark brown with (purchased) highlights.
28. EYE COLOR? Brown
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Lumpia (I think it's because I haven't had it in a while.)
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Bourne movies on DVD. I love Bourne Identity and Bourne Ultimatum. I could do without Supremacy.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Gray sweatshirt (I may be dressed like a slob right now but I have the decency to match.)
34 SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter wins by a small edge - Christmas!!
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs. Both the action and the Hershey product.
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Milk chocolate
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Veronica! :)
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Sister, as she sent it already
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Knitting directions. And I'm stumped on one of the directions. Sister?!
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? That cool gel thing you can rest your wrist on.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV. LAST NIGHT? Brothers and Sisters (slim pickings, people. I don't have cable.)
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Ocean waves. If I can be more broad, beach sounds - a few seagulls, a couple kids playing in the water (far from me), and the water lapping onto the sand.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Oh goodness, I'm sorry. I don't know enough about either to make an informed decision.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? I'm geographically challenged. What's farther, Europe or the Philippines?
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Yes. My thumbs are double joined.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Hayward
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Any of them :)
Sunday, February 17, 2008
I forgot what it was like ...
I woke up around 2am with a feeling of over-fullness in my stomach. I resituated myself in bed, hoping that the feeling would go away. Poor Piko, I think I accidentally kicked her off the bed. When the feeling didn't go away, I thought I may need to go to the bathroom. But nothing happened. Then I realized I needed to throw up.
Food poisoning is a BUGGER.
I had a severe bout of food poisoning in 1999. I remember it distinctly because it was at my first internship. I asked if I could go home but couldn't make it home (I worked over the bridge and on the Peninsula.) My boyfriend at the time picked me up and took me to the hospital, hoping to get me some medication. I ended up being admitted and having to stay there for five days.
Last night wasn't so bad but I kept throwing up. I ended up waking up The Man with all the noise I was making and he asked me if he could help, bless his heart. But what I needed most was to get that garlic halibut out of my body.
Yes, throwing up garlic halibut is as disgusting, if not more, as it sounds. I think I threw up more because it was so foul coming up.
Though the food poisoning this time wasn't nearly as bad as my other experience, it was not a fun time. Then we woke up this morning to a couple of piles of throw-up around the house. No, they weren't mine. Evidently, Piko had eaten the stuffing of one of their chew toys. Since 6:00am today, we have steam cleaned and wiped up throw up around the house and have constantly been changing the pee pads as the chew toy stuffing must also cause diarrhea. The Man said he would rather be at work because at least he gets paid.
I'm no longer vomiting but poor Piko looks like she's in hell.
Food poisoning is a BUGGER.
I had a severe bout of food poisoning in 1999. I remember it distinctly because it was at my first internship. I asked if I could go home but couldn't make it home (I worked over the bridge and on the Peninsula.) My boyfriend at the time picked me up and took me to the hospital, hoping to get me some medication. I ended up being admitted and having to stay there for five days.
Last night wasn't so bad but I kept throwing up. I ended up waking up The Man with all the noise I was making and he asked me if he could help, bless his heart. But what I needed most was to get that garlic halibut out of my body.
Yes, throwing up garlic halibut is as disgusting, if not more, as it sounds. I think I threw up more because it was so foul coming up.
Though the food poisoning this time wasn't nearly as bad as my other experience, it was not a fun time. Then we woke up this morning to a couple of piles of throw-up around the house. No, they weren't mine. Evidently, Piko had eaten the stuffing of one of their chew toys. Since 6:00am today, we have steam cleaned and wiped up throw up around the house and have constantly been changing the pee pads as the chew toy stuffing must also cause diarrhea. The Man said he would rather be at work because at least he gets paid.
I'm no longer vomiting but poor Piko looks like she's in hell.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Valentine's Day - take it or leave it
I'll leave it.
I don't hate Valentine's Day. And I certainly don't want to rain on anyone's parade if he or she happens to love the holiday. But I'm not a fan.
No, I'm not bitter. The Man has been wonderful about sending flowers and chocolates (although we passed on this tradition this year as we are going to be spending a GRIP of money in two months.) I've had someone to spend the date with for five years. Before that, I was in a relationship for four years. So, for most of my adult life, I've had a Valentine. It just means something totally different from when I was a little kid.
I visit a lot of schools for my job. The most recent visits reminded me of a time when Valentine's Day was fun. Everyone made cards for everyone in the class so a kid comes home with 30 Valentine's Day cards and a bunch of candy. Now that's a good time. I suppose it's around high school when it became neccessary to have a significant other to be able to truly celebrate Valentine's Day. That's when I start having issues about this little but big holiday.
It seems like it's a day that unintentionally (at least, I HOPE it's unintentional) makes women feel bad if they don't have man. We then have to seek refuge among other groups of women that are in the same boat so we don't feel inadequate. It's just not right. I hate seeing my friends, who are wonderful and amazing women, get this feeling of dread when this day rolls around. In all honesty, when Valentine's Day rolls around, I almost feel more relieved than romantic. Kind of like, "Phewww, thank goodness I have someone." And maybe that's just me who thinks that but it's what makes me NOT a fan of the holiday. I would even argue that it's not truly a holiday because I didn't even get the day off from work.
I don't care about the commercialism. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas because it's a time when I want to surround myself with the ones that I love - family and good friends. And sure, the holidays encourage you to be with someone, anyone ... but it doesn't matter if you're single or taken, it's good times for all! So no thank you when it comes to Valentine's Day. While I love flowers and chocolates, I would much rather celebrate our anniversary and do something special then. So a big BAH-HUMBUG from me to Valentine's Day.
PS: I started writing this on February 14th but I think the new routine of waking up HELLA early in the morning has gotten to me. I am so pooped at night!
I don't hate Valentine's Day. And I certainly don't want to rain on anyone's parade if he or she happens to love the holiday. But I'm not a fan.
No, I'm not bitter. The Man has been wonderful about sending flowers and chocolates (although we passed on this tradition this year as we are going to be spending a GRIP of money in two months.) I've had someone to spend the date with for five years. Before that, I was in a relationship for four years. So, for most of my adult life, I've had a Valentine. It just means something totally different from when I was a little kid.
I visit a lot of schools for my job. The most recent visits reminded me of a time when Valentine's Day was fun. Everyone made cards for everyone in the class so a kid comes home with 30 Valentine's Day cards and a bunch of candy. Now that's a good time. I suppose it's around high school when it became neccessary to have a significant other to be able to truly celebrate Valentine's Day. That's when I start having issues about this little but big holiday.
It seems like it's a day that unintentionally (at least, I HOPE it's unintentional) makes women feel bad if they don't have man. We then have to seek refuge among other groups of women that are in the same boat so we don't feel inadequate. It's just not right. I hate seeing my friends, who are wonderful and amazing women, get this feeling of dread when this day rolls around. In all honesty, when Valentine's Day rolls around, I almost feel more relieved than romantic. Kind of like, "Phewww, thank goodness I have someone." And maybe that's just me who thinks that but it's what makes me NOT a fan of the holiday. I would even argue that it's not truly a holiday because I didn't even get the day off from work.
I don't care about the commercialism. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas because it's a time when I want to surround myself with the ones that I love - family and good friends. And sure, the holidays encourage you to be with someone, anyone ... but it doesn't matter if you're single or taken, it's good times for all! So no thank you when it comes to Valentine's Day. While I love flowers and chocolates, I would much rather celebrate our anniversary and do something special then. So a big BAH-HUMBUG from me to Valentine's Day.
PS: I started writing this on February 14th but I think the new routine of waking up HELLA early in the morning has gotten to me. I am so pooped at night!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Boring post but a necessary question
How do you go about changing your name?
I know some of you have done this and I'm too lazy (I'd like to say busy but I'm putting in the time to write this post, right?) to look up the procedure of how one changes one's name.
I'd like to get the ball rolling since I think it's a lengthy process, right? I thought it was something I could do in one day but Kim had made mention of waiting for something to clear in order to finish. Was it SS# then driver's license? I have no idea.
Anyway, if you could let me know, that would be great. Especially if I can get started now. I will be sad if I need to get a wedding license first.
PS: I really like my trainer! She is 2/3 my size (seriously, I did the math and I really think she is 2/3 my weight) and a sprite lookin' thing and really motivating me! I'm also calorie counting which is easy sometimes, difficult when eating home cooked meals. I have 1,900 calories and, man, do I blast through them!
I know some of you have done this and I'm too lazy (I'd like to say busy but I'm putting in the time to write this post, right?) to look up the procedure of how one changes one's name.
I'd like to get the ball rolling since I think it's a lengthy process, right? I thought it was something I could do in one day but Kim had made mention of waiting for something to clear in order to finish. Was it SS# then driver's license? I have no idea.
Anyway, if you could let me know, that would be great. Especially if I can get started now. I will be sad if I need to get a wedding license first.
PS: I really like my trainer! She is 2/3 my size (seriously, I did the math and I really think she is 2/3 my weight) and a sprite lookin' thing and really motivating me! I'm also calorie counting which is easy sometimes, difficult when eating home cooked meals. I have 1,900 calories and, man, do I blast through them!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Wedding, weight and whatever else ...
She's writing about weight AND her wedding again?! Jeezus!
Hey, if you're thinking that, I don't blame you. I would think that too. But here's the thing. Whatever I'm doing right now, it is NOT working because I'm not seeing results. Power yoga 2x a week, gym 2x a week, Jenny Craig ... it's not working. I keep going back to my I-Hate-My-(Old)-Job weight. I thought that if I went from doing practically nothing to doing the things I listed, I would go back to my standard weight. I am not secure enough to reveal the number but I will tell you it's a 13 lbs difference. And I'm not talking about going back to my skinniest. I think that isn't reasonable just now (FYI: that's a 21 lbs difference) but I think that the weight I am now, the most I've ever weighed to date, is now my standard weight - my plateau, if you will. I mean, I've changed my eating habits and have taken the initiative to work out more has not made a difference.
As I was explaining to my cousin, I want to be at my best for the wedding. Not the skinniest I've ever been but what I'm accustomed to being. Or what I was a year and a half ago. I'm uncomfortable where I am now. I realize that I was "letting myself go" and allowing myself to get away with it because (and this is horrible) I have a man and am in a good relationship. I'm not on the dating scene and I don't need to impress anyone. Part of the reason The Man is wonderful is he never makes me feel bad. In fact, he swears he cannot tell the difference between me now and me two years ago. And I figured, well, if he's happy with me, I'M happy with me. But I'm not. I miss fitting into my clothes. I miss feeling decent in a bathing suit. I miss feeling fit.
So I got a personal trainer. This was a difficult decision because I've always thought that it was a frivolous expense. I mean, I can push myself to work out. Why should I pay a person or a gym to push me? But I know I'm just not motivated enough to do more than what I'm currently doing. So I went to my gym and signed up for a trainer to train with from now until a couple weeks after the wedding. I'm also calorie counting (something I refused to do in the past because it's a pain in the ass!) because I am obviously eating more calories than I am burning. The wedding was a good wake up call. But what helped me make this decision was that I am doing it for me. Not because Jon wants me to look like I did when I met him (which, by all means, wasn’t spectacular) but I felt better about myself. What’s hard to swallow – almost harder than the fact that I’m not losing this weight on my own – is the expense. But check it out. My mom gave me a document last week, saying that I probably didn’t know it was missing but I may want it. It was a check from my old job.
WHAT?!
OK, my head must have been up my ass when I received it because I remember receiving it. I got this check two months after I left my old job. I remember that I was surprised to receive a check two months later so I had called an old coworker who quit the same time as me. She explained to me that it was the last bonus I earned before I left. All this time, I thought I had deposited it but I hadn’t. I left it at my parents’ house and forgot about it. No, I was (and am still) not in the position where I can just forget about money. But I was already at another job so I had a steady paycheck coming in. And, like I said, my head must have been up my ass. Anyway, nearly a year later, I deposited the check (yes, it’s still good!) And the hard earned money that I plum forgot about is now paying for personal trainer.
As for the wedding, there is still no news about the dress but I am in communication with the boutique. It’s coming from China to New York and she is calling the New York dress manufacturer every week to find out the date it’s coming in. I don’t understand this kooky bridal dress industry but I’m hoping that it will be in soon. I’m worried but I keep telling myself that it’s almost prom season so if worse comes to worse, Mama is looking for a white prom dress. (No, it doesn’t make me feel a ton better but I’m trying to not freak out.) My ceremony location emailed me to remind me that my checklist is due and that we need to schedule a 60-90 minute phone conference this month to discuss the details. I was a very surprised at first (I told The Man this and I think that’s a huge reason why I got the flowers) because I thought we would be handling everything through email and, if need be, phone calls. But I realize that this is excellent customer service and I am more than happy to comply with a phone conference. That is scheduled at the end of this month.
Last thing – voting. I am proud to say that I voted yesterday. I don’t know much about politics but I have to say that these are exciting times. I honestly thought I would be much older before I would see a minority and a woman vie for a party nomination. It’s truly incredible. If only one of them was gay, then it would be a liberal's dream come true :) Seriously! (And before anyone tells me that Hillary is quite conservative, I already know that. I'm just stating that it's fantastic that we have a woman and a black man being taken under consideration for the Democratic nomination.) I think that this is the most I’ve ever been excited about an election. Well, there have been post-elections that have evoked strong emotions from me - when Bush was re-elected and when Schwarzenegger was elected as governor. Anyway, I voted. I feel like I’m entitled to complaining if I want because I exercised my right to vote. Complaining to random people and not voting doesn’t mean squat because how can you make a difference if you don’t vote?
That’s all the updates for now.
Hey, if you're thinking that, I don't blame you. I would think that too. But here's the thing. Whatever I'm doing right now, it is NOT working because I'm not seeing results. Power yoga 2x a week, gym 2x a week, Jenny Craig ... it's not working. I keep going back to my I-Hate-My-(Old)-Job weight. I thought that if I went from doing practically nothing to doing the things I listed, I would go back to my standard weight. I am not secure enough to reveal the number but I will tell you it's a 13 lbs difference. And I'm not talking about going back to my skinniest. I think that isn't reasonable just now (FYI: that's a 21 lbs difference) but I think that the weight I am now, the most I've ever weighed to date, is now my standard weight - my plateau, if you will. I mean, I've changed my eating habits and have taken the initiative to work out more has not made a difference.
As I was explaining to my cousin, I want to be at my best for the wedding. Not the skinniest I've ever been but what I'm accustomed to being. Or what I was a year and a half ago. I'm uncomfortable where I am now. I realize that I was "letting myself go" and allowing myself to get away with it because (and this is horrible) I have a man and am in a good relationship. I'm not on the dating scene and I don't need to impress anyone. Part of the reason The Man is wonderful is he never makes me feel bad. In fact, he swears he cannot tell the difference between me now and me two years ago. And I figured, well, if he's happy with me, I'M happy with me. But I'm not. I miss fitting into my clothes. I miss feeling decent in a bathing suit. I miss feeling fit.
So I got a personal trainer. This was a difficult decision because I've always thought that it was a frivolous expense. I mean, I can push myself to work out. Why should I pay a person or a gym to push me? But I know I'm just not motivated enough to do more than what I'm currently doing. So I went to my gym and signed up for a trainer to train with from now until a couple weeks after the wedding. I'm also calorie counting (something I refused to do in the past because it's a pain in the ass!) because I am obviously eating more calories than I am burning. The wedding was a good wake up call. But what helped me make this decision was that I am doing it for me. Not because Jon wants me to look like I did when I met him (which, by all means, wasn’t spectacular) but I felt better about myself. What’s hard to swallow – almost harder than the fact that I’m not losing this weight on my own – is the expense. But check it out. My mom gave me a document last week, saying that I probably didn’t know it was missing but I may want it. It was a check from my old job.
WHAT?!
OK, my head must have been up my ass when I received it because I remember receiving it. I got this check two months after I left my old job. I remember that I was surprised to receive a check two months later so I had called an old coworker who quit the same time as me. She explained to me that it was the last bonus I earned before I left. All this time, I thought I had deposited it but I hadn’t. I left it at my parents’ house and forgot about it. No, I was (and am still) not in the position where I can just forget about money. But I was already at another job so I had a steady paycheck coming in. And, like I said, my head must have been up my ass. Anyway, nearly a year later, I deposited the check (yes, it’s still good!) And the hard earned money that I plum forgot about is now paying for personal trainer.
As for the wedding, there is still no news about the dress but I am in communication with the boutique. It’s coming from China to New York and she is calling the New York dress manufacturer every week to find out the date it’s coming in. I don’t understand this kooky bridal dress industry but I’m hoping that it will be in soon. I’m worried but I keep telling myself that it’s almost prom season so if worse comes to worse, Mama is looking for a white prom dress. (No, it doesn’t make me feel a ton better but I’m trying to not freak out.) My ceremony location emailed me to remind me that my checklist is due and that we need to schedule a 60-90 minute phone conference this month to discuss the details. I was a very surprised at first (I told The Man this and I think that’s a huge reason why I got the flowers) because I thought we would be handling everything through email and, if need be, phone calls. But I realize that this is excellent customer service and I am more than happy to comply with a phone conference. That is scheduled at the end of this month.
Last thing – voting. I am proud to say that I voted yesterday. I don’t know much about politics but I have to say that these are exciting times. I honestly thought I would be much older before I would see a minority and a woman vie for a party nomination. It’s truly incredible. If only one of them was gay, then it would be a liberal's dream come true :) Seriously! (And before anyone tells me that Hillary is quite conservative, I already know that. I'm just stating that it's fantastic that we have a woman and a black man being taken under consideration for the Democratic nomination.) I think that this is the most I’ve ever been excited about an election. Well, there have been post-elections that have evoked strong emotions from me - when Bush was re-elected and when Schwarzenegger was elected as governor. Anyway, I voted. I feel like I’m entitled to complaining if I want because I exercised my right to vote. Complaining to random people and not voting doesn’t mean squat because how can you make a difference if you don’t vote?
That’s all the updates for now.
Friday, February 01, 2008
All about THE MAN
I borrowed this survey from of a friend of Pookie's.
Note: I told my fiance that I was going to be writing a blog entry all about him and that I wanted him to pick a picture of himself. Pooks, I think he picked this one especially for you because he knows you love his "confidence." I rolled my eyes this time, laughed and uploaded it!
Note: I told my fiance that I was going to be writing a blog entry all about him and that I wanted him to pick a picture of himself. Pooks, I think he picked this one especially for you because he knows you love his "confidence." I rolled my eyes this time, laughed and uploaded it!
WHAT IS HIS NAME? Jon
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MARRIED? Negative 10 weeks
HOW LONG DID YOU DATE? When we get married, we will have just celebrated our 6th year anniversary.
HOW OLD IS HE? 30
WHO EATS MORE SWEETS? Definitely me. He says he didn't eat nearly as much chocolate before he met me. Oops!
WHO SAID I LOVE YOU FIRST? He would debate with me about this one. He was the first person to express his feelings, saying he was "falling for me." The thing is, he told me when we were at a bar and I thought he was yanking my chain. I had a lot of baggage back then and I was also a little tipsy so I thought he was just drunk, too. (I keep telling him the importance of timing!) My response was, "What?! Are you freakin' kidding me? Why would you say that?!" Then I told him I had to pee. True story. He later told me he had heard, "What the F$%&?! Are you out of your GD mind? Why the hell would you say that?!" He tends to hear things differently than what actually comes out of my mouth.
I was the first one to actually drop the L-Bomb, though. You know, come to think about it, it was also after a night of drinking with friends. We sure partied a lot when we were younger. We were chatting into the wee hours of the morning because my friend let us crash at her house and I said something like, "Hey. I just want you to know that I love you." He replied, "Oh! I love you too. Hmm, I was going to do something more romantic and tell you that but I guess I should probably ask you now if you want to be my girlfriend."
WHO CAN SING BETTER? Lawdy, that's a hard one because we're both pretty awful. I suppose, me. But not by much.
WHO IS SMARTER? I have a master's degree. But, if he really tried, I bet he could build me a house. And he makes practically double what I make in salary. So I'm going to have to go with him!!!
WHO DOES THE LAUNDRY? Our Mamas. No, seriously.
WHO PAYS THE BILLS? I'm hoping it will be him but it will probably be me.
WHO SLEEPS ON THE RIGHT SIDE? Me!
WHO MOWS THE LAWN? Lawn, my ass. We have rocks.
WHO COOKS DINNER? Usually, neither of us. But I do cook a little more than he does. His BBQ is pretty awesome, though.
WHO DRIVES? He will say he does but I think it's equal. Unfortunately, we both drive nearly a 100 miles a day for work!
WHO KISSED WHO FIRST? He tried to kiss me a few times after our dinner dates. But he would lean in so slowly (in my opinion!) that I would know it was coming and I would freak out and duck. He would end up getting a mouthful of hair. Since I'm normally an outgoing person, he did not understand my mixed signals. Unfortunately, I'm actually really shy when it comes to dating. We finally had our first kiss in Lake Tahoe in front of a slot machine. Ironic since we don't gamble. You're jealous of how romantic our first kiss was, aren't you?
WHO ASKED WHO OUT FIRST? Well, I asked him to go out first but it was a group outing. I invited him to a friend's birthday party. So thanks, Cyn! That was the first time he and I met up without the people who introduced us. But I can't recall our first true date without chaperones :)
WHO HAS MORE SIBLINGS? He does. He has two brothers and one sister. I have one of each.
WHO WEARS THE PANTS? Hmm, he would say it's equal but I'm going to say he does. But I rock some pretty fierce capris!! :D
--------------------------------------------------------
Since this post is about The Man, I have to give him LOTS OF LOVE today. I received a beautiful spring bouquet from the delivery man. The card was a thank you note from Jon. He wrote that he appreciated all the time I have put into planning the wedding. He felt it was a big weight off his shoulders not to have to think or worry about it. He said that not only have I taken care of the wedding plans but that I take care of him, too. Awwwwww ... he's a hottie, inside and out!
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