Adventures Of Starting Over

How Many Bottles Does One Baby Need?

2011-12-10T23:24:00.004-05:00

The Sunday after Thanksgiving Vixen and Giggles insist we spend a girl's day going to register for baby stuff.

Marine and I had already created a registry at Target at Giggles instance we "get on the ball". But the nearest Baby's R Us is over an hour away so we hadn't yet had time to venture that far. Giggles and Vixen thought registering at the baby mecca store was a must.

And imagine Marine's sigh of relief that he was getting out of that trip.

Vixen, Giggles and I entered Baby's R Us and took a seat at the customer service counter. A very nice lady gave us a run down of the store layout explaining each section and offering suggestions. I admit Vixen and I half listened and Giggles took it all to heart looking more and more overwhelmed as the lady continued. Finally she handed the scan gun over to Vixen and the three of us were off.

Image Taken From Google Images

But where to start?

Have you ever been in a Baby's R Us?

If not..... well...... it's baby stuff EVERYWHERE (shocking right?)!! Imagine Wal-Mart but all baby stuff.

Now imagine 3 Baby Dummies staring at a store full of things they know absolutely nothing about.

Yeah that was us.

We decided to work our way around the store. The first section was bottles. An ENTIRE wall of bottles.

Not only were there about 5 different types of bottles per shelf but then there were about five different brand sections to choose from. The three of us stood and stared for a moment.

"So which one do we get?" Vixen asks.

"I don't know..... these say newborn." I reply.

Vixen scans them.

Giggles is still staring in awe.

"And maybe these," Vixen scans, "maybe we should register for more than one pack?" BEEP the scanner beeps as she scans another pack.

Giggles turns with another brand and type in hand, "What about these with the sacks? Aren't they supposed to be easier to clean?"

"Sure sounds good...." BEEP.

Do we really know what we registered for? Not really.....

It's a............ Are you Sure?

2011-11-19T16:01:00.000-05:00

When Marine and I went to the doctor to find out the gender of the baby we were still up in the air about if we even wanted to know.

By the time we got to the office however I was convinced I wanted to know. Marine was not.

As we sat in the waiting room we were still debating.

"If it's a girl you buy breakfast, if it's a boy I'll buy breakfast." I tell Marine with a smile. Everyone had me convinced it was a boy anyway so I figured I could at least bribe Marine with breakfast.

We were finally called back and as I lay reclined on the examination table watching the monitor as the ultra sound technician rubbed the wand around on my belly. Marine was facing me as he watched the monitor the technician was viewing and I viewed the one on the wall behind him.

I watch, as the little baby moves around, memorized and still astounded that we are actually having a baby.

"Well hello little girl" the tec says.

Marine's mouth drops and then he starts smiling broadly.

And what do I do? Open my big mount of course! "Are you sure?"

The tec laughs, "Pretty sure. Why?"

I laugh, "Well everyone has had us convinced with the when I was pregnant stories and old wives tales that it was a boy."

Now the tec laughs and says, "Those can be right but not all the time. Definitely a little girl here."

I won't lie I was thrilled at the idea of a girl! I mean I have a Barbie house my Grandpa built me when I was a little girl along with every Nancy Drew hardback ever written. I'm prepared for a little girl.

I would have been happy with either a boy or a girl..... but deep down I have always wanted a little girl.

Now comes the hard part of selecting a name, nursery things, etc.

And can you believe it's been 6 months?

That's right! She will be here in in a little over 3 months.

With the long work hours it feels like there is never enough time to get everything done but I know it will all fall into place :)

Let the adventure begin!

The Help.... I'm 19 Weeks, And My Husband Bought a Deli, Stuff You Won't Find On Pinterest

2011-10-11T21:37:00.000-04:00

Warning you now this is going to be a long post. So buckle up.

Here's A Break Down:

The Help
19 Weeks
Deli
Pinterest

Part 1:

The Help. Have you seen it? All I can say is wow! Red, Previous Co-Worker, and I went to see it at the theater a few weeks ago.

For the girl who has to go the bathroom five times in an hour this was a glued to your seat cross your legs type of movie. I went in being a little clueless not really sure what the movie was about but that I kept hearing it was good.

Well it wasn't just good it was GREAT. Seriously. Go see it. You won't be disappointed. And if you have the book, I need to borrow it. It has been added to the "must read" list.

Part 2:

You know how you always hear those people with kids who count things oddly?

"How old is he," looking at baby.

"Oh he's 18 months."

******

Speaking with pregnant woman.... "How far along are you?"

"32 weeks"

I was the one who always wants to go, "come on people!" Your kid is a year and half old. And your 8 months pregnant!

Perhaps that is why I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around pregnancy in terms of weeks. Or perhaps it's my desire to be different. I understand that the little baby within is developing week by week and it's an exciting adventure that still shocks me at times......

Laying in bed with Marine watching TV:

Me, "We're going to be parents."

Yes, it still astounds me every day that we are in fact going to be parents. I still can't believe we are old enough to have kids.

Anyway.... even though I am now 19 weeks along when someone asks I choose to rebel and answer "Almost 5 months".

I wish I had more time to write about all the wonderful things like hormones (crazy woman typing here), body changes (I have boobs!), and randomness (wait I've always been random).

We find out Boy or Girl on October 20th. That is if we decide to find out at all. We are tossing the idea around. Part of me is so curious I want to know now! I mean pink or blue?!

Flowers, and polka dots....

Oh blue puppy dogs and cowboys....

Yes part of me really wants to know.

But the other part wants to hear the doctor say, "IT'S A......." and be completely surprised.

I never thought I would think like that. But now that the time is here Marine and I have seriously talked about being surprised. Will we be able to control ourselves and not find out? Probably not... but it's a thought.

We did do the old wives tale of the wedding ring on a string. Ever heard of it? You tie your wedding band to a piece of thread and have someone hold the end of the string with the ring completely still. If the ring swings back and forth it's a boy. If it swings in a circle it's a girl.

Marine was already convinced we were having a boy. We tried the ring tale and it predicted a boy.

We both would be happy with either but Marine swears that at the last ultrasound he saw "something" and he just knows it's a boy. Never-mind the doctor said it was to early to tell, Marine was convinced.

The ring just backed up his already "I know" attitude.

I lay on the floor watching the string. Marine's arm and hand were completely still when the ring started to slowly sway back and forth. I was for sure he had a part in so I made him do it two more times. Each time his grin got bigger and his "I told you so's" becoming more insistent.

"Ok lets see how accurate it is." I said taking the ring. " Give me your wrist."

I was told if you do the trick over someone's wrist who isn't pregnant it will predict what there future kid will be.

"What are you doing?" Marine asks.

"Seeing if you will have a boy or girl!" I laugh.

"What?! I'm not pregnant!" He laughs.
"We are testing accuracy." I tell him steading the ring and sitting still.

The ring doesn't move. For a minute it just hangs suspended frozen in the air until I give up.

"See I told you it's a boy!!" Marine says triumphantly.

Part 3:

Also in the past few weeks Marine has opened a deli. SURPRISE!!!

It happened kind of suddenly.... one day Marine, his step-dad, and step brother were talking about opening a deli and the next thing I know it was opening day!

Seriously it all sorta happened in less than a month.

Marine's Step-Dad's family owned a restaurant for years before selling out. So I know Step-Dad knows what goes into making a restaurant successful. But Marine? Marine is a hard worker and no one will ever say he's not. But he is also a go getter when he sees an opportunity to make money.

I'm a worrier.

I see us putting some of our savings in a deli, all the while thinking of the other things the money could go for.

Marine see's the possible profit. I see the possible loss.

I see all the time spent there. Marine see's the future and the possible monetary gains.

In the end I agree with him and realize that if something happens and it doesn't work out we will get the money we invested in it back from the sale of the equipment. It it goes great then hey that may be a little extra money each month!

I had told Marine that the Deli would be his thing and I would help out every once in awhile but that I was not the "restaurant type person".

Real supportive wife, I know. I blame it partially on the hormones and partly because I like being able to decide spur of the moment what I want to do. Owning a restaurant is a 24/7 job. There is always something to be done. I'll admit I wasn't sure that Marine totally grasped that.

Let me just state for the record.... any wife who thinks when her husband opens a business she can stay out it.... is well..... just as naive as me!!

Somehow I became the marketer, web designer, and accountant for this new venture. I'm not complaining because I have actually enjoyed it. Not to mention I've worked with him there the past two weekends.

So far so good. And I have to admit I love the fresh baked bread, muffins and cookies!! All baked fresh daily! Chocolate Chocolate muffins are just plain sinful.

We shall see what the future holds. So far this is week 2 of the Deli being open. May the future hold only good things!!!

Part 4:

Pinterest. Have you seen this site? I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS SITE! Much of my day at work is spent on the phone and on hold. This is a great site to browse while you wait. I have boards for Baby Ideas, Craft Ideas, Home Decor, Holidays, etc.

A few examples:

Photo Onto Canvas

Baby Decor Idea

Turn an old bath towel into a bath mat

Words For Thought

Recipes To Try

Holiday Ideas

The ideas are endless!

Also I have gotten a few ideas for maternity pictures. I'm not one for showing bare skin. So I don't see myself as the naked, bare belly type in pictures. I mean I know there will be a bare belly picture, but I want some others that are more a little more my style. Here are a few ideas I found I really like:

Check it out! Now I just have to find time to work on all the pinterest ideas I have pinned!

Knocking on 30's Door

2011-09-19T10:29:00.000-04:00

So today is my birthday and I am officially on 26 round 4..... a.k.a 29.

That's right 29. The last year of the 20's.

Looking back I really can't recall my 19th birthday, the last birthday of my teens. More than likely though I was excited about that last year as a teen. Official grown-up and legal drinking just around the corner.

At 29 though what's around the corner? 30? Yeah just not as exciting.

Taken From Google Images

I did have a wonderful weekend though!

Marine and I went to Chattanooga for the weekend and had a wonderful trip. Friday night we went and ate at a small local pub. The food was good, the service was good..... and the crowd was interesting to say the least. Marine and I had seen it on a past trip and had decided we wanted to try it. I mean the building just peaks the curiosity.

Saturday morning we got up and went to see Ruby Falls, which is America's highest underground waterfall. After walking thru the caves we arrived at the waterfall.

It was spectacular and beautiful!

Afterward we walked to the top of main building and looked out at the beautiful view of Chattanooga.

After that we went downtown for lunch and to walk around a bit. Chattanooga is a beautiful city and if ever given the chance to visit..... DO!

My mom and Marine's parents were meeting us for diner so we had some time to spare downtown. We were going to go see Rock City (another local attraction) as well but were afraid we may not have enough time.

So instead we decided to see a movie. The only thing starting at the time we arrived was Contagion so we decided to see it. It wasn't quite what I expected it to be but it was definitely a movie that made you think. I mean everything we touch on a day to day basis has germs.

Think of going to work and opening the door, going to lunch, getting gas, etc. Everything we touch all day has the potential to spread germs to us from the last person who touched it.

Yeah the movie was a little to slow paced but it did make you think about how easy it would be for deadly disease to pass quickly through a population.

You know it was just the type of movie you wanted to see before going out to eat. lol

The movie ended about 20 minutes before we were set to meet everybody, so perfect timing!

We met up with my mom, Marine's parents, my uncle, and Giggles and her hubby for diner. The food was delicious! And the company was great. Even baby Marine seemed pleased with my choice of the Hawaiian chicken, and let me tell ya that's saying something because baby is not easily pleased when it comes to food.

After diner the rest of the group bid goodnight but Marine, Giggles, Giggles Hubby, and I went down to the river where there bands playing in a free concert. The night was one of those perfect nights where summer is coming to an end and you can feel the first hints of fall in the air. The night is warm but with a slight breeze.

We listened to music for awhile then walked to Coldstone for ice cream before heading on the drive home.

It was a wonderful birthday night out.

And today I took the day off from work since originally Marine and I planned on going away for the whole weekend. But this past week we house sat for my old co-worker...... you remember the one with the dogs and cats that each time I SWEAR I'll never do again cause the cats almost kill me? Yeah that one.... Well we spent last week house-sitting because I can't turn down extra money, and I like the little dogs.... well some of the dogs. lol

So after a week away I'll be honest I was ready to come home. The date night away though was a perfect birthday trip and spending my real Birthday at home is perfect!!

Another year older..... but a another year wiser....... that may still be up for debate!

Wordless Wednesday - New addition to the family

2011-09-07T07:36:00.000-04:00

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Guilty Pleasure TV

2011-08-21T12:32:00.001-04:00

Everyone has some form of guilty pleasure TV.

Mine used to be The Hills. I won't even try to deny the fact that I loved Lauren Conrad and secretly envied her, having been the journalism major I would have killed to intern at Teen Vogue.

Since then I really haven't had that guilty pleasure..... the show you sit glued in front of the TV to making sure you don't miss a minute of the action despite the fact your IQ may be dropping by the minute.

Now let me tell you a bit about Marine. He's predictable. The TV will always be on Discovery Chanel, History Channel or on the occasional occurance he will flip over to A&E to watch Undercover Boss.

So imagine my surprise a few Thursdays ago.... I stand in the bathroom, brushing my teeth getting ready for bed. The door is open and Marine comes bouncing out of the bedroom, down the hall, heading toward the living room practically skipping while singing "It's a Jersey Shore Party."

I watch in wonderment as he turns the corner. Was that my husband?

I rinse my mouth and head down the hall to peak my head around the corner.

Marine sits smack dab in the middle of the couch. Eyes glued to the TV.

"Whatcha watching?" I ask.

"It's a Jersey Shore Party!!" He practically sings again.

Oh my the Marine Corps. barracks has now come into my home.

While in the Marine's Marine and his buddies would all gather in the barracks and watch Jersey Shore.

Marine texts Roommate who is on the west coast to see if it's on there.

It is and apparently he is glued to the TV also.

As I watch this I think of Vixen and myself texting back and forth during The Hills.

Perhaps my big tuff Marine is a girl.......

I sit down beside him on the couch wondering what all the fuss was about.

I had never watched the show...... and perhaps afterward I understood why. Even though I have since found myself watching it with Marine every week.

Maybe men and women really aren't so different.

Since We Last Spoke......

2011-08-13T20:43:00.000-04:00

You know the feeling that you have when to much time has gone by since you have called what once was a close friend?

You feel bad you haven't called, haven't kept in touch, yet you almost can't bring yourself to call because just to much time has gone by and you feel guilty for that.

What do you say?

Where do you start?

This is me. Making the call.

I miss blogging.

I miss free time.

I'll be honest I really don't like the new job. But I guess that's no surprise I knew deep down I wouldn't. I am thankful to have a full time job though...... but.......

And I was afraid I wouldn't know where to begin? lol

So I've been busy working....

And taking the LAST online class for webdesign certification.....

Also had my 10 year high school reunion last week...... and just like the first day of school I had no clue what to wear. I went thru my closet numerous times looking for the perfect thing to wear before finally deciding on one of the many (many) dresses I had bought for Marine's Homecoming but never worn.

It was a cute little Express dress I had gotten on sale. It was simple, yet dressy enough.

The reunion was taking place in the banquet room of the local Mexican Restaurant. Not the first choice of some of the more..... shall we say.... more snooty planning members. The original invitation had invited alumni to a local event facility where diner would be catered and their would be a DJ.

The total price was going to be $30 per person. Which isn't a whole lot but in this economy $60 per couple for finger food and no adult beverages is a little excessive..... needless to say not enough people RSVP'd to make this first option possible.

So the more level headed planning members (ie Giggles and LC) had suggested having diner at a restaurant and everybody just paying for their own meal.

I admit I was torn about going. Part of me looked forward to, yet the other side felt like I had not accomplished enough to be going to my 10 year reunion already.

But Giggles, Babbles, and LC had been on the planning committee and pretty much did not give the rest of friends an option when it came to attending.....

And if I was going Marine was going weather he liked it or not. Maybe I haven't accomplished much but may as well proudly portray myself as the happy cougar with the young, handsome husband ;)

Speaking of Cougar's did I ever mention that our wedding led to a budding of romances?

LC began dating one of Marine's friends and they have been going strong ever since. So at least I'm not the only one robbing the cradle. They are cute together and both seem really happy. Plus it means I get to see her more so it's a win win situation.

Anyway the reunion went pretty good. I saw my group of friends that I see all the time (Giggles, Babbles, LC, Vixen, Conscious, and Nurse-Betty) along with several people I hadn't seen since high school. It was funny to reminisce about old times. Still hard to believe though that it has been 10 years.

Babbles tried to catch me unaware

Even though I'm not where I thought I'd be 10 years ago, I am happy with where I'm at in life.

So besides that I have also been busy taking tests.......

On the 4th of July I realized that I was late. Something I didn't think much of before then because I rarely ever start on the same day.

But to be on the safe side I take a test. One line appears and then I swear I see a second faint line.

Marine says he doesn't see it.

A few days later still no visit from Aunt Flo so I decide to take another test.

This time the second line is a little darker.

Marine and I stand over the sink staring at the test in slight shock.

"I told you I thought I saw a second line on the first one," I say.

"I saw it to," Marine admits.

"Why did you tell me then?" I laugh.

"Well I thought you might freak out......."

Needless to say it was unexpected and not planned.

The plan was to wait a year, maybe two, then start trying.

Sometimes God's plan is slightly different then our own though.

On July 27th we had our first doctor's appointment. When the tiny peanut showed up on the ultrasound screen I stared at in shock and wonderment.

I had been sick the past few weeks yet I still could not wrap my mind around the fact that I was indeed pregnant.

Laying there though staring at the screen I knew it was true. Marine asked all kinds of wonderful questions. While I continued to just stare in wonderment.

We were having a baby.

It was real. There it was. So small but already such a loud and steady heartbeat.

I felt a flood of emotions; excitement, shock, fear - to name a few.

I am now almost 11 weeks along and I won't lie it still doesn't seem real.

It may sound bad but most of my friends have had miscarriages their first time. I have watched them go thru that painful experience and am so afraid that it may happen to us also. Therefor its hard to get excited. Two more weeks though and we will be to the "safe" point and ready to tell everyone. Then I'll let the excitement out!!!

Until then I just feel cautious.

I always thought when the time came I would be the calm one and Marine would be the freaked out one.

I could not have been more wrong.

Marine has been so calm. So excited. So wonderful.

I've been the worrier..... How can we afford this? What am I going to do when it's here? Go back to work? Stay home? Can we afford for me to stay home? If not who will we get to watch it? etc.

So I sincerely apologize so much time has gone by since my last "call" but as you can see I've been rather busy. I'll try to not to let so much time go by before the next time though.

Lily: "I'm pregnant."

Barney: "I've never seen that woman before in my life! Sorry force of habit, congratulations!"

~ How I Met Your Mother ~

Easy Canvas Prints, Simple as 1, 2, 3, 4!

2011-07-23T12:05:00.001-04:00

So do you remember my post last year in which I ordered Marine a homecoming sign from buildasign.com?

It turned out so great! And Buildasign.com was so easy to work with and had such wonderful customer service I have been recommending them to everybody ever since.

Well now they are branching out with even more products! Welcome Easy Canvas Prints.

Have you every made a canvas print? I admit that I had always wanted to but due to high cost from some other sites I have never ordered one. Marine told me at Christmas that he had almost ordered one for me for Christmas but my poor Computer challenged husband just couldn't get it to work.

When I was contacted by Easy Canvas Prints and asked it I would review their product I jumped at the chance!

The hardest part about the whole process was deciding which picture I wanted to use!

Seriously.

I had wedding pictures, Marine Ball pictures, New Years, Birthday's and so many other pictures..... how could I choose just one?

I finally decided on one of my favorite wedding pictures and uploaded it to the site.

When they say 4 easy steps, they aren't kidding!!

I was done with my canvas in less then 10 minutes and sitting there wondering if I had done something wrong because it seemed all to easy.

To put there site to the test I decided to let Marine try it.

Let me start off by explaining Marine's computer skills.

Turn computer on
Check email
look at Facebook
turn computer off
Use Google to look up random knowledge

That's it.

I pulled up the site for him and handed over the computer.

In 4 easy clicks he had uploaded the picture, selected the size and style and was done.

He was so impressed!! And now that he knows how easy it is I have a feeling this may be a sure fire birthday present for me in the works ;)

So the process was easy...... but how's the final product?

Maybe I should just let it speak for itself:

This above just didn't do it justice so I went out on the porch for natural light....

I went for the 8x10 with the image wrap sides. The wrap sides mean it takes the picture and wraps it all the way around the canvas.

Side

Back

It already comes with the hanger on so when you receive it you just have to decide the perfect place to display it.

Mine is the center of my photo wall. It looks so beautiful and turned out so great!

I have already recommended them to all my friends and I have a feeling that very soon I will have to order another one..... there's another spot in my living room that an 11x14 would look just right.

"You don't take a photograph, you make it."

~ Ansel Adams ~

****Side note: I forgot to add that the shipping time is very fast and that they have excellent customer service in case you do need to contact them****

Right now they are offering 25% off

All Canvas & Free Standard Shipping

Post It Note..... What Day is it? Wednesday?

2011-06-29T21:41:00.000-04:00

Honeymoon Part 2: What does Chocolate Covered Strawberries Have To Do With Australia?

2011-06-19T12:52:00.000-04:00

Day 2

Day 2 was a day at sea.

Which means we pretty much ate all day long. True Story.

And can someone tell me why drinks taste better when they come with an umbrella?

After some roaming around the boat we decided to play some putt-putt. Yes, there was a putt-putt golf course on the ship!

Taken from Google Image

I started out strong but Marine made a fierce comeback and beat me in the end.

I blame it on to many of these.......

My homemade concoction.

Yes, I did a little research before going on the cruise to see how we could possible sneak on a little extra alcohol. Cause the drinks on board are great.... but they are sky high! I stumbled upon this site called Rum Runners Flask. Seemed simple enough and all the reviews were good so I took a chance and ordered the Spring Break Pack.

Marine and I filled half of them with Rum and half with Crown.

They worked great!! And I highly recommend them.

Marine and I still bought drinks on the boat but not near as much thanks to these little guys.

This day at sea was also when I made a slight fool of myself...

Don't even pretend to fain surprise.

That morning the boat's cruise director hosted a morning show that was aired on the onboard TV station. As Marine and I got ready for the day we had the TV on that station. Well I'm wondering around the room picking out my bathing suit, fiddling with my hair and such. Marine is in the shower and I'm half way listening to the TV.

The Cruise director is asking people to call in and guess where his co-host is from based on his accent.

I thought it was definitely an English accent or may Australian accent.

The Cruise director answers the line and I hear a guest guess a town in England. They tell her she is wrong.

For some crazy reason I decide to call in! I mean if England's wrong the guy's gotta to be from Australia. I picked up the phone and dialed the extension not really thinking I'd get through... But then the Cruise Director answers!

He starts off by asking me the typical questions:

CD, "So who are you cruising with?"
Me, "My husband Marine."
CD, "And is this a special occasion?"
Me, "Yes we are on our honeymoon!"

He congratulates us and then ask if I know the answer to the question.

"Australia!" I exclaim.

And the two Morning Show Hosts nearly fall out of their chairs laughing! And they continue laughing.

Immediately I realize that it's best not to try and answer a question that you never even heard.

I laugh, "Ok I admit I didn't really hear the question."

Turns out the question was what town in England was the Co-host from.

Wow.

"Well at least I gave you guy's a good laugh this morning," I try to recover.
"That you did and just for that we are going to send you a consolation prize!!!"

Marine gets out of the shower and I tell him the story to which he just shakes his head and laugh's.

The consolation prize rocked!! And I'll be honest I was kinda glad I got the question wrong.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Champagne!

So delicious!

But little did I know this show would re-air the entire cruise so even though Marine missed the live show he did get to see the replay..... at which he may have laughed harder than I have ever seen him laugh.

Yep I'm good like that ;)

Ticket Agent: Okay, Mr. Bing, you'll be in 25J,and Mrs. Bing, you're in 25K.

Monica: Oh, no, you see, um, we're on our honeymoon. So, um, can you do you're little thing and bump us up to first class?

Ticket Agent: I'm sorry, all the first class seats are taken. That couple got the last two.

Monica: You see, if we'd gone around them like I said, then she would have given us those tickets! Damn it!

Chandler: 25J and K. Any chance those aren't together?

~ Friends ~

Um Can We Say "To Young For Make-Up"

2011-06-16T15:15:00.000-04:00

Have you seen this promo commercials?

Anyone else see anything wrong with this beside me?

Date Girl's Wedding Day Jitters

2011-06-16T12:31:00.000-04:00

Ok anyone having problems with Blogger? I just realized that several posts I had scheduled to "post" during wedding week and honeymoon week never posted!!! How frustrating is that?!?!?!?!?! Here is a guest post that should have posted on May 16th from my lovely friend Date Girl. So sorry Date Girl!!!!

While the lovely E is away on her honeymoon ( I didn't get one so I will try not to pout too much, lucky biatch, hehe) she asked me to share with you a story from my wedding last year.

This is just a little advice for all you modest brides out there about how to tinkle in your wedding dress.

The first time I had to pee in the dress I was mortified. I hadn't had a chance to consume enough champagne to get over my paralyzing fear of peeing in front of others. I am not the kind of girl who can undress easily in front of other women, and I am NOT the kind of girl who can accompany her girlfriends to the potty. It used to be worse. I used to have to turn on the faucet in the bathroom so people in the next room wouldn't hear me pee. I know, I'm slightly neurotic.

While getting into the dress, I knew I would have to be in just my panties and my "chicken cutlets". That is what I called my stick on bra that was there in case of a wardrobe malfunction. While I was standing there ready to step in the girls were laughing at me because I just kept saying, "This is my nightmare!" I'm modest what can I say?

You can imagine that as awkward as I felt getting into the dress in front of others, that going tinkle was going to be traumatizing. So there I was, knowing I would need friends to help me hold my dress so I wouldn't get toilet water on it. Toilet water on your dress = not at all classy. What was I to do? So first I asked them to look away. But I was still pee shy and wouldn't you know it? I couldn't go. So I asked them to hum or sing loudly. This started the biggest giggle fest of the afternoon and I'm pretty sure terrified a girl who came in to use the restroom.

The subsequent trips to the bathroom got a little easier because a. I had more to drink and started to loosen up, and b. mostly because the girls knew the drill. They would immediately look away and start humming at the top of their lungs. And that ladies, is how pee shy girls do their business on the big day. You're welcome!

--

Date Girl

http://www.dategirldiaries.com

Honeymoon Part 1: It's Not A Honeymoon Till There's Cake

2011-06-15T22:13:00.000-04:00

Friday May 13th was the kickoff to Honeymoon week. Marine and I got up early and got started on our road-trip. Yeah for a little more we could have flown to where the boat was leaving from...... but Marine and I like to road trip and stop at places along the way.

Call us weird. It's ok.

A little after noon we started to get hungry and agreed we wanted to stop and stretch our legs a bit and stop for lunch.

The signs for St. Augustine looked appealing so Marine pulled off the exit. I'll admit we had no clue where we were going. Then I spotted a sign reading "Cabo Taco". We can always eat Mexican so Marine pulled in. IT WAS DELICIOUS!!!

If you're ever in the area try it. You won't be sorry!

After more driving we finally arrived at our destination and checked into our hotel room for the night. It was about 2pm when we arrived. We were both exhausted from all the ~~hectics~~ excitement of the past few weeks and figured we would take a quick power nap and then get up and go explore before diner.

What was meant to be about an hour nap kinda lasted a little longer than planned..... Like 5 hours longer!

We had both needed the sleep so it was very refreshing. We went out and explored the town a little, did a little shopping and then ate a quick diner before heading back to the room..... where we laid in bed and just watched TV. Such a simple thing. But something we never have time to do at home.

Marine joked, "You realize we had to drive nearly 9 hours to just lay in bed and watch TV?"

Saturday was Cruise Day!!! We were so excited. After a quick stop at Wal-Mart for some more sunblock we were ready to head off to the boat.

After waiting in lines and checking in we were able to go aboard. Since we had some time before we could check into our room we hit the first bar we came to in the lobby.

Lobby

After a couple drinks we headed up to our room. Marine unlocked the door then held it open for me to enter first. I walked through the door and stopped and gasped.

The room was decked out in Honeymoon Decorations and a card telling us happy honeymoon from Blondie and her Hubby.

The honeymoon was off to a great start!

We decided to explore the boat a bit before diner.

The Main Deck

Looking out at the port

The boat was beautiful!! Not to mention Huge!

After that we dressed up and went to diner.

If you've never been on a cruise let me explain how diner works. Pre-Cruise you choose either early dining (6:30) or late dining (8:30) {give or take on the time maybe it was 8........} We had chosen later diner that way when getting back on the boat from the ports we would have time to shower and get ready.

At these diners everyone is assigned a specific table at which you are paired up with other guests.

This can be a wonderful thing or it can be a disaster.

So Marine and I are escorted to our table and realize it will be just us and another couple who has yet to arrive.

We take our seats and watch as others enter the dining room playing the guessing game of who will be our diner companions.

By this time we have met the elderly couple seated at a two seater table next to us.

Then a man and woman walk by our table and Marine and I exchange a look of relief they didn't sit with us.... because let's face it some woman just put off the witch vibe and this woman was radiating it.

And then the couple comes back and sit at our table.

I inwardly laugh but think it'll be ok we can make friends with anybody.

At least that's what I thought.

We start in on the small talk; where are you from yada yada yada. The woman throws in they are on the "Elite" spa deck several time as she looks down her nose at us.

The couple was late 30's, from Washington State, with 3 kids.

Granted we may not have the most in common with them but that's no big deal. The husband says he used to be in the Coast Guard so Marine and him small talk about that.

Marine then turns to me and asks me a question about something on the menu.

As we look down at the menu the woman ~~whispers~~ says to her husband snootly, "They really should give people compatibility quizzes before matching them up."

Wow. Ok what do you say to that?!

Do we pretend we didn't hear?

In the awkwardness of the moment I do the only I know how. Try to lighten the mood, "Yeah I wonder how they match people up on these....." and then I pointed out another table that appeared pretty mix-matched to throw the eyes off us.

Wow.

The husband was nice and seemed slightly embarrassed by his wife's comment.

Let's just say the couple never showed up again. Which was fine by us. We enjoyed visiting with the other couples around us and then enjoying our meal just the two of us.

But as Marine said, "I wish I would have been drunk and at least showed my @ss or something."

It may not have helped matters that the wait staff sang us a Happy Honeymoon song and delivered a cake.

But she did seem quite envious when we handed some free drink vouchers courtesy of our wonderful Carnival Cruise Agent (want to cruise Carnival? Let me know and I'll give you her contact info. She was GREAT).

The first day was off to an interesting start. And there was 6 days to go....

To be continued......

"Phoebe: So, how was the honeymoon?

Monica: Oh, so much fun. But the best part is we met this incredible couple on the flight back.

Phoebe: That was the best part? Good honeymooning, Tiger." - ~ Friends ~

Side note -- this was the only day Marine and I got sea sick as well. As we started to leave port it began to rain. Our room was on the very front of the boat and let me just tell you it felt like that really bad drunk when the room just won't start spinning. Word to the wise take Dramamine.

Dirty Laundry

2011-06-12T16:58:00.000-04:00

When Marine and I first started living together I didn't mind doing laundry.... in fact it paid quite well.

Literally.

Each time I'd open the dryer and be rewarded with nice, clean cash.

Then Marine got smart and started checking his pockets before throwing his jeans in the dirty clothes.

Now laundry just isn't as fun.

Workin 9 to 5 ----- ok more 8:30 to 5:30

2011-06-01T20:58:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.

Nor have I been doing anything super interesting!

Ok maybe a few interesting things......

Friday was my last day of work. It was busy as I tried to train the new girl all the other things I gotten to during the week. It was also sad.

When I started the job 3 years ago I really expected it to be temporary. I mean it was because of that job I started this blog..... yes I blogged at work during down time or my lunch break.

I would say shame on me but let's face it your reading this at work aren't you ;)

Over time I became friends with my co-workers and as more time went by they started to seem more like family.

I had never worked with such a GREAT group of people.

I started to mold the job into more than what it was at face value. I started to shape it into what type of job I wanted.

And you know what? I really liked the job.

But due to the economy I was cut back to part time.

Hence the new job.

So again last Friday was my last day and all my co-workers threw me a surprise going away party luncheon!

I really was surprised! They had my favorite foods and all my favorite things. Complete with Strawberry Daquiris. Thats right last day of work I was a little tipsy after lunch.

They also had a cookie cake for desert.

It was sssssooooooo good!!

And to top it off they also gave me a gift....... sorta a good-luck-at-the-new-job -type-of-thing.

It was a basket with my favorite candies plus some new things for my new office:

Pens, notepads, post-it notes and a candle.

It may not have been much but I thought it was very thoughtful! There was also a super nice card that everyone signed and wrote a note on.

I won't lie it made me cry a little.

I never would have thought it would be so hard to leave a job.

****************

Fast Forward a bit........ I started the new job Tuesday.

The commute's not so bad. It's nice spending part of the time there and back with Blondie and getting to catch up.

The job's ok. I've decided to give it a full month before I make a decision on weather I like it or not.

But I'll be honest I didn't really take the job because I thought I'd like it. I took it because it was full time, more money and benefits.

So far it's not that bad. It's fast paced (which I like) but leaves no time for afternoon blogging (which I don't like).

The hours are 8:30 to 5:30 which puts me at the barn at 7 and then home by about 8ish. Which means after diner I pretty much just go to bed. I'll get more used to the routine soon.

So just bear with me. I apologize for ALL the things I've left out lately!!!

I will post about the honeymoon, the wedding bloopers, Memorial Day, Target Practice and everything else soon!!

Wordless Wednesday --- Honeymoon Edition

2011-05-25T23:36:00.002-04:00

Post It Note Excuses.....

2011-05-24T23:36:00.000-04:00

Happy Honeymoon!

2011-05-14T14:01:00.001-04:00

Our room was decorated when we arrived!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Wedding Aftermath

2011-05-12T09:37:00.000-04:00

The Next Chapter Begins With "I Do"

2011-05-10T15:13:00.000-04:00

Perfect.

Thats the only way to sum up the wedding.

Everything was just like we wanted. Everything went smoothly and everyone had fun.

It was perfect!

And if there was some mishap no one told me about it ;)

Saturday morning I awoke early and showered. With my hair wrapped up in a towel I took my time as I went around making sure that I had everything and double checking that it was all packed in the bags by the door.

Most things had been taken up yesterday but there are always those few things that get forgotten about. Plus I had the bags with the Groomsmen and Bridesmaids gifts.

The Groomsmen gifts were so cute, I thought! Marine got each guy a small bottle of Gentleman Jack and a cigar and then we placed those inside cigar boxes. Each box was a little different. And the guys loved them!

The bridesmaids gifts were a combination of things. First I purchased black tote bags from Oriental Trading and then in Photoshop I created a layout and printed it onto iron on transfer paper, ironed them on and WAHLA! Each bridesmaids bag was customized with their name and the meaning of their name. They were all the same layout but I also changed up the color trying to make the background each girl's favorite color.

They turned out so good! Inside each bag was a bottle of wine, a Bath & Body works purse size lotion and hand sanitizer, Mason Jars with Bath Salt that I fixed up and something for them to wear the day of the wedding. I saw these little rings on Etsy and loved them! I ordered them with black bands and ivory flowers.

I also made Alice and Red a bag and gave them a ring as well as their gifts for keeping the guest book and passing out programs.

Vixen and Blondie arrived at the house about 9 a.m. Chick-fil-a mini's in hand. The curling iron's and rollers were plugged in and we quickly got to work.

By 11 we were leaving the house and I was texting everyone to tell them we were heading to the wedding location.

I stopped along the way and picked up Roomy-Wife so she could spend the day with us instead of the boys. Of course I had forgotten the wine to drink while we got ready, because of course you have to forget something on a day like this!

No worries though. Roomy-Wife and I picked up a chicken finger tray, a bottle of wine and stuff for mimosa's. Yep we were ready! lol

Once we arrived at the Cabin we the other girls were there already getting ready and scrambling around. Hollywood sat me down and started on my makeup. I was transformed formed from my previous plain Jane state. The make-up was subtle but really made my eyes pop. I have to admit, I'm not sure I had ever looked more beautiful.

Then it was time for the dress. With help from Vixen, LC, Giggles and Nurse Betty I was able to step into the dress and then it was time to slide on my boots...

The day went so smoothly and we stayed on schedule all day! Which is pretty hard to believe! Pictures started at 1 p.m.

My Bridesmaids and I went first. We had quite a large wedding party...... On the bridesmaid side was Giggles (matron of honor), Vixen, Nurse Betty, Hollywood, LC, Blondie, Conscious, and Babbles.

They all looked beautiful! Instead of having them get identical dresses (which our way to expensive) I had told them to all just wear a knee length black dress. The affect was beautiful.

After our pictures I was whisked back upstairs to wait while it was the guys turn to take pictures.

Me & Giggles enjoying a Mimosa

The girls were all afraid I was going to spill something on my dress, because lets face it my Klutz track record is not so good, so they made me put the robe I had worn during hair and make up on over my dress.

I said it made me feel like a boxer! lol

Everything was done, now it was just time to wait. I of course paced a little, anxious to get the show on the road.

Not once though was I ever nervous. I was so calm and relaxed the entire day. I think it helped that everything was on schedule and I wasn't having to rush for anything.

Also my dress was so comfortable it was easy to be relaxed.

At 3:45 I headed downstairs and outside to wear Miss B awaited.

She stood so patiently like she knew that today was different than every other day. It was special.

I swung up on her and Vixen arranged my dress before heading back inside to wait on her cue.

I road Miss B down the road a short ways so that I would be out of site of the house and the guests.

I was so anxious.

I'm not very good at waiting.

Miss B as if sensing turned around and touched her nose to my boot. She twitched her upper lip across the top of my boot while looking up at me. Her way of telling me "It's ok, we got this."

And with that lip twitch a wave of calm once again washed over me.

I leaned down over her neck stroking her flowing mane.

I couldn't believe this was all really happening. Her I was astride Miss B in a beautiful wedding dress about to marry the man of my dreams.

How did I get so lucky?

From where I sat I could hear the music playing telling me that my bridesmaids were now making their way from the cabin to the ceremony below. Then I could hear the laughter rise from the crowd. I smiled to myself as I pictured one of my ring bearers (Hollywood's son) heading down the aisle in his wolverine mask.

And then I heard the music change and it was my song.

"Ok Miss B, lets go." I tapped her sides slightly with my boot heel and guided her around the cabin and down into the grass.

As we rode along a million things crossed my mind, the main one being 'please let me dismount without flashing anyone'.

Luckily I was able to do so and then handed Miss B off to a friend before proceeding to where Mom awaited me.

We held hands and proceeded down the aisle to wear she gave me away to Marine.

The ceremony was short, sweet, and to the point - just the way we wanted it.

When the Preacher said "You May Kiss Your Bride" I expected a soft quick kiss..... boy was I wrong!

Marine grabbed me tightly and nearly swept me off my feet as he dipped me back and kissed me. We both came up laughing at the surprise.

We headed back down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Marine both just smiling from ear to ear.

Afterward we did some group pictures and a few quick shots of the two of us. Honestly we didn't spend that much time doing pictures because we didn't want to keep our guests waiting.

We had said the reception should start without us and boy did it ever!!

When we walked up the hill the drinks were already flowing and the food was nearly gone. We had prepared for a 100 guests when in reality we ended up having around 130.

But it was ok. The DJ was in full swing and everyone seemed to be having a great time!

Upon our arrival the DJ asked us to come to the dance floor where he explained the story behind our First Dance song and how Marine had chosen it while he was in Afghanistan. The song was Josh Turner's Soulmate.

Marine and I danced and then the rest of the wedding party joined in.

Afterward the party really started! I danced so much my feet hurt.

Everyone kept telling us it was the best wedding they had ever been to.

Between dancing Marine and I tried to mingle and talk to everyone. Talk about exhausting!

Then Vixen called for a toast.

She got a little chocked up and nearly made me cry. As the tears welled up in my eyes I had to remind myself I wasn't sure if my face was waterproof!! I dabbed at my eyes trying hard not to let the tears fall.

Next up was Hollywood who gave a funny toast about my and Marine's first date.

Then Ford Guy took the microphone and with a deep breath started his toast of marriage advice for Marine. It was hilarious, I will have to see if I can get a copy of it from him.

After the toast we headed over to cut the cake.

Bridal Cake

Grooms Fishing Cake

I wish I could tell we I knew from personal taste testing that this cakes were delicious. Sadly this is not the case. Marine and I even forgot to feed each other cake!! WHOOPS! lol

Marine and I were so busy we didn't get a chance to eat any of the food or cake. But from what we were told it was all delicious. At least we had some cake left over so we could decide for ourselves ;)

We danced the night away. I had so much fun! And I love Marine's Marine friends. They are just the best group of guys. And 2 of them were definitely the life of the party, dancing the entire time and encouraging everyone else to dance.

Roomy Wife about my girls, "You have the best group of friends! They are all so nice."

They are the best and I am so lucky to have them!! They truly made our day wonderful!

At the end of the night on the way back home Marine and I realized we had not eaten all day and stopped at McDonald's Drive-Thru where we ordered 2 double cheeseburger combo's and large sweet tea's....

Marine, "Happy Wedding Dinner! Maybe we should have sprung for the supersize......" lol

More to come................

Lily: So that's what happened to the bouquet. Well, good for Victoria, that's an evil tradition.
Ted: So wait, you're not gonna have one at your wedding?
Lily: Hell, yeah, I'm gonna throw that flower grenade and yell "Crawl for it, Bitches!"

Hurry, Hurry, Got To Get Done!

2011-05-08T21:26:00.000-04:00

(Wrote Friday and Forgot to hit Publish --- Go figure!)

As I hurry to finish things for the wedding I thought I should perhaps share with you a little of what I've been working on and why I haven't been spending more time blogging!

When I say I have been playing Martha Stewart when it comes to all this wedding stuff, I'm not kidding!

Our favors are a actually thanks to a great little Martha Stewart project. I wanted to do something cute like pie in a jar.

But that was a little to time consuming and pricey.

Then I stumbled upon Martha's Seed Matchbook Favors.

Martha has a template on her site but they were not in the colors I needed so I took the design and modified to something that would work for our wedding.

I used white card stock paper, ordered the Glassine envelopes off Ebay about a year ago when I found this project, and Marine and I picked out a wildflower seed mix at Lowe's. We purchased to bags of seeds just to be safe.

The final project:

Roughly a 100 Black and Red seed packets!

They turned out so cute! Plus they were simple and budget friendly. The bags of seed were about $6 each so this whole project cost less than $20. Not bad for 100-something favors ( I say something cause I don't really remember how many I made!).

Of course I also got a little creative with the programs.......

When looking online for ideas I stumbled upon Intimate Weddings and there DIY on how to make a fan program puzzle.

I thought this was a cute idea and work out perfect for our outside wedding!!!

Again I had to modify, because that's just how I roll. lol

So I took their basic idea and expanded on changing the design so as best to fit us.

I did half of the programs with a crossword on the back and half with a mad lib.

Some tips though...... they do not sell golf pencils with a pre-drilled hole.

So I made do with a hot glue gun and think it turned out quite well!

Also Marine and I have made these hangers to go on the Mason Jars that will hang along the aisle.

I have to hand it to Marine for stepping up and helping. I know that helping with wedding decorations is not the most manly thing to do and I know there was other stuff that he would have rather been doing but he still put everything aside to help get things done for the wedding.

Ok.... thats's my update! Now back to work!!

IT's Wedding Day

2011-05-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

It's WEDDING DAY!!!!

Have a great day and fill you in with the details next week! :)

Crunch Time

2011-05-04T14:26:00.000-04:00

Things at my house have been a little hectic this week....... we have been finishing up the last of the remodel in preparation for our first house guests who will arrive later today.

Plus I have been trying to finalize last minute wedding details.

Thanks though to Mom and Future-Mother-In-Law this has been much easier than expected!!!

The favors are done (which are super cute - pictures to come later), the center pieces and hanging jars are done, and the programs are one step from being done!

I go for the final fitting of my dress this afternoon.

Things are going smoothly....... except the location. But seriously I should have expected that when the guy was difficult to begin with.... but seriously you either want to have an event location or not. There is no middle ground, someone needs to inform him of that. Hopefully I won't be the one to when this is all said and done.

So plans were changed slightly. Marine and I were supposed to have the facility Friday and all day Saturday. The main plus of this place was that everyone would be able to get ready there........ well yesterday we were informed we cannot have access on Saturday till 11 a.m.

Which would normally be fine if Blondie wasn't doing everyone's hair and pictures didn't start at 1. 9 people's hair in 2 hours??? I don't think so.

I refuse to stress though so I fumed for a minute and then just told everybody to be at my house at 9 to start getting ready.

Poor Marine. I'm basically kicking him and our 3 house guests out. Telling him to go to his grandparents for breakfast or something.

It's a wedding. Something is bound to go wrong at some point during the day.... isn't that how it always goes? lol

In hindsight I'll be honest that I do regret booking this location. It is beautiful! But I should have known from the get-go that the owner was not going to be the easiest person to work with. And I admit I should have listened to my gut.

But it's to late for the coulda-woulda-shoulda's. The weather forecast is calling for sunshine, I have worked hard to make everything beautiful, and Marine and I will be saying I Do and spending the day with family and friends. So no matter what happens the day will be perfect.

When has your gut told you not to do it and you did it anyway?

You Go Girl, Work That Pole!

2011-05-04T11:07:00.000-04:00

Saturday when I arrived at Vixen's house I still wasn't quite sure what to expect. I arrived with two bags as instructed. One consisting of work out clothes and high heals. The other with overnight clothes.

Per instruction I changed into my workout clothes and heels completely stumped on what it was we were going to be doing.

Giggles and Vixen were all smiles as the 3 of us loaded up into the car headed to destinations unknown.

I had been trying to come up with where we might be going and decided that maybe we were going to Sips n Strokes - a place where you drink wine and paint. Red and I had talked awhile back about wanting to attend one of their events so I thought maybe that's what we were doing and the girls were just trying to throw me off......

I could not have been more wrong.

The last minutes of the car ride I was blindfolded and threatened to not peak.

At last we came to stop and Vixen helps me out of the car laughing the entire time at the surprise she has in store for me.

Then all of a sudden the blindfold is dropped and there in front of me is Giggles, Alice, LC, and Will --- all grinning from ear to ear. And then I turn and gasp in shock.

OMG!!! There are poles everywhere!

"SURPRISE!" they laugh giddily.

"Here drink this," Giggles gives me a glass of wine.

"Did you really not figure it out?" Vixen questions.

"No, I would never have guessed this," I replied honestly.

We sat and drank wine and laughed while we waited on the instructor.

I was so glad Will was able to come! I haven't talked much about Will except to say he's the Will to my Grace. Expect he may be more of a Jack than a Will....... oh well anyway. We all grew up together and Will and I commuted to college even for several years. I love him to death and know that one day he will be a big shot news anchor and then you will have the chance to fall in love with him to.

Quote from Will, "Time to work the stripper pole! No seriously...I figure if this whole news reporting thing doesn't pan out I gotta have a back up! Let's do this!"

Seriously to funny.

Can you guess the shoe? I'm the red and black Zebra.... GRR ;)

The next two hours were spent twisting and turning and trying to look sexy (try being the key word on my part).

We had a blast! It was so much fun and who knew that it could be such a workout!! Two days later I still feel the burn in my abs and arms.

Also there are a few bruises on my knees that could be a little hard to explain......... lol I would show you a picture but the whiteness of my legs around the bruise would blind you. Seriously.

After the class we headed back to Vixen's where Conscious, Red, Babbles, Hollywood, Ford Wife and a few others waited with next surprise.

I was greeted and this was thrown on head.

Why yes, it is a penis crown! lol

The next surprise being a Passion Party. Remember I attended one of these while Marine was deployed (post). It was a complete surprise and a lot of fun. There were even games. Yes, I did say games. She divided everyone into two teams and gave them a few materials and told them to make some kind of outfit. Giggles and I got to be the judges. Both teams did an excellent job, but in the end we had to give to Babbles team for creativity.

Then it was time for cake..... now this was the part of the night that totally made me blush!!

Wondering what it was made of??? The privates were rice krispi treat!

Interesting to say the least!! lol

Overall it was a fun night with a lot of laughs.

Rachel: We did not know you wanted a stripper, so we went to the phone book and got the first name we could find.

Phoebe: How old's your phone book!?

~ Friends ~

The Royal Wedding & Bachelor / Bachelorette Party Weekend

2011-04-29T13:19:00.000-04:00

Getting ready for bed......

E, "So you gonna get it up with me in the morning to watch the Royal Wedding?"
Marine, "Sure."
E setting the alarm.
Marine "What are you doing?"
E, "Setting the alarm so we can get up and watch the wedding."
Marine, "Oh you were serious?!"

Every little girl at some point or other pretends to be a princess. She dreams of growing up and marrying a Prince, and riding off in a horse drawn carriage to live her life happily ever after inside a magical castle.

Today Kate Middleton got to live that dream.

Images Take From MSN

Kate was stunningly beautiful. Her dress classic and timeless.

I would like to tell you that I woke up and watched the wedding. In reality my alarm went off at 4:30, I turned on the TV and fell back asleep. But I had recorded it so when I was getting ready for work I watched a replay plus the live coverage still going on Good Morning America.

Today Will and Kate got there fairytale wedding and it was lovely.

I wonder though if that was really the wedding they wanted? Or would they have rather had a small ceremony with just close friends and family out on an English hillside?

Interesting thought, huh?

Well my household is in full wedding swing! Marine leaves this afternoon for his bachelor party. They are taking their horses and going riding / camping. The campsite has been set up so that some of his friends who don't ride can still meet them and camp.

We went grocery shopping last night for the trip and 2 cases of beer, a pack of steaks, and buggy full of food later I was left to believe there may not be as much riding as there is drinking and eating! ;)

Tonight I plan on frantically finishing up favors, working on programs and on center-pieces........ and oh yeah trying to clean because our first wedding house guest arrives WEDNESDAY!!!!

Have a mentioned we are in the new place? Have I mentioned we still have boxes that have not been unpacked? Have I mentioned there IS STILL a pool table in the middle of our living room that needs to be moved? Yeah, still lots to do!

Then tomorrow is my bachelorette party...... and I have no clue what we are doing! Giggles and Vixen have kept it top secret and all I've been told is to pack 2 bags and to be at Vixen's at 1 p.m. One of the bags is supposed to be work out clothes and high heals........ what kind of combination is that?? I'm scared. I admit. lol

Monica: Who else do you want to invite?

Chandler: Uh, no no no. Just Ross and Joey is embarrassing enough.

Ross: Actually, sorry, I can't even make it. I'm seeing Mona again tonight.

Chandler: I understand. Who'd cancel an actual date just to go to a fake bachelor party?
Joey: (On the phone) I'm sorry, I've gotta cancel tonight, baby.

~ Friends ~

Let's Play Catch Up!

2011-04-28T11:58:00.001-04:00

Things have been so hectic I've left out a lot of things lately.

Like the fact that my friend from across the pond was home a few weeks ago.

Yes, I have a friend that lives in England.

Makes me sound a little more classy doesn't it?

Ok, maybe not..... anyway.

My friend Jewels lives the life that I have envied more than once and has traveled to more places in our 28 years than I will be able to in a lifetime. Other than that slight jealousy, I love her to death!

We all went to high school together and then parted ways for college. After college Jewels got this really important job with the government (that I can't tell you what it is), doing something really important (that I didn't quite understand).

Then in Afghanistan she met this charming British Solider and it was love at first sight (maybe not first sight but that makes for a better story doesn't it?).

Fast-forward a year and now she lives across the pond with him going back to school for her masters degree.

He is again deployed to Afghanistan so she came home to visit for a few weeks.

While she was home Giggles, Giggles Hubby, Babbles, Jewels, myself and her family went to a Major League Baseball game on April 16th.

It had been awhile since I had been to a game but it was so much fun!!! Poor Marine had school so he couldn't come and Babbles husband was working so it ended up more or less a girls trip with Giggles Hubby playing D.D.

It was a fun day and our team won so that made it even better!!

Beer, baseball, and ball park hotdogs.... yum!!

Now I got to share something that amazed me (and I admit I took pictures just for you!):

See the Budweiser button at the bottom..... yeah it's magical!!!

The guy sat it on a surface and this little button pops up and the beer fills in from the bottom. No foam!!! It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now moving on.....

Blondie's wedding was beautiful!!

She arrived with her Step-dad and Dad in an old '69 Mustang. Even if it were in a movie her wedding could have not been more beautiful!

Vixen and I stayed the night with Blondie the night before the wedding and stayed up till nearly 2 a.m. trying to finish last minute things.

We were then back up at 6 to shower and start the day.

I stress more over others than myself. Blondie kept telling me to calm down, but I'll be honest I stressed cause I wanted everything to be perfect for her. She is one of my best friends and she was marrying the love of her life, what could be more perfect than that?

The wedding party left to "Bust a Move" and we all had to dance back up the aisle. Something that without alcohol was a little nerve racking. But all went well despite my escort that refused to dance. So what did I do? Danced by myself down the aisle like any good maid of honor would do.

After pictures we were off the the reception which was kind of short and sweet.

Blondie had only hired the photographer for the wedding so I spent the reception snapping away trying to make sure that no memories in the making were missed.

The cake was cut, the bouquet and garter were tossed and they were on their way.

I think we were out of there by 6 p.m. --- told you it was short.

Afterward Giggles, Giggles hubby, Vivi, Vixen, Vixen hubby, Marine and myself went out for drinks. It was great catching up and enjoying a beer together.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Easter morning I awoke to find the Easter Bunny had paid me a visit while I slept.

Instead of an Easter Basket though he had left a picnic basket.

And it was filled with my favorite things! Cookies and chocolate covered pretzels!

Oh Marine, you know the way to this girls heart!!

And I thought I was being sly by making him an Easter basket!

Since for lent he gave up sugar I made sure to put lots of sweet treats in his basket knowing that his sweet tooth would be in need of what it had missed for the past 46 days.

There was also beef jerky and some kind of drill bits that Marine had pointed out at Lowe's saying he needed to get sometime.

Now I can't wait to use my picnic basket! I see a fishing trip and picnic in our future!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wedding Update:

It is crunch time people!!!

I met with the DJ yesterday to give him the CD of the music I wanted for the ceremony and to go over the other details.

We were done in less than 15 minutes and he told me I may be the easiest bride he has ever worked with.

Who knew?!

Still frantically working on favors, programs and centerpieces. But it will all come together!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Life With Bees (Pics From The Past Week)

2011-04-27T09:44:00.000-04:00

Smile! Post It Note Tuesday

2011-04-26T11:08:00.000-04:00

Picture Perfect Vintage Wedding

2011-04-24T23:11:00.000-04:00

To say Blondie's wedding was GORGEOUS would be putting it mildly. It was truly picture perfect in every way.

Her Step-dad is also amazing and did such a wonderful job decorating the old barn that was used as the wedding back drop.

Words just don't do it justice so allow me to show you.......

Location

Bridesmaids Flowers

Boutineer

And Blondie's mom came up with a very creative idea that totally tied in to Blondie's "Vintage" theme. Instead of a guest book, guests signed an antique window.

Guestbook

Bridal Cake

Groom's Cake

Cutting the Cake

Delicious looking fruit that I was to busy to try :(

Me & Marine

The groomsman decorated the car......

This is just a sneak peak...... more to come!

Friday Fun Day

2011-04-22T14:37:00.000-04:00

So I decided the new job would be the best thing in the long run for Marine and myself.

I tried to quit my current job........ and apparently I don't know how to quit right....... because somehow I was told to think about it over the weekend and let them know my decision Monday.

That makes twice this week I have tried to turn in my notice and failed....... is the universe telling me something?

**Sigh**

So the flood of confusion and indecision is back. What to do, what to do?!?!?!?!?!?!

Ok. Enough of that! It's FRIDAY!!!!

Marine and I spent our first night in the new place Wednesday night.

It was wonderful!

The place is not done. But its closer. The Dish guy is coming today to hook up our service. The new patio doors should be installed next week....... so now we just have to get the pool table out of the middle of what will be the living room and get it into the other part of the basement!!!!

Hopefully Marine can recruit a few friends for man power this next week! ;)

This weekend is Blondie's big day!!

We have the wedding rehearsal tonight and the wedding is tomorrow at 2:00.

Last time I will be a maid of honor.

I am SO happy for her. And I wish her a lifetime of smiles and happiness.

Chandler: You told us both we could be in the wedding?

Rachel: Well, in my defense, you were not supposed to tell each other.

~ Friends ~

Tennis Match

2011-04-20T15:02:00.000-04:00

So I went and job shadowed Blondie for about an hour and a half yesterday. It wasn't that bad. The job doesn't seem that hard..... but I'm still on the fence. Mainly it's the drive I'm unsure about.

Last night though I figured it was time to take one for the team and suck it up. I mean the majority of my friends commute and if they can do it so can I. Suck it up and stop complaining. Many people would be so happy to have to opportunity.

Today I came into work not knowing how to tell my bosses (there are 3 company owners). Timing couldn't have been better. This morning it was just the 3 of us. So I ask if I can speak with them.

And I turn in my notice.

And because it's almost that time of the month I am HIGHLY emotional and actually tear up.

***GASP*** no you didn't......

Yes I did.

My bosses were all super nice and I explained that I love it here but that I just couldn't pass this opportunity up.

They say to give them a day and see if they could come up with something to offer so that maybe I would choose to stay.

I feel like it's a tennis match and I'm the ball.

And I still have no clue what to really do!!!!!!

Of all the things in my life this is the last thing you want to be hearing.

I know.

But seriously I've got to over-analyze somewhere :)

Busy Post It Note Tuesday

2011-04-19T14:41:00.000-04:00

Never Judge A Book {of anything} By It's Cover

2011-04-18T10:46:00.002-04:00

Ok so I'm going to go ahead and admit it. I sometimes judge books by their cover.

Shocking. I know.

But it's true.

I did the same thing with this job opportunity.

Nurse Betty road down with me cause we planned on going shopping afterward.

As we pulled into the parking lot I was dreading the interview so bad asking Nurse Betty how to turn them down nicely even.

I was a total Negative Nancy. In my mind I already knew this was something I would hate and I was prepared to say No no matter what was said.

The only reason I was doing the interview was because Blondie recommended me and I didn't want to be rude or make her look bad. I was fully prepared with my excuse being the drive and gas prices.

Let's just say I was in for a BIG surprise!

The Boss Lady (who is not much older than me) was super nice and extremely impressed by my resume apparently. She matched everything I said I had a my current job plus offered me a pay raise along with an extra bump an hour to cover gas. When I still seemed on the fence she pulled out the big guns offering me another week's vacation on top of the other two she had already offered.

All of this plus heath insurance coverage for myself and Marine...... yeah the deal was looking pretty sweet.

But what about the job?

I'm sad to say I wasn't even really sure what job I was interviewing for!

She explained the job and even gave me a quick overview of the computer system. It didn't seem that bad and actually sounded ok.

Of course I was prepared with a list of questions; such as room for advancement and job security. Both were positive responses.

At my current job I'm pretty much maxed out with no room left for advancement. But I like my job and I love the people I work with.

The interview went good and I was offered the job. I asked her if I could think about it over the weekend and let her know.

She said of course and then said, "I understand you like your job now and are hesitant to leave for something you're not even sure you would like......" {wow was she a mind reader or what} "so how bout you come in and observe one day and see if you think it's a job you would like then you can give me a response."

I liked the idea of that....... So tomorrow afternoon I'm going to go down and observe and get a feel for it.

As of now, as long as tomorrow goes good, I think I'm going to accept the job.

The commute will suck..... the hours are 8:30 to 5:30 so that means I will leave my house by 7 a.m. and get home about 7:00 p.m. When you look at it that way it totally sucks! But I'm no stranger to commuting. I commuted to college for 5 years 4 days a week and I made it fine. So this shouldn't be any different, in fact its a shorter commute even!!

It may not be the ideal situation but for right now I think it is the best decision for Marine and I. I really do think it's a job I would like and the steady 40 hours a week, pay raise, and insurance would be great!!!

I'm glad I went to the interview and didn't just blow it off. Just goes to show you things may not always be as they appear.......

The job I'm at now was supposed to be temporary and then I got in that comfort zone so I figure that if I take the new job and I'm there a year and don't like it then I will at least have the "fear" to go find a job I do like.

I got to stop thinking negative though and start thinking positive!!

Rachel: I'm training to be better at a job that I hate. My life officially sucks.

Joey: Look Rach, wasn't this supposed to a temporary thing? I thought you wanted to do fashion stuff?

Rachel: Well, yeah! I'm still pursuing that.

Chandler: How... exactly are you pursuing that? Ya know, other than sending out resumes like, what, two years ago?

Rachel: Well, I'm also sending out.... good thoughts.

Joey: If you ask me, as long as you got this job, you've got nothing pushing you to get another one. You need the fear.

Rachel: The fear?

Chandler: He's right, if you quit this job, you then have motivation to go after a job you really want.

Rachel: Well then how come you're still at a job that you hate, I mean why don't you quit and get "the fear?"

(Chandler and Joey both start laughing)

Chandler: Because, I'm too afraid.

~Friends~

Interview @ 4:30

2011-04-15T13:43:00.000-04:00

From my Crossroads post the other day I want to say Thank You so much for the advice!!!

In all honesty it was what I wanted to hear.

I am going to go interview though today at 4:30. I figured I should at least go and see the place and get a feel for it before I jump to conclusions.

We'll see.

Keep your fingers crossed I'll be able to make the right decision.

I hate these situations though cause I hate to disappoint people and I'm horrible at saying no. Why is that?

Oh well.....

Happy Friday Everyone!

I'll keep you posted!

Weekend Project - Kitchen & Bathroom Detail

2011-04-14T12:53:00.001-04:00

Last Sunday was way to pretty to be inside (which was where I needed to be). So I gathered up a few of my projects and headed out into the warm sunshine.

Project Remodel is almost done!!!

Being a Virgo I am a detail person (I'll blame it on that at least). When I look at a big picture sometimes I don't see the big picture so much as the little details within. Other times I only see the big picture.....

Anyway.

So Sunday I spent a few minutes taking off all of the kitchen cabinet knobs and handles.

They were in desperate need of a face lift!

Having one time been a brassy color, they were now a dark mess. First I soaked them in hot water and scrubbed them slightly before drying them and heading outside.

Marine and I had already come to terms with the fact we would probably be buying new ones, but I thought why not first try to salvage what we have.

At Lowe's I purchased a can of brown (hammered) spray paint; all the new fixtures are this browny-brass color so figured this would match. I wasn't sure how great it would work but figured it was worth a shot.

I laid out my paper on the grass and placed the handles and knobs down, then realized this was a mistake cause the grass was tipping them over so I relocated to the driveway.

Setting Up

Kitchen Drawer Knob --- Before

Handles Before

Can we say YUCK!

All laid out

{ I couldn't find any newspaper so this was a perfect project to recycle tissue paper from the gifts at the couples shower the weekend before! }

Of course I had a few curious helpers......

What is this?

Is this all we're doing?!

Guess we can keep you company.........

Yes we all need good helpers like these three!!

There in the driveway I shook it like a salt shaker listening to the little ball in the can clank around. After about a minute I figured that was good enough and began to spray.

I let them dry about an hour while I painted the bathroom vanity and then put a second coat on them.

The finished project turned out great, if I do say so myself!!!

After

None of them had the "hammered appearance the can advertised. But that may have been a user error on my part.......

One lone handle came out of this with the hammered look.

The hammered affect

Once I put them all back on though you couldn't even tell! They all match and look great!! Definitely adds a little something to the cabinets now. Next project for when I have free time is take off the hinges and paint them to match..... BUT that's a project for another day!

I also removed the bathroom cabinet knobs and painted them the same.

Main Piece

The back side --- guessing this was the original
color back in their glory day

Top Piece

The 2 then fit together like so........... FUGLY, I know.....

Much better after a little paint!!

Vast improvement!!

Also amidst all of this madness I was also painting a few more Chalk Boards. I purchased a few frames at the Dollar Tree so for a dollar I figured I would just paint the glass instead of cutting out a piece of wood......

This is where I would like to add a tip to last weeks instructions! IF PAINTING GLASS A ROLLER BRUSH WILL NOT WORK!!!!

Seriously it just rolls the mess around! lol Instead use a foam brush...... luckily I had one of these lying around!

Glass Frame

Foam Brush

Painting

Finished Project

And while doing this I also managed to paint a bathroom vanity, unpack shower gifts and put them away, Murphy's oil what will soon be the TV armoire and several other dozen home projects.

What little projects have you done lately that have saved you money?

Standing At The Crossroads

2011-04-13T10:53:00.001-04:00

Sometimes in life we stand at a crossroads.

When that time comes we all asks ourselves a question we have no way of knowing the answer to, "Which path is the right one to take?"

~ E. ~

Life happens fast.

And mine seems like a whirlwind lately!!

So lets update.

The wedding will be here in 25 days. 3 weeks.

Taken From Google Images

Wow, I have so much last minute little details to do!

Plus a zillion other things it seems!!

Marine also started school last week. He is going to farrier school (a.k.a. horse shoeing school).

They offer a 2 week program, a 6 week program and a 12 week program.

Since the G.I. bill covers the tuition Marine is taking the 12 week course. Today starts his second week. After this week though he will take off till after the honeymoon and then start back up.

The class week is Wednesday thru Sunday and then he is off Monday and Tuesday. The school is about 2 hours away and board is included in the tuition so with the price of gas so high he has been staying over during the school week.

So far he is enjoying it. Which I am so glad!

Now for me?

Well remember those crossroads I mentioned earlier?

Yeah I'm standing there unsure of which way to go.

When I started my current job I took it with the idea in mind that it was only temporary till I could find something else...... that has been 3 years ago come July.

Now at first I wasn't to crazy about the job. But I've actually come to really enjoy it. I like the change of pace and I love all the people that I work with. Not to mention I have GREAT bosses.

But in the past year it has gone from 40 hours a week to 32. I still get benefits (vacation time, and personal time) as if I were working 40 hours though.

When i got cut back I just picked up a second part time job.

Not the most ideal situation but its worked.

I still new that this job was just that.... a job. It's not a career. It's not something I see myself doing in 5 years.

Its more like I'm in a comfort zone and until something better comes along I'm content staying right where I'm at.

I know this isn't the best attitude to have and I think it really all boils down to the fear of failure.

Silly I know.

And that I'm not a big fan of change.

However this week I have been presented with a job opportunity. The company that Blondie works for is looking for a full time person.

The pros:

It's a steady 40 hours a week.
It's Monday thru Friday
They offer paid Vacation Hours
They offer insurance that would not only cover me but Marine also

The con's

It would pay a $1 less an hour than I make now
It's would be a commute of about an hour and half --- so have to figure in rising gas prices

If I were to be totally honest I really don't think its a job I would like. It's the same thing everyday. But I don't know till I try.

The bottom line is it would give us insurance. Something which would save us about $600 a month. Plus if I have a job with insurance I know Marine won't join the reserves. Something I really don't want him to do.

The only other reason I hesitate is because Blondie says they would want me to start the end of April.

A new job a week before the wedding? Thats a lot of extra stress.

Plus what about the honeymoon? I'm sure you have to work there so long before the vacation time kicks in.... Right now I have over 90 hours of paid time off saved up at my current job. I had planned on using some of this for the honeymoon and to take off the day before the wedding. I really can't go a week without a paycheck......

Ahhh what to do what to do.

All of these are questions I will address at the interview. But of course I worry about all the angles upfront. I mean heck they may not even offer me the job! But what if they do?

Which path is the right one to take? Do I stay at the job I enjoy? Or do I take a job that would be best for our family?

Blondie's Last Night

2011-04-11T23:24:00.000-04:00

Sunday morning I stood under the shower letting the warm water wash off the drunk from the night before. Hot water may have never felt so good.

Saturday night was Blondie's lingerie / Bachelorette party.

Per her request we had rented a cabin for the night. All the bridesmaids brought a tailgating dish and adult beverages.

I got there early along with Blondie and Nashville Chick (who is another bridesmaid). We sat on the porch visiting and enjoying listed to the creek flow by down below.

That was perhaps the only calm part of the evening!

Soon the other girls and guests began to arrive and the fun began!! I had prepared a batch of Pink Panty Droppers (a Vivi Special) for the party, the drinks were poured and the party began!

Blondie opened her scandalous presents. Some tasteful, some down right slutty. I of course was guilty of getting her the latter of the two. ;)

We have all been taking bets on how long it will be before Blondie gets knocked up so one of the other bridesmaids slipped in a pregnancy test with her gift.

I truly admire Blondie and her confidence. I myself am so shy that I'm practically a prude (sad but true). Blondie had invited her mother and future mother-in-law, who are both great, but I couldn't help thinking how uncomfortable I'd be opening these type of presents in front of my mom and future mother-in-law. Don't get me wrong I'm tight with both of them but no need to show "this is what I'm going to wear when I do your son later." lol

It went great though! Both mom's even participated in our little game of pin the penis! haha

We didn't have a blindfold so Blondie put one of her new presents to work........ (thanks to Conscious for the leopard print blindfold).

It was an interesting game to say the least..... and like usual Vixen won. We all think she cheats.

Then Vivi had to go and pull out the veil.

Now there is some back story to the veil. Everybody gets a turn with it! Giggles refused to wear it at her bachelorette party and we decided to leave it at the hotel. So when Vivi pulled it out several of us gasped in shock!

"The veil lives!"

Blondie takes one look at it, "Ah hell."

Yes this veil has a little bit of everything on it..... KY, Condoms, Empty Birth Control pack...... you name it!

Vivi also pulled out THE monster bottle of crown she bought on the last cruise we all went on together.

We all laugh and say that when we're 80 we are going to be sitting around on a front porch somewhere still drinking on this bottle of crown!

It was a fun night and my only regret was not spending more time right here.....

Robin Scherbatsky: Check out what I got Lily for her shower! It's kind of racy; think you can handle it?

Barney: I've been in a ten-way, so... yeah.

~ How I Met Your Mother ~

Getting Creative ~ Chalkboard Creation

2011-04-08T11:21:00.000-04:00

So I have looked at a TON of wedding idea photos on Goggle Images. Back when we did our engagement photos I was scanning the web looking for inspiration and ideas and came upon this picture.

Taken From Google Images

This of course got the wheels turning...... I was already planning on doing a photo guestbook. So how about instead of having guests write next to a picture, how bout have them write a message on a chalkboard and hold it in the picture?

I thought this was a great idea! I started looking around for chalkboards. Etsy has a ton to choose from!! All of which are beautiful..... but also out of my price range!

There had to be away I could make my own.

Google is my best friend. Seriously. He always knows the answer and somehow always knows just what I'm looking for.

And again he didn't let me down.

I headed to Lowes where I purchased a can of chalkboard paint, a small piece of plywood, and a roller. I don't remember the exact cost of my supplies but I believe it was less than 20 bucks.

Chalkboard Paint

I then set out to find a frame. At a discount store I found a beautiful Better Homes and Gardens frame for $5. I love the frame and knew immediately that I may not want it to be a chalkboard forever (that's where the plywood comes in). I also picked up a few frames at the dollar store.

In case your interested here is a short tutorial on how I made mine.

First I took the glass out of my frame and traced it onto the small piece of plywood. Then I had Marine cut the board for me to the sizes I needed (I'm a klutz and he didn't trust me with the saw. Probably a good idea on his part!)

So here is my basic board already cut to size.

Silly me couldn't find a paint tray so I used a small glad Tupperware to pour my paint into. Hey whatever works!

Then I just started painting my boards......

I put about 3 coats on each board just to make sure everything was covered properly.

Then I let the boards sit a few days to dry....... also I had forgotten to buy chalk (DUH).

Once the board was dry I put it into the picture frame.

I was so pleased with how it looked. But would it work?

I took out my chalk and tested it.......

Worked like a charm!

Now that I know it works I'm going to make a few more to use as photo props and to place on the drink table.

Trust me this is so easy! I mean if me the DIY dummy can do it, anyone can!

I just Googled Wedding Chalkboards to share some other ideas of how others had used them with you:

Have a great weekend!

Ramp Hunting

2011-04-07T14:29:00.000-04:00

Taken from Google Images

Last Sunday Marine and I met with his ENTIRE family to go ramp hunting.

What is a ramp?

A ramp is a wild onion.

We hiked about 3 miles back into the woods before arriving at a hillside covered in green.

Ramps

It was a gorgeous day! And the hike in was beautiful. Here are a few pictures from the day.....

Bear claw marks on a tree

Heidi enjoying the day

Marine and I with our bags of ramps

His & Her's Shower

2011-04-07T13:23:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was awesome to say the least! Friday night (well more like early Saturday morning) Marine and I finished up painting!!!!!

FINALLY!

Marine got up early Saturday morning and, with the help of a friend, started moving things in.

I was frantically trying to organize and get ready for the shower.

Despite the fact that it had rained ALL week long, Saturday was beautiful!

The couples shower was taking place at a pavilion down on the river and let me just say my friends went way above and beyond!

The decorations were great and the food was AMAZING!!

Start of the present table

There were roughly 40+ people there and I couldn't believe how many people came out to spend the day with us; family, friends and co-workers.

Marine & Me

It was a His & Her's shower and you could tell all the guys were kinda like "Dude we are at a shower." lol

Giggles and Babbles along with my other bridesmaids had seemed to think of everything though all the way from music to Margarita's.

Marine and I received so many nice things! Kitchen towels, baking pans, Tupperware, Omelette pans, knives, picture frame, Bathroom Towels, Punch Server, Measuring cups, China, and other kitchen things I had no clue how to use!! (Sad but true). We also received numerous Lowes Giftcards which will be a great help in adding the finishing touches to the new casa de us.

Opening Gifts

Love how Blondie captured this

Babbles gave us a trash can full of cleaning supply's, what a great gift idea! Marine and I loved it.

There were running jokes with each kitchen gift we opened friends commenting that I wouldn't know how use them,etc. Everyone was laughing especially when we opened the second part of Babbles gift in which she had to take a jab at my non-existent cooking skills by giving us this:

Yes that is a case of Ramon Noodles.

One of my favorite quotes of the day was from my friend who is the Will to my Grace. "So I went rouge and didn't get you anything of your registry. But this gift is so you!"

From Will and His Boyfriend - so beautiful and we loved it!

I told him he could go rogue anytime! lol

Overall it was a wonderful day with many great memories.

One of which was when Marine's great Aunt went to fill up her glass with what she thought was lemonade which in reality was Margarita....... awkward! Thankfully someone stopped her before she got it poured.

Saturday after the shower Marine and I went to the barn and I got Miss B. ready and we went to the first show of the season. Miss B and I placed 2nd in poles so we are off to a good start this season.

{Sorry this took so long to post due to storms we were without power from Monday till last night!}

Grace: God, it is so weird seeing myself in a wedding dress again. It's freaking me out a little bit, I'm actually sweating.

Karen: Honey, you're finally wearing a quality fabric. Your body's not sweating, it's crying with relief.

~ Will & Grace ~

Just Another Post It Note Tuesday

2011-04-05T15:04:00.000-04:00

Whispered Secrets

2011-04-01T14:26:00.001-04:00

Everyone has secrets.

Some of the secrets are small.......

Some secrets are a little bigger.......

Some we share with others. Some we vow to take to the grave.

Today I'm gonna let you in on a little secret.

You ready for it????....... Hope your sitting down............

January 1st of 2010 started out as a cloudy day.

If you recall Marine had asked me the night before to marry him. So the cloudy day was fine by me because I was on cloud 9.

As I dressed for the day I carefully removed the white sweater dress I had brought for just this occasion. That matched with black tights was a little more causal that I had planned on but that wasn't important.

I had forgotten my black ballet flats so I reluctantly I stepped into my black Steve Madden hooker heels.

I spent a little extra time fixing my hair unbeknown-est at the time that as soon as I stepped outside the gusty wind would ruin my extra effort.

I rummaged in my sparse makeup bag till I found the eyeliner pencil that only gets used for special occasions and carefully outlined my eyes. Still no pro but better than I had been months before.

Once I felt that my makeup was done I emerged from the bathroom to find Marine already dressed.

He looked so handsome in his khaki's and button up shirt.

"Is this ok?" He asked smoothing down his shirt.

"Perfect..... and me?" I did a small twirl tripping a little in my heels causing us both to laugh.

He catches me before I fall. "Beautiful as always."He says giving me light kiss.

I take my Grandma's diamond watch from my suitcase and carefully place it around my small wrist as the final touch.

Shortly after Marine, myself and Marine Friend leave the apartment and head to Wal-Mart to grab a few necessities.

Then I pull out the directions to where we are headed.

We all talk and laugh as pull up to a house that is nothing of what we expected.

"This is it?" Marine asks.

Hahahahaha "How did you find this place?" Marine friend laughs from the backseat.

"Wow." I say speechless looking around.... "Not quite what it looked like online."

"Sure you want to do this?" Marine asks.

I smile, "Of course! You?"

"Yes." He smiles back then adds, "yeah I really know you love you."

We had an appointment so as we walked through the door the man inside was expecting us.

Marine Friend starts snorting as he holds in laughter behind me.

My jaw drops and my eyes meet Marine.

This may be the tackiest thing I've ever seen.

We can't do this in here.

Marine and I are holding hands and I lean closer and whisper in his ear as the man turns his back to us. "Ask if we can do it outside.... please." I plead with my eyes.

"So could we use the gazebo outside?" Marine asks.

"Outside?" The man looks puzzled. "Sure I guess so. Whatever you want. I wasn't prepared for that though so it's not decorated......... I can't do music out there."

"Thats ok," I smile sweetly.

We head outside into the cool air.

The man leads us to the gazebo and Marine Friend starts snapping pictures as Marine and I join hands and the man begins to speak.

"We are gathered here today........."

On January 1st, 2010 at approximately 3p.m. I married the love of my life in a small gazebo off a back road in North Carolina.

That is my secret.

***Shhh...... don't tell!***

[Scene: A Little White Chapel, Chandler and Monica are entering.]

Chandler: Hello! One marriage please!

Monica: Yep, we wanna get married!

The Attendant: Well, there's a service in progress. Have a seat.

Chandler and Monica: All right.

(They both sit down.)

Chandler: (singing) Dum! Dum-dum-dum! Dum! Dum! Dum! Dum-dum-dum!

Monica: What are you doing?

Chandler: Oh, that's The Wedding March. Does, does that freak you out?

Monica: No, only because that's the graduation song.

~ Friends ~

Wedding Update ~ Flowers & Rings --- CHECK!

2011-03-31T17:54:00.002-04:00

This past Sunday we went to meet with our wedding coordinator, Kelly, to pick out flowers.

When I say the words "wedding coordinator" it makes me feel like our wedding is some huge event where money is no object.

I mean think Wedding Planner.

Makes my simple wedding seem extravagant. And at times I have to remind her that we want it simple.... but other than that, Kelly has been WONDERFUL! A co-worker had originally recommended her to me and I am so glad I listened. If you hire her to do your flowers she will also be your coordinator for a very minimal fee.

Marine is all about the budget and even he saw this as a good deal. And for Mr. "we don't need favors" {overruled} and "we don't need a dance floor" {compromised} this is a big deal.

Based on pictures I have seen of previous weddings she has done we agreed to go with silk flowers. They are more affordable and the bouquets she made looked beautiful!

I had sworn to myself I wanted fresh flowers. I love the smell and look of fresh flowers. But I figured this would be a big way to save so we went for it.

Here is a picture of an arrangement she has done...

Looking at flowers was fun but who knew there were so many options!!!!

I don't even really know all the names of the flowers I picked..... is that bad?

The bridesmaids bouquets will be magnolia's with red hydrangea's mixed in for color.

Sounds weird but it looked really good together! At first I wasn't completly sold on the magnolia's but they were my mom's favorite and she said they were perfect for the "southern style" wedding we are having.

So this......

with a little this red.....

Sounds crazy. I know. But together it looked really pretty.

Now my bouquet is a mix of several things I liked. Can't even begin to tell you what the different flowers were. I'm so excited about seeing the finished project though!

Also this week Marine went and got our wedding bands. We had scoped out the ones we liked already but the owner of the local store was not in the day we went. Marine went back to speak with her, because let's face it Marine likes to haggle prices when he can. {My dad would so have loved him for this}. Which is good because it ended up saving us about $700. Go Marine!

The only downfall this week was that the guitar player Babbles had lined up for me to play during the ceremony fell thru. Which is ok. I'm going to compile a list of songs for the DJ to play, no big deal. The guitar player would have been charmingly romantic though.

This weekend is our His & Her's shower. It is going to be outdoor luau themed. This week has been so nasty and rainy I was a little worried, but luckily the forecast is now predicted to be sunny and 68. *Fingers Crossed* I'm excited. I'm weired, we already know this, but I'm looking forward to spending time with everyone more than I am the gifts. Don't get me wrong I'm excited about the gifts but all our friends stay so busy it's sometimes hard for all of us to get together. And lets face it I love my friends! lol

I'm still working on a few other cute ideas. Little Miss DIY I've become. And the new place is coming along great! Hopefully Saturday will also be our first night staying there. Marine spent the day putting down the new flooring in the bathroom and kitchen. It's starting to look more like a home. I promise I'll post pictures soon!! I'm waiting to knock your socks off though with the finished thing ;)

Phoebe: (Yelling) Monica I can't do it like this! This is my wedding! Okay, I don't want this (Mimes hand twirling gesture), or this (taps watch), or this (Mimes "cut" motion)Okay? I just wanted a simple wedding. Where my fiancé can

go to the bathroom anytime he wants!

~ Friends ~

P.I.N.T. What I Wish I Had Known...

2011-03-29T12:45:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth Taylors Impact On Myself & Little Red

2011-03-24T21:03:00.000-04:00

As a kid I can remember watching National Velvet for the first time.

I can remember falling in love with The Pie along with Velvet.

As a young girl who loved horses this was THE perfect movie. Hands down.

I remember after watching this movie changing my pony's name to Pie. Hey I was like 6. As a kid I had my show horse which I had to be all prim and proper with but my pony (who in actuality was a small horse), the pony was mine to do as I wish.

Needless to say Little Red a.k.a The Pie did not share my love. In fact I think he pretty much hated me.

Not that I can really blame him.

After watching National Velvet I decided that in order to be The Pie he must learn to jump.

I was 6 (maybe 7) and had no clue how to go about training a horse to jump.

That did not stop me from dragging out the two cinder blocks and a pvc pipe I found in the barn. I carefully set them up out in the field. I can remember the satisfaction I felt as I stood back and admired my newly made knee high jump.

The newly named Pie was out in the other field and he let me catch him easily........ the last time in which he would do so.

Of course I was 6 so I'm sure one of the guys that worked with my parents helped me saddle him up. I remember though taking my little English stirrups up when no one was in sight. I mean if we were going to do this we were going to do it right and I knew my knees needed to bent a little more for me to be like Velvet.

My mom would die at how I'm making it sound like I was unsupervised. They were at the barn, they checked on me often ---- probably even stood inside and watched out the window the entire time........ but I do know I was smart enough to wait till they were out of sight to aim Pie at the jump for the first time. Otherwise I would remember this story with my mothers panic scream in the background.

I circled like I had seen Velvet do. Increasing my speed slightly as I came out of the circle and headed for the jump.

I was leaned forward.

This was it.

I was ready.

In my mind we were racing across the English Countryside jumping hedges.

In reality Little Red grabbed the bit and dodged my home-made jump.

Clearly having not seen the movie he did not realize he was to play the role of The Pie.

I got him back under control and tried again. This time I rode in hands tight on the reins driving him straight.

I raised up ready for lift off and ****SCREECH*****.

Little Red slammed on the breaks and it took all I had to not go flying off.

With gritted teeth I turn him away from the jump.

I was never one to give up though and when it came to stubborn it was now a battle between me and Little Red.

I rode him around the field a minute as I tried to come up with a plan B.

Plan B turned out to be a riding crop.

I pushed Little Red into a canter and headed for the jump again.

This time I was ready. We were going to jump the hedge.

We approached the jump. I held him on course. When we were almost on it I dug my heals in and smacked him on the butt with the crop.

Weather he was admitting defeat or jumping from the crop Little Red at least made an attempt to jump.

He knocked the pvc pipe off. But that didn't keep me from smiling.

Now we were on the right track.

I dismounted and set the jump back up.

I spent probably the next hour transforming Little Red into The Pie.

I like to say I taught him to jump. Mom likes to say I ran poor Little Reds knees into that pipe so many times he learned to jump.

Needless to say after that day the newly named Pie never would let me catch him in less time than an hour and it would take three people to catch him.

Can't say I blame him though.

-----------------------------------------------------

Rest in peace Elizabeth Taylor. Thank you for teaching a young girl to dream big.

I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them.
Elizabeth Taylor

Wordless Wednesday ~ By The Light Of The Moon

2011-03-23T14:53:00.000-04:00

Post It Note Tuesday

2011-03-22T10:40:00.000-04:00

EAS --- WE MADE IT!

2011-03-18T14:50:00.000-04:00

Today is a wonderful day in my little corner of the world.

Today is Marine's EAS (End of Active Service) date.

Even though he got to come home early and use up his terminal leave days this is his official end of service date. I don't really know why I'm so excited about this.

Ok yes I do! lol It's because we made it! And yes I did say we since I went thru half of the time with him :) That count's right?

Happy Friday Everyone!

Luck of The Irish and Spring Fever

2011-03-17T14:22:00.000-04:00

I love spring.

I love everything about it.

I love the blue sky, the green grass, the light breeze, the warm sun.

I love the earth coming alive again after a winter of hibernation.

I don't even mind the allergies that come along with all this blooming because in reality it's small price to pay for the beauty that we are surrounded with.

Just outside my office

Now if the work clock would just pass a little more quickly so that I could get out and enjoy it!

Also.... HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!!!

Do you have your green on?

I sure do. And if I recall I may or may not have told Ford-Wife the other night after drinks that we had to celebrate tonight because I'm a leprechaun......................

See what happens when I drink?

Hey I'm short and I'm Irish so it's not totally unbelievable.

I would love to go out tonight for green beer, but unfortunately (or thankfully) I have to much work to do.

Remember that website job I told you about awhile back? Yeah I'm still not done with it. I decided to step away from the project a few days so I could then re-approach it with a clear mind.

Does that ever work for you?

Well it didn't for me.

Last night I opened it up and spent about an hour going in circles and getting nothing done.

I'm normally a creative person. I think best in the morning. By the end of the day all my creative energy is zapped.

Maybe that's it.

I'm also the type that gets bored easily. And I'm bored with this project. Maybe that's it. I'm bored with the dull pictures, etc.

Either way one thing I am not is a quitter.

So it will get done. Hopefully by this weekend. That's my new deadline to myself.

Wish me luck...... or maybe a miracle.

Or maybe both. Yeah both would be good.

I have people calling me left and right for little design jobs; flyers, t-shirts. It's great! I enjoy doing these jobs even though I know I don't charge enough. I can't say no either. It's like something in my body is coded so that I cannot say no.

But that has to stop. I still have to many wedding projects to finish! EEEK!!!

So last night was a first. I had someone ask me about a website job and I said no.

Ok thats I lie. I said not at the moment. I told them I would love to do it for them but that right now now my plates just to full and that I'm booked till May.

I'm such a kiss-@ss people pleaser I hated even saying that when in fact it was the truth.

Just so you can get an idea my plans for the weekend are:

Friday Night:

Painting the house so we can get it done hopefully soon
Designing a flyer and a t-shirt logo.

Saturday:

Saddle club event from 8 am till 11 am
Blondie's couple shower that I have to get to and start setting up by 12.
Stay for shower and clean up should be out of there by 5.
Taking Marine-Sis and Vixen to look for Bridesmaids dresses
Depending on time home more work on the house

Sunday:

Meeting wedding coordinator to get the flowers for the wedding
Working on Wedding programs
Working on and completing above mentioned website
Laying carpet in house if painting is done
Trip to Home Depot to order new flooring for Kitchen and Bathroom

Of course mixed with these things are the basics such as eating, sleeping, and taking of the horses.

Yeah to sum it up I'm really a Jack of All Trades a master of none!!

Maybe one day I'll get my act completely together.

"My life has a superb cast but I can't figure out the plot"

Ashleigh Brilliant

Also prayers to all those in Japan. I can't even begin to imagine what you must be going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you.