Plugging Along

My mom's surgery went really well! Thanks for the wishes and calls. We upgraded her to a private room and I really wish I would've taken pictures - it was THAT nice. It honestly was like a hotel room, but even better. It was fully carpeted, had a kitchen, windows along the entire room, a little sitting area with a pull-out couch and reclining chairs, and her own private bathroom and shower with real towels. They stock the refrigerator and everything. At dinner time, a man in a suit came up to take her order for dinner, then turned to me and asked what I'd like as well. It was insane! I didn't stay for dinner so I have no idea how the food actually was, but the service was excellent. If you ever have to be in the hospital for more than the day, request a suite! It was basically the cost of staying in a hotel for the night.

I hope everyone had a great holiday! I had a fantastic Christmas. We spent the morning with my family and then my mom came with Ian and I to Ian's parents house. Dinner was delicious and we had lots of laughs. Here are the gift highlights:

• GPS from my Dad and from Ian. My Dad gave it to me first (we got together with him before Christmas) and I knew instantly that Ian too had gotten me one - he was so sad. We ended up keeping the one Ian gave me as it got a bit better ratings. I am OBSESSED with it already and insist on using it even when just going to the grocery store. Although, it is a bit disturbing that two people got it for me - must mean I really get lost again!
• Vera Wang perfume - it's yummy
• Banana Republic Gift Cards - SOOOO excited to have gotten a few GCs from my mom and Ian's family
• Digital Camera - Ian's parents got us this and it's an awesome camera. I think we're going to return it and get a camcorder instead since we both already have a digital camera
• Cash from my brother and his gf - to be used towards the wedding, honeymoon, whatever!

I am trying to wrap up some more wedding details. My goal is to have decided on a DJ by January 1st. Not sure if it's going to happen - but oh how happy it would make me. I am starting to feel the stress of wedding planning and it is not a good feeling. I really just want to get these few details crossed off my list because some of them have just been dragging on way too long! I think I need to get motivated again to get these few things knocked out! Give me some motivationnnnnn!

On a good note, I got all of the STDs in their envelopes, addressed, and stamped. I will be sending them out on January 2nd. We're still missing a few addresses so we'll need to send out a 2nd batch to those people. That part was actually fun - it made things feel so official!

Today, I cooked a ton! I made homemade fudge, peanut butter balls, and chili. The fudge and peanut butter balls are for neighbors/friends. The chili is for us. I also went shopping for some food to make for our small holiday-party/reunion we do every year with my old friends. We are having it at our place so I cleaned a ton and got all of our gifts put away. We're shopping tomorrow to use some of our gift cards - YAY!

Also - heard back from my first law school. I am accepted into Baylor University. This is one of the schools that had been contacting me and waived my fee for applying. They sent me the letter of acceptance one day after receiving my application. I was shocked!

You're Too Young

I haven't been posting because work is kicking my butt at the moment. Today is my last day in the office until 2008! I have a lot to get done before then.

Monday night we headed to the mall at 9:30pm to finish our Christmas shopping. I got everything done except my goddaughter's present and my Dad's present. After we finished at 11 when the mall closed, we headed to our grocery store for our weekly grocery shopping. We quickly put everything away and were in bed by 12:30 - busy busy night!

I had a checkup with the doctor yesterday and I'm officially in regular tennis shoes. Also part of the doctor's orders: get a pedicure. I asked if it's because my feet really look that bad, but he said no, it will help my incision heal. I guess I'll be doing that next week on one of my days off - doctor's orders!

I haven't received the itineraries for Croatia or Hawaii yet. I'm excited to get those and then we can decide on that! I also haven't decided on the DJ yet. I'm going to talk to another one tonight maybe. I really just want to get that booked.

6 months from tomorrow is our wedding day - wahoo! So - onto the title of this post. Yesterday, a woman from work dropped something by my desk. We got to chatting and she was asking about my boot. We chit-chatted and then she asked when I had gotten engaged (she noticed the ring). She asked when the wedding is and when I replied "June", she gave me this weary look and said "oh wow - slow down, don't rush things, you're too young". That's not exactly what someone should say when you're already set the date. I also barely know this woman! Obviously, I asked "ummm, is there a story behind this". She said "well I just think you're way too young. You're fiance is only 27 - that's way to young for a guy. People change over the years and well, I just hope you guys can manage to change together. I was with my first husband for 10 years and I was too young to get married - in my early 20's."

Did anyone go through something similar when they were engaged? People just throwing out advice that is totally inappropriate and uncalled for? It really infuriated me that she would say that. She doesn't know me or Ian. I'm just saying that there was a time when a friend of ours got married and we both were like, hmmm, not really sure about this one (and don't worry, it's nobody that would ever read this blog), but it's not our place to make that decision for anyone or put that worry on them! Who knows, we could be 100% wrong about that couple, or 100% right, but either way, it's certainly not our place to say anything! Anyways - that made me an angry girl!

Tomorrow, I have off work because my mom is having surgery. She is getting the rest of her thyroid removed and will be in the hospital until Saturday. I have all hopes that all will go smoothly although my mom is freaking out quite a bit. She calls me yesterday to tell me that she's packed her will in her hospital bag. Way to think optimistically mom! My brother comes into town tonight to help out. We'll be taking care of her and her pups for the next couple weeks. It's going to be one busy Christmas season! Alex (Ian's brother) arrives on Saturday afternoon and is staying with us for a day or two before we take him to Ian's parents house. I have SO much cleaning to do tonight to get ready for all the festivities!

It's Beginning to look like Christmas

A quick weekend recap. Friday night we had Ian's parents down for some takeout. It was a lovely time and we talked lots about the wedding, Christmas plans, and poop. His parents really like fart/poop talk so inevitably the conversation turns there.

Saturday, I did not get up from the couch until about 6pm. I watched TV, reruns of movies, and took naps. Saturday night at 8:30, we headed to the mall to try to wrap up most of our Christmas shopping. I was able to get presents for my brother's gf, Ian's brother's gf, my mom, and ideas for the rest of the peeps. All in all, it was a success and I highly recommend going there late at night since the malls are staying open until 11. It was practically empty - just the way I like it!

Last night, we went with Maggie and her girls, Jean (her mom), and my mom to see Happy Holidays by Marvin Hamlisch. We had a fantastic time and I even got Ian to sing to the Christmas carols during the sing-along section of the program. It sounds like a cheesy affair, but it was well put-together and absolutely hilarious in some parts. If you ever have the chance to witness an orchestra led by Marvin, DO IT! He's a very kind and hilarious guy, not to mention extremely talented. My mom turned to Maggie in the middle of the performance and asked how much she thought it would be to hire the entire orchestra for the ceremony at my wedding. She cracks me up.

Also this weekend, we heard from our travel agent and she put together an itinerary for a possible honeymoon to Greece! Here it is:

• Athens for 2 days
• Santorini for 3 days http://www.volcanoview.com/
• Crete for 4 days http://www.minoapalace-chania.gr/
• Back to London or Athens for 1 night and fly home the next day

The links are to possible properties where we might stay. They are nice resorts. The rooms themselves aren't amazing - just standard. But I feel like since we're going farther for the honeymoon, and it costs more to get there, that we'll probably have to stay in more standard rooms. I think it's a toss-up. Go some place closer, stay in nicer rooms or a suite, or go further and stay in nice resorts in standard rooms. I feel as though I'd prefer to have nice scenery in a romantic location we've never been since we'll be spending most of our time on the beach, outside, etc. What do you think?

We're also having her come up with possible trips to Croatia, Italy and Hawaii. We like options!

Applications Done

I am sorry I haven't posted much. Three nights ago we decorated our tree while listening to Christmas music. It was very cheesy and cute and fun all in one. Here is a picture of Tessa and Ian in front of the finished product!



I had my first day of therapy on Wednesday and wowza, it was not the most comfortable and yesterday, I was in a whole lot of pain! I just had another day of therapy today and I was not a happy camper. I am not even walking on it yet and they put me on a bike today for 5 minutes - ouch! They make me move it all around which hurts, then push it and pull at it, then massage it (which sounds nice and relaxing but hurts like whoa), then put electric stimulation on it and pack it with ice for 15 minutes.

We received our printed Save-the-Date cards yesterday!! We had heard mixed-reviews about VistaPrint after Lauren had placed our order, so I was anxious to see how they came out. I love them! Minor issue is that they way they were cut means that one of the sides has more picture between the pink border and the end of the card than the other side does. I'm sure nobody else would even notice it - it's that little of a difference. No big deal in the end. Overall, I'm very happy with them especially for the price. We will be stuffing the envelopes and getting them addressed so they are ready to be sent out right after the New Year. We're waiting until after the New Year so that they don't get mixed in with everyone's holiday cards.

So the title of today's post has to do with my law school applications. They are officially DONE! I submitted all except three of them last night! Now I'll start my impatient checking of applications - it's an obsession I think. I really am so unbelievably impatient that I will check the application status about 5 times per day (on a good day!).

Tonight, Ian's parents are coming down to our house for some take-out. I hope I don't fall asleep at the table! Sunday, we are going to some Christmas show with Maggie at the Kennedy Center. Should be fun!

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Don't fall on the ice.

Not Sleeping

I am very very tired. The past several nights, I have not been able to fall asleep easily. I was up until 1am last night. This is bothering me a lot as normally, I am the type of person that puts her head on the pillow and is out. I think this is related to the following factors:

1. Our house is a MESS. With me not being able to help much, Ian is doing the best he can to take care of me, Tessa, and still stay sane. So that being said, he just cannot keep up with all of it! Mainly, my laundry pile is OUT OF CONTROL. These are the times I miss living at home where my mom could do my laundry in a standard size washer/dryer.


2. I'm tired of having people help me do everything. I get to work, have to call someone to come help me carry my bag. I get home and have to wait to eat even if I'm hungry because I need Ian to help make my food. I need help heating my lunch, refilling my water, etc. It'll be over soon and I know I shouldn't complain - but I'm impatient - I can't help it.


3. Wedding stress. We need to book our honeymoon travel by January 1st as prices will go up after that. We have a travel agent and all we need to tell her is WHERE WE WANT TO GO! We still can't decide. We also need to figure out if we can borrow miles from one of our parents to pay for one of our flights because apparently, going to Europe in June is going to be a very expensive trip and it would help a lot to have miles for at least one flight. We also need to book the DJ in the next few days.
   
4. Christmas present stress. Because of being a gimp, I can't go to a mall or store to get shopping done. I've tried to do most of it online. We still need gifts for my mom, brother, my Dad, Ian's Dad, Ian's brother. That's a whole lot of people! We have some presents for each of them (except Ian's brother - who has given no clues as to what he might like!! - Alex, if you're reading this, give me some ideas dork!). I normally am all finished my shopping by this late in December because I HATE crowds.

Okay enough venting. Hopefully we'll get some of this stuff done quickly so I can start sleeping again.

I came across Shana Eden who recently had her wedding at our location, The Westin Grand! Here are her pictures from the evening:

I love the fabric running from pillar to pillar - it adds something to the room. She also did some lighting effects that I love - we are looking into this as I hear it's fairly inexpensive.

Also, in her vendor review section, she raves about the food there which makes me very happy!

I just booked our car for the wedding day. Here is a picture of what it will look like:

And a better picture here:

This car will pick me up at the hotel, take me to the church, and then take Ian and I back to the hotel after the ceremony. Very excited!

Weekend in Review

I cannot tell you how good Avenue Q was! Ian and I had fantastic seats in the 2nd row and the people in my row were super nice to slide down 2 to let me have the end seat. Quite frankly, I would've had to crawl over each of their laps had they said no and I probably would've jabbed someone with the crutch by accident.


Those of you thinking of going to see it, BUY YOUR TICKETS! It was nothing I would've expected. A lot more vulgar/racey than I would've thought a puppet could ever be. A brief synopsis without giving anything away is that there are a bunch of characters (all but 3 of them are puppets) who live on Avenue Q, are in their 20's and it's about finding their places in the real world. There is a ton of humor, they poke fun at all ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientation choices. We are now thinking that maybe we'll buy two tickets as a Christmas present for Ian's parents. Although - I might want to steal them and go see it again! We were very sad when it was over.


We had my Christmas party on Saturday afternoon. I wish I had taken pictures because I think that's the only way to get a real feel for what it was like. I felt like I was in another world. It was in a tent at the Kennedy Center and the first thing we noticed were the arobatic people hanging from the ceiling of the tent in these crazy costumes. If you've ever seen Cirque du Soleil, it was more like that type of entertainment than say, a regular Barnum & Bailey circus. The food was YUMMY and they gave each family a snowman kit with the wooden eyes, nose, buttons, a felt hat with hollyon it, the scarf and something else that I'm forgetting - maybe the mittens? Ian fussed at me for taking one because he thinks it would've been nice for a family with more than one kid to get an extra one - but I can't help it - when you see free stuff, you take it!! We'll give it away to my godkids or something.


We got our Christmas tree on Saturday!! We got it up and it looks and smells like winter. We need to decorate it this week. We were just too tired to decorate it after all of our events this weekend.


Last night, I interviewed Marc Wilner from Bialek's. He is the 2nd DJ we've interviewed from there. I liked him quite a bit. We have one more DJ to interview before we make our decision. I am stressed out about this because I really liked Chris Laich - he was super professional, he gets tons of rave reviews on theknot wedding boards, and he just seemed super easy to work with. I feel like the DJ can make or break the atmosphere and it is super important to us that everyone be on the dance floor, that the DJ doesn't say anything on the microphone unless we've asked him to, and that he can really read the crowd. I felt like Marc was great and seemed easy to work with - but I felt like he was more about the mic than I'd like, and I haven't heard any reviews (good or bad) about him. I've posted the wedding boards to see if anyone has used him, but haven't gotten any response. I would just go with Chris, but he is significantly more money (about double). Any thoughts??


We are having square tables that seat 12 people each and are planning on having some tables with low centerpieces and some tables with tall centerpieces. Here are some wedding pictures that are centerpiece ideas:

I like the lower vase on the picture below:

Oh Christmas Tree

Last night, Sarah and Carlton picked up dinner and came over where we had some good indian food, watched Grey's and at commercials watched the Redskins finally win one. I felt that last night's Grey's was slightly more exciting than the rest of the season. Has anyone else been disappointed with it this season? Anyways, we always have such a great time with those two - they're a riot!


For all those makeup recommendations - yes! I want the contact info!


The bridesmaids are ordering their dresses this weekend. Very excited! It looks like Leah, Lewis, Annie and Stacy all are ordering the strapless dress:



I don't know what Bridget is going with - she's going to check them out this weekend.


Lauren is going with this one (but in black):

Abby is wearing this one - but slightly altered to be a bit more covered up since she's only 12 - also in black:

And I think Maggie is going with this one (looks much better in person than on the model here!):

I'm having an issue right now - I feel like I've already posted these pictures - if I have then just forget about it. Yikes! I feel like my mom right now (sorry mom!).

This weekend I think we are getting our Christmas tree. I am VERY excited to pull out the decorations and Christmas music so we can decorate our tree.

We also are getting Tessa back for good! She has been at my mom's house for 2 weeks now and we've missed her a lot. We were going through dog withdrawal so we made Sarah and Carlton bring there 9 pound little pup, Chaz. He's so cute! He was wearing his Christmas costume - and was prancing around and also likes giving wet-willies and trying to french kiss. Fun times!

We have my company party tomorrow at the Kennedy Center. I'm pretty excited about it because normally we don't do a company party since our company has thousands of employees. But this year, we got a new CEO which means lots of new things. They will have all kinds of entertainment, food, and spirits. Sunday, we are going to see Avenue Q at National Theatre in DC. I've heard rave reviews and am quite excited to see it! My mom got us great seats as my birthday present.

I came across this cake - how awesome is it?!

Have a great weekend:)

Back to Work

Thank you for reassuring me that I'm not super behind! It's still stressing me out a bit though.

Yesterday, I went to the doctors where the rest of my staples were removed and I was given the OK to go back to work. So today, I was back to work for the most part (unless my foot starts bothering me or I get too tired). I am TIRED after being there for about 6 hours. I had to leave and come home to put my foot up.

We watched The Nanny Diaries last night. I read the book and was not as happy with the movie as I was with the book. It was okay. Some parts were very strange but other parts were quite humorous - like this part:

"Why aren't you shaking your booty" (to the little boy)
Little Boy's response "Because I have to make a doodie."

Ian laughed for 10 minutes about that one.

Sarah and Carlton are coming over for dinner tonight and bringing us takeout dinner and then watching Grey's. They are also bringing little Chaz (their adorable little pup) since we are dogless and going through withdrawal!

Any recommendations for makeup artists in DC for wedding makeup??

Holy Cow!

I was up very late last night. I finished my personal statement for law school applications around 10pm and went to send it to my mom for one more set of eyes spell/grammar checking it. When I went to attach it to the email, it wasn't there! ALL of my documents in the "my documents" folder on my work computer were GONE! I freaked out and after about 2 hours found them on the shared network, but still don't know where they are hiding. So at least I can get to them! This would've been disastrous - all of my pictures, work documents, and personal documents (wedding stuff too!) were there. I'm very lucky they didn't get erased!


I am going to post new pictures of the ankle as it's progressing well - but I'll do that at the end of the post so that those of you who do not want to see it don't have to.


I came across June08BrideJC while looking at the DC posts and she is the first bride I've seen that has the same wedding date as me! And oh my gosh - she has EVERYTHING done already. Should I be worried? Should I have a lot more done? She literally already has her invitations and honeymoon booked - every vendor is already booked! I'M SCARED! Here is my list of what I have done:

• Ceremony location
• Reception Location
• Month-of-Coordinator
• Photographer
• In the process of booking our Rolls-Royce
• Room Block
• Save-the-Date cards are being ordered tonight or tomorrow
• Hair person booked

We're in the process of trying to finalize our interviews with the DJs - so hopefully that will be done in the next week as well. My mom is coming over tonight to finalize the videographer. Next up is the florist and cake. What am I missing?! I need to do invitations still, and we need to book our honeymoon - oh but right, first we have to DECIDE on our honeymoon!

Besides that knottie having everything done already, she has some very cute ideas! She also is incorporating hot pink but is doing oranges with the hot pink. I love her cake topper, the bows on the chairs, and the cake table idea. Check them out! I tried posting the pictures of them but my computer is being weird.

Here is the picture of the ankle at day 11 after surgery:

Wait and See

I am not going to tell anyone which one we choose - you'll find out in the mail within a few weeks!!


I've started looking through knottie bios for pictures of inspiration for hair, makeup, flowers, cakes, decorations, little touches, photo shots, etc. I've decided I will try to focus on one of these pages per day if I find something I like! While looking through these pages, I came across FloridaHoya. She had a spectacular (what seems to be outrageously expensive) wedding. She hired Rodney Bailey as her photographer, who we actually looked at but decided against because of how expensive he is (packages start at $5,500, which normally doesn't include very much, and typically the packages can go up another 5-10k depending on what you choose!). I liked some of her little touches, but came across her invitations and love them! Here they are!



She has more pictures of it so check it out. I, of course, would have to throw in a little hot pink - just some subtle touches for color. Additionally, this bride did something I LOVE. She had a pair of shoes for the ceremony and a fun pair of shoes for the reception. I love that she wears these for the reception:

I am really trying to find some hot pink heels to wear for the day! I love the idea of being in all white except for the shoes. If you come across any while doing some online shopping, send me the link!

Save-the-Date Choices

Happy Monday Morning!


How was everyone's weekend? I watched 3 movies this weekend: 1) Oceans Thirteen - loved it! 2) License to Wed - liked it and 3) I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry - was iffy on it, as there were certainly some funny parts but it was kind of stupid.


Other than watching movies I didn't do much. But, onto more fun things! Lauren finished up our Save-the-Date designs and I need your help deciding which one to use. I won't give our opinion until after I get yours! Here they are:

I love both of them! Lauren did an amazing job on them - I can't wait to see what she has in store for our invitations!

These turned out better than using the pictures from my ex-friend!! Ha - take that!