Thursday's Through The Lense

I really don't have a specific direction to take today with pictures.  I got my wedding CD about a month ago. I've not ordered ANY from my photographer yet, but I so want to.  So I'm going to share the ones that will probably find themselves on the wall in Ring Manor.

 Family

My three new siblings

My parents

His dad & step-mom

Wedding party

My FAVORITE!!!

 Pomegranates and Wind-chimes

**All photos courtesy of Sage Taylor Photography***
Yes, I own them now, but I still wanted to give a shout out to my AMAZING photographer!

Enjoy...

Thursday's Thru The Lense

This will be my "Christmas Edition", but I'm not going to bore you with the details of my day or pictures of the tree and such. I am, however, going to show off my favorite gifts that didn't come from my hubby (because he has his own category and the Pandora charm was definitely the favorite from him). No, this gift came from my in-laws!

My SMIL (step-mom-in-law) and her mom took a lot of pictures at my wedding shower (that my SMIL hosted), the rehearsal, and the wedding. Honestly, I'd forgotten about all the pictures taken on those three days. Well, they showed back up Christmas afternoon!!!

A PHOTO BOOK!!!!!

With pictures from the shower...

And pictures from the rehearsal...

And, of course, pictures from the wedding...

I was STOKED!! The book was done on the website MyPublisher. I've not had a chance to delve into the site but you can create your own pages and add captions and things like that. With the exception of a few misspellings and one person given the wrong name (which SMIL told me about...I've yet to find them), it's AMAZING!!

And to top it all off, LB & LS (with the help of the in-laws) got us two ornaments celebrating our engagement (the date is off by two days, but it's ok)...

and our wedding...


Here's a pic of them all together...

I am truly a blessed gal!!!

Hugs...


*all pictures on this post were done with the iPhone camera

Post wedding week

I can't believe it's all over...the stress, the headaches, the freak outs (ok, there really weren't that many to be honest). But all the wedding hassle is over!!! And the only reason I don't miss any of it is because I can now focus on my favorite holiday...CHRISTMAS!!! I realize it's totally "band-wagon" of me to have Christmas as my favorite, but it really is. I mean, there's the obvious reason: Christ's birth. But, to me, it's one of the prettier holidays to decorate for and there are so many ways to do it: red, green, gold; blue, white, silver; black, white, silver; all white; all green; all red; red, green, white...and the list could go on. You just can't go wrong with color or style: country, fun, Suessical (yes, I've seen a Dr Suess tree and it was UH-MA-ZING), classical, Disney, Victorian Mickey (which is what will deck our "halls" this year thanks to a lovely gift from my in-laws before they were in-laws), and the list could go on (again).

Anyway...Christmas isn't the reason I'm posting this lovely Monday evening. I was going to update on all the fun from the last two weeks.

My parents came in a week early (which we have all agreed was about 3 days too early, even if was nice to have them). Unfortunately, I had to work Mon-Wed week of. Thursday we went shopping for last minute stuff: final flowers (just in case), favor stuff, ribbon, stuff for the kiddos in attendance. Friday was some cleaning and organizing - making sure I had all I needed. The that night was the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. It was surprisingly painless (really...I thought it'd be worse than it was). Dinner was fun as all the "kids" (bride, groom, bridal party, etc) sat at one table and the adults at the other. Some things never change...we were, as usual, the rowdy table! I love that I can pick up where I left off with my P'cola gang...and Mr. S fit right in!! Saturday I went with my MOH & BM to the mall for nails, toes, eyebrows, and shopping (ok, I was the only one to get all of the first three done, but we still had a good time). Then we did some lunch. I took them back to the hotel as they were coming over with a hubs and friend from out of town for the fight. Once home, more final details (I still had not done the seating chart!). Then the MOH and hubs, BM (who's hubs couldn't make the event), and the Sailor (another P'cola gang member) came over for food and fight night...and MOH, BM, and I quickly left for less violent endeavors: Barnes & Nobles!
*Before we left and before the fight got started, my aunt and her husband and my two cousins also joined us for a bit...then ventured out with M&D for an evening of catching up. It was so nice to see them, though, even if for a little bit. And I was told I was the calmest bride they'd ever seen!!

After the fight was over and the gang left and M&D were back, I started stressing over the seating chart. I had this amazing idea...and it worked about 90%. Close but no cigar...that last 10% would have made it perfect, but without it I couldn't use it. But...my amazing fiance' (now husband!!) came to the rescue and created this:



Yup...he's pretty amazing!! That is my original project backing (a regular old canvas painted black) and he used the paper I'd used for the wishing tree (the branch surrounded by flowers in the center of the table) for the list of who's at what table and then used double sided tape to stick engagement photos around the edges. My husband is AMAZING!!! And he did it while I was in bed, passed out!

Morning of I head off with mom and all our decor loaded in the van...and our dresses...to get my girls and their dresses so we can go get beautified. We met up with step-mom-in-law and little SIL (Jr BM) at the salon and had a great time getting our hair did! :) Then we headed for a QUICK bite to eat then off to Hearts Home Farm to quickly set up and then finish the beautification process in time for photos and 2:30 pm wedding start time. It got a little chaotic...especially after the groom showed up a half hour early and confined me to the dressing room...which actually turned out to be a good thing otherwise we would have started late!!

But the show went on as directed and without any issues (that I'm aware of). The music went perfectly as it should for the moms, the maids, and then me...there were no slip ups with the ceremony...the recessional music blew everyone away (Star Wars Episode IV from the awards scene at the end)...the receiving line was great...pictures were a breeze and fun...re-entry to reception music was awesome (Monday Night Football theme: da, da, da, daaaa)...food was fantastic...no one got the mic for toasts that wasn't supposed to and those that did get it did awesome...cake cutting was perfect (nope, no icing everywhere)...dancing was great...and the exit was perfect!!

Honeymoon was a couple days in Anaheim and two days at Disneyland and California Adventure. Perfect - not crowded, rode a lot of rides, stayed for the fireworks the last night, watched the Christmas parade, TONS of pictures that I still need to upload!!

Then back home on Wednesday via Fry's in Anaheim, where we splurged a little. We used our money on Thursday to supplement the registry items we needed/wanted but didn't get. Then we splurged at Best Buy some more. Friday I went back to work. The hubs went back Saturday while I took the weekend to find places to put all our new dishes and appliances and the wedding decor (there's been two FULL trips to the dumpster as Mr. S left for work on Sun & today and still more to go...plus stuff for donation). And we're almost back to the regular routine except I'm off Wednesday - Friday for Thanksgiving.

And there you have it...not in a nut shell! I'll get some pictures up as I can this week. Wedding pics won't be back till after Christmas sometime, but a lot of people took pictures and have posted some of FB. So that will have to tide you over for a bit...till I can really work at getting some of them uploaded that have been sent to me.

Hope you enjoyed reading.

Hugs...

Wedding week!!!

I can't believe that in less than 6 days I will be Mrs Ring!!! So freakin EXCITED!!!!

Mom and Dad came in yesterday. It's nice having them here...especially since mom likes to cook and has already planned meals for today and the next few days. Mr. S knows he is NOT marrying a Betty Crocker when he gets hitched to this chic! I think the redeeming factor here, besides the whole love thing, is that I do like to try new stuff from time to time and I can handle the basics.

I, unfortunately, worked today and will work tomorrow and Wednesday. I'm off after that until Thursday next week! Mr. S is off Friday through Friday (and tomorrow and Wednesday as his normal off days).

My Matron of Honor, B, comes in Thursday with her hubby. My bridesmaid, E, (sister of B) comes in Friday sans hubby (crummy work schedules!!). Friday night is rehearsal and dinner. Saturday B, E, and Me (yes, it's supposed "rhyme") will hang in the morning doing girly such stuff: nails, eyebrows, toes, etc. Saturday evening, once all the extended family arrives, will be some time with them since I only see them a few times every few years.

Sunday is the big day!!! Starts early with Mom, B, E, Me, and R (little SIL) heading to the salon for hair beautification. Venue by noon-thirty for some set up then dressing and painting of the faces (in reverse order, of course). CEREMONY AT 2:30!!! HOORAY!!

I was out of town last week in Minneapolis. The colors of the trees were amazing!! Probably one of the few things we don't get here in lovely SoCal...so here's one I can share with you:




Taken with the new iPhone 4s (thank you Mr. S) and edited with Instagram (LOVE this app).


I'll keep you posted, hopefully, with more updates this week as we get closer!!

Hugs...

Life update :)

I can't believe it's been over a month since the last post...and that I only have 32 days until I marry the love of my life!! Where has all the time gone?!?!

Well, let's see if I can fill you all in on all that's happened.

As of Sept 1 I'm officially back with CSU. It started in motion when I was in Atlanta in August and everything was finalized by Sept 1 and the process of re-adjusting started. I'm not in the Learning Partner department, which is great. And while I'll still be doing a lot of traveling (every other week) I'll get to do a lot of that in my local area and be back in my own bed at the end of the day...which will be great as a newlywed. :) Since the switch I've made two trips already: Bakersfield area and Fresno area.

I got an early wedding present from Mr S: a Canon EOS Rebel T3i (Digital SLR Camera)!!! I'm so in love...with the man, of course...but the camera is pretty FANTABULOUS too!!

We bought/ordered our wedding bands. Mine is just a simple band that wraps around my ring. Kind of hard to do anything fancy with mine since it's the design it is. His is a Tungsten Carbide and very nice looking as well.

My parents were here two weekends ago. They came in on the 28th of Sept and left Oct 2. It was so nice having them here, even if I couldn't take time off to spend the day with them on Thursday and Friday. But I take off early on Friday so I could have some more time with them. They went with me for my dress fitting so they could see the whole get up (they'd seen it in May when I took with me, but it looked much better having it on properly and such at the bridal store). And mom helped me pick out a different veil. We also went shopping for mom to get her dress for the wedding, which we found at Macy's! She looks fantastic in it!!

And, while they were here, I had my wedding shower at my future step-mom-in-law's place!! So much fun!! Distant family-in-laws were there as were friends. My Mom was there, which was the best part! I loved that she got to be a part of some of the wedding stuff while she was here. It's been a little hard having her 7 hours away while I plan the wedding. But I'm glad she got to be here for the fitting and the shower. And they'll be back the week before the wedding to help as well.

Last week I was in Fresno, so nothing exciting. Mr. S pre-ordered my new phone on Friday. Yup...I'm finally jumping on the band wagon and getting an iPhone...and I couldn't be more excited!!! It should arrive this Friday and I can get it all set up before the weekend.

Oh, and Mr S is AMAZING!!! Not only did he pre-order my phone. He also bought me roses, that were waiting for me when I got home on Friday. And he bought me "The Lion King" on blue-ray last week and "Dumbo" on blue-ray this week!! He is slowly helping me with my Disney movie collection! I love him!! :)

I think that's it...you are now up to date with my life. :)

Hugs...

It's been a while...

What, like two weeks now. Sorry to those of you that are faithful readers! Here's my updates:

Foodie Fridays: I flew home from Atlanta on the 26th. From the time my plane landed in San Diego to the time I walked through my front door it was just about 2 - 2 1/2 hours (thank you California Friday traffic). Dear Mr S was so kind to have cooked and left me a plate to heat up since had left for work. Therefore there wasn't one on the 26th. And on the 2nd I was cooking for 1 as Mr S was going to be later than usual on the arrival home...so I didn't cook anything spectacular. I am, however, very sorry to say that I managed to eat a whole box of Mac & Cheese by myself (I'm not really proud of that).

Thursday's Through The Lense: *surprise!!* I've not taken any good pictures lately so I've not had anything to share. But I'm hoping to get some up over the next few weeks...probably some oldie but goodies.

Work: changes coming/finalizing. I'm back with CSU as of Thursday. I'll still be doing some travel, but it sounds like I'll be keeping to the West Coast - which is FINE by me after jaunting all over the Central-East US the past 8 months. I'm not kidding when I say all over the Central & Eastern US: San Antonio, Atlanta (twice), Minneapolis/St. Paul (twice), Iowa (Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, & Des Moines all in one week), Orange Beach (Alabama), Tampa, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and DC. Plus two work trips to Arizona and one Conference in San Diego that I actually got to stay IN San Diego for (instead of driving in every day). But the majority of my travel this year has been out of my time zone. Even if I'm gone for a week at a time with the new position, it'll still be nice to be on the same zone has home. There will be more details to come with this as things unfold and finalize.

Wedding (what everyone really cares about): coming right along. Invites went out on the 22nd of August and are slowly coming back in. I know, I sent them early. But after looking over the guest list I think we might be going over our original number and getting them early allows us to make the necessary financial arrangements in time to compensate. I really didn't think there would be as many people on the invite list as there were. I had my appointment with the florist last week: went $160 over budget!! The good news on that, though, is it may come down. I'd really love to do something fun and unique for the boutineers, like this:

but I just don't know what yet. So I went ahead and ordered them for the guys just in case the plan never comes to be. I've just about got the centerpieces figured out...I just need to find out if three of them are going to be too tall and what to do if they are (I don't have the receipts for the pillars...and I bought them late last year?) If they're too tall I might put them on a food table or at the guest book area. Speaking of, I've decided there will be no guest book. I'm going to do up little cards for the guests to write words of wisdom or such on them and either have them hang them on some manzanite (or similar) branches or put in a jar. Still undecided on that part of the detail. But I really like the idea of the guest book being more personalized than just putting your name and address in a book.

Weight Loss: ugh! I've lost about 10 pounds. Yup...that's it since May. How depressing?! But it's really all my fault. I fluctuate on keeping track of my points like I'm supposed to. And I've not been working out. I mean, I can only go so far with just watching what I eat. I was actually doing really good...lost the 10 pounds and then I screwed up a week (a week I was out of town) and that sent me back to fluctuating between gaining and losing. With all the back and forth, the scale says I've lost a total of 10 pounds. This week I'm really getting on the ball though. I've worked out twice this week already and I'm keeping in my points each day. I've got to keep going and lose SOME weight before Nov 13. It's not that my dress doesn't fit...it's actually perfect. But I'd rather lose than gain and it not fit at all (that would be a nightmare!!).

I think that's all I've got, for now. Look for more posts later this week!

Hugs...

Wedding stuff

I have, once again, learned not to judge a book by it's cover. The bakery Hearts Home Farm uses is Jodee's Bakery & Cafe in Temecula. It's off the beaten path...as in I've NEVER been down this road in Temecula before...ever! And I wasn't impressed with their website and the photos offered there. I was very nervous about this adventure. But then I found their Facebook page and got much relief (more cakes...nicer looking cakes). And once I met Malinda on Saturday, all my fears dissipated.

Our package with the venue includes a cake in a certain style up to 90 people. So we were given a look book of cakes that meet that requirement. Found a few liked and ultimately went with a three tier design for 100 people in square tiers (we had to pay extra for the square and 10 extra servings, but not too much). There is a picture of the round version on my vendors page (just envision without the bird's nest on top).

Then we got to taste the cakes!! We tried four different combinations and picked our three favorites.

Bottom: Orange Cake with Midori Liqueur Drizzle and Mango Filling
Middle: Apple Spice cake with Caramel and cream cheese filling
Top: Chocolate cake with Belgium chocolate in two fillings and salted caramel in the third filling.

I can't wait to have this cake!! I hope there's enough for me to have a slice from every tier!!


(for more wedding info and pics and all that fun stuff, check out our wedding website)

Updates

It's been a crazy week or so. I missed last week's TTTL due to being in Phoenix/Glendale for a conference. This week's will come in a separate post (once I upload my latest pics).

Here's the update:

Last week I was in Phoenix/Glendale for a few days. I had some time on Thursday when I flew in (which was so nice to have a late morning flight instead of being up before the sun) that I got some quality time with Mr. Sun in the afternoon. However, due to ridiculously high heat, that didn't last longer than an hour. Oh Em Gee....Phoenix was around 111 on Thurs (90-something after dark), 109 on Friday (inside all day...thankfully), and 108 on Saturday. Yes it's a dry heat...but it's like opening the oven when you're baking and you get hit in the face with that rush of hot air...only it doesn't go away and it surrounds your whole being! Needless to say I was very glad to get back to SoCal (where our highs have only been in the low 90s that I'm aware of).

Monday I got some pictures for a scrapbook I'm attempting (my first), but a couple didn't turn out so great. But that's ok, I'll reprint them local and they'll be fine.

Tuesday my Save The Dates came in!!! WOOHOO!! So that is my project for the weekend. I've been slowly stocking up on stamps for this...now I'm about to drastically diminish my stash and must start again with many more than the original (for those RSVPs). Once I send them out I'll post one...that way there's no spoilers for those followers that are receiving one. :) I'm also trying to think of something to do to spruce up the plain white envelopes. A trip to JoAnn's is in the books for tonight.

Yesterday my fiance' and I spent the day with thousands of strangers - we went to Disneyland and California Adventure! Had a blast...stayed way later than planned...I'm suffering through the day because of it. But it was worth it and I'd totally do it again!! One of the things I love about having annual passes is there is no pressure to have a plan to your day. We've had trips where we've filled the days with rides (and the lines to go with them) and we've had days with only one or two rides. Yesterday was one of those days. We rode our usual: Pirates of the Caribbean (which now features Black Beard instead of Davey Jones). This is a staple ride for us...it's not a day at Disney if we don't ride POTC. We also road the Haunted Mansion and the new Star Tours. Star Tours closed last year for a much needed renovation. They just re-opened in June as a 3D ride. There are over 50 possible "destinations" you can encounter on your ride. This time we joined in the pod races and a battle in space...all on one ride. So much fun! After Star Tours we took a trip down memory lane and walked through Sleeping Beauty's Castle (where Mr. S first said he loved me). Then off to lunch at ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney. Upon our return (via The Grand Californian Hotel...there's an entrance to the hotel from Downtown Disney) we went to California Adventure (there's an entrance to CA from the hotel) where we rode my new favorite ride: Ariel's Undersea Adventure. :) We wandered around Paradise Pier (which was also recently updated) and wandered through some shops and such. Then, of all things, we went to a movie! LOL! Yup, there's a AMC Movie Theater in Downtown Disney and Mr. S and I went to see Cowboys and Aliens (AMAZING!). After the movie, which was a much needed break for our knees and feet from all the walking/standing, we headed back to California Adventure and into the Hollywood Pictures Backlot where they are currently holding ElecTRONica (the TRON event that's been going on since the movie's release last year) for Mr. S to visit Flynn's Arcade (if you know the movie you know what I'm talking about) for a while. As much as I am NOT a gamer girl, I did try my hand a few games...and lost. But it's so much fun. After that was dinner then, my favorite part, shopping!! We always save that for last so we don't have to lug around our bags. Our to stores we hit every time: D-Street (for my crack vinlymations) and World of Disney (think Disney Store at the mall, but about 100 times larger and more stuff).

After all that yesterday, I'm suffering through exhaustion today. One of the downsides of working from home...the bed in the other room calling my name because my body knows I didn't spend enough quality time with the pillow and blanket. Going to try to remedy that tonight!

Today and tomorrow's work relates to focusing on my trip next week. I leave for Minneapolis on Monday morning. Yes, I will be visiting the Mall of America while I'm there. I'm actually going to have some time to myself (away from my team for a change) and plan on doing some wedding shopping...gifts for my ladies and other odds and ends that I'm not sure if I need yet or not! :)

Well, that's all I've got for now. Happy Thursday!

Hugs...

Beginning a new week

I was in Iowa last week for work, and since I have no pictures (worth anything) on my work laptop, I skipped my weekly "Thursday's Thru The Lense". And since I've not uploaded anything new in a while, I'm not going to catch you up like I usually would. You'll just have to wait a few days. :)

Iowa...it's not that I don't like you. You're very pretty (during the right time of year...aka, NOT snow-white winter). It's that you're so desolate! On the two hour drive between Des Moines and Iowa City, you really don't offer a whole lot. I'd love to say it's not you, it's me....but that just wouldn't be true. It's you. I do, however, appreciate that your cities/towns are receptive to what I offer through work (education) and I had a VERY productive week last week. But that's just not quite enough to redeem you. Sorry.

Scentsy...why must you smell so good and offer such great stuff!!! I went to my first Scentsy party on Saturday and spent...well, more than I should have. Thankfully one of my purchases was a burner (as this was my first time) so I shouldn't have need of one anytime soon. (HA! as there's another one I want before I even left with the first) But I must restrain myself for 4 more months. I'm trying to save for a wedding here, folks!! Luna, Black Raspberry Vanilla, and White Tea and Cactus are the scents that will be filling my apartment for the next 4 months (BRV now...oh so good!!!) After that, I have no idea...they all, mostly, smell so good!! And now I know what to do for Christmas presents for those that already have burners (and those that don't...it's only fair I share my new addiction). HOORAY!!

Speaking of weddings...we paid our first half on Friday for the venue!! WOOHOO!! Now I have to call them and see if they'll send me the contact information for the florist, dj, bakery, and chef so I can contact and start making tasting appointments and such. The place we got is all-inclusive, but if you go beyond what is covered by the contact there will be extra fees. I'm thinking the only place that will be an issue is with the florist since the contract only covers certain pieces and I need more and different designs. I'm not sure if I'll encounter extra fees with the bakery...I guess it just depends on what I'm looking at doing: cupcakes!!! (Love this idea!)

Well...that's about all I've got for the weekend happenings. Hoping to get back in the swing of regularity this week. HA!! :)

Hugs...
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A new week...a new hotel

Yup...once again, my job has taken me away from my amazing Mr S, my comfy bed, and the comfort of my own home/office/couch/you get the idea. This travel gig is getting old, my friend! And, do you have any idea how hard it is to plan a wedding when you're gone every other week?! It's HARD!!!

But, nevertheless, I did some planning today (as I actually got into my final destination at a decent hour). I sent inquiries to about 6 potential places - vineyards, wineries, hotels w/rooms for receptions, restaurants, etc. I've heard back from three. One is booked (boo) for the 13th already. The others just sent me the info I requested - a little more detail that wasn't on the pages. The plan for next week is to look into taking Mr S to visit a few, if he's willing (more on that), and talk with people to see if there's anything we can work out with regards to money things. *most of these places are asking for 50% by 6 months out...well that's in two weeks, my friends, and I can GUARANTEE we don't have that kind of green stuff layin' around the dwelling place.* So I want to know if they have a "contingency" plan for couples like us...that start planning 6 months out. So that's what the next few weeks will entail for me.

Now, about Mr S...he's not so gung ho about the planning details. "All I need is a date, a tux, a time, and a place" he says (until I think about putting something in there he's not a fan of...then he steps right in with his "veto power"). Anyway...setting a date was like pulling teeth. Then I traumatized him by following that up with budget talks. Last week I sprung "gift registry" on him...he groaned, literally, like a child being told to clean his room and get ready for bed. I finally got him convinced to go one round of gift registry with me when I get home (BB&B) and I'd do the rest without him. He HATES to shop...no, really...absolutely HATES it (unless its the Apple Store, Frys, or Best Buy)!! The last time he bought clothes (other than socks) was two years ago when we were headed to FL/LA for a week. I think he may have bought some jeans since then, but that's how bad it is. The thought of gift registry makes him twitch. I'm just glad we reached a compromise there. :) That's why I'm a little unsure how "venue shopping" will be received, especially with the lack of funds right now. I'll keep ya posted on how that one goes.

Well, it's off to iron and sort things out for tomorrow. Oh, I'm in Minneapolis, in case I didn't mention it at the beginning. Yeah...my hotel is right across the street from the Mall of America!! WOOHOO for me!! Good thing Mr S isn't here...but then I could probably leave him at the Apple Store or the Amusement center and he'd be fine.

Hugs...

Mid-Week Mania

I'm in Alabama this week. And it's a complete waste of time! I'm literally doing everything I would have done had I been in my own office this week. The good from this week: finally getting a "new" work laptop. My other one was a POS!!! This one, while still older, is so much faster and has more memory. It also has been updated with Windows 7 and all the bells and whistles that comes with. And I can finally watch video with sounds!! :) It's the little things. On the wedding front - we set a date!!! November 13, 2011. Let the madness begin. See more stuff about the wedding here. Yup...jumped on the bit o' crazy bandwagon with creating a website right away. And I went to my first bridal bazaar as an actual bride-to-be. So many great ideas, so much money that could be spent, and so little money in the budget! LOL! Ah...the life of wedding planning! I'm so excited, though. I can't wait to really delve into everything. Well...that's it for the update this week. Have fun, all!

In other news

So I've been in a bit of a book slump this month. I guess reading eleven books in one month will do that for ya. It's not like I don't have anything to read!! I started two books after number 11 last month, but they kind of went no where. And it's not that they weren't interesting...it just wasn't happening. But, thanks to the purchase of a new book, I think I'm back in the "game". I got Private, by James Patterson, yesterday in the airport. It intrigued me and so I thought I'd try it. Maybe because it's fairly easy reading, maybe because it doesn't require a lot of thought to follow the story, or maybe because I'm a bit bore in Indy...I finished it about an hour ago. It's 400 pages. And, thanks to a Borders around the corner from the hotel closing, I also have four new books (to add to the 5-7 at home) to read!

Confession: I dropped my Social Psychology course the other day. I turned in my first three assignments (of 8) three days late (each) and two weren't even completed. There really wasn't any way I was pulling that grade out of the dumpster it took a dive into. And, after finding out I made a D on the last two, I figured it was best this term. I'm in Indy this week, DC next, and two weeks after that I'll be in Atlanta. That's three out of four weeks I'm gone...where am I going to find the time to read 2 chapters a week, do a 64 question quiz, and pull a 4-7 page paper out of no where?? Yeah...so that's why I dropped it. I'm not happy about it, but at least it won't affect my already dying GPA.

Speaking of being gone three of the next four weeks...how is one supposed to plan a wedding when one travels for work??? If we take an October date (which is what I'm hoping for), that give me at least six full months to plan...so about 24 weeks. Of those 24 weeks, I will be out of town for 9 of them. That's really not a lot and I know it can be done. But it stresses me out more than just a little bit. I have four bridal/wedding magazines (obsession) and a wedding book I just bought (about planning a dream wedding for $5 grand or less). I'm looking forward to delving into that one. :)

Speaking of traveling...any idea how hard it is to eat right when you're on the go?!? I think I'm going to have start packing food in my suitcase! Maybe our hotel in DC will have a fridge in the room and I'll stock up some fruits or something.

I HAVE A FIANCE'!!!! :)

night...

Monday's Mug

A random picture (aka, mug) from 2010. Each week will be different...it may be flowers, animals, people, or just plain ole scenery. It may be shopped or not. Just depends on how I'm feeling.

And here is this week's photo:



Reuben & Elise Cope. :) This is the lovely couple who's wedding I was in two weekends ago. So much fun...such a beautiful bride and handsome groom. Just an all out great time was had with amazing friends I haven't seen in over a year! :)

Congrats to the new couple!!

What a week!!

Ah...the joys of simple blogging. Something I've not been able to really do since starting this page. Where to begin...how about last week?

SO......

Monday (the 26th): I had an education fair on the USS Makin Island down on Naval Base San Diego (aka 32nd street). My day consisted of waiting...and waiting...and waiting. And when that was over...I got to wait some more!! But the ed fair itself was good for me...I had a lot of interest, so it was worth it. When it was over, I headed straight to the hair dress. I am now auburn haired!! Which is great cause it really makes my eyes pop!! I love it!! And, last (but NEVER least), it was Stephen's birthday. But since we both had to work, we celebrated at Disney the day before.

Tuesday: summed up in two words - cleaning & errands. Why? Because my parents were flying in on Wednesday and I wanted my place to be as clean as possible. That really didn't go so well and I ended up doing most of the cleaning before heading to pick them up Wednesday. But I did get groceries bought and some stuff taken care of.

Wednesday: more cleaning. Then Stephen and I went to get the parents. And that's where the "fun" started. Half way to San Diego, the car started making this awful knocking noise. Thankfully we made it to the airport, dinner, and back.

Thursday: continuation of drama from Wed - took the car to the shop. Basically needed a new engine for $2900. And they kept my car all weekend. So I borrowed Chris's van (Stephen's brother) to drive around some...but not much.

After that, things pretty much run together. Unfortunately we weren't able to do all the fun stuff we planned with my parents due to the sudden drop in cash availability. But I think they still had fun. They flew back to AZ on the 3rd and I went back to work on the 4th.

And now it's Friday! Tomorrow consists of some quality time with Mr Sunshine. Followed by some QT with my love! :) Looking forward to just us two for a day or two. Monday and Tuesday will be back to the daily grind. And then Wednesday I fly to Michigan for Els's wedding! All but one of the old gang will be there and I'm so excited to see everyone!! It'll be great fun!

I may not have access to Internet to do my Friday fill in next week...and even if I do have access, Friday is the rehearsal. but I'll definitely fill my readers in on the details once I return. And I hope to have some pictures too.

Till then....

TTFN....