While watching the "Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials", I came across two I hadn't seen before. I thought they were worthy enough to post here for your enjoyment.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
The future of WCU
So there's this plan to create a "downtown" of sorts on Western's campus. If I was given the power to determine whether or not the plan made it to fruition, I'd vote no. I won't blog about it here (and bore you out of your mind, are you crazy??), but I'll certainly let someone else do it for me! :o)
Check out Ruminations from the Distant Hills.
Check out Ruminations from the Distant Hills.
Invitations
My two choices:
1. Printed on seed paper that people can plant and then think of me when their beautiful wild flowers are blooming. Or...
2. Printed on recycled paper that people would hopefully recycle again. Or keep for their scrapbook or whatever.
I would love love love love love love love to print the invitations on seed paper, but...I'm afraid it's just going to be too darn expensive.
If I could only pay in rocks or something. Life would be so much easier. Do you think the bluegrass band would take payment in rocks? How 'bout beer? Everyone loves beer. Especially bluegrass bands. Maybe I should put that in the emails. Budget = $$$ the rest to be paid in beer. Or maybe moonshine would get 'em. The rest to be paid in moonshine.
Speaking of bluegrass bands, there's this one that I've been really interested in (I'm not sure why, I think it's the South Park pictures they have on their website) and I've gotten them down $200 (not TO $200, $200 off the original quoted price) with an additional email that said they might could come down some more. I don't know when or how I got these mad hagglin' skills, but it sure is working for me! I think it's when I became a poor, starving college student. I once got a large pizza for free. I got a free turkey burger last night too. But that wasn't from haggling, that was because it wasn't cooked all the way through.
I shall now make my exit.
1. Printed on seed paper that people can plant and then think of me when their beautiful wild flowers are blooming. Or...
2. Printed on recycled paper that people would hopefully recycle again. Or keep for their scrapbook or whatever.
I would love love love love love love love to print the invitations on seed paper, but...I'm afraid it's just going to be too darn expensive.
If I could only pay in rocks or something. Life would be so much easier. Do you think the bluegrass band would take payment in rocks? How 'bout beer? Everyone loves beer. Especially bluegrass bands. Maybe I should put that in the emails. Budget = $$$ the rest to be paid in beer. Or maybe moonshine would get 'em. The rest to be paid in moonshine.
Speaking of bluegrass bands, there's this one that I've been really interested in (I'm not sure why, I think it's the South Park pictures they have on their website) and I've gotten them down $200 (not TO $200, $200 off the original quoted price) with an additional email that said they might could come down some more. I don't know when or how I got these mad hagglin' skills, but it sure is working for me! I think it's when I became a poor, starving college student. I once got a large pizza for free. I got a free turkey burger last night too. But that wasn't from haggling, that was because it wasn't cooked all the way through.
I shall now make my exit.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Tickled to death
Definition: very pleased.
Why, you ask? Because I weighed in at 140.4 this morning! Another 1.6 pounds lost from last week!
I'm tickled to death because last week wasn't a good diet week. Family in town, eating out, eating way more cookies than I was allowed...you know the deal. I was pretty sure I wasn't going to like the number that popped up on the scale. Surprise surprise surprise! (Gomer Pyle style)
I just can't wait to be back in the 130s. I haven't been in the 130s since the summer of 2007. Before that, there's no telling. Probably high school.
Happy Sunday everyone!
Why, you ask? Because I weighed in at 140.4 this morning! Another 1.6 pounds lost from last week!
I'm tickled to death because last week wasn't a good diet week. Family in town, eating out, eating way more cookies than I was allowed...you know the deal. I was pretty sure I wasn't going to like the number that popped up on the scale. Surprise surprise surprise! (Gomer Pyle style)
I just can't wait to be back in the 130s. I haven't been in the 130s since the summer of 2007. Before that, there's no telling. Probably high school.
Happy Sunday everyone!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
My healthy fitness horoscope
Sagittarius: November 23 – December 21
If you’re a Sagittarius, you get real satisfaction by doing. You want to experience things, and aren’t satisfied to sit on the sidelines and watch someone else have all the fun. You need freedom to move (no tight spandex for you!). An organized exercise class will make you feel fenced in, so try an activity you can do on your own. Power walking is ideal for you, and counting your steps with a pedometer will give you a real sense of accomplishment. You love to broaden your horizons, so consider taking a walking tour across Europe or taking yoga classes in India to help you find more meaning in your life. There’s more to you beneath the surface than you show to others. Open up and drop the mysterious persona. Say “hi” to everyone you meet when you’re out for a walk—you might just find a terrific exercise buddy along the way!
If you’re a Sagittarius, you get real satisfaction by doing. You want to experience things, and aren’t satisfied to sit on the sidelines and watch someone else have all the fun. You need freedom to move (no tight spandex for you!). An organized exercise class will make you feel fenced in, so try an activity you can do on your own. Power walking is ideal for you, and counting your steps with a pedometer will give you a real sense of accomplishment. You love to broaden your horizons, so consider taking a walking tour across Europe or taking yoga classes in India to help you find more meaning in your life. There’s more to you beneath the surface than you show to others. Open up and drop the mysterious persona. Say “hi” to everyone you meet when you’re out for a walk—you might just find a terrific exercise buddy along the way!
Sunday Weigh-in
142! I lost .6 pounds since last Sunday!
The reasons I'm happy over this miniscule number:
1. I thought I was going to gain.
2. It's still over my goal of half a pound a week.
Woo!
The reasons I'm happy over this miniscule number:
1. I thought I was going to gain.
2. It's still over my goal of half a pound a week.
Woo!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
"I believe those 3 lbs were all from your butt."
This is a statement my mom made to me today during my dress fitting. She swore up and down it would need to be let out around the hips, but lo and behold, it did not! Woo!
I told Chris the other day that the main reason I really love the ring he got me was because it's a constant reminder of my weight loss goal. Ha!
So yeah, I'm so happy it doesn't have to be let out. She is, however, going to have to sew C cup "boobs" into the dress for me. If I could only take from the bottom and put in the top...
I'm really excited about the bustle too. Really, the whole thing. It's just so fun and I wish I could have 10 fittings just so I can wear that darn thing more than once!
I told Chris the other day that the main reason I really love the ring he got me was because it's a constant reminder of my weight loss goal. Ha!
So yeah, I'm so happy it doesn't have to be let out. She is, however, going to have to sew C cup "boobs" into the dress for me. If I could only take from the bottom and put in the top...
I'm really excited about the bustle too. Really, the whole thing. It's just so fun and I wish I could have 10 fittings just so I can wear that darn thing more than once!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Learning to let go
I'm still having the wedding dreams. I had one Saturday night about my dress and I had one yesterday (during my nap to sleep off my vertigo) that I got pregnant and couldn't fit into my dress. Eek!
I woke up at about 4:15 this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. Why? Because all things wedding were flowing through my head. The biggest thing on my mind right now is that the barn where we're having the reception won't be big enough. Well, I think it's big enough, it's just laid out funny. It's a converted stable, so there's a whole middle section that I believe was used to house the horses. So it's like a bunch of little rooms in the middle of the barn. I'm just afraid it cuts off the room and it'll be hard for people to move around or see the dancing or cutting of the cake etc. Also, Chris thinks the area for the dancing is large enough while I'm not so sure. I understand it's out of my hands, but I want the area conducive to dancing so that lots of people dance. If it's too small, people aren't going to be comfortable dancing. But again, it's out of my hands...if people don't want to dance, they're not going to dance, no matter how big the space is.
That being said, I think the greatest piece of wedding advice I've gotten so far has been from my cousin's wife (they got married over the summer). Don't drive yourself crazy with the details, everything works out in the end and it's not the food or the music or the decorations that matter, it's that you're beginning your life together with your best friend and love of your life. Enjoy it and don't fret over the small things that 5 years from now you won't remember anyway.
I constantly have to remind myself of that. When I find I'm going that route I consciously have to reel myself back in and remember the big picture.
I woke up at about 4:15 this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. Why? Because all things wedding were flowing through my head. The biggest thing on my mind right now is that the barn where we're having the reception won't be big enough. Well, I think it's big enough, it's just laid out funny. It's a converted stable, so there's a whole middle section that I believe was used to house the horses. So it's like a bunch of little rooms in the middle of the barn. I'm just afraid it cuts off the room and it'll be hard for people to move around or see the dancing or cutting of the cake etc. Also, Chris thinks the area for the dancing is large enough while I'm not so sure. I understand it's out of my hands, but I want the area conducive to dancing so that lots of people dance. If it's too small, people aren't going to be comfortable dancing. But again, it's out of my hands...if people don't want to dance, they're not going to dance, no matter how big the space is.
That being said, I think the greatest piece of wedding advice I've gotten so far has been from my cousin's wife (they got married over the summer). Don't drive yourself crazy with the details, everything works out in the end and it's not the food or the music or the decorations that matter, it's that you're beginning your life together with your best friend and love of your life. Enjoy it and don't fret over the small things that 5 years from now you won't remember anyway.
I constantly have to remind myself of that. When I find I'm going that route I consciously have to reel myself back in and remember the big picture.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
So close...but yet so far
We went on the tour of the event place in Weaverville today. We've decided to book it, but have yet to sign and put the deposit down. The guy that owns it is awesome. He's so personable, over the top, and easy to be around. He's the type of guy that'll say, "No problem! I'll get right on that!" We told him he'll have to stand in the back and whoop and holler after the officiant pronounces us.
Anyway, I wasn't sold on the place right away. The place isn't as private as I would have hoped and there are large solar panels in-between the barn where the reception would be held and the owner's personal residence. Oh yeah, this place was formerly owned by the Estee Lauder family. Interesting bit of trivia. But if there has to be something there, I'm glad it's solar panels and not something else.
There's also a gazebo type thing on the property that I don't want to use. Chris had an amazing idea to put up fabric all around it and I can walk out from there. And that way the gazebo wouldn't seem so out of place. I can already hear people saying, "Why isn't she getting married at the gazebo?"
There's also a lodge which serves as an alternate ceremony spot. I said before how I wasn't sold right away...when my mom brought the following to my attention, I was sold. She noted how this enables us not to have to rush last minute to move reception tables to make an aisle for me to walk down in case of rain. So we can have the lodge set up and the barn set up for the reception, and not have to move anything. Wonderful!
Another clincher: we can rent the place on Friday for the rehearsal party for full price and rent Saturday at half price. Not only that, we get FULL days. 7 am to midnight. No time restrictions whatsoever. That's pretty amazing considering some of the venues we've looked at only give you four hours.
And last but not least, beer, wine, and LIQUOR are allowed. Not that it would be a huge disappointment to not have liquor, but it's nice to be able to have that freedom. For some reason there's a lot of venues around here that don't allow liquor. My grandfather told me yesterday that if we book a place that doesn't allow liquor he'll be okay with it, he'll just bring his in his pocket. HA!
I shall leave you with that.
Anyway, I wasn't sold on the place right away. The place isn't as private as I would have hoped and there are large solar panels in-between the barn where the reception would be held and the owner's personal residence. Oh yeah, this place was formerly owned by the Estee Lauder family. Interesting bit of trivia. But if there has to be something there, I'm glad it's solar panels and not something else.
There's also a gazebo type thing on the property that I don't want to use. Chris had an amazing idea to put up fabric all around it and I can walk out from there. And that way the gazebo wouldn't seem so out of place. I can already hear people saying, "Why isn't she getting married at the gazebo?"
There's also a lodge which serves as an alternate ceremony spot. I said before how I wasn't sold right away...when my mom brought the following to my attention, I was sold. She noted how this enables us not to have to rush last minute to move reception tables to make an aisle for me to walk down in case of rain. So we can have the lodge set up and the barn set up for the reception, and not have to move anything. Wonderful!
Another clincher: we can rent the place on Friday for the rehearsal party for full price and rent Saturday at half price. Not only that, we get FULL days. 7 am to midnight. No time restrictions whatsoever. That's pretty amazing considering some of the venues we've looked at only give you four hours.
And last but not least, beer, wine, and LIQUOR are allowed. Not that it would be a huge disappointment to not have liquor, but it's nice to be able to have that freedom. For some reason there's a lot of venues around here that don't allow liquor. My grandfather told me yesterday that if we book a place that doesn't allow liquor he'll be okay with it, he'll just bring his in his pocket. HA!
I shall leave you with that.
The Wedding Diet
I hate to be one of those brides, but I am. I want to be in the best shape I can be on the big day.
My goal is 130...less is fine, but any more than that and I'm afraid I might be disappointed. But who knows, I might be just fine with 135. I'll have to determine that when I get there. Notice I said WHEN.
And guess what? I lost three pounds this week! I'm quite proud of myself. What's my secret weapon you ask?? Diet and exercise. Sorry to disappoint. I'm sure most everyone knows by now that there's no magic pill.
12.6 pounds to go. Piece of cake...or rather, piece of carrot.
My goal is 130...less is fine, but any more than that and I'm afraid I might be disappointed. But who knows, I might be just fine with 135. I'll have to determine that when I get there. Notice I said WHEN.
And guess what? I lost three pounds this week! I'm quite proud of myself. What's my secret weapon you ask?? Diet and exercise. Sorry to disappoint. I'm sure most everyone knows by now that there's no magic pill.
12.6 pounds to go. Piece of cake...or rather, piece of carrot.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Whew!
Boy am I glad this day is over. I don't find myself saying that very often, but I sure am glad.
My mom, aunt, fiance, and I went to the wedding festival in Asheville today. And it was packed. PACKED. And everybody's trying to sell their product. Pick me! Pick me! No no, pick me!
I guess I shouldn't be shocked. At any rate, I registered to win some free stuff, didn't try any cake samples (*ahem* wedding diet), and got lots of business cards and brochures.
We set up and appointment for tomorrow to tour an event place in Weaverville (1hr 25min from where we live) so that's definitely good news.
I also got some great ideas. Or rather, just one. How cool would it be to have guitar hero available for guests to play?!?! SO cool! The guy made sure to tell us they take it away for our introduction and first dance. HAHA!
Happy weekend everyone!
My mom, aunt, fiance, and I went to the wedding festival in Asheville today. And it was packed. PACKED. And everybody's trying to sell their product. Pick me! Pick me! No no, pick me!
I guess I shouldn't be shocked. At any rate, I registered to win some free stuff, didn't try any cake samples (*ahem* wedding diet), and got lots of business cards and brochures.
We set up and appointment for tomorrow to tour an event place in Weaverville (1hr 25min from where we live) so that's definitely good news.
I also got some great ideas. Or rather, just one. How cool would it be to have guitar hero available for guests to play?!?! SO cool! The guy made sure to tell us they take it away for our introduction and first dance. HAHA!
Happy weekend everyone!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Solution to the dress issue?
I hope. My sister and her family are coming into town next weekend and since my cousin will be coming into town that same weekend for a baby shower, we're all going out together to look for dresses. YAY! I hope we can find something!
You wouldn't think it
...but it's incredibly difficult to find brown (or shades of) floor length dresses with sleeves at reasonable prices for my bridesmaids.
Does anyone have suggestions of stores I can access online? I've tried the obvious Nordstrom, Dillards, JCPenney, etc.
Does anyone have suggestions of stores I can access online? I've tried the obvious Nordstrom, Dillards, JCPenney, etc.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Problems with finding a venue
The number one on my list of wedding to-dos is to find a venue.
Easier said than done.
Either western NC is a hotspot for destination weddings or there's so few event places here that everything is already booked. Or both! Also, our late October date is very popular because of the leaf season.
What we're looking for: an outdoor wedding with reception inside or under a tent (preferrably indoor) and an acceptable "plan B" option in case it rains.
Easier said than done.
We went and toured two places last Sunday. When we toured #1, our October 24th date was available. That evening I sent them an email letting them know we're interested but that we weren't ready to put a deposit down since we haven't looked at very many places. I also asked if they could give us the "right of first refusal" in case someone else is looking to book our date. I get an email the next day that says, sorry, but we've already booked October 24th. WHAT?! AAGH! Overnight??
At the time I got really upset, but I've since decided that it's okay. That takes pressure off of me to make a decision and I have the opinion that it just wasn't meant to be.
Booking a venue is still our number one priority. After this incident I've resolved not to let things like this get to me. In the end, everything will work out and be just fine.
It's funny, I'll sit here on the Internet looking at various wedding things be it venues, photographers, bridesmaids dresses, etc. and can feel myself getting upset. My heart rate goes up and the anger starts to take over. It's weird. I'll look at Chris and say, "I need to get off this thing."
That's when I turn the laptop off and spend the time with my future husband instead of Mr. Internet.
Easier said than done.
Either western NC is a hotspot for destination weddings or there's so few event places here that everything is already booked. Or both! Also, our late October date is very popular because of the leaf season.
What we're looking for: an outdoor wedding with reception inside or under a tent (preferrably indoor) and an acceptable "plan B" option in case it rains.
Easier said than done.
We went and toured two places last Sunday. When we toured #1, our October 24th date was available. That evening I sent them an email letting them know we're interested but that we weren't ready to put a deposit down since we haven't looked at very many places. I also asked if they could give us the "right of first refusal" in case someone else is looking to book our date. I get an email the next day that says, sorry, but we've already booked October 24th. WHAT?! AAGH! Overnight??
At the time I got really upset, but I've since decided that it's okay. That takes pressure off of me to make a decision and I have the opinion that it just wasn't meant to be.
Booking a venue is still our number one priority. After this incident I've resolved not to let things like this get to me. In the end, everything will work out and be just fine.
It's funny, I'll sit here on the Internet looking at various wedding things be it venues, photographers, bridesmaids dresses, etc. and can feel myself getting upset. My heart rate goes up and the anger starts to take over. It's weird. I'll look at Chris and say, "I need to get off this thing."
That's when I turn the laptop off and spend the time with my future husband instead of Mr. Internet.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Checking off the list
I bought my wedding dress! Or rather, my mom bought it for me. I was visiting them for the holidays and we decided to go looking with no intention of buying. HA! I think we both knew I'd end up bringing something home.
It was a little weird because it kind of felt like "THE dress" was supposed to be something that I just looked good in. Well, in my mind, I had to feel a connection with it. Weird? Perhaps. The consultant would say, "Is this the dress?" And I'd say, "Well, it's pretty." I did end up finding something that first day. An $1100 something. So, because of the price and because I hadn't looked anywhere else, I decided to wait.
My mom and I drove into Rochester the next day (Sunday) and went to David's Bridal. I was a little underwhelmed and went home with nothing but a pizza in a box. Oh, and a comforter set on sale at Tuesday Morning for $40.
On Tuesday, we went back to the first shop and I was completely honest with the consultant. I LOVE this dress, but it's way more than I would like to spend. And instead of ho-humming and doing the "But this one looks so good on you! It's perfect!" She said, "Okay, well, let's look at what we can get you in your size off the rack...you can get a 15% discount by doing that." Great! And so here I am sitting at home with my dress (several hundred dollars cheaper than the first one) hanging in the guest room.
Little did I know I would get a pink bridal bag for free with the dress. I told them that had I known that, I would've gone home with a dress on the first day!
And let me tell you...really embarrassing to fly with a huge pink garment bag in tow. Who am I kidding?? It was GREAT!
For obvious reasons (namely, my fiance), I will not post pictures of the dress here. If you'd like to see the dress, I can email you the link. :o)
It was a little weird because it kind of felt like "THE dress" was supposed to be something that I just looked good in. Well, in my mind, I had to feel a connection with it. Weird? Perhaps. The consultant would say, "Is this the dress?" And I'd say, "Well, it's pretty." I did end up finding something that first day. An $1100 something. So, because of the price and because I hadn't looked anywhere else, I decided to wait.
My mom and I drove into Rochester the next day (Sunday) and went to David's Bridal. I was a little underwhelmed and went home with nothing but a pizza in a box. Oh, and a comforter set on sale at Tuesday Morning for $40.
On Tuesday, we went back to the first shop and I was completely honest with the consultant. I LOVE this dress, but it's way more than I would like to spend. And instead of ho-humming and doing the "But this one looks so good on you! It's perfect!" She said, "Okay, well, let's look at what we can get you in your size off the rack...you can get a 15% discount by doing that." Great! And so here I am sitting at home with my dress (several hundred dollars cheaper than the first one) hanging in the guest room.
Little did I know I would get a pink bridal bag for free with the dress. I told them that had I known that, I would've gone home with a dress on the first day!
And let me tell you...really embarrassing to fly with a huge pink garment bag in tow. Who am I kidding?? It was GREAT!
For obvious reasons (namely, my fiance), I will not post pictures of the dress here. If you'd like to see the dress, I can email you the link. :o)
I believe in miracles
So while I was gone "on holiday" as the British say (I think it's the British), my fiance took it upon himself to let Athena off the muzzle with Callie. I'm pretty sure he waited until I was gone on purpose. He probably had it planned for weeks.
But, I am happy to report that the test ended with good results! I had to see it for my own eyes, but lo and behold, Athena the Rottweiler does not eat Callie the Cat when a muzzle is not placed on her snout. It's very weird...she still chases her, sniffs, and nudges her (sometimes quite rudely), but she never tries to nip or bite her. I'm still keeping the baby gate up in the hall so that Callie can get away if she wants to. It's kind of like Athena wants her attention or wants her to play with her.
I guess it doesn't really matter why she does what she does...as long as they can live together peacefully, I'll be happy.
But, I am happy to report that the test ended with good results! I had to see it for my own eyes, but lo and behold, Athena the Rottweiler does not eat Callie the Cat when a muzzle is not placed on her snout. It's very weird...she still chases her, sniffs, and nudges her (sometimes quite rudely), but she never tries to nip or bite her. I'm still keeping the baby gate up in the hall so that Callie can get away if she wants to. It's kind of like Athena wants her attention or wants her to play with her.
I guess it doesn't really matter why she does what she does...as long as they can live together peacefully, I'll be happy.
My first dream of this type
I had a dream the other night. Not just any dream...a sci-fi dream. It was so cool. I almost woke my fiance up just to tell him about it. I thought better. Then, later in the day when I went to tell him about it, I had completely forgotten what it was about. And even now it kills me that I cannot, for the life of me, remember what I dreamt about. I just know it was really really cool...take my word on that.
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