The past two days I have been sitting in the most boring training ever. I seriously wanted to pull my hair out. The trainer was an older lady, probably about 65. She was from Tennessee so she had a serious Southern accent. She was nice enough and tried to make the training interesting by telling stories of how her daughter wrote checks from her account to buy a mink coat while she was a freshman in college (huh?), but she annoyed me. It wasn’t the thick accent. It was the fact that she mispronounced words- or used words that didn’t make sense. “Plethora” became “plea-thor-ia”, “collaboration” became “corroboration.” Etc. I couldn’t take this woman very seriously due to her personal stories about throwing food in a co-workers face (professional are we?) and her mistakes.
At one point, we were discussing communication to clients. One guy actually said that his company purposefully misspells words in ads because they find that people actually read the entire ad trying to find more misspelled words instead of just throwing it away. Really? I’m fairly sure he wasn’t talking about spelling “light” as “lite.” He says that they get people calling all of the time to tell them that they have misspellings in their ad. So I could see myself reading through the rest of the ad to find more misspellings, but would I then use this company? No.
A company that I feel didn’t take the time to proofread an ad correctly (I wouldn’t be the type of person to call and tell them they are wrong) wouldn’t be a company that I would use. It is similar to when I was looking at websites for hair and makeup people for the wedding (I haven’t chosen anyone yet). Almost all of the websites had misspellings and/or grammar mistakes. I know that these people would only be doing my hair, but have someone proofread your commercial website!
To the fellow bloggers out there, don’t worry- I don’t judge you if you have any spelling/ grammar mistakes (I’m not sure I have ever found any) because blogging is more like a journal- it is not formal writing and you are not trying to sell me on your product or service. I know that I am certainly not perfect in my grammar, because I am just putting my thoughts down on the computer….it is not a work memo/ email/ communication.
And yes, I realize that I was Judgy Mcjudgerson for the two days at training, but I am simply being honest.
Would you call up a company to tell them that they have misspelled words in their ad? Would you use them later on?
2.27.2009
2.26.2009
Hmmm
Hopefully this is not what CP's mom wants our invitations to look like (change "doctor" to "engineer"):
And luckily, my dress has a little more coverage than this one....
And luckily, my dress has a little more coverage than this one....
2.25.2009
Could I really do it?
Don’t you love those days where you feel like you can work out forever? I had one of those days last week when I had been running for 5 miles at a 10:30/ mile pace (yes it is slow- don’t judge!) and I seriously felt like I could run all day. Maybe it was because I took two days off from the gym and my legs were fresh. It certainly wasn’t due to the garlic bread pretzels I ate in the car on the way to the gym (how am I losing weight again?).
I was so excited that I emailed my best friend/ maid of honor J, asking her if she thought I could run a half-marathon by the time I leave DC in July. I mean, what a way to lose weight right? J is a marathon runner. She is much faster than I am. However, if we were able to train together while I am down in DC we would be able to spend more time together and she could motivate me. She also knows what kind of program I would need to be on in order to complete a half marathon. I don’t even know how to go about training for one. But it was sure nice burning 800+ calories on my five mile run. Just imagine how many calories I would burn running 13.1 miles! Who knows if this is even possible??
Would I even have the time to really train for this? I do want to see friends while I am down in DC and CP and I have said that we are going to try to see each other every two weeks. I will be down in DC for a total of 13 weekends. Probably 5 or 6 of those weekends CP and I will get together. At least one weekend will be spent with my parents in NH as they want to meet CP’s parents before the wedding. One weekend will be spent at my bridal shower in VA (well, I guess that is just one day and I could do a long run the other day). *sigh*
Have any of you run a half marathon before? Did you want to kill yourself afterwards? How did you train for it? Where did you get your training program from? Any and all advice is appreciated!
I was so excited that I emailed my best friend/ maid of honor J, asking her if she thought I could run a half-marathon by the time I leave DC in July. I mean, what a way to lose weight right? J is a marathon runner. She is much faster than I am. However, if we were able to train together while I am down in DC we would be able to spend more time together and she could motivate me. She also knows what kind of program I would need to be on in order to complete a half marathon. I don’t even know how to go about training for one. But it was sure nice burning 800+ calories on my five mile run. Just imagine how many calories I would burn running 13.1 miles! Who knows if this is even possible??
Would I even have the time to really train for this? I do want to see friends while I am down in DC and CP and I have said that we are going to try to see each other every two weeks. I will be down in DC for a total of 13 weekends. Probably 5 or 6 of those weekends CP and I will get together. At least one weekend will be spent with my parents in NH as they want to meet CP’s parents before the wedding. One weekend will be spent at my bridal shower in VA (well, I guess that is just one day and I could do a long run the other day). *sigh*
Have any of you run a half marathon before? Did you want to kill yourself afterwards? How did you train for it? Where did you get your training program from? Any and all advice is appreciated!
2.24.2009
Informalities
Since we got engaged, I have wanted our wedding to be more like a big party than a formal affair. That is part of the reason that I thought CP and I could involve Fuzzy Britches in the ceremony. Couldn’t you just picture a big fuzzy dog running down the aisle because she is just so excited to see me and CP? I could picture Fuzzy Britches doing that. The other scenario is that Fuzzy Britches would get so excited that there are sooo many people to pet her that she stops at everyone begging for attention. Ha ha. It would just be too funny (and would probably help me with my nerves that day).
A couple of weeks ago when we randomly stopped by the inn where we are getting married, the owners informed us that Fuzzy Britches could now stay with us for the whole wedding weekend. I was ecstatic (last we had heard, dogs were not allowed in the cabins)! I even went home and told Fuzzy Britches that she could be in the wedding. Okay, so she probably didn’t understand, but she definitely picked up on the excitement in my voice and wagged her tail a lot. :-)
CP thinks that having Fuzzy Britches in the ceremony would just be hard. First off, we already have a ring bearer in his nephew and it would look pretty bad if we substituted the dog for his nephew. Secondly, how will we control Fuzzy Britches?
So we have now compromised. Fuzzy Britches will be with us the entire weekend. Friday night when we hope to have a BBQ for all of the guests that can make it up in time* we are also hoping that we can have a bonfire afterwards so that people can hang out at the inn and drink. Fuzzy Britches will be there, and be VERY excited to see our friends from the west that she won’t have seen for over a year. The wedding ceremony? Fuzzy Britches will be there, but will not participate in the ceremony. CP suggested having his mom watch over Fuzzy Britches during the ceremony because then it will annoy his new stepdad. Ha ha. The reception? Well, I’m not sure what Fuzzy Britches would do during the reception except beg for food, so she might have to sit in the cabin at that point. But when the old people leave when the reception is over? Fuzzy Britches will once more come out to play with all of us as we continue to drink.
CP and I have already decided that we are not going to leave the day after our wedding for our honeymoon because we want to spend as much time with our friends and family that flew from all over the country to be with us. That means we can stay up as late as we want the night of the wedding. I have been told that I will be exhausted by the end of the reception and I can totally see that happening after such a long time. That’s when the Red Bull and vodkas come in. :-) Staying sober during the reception? Very important. Yes, there will be SOME drinking, but nothing overboard (that is our hope at least!). But after the old people leave? Those rules get thrown out the window.
*I am still hoping that we can have it open to all the guests, not just the “typical” rehearsal dinner people. Since CP’s dad and mom are paying for it, they are going to dictate how much they want to spend, how many people are invited, etc.
A couple of weeks ago when we randomly stopped by the inn where we are getting married, the owners informed us that Fuzzy Britches could now stay with us for the whole wedding weekend. I was ecstatic (last we had heard, dogs were not allowed in the cabins)! I even went home and told Fuzzy Britches that she could be in the wedding. Okay, so she probably didn’t understand, but she definitely picked up on the excitement in my voice and wagged her tail a lot. :-)
CP thinks that having Fuzzy Britches in the ceremony would just be hard. First off, we already have a ring bearer in his nephew and it would look pretty bad if we substituted the dog for his nephew. Secondly, how will we control Fuzzy Britches?
So we have now compromised. Fuzzy Britches will be with us the entire weekend. Friday night when we hope to have a BBQ for all of the guests that can make it up in time* we are also hoping that we can have a bonfire afterwards so that people can hang out at the inn and drink. Fuzzy Britches will be there, and be VERY excited to see our friends from the west that she won’t have seen for over a year. The wedding ceremony? Fuzzy Britches will be there, but will not participate in the ceremony. CP suggested having his mom watch over Fuzzy Britches during the ceremony because then it will annoy his new stepdad. Ha ha. The reception? Well, I’m not sure what Fuzzy Britches would do during the reception except beg for food, so she might have to sit in the cabin at that point. But when the old people leave when the reception is over? Fuzzy Britches will once more come out to play with all of us as we continue to drink.
CP and I have already decided that we are not going to leave the day after our wedding for our honeymoon because we want to spend as much time with our friends and family that flew from all over the country to be with us. That means we can stay up as late as we want the night of the wedding. I have been told that I will be exhausted by the end of the reception and I can totally see that happening after such a long time. That’s when the Red Bull and vodkas come in. :-) Staying sober during the reception? Very important. Yes, there will be SOME drinking, but nothing overboard (that is our hope at least!). But after the old people leave? Those rules get thrown out the window.
*I am still hoping that we can have it open to all the guests, not just the “typical” rehearsal dinner people. Since CP’s dad and mom are paying for it, they are going to dictate how much they want to spend, how many people are invited, etc.
2.23.2009
The search is over
After four days over three weekends of searching for a wedding dress, I believe that I have found my dress. Thank god. Seriously. After a while, they all started to look the same.
I went to two different bridal shops on Saturday and was actually glad that I had previously tried on dresses because the most specific you can be, the better. This dress is inexpensive (even with alterations) and my waist looks pretty damn small in it (along with my chest- woo hoo!).
Without further ado, the dress that I will be measured for next weekend:
I went to two different bridal shops on Saturday and was actually glad that I had previously tried on dresses because the most specific you can be, the better. This dress is inexpensive (even with alterations) and my waist looks pretty damn small in it (along with my chest- woo hoo!).
Without further ado, the dress that I will be measured for next weekend:
Maggie Sottero "Andie" *
So the fact that I am picking this dress somewhat surprises me. When I first started my search I was pretty sure that I wanted a simple dress with no lace, beading, etc. and this is basically that dress. However, after I tried on the Marisa dress, I was convinced that I wanted a dress with some kind of organza overlay and a little lace.
But, after trying on this dress, I realized that it is "flowy" enough to make me happy (the top two layers are chiffon). The final dress will be a bit different than the one pictured. It will have straps, it will have a sweetheart neckline, no brooch on the side, no long train (just hemmed to the ground) and two layers of the crinkly crap will be gone from inside the dress so it won't be as "big."
Now for the bridesmaid dresses.......
*Thanks for the tip on getting a Maggie Sottero dress Jess!
2.20.2009
Today? Today I feel skinny (well, skinnier). That is, until I ate a bunch of chocolate which seriously upset my stomach (whoops). I will have to be better the rest of the day and make sure that I head to the gym tonight. This week I hit a major milestone in my weight loss- I went below 200 pounds. I thought about not writing the actual number down on the blog but thought, why not? I am an anonymous blogger and really, why should I care what people think? So I am going to put my stats out there in hopes that I will be held accountable if I put it out there for the world to read!
Height: 5’9”
Weight: Started at 214 (ugh). Have lost 15 pounds in about 3 months. Currently 199. Hope to drop 25 more pounds to be at 175.
Size: Was a 16. However, am now starting to fit into 14s. Yay!
Chest: Honkers are still huge. Still causing problems when trying on wedding dresses. J They won’t really go anywhere when I lose the rest of the weight anyway.
I have to admit. I was bad. On Monday, I went shopping after my bridal appointments because I knew that there would be some great sales (I’m only helping the economy, right?). I also was thinking ahead to the three months I have to spend in DC where people wear suits every day as opposed to the business casual environment at my office. So armed with coupons, I went to Macy’s.
All winter long I have been wearing my ski jacket or a LL Bean jacket to work, but have been absolutely freezing when walking anywhere outside. On Monday, I found a 90% wool, 10% alpaca jacket that was originally $450 for only $100! It is really warm and I love it (especially for that price)! I didn’t even mind when it snowed the past two days because I haven’t been cold at all! It comes to my knees and kind of looks like this:
I also bought two blazers- one is just a plain black blazer and the other one a blue boucle blazer.
My last purchase? Jeans. I have been wearing a pair of size 16 jeans that have been falling off of me as soon as I wear them for a few hours after washing. Walking around with a saggy butt is NOT sexy. I must have tried on at least 10 pairs of jeans, vowing that if I found a good pair that I was going to buy them instead of going back and buying my regular inexpensive jeans that stretch too much. I am happy to say that I found a GREAT pair and would highly recommend them. They are super comfortable and were only $60.
Nine West Blecker Boot Cut Jeans
(sorry for the small pictures, I can't get them any bigger for some reason)
So although I probably shouldn’t have spent the money, now was a good time to buy a jacket because it is still cold here in MA and this way I have a nice jacket for work or otherwise for the next couple of years. I am currently wearing my jeans to the office (Jeans Friday rocks!) and even though I just finished lunch (Lean Cuisine), they are still comfortable.
So randomly, a co-worker just came up to me and asked if I have been losing weight. She said that it shows and that I look great. That just totally made my day (despite the chocolate binge)! Happy Friday!
Height: 5’9”
Weight: Started at 214 (ugh). Have lost 15 pounds in about 3 months. Currently 199. Hope to drop 25 more pounds to be at 175.
Size: Was a 16. However, am now starting to fit into 14s. Yay!
Chest: Honkers are still huge. Still causing problems when trying on wedding dresses. J They won’t really go anywhere when I lose the rest of the weight anyway.
I have to admit. I was bad. On Monday, I went shopping after my bridal appointments because I knew that there would be some great sales (I’m only helping the economy, right?). I also was thinking ahead to the three months I have to spend in DC where people wear suits every day as opposed to the business casual environment at my office. So armed with coupons, I went to Macy’s.
All winter long I have been wearing my ski jacket or a LL Bean jacket to work, but have been absolutely freezing when walking anywhere outside. On Monday, I found a 90% wool, 10% alpaca jacket that was originally $450 for only $100! It is really warm and I love it (especially for that price)! I didn’t even mind when it snowed the past two days because I haven’t been cold at all! It comes to my knees and kind of looks like this:
I also bought two blazers- one is just a plain black blazer and the other one a blue boucle blazer.
My last purchase? Jeans. I have been wearing a pair of size 16 jeans that have been falling off of me as soon as I wear them for a few hours after washing. Walking around with a saggy butt is NOT sexy. I must have tried on at least 10 pairs of jeans, vowing that if I found a good pair that I was going to buy them instead of going back and buying my regular inexpensive jeans that stretch too much. I am happy to say that I found a GREAT pair and would highly recommend them. They are super comfortable and were only $60.
Nine West Blecker Boot Cut Jeans(sorry for the small pictures, I can't get them any bigger for some reason)
So although I probably shouldn’t have spent the money, now was a good time to buy a jacket because it is still cold here in MA and this way I have a nice jacket for work or otherwise for the next couple of years. I am currently wearing my jeans to the office (Jeans Friday rocks!) and even though I just finished lunch (Lean Cuisine), they are still comfortable.
So randomly, a co-worker just came up to me and asked if I have been losing weight. She said that it shows and that I look great. That just totally made my day (despite the chocolate binge)! Happy Friday!
2.19.2009
Feeling lazy
I stole this meme from this lady (I have training again today so I don’t have much time to write a post).
How long have you been together?
Three years and four months. We started dating in October 2005 during my first semester of law school.
How long did you know each other before you started dating?
We actually went to the same college (I am one year behind) but didn’t know each other. We had a few mutual friends, including a girl that lived on my freshman hall that he worked with at the student center. A bunch of girls from my sorority also used to hang out at his fraternity all the time. After emailing back and forth a couple of times on match.com and then for a few weeks with our personal emails, we finally decided to meet up.
Who asked whom out?
It was probably a mutual thing (I really don’t remember). I think that we both didn’t know a lot of people in our area and thought it would be fun to meet up with a fellow alum, so we met up at a bar to watch football.
How old are each of you?
He is 2 ½ years older than me. He is old for his class and I am young for my class.
Whose siblings do you see the most?
Because he is actually friends with his sister, we have seen her a lot. Because of wedding stuff and my sister being a bridesmaid, we have seen my sister a lot recently. Once we move back west, his sister and kids will only be about an hour from us so we will probably see them a lot.
Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
The fact that his parents are divorced. It has caused problems with wedding planning, it has caused problems in trying to figure out who to see and when whenever we are in their area (they live about 20 minutes from each other), etc.
Did you go to the same school?
We went to the same college. I even had my sorority bid party at his fraternity, but I can’t find him in any of my pictures that night!
Are you from the same home town?
Nope. I am from the Midwest and he is from the Northeast.
Who is smarter?
Hmmm. We are both smart in different ways. He is an engineer so science-wise and math-wise he certainly knows a lot more. I read a lot faster and know a lot more about liberal arts subjects (and the law of course). We are both very logical and analytical though.
Who is the most sensitive?
I am of course. I am not the most sensitive of chicks, but at different times of the month…..
Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Due to our weight loss program, we have tried to not eat out as much. But I guess the restaurant that we have been to the most in our short time in MA has been a Thai restaurant in our town. It’s not super good, but they do make a good Tom Yum soup.
Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Argentina- both Buenos Aires and Bariloche.
Who has the craziest exes?
I guess me? I have talked about my ex Herb before and I guess he would be crazy because he was calling a lot when CP and I started to date. CP has an ex that he dated for a while that has contacted him a few times since we started dating, but no craziness (at least as far as I know).
Who has the worst temper?
He does. I just let him work it off before trying to talk to him. It’s just easier.
Who does the cooking?
He does (thank goodness). And he is DAMN GOOD.
Who is the neat-freak?
Neither of us. We both like things clean, but we aren’t fanatics about it.
Who hogs the bed?
He does! He loves to roll over on my side of the bed and snore in my ear. Lovely.
Who wakes up earlier?
During the week CP wakes up earlier. On the weekends I usually wake up earlier because the dog pants in my face, asking to be let out.
Where was your first date?
A sports bar. CP said that he wanted to meet just “as friends” so I ate wings on our first date. Not the sexiest of meals…..
Who is more jealous?
I think that both of us are a little jealous, but nothing crazy. I have my moments, but haven’t in a while because CP isn’t traveling now. It wasn’t like there was any basis to my crazy thoughts anyway…
How long did it take to get serious?
Considering I was still dating two other guys when we first met, we didn’t get serious until over a year into our relationship when we discussed me moving into his condo.
Who eats more?
He does. Although I do eat a fair share.
Who does the laundry?
I do all of the laundry because otherwise it wouldn’t get done. I do refuse to fold his laundry though.
Who's better with the computer?
He is.
Who drives when you are together?
He does because otherwise he is really annoying about my slow driving. Plus, he usually knows where we are going in MA and I am usually lost.
How long have you been together?
Three years and four months. We started dating in October 2005 during my first semester of law school.
How long did you know each other before you started dating?
We actually went to the same college (I am one year behind) but didn’t know each other. We had a few mutual friends, including a girl that lived on my freshman hall that he worked with at the student center. A bunch of girls from my sorority also used to hang out at his fraternity all the time. After emailing back and forth a couple of times on match.com and then for a few weeks with our personal emails, we finally decided to meet up.
Who asked whom out?
It was probably a mutual thing (I really don’t remember). I think that we both didn’t know a lot of people in our area and thought it would be fun to meet up with a fellow alum, so we met up at a bar to watch football.
How old are each of you?
He is 2 ½ years older than me. He is old for his class and I am young for my class.
Whose siblings do you see the most?
Because he is actually friends with his sister, we have seen her a lot. Because of wedding stuff and my sister being a bridesmaid, we have seen my sister a lot recently. Once we move back west, his sister and kids will only be about an hour from us so we will probably see them a lot.
Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
The fact that his parents are divorced. It has caused problems with wedding planning, it has caused problems in trying to figure out who to see and when whenever we are in their area (they live about 20 minutes from each other), etc.
Did you go to the same school?
We went to the same college. I even had my sorority bid party at his fraternity, but I can’t find him in any of my pictures that night!
Are you from the same home town?
Nope. I am from the Midwest and he is from the Northeast.
Who is smarter?
Hmmm. We are both smart in different ways. He is an engineer so science-wise and math-wise he certainly knows a lot more. I read a lot faster and know a lot more about liberal arts subjects (and the law of course). We are both very logical and analytical though.
Who is the most sensitive?
I am of course. I am not the most sensitive of chicks, but at different times of the month…..
Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Due to our weight loss program, we have tried to not eat out as much. But I guess the restaurant that we have been to the most in our short time in MA has been a Thai restaurant in our town. It’s not super good, but they do make a good Tom Yum soup.
Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Argentina- both Buenos Aires and Bariloche.
Who has the craziest exes?
I guess me? I have talked about my ex Herb before and I guess he would be crazy because he was calling a lot when CP and I started to date. CP has an ex that he dated for a while that has contacted him a few times since we started dating, but no craziness (at least as far as I know).
Who has the worst temper?
He does. I just let him work it off before trying to talk to him. It’s just easier.
Who does the cooking?
He does (thank goodness). And he is DAMN GOOD.
Who is the neat-freak?
Neither of us. We both like things clean, but we aren’t fanatics about it.
Who hogs the bed?
He does! He loves to roll over on my side of the bed and snore in my ear. Lovely.
Who wakes up earlier?
During the week CP wakes up earlier. On the weekends I usually wake up earlier because the dog pants in my face, asking to be let out.
Where was your first date?
A sports bar. CP said that he wanted to meet just “as friends” so I ate wings on our first date. Not the sexiest of meals…..
Who is more jealous?
I think that both of us are a little jealous, but nothing crazy. I have my moments, but haven’t in a while because CP isn’t traveling now. It wasn’t like there was any basis to my crazy thoughts anyway…
How long did it take to get serious?
Considering I was still dating two other guys when we first met, we didn’t get serious until over a year into our relationship when we discussed me moving into his condo.
Who eats more?
He does. Although I do eat a fair share.
Who does the laundry?
I do all of the laundry because otherwise it wouldn’t get done. I do refuse to fold his laundry though.
Who's better with the computer?
He is.
Who drives when you are together?
He does because otherwise he is really annoying about my slow driving. Plus, he usually knows where we are going in MA and I am usually lost.
2.18.2009
Valentine's Day wrap-up
On Saturday CP and I had a pretty leisurely day. We went to the gym for an hour in the morning which was a good workout, but the place is still crazy-busy. Not only that, but I took a "power" class which is basically a weight training class. The actual exercises we did in class were good....however, the class instructor stinks and I won't be going back to the class. He makes me want to slap him instead of work hard for him. That's not good.
The rest of the day I cleaned the house while Chris started cooking our romantical dinner. His meal was very ambitious:
Oh, and I loved my flowers- two dozen tulips. :-) They obviously needed a little water when I took the picture....
The rest of the day I cleaned the house while Chris started cooking our romantical dinner. His meal was very ambitious:
Fancy lettuce salad with roasted beets, manchango cheese and a homemade vinagrette
Pasta with a truffle cream sauce
Veal chops with a madeira sauce
For dessert we took out the Mexican Chocolate Cake from our wedding cake tasting.
Overall, a delicious meal! We also got drunk off two bottles of wine before 9pm! We are turning into quite the lightweights....
2.17.2009
Wedding Dress Shopping: Day 3
With the day off yesterday for President's Day, I decided to go wedding dress shopping by myself in CT. I found two dresses that are possibilities, with two more appointments next weekend.
The first dress I tried on at Kleinfeld's last weekend, but was told that no strap could be fashioned by my crappy bridal consultant. I had searched all over the internet for a picture of the dress and was shocked to see it again! I can't find a picture of the dress anywhere on the internet, but I did find a picture of some random chick wearing the dress that she posted on her blog:
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Marisa #787
2be
The first dress I tried on at Kleinfeld's last weekend, but was told that no strap could be fashioned by my crappy bridal consultant. I had searched all over the internet for a picture of the dress and was shocked to see it again! I can't find a picture of the dress anywhere on the internet, but I did find a picture of some random chick wearing the dress that she posted on her blog:
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Marisa #787I am seriously in the love with the dress as it is flowy and doesn't have a lot of STUFF all over it. However, it is $1900 and to add fabric to cover my large boobs and add straps would probably be another $200. Then alterations would be anywhere from $175-325.
The second dress looks like this:
2beThis is the closest picture I could find for this dress. The one that I tried on has less going on in the bodice of dress. It has a longer train than I would have hoped for, but I can deal with that (the beads in the lace are a little "shiny" too). The dress comes with spaghetti straps....but because the dress has so much "structure" in the bodice, spaghetti straps should be fine in holding up the dress all night. This dress will be $1000 less than the dress on top and will require just a fitting, no major alterations.
Do you guys have any thoughts on the dresses? I'm really leaning towards the second one because it is under our budget and although it is not my absolute favorite, my body does look pretty rocking in it. Then again, I could find another dress next weekend.....
2.13.2009
Valentine's Day
Happy almost Valentine’s Day (or not so happy depending on your current dating situation)! Are you guys a fan of Valentine’s Day? I am a fan of it because it makes CP uncomfortable (ha ha), but to be honest, I never want my significant other to spend too much money. I believe that this will be the FIRST Valentine’s Day where CP and I are in the same city. The past three years he had been traveling (a little too convenient if you ask me). ;-)
In the past, we have gone out to dinner whenever he got back from his travel. I like not going on Valentine’s Day because prices are not jacked up for the holiday and it is less crowded. When we lived out west we went to the SAME restaurant for three years in a row. It was fantastic.
This year? We are currently trying to decide between having CP cook a delicious meal or to go out to dinner somewhere. I would bet that we end up staying in as we are trying to save money. I am hoping for flowers though….I do love getting flowers. And because I think that roses are too “typical” and prices are again jacked up just for the holiday, I like to get tulips as they are my favorite. J
In the past when I have been single, I have gone out to dinner with other single girlfriends instead of staying home and sulking because I didn’t have a boyfriend. We would then proceed to get drunk and make fun of the cheesy couples sitting around us in the restaurant (quietly of course).
However you spend tomorrow I hope that you have a wonderful day!
In the past, we have gone out to dinner whenever he got back from his travel. I like not going on Valentine’s Day because prices are not jacked up for the holiday and it is less crowded. When we lived out west we went to the SAME restaurant for three years in a row. It was fantastic.
This year? We are currently trying to decide between having CP cook a delicious meal or to go out to dinner somewhere. I would bet that we end up staying in as we are trying to save money. I am hoping for flowers though….I do love getting flowers. And because I think that roses are too “typical” and prices are again jacked up just for the holiday, I like to get tulips as they are my favorite. J
In the past when I have been single, I have gone out to dinner with other single girlfriends instead of staying home and sulking because I didn’t have a boyfriend. We would then proceed to get drunk and make fun of the cheesy couples sitting around us in the restaurant (quietly of course).
However you spend tomorrow I hope that you have a wonderful day!
2.12.2009
Why do I care?
Why do I care what other people think about me so much? All of us do it, but I think that sometimes I take it to an extreme.
For example, I want people to know that I am not losing weight because I am the typical bride-to-be and want to look fantastic on my wedding day. OF COURSE I want to look fantastic on my wedding day, but my weight loss is not for the wedding. Also, I want people to know that my weight loss has nothing to do with a New Years resolution. Before law school I was in great shape- working out by playing volleyball, flag football, soccer, etc. while running two to three times a week when living in Chicago. Despite my love of Miller Lite beer and such delicacies as wings, I was healthy and happy with my body. I knew that I was never going to be a stick figure, but was okay with the curvy, athletic body I had.
Then came law school. The lack of a schedule killed me. I didn’t work out enough and I ate because I was stressed. Three years of crappy eating while CP was on the road and not working out enough pushed me at least 30 pounds heavier than when I entered law school. This summer I vowed that while studying for the bar I would allow one hour of working out a day to keep me sane. That went well until two weeks before the bar. After the bar was over, I vowed that I wanted to look better for my 30th birthday. Well, that milestone came and went with me working on a regular basis, but not having lost any weight.
Why does it matter to me that people know that I have been struggling for this for a while instead of wanting to lose weight for my wedding and/or a New Years resolution? I have no idea.
Maybe it is because I intend to not only lose the extra weight before my wedding but also keep it off. I want to be a healthy mother when CP and I start having kids. I want to go off my stomach medicine for my acid reflux. I firmly believe that my weight gain in law school, coupled with the stress brought on my painful and annoying stomach condition. Hopefully losing the weight will allow me to stop taking the pills.
Maybe I should stop worrying about why other people think I am trying to lose this weight and focus on sticking to healthy eating and working out…..
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On a non sequitur note, someone typed the phrase "chicas in heat" and ended up on my site. Somehow, I don't think that they found what they were looking for!
For example, I want people to know that I am not losing weight because I am the typical bride-to-be and want to look fantastic on my wedding day. OF COURSE I want to look fantastic on my wedding day, but my weight loss is not for the wedding. Also, I want people to know that my weight loss has nothing to do with a New Years resolution. Before law school I was in great shape- working out by playing volleyball, flag football, soccer, etc. while running two to three times a week when living in Chicago. Despite my love of Miller Lite beer and such delicacies as wings, I was healthy and happy with my body. I knew that I was never going to be a stick figure, but was okay with the curvy, athletic body I had.
Then came law school. The lack of a schedule killed me. I didn’t work out enough and I ate because I was stressed. Three years of crappy eating while CP was on the road and not working out enough pushed me at least 30 pounds heavier than when I entered law school. This summer I vowed that while studying for the bar I would allow one hour of working out a day to keep me sane. That went well until two weeks before the bar. After the bar was over, I vowed that I wanted to look better for my 30th birthday. Well, that milestone came and went with me working on a regular basis, but not having lost any weight.
Why does it matter to me that people know that I have been struggling for this for a while instead of wanting to lose weight for my wedding and/or a New Years resolution? I have no idea.
Maybe it is because I intend to not only lose the extra weight before my wedding but also keep it off. I want to be a healthy mother when CP and I start having kids. I want to go off my stomach medicine for my acid reflux. I firmly believe that my weight gain in law school, coupled with the stress brought on my painful and annoying stomach condition. Hopefully losing the weight will allow me to stop taking the pills.
Maybe I should stop worrying about why other people think I am trying to lose this weight and focus on sticking to healthy eating and working out…..
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On a non sequitur note, someone typed the phrase "chicas in heat" and ended up on my site. Somehow, I don't think that they found what they were looking for!
2.11.2009
I found my dress!!!
Thank goodness I can be patriotic AND look beautiful on my wedding day! HA!
I'm obviously VERY busy at work today....
A decision I didn't want to think about
Recently I had to take my first pregnancy test of my life. Buying it at CVS was the weirdest feeling. I picked up an inexpensive test as I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a “first response” or similar test because at that point, I would have already been almost two months pregnant anyway.
I stood in line, pregnancy test in one hand, while waiting to pick up my birth control pills. How ironic. I felt nervous, like everyone was looking at the test and judging me. I even tried to make my left hand more noticeable to show off the ring, lest they think that I was some whore who randomly got pregnant by a one night stand.
I ended up picking up the test because after switching birth control pills two months ago, I did not have a period after the first pack of pills. Talk about nerve racking. I called the doctor’s office from work the afternoon before I was to start my new pack, asking to speak to someone. Unfortunately, they called me back when I was on the commuter bus that night! How embarrassing to have to discuss my issue with a quiet bus of strangers, but I needed answers. The nurse wasn’t very helpful, telling me that she didn’t think I was pregnant, but if I was really worried about it I could take a pregnancy test before starting my next pill pack.
I think that it was out of fear alone that I didn’t take a pregnancy test that month. I was very nervous and even thought about not telling CP what was going on. What if I was pregnant and he decided to leave me? But logical thoughts got a hold of me. CP seemed more nonchalant than I thought he would be.
As the next month dragged on, CP and I made jokes about me being pregnant. Maybe that is why I wasn’t losing weight despite the smoothie diet and all of the gym workouts? We joked that I shouldn’t carry the luggage in the airport because I might “hurt the baby.” Yes, we were awful. I even wondered whether I should be drinking at Christmas, or our engagement party. What if I truly was pregnant?
As the second pill pack started to wind down and a trip to Mexico with tequila and other alcoholic drinks loomed, I started to get nervous again. I felt that it was time to find out the truth. CP suggested that I wait until the next morning to pee on the stick (how did he know that you are supposed to pee on it in the morning (because there are more hormones in your urine in the morning) and I didn’t?), but I couldn’t wait. I figured that if I was truly two months into a pregnancy that the hormones would be raging and the test would be able to tell…even if I was taking the test at night.
I was so nervous that I could barely pee. Turns out, not peeing enough results in an “inconclusive” answer. All of that build up for an invalid result????!???? I took it as a good sign, thinking that if I was pregnant than I would have been pregnant long enough for it to show up on the stick.
Thankfully, my body decided to stop messing with me while we were in Mexico. After happily telling CP the news, he kind of shrugged and said, “well, we would have figured it out. We are not exactly 18 any more.”
And that is exactly how I thought of it. I mean, what awful timing, what with the wedding in October- that meant I would have had the baby a month or two before the wedding. But really, how could I justify NOT having the baby? I am in a stable, loving relationship where we live together and will tie the knot this year. We both have stable jobs. I am now 30 which doesn’t mean I am old by any means, but it makes me think about Sex in the City when Miranda gets pregnant after only having one ovary and Steve only having one ball. She muses something about this maybe being her only chance to have a child. I have no idea what my fertility or CP’s fertility is like as I have never tested it out, but you never know.
Then again, would my parents have freaked out? I have always said that I wouldn’t have a baby without being married and stable first.
Thankfully, I don’t have to make any baby decisions in the near future. And thankfully I haven’t had to go through this earlier in my life.
I stood in line, pregnancy test in one hand, while waiting to pick up my birth control pills. How ironic. I felt nervous, like everyone was looking at the test and judging me. I even tried to make my left hand more noticeable to show off the ring, lest they think that I was some whore who randomly got pregnant by a one night stand.
I ended up picking up the test because after switching birth control pills two months ago, I did not have a period after the first pack of pills. Talk about nerve racking. I called the doctor’s office from work the afternoon before I was to start my new pack, asking to speak to someone. Unfortunately, they called me back when I was on the commuter bus that night! How embarrassing to have to discuss my issue with a quiet bus of strangers, but I needed answers. The nurse wasn’t very helpful, telling me that she didn’t think I was pregnant, but if I was really worried about it I could take a pregnancy test before starting my next pill pack.
I think that it was out of fear alone that I didn’t take a pregnancy test that month. I was very nervous and even thought about not telling CP what was going on. What if I was pregnant and he decided to leave me? But logical thoughts got a hold of me. CP seemed more nonchalant than I thought he would be.
As the next month dragged on, CP and I made jokes about me being pregnant. Maybe that is why I wasn’t losing weight despite the smoothie diet and all of the gym workouts? We joked that I shouldn’t carry the luggage in the airport because I might “hurt the baby.” Yes, we were awful. I even wondered whether I should be drinking at Christmas, or our engagement party. What if I truly was pregnant?
As the second pill pack started to wind down and a trip to Mexico with tequila and other alcoholic drinks loomed, I started to get nervous again. I felt that it was time to find out the truth. CP suggested that I wait until the next morning to pee on the stick (how did he know that you are supposed to pee on it in the morning (because there are more hormones in your urine in the morning) and I didn’t?), but I couldn’t wait. I figured that if I was truly two months into a pregnancy that the hormones would be raging and the test would be able to tell…even if I was taking the test at night.
I was so nervous that I could barely pee. Turns out, not peeing enough results in an “inconclusive” answer. All of that build up for an invalid result????!???? I took it as a good sign, thinking that if I was pregnant than I would have been pregnant long enough for it to show up on the stick.
Thankfully, my body decided to stop messing with me while we were in Mexico. After happily telling CP the news, he kind of shrugged and said, “well, we would have figured it out. We are not exactly 18 any more.”
And that is exactly how I thought of it. I mean, what awful timing, what with the wedding in October- that meant I would have had the baby a month or two before the wedding. But really, how could I justify NOT having the baby? I am in a stable, loving relationship where we live together and will tie the knot this year. We both have stable jobs. I am now 30 which doesn’t mean I am old by any means, but it makes me think about Sex in the City when Miranda gets pregnant after only having one ovary and Steve only having one ball. She muses something about this maybe being her only chance to have a child. I have no idea what my fertility or CP’s fertility is like as I have never tested it out, but you never know.
Then again, would my parents have freaked out? I have always said that I wouldn’t have a baby without being married and stable first.
Thankfully, I don’t have to make any baby decisions in the near future. And thankfully I haven’t had to go through this earlier in my life.
2.09.2009
Wedding dress shopping: Day 2
Wedding dress shopping: Day 2
Store #1: RK Bridal
During on internet search Friday night we stumbled upon a designer that looked like it had a few inexpensive dresses with straps. We decided to check out a store that carried the designer the next morning. The store opened at 9:30am and thank goodness we arrived a little after 10am (no appointments means getting there early to get your name down on a list was key)! This place was more of a warehouse- all of the dresses to try on were in clear garment bags, with different colored tags based on size. They were also separated by the designer. We were told to look around and to start picking up dresses that I wanted to try on.
After picking up seven dresses to try on and then waiting for my name to be called for the next available bridal consultant, I headed in a room. The dresses in this store were much more affordable- I’m pretty sure that I didn’t try on a dress that was more than $700. The bridal consultant was also MUCH better than at Kleinfeld's. She didn't try to b.s. me and gave her true and honest opinion of each dress I tried on.
I was able to quickly rule out a number of the dresses based on their fabric or their shape. I did try on one dress that I could wear if I can't find anything else:
The picture doesn't do the dress justice and frankly,
Store #2: David’s Bridal
Happy that at least I had a fallback dress, my mom and I headed over to David’s Bridal. The store was actually having a “soft opening” and wasn’t scheduled to open until Monday so the staff was working out the kinks while we were there. Our bridal consultant was supposedly a “pro” with four years experience at a different store.
From the beginning, I could tell that I wasn’t going to like working with her. She pouted after I said that I didn’t want to try on a veil with the dresses. After trying on two more dresses, she asked again if she could go get me a veil. Ummm no. I don't plan on wearing a veil at the ceremony (why the extra expense? Flowers in my hair will do just fine thank you!), so why would I put on a veil now? She insisted on getting me a pair of shoes to wear while trying on dresses, even though I said it wasn’t necessary.
After another tiring day, my mom and I met my uncle, aunt, and cousin out for dinner at Balthazar’s. OMG it was delicious! When we arrived there was a three-tiered appetizer of all different kinds of seafood with sauces- calamari ceviche, shrimp, lobster, crab legs, mussels, oysters, clams, etc. It was amazing. For dinner I had the braised short ribs which were also amazing. If you live in NYC and haven’t been here then you are missing out!!
My thoughts on wedding dress shopping in general:
*If you have a big chest, you are screwed. One of the bridal consultants did tell me that she was able to get a G-cup bride into a strapless dress….my thought was even if you could FIT her into a strapless dress doesn’t mean that she should BE in one or that she was comfortable on her wedding day in the dress.
*Holy crap are wedding dresses HEAVY! First off, places/ designers put all kinds of crinkle stuff under the dress so that it looks poofier. Not only is it annoying if you don't want a poofy dress, but after a while it started to irritate my skin. In addition to the crinkle, there are tons of other layers, boning on the inside of the dress for more structure (especially in the chest/hip area), and the fabrics in general are heavy. No wonder brides are so tired after their wedding day!! And thank goodness we are not getting married until October as I would be sweating like a pig if we did it sometime over the summer!
*Some places are such a rip-off for alterations. Take Kleinfeld’s for instance. After you order the dress (most likely at least $2000) it is a flat fee of $600 for alterations. However, some alterations are not included in the flat fee so the dress then becomes more like $3000 and not $2000. Ridonkulous.
*I know how I said that as soon as I found something that I liked/ looked good and was inexpensive I would buy it. If that was the case, then I would have gone with the $640 dress that I found at RK bridal. I guess I do care a little more about finding the right dress than I thought....
*If anyone knows where I can find a dress with the following features, please let me know!
-A line
-V-neck
-Straps
Store #1: RK Bridal
During on internet search Friday night we stumbled upon a designer that looked like it had a few inexpensive dresses with straps. We decided to check out a store that carried the designer the next morning. The store opened at 9:30am and thank goodness we arrived a little after 10am (no appointments means getting there early to get your name down on a list was key)! This place was more of a warehouse- all of the dresses to try on were in clear garment bags, with different colored tags based on size. They were also separated by the designer. We were told to look around and to start picking up dresses that I wanted to try on.
After picking up seven dresses to try on and then waiting for my name to be called for the next available bridal consultant, I headed in a room. The dresses in this store were much more affordable- I’m pretty sure that I didn’t try on a dress that was more than $700. The bridal consultant was also MUCH better than at Kleinfeld's. She didn't try to b.s. me and gave her true and honest opinion of each dress I tried on.
I was able to quickly rule out a number of the dresses based on their fabric or their shape. I did try on one dress that I could wear if I can't find anything else:
The picture doesn't do the dress justice and frankly, I look much better than this chick does in it.
The bridal consultant had me step outside the dressing room to hop on the pedestal. As I was coming off of it, some random mother grabbed my arm and told me that I "look stunning" in the dress. Thanks stranger! Randomly, I then ran into a girl that I went to college with! What are the odds?
My mom and I left the store happy that we at least found an inexpensive possibility!
Store #2: David’s Bridal
Happy that at least I had a fallback dress, my mom and I headed over to David’s Bridal. The store was actually having a “soft opening” and wasn’t scheduled to open until Monday so the staff was working out the kinks while we were there. Our bridal consultant was supposedly a “pro” with four years experience at a different store.
From the beginning, I could tell that I wasn’t going to like working with her. She pouted after I said that I didn’t want to try on a veil with the dresses. After trying on two more dresses, she asked again if she could go get me a veil. Ummm no. I don't plan on wearing a veil at the ceremony (why the extra expense? Flowers in my hair will do just fine thank you!), so why would I put on a veil now? She insisted on getting me a pair of shoes to wear while trying on dresses, even though I said it wasn’t necessary.
I probably tried on 10 different dresses and didn't like any of them. I faked liking the last dress so that the bridal consultant would feel better. We took a quick peek at the bridesmaid dresses, but quickly decided that they were not going to work for the wedding. Every dress (save one) was made out of the sateen fabric (I think that is what it is called), so as soon as you get one drop of water on it, it is stained for the rest of the evening.
Store #3: Pronovias
Store #3: Pronovias
Our last stop of the day was a Spanish store. We knew going in that the dresses would be more expensive, but the store was recommended to us so we thought we would check it out. I ended up trying on three dresses (everything else was strapless), and thought that one was very pretty.
However, with the $400 alterations cost and the higher cost of the dress, it would have been $2000 more than the dress I found at RK Bridal. Because I didn't LOVE LOVE LOVE the dress, I won't be buying it.
After another tiring day, my mom and I met my uncle, aunt, and cousin out for dinner at Balthazar’s. OMG it was delicious! When we arrived there was a three-tiered appetizer of all different kinds of seafood with sauces- calamari ceviche, shrimp, lobster, crab legs, mussels, oysters, clams, etc. It was amazing. For dinner I had the braised short ribs which were also amazing. If you live in NYC and haven’t been here then you are missing out!!
My thoughts on wedding dress shopping in general:
*If you have a big chest, you are screwed. One of the bridal consultants did tell me that she was able to get a G-cup bride into a strapless dress….my thought was even if you could FIT her into a strapless dress doesn’t mean that she should BE in one or that she was comfortable on her wedding day in the dress.
*Holy crap are wedding dresses HEAVY! First off, places/ designers put all kinds of crinkle stuff under the dress so that it looks poofier. Not only is it annoying if you don't want a poofy dress, but after a while it started to irritate my skin. In addition to the crinkle, there are tons of other layers, boning on the inside of the dress for more structure (especially in the chest/hip area), and the fabrics in general are heavy. No wonder brides are so tired after their wedding day!! And thank goodness we are not getting married until October as I would be sweating like a pig if we did it sometime over the summer!
*Some places are such a rip-off for alterations. Take Kleinfeld’s for instance. After you order the dress (most likely at least $2000) it is a flat fee of $600 for alterations. However, some alterations are not included in the flat fee so the dress then becomes more like $3000 and not $2000. Ridonkulous.
*I know how I said that as soon as I found something that I liked/ looked good and was inexpensive I would buy it. If that was the case, then I would have gone with the $640 dress that I found at RK bridal. I guess I do care a little more about finding the right dress than I thought....
*If anyone knows where I can find a dress with the following features, please let me know!
-A line
-V-neck
-Straps
-Just a little bit of lace on the bottom of the dress and possibly in the bodice (surprisingly enough, I like lace on the dress! Who knew??
-No long train....or at least one that I can chop off.
-Must come in a cream/ ivory/ champagne color. The stark white color of some white dresses make me look even more translucent!
Wedding dress shopping: Day 1
Wedding dress shopping: Day 1
Store #1: Kleinfeld’s
After my three hour drive/ train ride into NYC, my aunt, my mom and I headed over to Kleinfeld’s. After having seen “Say Yes to the Dress” a couple of times before, I was nervous. Nervous about how much I would be pressured into buying a dress that day- even if it was not my favorite, nervous about the store having dresses in my size, and nervous that I would hate the entire experience. All that nervousness made my armpits smell, even through my deodorant. Awesome.
As we waited in the lobby we saw other women getting mic’ed up for their appearance on “Say Yes to the Dress.” I stayed far away from them, not wanting to accidentally be on camera. After a few minutes of waiting, we were led into a room with our bridal consultant Keasha.
Keasha was one of the bridal consultants featured on one of the few SYTTD shows I watched to find out what I was getting into. I only remember that a supervisor was mad at her for something. She asked a few questions about what I thought I was looking for in a dress- the best I could give her was that I didn’t want anything ornate, I needed straps, and that I wasn’t looking for anything too poofy. I also said that I was open to try on basically anything. I was then told that 90% of wedding dresses are strapless and that my budget would hinder her a bit. The entire time I try on dresses she called me “my love” or “my baby.” Uhhh, if this was her idea of a good sales technique? She better find a new one. It was not sincere at all and VERY annoying.
Needless to say, there was one dress that I really liked (and now can’t find on their website), but she was unwilling to get the seamstress to see if they could put straps on it so it is automatically out of the running. Good customer service- ha! Obviously we were not impressed.
Store #2: Caroline Herrera
On a whim, my aunt said that we should stop by this designer store to get ideas. I obviously wasn’t spending that much money on a wedding dress, but she did have some very pretty designs.
Store #3: Second hand store
Unfortunately, the selection in my size was all of two dresses. And they were both ugly.
After a busy day of wedding dress shopping, we went out to dinner at a fabulous Austrian restaurant (Cafe Sabarsky) located in the Neue Gallerie. I had the Spatzle with corn, peas, wild mushroom, tarragon and a light white sauce and the apple strudel. It was delicious and I would highly recommend it!
Upon arriving home, my mom, my aunt, and I huddled around the computer and looked up googled wedding dresses with straps. After finding some possibilities, we decided to head to cheaper stores the next day in hopes of finding something.
To be continued tomorrow…..
Store #1: Kleinfeld’s
After my three hour drive/ train ride into NYC, my aunt, my mom and I headed over to Kleinfeld’s. After having seen “Say Yes to the Dress” a couple of times before, I was nervous. Nervous about how much I would be pressured into buying a dress that day- even if it was not my favorite, nervous about the store having dresses in my size, and nervous that I would hate the entire experience. All that nervousness made my armpits smell, even through my deodorant. Awesome.
As we waited in the lobby we saw other women getting mic’ed up for their appearance on “Say Yes to the Dress.” I stayed far away from them, not wanting to accidentally be on camera. After a few minutes of waiting, we were led into a room with our bridal consultant Keasha.
Keasha was one of the bridal consultants featured on one of the few SYTTD shows I watched to find out what I was getting into. I only remember that a supervisor was mad at her for something. She asked a few questions about what I thought I was looking for in a dress- the best I could give her was that I didn’t want anything ornate, I needed straps, and that I wasn’t looking for anything too poofy. I also said that I was open to try on basically anything. I was then told that 90% of wedding dresses are strapless and that my budget would hinder her a bit. The entire time I try on dresses she called me “my love” or “my baby.” Uhhh, if this was her idea of a good sales technique? She better find a new one. It was not sincere at all and VERY annoying.
Needless to say, there was one dress that I really liked (and now can’t find on their website), but she was unwilling to get the seamstress to see if they could put straps on it so it is automatically out of the running. Good customer service- ha! Obviously we were not impressed.
Store #2: Caroline Herrera
On a whim, my aunt said that we should stop by this designer store to get ideas. I obviously wasn’t spending that much money on a wedding dress, but she did have some very pretty designs.
Store #3: Second hand store
Unfortunately, the selection in my size was all of two dresses. And they were both ugly.
After a busy day of wedding dress shopping, we went out to dinner at a fabulous Austrian restaurant (Cafe Sabarsky) located in the Neue Gallerie. I had the Spatzle with corn, peas, wild mushroom, tarragon and a light white sauce and the apple strudel. It was delicious and I would highly recommend it!
Upon arriving home, my mom, my aunt, and I huddled around the computer and looked up googled wedding dresses with straps. After finding some possibilities, we decided to head to cheaper stores the next day in hopes of finding something.
To be continued tomorrow…..
2.06.2009
It's going to be like stuffing myself into sausage casing
This weekend is the dreaded weekend of looking for a wedding dress. I know that MOST women would be eagerly looking forward to this day. They would have been scouring the pages of wedding magazines, and maybe have even had an image in their head of what they would look like on their wedding day since the age of 6. Yeah…..that’s so NOT me. I was too busy playing football with the boys or chasing frogs in the creek near our house.
So not only did I never think about what I would look like on my wedding day back when I was growing up, but I still haven’t thought about it! You would think after almost five months of being engaged I would have some clue. The few wedding magazines that I bought or were sent to me? I have barely looked at them. The few times I did glance through them? I laughed at the frilly, over-beaded (aka Bedazzled), and over-the-top wedding dresses. So I guess I would like a fairly simple dress?
Ewwwwww.
But I guess it IS better than this.....
So not only did I never think about what I would look like on my wedding day back when I was growing up, but I still haven’t thought about it! You would think after almost five months of being engaged I would have some clue. The few wedding magazines that I bought or were sent to me? I have barely looked at them. The few times I did glance through them? I laughed at the frilly, over-beaded (aka Bedazzled), and over-the-top wedding dresses. So I guess I would like a fairly simple dress?
Ewwwwww. But I guess it IS better than this.....However, I do think that the main reason I dread this weekend is due to my body.* Yes, I have lost 11 pounds since December…blah blah blah. But I haven’t gone down a size, nor have I really seen anything shrink. My pants are not as tight, but that’s about it. I am certainly NOT anywhere near “sample size” so how am I even going to try on dresses? God knows my DDs won’t be trying to fit into a strapless dress!
I just feel like I am not your typical bride. Oh I know that is a good thing as we are all unique, blah blah blah. Every single one of my friends is skinny (or at least a few sizes smaller than me) so they have looked more like the “typical bride” in their wedding dress. Everyone tells me that I am going to be glowing no matter what (barf).
I know that this is probably something really dumb to think about. With all of the problems in the world Non Sequitur Chica, you are worried about looking fat in your wedding dress and not looking like a typical bride? I know it sounds silly. But as happy as I am about losing the weight I have, I don’t want to be the fat bride on my wedding day. Trying on dresses this weekend is just going to make me feel bad about my body. Hopefully my aunt didn’t secretly sign me up for “Say Yes to the Dress” as I don’t need my body all over basic cable!
I just feel like I am not your typical bride. Oh I know that is a good thing as we are all unique, blah blah blah. Every single one of my friends is skinny (or at least a few sizes smaller than me) so they have looked more like the “typical bride” in their wedding dress. Everyone tells me that I am going to be glowing no matter what (barf).
I know that this is probably something really dumb to think about. With all of the problems in the world Non Sequitur Chica, you are worried about looking fat in your wedding dress and not looking like a typical bride? I know it sounds silly. But as happy as I am about losing the weight I have, I don’t want to be the fat bride on my wedding day. Trying on dresses this weekend is just going to make me feel bad about my body. Hopefully my aunt didn’t secretly sign me up for “Say Yes to the Dress” as I don’t need my body all over basic cable!
Anywhoodle, I am heading down to NYC this morning where my mom, my aunt and I have an appointment at Kleinfeld's (the bridal salon where they film "Say Yes to the Dress"). I am hoping that they will be able to help me find styles that fit well on my body, even though I probably won't buy anything there because their prices are a bit expensive for my budget. After that, we will have lunch (note to self: no salt or fried foods at lunch!) before heading over to a second-hand shop. Later this afternoon we are going to go shopping for my mom's dress for the wedding. Then tomorrow, we are headed over to David's Bridal to see what kind of selection they have. I'm crossing my fingers for a dress under $500....to be more realistic I guess $1000. I am only wearing the damn thing once!
Think good thoughts for me as I am in my own personal hell! :-)
*I am not going to blame my weight gain on anybody other than myself. I was the one that got myself into this mess with what I ate and didn’t do (i.e. exercise) so I am going to have to be the one to get me out of it too!
2.05.2009
Updates
Today I am in a "update" kind of mood.
*I still feel sh*tty about sending the save the date to my great uncle and his dead wife (ugh!). I am a serious sh*thead. A**hole. Idiot. Etc. I had the name and address correct but for some reason last weekend, I was only semi-paying attention to what CP was doing with the address labels and said, “oh wait. Why is my great aunt not on the label?” Not even thinking that she died over a year ago. If I thought about it, I obviously would have known. But instead I am going to make my great uncle feel very, very bad when he gets the save the date. I still can’t believe I did that.
*The local NPR has started their winter fund drive, but I haven’t heard my “spot” just yet….
*The university student that bought all of the oil and gas leases, but didn’t have any money will be happy to know that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has suspended the oil and gas leases in Utah. However, his legal troubles might not go away….
*One more thought about all of the nominees dropping out….at least Obama owned up to the mistake and took responsibility for it. I admire that. No one is perfect (especially not George Bush who refused to admit he made any mistakes during his presidency. “Disappointments” my a**)- so the ability to realize that you made a mistake, admit it, and (hopefully) learn from it is a good step.
*Our last session with the trainer was yesterday. CP and I decided that we didn’t have enough money to continue our sessions….at the same time, our trainer got a job at another club and will be moving to Boston. She has been doing amazing things with us- including dropping all kinds of time off our mile run. I worry that we won’t continue to do the partner exercises or the exercises that I hate to do because they are hard. And I worry that my weight loss is going to slow down….
*Speaking of the gym, it is still packed! What is with all of these people? They were supposed to forget about their New Years Resolution a few weeks ago!
*I still feel sh*tty about sending the save the date to my great uncle and his dead wife (ugh!). I am a serious sh*thead. A**hole. Idiot. Etc. I had the name and address correct but for some reason last weekend, I was only semi-paying attention to what CP was doing with the address labels and said, “oh wait. Why is my great aunt not on the label?” Not even thinking that she died over a year ago. If I thought about it, I obviously would have known. But instead I am going to make my great uncle feel very, very bad when he gets the save the date. I still can’t believe I did that.
*The local NPR has started their winter fund drive, but I haven’t heard my “spot” just yet….
*The university student that bought all of the oil and gas leases, but didn’t have any money will be happy to know that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has suspended the oil and gas leases in Utah. However, his legal troubles might not go away….
*One more thought about all of the nominees dropping out….at least Obama owned up to the mistake and took responsibility for it. I admire that. No one is perfect (especially not George Bush who refused to admit he made any mistakes during his presidency. “Disappointments” my a**)- so the ability to realize that you made a mistake, admit it, and (hopefully) learn from it is a good step.
*Our last session with the trainer was yesterday. CP and I decided that we didn’t have enough money to continue our sessions….at the same time, our trainer got a job at another club and will be moving to Boston. She has been doing amazing things with us- including dropping all kinds of time off our mile run. I worry that we won’t continue to do the partner exercises or the exercises that I hate to do because they are hard. And I worry that my weight loss is going to slow down….
*Speaking of the gym, it is still packed! What is with all of these people? They were supposed to forget about their New Years Resolution a few weeks ago!
2.04.2009
Utter FAIL
I just realized that CP and I sent out a save the date to my great uncle and his DEAD WIFE. F**************CK.
My thoughts on current news
My thoughts on the news:
1. The number of Obama appointees that are withdrawing their names from consideration because of tax problems.
As you guys know, I supported Obama this year, but the number of people withdrawing is getting ridiculous. I repeatedly said that McCain did not do a good job vetting Sarah Palin before announcing her as the VP pick and it showed because of all of the investigations and issues surrounding her. I can’t excuse the Obama team for not vetting properly either.
Tim Geithner- tax problems
Tom Daschle- tax problems
Bill Richardson- investigation
Nancy Killefer- possible problem with unemployment taxes
So what is going on with the vetting process? Are these people not being up front on their vetting questionnaire and so the Obama team doesn’t know that they have tax problems? Is the Obama team not doing their due diligence in looking for potential issues with the nominees? And why is no one in government paying their taxes????
2. A kidney was removed for an organ donation through the donor’s vagina.
Ouch. I guess a kidney is the size of a clenched hand, but still. Ouch. And would you want that kidney after that?
3. Denny’s free Grand Slam breakfast.
Did you go yesterday? We don’t have a Denny’s near us but if we did I probably would have gone. I haven’t had pancakes or real sausage in a while and boy it would have tasted good this morning! But at 770 calories, I bet I would have waddled around work today and my stomach would not have been too happy with me.
4. Michael Phelps hitting up the bong.
I am actually pretty sad that after getting caught drinking and driving (something all of us should NEVER do) that this picture comes out. He HAS to know that he is constantly being watched. Yes it sucks but you are a hero to millions of kids that watched you kick a** this summer and look up to you. I think that I am more sad that there is a picture of him all over the internet smoking pot as opposed to the fact that he actually smokes.
You have to wonder if Phelps wasn’t THE Michael Phelps and if he didn’t win so many gold medals in China if the Olympic Committee would be so forgiving.
Your thoughts on any of these topics?
1. The number of Obama appointees that are withdrawing their names from consideration because of tax problems.
As you guys know, I supported Obama this year, but the number of people withdrawing is getting ridiculous. I repeatedly said that McCain did not do a good job vetting Sarah Palin before announcing her as the VP pick and it showed because of all of the investigations and issues surrounding her. I can’t excuse the Obama team for not vetting properly either.
Tim Geithner- tax problems
Tom Daschle- tax problems
Bill Richardson- investigation
Nancy Killefer- possible problem with unemployment taxes
So what is going on with the vetting process? Are these people not being up front on their vetting questionnaire and so the Obama team doesn’t know that they have tax problems? Is the Obama team not doing their due diligence in looking for potential issues with the nominees? And why is no one in government paying their taxes????
2. A kidney was removed for an organ donation through the donor’s vagina.
Ouch. I guess a kidney is the size of a clenched hand, but still. Ouch. And would you want that kidney after that?
3. Denny’s free Grand Slam breakfast.
Did you go yesterday? We don’t have a Denny’s near us but if we did I probably would have gone. I haven’t had pancakes or real sausage in a while and boy it would have tasted good this morning! But at 770 calories, I bet I would have waddled around work today and my stomach would not have been too happy with me.
4. Michael Phelps hitting up the bong.
I am actually pretty sad that after getting caught drinking and driving (something all of us should NEVER do) that this picture comes out. He HAS to know that he is constantly being watched. Yes it sucks but you are a hero to millions of kids that watched you kick a** this summer and look up to you. I think that I am more sad that there is a picture of him all over the internet smoking pot as opposed to the fact that he actually smokes.
You have to wonder if Phelps wasn’t THE Michael Phelps and if he didn’t win so many gold medals in China if the Olympic Committee would be so forgiving.
Your thoughts on any of these topics?
2.03.2009
Friends!
This weekend CP and I had another productive wedding weekend. We finished up most of the save the dates, so they are FINALLY out the door. Whew. Only a mere three months after we bought them! Ha ha.
We enjoyed registering at Macy’s over Christmas because for every dollar we spent with our Macy’s card, 10% went to a gift card sent to us after the wedding. We aren’t planning on doing any shopping at Macy’s but for every dollar our guests spend on our registry, we get 5% back in a gift card a month after our wedding too. Score!
We were hoping for the same kind of program at Bed, Bath & Beyond but there is no gift card waiting at the end. Nevertheless, we had to register for more gifts because some of my parent’s friends went crazy after the engagement party. CP and I do like the gifts (we DID pick them out), but feel bad because some of the gift givers will not be invited to the wedding so for them to spend a lot of money on us is ridiculous. My parents told everyone invited to the party NOT to get us gifts, but these people insisted anyway. *Sigh*
Last night CP and I helped friends of ours from law school J & C move into their new place. We are shocked that after moving so far away someone actually followed us- and not to Boston! Although their apartment is still an hour away (only 15 minutes away from work), it’s nice to have a friendly face in the area- and I have someone to go to lunch with as the husband will be working three blocks from me!
This couple got married less than three years ago so we can ask them for advice. Not only that, but they used our friend R as their officiant, which is how we got the idea to use him for our wedding. They recently had their first child this past summer (right after I left for NH to study for the bar so I have never met him) and I just found out that the wife is pregnant again! They are not messing around with popping out the babies! Needless to say, we won’t be going out boozing with them too much. :-)
We enjoyed registering at Macy’s over Christmas because for every dollar we spent with our Macy’s card, 10% went to a gift card sent to us after the wedding. We aren’t planning on doing any shopping at Macy’s but for every dollar our guests spend on our registry, we get 5% back in a gift card a month after our wedding too. Score!
We were hoping for the same kind of program at Bed, Bath & Beyond but there is no gift card waiting at the end. Nevertheless, we had to register for more gifts because some of my parent’s friends went crazy after the engagement party. CP and I do like the gifts (we DID pick them out), but feel bad because some of the gift givers will not be invited to the wedding so for them to spend a lot of money on us is ridiculous. My parents told everyone invited to the party NOT to get us gifts, but these people insisted anyway. *Sigh*
Last night CP and I helped friends of ours from law school J & C move into their new place. We are shocked that after moving so far away someone actually followed us- and not to Boston! Although their apartment is still an hour away (only 15 minutes away from work), it’s nice to have a friendly face in the area- and I have someone to go to lunch with as the husband will be working three blocks from me!
This couple got married less than three years ago so we can ask them for advice. Not only that, but they used our friend R as their officiant, which is how we got the idea to use him for our wedding. They recently had their first child this past summer (right after I left for NH to study for the bar so I have never met him) and I just found out that the wife is pregnant again! They are not messing around with popping out the babies! Needless to say, we won’t be going out boozing with them too much. :-)
2.02.2009
Superbowl
So what did everyone think of the Superbowl commercials and the game? This year’s Superbowl was very odd for CP and me. During law school we have been the ones to host the big shindig at our place, going out of our way to make great food and of course, drink a lot. Two years ago CP decided to smoke pork and chicken. After the meat was done, we shredded it so that everyone could have pork or chicken sandwiches with the four different barbeque sauces we made. Yum.
Last year when the Patriots (CP’s favorite team) were in the big game, we started the drinking early and in honor of the New England team, had a local store fly steamers in so that we could enjoy them during the game.* As the game was just about to start, our big screen tv suddenly DIED. CP went nuts. After a minute or so of trying to fix the tv, CP gave up and ran into our bedroom, grabbing our smaller tv. It took a few minutes of CP swearing up a storm, connecting wires, and then swearing some more before the smaller tv was hooked up. Unfortunately, we then had to watch the game on the smaller tv, but our friends were all very understanding.
This year, we didn’t have anyone over for the game. All of our friends are over an hour away and because the game goes so late and the fact that we wanted to drink, we thought it would be better to just spend the night at our place. We went the not-so-healthy route, figuring that we deserved it. A juicy buffalo cheeseburger (leaner than a regular burger!), potato chips, and potato salad. Yum. Time to get back to the gym though!!!
*If you have never had steamers before, you are missing out! I order you to fly to Boston immediately!! I won’t eat oysters, but give me a plate of steamers with dipping butter and I am a happy camper.
Last year when the Patriots (CP’s favorite team) were in the big game, we started the drinking early and in honor of the New England team, had a local store fly steamers in so that we could enjoy them during the game.* As the game was just about to start, our big screen tv suddenly DIED. CP went nuts. After a minute or so of trying to fix the tv, CP gave up and ran into our bedroom, grabbing our smaller tv. It took a few minutes of CP swearing up a storm, connecting wires, and then swearing some more before the smaller tv was hooked up. Unfortunately, we then had to watch the game on the smaller tv, but our friends were all very understanding.
This year, we didn’t have anyone over for the game. All of our friends are over an hour away and because the game goes so late and the fact that we wanted to drink, we thought it would be better to just spend the night at our place. We went the not-so-healthy route, figuring that we deserved it. A juicy buffalo cheeseburger (leaner than a regular burger!), potato chips, and potato salad. Yum. Time to get back to the gym though!!!
*If you have never had steamers before, you are missing out! I order you to fly to Boston immediately!! I won’t eat oysters, but give me a plate of steamers with dipping butter and I am a happy camper.
Mmmmmm steamers
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