marginalia by amy

Bad Amy.

2011-04-04T19:09:00.000-04:00

I have become the world's worst blogger. I don't know what happened. I don't want to shut down my blog, but for some reason, I'm struggling to keep up. It's not that I don't want to write. But when I fall behind, I get bummed that I'm missing out on blogging about fun things in life. And then I can't catch up. And...

Anxiety.

A Peek.

2010-12-13T20:15:00.000-05:00

I'm peeking my head back inside my own blog a little sheepishly. I'm ashamed that I left it, and all of my bloggy friends, without notice, and for over three months.

I am so sincerely sorry.

Really, I have no excuse. Except that some things happened that made the blog get away from me, and then, as with many things in life, once I'd begun to neglect it, I had more and more difficulty returning.

I was scared. What was I going to say to you all? How was I going to explain my absence? Could I really make up for three months of no updates?

I'm really not sure. I guess that's up to you all to decide.

I'm also disappointed in myself that I haven't been blogging because I've had an incredibly eventful few months and won't be able to recall it all in retrospect the way I would have if I'd been keeping up with things.

So, here's a very incomplete list of the highlights—both good and bad—of the past three months:

I broke my foot. "Ouch" doesn't even begin to describe it.
Subsequently, I hobbled around in a walking cast for nine weeks.
That means that for about 12 straight weeks, I pouted and felt sorry for myself and my foot. (Oh, yeah. It was broken for three weeks before I went to an orthopaedic physician and got an x-ray.)
I started back at my second year of grad school.
I returned to my "normal," non-internship job.
Fiance and I had season tickets to all the home football games for my grad school, including a game on December 4, where we sat outside in the heavily falling snow for more than five hours.
We got pumpkins and I attempted to navigate a corn maze in my boot. Not my best life choice ever.
We celebrated Fiance's birthday.
I was a very supportive fiancee and tagged along at numerous events for the bands Fiance teaches.
We had our engagement photos taken.
My bridesmaids and I continued the search for bridesmaid dresses.
I also shopped for bridesmaids dresses for Bridesmaid C.'s own wedding.
I struggled (and am still struggling) with the recent passing of my amazing cousin, Jeff, who fought cancer for 21 months and is now at home with the Lord.
I spent some quality time with family over Thanksgiving, despite some of that time taking place at Jeff's memorial service.
I wrapped up a quarter of grad school, which means I'm 67% through to my master's.
I am so ready (and not ready) for Christmas.

Okay, as I said, that's not at all a comprehensive list. And it saddens me that I have to describe the last three months in bullets instead of blog entries, but that's entirely my fault.

And even worse? I've missed out on all of your blogs and lives for three months, too. Which means I better start reading!

[This post was brought to you in part by my good friend, Emily, who has been not-so-subtly hinting that I get my butt back into blogging mode. Thanks, Em!]

(image from diane)

Smile Pretty!

2010-09-10T17:00:00.008-04:00

I finally, finally scheduled our engagement photo session...for five weeks from now.

Engagement photos are something I've been putting off for, well, the entire 18 months we've been engaged. I adore our wedding photographer, so I know I should be so excited to take them, but I've been procrastinating for several reasons:

I don't know what to do with my hair.
I don't know what to do with my makeup.
I don't know what to wear.
I don't know what Fiance will wear.
We haven't chosen a location.

So basically...all of the essentials of the photo shoot are a great big question mark.

But then, September hit and we're now almost 10 months away, and it dawned on me that we're totally running out of time. If we want to use our engagement photos for our save-the-dates (which we do), we need to take them, like, now. Or before winter, at least. Brrrr.

Hoping that the fall colors would make for a pretty backdrop, I finally scrambled together a date that works for us and for our photographer: Sunday, October 17.

But...I still don't know what to do with my hair or my makeup. I don't know what I am going to wear, nevertheless what Fiance will wear. And I have no idea where this photo shoot will take place. And now, I only have five weeks to figure it out. Yay.

Any advice on how to become photogenic in five weeks?

(image by daniel weaver)

Ten.

2010-09-06T11:00:00.004-04:00

I'm getting married in 10 months and 10 days...not that I'm counting. Oh wait. Yes, I am.

(image from kimicon)

September.

2010-09-02T20:00:00.002-04:00

September makes me nostalgic. Wistful. The changing of the months and the Labor Day holiday weekend have always marked the end of summer. And although my concept of "summer" has changed drastically through the years, there will always be something special and reverent about the season. Something that makes us so reluctant to let go.

When do you say goodbye to summer?

"Tis the last rose of summer,
Left blooming alone;
All her lovely companions
Are faded and gone."
–Thomas Moore, The Last Rose of Summer, 1830

(image from smcgee)

Shame on Me.

2010-08-31T19:00:00.006-04:00

Shame on me for being such a bad blogger during the month of August.

But I promise, my schedule is changing pretty soon, and I'll have way more time to stay up-to-date with my blog...and with all of yours!

Forgive me? *puppy dog eyes*

([adorable] image from matt)

The Honeymoon Reveal!

2010-08-24T18:00:00.004-04:00

Last week, I left you with as teaser about our official honeymoon destination. And because I know you're anxiously awaiting an update (riiight), I'll finally kill the suspense:

We're going to...Hawaii!!! The island of Maui, to be specific.

A few of you guessed it (nice job, Divine Mrs D and D. Marie). And don't worry, I'm not claiming to be creative on this one. What I am, though, is incredibly excited.

Fiance and I have been talking about wanting to go to Hawaii together since, well, since before he was "Fiance" and was still "Boyfriend." So, when we got engaged, it was pretty easy to decide where we wanted to go to on our honeymoon.

Tropical. Romantic. Somewhere neither of us has ever been. Perfect.

Recently, as the "year away" mark approached, this whole wedding + honeymoon stuff got a little more serious, and Fiance and I were antsy to get some concrete travel plans, despite how much fun it is to simply dream about a Hawaiian honeymoon.

My future mother-in-law got us in touch with a woman in one of her church groups who is a travel agent, and Fiance and I went to see her a couple of weeks ago. We told her our ideas and our budget, and thank goodness...she was totally on board. In fact, she said we were right on track.

We still have plenty of time to plan, which is nice because right now my biggest request is that I get to wear a lei upon arrival. And...that's why we have a travel agent.

As I type this, she's currently checking out deals and researching the best hotels/resorts for us based on our preferences. And in the meantime, we've been tasked with thinking of which fun excursions we'd like to partake in while there. There are so many amazing choices: helicopter rides, snorkeling, luaus, sunset cruises. I've already promised Fiance that I'll take a surfing lesson with him(!).

Fiance also wants to buy a Hawaiian shirt while we're there. I think I'm going to be so giddy with happiness over the fact that he'll be "Husband" and I'll be "Wife" by then that I won't even try to stop him.

Mmm, Hawaii. *happy sigh.*

Like I really need something else to daydream about in addition to the wedding, right?

(image from travel tourism info)

Belated Blog Birthday.

2010-08-22T11:45:00.000-04:00

I just realized the other day that I've had my blog for about a year. So I looked it up, and yes, my blog's birthday was on August 7.

It's a little surprising that I missed it, considering how into birthdays/holidays/gift-giving-occasions I am. Apparently even I have limits.

Happy belated birthday, blog!

(image from nilda)

'Love is in the Air.'

2010-08-19T10:45:00.000-04:00

And the obsession continues...I can't help it. These "Mr." and "Mrs." luggage tags are totally unnecessary but totally adorable, especially for the flight to the honeymoon.

And speaking of honeymoons, I'll have a post coming soon detailing our recent visit with a travel agent...and our official honeymoon destination!

Any guesses?

(image from classy bride)

Veils & Cocktails

2010-08-18T15:30:00.000-04:00

After work, I'm headed out to my reception venue for the Veils & Cocktails bridal event. Bridesmaid C., who is planning her own wedding, is going with me, along a couple of our other girls. So tonight, we're both brides and bridesmaids. And we will wear veils and watch a fashion show and have a great girly evening.

(image from wedding ran)

Wrapping Up the Weekend.

2010-08-15T19:00:00.000-04:00

Another lovely weekend has come to an end.

On Friday, Fiance and I went to a concert. I bought him the tickets for our five-year anniversary, and I'd say I did a pretty good job. He was pretty happy all night.

Then on Saturday and today, I got a chance to meet up with some friends I just don't see often enough. One is my College Roommate/Bridesmaid B. I haven't seen her since the 4th of July, and a lot has happened in both of our lives since then! The other is a close friend who moved to Chicago at the end of last year. She's someone I've known for more than 15 years, and last fall, we had a weekly Thursday date. Today, we got coffee and talked for hours. Don't you love when you can pick right up where you left off with friends, despite time and distance?

I hope you enjoyed your weekend, too!

(image from young women)

Poignancy.

2010-08-11T23:15:00.003-04:00

I watched the movie Up for the first time tonight. Have you seen it?

I thought the whole thing was fantastic, but the opening sequence depicting Carl and Ellie's relationship was the part that really got me. It was so touching, so poignant and so moving. Especially for an animated movie.

In other words, I was crying within the first 10 minutes. Somehow, I got totally swept up into this couple and their pure, wholehearted devotion to each other. Truly the love of a lifetime. Which is what makes the end of the sequence so heartbreaking.

If you haven't seen the movie, or just want to relive the emotion, here's the clip:

Maybe I'm a sap—no, I know I'm a sap—but I don't see how you can't be touched by Carl and Ellie. Despite the fact that they are simply characters and their story is fabricated, the kind of love conveyed to the audience is very real. And maybe what makes it so powerful is that their story is not far from the kind of love we all dream about.

Which movie moments pull at your heartstrings?

At the Drive-In.

2010-08-08T09:30:00.008-04:00

On Friday, Fiance and I had a super cute and quaint date night...at the drive-in!

There's a drive-in theater in a town near where I went to college. Throughout undergrad, I always wanted to go, but the movie selection was usually pretty poor (i.e. I was not going to sit in a car and watch High School Musical 3, thankyouverymuch).

This time, though, the theater was offering a double-feature of two movies that sounded pretty decent: Grown Ups and Salt. So we packed up Fiance's car, bought some snacks and headed out the to drive-in, which is in the middle of a rural community and is surrounded by nothing but meadows and the starry night sky.

I haven't been to a drive-in since I was little—I forgot how much fun they are. And it couldn't have been a more perfect night to watch a movie out in the breezy summer air.

I wish more places like this one were still around. I adore the old-fashioned charm and the chance to get out of big, crowded multiplexes.

Is there a drive-in near you?

(image from hampton roads)

Video Magic.

2010-08-05T08:00:00.002-04:00

We've officially the check to our wedding videographer. No turning back now!

Videography was a tough thing to tackle for me. As I may have mentioned before, we splurged a bit on our photographer because our wedding photos are incredibly important to me. So we didn't have enough money to quite "splurge" on a videographer—at least not the fancy, cinematic videographers I was finding online.

I couldn't even get recommendations from friends. Despite how many of my friends have gotten married in the past year, almost none of them felt video was worth the money.

And I get it. After all, this money isn't just appearing out of nowhere. But I really, really wanted a videographer (or two) to capture the sounds and motions of our wedding in a way that photography can't quite achieve.

Example: the wedding processional. As the bride, I am the last one to enter the sanctuary. Therefore, I miss almost the entire processional. Um...I don't want to plan my wedding for over two years and then never get to see some of the most special parts!

But I didn't want a cheesy, dated wedding video. You know what I'm talking about. You've seen them. I decided I could give up the extreme cinematography for simple, modern and elegant videography. If I could find it our price range, that is.

After much frustration, our photographer came to the rescue. He recommended a videographer with whom he works frequently—so frequently, in fact, that said videographer could offer us a substantial discount if he hired him to work alongside this photographer. So we set up a meeting. We liked him, we liked his work, and thank goodness, we liked his price tag.

I'll admit it. We're stretching our budget a bit here. But I just can't help it. I really want our wedding to be caught on video. Just like with photos, I want those important moments to be with me for a very long time.

Do you think the memories are worth it?

(image from wedding tips)

Mugs and Matrimony.

2010-08-02T16:12:00.002-04:00

Remember how I mentioned that I have a weakness for all things wedding? Well I found some more bridal-y cuteness. Except my latest find really has nothing to do with the wedding itself and everything to do with life after the wedding. You know, the being married part. The part that lasts a lifetime.

These "mr." and "mrs." mugs are completely adorable and completely domestic. I can picture us using them just as they are in the photo—with hot cocoa on cold nights.

As much as I love the bride and groom signs (and as much as I totally plan on buying them), there's something so comforting about the thought of being Mr. and Mrs. It's real. It's permanent. It's a wonderful thought.

P.S. Also, the "mr." looks like a groom and the "mrs." like a bride. Just saying. :)

(image from little things favors)

Riding in Style.

2010-07-30T13:00:00.000-04:00

So...I think we book our wedding-day transportation for us and our bridal party. And yes, that statement is a little uncertain because we kind of did it on a whim.

We've been playing phone/e-mail tag with one particular limousine company for several weeks now. It's the company that's a hands-down favorite of almost all of our vendors so far, from our reception venue to our photographer. At the last monthly food tasting event at our reception venue, this company had a vehicle on-site that Fiance and I both loved and that would accommodate our large(r) bridal party.

Fiance and the company's reservations manager were finally able to make contact yesterday. To our dismay, we learned that the company already has many of their vehicles booked for our date, even though it's just under a year away. The vehicle that we wanted actually had been booked and in the past day had become available again because the couple decided to upgrade to a party bus (haha).

Serendipitous timing? Perhaps. The only catch was that if we wanted to reserve the vehicle for our [apparently] sought-after date, we pretty much had to put down a deposit on it then and there. So we did.

Luckily, this company has an amazing refund policy—for consumers, anyway. Our on-a-whim deposit is fully refundable up until 30 days prior to our wedding. So we can still comparison shop. In other words, I don't need to panic.

Without the need to panic, I'm getting excited about the prospect cruising in style with all of our bridesmaids and groomsmen on the wedding day!

Do you have any experience with wedding-day limos and such?

(image from montreal limo)

Can't Help But Smile.

2010-07-29T14:46:00.001-04:00

Are these not the cutest, happiest cookies you've ever seen?

Yesterday, I had a less than stellar day at work, and I had sent some text messages to Fiance ~~whining~~ confiding in him about it. Knowing that I needed some cheering up, he bought me one of my favorite treats: Busken cookies.

Tiny, adorable, summery, sunglasses-wearing Busken cookies. I want to just look at them (almost) as much as I want to eat them. Almost.

And even though they're not Busken skinny cookies, they're still pretty small, so one would assume that they can be consumed within reason. Then again, you know what they say about assuming.

A very sweet pick-me-up from a very sweet guy. :)

Napping is Trendy.

2010-07-28T11:00:00.000-04:00

The concert last night was amazing. Great music, entertaining performances, awesome evening with Fiance.

Of course, there's a price to pay for partying on a weeknight: I. Am. Exhausted.

My morning has been moving in complete slow motion. I can't even count how many times I've found myself spaced out, just staring at my computer screen. And that was with coffee this morning. It's bad.

Speaking of dozing at my desk, I was searching online for a good image to match my mood when I came across a crazy new spa offering: powernaps. More specifically, Yelonaps.

There's a place in New York called YeloSpa, which was designed to be "a sanctuary to help urbanites deal with the pressures of modern life through a unique combination of spa and wellness treatments." And apparently, one of the pressures of urban life is sleep-deprivation. Enter the Yelonap.

Here's how the YeloSpa describes this new treatment: "Your session takes place in a cocoon-like treatment room called the YeloCab where you can completely customize your aromatherapy, sound and lighting. Lay back in the zero-gravity experience YeloChair where your knees are lifted above your chest allowing your heart rate to slow down. This helps to induce a deep state of relaxation." (bolding original)

Okay, let's be honest. It sounds amazing. But...seriously? People do this? I haven't yet told you that naps from 20 to 40 minutes in length cost from $15 to $28. Even more if you throw in a massage(!).

So as refreshing as a midday or lunch-hour nap sounds—I don't think I could pay for something I could do curled up under my desk anyway (not that I'd actually do that). And the concept of hallways full of clients sleeping in isolated rooms (YeloCabs) is a little too creepy and sci-fi for me.

How do you fight the workday fog? Would you try out a Yelonap?

(images from cheryl and yelospa)

Battle Studies.

2010-07-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

I'm going to be a giddy girl all day because tonight after work, Fiance and I are going to see John Mayer and Train live in concert! I've been looking forward to this concert for months. I even created a John Mayer/Train Pandora station to listen to at work in anticipation. Now if only the day would hurry up and be over!

Have you been to any good concerts lately?

(image from cover shut)

Catching Up.

2010-07-24T12:00:00.000-04:00

Last night, I got to spend the evening with my dear friend, Bridesmaid D. Due to work schedules and several vacations between the two of us, we haven't seen each other since she went with me to help me pick out my wedding dress. So it was time for some much-needed catching up.

We talked for hours, with dinner and an episode of Gilmore Girls sprinkled in for flavor. And now I'm happy and on that high you get when you spend time with someone who knows you and gets you and loves you all the same.

(image from flickr)

"Here You Go, Ma'am"

2010-07-22T13:46:00.003-04:00

During my lunch break at work today, I decided to run over to the mall that's just down the road. I don't usually shop during my lunch break. In fact, I never do—it's an expen$ive habit—but I needed to get a card for College Roommate/Bridemaid B. and her husband because this weekend is their first wedding anniversary (so exciting!).

After I found the perfect card, I grabbed a quick lunch in the food court. The guy who gave me my food was maybe three years younger than me at most. And yet, despite our microscopic age difference, he still said, "Here you go, ma'am."

Um, whaaat? Ma'am? Really? Way to make me feel old.

Now before anyone gets annoyed with my 23-year-old self whining about being old...I'm not, I promise. But being called "ma'am" when you are only 23 makes you feel much older—and nobody wants that.

I know I shouldn't complain. I know that the term "ma'am" is supposed to communicate respect. And after all, there are much worse things he could have called me.

What I'm wondering is when did I become a "ma'am"? And is it a compliment or should I be looking for anti-aging products the next time I hit the mall?

(image from getty)

Goodnight, Sun.

2010-07-21T22:45:00.000-04:00

This evening, I spent some time at a local park, just enjoying being outside in the summer air after being stuck in the office all day long. While I was there, the sky began to turn pink and orange—the prelude to a beautiful sunset. Of course, on this particular night, I didn't have my camera with me to capture it, but still. Watching the sun set over the trees was a perfectly peaceful way to end a summer evening.

What puts you at ease in evenings, once you've made it through your day?

(image from tr michaels)

I Love Your Blog Award.

2010-07-20T11:09:00.000-04:00

Heather from The Sunset Won't has once again honored Marginalia by Amy with the "I Love Your Blog" Award. For this award, I'm to list 10 things I love and also some blogs that I absolutely love.

Heather, thank you! This award means a lot to me. I wish I could pass all of these awards back to you because I DO love your blog, and you are definitely going places! [If you haven't read her blog yet, you should head over there right now. It's honest, real, inspiring and heartwarming. It's one of my favorite blogs to follow!]

For a past award, I listed things that make me happy, so I'll try not to repeat myself.

Some of the things I love (in no particular order)...

My faith.
Being surrounded by people I love.
Exploring new places.
Christmas.
Family get-togethers.
Cincinnati.
My six amazing bridesmaids.
Starting a new book.
Lazy afternoons.
Sunshine.

And then 10 blogs I love (it was so hard to list just 10!)...

There are also many more great blogs on my "suggested reading" list on the right of my page. :) If you're looking for more blogs to read, you can't go wrong with any of them!

Have a lovely day, bloggy friends!

You're Going Places, Baby.

2010-07-20T10:30:00.000-04:00

The wonderful Heather from The Sunset Won't has graciously given me the "You're Going Places Baby" Blog Award. To accept this award, I am to share where I see myself in 10 years and then pass the award along to 10 fellow bloggers.

So, where will I be when I'm 33? (Aside from freaking out about being that close to 40?) To tell you the truth, thinking about where I'll be 10 years from now terrifies me a little, but I'll play along.

Well, because we just had our pre-anniversary last Friday, when I'm 33, we will have just celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary. I can't even imagine the kind of happiness we'll be experiencing as a married couple. We'll have been together for 15 years total at that point, and I can see us facing life together as a strong, loving team.

Theoretically, I'd imagine we would have kids by then. Even though I'm not exactly hopping aboard the baby-fever bandwagon anytime soon, I would expect that my perspective will have changed in almost 10 years of marriage. And that's about as far as I'm taking that train of thought because, frankly, I'm just not ready to get into all of that.

I hope to be established in both a home and a career because both are very important to me. I'm very much a family-oriented person, but I also highly value my independence/my ability to pursue my passions. In my field, people tend to move around, and things are often in flux. I hope to be one of the lucky ones that finds somewhere I'm happy and successful relatively early. I don't enjoy the nomadic existence.

We want our house to have a yard and trees so that we can have a dog. Or maybe two dogs. I may be afraid to get too close to the subject of kids, but I'm more than ready to bring a cuddly puppy into my life.

Overall, though, I'm happy with the path my life has taken thus far, so most of all, I expect that over the next 10 years, I'll be able to continue forward with the plans God has for me—walking by faith, not by sight.

Thank you for thinking of me, Heather! I'm now passing the "You're Going Places, Baby" Award along to...

And what about you? Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What do you most wish to have or to be doing or to have accomplished? I'd love to hear!

Wedding Countdown: One Year!!!

2010-07-16T08:40:00.000-04:00

Over the past six months, I've been posting wedding countdowns because...well because I'm getting married and I'm beyond excited, of course! If you've been following these countdowns, you know that Fiance and I have a long engagement. And you also probably know by now that I LOVE that we have a long engagement.

Well today, July 16, I'm very happy to announce that the wedding is ONE YEAR away!

At work today, I'm going to write out the date as many times as possible. It makes me happy in an absolutely dorky way, but I'm not even a little ashamed.

Realizing that today is kind of a pre-anniversary (the last year that July 16 won't be our wedding day or anniversary), Fiance and I are having a date night tonight in recognition of the mere 364 days that stand between us and "I do."

What mostly amazes me, I think, is that tomorrow and every day that follows, whenever I imagine myself "a year from now," I'll have to imagine myself as a wife! And when I think of any events that will be happening "next year," I remember that we'll be experiencing them as a married couple. Wow.

Luckily, the one-year mark hasn't yet instilled a sense of wedding-planning panic within me. But I think it helps that I have so much planned already. That's not to say there isn't still a ton left to do—bridesmaids' dresses, transportation and honeymoon research are next on my list of things to tackle—but I at least feel like the things that I do have planned are helping me stay grounded.

Thank you, bloggy friends, for indulging me in my wedding excitement. I have to warn you—it's probably only going to get worse from here. :)

(image by doug levy)

It's the Little Things.

2010-07-08T10:04:00.000-04:00

I am in no way a bridezilla. And I mean that honestly—you can ask anyone. That just isn't my personality type. However, I am still a bride. And that means that I've got wedding stuff on the brain. A lot. It also means I'm ~~completely~~ mildly obsessed with anything I find that is wedding-, marriage- or bridal-related.

Example: When we were in Myrtle Beach, Fiance and I spent an evening exploring some of the local specialty shops. We were looking in a collectibles-type store when we came across some beautiful blown glass figurines. Fiance spotted a pair of figurines he knew I'd love: a tiny bride and groom. Because, as I told Fiance, "I have a weakness for all things wedding," I bought the happy glass couple.

{For the record, even Fiance was a little smitten with the figurines. He said he thought they'd look good in our home once we're married. How cute is that?}

Well, my wedding weakness has struck again. I was browsing Etsy the other night and came across these adorable "Bride" and "Groom" chair signs. And I was immediately hooked. I think they are just so lovely and such a special token that can be used at the wedding (or rehearsal dinner) and also in our newlywed home. I'm not even sure if they'll logistically work at our reception venue; this is more of an emotional infatuation rather than a practical one.

I'm pretty sure that the reason behind this weakness is as follows: I've booked the "big" stuff. You know, the venue, the photographer, the DJ. I have my dress. I technically have many of the components of my dream wedding in place.... But what about the smaller things? The details? I see all of these photos online of weddings that are just gorgeous and are ripe with lovely/unique/sentimental/personal touches. And that is what I still need.

I've bookmarked the shop on Etsy so I can let the idea simmer for a while. And I *may* have also bookmarked several other similarly lovely items. I have a hunch that by the time the time next July gets here, I'll have more bridal-y stuff than I know what to do with. But I'm okay with that. :)

You all are creative. Do you have any suggestions/ideas what kinds of personal touches and details I could incorporate into the scheme of the wedding dream?

(image from the back porch shoppe)

You Make My Heart Melt.

2010-07-06T12:07:00.002-04:00

Today, Fiance and I are celebrating our five-year anniversary!

I tell Fiance that it makes me feel a little old to think that we've been together for half of a decade. He, of course, insists that I am not old. [Correct answer, Fiance.] I have a feeling that this isn't the last time we will have that conversation in our lifetime together. :)

To celebrate, we're going to dinner at The Melting Pot tonight. Have you ever gone to one of those? It's a fondue restaurant, and it's seriously delicious. I've been thinking all day long about the four-course meal of cheese fondue, salad, entrees and dessert fondue!

In addition to the oh-so-yummy food, the atmosphere is fun and romantic. We went to The Melting Pot for the first time for our anniversary last year, and we're excited to go back!

What are your favorite places to go on dates or celebrations?

(image from love bug)

Independence Day.

2010-07-04T13:00:00.000-04:00

I'll be celebrating all things America today with a cookout with Fiance's family and then fireworks with Fiance and friends. God Bless America, and thank you to those who serve for our freedom!

(image from rates to go)

Back from the Beach!

2010-07-03T19:38:00.002-04:00

We've been home only for a few hours, and I'm already experiencing post-vacation letdown. The trip was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I don't even know how else to describe it.

The resort at Myrtle Beach sat right on the shore. Our room was on the very top floor, with a balcony overlooking the beach. I could see the ocean as soon as I opened my eyes in the morning, and the view was to die for.

At first, we were a little worried about the weather. By the time we actually got to Myrtle Beach and checked into our resort, a major storm had picked up, and the weather radar suggested we might be seeing a lot of rain over the next few days. Luckily, though, the rain managed to hold off till nighttime every day, offering us some pretty awesome thunder and lightning storms over the sea.

During the daytime, it was hot and sunny. Perfect for hanging at the beach and the pool. I'm a fair-skinned gal, so basically it was my goal not to fry myself too badly. I did get a little sunburned on the first day—in my defense, I was out in the sun for just about seven straight hours. So really, "a little" sunburn was a big accomplishment.

Fiance and his dad played a couple of afternoons of golf, leaving his mom and me to be total beach bums. We coped by lounging on our beach chairs under an umbrella and reading some good books. And when we needed to cool off, we took a dip in the pool, played in the ocean and drank frozen concoctions from our resort's beach bar. Rough life, huh?

I did get a good amount of time in the mornings and non-golf afternoons to play in the waves and soak up some sun with Fiance, too. We also took some beautiful nighttime walks down the beach, hung out at the resort's karaoke nights (watching, not singing) and explored the new Myrtle Beach boardwalk. And because we were there the week leading up to the 4th of July, we got to watch fireworks on the beach almost nightly.

To break up the 14-hour separating Cincinnati from Myrtle Beach, we stopped in Gatlinburg on the way down and again on the way home. I've mentioned before—when Fiance and I took our own mountain getaway—that Fiance's grandfather owns a condo waaaay up in the Smoky Mountains. So when we finally tore ourselves away from the beach, we got to console ourselves with a few relaxing days in the mountains. *happy sigh*

P.S. On our last day in Myrtle Beach, Fiance informed me that there had been a shark attack at one of the beaches in North Carolina just days before. It's a good thing he waited to tell me until we were leaving—otherwise I would have never gotten back in the water for the rest of the trip.

P.P.S. By the end of eight straight days in the sun, I had a pretty painful case of sun poisoning on my shoulders and upper arms. Ouchie, but totally worth it.

(image from rocks and roses)

Off to the Beach!

2010-06-26T09:58:00.001-04:00

I'll be off the bloggy radar for a week because I'm headed to Myrtle Beach with Fiance and his family. It's a much-needed vacation, and it's been forever since I've been to the beach. Here's to crossing my fingers that I don't get too sunburned. :)

See you next Saturday!

(image from fun time design)

Bits and Pieces.

2010-06-22T19:13:00.002-04:00

I arrived home from work today and found a package waiting for me. I looked at the return address and instantly got excited when I saw the words "Cincinnati Bride!"

I'm not sure if I mentioned it when I posted about buying my wedding dress, but my dress is one of the shop's private label's and as such, it may take up to 12 months to arrive. Not to mention, I instructed that the dress be shipped to the shop, not my home. So I knew this wasn't my wedding dress sitting on my front step.

It was my crinoline! Also known as, the skirt that goes under my dress to give it a little extra poof.

Feel free to not be excited at all about my crinoline. I'm not expecting anyone else to find this very cool. But for me, it's a piece of the wedding day ensemble. And once I have all the pieces, I'll finally get to be a bride!

At the very least, it's the simple things that make life great, yes?

(image from memphis vintage)

Hello, Summer.

2010-06-22T12:44:00.005-04:00

So today is the first day of summer, and sadly I'm spending it trapped indoors in a cubicle with no access or view whatsoever of any kind of window or natural light. In other words, it could be the first day of winter and I wouldn't be able to tell the difference, except I might be dressed more sensibly.

Although in my mind, summer usually starts with Memorial Day Weekend. Which means summer includes my birthday, too, even though those things fall before June 21. The rest of my official summer is looking pretty promising, also. Next weekend, I'm headed to Myrtle Beach for five days with Fiance and his parents (my future in-laws!). Then there's the 4th of July, and just two days after that is our anniversary (five years this year!). And shortly after that is the one year mark from the wedding! I don't have much else planned this far in advance, but I like the looks of summer so far!

Do you have any grand plans for the summer?

(P.S. I just got up and walked around the cubicles so I could catch a glance out the window, and what do I find? Pouring rain and wind and thunder. But for the sake of this post, let's pretend it's warm and sunny out, mmkay?)

(image from alex)

Holy Smoke Detector!

2010-06-20T10:38:00.009-04:00

I am dog-sitting while my parents are on vacation, and last night I was at the house when the smoke detectors started beeping/chirping/whatever the noise is that means batteries are low (but not that smoke has actually been detected).

Fiance and Best Friend were both over, and we were all watching a movie when I finally couldn’t ignore the beeping any longer. We set out to identify which of the smoke detectors in the house was making the noise, quickly realizing that there are eight (yes, eight) smoke detectors in the house. And they were passing the beeps around like a tiny, annoying chorus.

I’d like to say that $50 in Energizer batteries and an hour of prying all eight of those things off the wall later, the beeping stopped.

But that’s just it. The beeping didn’t stop. What. The. Heck.

So what did we do? We spent another hour prying them off the wall again, double-checking to see if we’d missed something or inserted a battery wrong.

Finally, finally, as the clock shone 12:06 AM, I discovered a lone, spare smoke detector, one that wasn’t even attached to the wall, sitting on a pile of my mother’s sewing equipment. I picked it up, glared at it and then…it beeped. I pretty much threw a fit then and there.(It was taunting me.) We removed the offending depleted battery and finally…silence.

I told my mom the anecdote when I next spoke with her on the phone, and all she could say was, “Welcome to home ownership.”

Thanks, Mom.

(image from pro design interiors)

What a Wonderful World.

2010-06-19T11:51:00.011-04:00

The wedding last night was beautiful. Even though it was super hot for an outdoor ceremony, the backdrop of the lake was completely worth it. (And as a bride myself, I'm much rather have 90-degree weather than rain, hands down.) My friend and her now-husband were so happy and so in love. Just as they should be.

We guests had a great time too. As I mentioned, College Roommate/Bridesmaid B. and her husband were there, and Fiance and I always have the best time with them. We were also seated with one of my other friends from undergrad and her boy, along with two guys that go to grad school with B. It was definitely a fun table.

And the part I just can’t leave out: the bride and groom’s dog, a Corgi, was the ring bearer. You can bet I took pictures. :)

Today, I’m having lunch with Bridesmaid C. to (belatedly) celebrate my birthday and then possibly doing a bit more shopping/returning of work-y clothes.

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

Summer Hours

2010-06-18T06:55:00.004-04:00

I don’t think it's revealing too much to say that I'm working in the publishing industry this summer. Well, the publishing industry has one very major perk: summer hours.

What are summer hours, you ask? (Don't worry, I asked my boss the same thing.)

Summer hours mean that the office closes at 3:00 on Friday. Every Friday. Through September. Is that an amazing way to start the weekend or what?

Tonight, Fiance and I are going to the wedding of a friend of mine from college. Summer hours came in really handy because I was going to try to sneak out of work a little early to make it to the wedding (which is out of town) by 6:00 PM.

The wedding should be a lot of fun! It’s a gorgeous day for their outdoor ceremony at a lake. Plus, College Roomate/Bridesmaid B. and her husband will be there, and I really love hanging out with them.

What are you doing tonight?

(image from photobucket)

Gold Star!

2010-06-17T12:44:00.004-04:00

After reading the copy I'd submitted to her for some online marketing, my co-worker came into my cubicle today and said, "It was great. Yay, you can write!"

That was easily the bright spot in my week so far. Maybe things will start to look up from here?

(image from flickr)

Crawling Along.

2010-06-15T18:18:00.005-04:00

I try to avoid talking about work on my blog. It’s not good form, and it’s ~~almost~~ never a good idea. At least, not when the talk isn't totally positive.

So I’ll just say that my internship is off to a slow start, and I’m very much hoping it picks up steam soon.

How's your week going?

(image from waynet)

Waffles.

2010-06-12T12:09:00.006-04:00

I awoke this morning to Fiance opening the door of my room and grinning while telling me, "Breakfast is ready."

He snuck into my house early in the morning (don't worry, he knows the garage door code, so nothing too sneaky!), armed with waffle mix and chocolate chips, and set to work in the kitchen. I can't believe I didn't wake up—I’m a painfully light sleeper—but he says he tried really hard to be extra quiet. He wanted me to be able to sleep in a bit so that I could bask in that post-finals-week glow.

It was a very sweet surprise, and not just because the waffles were made with chocolate chips. :)

(image from my recipes)

A (Much Needed) Recap.

2010-06-11T17:45:00.010-04:00

Dear bloggy friends, thank you for all the birthday wishes!!! You all are so sweet!

I know I've been MIA for the past week, and I am sorry about that. But I have a good reason: it was my finals week at grad school. And unlike last quarter, when blogging just got away from me, I specifically forced myself to not post and not read other blogs so that I could get through the week alive.

And since obviously my plan worked (I have a heartbeat and the ability to type this), I'd like to now share a quick recap of the past week:

As you all know, last weekend was birthday weekend. Friday's dinner with my family and Fiance was great. On Saturday, we all went to Summerfair—a Cincinnati fine arts and crafts festival—where Mom bought me a lovely, whimsical bracelet. That evening, Fiance and I went to see Killers with the movie theater gift card my brother had given me (note: we liked the movie a lot!). And on Sunday, I went to a bridal show with Bridesmaid C. (whose wedding is three weeks before mine, and I'm a bridesmaid!).
On Monday, I had a big, bad final, after which I attended an obligatory dinner event with my professor and classmates (the ones who inspired this post).
Then, I crawled into a hole and was a good little study bug for two and a half straight days. *crickets*
On Thursday, I gave a final presenation to a client we'd been working with in on of my classes. And then that night, I dragged Fiance to a party for all faculty, students and alumni of my graduate program. It was a cookout at one of my (very cool) professor's houses, and we actually had a really great time! It was so fun hanging with people outside the confines of campus and away from the stress of school. (Fiance enjoyed the free, delicious food.)

And today, I finally finished my final paper of the quarter, which means I am finished with my first year of grad school and am halfway through to my master's degree! I drove the paper to campus this afternoon and then rewarded myself with a shopping trip. Okay, well, shopping was only kind of a reward; I need some nice clothes for the intership that I start on Monday...! Eek!

And finally, after all of that...I am ~~collapsing~~ relaxing tonight and enjoying hitting the halfway mark. :)

(image from getty)

Birthday Girl.

2010-06-04T09:33:00.001-04:00

Today is a very happy day because it's Friday AND it's my birthday!!! Hello, 23. :)

Tonight, I'll be celebrating with my parents, my big brother and Fiance with a dinner at Olive Garden, my oh-so-favorite restaurant. [I have a weakness for Alfredo sauce.] And then because it always makes me so sad when my birthday is over, Fiance lets me extend my celebration over multiple days—so we'll be celebrating on our own tomorrow, though details are still TBA. Not necessarily because it's a surprise, but because I haven't decided what I want to do yet. And then there will be a few celebratory lunches with friends sprinkled throughout the next couple of weeks. What a fun time of year.

If you haven't had a chance yet, you should check out the sweet surprises my best friend brought me. I totally ate the cupcake for breakfast this morning, and I'm not even ashamed because I figure you're allowed to eat cupcakes for breakfast on your birthday, right? And anyway, it was delicious. :)

(image from forums)

Sweet Surprises

2010-06-03T20:16:00.033-04:00

Last night, Best Friend stopped by with the birthday "surprise" she alluded to on Tuesday—an adorable assortment of boutique sweetness! A super cute mini-card, a Vera Bradley passion fruit guava scented candle, Vera Bradley sugarfree peppermints, a small package of "Amy" stationary, a chic nail file and, of course, a vanilla and white chocolate cupcake from the Sweeterie! Isn't she swell?

I can't wait till tomorrow. Bring on the birthday!

"Sneaky" Calls

2010-06-01T14:54:00.001-04:00

My best friend just called me and said, "Hi best friend! I have a question for you. What kind of cake do you like? Chocolate or vanilla?"

I answered "vanilla."

Then, she said, "Okay, then what kind of icing do you like? Chocolate? Vanilla? Or maybe even red velvet cake with vanilla icing?"

To be honest, I don't care about icing too much, so I told Best Friend that, with the caveat that I don't like icing that makes my mouth turn funny colors because I don't want to have to be careful when I eat cake (ha ha).

To which she replied, "Okay, well I have to get back to my surprises now. Bye!"

All I can do right now is laugh. Very classic Best Friend. So "sneaky" and so obvious at the same time.

Just another reason why birthday weeks are fun!

(image from just like grams)

Quest for the Wedding Dress: Part Four—The Finale!

2010-05-30T16:42:00.006-04:00

I BOUGHT MY WEDDING DRESS TODAY!!!

(Sorry about the caps lock. I'm just so excited.)

The crew who accompanied me on this special day included Mom, Future-Mother-in-Law, and Bridesmaid D. I was so, so happy to have them all with me to support my decision and share in my happiness.

Both of the stores we visited today were in the Reading Bridal District in Cincinnati, home to over 25 different wedding-related businesses and services, all within a two mile radius of one another. We first returned to the very first store we visited back in January.

I put back on my first love, which I hadn't worn in four months, and...I didn't like it. Whoa. I was not expecting that. To be nice, I allowed the sales consultant to put me in a few more dresses, but my head and my heart were not into it. They were too focused on the dress waiting for me at the store across the street.

After we politely made our way out of the first store, we got a few refreshments and headed back to store from my most recent trips with Mom and Maid of Honor.

We walked in, and my amazing consultant already had my dresses, slip, etc in a dressing room. She helped me into my favorite of the dresses and even accessorized me with a veil, headpiece and fake bouquet of red roses. I walked out of the dressing room to show my crew, and...

They gasped. They smiled. They gushed. They surrounded me, hugged me and told me, "That's the one." They gave me exactly the reaction I was looking for.

And finally, finally, I had that coveted moment which I had absolutely no doubt that this dress is *the dress!*

I stayed in the dress as long as possible—I didn't want to take it off. Mom took some photos of me in the dress and then we got a group photo and one with my consultant. But I'm not going to share these pictures online...I'm saving the revelation of my dress for my wedding day! The only adjectives we're using to describe the dress are "white," "long" and "pretty!" (I know, I'm so mean.)

The order form is signed, the credit card has been charged, and now, when I daydream about my wedding day, I can see myself in my dress.

I'm a very happy bride-to-be today. :)

(image from reading bridal)

Tastes Like Summer

2010-05-29T20:25:00.001-04:00

It's Memorial Day weekend, which is always the exciting "start" to summer. And for Fiance and me, summer tastes good so far.

Last night, we went to a cookout at the house of one of Fiance's co-workers. I had more fun than I expected to considering I didn't really know the crowd. But I guess they should get used to me being around, right? ;)

Today, Fiance and I went downtown with a couple of friends to the Taste of Cincinnati, a three-day food extravaganza/street festival featuring cuisine from more than 40 restaurants around the area along with continuous live music all weekend long. Basically, it's a super fun and super delicious party on the streets of the city. We ate a ton of great food, listened to some great music, got free samples and overall had an awesome afternoon. And holy cow, Cincinnati tastes yummy.

What kinds of events mark the beginning of your summer?

(image from the taste)

Birthday Countdown: One Week!

2010-05-28T09:32:00.001-04:00

Oh June 4, how I love thee. I also love the fact that you're only a week away.

I've already said many times before that I am really into holidays. Which means that my excitement over my upcoming birthday really doesn't come from narcissism (I promise!). It comes from a love of celebrating, especially when that celebrating involves my friends, family and fiance.

For some reason, I've been having trouble coming up with a wishlist of sorts this year. Fiance has been asking me for weeks if there's anything I want for my birthday, and I keep evading the question. Poor guy—only a week away and his fiancee ~~won't~~ can't offer any sage gift suggestions? Eesh.

In the (almost!) five years that we've been together, he's figured out that he can take me shopping to get some clues as to what I want. In other words, I'm a child, and whenever I see something I like, I have to pick it up and look at it and "ooh" and "ahh" over it.

But we haven't have the time to go shopping lately.

I wish he wouldn't feel so much pressure. While I'm absolutely obsessed with giving gifts—and giving the perfect gifts—I am actually really easy to please when it comes to getting gifts myself. I like pretty much anything that smells good, anything that is pretty, anything that is soft/cuddly and anything that will make me smile. :)

What kinds of birthday gifts do you like to receive from family and friends?

(image from chic buying)

In Awe.

2010-05-27T11:41:00.007-04:00

I realize and respect the fact that not everyone in the blog world has the same beliefs, so when I discuss my own religious beliefs in my blog, I try to do so in a non-heavy-handed way. Here's another attempt.

I've written some (admittedly vague) posts lately about how I've been facing some rough times. In the past month, there have been three relatively majors hurdles that Fiance and I have had to face. They weren't relationship-y hurdles—they involved matters of health, work and school, none of which is appropriate to explain at length in my blog.

With each of the three issues, Fiance and I forced ourselves to consider the worst-case scenario, which was a very difficult task to grapple with. And with so many of these hurdles popping up in such a short time, I was feeling very discouraged and lacking hope.

Basically, I've spent the past month with a broken spirit and a mind full of worry. I've also spent the last month in a state of prayer, often with Fiance by my side. And many of you wonderful bloggy friends were so kind as to send your prayers and positive thoughts my way.

Can I please just tell you that I'm pretty much falling on my knees in praise of God right now? It's overwhelming.

The storm has passed. Completely. Without a cloud in the sky.

Instead of the worst-case scenarios that we'd forced ourselves to confront, we came out on the other side of every hurdle with the best-case scenario in hand. It's not just that we avoided the worst. It's not just that we made it through. We made it through and received the best outcomes we possibly could have.

To be completely open and honest: I am absolute awe. Some may call it good luck, and if that is what you believe, that's fine. But for me...I know that God protected us. Only He could have done such perfect work, turning a month riddled with anxiety, fear and worry into a blemish-free state of peace.

Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

(image from punchstock)

Quest for the Wedding Dress: Parts Three & Three(A)

2010-05-25T14:32:00.004-04:00

Okay, so the first half of this post is pretty belated, but I need to keep up with my "Quest for the Wedding Dress" series. Hope you'll forgive me. ;-) The second half, though, is much more timely.

It's been nearly three months since I last went out dress shopping. I've been waiting. Waiting for my schedule to match up with Mom's, waiting for Best Friend/Maid of Honor to have a Saturday off work, waiting for a time with Future-Mother-in-Law could come, too. But a couple of weekends ago, I got tired of waiting, so Mom and I went out on our third dress trip, to two more new stores.

I had an amazing experience at the first store. My consultant was as nice as could be and truly listened when I told her what I wanted. I ended up falling in love with the first and second dresses I tried on, to the point where I shoo-ed away all the other dresses in my fitting room because I knew they didn't stand a chance. We made another appointment on the spot for two weeks later (this upcoming Sunday, the 30th).

The second store that day was a little too uppity and much too expensive to really give me any options. As in, a dress with all of the "features" that I want was five times my dress budget. And I've allotted myself a pretty generous portion of our overall budget to spend on the dress.

Fast forward to this past weekend. Best Friend/Maid of Honor calls me, distraught, because she can't get off work for this upcoming Sunday. So we found some mutual free time during which we could run out to the bridal shop together so I could at least get her opinion on the two major contenders.

Which brings us to this morning. We got to the bridal shop just as they opened and with the help of my amazing consultant, I got to show Best Friend/Maid of Honor both of the dresses. My consultant understood our need for best-friend-time so she left us alone a bit to chat and analyze. And being the brilliant best friends we are, we came up with a way to make one of the dresses pretty much the dress of my dreams.

The plan from here? I'm going out with Mom, Bridesmaid D., and Future-Mother-in-Law on Sunday. We'll be revisiting my favorite dress from our first day of shopping to see if I even still like it. And then we'll go back so I can show them the other favorite. And then? Maybe I'll be able to choose *the dress!*

(image from matrimony)

One Way or the Other

2010-05-21T12:19:00.004-04:00

So I have a big decision to make right now. And I know that I've told you all about how awful I am at making decisions. For me, it's the whole logic vs. emotions battle. I tend to let my emotions make my choices, which isn't always "smart."

There's a logical choice staring me right in the face, completely within arm's reach. Mine for the taking, if I so choose. It's the smart choice. The choice with the most stability. The choice I *should* take.

At the same time, though, my emotions are holding me back. They're making me want to stay put. Stick with the option I'm happy and familiar with, but that is complicated, risky and unstable.

I don't like change. I don't like moving on. And there's no clear-cut sign of what's "best for me." And, of course, there's no crystal ball to tell me how each will have affected my life a year from now, which is the biggest question bouncing around my mind.

What do you do when your emotions are holding you back from taking the "smart" step? On which side of the logic vs. emotion binary do you fall?

(image from manly republic)

Puppy, Please?

2010-05-17T20:47:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, Fiance and I were out doing a bit of shopping to entertain ourselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon. And by "shopping," I really mean drooling over all the things we could possibly put on our wedding registry when it comes time. (We can't wait to go play with the scanners.)

The Bed, Bath and Beyond near us is located right next to a Petsmart. And yesterday, the SPCA was at this particular Petsmart, with about 20 puppies and older dogs who were up for adoption.

I mentioned in my Happiness Award post that puppies make me incredibly happy. Seriously, I have the biggest weak spot in the world for dogs, especially dogs who are in crate and look up at me with their big, sad eyes. I just can't help it. They tug at my heartstrings.

So, of course, I had to go see them. All of them. And, of course, Fiance had to physically drag me away so that I would not bring home a dog that I have no space, no money and no time for. Not to mention, my current dog is very much a one-dog-household kind of Boxer.

That doesn't mean I wasn't really tempted, though.

What are your absolute weaknesses?

(image from the examiner)

Wedding Countdown: 14 Months!

2010-05-16T10:12:00.000-04:00

Fiance and I are super excited because today marks exactly 14 months till the wedding! I know that number sounds kind of arbitrary, but it's significant because it's the halfway mark of our 28-month engagement. Which means that tomorrow, we'll be more than halfway "through" our engagement. Fiance and I agree that this first half went by awfully quickly...I can't even imagine how this next year and two months will fly by!

P.S. I've been known to make those paper chains from elementary school to countdown until big events. I'm thinking that months till the wedding definitely merits a paper chain!

(image from big day chains)

Getting To Know You.

2010-05-11T10:17:00.000-04:00

Last week, in my post on our photographer, I realized that I hadn't really mentioned anything about our church yet, despite it being one of the most important aspects of our wedding day—the place in which Fiance and I will be joined in the sacred union of marriage under God.

I thought today would be a good day to write about it a bit, as we're headed there in a few hours to have our first meeting with the pastor who will be officiating our ceremony. It's not a formal counseling meeting; rather, we're getting together so the pastor can meet Fiance and me and start to get to know us.

Currently, neither Fiance nor I are members at the church at which we'll be married. We attend separate Methodist churches in our hometown, and we didn't know how to choose between them. Should an event that is so "us-oriented" take place in somewhere that is "mine" or somewhere that is "his?"

We wrestled with this question before landing upon a wonderful realization: my parents and Fiance + his family used to all (unknowlingly) attend another Methodist church in a different suburb—so this church has a shared family history. And even better...Fiance's parents were married in that very church 25(ish) years ago. I know I'm a sentimental sap, but gosh. Talk about special.

From the moment Fiance took me to see the church, I knew it was right. It's beauty and sentimental value are undeniable, and I couldn't think of a better place for us to become husband and wife.

So because Fiance and I don't have a shared pastor with whom we're close, one of the pastors of the church will be officiating. I feel like that's fitting; again, this is an "us" thing, and I'm excited that we'll get to meet and get to know this pastor together, as a couple.

I'll let you know how it goes! Hope you all have a lovely Tuesday.

Weekend Again!

2010-05-07T12:03:00.000-04:00

Today's a happy day in part because it's Friday and I'm excited about my weekend plans which include hanging out with some friends, enjoying some good music, Mother's Day festivities and Fiance's major recital.

I'm also excited because my best friend/maid of honor, who has been at college in another state, is moving home today and will once again live approximately seven minutes away from me. Eight or nine minutes, if traffic's heavy. That's not very many minutes between best friends, for sure.

And finally, I telecommuted to work today, so I'm still in sweat pants, which is always a good thing.

What are your plans for the weekend?

(image from poietes)

Thankful.

2010-05-06T12:14:00.004-04:00

A week-ish ago, I mentioned that I've been going through some stuff that's been weighing me down. And I know I was vague—it's not the type of stuff you go into on your blog for all the World Wide Web to see. Despite the murkiness of my post though, you all were so sweet and supportive, offering prayers, happy thoughts and positive energy. For for that, I truly want to thank you. It's that sense of community, friendship and genuine care and concern that make the blogging world so much more than just rambling onto a computer screen (which I know I do anyway, ha ha).

As an equally vague update, I've received some good news this week that's put my heart and mind mostly at ease. I wouldn't say I'm in the clear just yet, but I'm definitely on my way out of the valley of worry and fear.

Thank you again for demonstrating true human compassion in spite of this virtual medium through which we interact.

(image from south town star)

Photography Fever.

2010-05-03T11:02:00.006-04:00

Confession: I've been looking into wedding photographers for close to six months.

I know that makes me sound crazy, but please, let me explain.

When Fiance and I got engaged, we were 28 months out from the wedding. We started looking at venues a full two years in advance. We booked our reception venue over Thanksgiving weekend, 20 months out. While we booked our DJ just recently, we've known that we wanted him for almost four months now. Same with the church (which I haven't posted about yet, have I? Note to self to post about it soon...)—we've known for probably seven or eight months where the ceremony would be. We just have to wait till we were no more than 18 months out to book it per church policy.

In short, we're doing things in advance. Which gives me the time to let the big decisions simmer...which is usually necessary because I'm indecisive. (I know I've mentioned that.)

A couple of months ago, I wrote about how we were going to meet with our favorite prospective DJ, who we'd met a bridal show last August and how he'd made such a great impression, etc. Well, at that same bridal show, we also met a photographer who wow-ed us from our first conversation with him. Our personalities clicked like crazy, and he quickly tapped into the relationship Fiance and I have, spotting a little smile we exchanged as a perfect photo moment. We've been obsessed with him since August, but there are a TON of photographers out there, especially in a city like Cincinnati.

So what did we do? We did what I always do, which is over-research. Over the following months, I exhausted myself comparing photography styles, prices, packages, etc. I requested more information from well over 40 photographers, no exaggeration. Most of my "screening" was done via the Internet and the information packages I picked up at bridal shows. Out of the huge pool of photographers we had spoken with, we ended up meeting with only three in person.

And while I really liked all three, our choice was undeniable. We went back to our "first love" photographer. The deposit and contract are going in the mail today, and I couldn't be more excited about having him with us on our wedding day.

(photo from images by daniel michael)

M-A-Y.

2010-05-01T09:06:00.003-04:00

Happy May! Um, is 2010 flying by, or what?

When I was little, I went through a phase in which I had an obsession with the "A" in my name. It was my favorite letter of my name, and for some reason, I really wanted it to be in the middle of the three letters in my name.

So for a while, I'd write my name on my elementary school papers as "May" or my personal favorite, "Yam."

*Cue my chuckling*

I thought that would be a fun anecdote to share with you today. And yeah, I know I was a little weird-o.

Did you ever have any random obsessions with your name?

(image from zazzle)

Worrisome Times.

2010-04-30T12:13:00.003-04:00

Hiya bloggy friends. I'm sorry I've been a little MIA this week since returning home from our getaway. And in reviewing my monthly archive, it looks like I've been a little absent for the month of April in general.

All I can say is that it's been a busy month, and this week in particular is growing worse and worse as it progresses. The sordid details aren't important; there are just a lot of hurdles ahead that are preoccupying my mind and my time. I'm going to feel sorry for myself for a bit and then try to become cheerful Amy again.

If you're the praying type, I could use some prayers. If you're not, warm wishes and happy thoughts are equally appreciated.

Hang with me, and I'll try to make a comeback in May.

P.S. I hope you all have a great Friday.

(image from the daily record)

All Good Things Must End.

2010-04-27T08:48:00.003-04:00

We're home. Let me tell you, the absolute last thing I wanted to do was to leave the mountains and return to reality. That's the worst part about vacatons—they end.

Thank you all so much for the happy words! We had the best time. We left most of the rain behind in Cincinnati, so for the most part, we got to enjoy a beautiful weekend in the town and in the mountains, full of great laughs and conversations, delicious restaurants, gorgeous nature, amazing views and wonderful memories.

Fiance and I haven't gotten to spend that much time together in I-don't-even-remember-how-long. It was so great to shut out reality for two and a half days.

Fiance pretty much had to drag me away from the mountains; I refused to let our weekend be over. When we finally got back to Cincinnati, he brought me home and was able to hang out with me for a bit. I'll admit it—I cried a little when he had to leave to go home and get ready for the week ahead. I just really didn't want our weekend together to end.

Bye, bye mountains.

P.S. I'm so proud—I got packed on Friday with 13 minutes to spare before Fiance picked me up. That has to be a new personal record.

(image from apartment therapy)

Off to the Mountains.

2010-04-23T10:00:00.003-04:00

To celebrate the end of Fiance's weekends-in-Lexington rehearsals, we're making a getaway to Gatlinburg this weekend where we'll be turning off our cell phones and just soaking in the quaint town, the majestic mountains, and some well-deserved quality time together.

Fiance's grandfather owns a top-floor condo at the top of one of the highest mountains in the area. From the view from the balcony, the strip of town looks tiny, all nestled in the valley, and the mountains are sprawling in every direction. The condo is even higher in the mountains than the ski resort, adding that to the panorama. Basically, it's one of the most peaceful, lovely and relaxing places I know, truly hidden away from the world.

We've been looking forward to this trip for weeks, and the days of this week have moved SO slowly, but Friday's finally here! I'm taking a half-day off work, so we're hoping to be in the mountains by dinnertime.

Needless to say, I won't be blogging for a few days. No phones, no computers, no distractions. But I hope you all have a lovely weekend. I'll be home on Sunday!

P.S. Thanks for all of your book suggestions! I'll respond to them when I get back.

P.P.S. We're supposed to leave in just over three hours, and I haven't packed a single thing yet. Not even a single sock (although packing a single sock instead a pair of socks would be weird). Don't tell Fiance.

(image from gatlinburg packages)

Good Reads.

2010-04-21T14:07:00.001-04:00

Because I work during the day and then have evening classes for grad school, I technically don't have time to read "for fun."

But I am stubborn, and I don't care. Meaning...I need book suggestions!

Last week, after my internship interview, I rewarded myself with a trip to Half Price Books (Fiance's parents got me a gift card to Half Price as part of my Christmas gift...it's been great). I bought Eat, Pray, Love (one of Emily's favorites) and Water for Elephants. Also, a few weeks back, Jamie suggested (via Twitter) Circle of Friends. I have those on my list of "next-reads."

Do you have any favorites that you think I just have to read? Anything goes. I was an English lit major in undergrad, so I appreciate the heavier stuff, but I'm not so much of a snob that I won't read, shall we say, things that are "less literary."

So, please. Distract me from life and help me spend the rest of my gift card.

(image from shelf love)

He's Home!

2010-04-17T16:17:00.006-04:00

You know how I've been whining for months that Fiance has had to go out of town every weekend for rehearsals? (Thanks for putting up with me, by the way.)

Well, after 20 total weeks of rehearsals, he is finally finished!!! When he started this back in November, April seemed forever away. And those five months really did take forever (holy cow, did they). But now he's home!

I. Am. So. Excited.

That pretty much sums up my weekend. Hope you're having a happy weekend, too!

(image from logic)

Our 'Mr. DJ'

2010-04-16T13:55:00.003-04:00

We officially have our DJ!

In early March, I wrote about how Fiance and I were going to meet with our first prospective DJ for the wedding, a DJ who made a fantastic impression on us from the very beginning. I never posted a recap of our meeting, so I want to tell you all about it quickly, because I think it's pretty special.

We met with this DJ and his wife at Panera (they drove to us instead of the other way around!). And I am not exaggerating—we talked with them for so long that we eventually got kicked out because the Panera was closing. We're talking about two and a half hours. And in those two and a half hours, only a small amount of time was actually dedicated to talking about wedding music.

I think that this DJ is a really amazing guy for several reasons. He's done work in marriage counseling, so he honestly cares more about our marriage than our music. And, most importantly, he cares about us. We spent a long time talking to him and his wife about who we are, what we do, how we met and the journey of our relationship. We talked about lessons in life and love. We talked about our friends and family. We talked about things that are important to Fiance and I as an engaged and as a (to-be) married couple.

And then, the DJ in turn described in vivid and touching detail how he would make our story integral to his involvement in our day. How he'd be sure that our closest friends and family are recognized for their importance to us. How he'd conduct our reception to reflect who we are, not who he is as a DJ/Master of Ceremonies.

As corny as it sounds, we really bonded with him and his wife during those two and a half hours. It just felt amazing to have someone actually care about who we are and how we've gone down this road to marriage. When we were leaving, he and his wife told us, "You know, even though you hire us, we only consider you to be a client during the first half of the first meeting. After that, you're our friends." And considering this was our third time interacting with him (if you count wedding shows,) I'd say we're pretty good friends by now.

After we'd parted ways from him and his wife (after Panera politely requested that we leave), Fiance and I agreed that we couldn't imagine not having him as the DJ & MC at our wedding.

So, last week, we signed the contract, mailed the deposit, and he's ours! And he couldn't be a more perfect fit.

(images from fashion matters)

Following Faith.

2010-04-14T10:08:00.004-04:00

Today on Twitter, I started following Max Lucado, who is a best-selling Christian author and a minister of writing and preaching. He has recently posted two powerful messages that I wanted to reflect on a bit, involving faith and forgiveness. I love Max's words, and I think that they can be taken in by just about everyone, no matter what you believe:

"Forgiveness is not saying the one who hurt you was right. It's stating that God is faithful and he will do what is right."

"It's time to let God's love cover all things in your life. All secrets. All hurts."

I think that the reason these two messages resonated with me so much is that in my life, I constantly try to maintain grace—the grace to understand, to accept and to forgive. And usually, these virtues come pretty naturally to me.

There have been a few times in my life, however, that no matter how hard I work at it, I find it incredibly difficult to forgive. And when that happens, I'm left not only dealing with the pain of whatever it was that hurt me, but also the pain of not being about to exude that grace. Those times, while few, were times of emotional struggle because I felt it was solely up to me to find the will to forgive.

But as Max describes, forgiveness is directly tied to faith. Be it a faith in God, a faith in humanity, or even a faith in the power of goodness...that faith is what will help us forgive when we don't feel like we mortally have the strength to do so ourselves. Admittedly, faith can be a similarly tricky topic (which is why we have the phrase "a leap of faith"), but I think it's worth remembering that faith allows us to relieve some of the burden of daily life from our shoulders. On the same note, if you have ever been hurt by anyone or anything, faith can help you heal.

I hope this doesn't sound preachy; it's not meant to be. It's really a reflection that I need to take to heart, and I thought it possible that one of my bloggy friends might need the inspiration as well.

I hope you all can find the peace and grace you need for your lives while I work on establishing it in my own.

(image from local enterprises)

Weddings = Delicious.

2010-04-09T20:03:00.000-04:00

In lieu of private food tastings, our reception venue hosts an event called the Wedding Connection. On the first Wednesday of every month, brides, grooms and families are invited to come sample hors d'oeuvres, taste various entrées and enjoy an open bar. Each menu item has a corresponding menu card, and brides and grooms are instructed to take a card for all of the items they enjoy, which will then be used to construct a wedding-day menu.

Fiance and I first heard about this event when we first started looking at reception venues last summer. The prospect of free food made his eyes light up, and he wanted to go to the Wedding Connection every single month. Of course, life gets in the way and we both had Wednesday-night classes, so this past Wednesday night was actually the first time we’ve gotten to attend.

Fiance’s mom joined us for the tasting, and we all enjoyed sundried tomato empanadas, three different kinds of chicken, two different kinds of potatoes, two cuts of beef, veggies, and, of course, the assortment of sweets to be used with the chocolate fountain. I’ve already banned a chocolate fountain from our reception (not because I don’t love chocolate, but because chocolate fountains and white wedding dresses don’t mix), so I decided I needed to get my fill of it while I can.

We grabbed cards for the dishes we liked, and then wandered around the vendor room (set up like any standard bridal show) a bit. Despite the sheer volume of chocolate-fountain-drenched desserts we’d consumed, Fiance still made a beeline for the cake vendor, and before we knew it, all three of us were sampling different flavors of cake.

After we could not physically eat anything more, we took Fiance’s mom to see the Emerald Ballroom in person, as she had only previously seen it in photos. Just being in the ballroom where our reception is going to be makes me absolutely giddy. I love, love, love it.

I think date nights combined with wedding things are my favorite.

(image from the madison)

Out of Place.

2010-04-07T13:08:00.005-04:00

I just got back from a work lunch and am going to sneak a post in before I get back to the articles I am writing for the rest of the afternoon.

A group of us went to a local pizza place to welcome a couple of new staff members. Out of the eight that went, seven of us were women, leaving one lone man to deal with all of our estrogen. To make matters worse, this guy is one of the new staff members, and he's young (my age), so he didn't really have many people he could relate to.

He was such a fish out of water, especially as the women at the table started discussing babies and daycare and pregnancy tests. Poor guy. He and I were sitting across from each other at one end of the table, so I tried as hard as I could to make him feel comfortable. And after all, as I told him, I have absolutely nothing to contribute to conversations on babies. Despite my best efforts, I think he spent most of the meal just staring at his calzone and looking uncomfortable. At one point, I am pretty sure I actually saw him blush, bless his heart. I really wanted to save him, but I too felt a little out of the loop.

The lunch made me start thinking about how my perspective on life is going to change in the next few years. I hope the change won't be too significant yet—I'm pretty happy where I am right now.

(image from inmagine)

Happiness 101: My Blog's First Award!

2010-04-07T11:01:00.002-04:00

Today is a happy day because Heather at The Sunset Won't has given marginalia by amy the "Happiness 101 Award," my blog's first!

To accept this award, I am to list 10 things that make me happy and then pass the award onto five other bloggy friends (who also make me happy). Making my own happy list is extremely easy but also very hard at the same time because so many things make me happy! So, here's a list of the first 10 things I can think of, in no particular order:

Freshly laundered towels. On more than one occasion, I have accidentally fallen asleep after taking my towels out of the dryer and curling up with them on the couch or in my bed. When they're all warm and snuggly and smelling of heavenly fabric softener, I just can't help it.
Puppies. I know just about everyone loves puppies, but I'm willing to claim that my love runs deeper than most. I've already made Fiance promise that we can get a puppy once we're married. And between you and me, I'm more excited about the idea getting a puppy than the idea of having kids someday.
Bubble baths. I take three to four bubble baths a week, easily. They're one of my favorite ways to unwind and rid myself of the day's stress. My bathroom cabinets are full of bath bubbles and salts. I even have a rubber ducky that keeps me company sometimes.
Christmas lights. I'm obsessed—Christmas lights make everything happier. And prettier. I have some white ones strung around the perimeter of my bedroom and I use them year-round.
Game shows. I feel like a 64-year-old woman for saying this, but I love game shows. For the most part, I'm pretty good at them, and I get very involved in them when I watch. I recently told Best Friend/Maid of Honor that I want us all to go out to The Price is Right for my bachelorette party. My grandfather was on Price when I was really little, and I am convinced that I could play the "legacy" card and make it onstage.
Sending cards/letters to my friends. Personal, handwritten notes are so much more special than e-mails and text messages. I love sending them to my friends to let them know I am thinking of them.
Traditions. I'm a traditional girl, in several senses of the word. I participating in traditions with family and friends. It's comforting to know some things stay the same even while everything else seems to be changing.
Road trips. I love the feeling of getting away from the trenches of everyday life and going off on an adventure. I love laughing at the random sights and the wonderful conversations that can come about during the drive.
Jeans. I know I really need to grow out of my jeans-wearing habits, but seriously, they're just so comfortable and they go with everything in my closet. And I'm a tall girl, so when I find jeans that actually fit, I'm extra happy.
Double dates. Of course, I love spending time with Fiance. But I also really cherish time with my friends. So when we have couple-y friends who we can go out with, it's like the best of both worlds.

And now, here are five bloggy friends who also make me happy and therefore also deserve the Happiness 101 award:

Emily at Flip Flop Forward - I get the distinct pleasure of hearing Em's stories in real-life and reading them online, and they are a constant source of entertainment for me. She's a lot more adventurous than I am, so I think I live vicariously through her a bit, too.
Jamie at Daydream Believer - Jamie makes me laugh out loud. And I don't mean that in the Internet "lol" slang way...I literally have to stifle my amusement when I read Jamie's blog at work. I also feel like we have a lot in common, so I can usually relate to what she's writing.
Brandi at Not Your Average Ordinary - Brandi has an eye for the coolest images and inspirations. Her posts inspire me, and she is such a supportive bloggy friend!
Carmelina from Creative Carmelina and Conversational Carmelina - Carmelina can create some of the most lovely things, and she always writes very sweet comments on my own posts.
Meg at *curls and coffee* - Meg's blog layout alone makes me smile, but she also so often writes about happy things and good moods!

Thank you, Heather, for this award. I hope you all have a happy day!

The Feeling of Productivity

2010-04-06T19:33:00.002-04:00

I love checking things off of my to-do list. It gives me a rush...kind of like a sugar rush, but better. And yes, to some people, this makes me "weird," but I don't care.

For fall and winter quarters this year, Thursdays had been my days off during the week. This quarter, however, my schedule has moved around a bit and I'm off on Tuesdays instead of Thursdays. Don't get me wrong—I am not complaining about the time off. But do I feel a bit like a bum...I mean, it's not like one day of work is so tiring that I already need a break come Tuesday.

To counteract any feelings of lethargy, I had a very productive day. I did laundry, set up an internship interview for next week, worked out, walked my dog, filed my taxes, and submitted two wedding-related deposits.

And now, aside from feeling ~~very~~ a little sore from my workout, I also feel a lovely sense of accomplishment.

How was your day?

(image from families with purpose)

Joyful.

2010-04-04T10:31:00.017-04:00

Happy Easter, bloggy friends! Today I'm spending time with family and celebrating the grace and renewed life given to us through the resurrection of Jesus as the Messiah and our Saviour.

However you choose to celebrate Easter, and even if you don't, I hope that you have a blessed day full of peace, love and chocolate candy.

(image from printables)

Finally, A Friday Date!

2010-04-02T15:41:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday, bloggy friends! This Friday is an especially happy one for me because Fiance and I actually get to go on a date tonight!

You may remember that a few months back, I posted about how we've had to move our date nights to other nights of the week aside from the classic Friday and Saturday nights because Fiance has been out of town for rehearsals every weekend. Well this weekend, he doesn't have to be at rehearsal till Saturday, which means I actually get to see him on a Friday night.

YAY. This is the first Friday I've gotten to spend with him since Christmas Day. Literally. For every single Friday night of 2010, he's been gone. That's 13 Friday nights. (How many other ways can I say that we haven't gotten to see each other on a Friday night in a really, really long time?)

I think the universe is also pleased that we get to have a real Friday-night date (cashing in on my good karma, what what) because today is hands-down the most beautiful day of spring so far. In fact, Cincinnati is looking at breaking the city's record high temperature of 84 degrees today. So we are headed downtown this evening for dinner on the levee, a movie, a walk along the river and just enjoying being together.

My boss just told me to head out and enjoy the sunshine. I'm not going to argue with that. Hope you all have a smile-filled Friday, too!

(photo by brooke mayo)

Brides + Maids!

2010-04-01T10:16:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how excited I was to hear that Bridesmaid C. had gotten engaged and would be getting married in the same summer that I am. And believe me, my excitement hasn't faltered at all yet.

Last night, after work, I met Bridesmaid C., who is one of my best friends from college, for dinner and catching up and, of course, to see her ring!!! It was so great to see her and give her a real congrats hug and hear about the wedding planning they've done thus far (which, by the way, is quite a bit...they're very efficient).

While we were eating, C. randomly started smiling to herself, and I couldn't help but look around the restaurant and wonder why she was laughing. I asked her, and she said it was nothing. Once our server had taken our plates, C. was smiling again, and I finally told her, "I feel like you're having a party on your table that I am just not invited to." She laughed and assured me, "Oh, no, you're invited." She reached into her purse, pulled out a wrapped package and handed it across the table to me. The gesture was a familiar one—I did the same to her about five months ago—so I had a pretty good idea of what was to come...and I was right.

C. asked me to be one of her bridesmaids!!! *squeal of excitement* I hadn't allowed myself to expect to be one (that's has "bad idea" written all over it), but, of course, I would love and be honored to stand with her on her wedding day.

Her method of asking her maids is similar to what I did—I wrote each of them a personalized note decorated with flowers in our wedding colors, put the note in a color-corresponding photo frame and presented them personally to each of my bridesmaids while we were out together at dinner, lunch or coffee. My bridesmaids all loved it, and C. especially got so teary and emotional, so I totally understand why she'd want to do the same for her girls!

Her frame, however, is even cuter than what I gave her. It's a frame with a double opening (see above); in the top frame is a one of her favorite pictures of us from our sorority's formal during junior year of college, and the lower frame is a note with a poem and a sweet message saying that she couldn't imagine her day without me. *tear* She wrote the poem herself, with help from her fiance, and it's so cute that I just can't help but share it:

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Will you stand by my side
When I say "I do?"
Here's a picture of me and you
And a slot to be filled with any picture you wish
But not just any picture will do
Pick one from June 25th.

And now? Oh. My. Gosh. I am so incredibly excited for our summer of 2011. C. is getting married on June 25, which is just a few weeks before my wedding on July 16. I can't even describe how special and meaningful it is going to be for us both to get to be brides and bridesmaids for each other within the same month. I call that a sign of a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Lovely Little Favors

2010-03-31T15:00:00.001-04:00

In addition to crafting our own invitations and paper products, as I mentioned a few days ago when I found the embossing machine, we are also going to save a bit of money in the wedding process by making up our own favors.

Even though I know that it's much more important to put money toward photography rather than favors, I am still a little sad that I can't buy something adorable to give my guests, like these red and black-and-white-damask favor boxes above. Red is my primary wedding color, and I think the damask is just so lovely and elegant.

Do any of you who are married, or even any of you who are more creative than me, have ideas for simple, cheap, yet still pretty, favors? I think that I want to somehow incorporate our favors into our table decor, so I need them to contribute to the overall feel of my wedding while also being at least moderately attractive to the eye. Everything that I find that I like is just too much money for a wedding with upwards of 250 guests.

It's little things like this that make me glad I still have so long to plan and prepare for the wedding. I may need that whole extra year to figure out all of this DIY stuff!

(images from little things)

The People Amy Meets in Grad School

2010-03-30T12:13:00.003-04:00

On Monday, I started a new quarter at grad school, which means a new set of classes and a somewhat-new set of classmates. Thus far, the students in my program have been relatively segregated—that is, our classes haven't been very integrated with students in other disciplines—so I've become accustomed to our particular kind of grad school culture.

This quarter, I'm taking a class on rhetoric, and as a writer, I was looking forward to what the class would teach me about persuasion, purpose and audience. However, I didn't really consider the more philosophical side of the history of rhetoric or the kinds of people who would be taking the class in pursuit of this theory-based learning.

To describe this particular breed of people, I am going to steal (is it stealing if I credit her?) a very relevant post topic from bloggy friend Shannon of good girl gone grad who started a series entitled, "The People You Meet in Grad School." At the time I'm writing this, she's made it to "Part Four" of the series...impressive. Shannon writes with such personality and humor that I just really "click" with all of her posts, especially the ones about grad school.

So now, my first installment of "The People Amy Meets in Grad School." (Shannon, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.)

1. The Pretentious Interjector of Irrelevant Knowledge

Some graduate students are determined to make their presence known—these are the ones Shannon calls "obnoxious" and "conspicuous," and I would have to agree. Pretentious Interjectors of Irrelevant Knowledge sit with their noses lifted so high in the air that they can't even see the chalkboard or the computer projector. But then again, with their genius-level IQs, why would they need to? Might as well hand them their doctoral degree the first day they walk on campus and save them from having to breathe the same air as the rest of us mortals.

They define themselves (and introduce themselves) by their titles rather than their names, which, when you think about it, really can't be all that impressive considering these people haven't actually earned their degrees yet. Ahh, but isn't "doctoral scholar" an impressive title? To the Pretentious Interjector of Irrelevant Knowledge, it is. These grad students should make t-shirts with their title written across the front in giant, bold letters; it wouldn't be any less subtle than the way in which they constantly remind you that they teach undergraduates and therefore rank just below the gods—gods who, by the way, they don't believe exist because spirituality defies logic and because Nietzsche said so.

Yes, that's right. The Pretentious Interjectors of Irrelevant Knowledge are BFFs with Neitzsche, which means they bring his philosophies up every 2.5 minutes, no matter the discussion topic. Similarly, they can't stand to be silent during any discussion, so they constantly reach into their resevoir of mostly irrelevant and rarely even tangential knowledge and pull out a fact to illuminate the versatillity of their intellect. This technique often leads to the Pretentious Interjectors of Irrevelant Knowledge to speak for several minutes at a time without saying anything that is significant to the rest of the class and/or the professor. The Intejectors don't mind though; they like to hear themselves talk in the same way a music box soothes a fussy baby.

My class is about 50% filled with Pretentious Interjectors of Irrevelant Knowledge, which is why we were not even a half an hour into class before one of them brought up Obama + healthcare, igniting a fiery debate on whether we'll have a reactionary president in 2012 and whether the world is coming to an end.

Ummm, what? I understand that politics will inevitably come up in a class on rhetoric, but I don't think it's benefiting the rest of us non-pretentious-interjectors who have invested time and money into becoming professionals, not degree-glorified pontificators.

Ready, set...rant over.

(image from zazzle)

Those Silly Square Notes.

2010-03-29T12:27:00.000-04:00

Because I was trapped at home for a few days last week when I was car-less, I decided to do a bit of spring cleaing. And I mean only a bit. I wasn't quite bored enough to do the thorough cleaning that's needed, but it was enough to at least make be feel a little bit productive.

In case I've never mentioned it before, I'm ~~kind of~~ a major packrat. I have the ability to attach sentimental value to just about anything, no matter how trivial it may be. Maybe it's a good thing for posterity that I hold on to so much, but it's a bad thing for my closet/bookshelves/drawers/various other storage devices.

When I was going through my closet, I pulled out an old shoebox that was filled to the brim with notes from junior high. No, not academic notes (although I was a good little student). But no, they were junior-high-girl notes. You know, the ones you passed to your friends at class change and read covertly during class so your teacher wouldn't catch you with it and confiscate it, or worse, read it aloud.

I opened up a few of the notes one particular friend (or "bff") and I used to pass each other (yes, we had our intricate method for folding our notes...maybe we thought it made us "cool?"). And wow, did they take me back about a decade. They don't say anything all that substantial or even intelligent; mostly, they're filled with remarks about cute boys and what our plans were for the weekend...which when you're thirteen, inevitably consists of the mall and/or the movies. Even still, the notes reminded me of a whole different world that I lived in with an entirely different perspective on life. They didn't make me miss junior high (yeah, right), but they did make me miss the easy and worry-free way we spent our days.

Surprisingly, I was able to throw away the notes after reading only a few (it takes too long to unfold those things, anyway). So either I'm getting better at getting rid of my stuff, or I just realized that it'd just be too embarrassing for anyone else to ever find the evidence of our silly junior high days. I'd like to think it's a combination of both.

Did you have any of these silly friendship rituals with your childhood bffs? I have dozens more, but I've made myself look ridiculous enough for one day, I think.

(image from wiki how)

Amy Turned Crafty Bride.

2010-03-27T15:17:00.008-04:00

On Monday, Best Friend/Maid of Honor and I went to lunch and then felt like being a little crafty, so we headed out a couple of local arts and crafts stores to check out scrapbooking and other random wedding-related supplies.

When constructing our wedding budget, Fiance and I, along with my mom, worked it out so that we are able to splurge on the things we really care about—venue, photography, DJ, my dress—and make up for the splurges by doing other things ourselves, including our save-the-dates, invitation suites, programs, favors, etc. At first, I was not thrilled with the idea of having DIY invitations and whatnot, but the idea has really grown on me. We're going to make good use of my brother, who is a graphic designer, and when it comes to assembly, well, isn't that where my six bridesmaids come in?

So, while we were our shopping, we looked a lot at supplies we could use to make our invitations look mildly professional and also add some personal touches.

One thing we found and are intent upon buying is the Sizzix Texture Boutique Embossing Machine. First of all, how cute is that thing? A miniature purse...just my style! And second of all, how perfect and handy? It's designed to transform ordinary cardstock into textured/embossed art...just what we need to add a touch of elegance to our DIY invitations!

Sizzix offers a whole line of Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, like the these below that I like (especially the one of the left, the hearts/vines combo), that allow you to create cards for any occasion.

Maybe I will turn out to be a crafty bride after all! At least, as long I have fun tools and my six bridesmaids at my side...

(iamges from sizzix)

Sip, Sip

2010-03-25T14:09:00.002-04:00

I don/'t usually fall for fads, but I admit it—I'm into this one. "I am not a paper cup..." is a porcelain cup with a silicone lid designed to look just like a to-go cup from any generic coffee shop. Trendy.

I have seen others (possibly "I am not..." knockoffs) that I actually like better. Some have a silicone sleeves that mimic the cardboard sleeves that protect your hands, and some have a plastic body, thus making the cup microwave friendly (from what I've read, the porcelain "I am not..." is not).

Am I totally crazy for wanting one? Wanting one so much that I am willing to spend $10 on Amazon plus who-knows-how-much in shipping? Maybe. But I think they're really cool. And environmentally friendly. So I at least can't feel too bad about being smitten with such an unnecessary object...right?

What trends/fads have you fallen for in the past? The more embarrassing, the better (to read about, that is). *winky*

(image from decor craft inc)

Damsel in Distress

2010-03-24T14:40:00.004-04:00

Last week was a finals week for me in grad school, which means that I am on spring break this week, as I'm between quarters. Unfortunately, grad school spring break doesn't have the same fun-loving associations as college spring break. I decided to use this week for appointments and my project of finding myself a summer internship (required for my grad program). Accordingly, I had planned yesterday to be very productive—I had an interview in the morning, followed by a haircut, followed by a lunch date with Fiance. So, I got up early (earlier than anyone who is on spring break should), worked out, took a shower, got dressed in business-y clothes, grabbed my portfolio and headed out the door.

I get in my car, and naturally as would happen before an important interview, my car won't start. I'm hardly what you'd call "self-sufficient," so I call my mom in a panic. No answer. So then I call Fiance. No answer. Argh. I am now getting full-blown blotchy from anxiety, watching the minutes on the clock tick away as the time of my interview draws nearer and nearer. Finally, Mom calls back and while incredibly sympathetic, she really can't help me. In tears, I start to head inside to try to reschedule my interview (or "make a horrible first impression," as I whined to Mom), but in a bout of anger, I try the ignition one more time.

Hallelujah. My car turns on. So does my "check engine" light, but that's beside the point. I check my clock and see that I can still make it to my interview on time if I don't hit traffic or red lights and don't get lost. Despite all my best instincts of the risks of driving my car in this condition, I pull out of my garage and drive away.

I make it to my interview (which went well, I think), and then I even get the car to start again and take me across town to my haircut (I've managed to stick with my "I'm keeping my hair long until the wedding" promise). I return to my car, which is parked behind the salon, and nothing. It won't start. It won't even pretend to start. It will, however, make ominous clicking noises at me. So I get out of my car, pop the hood and *pretend* to know what I am looking for. Yeah, right, Amy.

Again, I start my round of panicked phone calls. Fiance (a.k.a. "my hero") leaves school to come rescue me. And by "rescue," I mean ensure that I am not stranded by myself in a questionable part of town. He takes me to the Chevy dealer down the street where we talk to the service department who tells us that we would need to get my car towed there for them to work on it. Back at my car, a nice man tries to jump start my battery so I can at least drive my car the whole two blocks from where it's stuck to the dealer. No luck. So I call my Good Samaritan Emergency Road Service, and Fiance and I proceed to wait two more hours for help to arrive.

My car is still out at that dealer, and now I'm just awaiting the dreaded phone call with the price quote of how much this major headache of a day is going to cost me. And until it's fixed, I'm stranded at home without a car, thanks to the fact that I'm not 25 and can't drive a rental car. Yayyy spring break (sarcasm).

Sigh. There's nothing like feeling like a completely helpless girl, i.e. a damsel in distress, to really boost your self-esteem (more sarcasm). I guess, at the very least, as Mom told me over the phone, "I know it sucks to be stranded, but at least you were able to get your hair cut, so you're at least beautiful while you're stranded."

Thanks, Mom.

Engagement Anniversary

2010-03-20T14:21:00.003-04:00

Today, Fiance and I have been engaged for one year...!!!

The above photo is from the morning after Fiance proposed last March 20, when my parents came up to my apartment in Oxford to congratulate me and bring me flowers. My mom and College Roommate C. forced me to wander around the apartment with my left hand up in the air so they could take pictures, while Dad just followed us around with a smirk on his face.

When I think of weekend we got engaged, I'll never forget the way I felt; the way Fiance looked at me when he was down on one knee with the ring box open in his hand; my roommates' reactions (priceless); the sunshine that matched my mood all weekend; the sweet and loving ceremony my Christian sorority sisters performed for me; and the way I couldn't take my eyes off my left hand for days.

I cannot believe that it has been an entire year. The last 365 days have gone so quickly! And we figure that's a good thing, considering we still have about 16 months until the wedding. But honestly, I am loving our long engagement. It is such a special, magical time—why wouldn't I want it to last as long as possible? The wedding isn't stressing us out; instead, we're having so much fun, and we'll have so many great memories from this part of the whole wedding "process."

Because Fiance is still gone every weekend, we had to celebrate a couple of days early. So on Thursday, which luckily was the most beautiful day of the year so far, we drove up to Oxford, had dinner, and just walked hand-in-hand around Miami's lovely campus, reminiscing about that very special night.

"Look at the stars. Look how they shine for you, and everything you do. Yeah, they were all yellow..."

Summer Lovin'

2010-03-17T10:12:00.003-04:00

I know I mentioned that I went to see "Dear John" with College Roommate/Bridesmaid B. the other weekend, but I realized I never gave you all my "expert" (haha) review. I'm sure you've just been on the edge of your seat, waiting for my recap, huh? (Gosh, I'm feeling sarcastic today. Sorry. *sheepish face*)

Overall, B. and I both liked it. Actually, I should say that we liked the first 102 minutes of it. The last three minutes provide such an incomplete ending. Don't you hate it when you sit through an entire movie, only to be left with an unresolved feeling at the end? Yep. Me too.

In terms of the rest of the movie, however, there were parts that had us laughing and parts that had us crying. And I know that she and I are wimps, so I should probably note that those parts had everyone in our theater sniffling. I'm a sap for girly movies anyway (though not the kind of sap that swears that "The Notebook" was the best movie ever made, for example), so I don't mind all of the emotional stuff. And really, I cry at ~~just about~~ everything.

One other caveat: watching this movie with make you crave summer. You will actually physically yearn for sunny days, warm breezes, cookouts and flip-flops. In other words, I have summer fever and it isn't even officially spring yet.

Grad School Gets in the Way

2010-03-16T11:58:00.000-04:00

So I'm feeling a little sheepish. On Friday, I celebrated my 100th post, and you all were so supportive and happy for me, and it was so much fun to read your sweet and encouraging responses.

Then how do I repay you? By not posting for four days. Nice, Amy. Nice.

I've always heard that you aren't supposed to give an excuse when you're trying to apologize to someone, but that's difficult to do. So here is my apology: I am sorry, bloggy friends. I promise I will do better this week.

Now for my excuse: it's finals week for me at grad school. Which means that for the past 72 hours, my head has either A) been buried in a book, or B) been focused solely on trying to get my 24-page research report finished by 5:00 PM...today!

And since it's already just about noon, I should probably get my nose back to the grindstone. But I'll be logging online to catch up on the bloggy world a bit later today. That is, if my eyeballs haven't fallen out of my head from exhaustion from looking at a computer screen.

(image from getty)

My 100th Post!

2010-03-13T00:33:00.002-05:00

Well, dear readers, the title of the post says it all. I've officially reached 100 blog posts! To be honest, I'm even sure how I am supposed to commemorate this milestone. I've seen some bloggers who write a "100 Things About Me" post when they reach 100 posts, but really, you all don't want to read 100 things about me. And I don't want to write 100 things about me. Because they would probably be pretty boring. And I'd lose your interest after Quasi-Interesting Fact #6. And then you'd stop reading my blog. And then I'd become depressed and only ever write depressing blog posts. And then any of you who somehow were still hanging on after 100 Not-So-Interesting-Things About Amy would stop reading also. So, you can see how it's a pretty slippery slope.

Instead, I thought I'd spend a bit of time reflecting on where and why my blog began.

First, I want to highlight a couple of my favorite posts...

Notes Left Along the Way — my first blog post, where it all began;
A Winding Maze of Corn — reminds me of a perfect autumn day with Fiance;
Christmastime is Here! — I love Christmas. What else is there to say?
Quest for the Wedding Dress: Part One — you were all so supportive and encouraging as I began my search for my wedding dress;
Friend Dates — I love friend dates and I love that so many of my bloggy friends do, too;
I Need My Routine — I have quirks, and that's okay;
Love Across Distance — a true representation of the first four years of my relationship with Fiance;
Quest for the Wedding Dress: Part Two — wedding dresses are just so fun, and all of your comments are fun, too!

I think it's also important to note that my blog might not exist today if it weren't for Emily from Flip Flop Forward — Emily and I are "real-life" friends (as opposed to bloggy friends). We've known each other since high school (yaaay high school...sarcasm), and we're birds of a feather in that we're both the literary and writer types. Emily consistently entertains me with a never-ending string of amusing stories, and I had always told her that she needed to use those stories to write a book (or a blog, as the case may be). Long story short: she (finally) started a blog, I followed suit, and the rest is history.

And finally, I owe a great big "thank you" to y-o-u (yes, you!). Writing has always been a passion of mine, but the genre of blogging truly comes alive with lively, friendly and wonderful readers like you! I have had so much fun making new bloggy friends over the past several months. I truly thank all of you for the support.

I encourage you all to eat a piece of cake for me today. (Like you ever need an excuse to eat cake.)

(image from eveningsun)

Eat More Greens

2010-03-11T15:26:00.000-05:00

Our trip up to Oxford for the infamous Green Beer Day holiday was one week ago, and I've had a couple of requests for a recap/pictures. Well, I don't drink beer, but we did get to experience the next best thing...green bagel sandwiches (see the image above, but pretend like you can't see me in it because that is an incredibly unflattering picture of me, thanks). Delicious and festive. Cheers!

Betrothed Bridesmaid!

2010-03-10T09:34:00.003-05:00

I know it's the middle of the week, and I still haven't caught you all up on my weekend. Bad Amy. So now I would like to share some news I've been over the moon about for the past few days.

Bridesmaid C. called me on Sunday evening...to tell me that she is ENGAGED!!!

Oh my goodness. I was all (happy) teary when I got off the phone with her. Fiance made fun of me, but I don't care at all. Weddings + my best friends = crying Amy.

Bridemaid C. is one of my very best friends from college. I was there when she started dating her boyfriend-now-fiance. [My] Fiance and I have gone on vacations with them, gone on double dates, gone to Red's games with them, etc. Basically, I love them both so much, and I am so happy for them. They're the kind of you just know is going to get married, it's just a matter of when. In fact, a few weeks ago, when Bridesmaid C. and I went to the wedding-planning boutique, I asked her if she had any idea when he might propose. She didn't, but she said he apparently had the exact day all figured out.

Oh, and speaking of WHEN...it looks like Bridesmaid C. and I are going to be wedding buddies! They haven't chosen a date yet, but it's going to be sometime in the summer of 2011—the same summer in which she's a bridesmaid in MY wedding. We've been through so much together over the past five years, and I think that it is just so cool that we'll get to share in this blissful experience together.

Eeeeeeeee! (happy squeal)

(image from abazias)

A Tisket, A Tasket

2010-03-08T11:30:00.004-05:00

Remember the basket that I won last weekend at Bridalrama?

I finally got an e-mail about said basket telling me that I could pick it up, so last Thursday I drove out to Parkers Blue Ash Grill to claim my prize. I was expecting a little basket containing a bottle of wine (they told me to bring proof of age) and a brochure for the restaurant. Boy, was I surprised when the hostess brought out THIS basket (above) that I could barely even carry to my car without dropping.

I let the basket sit on my dining room table for a couple of days before I opened it because it's just so pretty, and then this weekend, Best Friend helped me open it up and see what all I won.

We took inventory, and the final count is...

(2) bottles of wine (pinot grigio and zinfandel)
(2) wine glasses
(1) package of hazelnut coffee
(2) Parkers Blue Ash Grill coffee mugs
(1) 40-count set of Brides Magazine thank-you notes (pink paisley design)
(1) 10-count set of Brides Magazine photo frame thank-you cards
(1) pack of Brides Magazine labels ("love it" and "like it" for wedding ideas)
(1) wedding planning book
(1) lovely white wedding picture frame
(2) pink votive candles
(2) glass candle holders
lots of candy (chocolate...mmm)

...all of which was wrapped up in an adorable picnic basket. I told Fiance we have to start going on picnics now.

Not to shabby, huh? Just another reason that I will continue to go to wedding shows and soak in this entire bridal experience! *smile*

Off to the Weekend!

2010-03-05T16:26:00.000-05:00

It's Friday afternoon, bloggy friends! Aren't you excited?

I'm excited because I finally have a weekend full of fun plans instead of a weekend full of homework and missing Fiance. Now, let's be straight. I have a TON of work to do this weekend, and of course I'll miss Fiance while he's in rehearsals and performances for two days. But at least this weekend I have some lovely plans of my own to distract me from all of that.

Tonight, I'll be enjoying some quality time with Best Friend/Maid of Honor. We don't have our exact plans figured out yet, but I am excited to be spontaneous. Tomorrow is lunch and a bit of shopping with Bridesmaid E., and on Sunday, I'm seeing "Dear John" with College Roommate/Bridesmaid B.

And now, after telling you all of that, I'm finding this dual-title thing with my friends/bridesmaids to be more than a little confusing. I'm sorry about that, but I guess we might just have to deal until I think of a better system.

Hope you have lovely weekend plans of your own!

"Going Green"

2010-03-04T18:37:00.002-05:00

At Miami University, the Thursday before spring break is a (student-sponsored) holiday. This holiday is infamous in the Midwest, as alumni have facilitated mock celebrations from Cincinnati to Chicago.

The holiday is Green Beer Day.

It was first celebrated in Oxford, Ohio in 1952. The tradition started because Miami University always held spring break during the week of St. Patrick’s Day, thus preventing Miami students from getting to drink like the Irish with their friends.

Green Beer Day (not in any way actually associated with the university, might I add) has become one of Oxford’s most beloved holidays. Entrepreneurial-minded students create and sell clever, witty Green Beer Day t-shirts. The bars open at 5:30 AM with a variety of green drinks to go with a breakfast of green eggs and ham, and the party lasts all day and all night long.

Now, I don’t drink beer, so I can’t say I’ve ever had (or ever cared to have) a green beer. But Fiance and I made our own GBD tradition. I would buy us t-shirts, and he’d drive up from Northern Kentucky. We’d buy dinner and park it on a bench and watch the craziness unfold.

So tonight, instead of being sad that I’m missing out on all of the entertainment, Fiance and I are heading up to Oxford to get bagel sandwiches from our favorite little place and be thoroughly amused by the Miami students dressed head-to-toe in green celebrating their very own holiday. I’ll probably come home with a story or two. :)

(image from slogantees)

Spread the Love!

2010-03-04T12:04:00.001-05:00

First of all, I want to say a big WELCOME to my new followers! Thank you for reading! I am so happy you are here, and I can't wait to get to know you all better. I love making new friends! *smiles*

Second, I had the honor of being featured yesterday in a Welcome Wagon Wednesday by Ams at Survivng Long Distance Love. The title of her blog orignally attracted my attentino because I've been through (more than) my fair share of the distance relationship thing. And now, Ams and I have become bloggy friends, and I think she's just great! You should all check out her blog—she's honest, she's fiesty, she has a super sense of humor...and she's in LOVE!

It's so happy to start a Thursday by sharing the love!

(image from melissa)

Put a Record On.

2010-03-03T09:37:00.002-05:00

Tonight, Fiance and I are having our first prospective-DJ meeting!

[I can help but want to break out into Madonna's "Music" right now. Don't judge me.]

When we went to our first wedding show back in August, we hadn't planned anything so we were interested in everyone and everything (fun, but exhausting). We met tons of vendors, and a few in particular stood out to us, one of which is the DJ we're meeting with tonight. He was so personable and really seemed interested in getting to know us, moreso even than trying to "sell" us on him. But at that time, we were nowhere near looking for DJs yet, so we kind of filed him away in the back of our minds for "future reference."

Fast forward four months. Mom and I went to another wedding show, and as we were approaching a DJ booth, I realized that I had spoken with him before (and liked him). I was sure that he wouldn't remember me, so I brought Mom over to him to see what she thought (because I can't make decisions on my own).

Well, what do you know...he DID remember me. And he remembered Fiance. And he remembered that he and Fiance share a love of golf.

...Really? I was highly impressed. And as they say, first impessions are everything, and he's stuck around in our minds for months now. So we finally were able to find time to set up a meeting with him tonight. I'm excited to maybe figure out another key player in the wedding!

I know a lot of you bloggy friends are married/have been involved in wedding things. Do you have any advice on what questions I should ask him tonight or certain topics to make sure we cover? I haven't done too much homework on DJs yet (like I have for photographers), and I want to make sure I take advantage of our time with him tonight. Thanks in advance. :)

(image from weddingpath)

Smiling Again

2010-03-01T10:24:00.003-05:00

Thank you to all of my dear blog-o-sphere friends who reached out to me in comfort and kind words after my not-so-happy state on Friday. Your genuine care and concern meant so much to me.

As an update, things have gotten brighter. Fiance and I talked for hours on Saturday night. I told him my fears, and he told me why I didn't need to be afraid. It was so good for both of us to be honest. And even though the honesty makes us vulernable, it's okay because we're there for each other. We both feel better, and that pit in my stomach is gone. (Hugs really help, too.)

He came over last night after his rehearsal, with Cookies 'n Cream ice cream in hand (my favorite!). We enjoyed it while we watched some of the DVR-ed Olympic gold medal hockey game (USA played so well!). Nothing fancy. Just time together to unwind and de-stress.

When he left for the evening, he told me, "You smiled a lot tonight."

It's because I'm a lucky girl...albeit an emotional, lucky girl.

(image from bbc)

Another Wedding Show

2010-02-27T19:10:00.001-05:00

"Bridalrama." Isn't that a funny name?

When I told my dad that I'd be spending my Saturday at Bridalrama in downtown Cincinnati, he laughed and said it sounded like the "Roller-rama" or something.

Best Friend/Maid of Honor accompanied me downtown to one of Cincinnati's largest wedding showcases. We were mostly there for fun...to try cake samples, get some free stuff, see the fashion show and maybe come across a vendor we weren't previously aware of. (I told you I was going to keep going to these to take full advantage of all of the lovely perks of wedding planning!!!)

It was a great girls day. Best Friend is always just so much fun, no matter where I take her or what we're doing.

And, I think I actually won one of the giveaways! It's all a little murky right now, but I got a phone call after we'd left the show saying I'd won a basket from one of the restaurants that had been there to promote bridesmaids brunches and rehearsal dinners. I'm not quite sure what's in the basket, or even if I will actually receive it, but if I do, I will certainly share the details. :)

A girly day today was just what I needed after a rough couple of nights. Thank goodness for friends!

(image from sweet julias)

The Aftereffects.

2010-02-26T15:44:00.000-05:00

A serious talk last night has left me feeling like this today. Not so cheery.

Now, I don't want to alarm anyone (you dear blogg-y friends!). It's nothing catastrophic. But it's one of those things that matters enough to make me completely drained emotionally.

Upset, vulnerable and lonely is a bad combination. This is the kind of mood that chocolate can't even cure. In fact, chocolate doesn't even sound appealing. I know, right...who am I?

What do you do to pick yourself up from (what feels like) rock-bottom (but probably isn't actually rock-bottom...I'm just feeling desperate and dramatic)?

(image from lesli)

A Single White Rose.

2010-02-24T11:05:00.000-05:00

There's nothing like a single white rose to brighten your whole day. The simple elegance just takes my breath away. (Ignore the blue cup...that's not so elegant.)

Thanks to Fiance for being so sweet. He makes me happy.

I Heart Thin Mints

2010-02-22T17:26:00.000-05:00

Has anyone else gotten your Girl Scout cookies yet? I came home to find that mine had magically appeared. Excitement. I'm eating a Thin Mint right now.

I've been whining a bit lately about how I'm so over winter. I'm tired of the cold and of the snow that has turned grey and slushy. I want to wear sandals and stop wearing my Eskimo-esque parka. I want to use my springtime purses. And I want to see sunshine again.

But...now I remember that there is one good things about this time of year: Girl Scout cookies.

Munch, munch, munch.

(image from clark)

Quest for the Wedding Dress: Part Two

2010-02-20T18:07:00.003-05:00

With every little (or big!) wedding thing that I do, the day becomes even easier to envision. It's really exciting and makes me really happy.

Today was Day #2 of wedding dress shopping. The first time we went, a little under a month ago, I was incredibly nervous. You know how shopping for clothes can sometimes make you feel bad about yourself? I was afraid that wedding dress shopping would be one big self-esteem buster. But I was so wrong. I'd never felt more beautiful.

With all my nerves out of my system, I was excited for today. Of course, I didn't really consider the fact that dress stores on Saturdays are ENTIRELY different environments than dress stores on a random Thursday afternoon, like the Thursday we first went shopping. I had to fight to even get a parking spot, and then when I walked in the door to register and meet my sales consultant, I almost wanted to turn back around and leave in fear. There were girls and bridesmaids and moms and sisters and a whole other posse of people EVERYWHERE.

My mom was a couple of minutes late in meeting up with Bridesmaid C. and me, and by the time she arrived, I was so flustered that I had started to get a little blotchy. [~~Fun~~ Fact: When I get nervous or anxious or overwhelmed or upset or flustered, my chest and neck get a little blotchy. It's always a tell-tale sign of my emotions, but strangely enough only my mom, Fiance and a few close friends can recognize it.] But then, amazingly enough, despite the chaos taking place around us, my sales consultant was able to make me feel completely as ease and completely removed from the craziness of the day.

The second store was a bit smaller and a bit less hectic. I found a dress there that I absolutely love, love, love. It's a close second to my first [dress]love from before. In other words, this whole process is going to become much harder if there are multiple dresses I can see myself wearing. I'm going to keep shopping, though. I have plenty of time to be thorough...plus, it's just fun, and I'll only ever be buying one wedding dress.

Honestly, I think the hardest part is going to be after I order the dress (whichever dress it ends up being), receive it a few months later and then have to restrain myself from trying it on every single day and wearing it around the house because I love it so much. :)

(image from scarlett)

Welcome Back, Weekend.

2010-02-19T10:15:00.001-05:00

Even though the approximately 15 inches of snow we received early this week claims to have given us some time "off," I'm still completely exhausted from the sheer amount of work and the minimual number of hours of sleep that took place this past week.

In short, I'm really glad it's Friday.

Tonight, I'm being a hermit, and I'm not even ashamed to admit it. I'm going to catch up on some work for my grad classes, but I'm also going to finally relax for a while and maybe watch some of the Olympics or last night's episode of Project Runway that is waiting for me in my DVR at home.

And to make up for my hermit tendencies tonight, I'm going wedding dress shopping again tomorrow! Mom and Bridesmaid C. (who visited the bridal boutique with me last weekend) are going with me, and this time, I'm excited instead of nervous, thanks to how much fun I had the first time we went dress shopping! I know it's still a little early as we still have [less than] 17 months till the wedding, but I'm not exactly planning on buying my dress tomorrow. I'm way too indecisive for that.

What are you doing this weekend? Whatever it is, I hope it's wondeful. :)

(image from smarter)

Love Across the Distance

2010-02-16T09:06:00.002-05:00

These pillowcases are seriously the cutest things I've EVER seen. Fiance found them online at BoldLoft when he was shopping for my Valentine's Day present, and he really wanted to get them for me, but they were sold-out. He was disappointed because they are an absolutely perfect representation of us.

In case I haven't mentioned it, Fiance and I were in a distance relationship pretty much from the moment we started dating until when I graduated from college last May—so four straight years. And even now that I have finally gotten to realize the joy actually getting to see my love when I want and need, I still would not change a single thing about those four years of distance.

Fiance and I earnestly believe that it was the distance that made us so strong. When you don't see the person you love every day, or even every week, you have to be truly committed, and you have to truly trust each other. You learn to cherish the precious minutes that you do get to spend together, no matter how few and far between. And when all you have is to sustain you is phone calls, you learn to talk...really well.

Which is why those pillowcases are just so perfect. Fiance and I spent four years seeing each other occasionally, but talking to each other every single day...usually for hours on end. It was during those phone calls that we truly got to know each other, understand each other and become best friends, while simultaneously falling in love. Although we were miles and miles apart, we were always connected by our ability to talk to each other about anything and everything. Our phone calls were an established part of my day, and despite the fact that we weren't in the same state, Fiance told me "good night" before I went to bed every night.

And to be honest, after I graduated and we both moved back to our hometown so that we were at least in the same city, we actually missed our phone calls a little bit. They were an extremely special ingredient of our relationship, and we noticed their absence. Of course, I won't complain that now Fiance and I get to have our conversations in person, but I wouldn't trade those phone calls for anything.

The happy ending of it all is that we still don't take for granted a single second of the time we get to spend together. And I don't think we ever will.

(image from boldloft)

Smooches from Amy!

2010-02-14T15:24:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day, blogging friends! I hope you all have a reason to celebrate today, no matter your relationship status, because today is a day to cherish all those in our lives that we love—friends, family, pets and significant others, if applicable. And of course, it's also a day to eat candy hearts and chocolate. *winky*

Last night, Fiance and I saw "Valentine's Day," that new star-studded movie (Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Garner, Ashton Kutcher, Topher Grace, Jessica Alba, Queen Latifah, Jessica Biel, etc, etc). Bridesmaid C. and her boyfriend had gone to see it, and she told me that they both loved it, so I used that as fuel for hinting to Fiance that I wanted to see it. We both really liked it—it has that perfect blend of romance and comedy to make it appealing to both sexes.

Today, we are going to dinner and exchanging fun (as opposed to "nice") presents. It's nothing fancy, but it's totally "us."

How are you spending today? Whatever you do, I hope you are happy. :)

Xoxoxoxoxo.

(images from donld and photobucket)

I'm My Own J-Lo

2010-02-13T19:13:00.009-05:00

Despite how much fun Jennifer Lopez makes it seem to be in the movie, I am not hiring a wedding planner for several reasons, including the following:

Our church provides a coordinator to handle decor, setup and logistics for the ceremony who will also be present the day of the wedding.
Our reception venue provides a weddding specialist who will act as our complimentary planner and will also interface with our vendors.
Wedding planners are expen$ive, and that money would be much better spent on my dress or our photo album.
I am an organized person, with a bit of experience in event planning, and I am excited about planning my wedding day myself.

I will, however, take advantage of resources that are available to me to help make the wedding planning process easier and more enjoyable...in other words, not stressful. Just because I'm doing it myself doesn't mean I won't accept advice and assistance along the way. :)

So today, Bridesmaid C. and I took a little trip to the I Do Boutique, a new "complimentary event resource showroom for anyone planning a wedding or special event." First of all, the place is pink and girly and adorable. It boasts shelves and shelves of resources you can browse (all for free!) and has tons of experienced staff members on hand to gives tips. They also provide wedding planning services if you need extra help (and have the extra money to spend).

Because photography/videography is my main priority right now, Bridesmaid C. and I took a seat on the comfy white couch to browse some photographer portfolios, and we also got to watch some videography demos on the TV—much better than watching the teeny, tiny demos on my computer screen. The staff there said that we may even receive a discount or special incentive if we go through the boutique to set up appointments with the vendors they showcase.

Overall, it's a pretty cool place. It may be a little more helpful later on, when we're really at the "details" level (limos, hair/makeup, etc), but I am glad we went to check it out. It never hurts to have a little bit of help, and our visit certainly made for a fun girly day. :)

Also, I Do Weddings (the planning service) has a pretty sweet blog that is now featured in my "suggested reading." Check it out!

(image from i do boutique)

Oh, sweetness.

2010-02-12T13:47:00.001-05:00

I know you are not technically "supposed" to eat dessert before your meal, but when your boss makes you chocolate chip and Heath bar cookies for Valentine's Day, I think that counts as an exception...right?

I thought so, too. And if I need another excuse, I'm playing the "it's Friday" card.

Either way, the cookies made for a great appetizer to my chicken sandwich lunch.

Happy Friday to you!

(image from the delicious life)

Wedding Show Pro

2010-02-11T22:58:00.003-05:00

I think that I am seriously becoming a pro at the whole wedding show thing.

Tonight was the third show I've gone to, and considering we still have a little over 17 months of engagement ahead of us, I am sure that number will double, if not triple, by the time the wedding gets here. It's not that I think I actually really need to endlessly go to wedding events when I have so much time to plan; they are just SO fun, and I figure this is my one and only time to ever plan my wedding, so why not make the most of it?

A list of what I've learned: you know you're becoming a wedding show pro when...

You've personally met with 33% of the photographers in attendance;
You can fake a smile and polite chit-chat with even the most presumptuous vendors;
You know that your "free signature cocktail" passes can be used as bargaining chips with the other brides;
You bring your own information labels so you don't have to write down your name, e-mail address and wedding date 205728571732 times;
You can sweet-talk the bakeries to giving you extra cake samples;
Even your groom is skilled at the art of wedding show interactions.

Suffice it to say, I'm developing a wide range of new skills. And I already have plans with Best Friend/Maid of Honor to go to Bridalrama in two weeks, which is one of the biggest wedding showcases in Cincinnati. That will be the true test.

Oh, and Fiance and I both got free luggage tags, too. Score.

(image from expo pros)

I Need My Routine.

2010-02-10T14:36:00.001-05:00

Sorry I've been a little MIA for the past few days, blogging friends. This snow has just completely thrown off my routine, and I feel like I've been running around (and falling on my butt because of the ice...ouch!) like a crazy person trying to catch up.

Do you get overly attached/dependent on your daily/weekly schedule? If you don't, you probably think I actually AM a crazy person. If you do, you can probably empathize. When my schedule is off, I feel a little bit like I'm losing control. I get stressed, anxious and distracted. In other words, I become not-so-fun-Amy.

While I know I can't necessary complain about my pseudo-snow-day yesterday (hello, karma!), I will say that it totally threw off my schedule. Instead of being productive yesterday (because really, who's productive on a snow day?), I relaxed and read (for fun!) and watched a movie with Fiance. And I did not reply to e-mails when I normally do, blog when I normally do, work on assignments when I normally do or study when I normally do.

So now, after a half-day off, I am whole day behind. Yikes!

How do you relax when you lose your grasp on your routine?

(image from ehow)

Hello, Snow

2010-02-09T10:27:00.000-05:00

I awoke today to find several more inches of lovely, perfect snow on the ground.

And then I subsequently got really concerned about my commute downtown for my grad class tonight. Right in the middle of my panic-mode, though, I received an e-mail from my (very cool) professor, informing us that we'd be meeting "virtually" tonight rather than physically.

Which means Amy isn't going anywhere, except maybe outside to play in the snow with the dog.

How is your Tuesday going?

(image from usa today)