Tomorrow's the day all our friends and family are coming in for our wedding reception this weekend. I am so-damn-excited I can barely contain myself! Everyday I think about someone coming in for whom I haven't seen in months or years ... I about bounce out of my seat with joy!
I've been talking with my Mom about 3 times a day (minimum) this week as we count down to their trip to Cities. This will be my parents first trip to Minnesota without a little one (grandbaby Brookie) or my brother and sister. I feel like a selfish kid saying this, but it's going to be great to have my parents attention all to myself!
My Mom's been saying the funniest stuff to me this week about the party. On Monday, she text me saying -
Mom: Have to go to XYZ Store tonight & buy something to wear. I'm thinking sequins...
Me: Sequins? I think not. It's not that kind of party.
Mom: Sure it is, we're celebrating your marriage ... I want to look good.
Me: Um, no sequins.
Mom: Ha, ha. You're so guilible!
Today she text me ...
Mom: Is there going 2 b any bars w/ bands Sat night 4 dancing, cutting loose and beverages?
Me: You're funny! We were thinking about Octoberfest at Gastov's. (Is she being serious?)
...............
How funny is that?! We're going to have so much fun this weekend.
Tonight, Andi and I are meeting at 526 Gallery to set up the room. We won't have any of the tables, but we do have all of our photos printed and ready to hang. We have over 250 images! I'm not sure how we'll hang them all. I'm sure my Superman Husband will figure it out! The goal is to get most of it set up tonight so we don't have to do it tomorrow / Saturday when our family and friends are here.
Huskers are on tonight too! Go NU - beat Missou!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
God & Money Update
If you'll remember, Andi and I signed up for a 10-week Biblical Financial Study (aka: God & Money class) at our church a few weeks ago. We meet every Wednesday night for two hours to review the way God sees us utilizing the wealth & possessions He's given us.
After the first meeting, Andi and I were a little unsure about the class. It's a small group comprised of one 50's-something couple and an a father/daughter duo who's ages are roughly late 40's to 21. Because we're all at such different life places, Andi and I weren't sure we could really relate to the group. Additionally, we were both a little intimidated to be part of a bible study where you're "put on the spot" regarding your biblical knowledge. Simple things like reading a verse from the Bible made both Andi and I feel stupid for not knowing the books of the Bible by heart like everyone else.
Following class #2 last week, we both had an epiphany. Who cares what other people think about us! Isn't the important thing that we're actually GOING to a Bible study and LEARNING about God and His wants/needs for us? Isn't the point of the class to BETTER our marriage and make sure we're starting this life path with a good, solid fountation? I think so.
So, with that in mind, the class has taken on an entirely different feeling for us. I actually love being in a bible study now. It's really empowering to surround yourself with good, honest people who share the same ideals as you. And, already the class has helped Andi and I make smarter choices about our finances. OK, so I can't exactly say that we've saved a bunch of money or the class has helped us avoid some major financial disaster (yet!). But we've had more converstations about the future of our finances in the last two weeks that we ever have. And just last weekend at Target we BOTH put things back on the shelf because we didn't really need them. Unpressured consideration. Just a "eh, I don't really need this." I'm not sure if a $15 sweater can really make a difference, but it all adds up, right.
We didn't combine our finances like other couples might do after the wedding. We took the "if it ain't broke ..." mentality since we've lived together for 3 years and coodinated money to this point without issue. I think the class has helped each of us remember that it isn't all about ME anymore. Andi's in the market for a new car as his lease is running out in January. We were both on different wave lengths regarding how much the monthly payment should be and how it affects our finances. Before, I think Andi would have made his decision solely based on his thoughts of HIS financial situation. But now, after starting the class, we sat down and talked about each of our financial goals for the next 3-5 years and where we'd like OUR money to go. Unchartered territory for us newlyweds, but so far the support of God and our church has made the transition smooth.
Tonight's class #3 where we're discussing debt. We responsible for completing a few questions in a workbook and memorizing a bible verse. As I was completing my homework last night, I was taken back by all God has to say about life situations. Ever think you're faced with a difficult decision and not sure what to do? God's answer is in the Bible; I just never how speific the Bible referenced various life situations before. I'm just amazed by it.
After the first meeting, Andi and I were a little unsure about the class. It's a small group comprised of one 50's-something couple and an a father/daughter duo who's ages are roughly late 40's to 21. Because we're all at such different life places, Andi and I weren't sure we could really relate to the group. Additionally, we were both a little intimidated to be part of a bible study where you're "put on the spot" regarding your biblical knowledge. Simple things like reading a verse from the Bible made both Andi and I feel stupid for not knowing the books of the Bible by heart like everyone else.
Following class #2 last week, we both had an epiphany. Who cares what other people think about us! Isn't the important thing that we're actually GOING to a Bible study and LEARNING about God and His wants/needs for us? Isn't the point of the class to BETTER our marriage and make sure we're starting this life path with a good, solid fountation? I think so.
So, with that in mind, the class has taken on an entirely different feeling for us. I actually love being in a bible study now. It's really empowering to surround yourself with good, honest people who share the same ideals as you. And, already the class has helped Andi and I make smarter choices about our finances. OK, so I can't exactly say that we've saved a bunch of money or the class has helped us avoid some major financial disaster (yet!). But we've had more converstations about the future of our finances in the last two weeks that we ever have. And just last weekend at Target we BOTH put things back on the shelf because we didn't really need them. Unpressured consideration. Just a "eh, I don't really need this." I'm not sure if a $15 sweater can really make a difference, but it all adds up, right.
We didn't combine our finances like other couples might do after the wedding. We took the "if it ain't broke ..." mentality since we've lived together for 3 years and coodinated money to this point without issue. I think the class has helped each of us remember that it isn't all about ME anymore. Andi's in the market for a new car as his lease is running out in January. We were both on different wave lengths regarding how much the monthly payment should be and how it affects our finances. Before, I think Andi would have made his decision solely based on his thoughts of HIS financial situation. But now, after starting the class, we sat down and talked about each of our financial goals for the next 3-5 years and where we'd like OUR money to go. Unchartered territory for us newlyweds, but so far the support of God and our church has made the transition smooth.
Tonight's class #3 where we're discussing debt. We responsible for completing a few questions in a workbook and memorizing a bible verse. As I was completing my homework last night, I was taken back by all God has to say about life situations. Ever think you're faced with a difficult decision and not sure what to do? God's answer is in the Bible; I just never how speific the Bible referenced various life situations before. I'm just amazed by it.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Andi the Great
What a lucky girl I am to have such a wonderful husband!
It's 4 days until our wedding reception and I've barely had to do anything to prepare. Andi's taken care of everything - which in my book, is the best present ever!
Here's what he's done so far:
It's 4 days until our wedding reception and I've barely had to do anything to prepare. Andi's taken care of everything - which in my book, is the best present ever!
Here's what he's done so far:
- Booked and paid for the reception site (526 Gallery)
- Reserved cocktail tables and linens
- Researched and booked a dessert caterer
- Sourced donated beverages / purchased liquor
- Met with the printer & organized wall art (our wedding photos)
- Purchased table decorations & candles
- Created wedding videos of our photos to play during the reception
Here's what I've done:
- Confirmed reception site (yep, this looks good)
- Picked out photos for the videos/wall art
- ...watched Andi do a fab job of planning our party!
I'm so thankful to have such a creative, organized, loving husband who's willing to do all of this. It makes my life so much easier not to have all the stress of planning. What a wonderful husband!
All our friends and family are arriving on Friday and I am SO EXCITED! I wish the weather would hold up, but unfortunately they're forecasting 49 degrees and rain. Damn Minnesota weather. We'll still have a great time celebrating our marriage with our loved ones! Yay!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
TGISnight
THANK GOODNESS IT'S SATURDAY (night).
This was quite possibly, the longest week of my life. You know the ones where you swear it's Thursday when it's only Tuesday and fantasize about the end of the week when you'll finally be able to pull on your favorite pair of pajama pants and crawl into bed to relax. This was another six day work week - urgh (Gopher football game today) and I'm so glad it's over. Oh by the way, there's that little thing called "my car getting slammed by a careless driver who decided to not yield at the triangular-shaped sign before her" thing that also happened this week which does not make me in a good mood. And I'm PMSing. So bite me. I'm exhaused, not in the mood for your shit and oh, so thankful Saturday night is finally here.
[Insert gin & tonic #1 -- thank you husband for making me one]
[Insert gin & tonic #2 -- feeling better, thank you husband for making me two]
Deep breath in. Deep breath out.
On to things I'm looking forward to now that my weekend has officially begun:
ONE: I actually get to take a day OFF next week for working today (Saturday). My parents, bff Ashley (and husband Neal), aunt & uncle and cousins Jen & Zach are coming to town on Friday for my wedding reception next weekend. I'm taking Friday off to hang with them and get ready for the party. Wahoo!
TWO: I drastically need to manicure my nails. Yikes. My fingernails are so long it looks like I could very easily be growing coke nails (don't worry, I'm not) and my toenails are lifelessly hanging onto every last chip of polish left on them. Ick. Remember the days of college where you could literally paint your nails every night (or at least before every weekend) because you had nothing better to do than primp for your social calendar? Oh, those days...but I digress.
This weekend, I'm devoting some much needed attention to my fingers and toes.
THREE: I love you, husband - please do not be offended. Tonight, I get to hang out all by myself and I can't wait. Andi's going to his class reunion with a friend and I'm staying home to veg out, paint my nails and catch up on two weeks worth of US Weekly magazines. It's gonna be great.
eeerk! Scratch that, just got off the phone with my girlfriend Julie. Instead, I'm heading over to her house tonight to catch up on girl talk and drink gin & tonics (for me) and apple cider (for her... as she is expecting a little one). That's even better.
FOUR: Sunday funday. Nothing planned tomorrow which means I can relax, clean my house and enjoy Sunday Football with the best of them. Oh, and I just learned my friend Marcie is going to be in town tomorrow, so I'll be able to catch up with her after not seeing her for over a year now.
FIVE: Watching the Vikes play Green Bay on Monday night with my friend Jorge, which'll be fun. I LOVE football season (minus the games I actually work at; including the games I get to drink beer and get silly).
Weekend: thank you for arriving. I'm glad you're finally here ... and now, off to enjoy it!
This was quite possibly, the longest week of my life. You know the ones where you swear it's Thursday when it's only Tuesday and fantasize about the end of the week when you'll finally be able to pull on your favorite pair of pajama pants and crawl into bed to relax. This was another six day work week - urgh (Gopher football game today) and I'm so glad it's over. Oh by the way, there's that little thing called "my car getting slammed by a careless driver who decided to not yield at the triangular-shaped sign before her" thing that also happened this week which does not make me in a good mood. And I'm PMSing. So bite me. I'm exhaused, not in the mood for your shit and oh, so thankful Saturday night is finally here.
[Insert gin & tonic #1 -- thank you husband for making me one]
[Insert gin & tonic #2 -- feeling better, thank you husband for making me two]
Deep breath in. Deep breath out.
On to things I'm looking forward to now that my weekend has officially begun:
ONE: I actually get to take a day OFF next week for working today (Saturday). My parents, bff Ashley (and husband Neal), aunt & uncle and cousins Jen & Zach are coming to town on Friday for my wedding reception next weekend. I'm taking Friday off to hang with them and get ready for the party. Wahoo!
TWO: I drastically need to manicure my nails. Yikes. My fingernails are so long it looks like I could very easily be growing coke nails (don't worry, I'm not) and my toenails are lifelessly hanging onto every last chip of polish left on them. Ick. Remember the days of college where you could literally paint your nails every night (or at least before every weekend) because you had nothing better to do than primp for your social calendar? Oh, those days...but I digress.
This weekend, I'm devoting some much needed attention to my fingers and toes.
THREE: I love you, husband - please do not be offended. Tonight, I get to hang out all by myself and I can't wait. Andi's going to his class reunion with a friend and I'm staying home to veg out, paint my nails and catch up on two weeks worth of US Weekly magazines. It's gonna be great.
eeerk! Scratch that, just got off the phone with my girlfriend Julie. Instead, I'm heading over to her house tonight to catch up on girl talk and drink gin & tonics (for me) and apple cider (for her... as she is expecting a little one). That's even better.
FOUR: Sunday funday. Nothing planned tomorrow which means I can relax, clean my house and enjoy Sunday Football with the best of them. Oh, and I just learned my friend Marcie is going to be in town tomorrow, so I'll be able to catch up with her after not seeing her for over a year now.
FIVE: Watching the Vikes play Green Bay on Monday night with my friend Jorge, which'll be fun. I LOVE football season (minus the games I actually work at; including the games I get to drink beer and get silly).
Weekend: thank you for arriving. I'm glad you're finally here ... and now, off to enjoy it!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
13 Things
I'm a sucker for those "Get to Know Me" email forwards. I saw this one on another blog and thought I'd give it a whirl:
13 Things You Might Like to Know About Me
ONE. I'm not as snotty as I seem. Eh, sounds a little strange to hear myself say that as I read over my typing ... but it's true. I've had a few people say this to me after we've become friends or started dating. I guess it's because I never try to fake it out when I meet someone new. I mean, I am who I am and you like it or you don't. I could try to change it, but then I'd be changing who I am ... and I'm just not willing to do that. No offense meant to you - I'm just not the "OMG! It's so good to meet you!" type of girl.
THREE. I'm a sucker for babies. My heart practically melts everytime I see one. Last night, I hung out with my friend Julie and her 2 year-old son Joel. For most, spending a Saturday night with a toddler may give you a strong desire for birth control. Me? The opposite. I loved it. So cute. I can't wait to have one of my own.
FOUR. I woudn't call myself an airhead, but just let's say there's some interesting things that pop into this brain of mine. It may be a combo pack of gullibility and speaking before thinking. That's why I named this blog "Live Inside My Bubble." Both Andi and my Mom often comment on what it'd be like to live inside this head of mine. To them I say: Come on in, the water's warm.
FIVE. I'm obsessed with celebrity gossip (and with this comes reality TV, entertainment shows and celeb websites). I love the way you can immediately escape into someone else's life and find it intestesting to see how other people think, act and react to everyday life situations. Sometimes, my obsession becomes a little too obsessed. I have dreams about celebs - like we're shopping together or going on couples date nights. Hey, don't judge. See #4.
SIX. Which leads me to my obsession with blogs and Facebook. Very much like TMZ or People.com but re: people I actually know. It's the best way to stay in touch (without staying in too-much touch) and so interesting to see how everyday people in this little world of ours are living it. Andi went to his class reunion last night and couldn't believe how everyone there knew EVERYTHING about our life. Andi:"Just got married" - Classmate: "Yea I knew that, saw your pics on Facebook." A: "Went to Thailand recently" - C: "Yep, knew that too. Your photos were amazing." A: "Started my own business recently" - C: "Yea, congrats saw that post on Facebook." Crazy how close (and yet so distant) technology has brought us all.
SEVEN. I like boys better than girls. I always have. In most cases, they're easier to talk to and usually more fun. There's never as much catty drama. I like sports and drinking beer. I dislike fakeness (see #1) and girly stuff like leopard print and frilly flower arrangements. Although, I have to say as I grow older my friend circle has really begun to change. I think getting married, settling down and starting a family really brings women together.
EIGHT. I still have my childhood blankie. Hey! Don't laugh, it's comforting and soft and we've been through a lot together over the years. I'm lucky to have a husband who doesn't mind sharing a bed with it.
NINE. I was born on Friday the 13th. Creepy, I know. Creepier yet? It was 85 degrees on that glorious February day in Nebraska. Followed by a blizzard the following week. That may explain the crazy way I'm wired (see #4).
TEN. Speaking of, I'm kind of obsessed with Nebraska. I mean, I don't want to live there anymore; I love Minnesota and my life here, but there's something about that state that is bred into me. What do they say, "you can take the girl out of Nebraska, but you can't take Nebraska out of the girl?"
ELEVEN. My internal temperature is broken. I'm ALWAYS cold. No matter what. Which is why I transplanted myself in Minnesota?? (quite possibly the coldest place on Earth). In the summertime I use my heated seats. How do I survive the winters? Layers and lots of them. Just last night Andi said, "Man, six more months before I see your skin again." Good luck ... it's in here under layers of t-shirts, hoody sweatshirts, down vests and slippers.
TWELVE. Never loved to travel until I met my hubby and now it's my absolute FAVORITE thing to do. All I can think about on the way home from a trip is where our next adventure will be. I never, ever knew this part about me existed until I met Andi ... and now, I crave it. Next trip: Nebraska in October (which doesn't really count) and a New Year's trip to TBD location (preferably with a beach)
THIRTEEN. I'm a wee bit anal when it comes to my stuff. I like the dishwasher loaded a certain way, the laundry organized how I like it and bath towels folded with the pretty fold out (no ends showing). I hate when there's food left in the sink and water left by the faucet after someone's washed dishes or their hands. My mom says this will get old about Year 15 of having to do everything myself because no one does it better. And it might. But as of now, Andi and I have a rule. Let me do it how I like it. By the way - he likes that rule just fine.
There. That's it. My biggest, deepest quirks. Still love me?
A "not so good day" for the Jetta
It's 8:00am this morning. I'm pulling out of my alley and, for some reason, decided to take Snelling Ave instead of Fairview (my usual route). I'm not sure why.
As I was turning from Snelling to Como Ave, I thought to myself "why did I go this way today; it feels weird to drive a different way to work."
As I passed the St. Paul Campus on Como Ave, I remembered I needed to stop by the Student Union to take measurements of a countertop for a new food concept we're adding at work. "I'll do that now since I have a few extra minutes." It's 8:30am by now.
All of a sudden, I see a car blaring at me down the street. It's not slowing down at the Yield sign in front of it. I gunned it to avoid collision as I was already entering the intersection. BAM! I feel the impact of another car slamming into the back driver's side corner of mine.
The accident spun my car 180 degrees and I landed against a curb. It's pouring rain and I can't really see anything except a young girl getting out of her car. She comes over to me to make sure I'm OK. I'm fine - no injuries; more pissed at the situation I find myself in.
I called the police and exchanged information with the other driver. We waited for the police report for the next hour. The rain had stopped so I got out to get a closer look at the damage. It wasn't good. My bumper was hanging off. The other car's license plate stuck into my car. My wheel / axel was bent and the side of my car dented. Obviously not drivable so I called a tow truck to take my car to the auto body shop.
Bottom line, I'm glad we're both OK. My neck and shoulder are progressively becoming sore today. Andi thinks I should go to the doctor tomorrow just in case. I think I probably will just to cover my bases.
Bottom line, I'm glad we're both OK. My neck and shoulder are progressively becoming sore today. Andi thinks I should go to the doctor tomorrow just in case. I think I probably will just to cover my bases.
The pics don't do the damage to my Jetta justice. You can't really gather the dimension of the wheel bend and damage to the axel. While the estimate of damage hasn't come back from the shop yet, they roughly gauged it over $6,000. Thank goodness for insurance.
The worse part about accidents is the headache of insurance claims and being without a vehicle. I got a rental car this afternoon (which my insurance tells me I won't have to pay for since the accident wasn't my fault). As nice as it is to have a vehicle to drive, it's just a pain to deal with the situation all together.
Thanks to my wonderful friend Suzanne and husband Andi for hauling me around today. There are definintely worse things in life ... but this is not how I anticipated my Thursday shaking out as I left for work this morning.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Dress Me: Wedding Reception (the winner!)
My wedding reception dresses came in the mail today. I carefully tried on each one and easily decided which one I'm going to wear next Friday. The black ones wins by a long shot.
It fits good, is cute and comfortable. Perfect for the party.
The long sleeve sweater dress was a close second. It's cute too, but not as form fitting. I might bust it out if God dumps 12 inches of snow on the ground between now and then. Otherwise, black wins.
I'll keep the turtleneck sweater dresses and wear it to work and church (it was too all-business for my wedding reception). Pretty impressive buy all together -- 3 dresses for $90!
OK friends ... so the big question, what should I wear with the dress? It's short sleeve so should I wear a pashmina with it? I have a green one. What shoes should I wear? A cute, fun heel or boots and tights? Do you like the necklace the model is wearing? I have one similar to that ...
HELP!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)