With the wedding less than 9 days away, I feel like I'm perpetually cracking in half. I keep picturing myself, instead of in a white dress, as a giant white egg cracked down the middle.
At the risk of sounding like a very un-bride-like broken record, I will be so glad to be on the other side of this. I could hug (despite the fact that I feel incredibly uncomfortable hugging people) whoever came up with honeymoons. Never in my life have I need a vacation as much as I do right now.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Bad Bride
Yep, it's official--I'm a bad bride (also, apparently, a bad blogger).
I don't know about other brides, but I'm just ready for the stress and hoopla to be over. Admittedly, we've gotten most things done. But still...months ago when we were touring reception sites, I thought the wedding coordinator at the Sheraton who told me that wedding planning is a full-time job was crazy. It turns out, she wasn't.
It seemed like there weren't so many things to do...ceremony place, reception place, music, cake, food. HAHAHAHA. Excuse my slightly hysterical laughter.
There's also napkin and table covering choice, first dance songs, processional order for the reception, ceremony song choices (there are more of them than you think), going through books and books of invitations, wedding dress and all the many accompaniments (special underwear, sparkly headband, veil, shoes, earrings...), bridal portraits, wedding favors (sticking personalized labels on candy is NOT FUN), bridesmaid gifts, rehearsal dinner plans....
And of course, navigating the familial minefield that makes up mine and Brian's life. I won't go into it...I may need a flowchart and a heavy dose of therapy.
Honestly....I'm getting married because I'm looking forward to the marriage (well, most days...sometimes I think I'll miss having my own apartment, not to mention bed). It seems to me, given the many bridal magazines I've looked at and of course, liberal doses of Sex and the City, that most women that get married do it because they're looking forward to the wedding. No wonder so many people get divorced.
Here's hoping my wedding dread results in a fabulous marriage.
I don't know about other brides, but I'm just ready for the stress and hoopla to be over. Admittedly, we've gotten most things done. But still...months ago when we were touring reception sites, I thought the wedding coordinator at the Sheraton who told me that wedding planning is a full-time job was crazy. It turns out, she wasn't.
It seemed like there weren't so many things to do...ceremony place, reception place, music, cake, food. HAHAHAHA. Excuse my slightly hysterical laughter.
There's also napkin and table covering choice, first dance songs, processional order for the reception, ceremony song choices (there are more of them than you think), going through books and books of invitations, wedding dress and all the many accompaniments (special underwear, sparkly headband, veil, shoes, earrings...), bridal portraits, wedding favors (sticking personalized labels on candy is NOT FUN), bridesmaid gifts, rehearsal dinner plans....
And of course, navigating the familial minefield that makes up mine and Brian's life. I won't go into it...I may need a flowchart and a heavy dose of therapy.
Honestly....I'm getting married because I'm looking forward to the marriage (well, most days...sometimes I think I'll miss having my own apartment, not to mention bed). It seems to me, given the many bridal magazines I've looked at and of course, liberal doses of Sex and the City, that most women that get married do it because they're looking forward to the wedding. No wonder so many people get divorced.
Here's hoping my wedding dread results in a fabulous marriage.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Getting my spark back
Brian said something recently that really stuck with me--my spark has darkened. I think he's right; over the past few years, I've let personal/work drama drag me down. Currently, job applications/rejections and the stress of finishing school/wedding planning/moving has gotten me down (cue several breakdowns recently).
But, I've decided that Florida is going to be a a new start. We'll be living somewhere new (an awesome two-story townhouse in the grad student housing section), meeting new people, and starting our married life. I'm leaving all the stress and drama behind me in NC.
That's not to say I won't have stress/drama in Florida, but what I can change is how I react to it. Even though I'm super nervous about moving into the unknown with no job lined up as yet, I'm excited for the change. I think it's been a long time coming and all I can do is embrace it.
In countdown news: 3 weeks till graduation. 49 days till the wedding.
But, I've decided that Florida is going to be a a new start. We'll be living somewhere new (an awesome two-story townhouse in the grad student housing section), meeting new people, and starting our married life. I'm leaving all the stress and drama behind me in NC.
That's not to say I won't have stress/drama in Florida, but what I can change is how I react to it. Even though I'm super nervous about moving into the unknown with no job lined up as yet, I'm excited for the change. I think it's been a long time coming and all I can do is embrace it.
In countdown news: 3 weeks till graduation. 49 days till the wedding.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Long, long overdue update
Yes, I know that I have shamefully neglected this blog in recent weeks. But, I've had a LOT going on!
Wedding planning! Figuring out where we're moving! Finishing school!
Ok, that's an excuse. But still.
As far as wedding planning, we've got most of the big details hammered out (my mom and Brian's mom are addressing the invitations back in New Bern as I write this), and despite some setbacks (Swoozie's, who originally was doing my invitations, went bankrupt and we had to switch vendors. We're really happy with the end result, done by The Write Image in Cary! Plus my bridesmaid dress was discontinued and David's Bridal kept getting the new choice mixed up which resulted in some disgruntled, confused customers), things are coming along. Now we're faced with the smaller details--what the choir is singing, what readings there are going to be, what the flowers are going to look like, what food is going to be served, etc.
As far as the future goes, Brian got into Ave Maria! We're going down in 2 weeks to check things out and hopefully sign a lease. I don't have any job prospects just yet, but I'm hopeful. We're also trying to find him some scholarships, since the government doesn't seem to want to fund doctorates in theology, and his eyesight is too good for scholarships in that area (you basically have to be truly blind to qualify).
As far as school goes, only 5 weeks and exams left! WHOO! I've lost all my motivation, and I feel like I'm already halfway in the future. It's a serious struggle to keep going to my internship and finish up my final papers. The end of an era is in sight, and the start of something new--Florida, married life, and a job of some kind--are on the horizon. It's terribly scary and terrifically exciting all at the same time.
Wedding planning! Figuring out where we're moving! Finishing school!
Ok, that's an excuse. But still.
As far as wedding planning, we've got most of the big details hammered out (my mom and Brian's mom are addressing the invitations back in New Bern as I write this), and despite some setbacks (Swoozie's, who originally was doing my invitations, went bankrupt and we had to switch vendors. We're really happy with the end result, done by The Write Image in Cary! Plus my bridesmaid dress was discontinued and David's Bridal kept getting the new choice mixed up which resulted in some disgruntled, confused customers), things are coming along. Now we're faced with the smaller details--what the choir is singing, what readings there are going to be, what the flowers are going to look like, what food is going to be served, etc.
As far as the future goes, Brian got into Ave Maria! We're going down in 2 weeks to check things out and hopefully sign a lease. I don't have any job prospects just yet, but I'm hopeful. We're also trying to find him some scholarships, since the government doesn't seem to want to fund doctorates in theology, and his eyesight is too good for scholarships in that area (you basically have to be truly blind to qualify).
As far as school goes, only 5 weeks and exams left! WHOO! I've lost all my motivation, and I feel like I'm already halfway in the future. It's a serious struggle to keep going to my internship and finish up my final papers. The end of an era is in sight, and the start of something new--Florida, married life, and a job of some kind--are on the horizon. It's terribly scary and terrifically exciting all at the same time.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Bridal Breakdown
Yes, it has happened. I've had my first Bridal Breakdown.
It was mostly precipitated by David's Bridal, who are showing themselves to be incredibly incompetent, and that's me being nice.
The story:
In December, I went to try on wedding dresses. It was a busy day, so I wasn't too upset the consultant wasn't paying too much attention, since I hate overbearing salespeople anyway. When I went in January to pick it up, though, I was pretty pissed off that when the saleslady wrote down the number on my dress, they wrote it down WRONG. So the dress they ordered was not only a dress I'd never seen, but it was also $107.75 MORE than the dress I wanted.
At the time, I was panicking so much that I didn't say much other than "fix it!". David's Bridal didn't offer any apologies, and at first didn't believe me...but eventually I got them to reorder the right one and give me the difference in money in store credit.
This past week, I went in for my first fitting..when I went to pay, I requested to put my store credit towards the fitting fee, and produced the exchange receipt. Which they then insisted they couldn't honor because I didn't have some coded card (which they never gave me). Then they tried to take the receipt. I finally got them to honor the store credit, but still no apologies for all of this.
In short...I nearly had a meltdown in the store.
Honestly, I don't ask for much. I'm usually pretty genial, and I ask that in return. David's Bridal: EPIC FAIL.
Besides the dress debacle, all the details to think about is making my grind my teeth more than usual. I've started to break out in a sweat (literally, I turn red and start sweating, it's not a pretty sight) whenever anything wedding comes up. By the end of the 2 1/2 hours I spent in Swoozies looking at invitations, I was dripping.
Combine this with 5 classes, 24 hours a week in internship, not having the SLIGHTEST idea where I'll be post-wedding or what I'll be doing...yeah, I'm freaking out. HELP!
Note: Make that 2nd breakdown. Man, this kinda sucks.
It was mostly precipitated by David's Bridal, who are showing themselves to be incredibly incompetent, and that's me being nice.
The story:
In December, I went to try on wedding dresses. It was a busy day, so I wasn't too upset the consultant wasn't paying too much attention, since I hate overbearing salespeople anyway. When I went in January to pick it up, though, I was pretty pissed off that when the saleslady wrote down the number on my dress, they wrote it down WRONG. So the dress they ordered was not only a dress I'd never seen, but it was also $107.75 MORE than the dress I wanted.
At the time, I was panicking so much that I didn't say much other than "fix it!". David's Bridal didn't offer any apologies, and at first didn't believe me...but eventually I got them to reorder the right one and give me the difference in money in store credit.
This past week, I went in for my first fitting..when I went to pay, I requested to put my store credit towards the fitting fee, and produced the exchange receipt. Which they then insisted they couldn't honor because I didn't have some coded card (which they never gave me). Then they tried to take the receipt. I finally got them to honor the store credit, but still no apologies for all of this.
In short...I nearly had a meltdown in the store.
Honestly, I don't ask for much. I'm usually pretty genial, and I ask that in return. David's Bridal: EPIC FAIL.
Besides the dress debacle, all the details to think about is making my grind my teeth more than usual. I've started to break out in a sweat (literally, I turn red and start sweating, it's not a pretty sight) whenever anything wedding comes up. By the end of the 2 1/2 hours I spent in Swoozies looking at invitations, I was dripping.
Combine this with 5 classes, 24 hours a week in internship, not having the SLIGHTEST idea where I'll be post-wedding or what I'll be doing...yeah, I'm freaking out. HELP!
Note: Make that 2nd breakdown. Man, this kinda sucks.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Wedding updates
So, since it seems like all I've been doing lately is wedding planning (really, who cares about school?) I thought I would give an update. And maybe a school update too since, you know, it's moderately important.
So, wedding update:
I bought my wedding dress and picked out the bridesmaid dresses, Brian picked out his tux and the groomsmen's, and we're working on our wedding registries (finished one, working on the other two). We've also booked a car to take us from the wedding and the reception, sent out save-the-dates, and are working on booking our honeymoon (in Charleston).
Next up: Figuring out the music for the ceremony (Brian's choir, the Vox Clara Schola [I think that's what it's called, anyway] is going to be doing all the music), picking out invitations, and buying our wedding rings. I also have a dress fitting in a few weeks.
Whew! Things are moving fast (only a little more than 4 months now), and it seems to be getting more real by the second. I'm alternately excited and terrified. Brian's set to hear from grad schools in mid-March so that's not doing much to remedy the situation. BUT, hopefully by April 1 we will know something about where we'll be moving.
A short update on school (because that's all I can stand), here are the classes I'm taking this semester:
As we rocket towards June, I'll try to keep updating...maybe I'll even add a "days to graduation" calendar..
So, wedding update:
I bought my wedding dress and picked out the bridesmaid dresses, Brian picked out his tux and the groomsmen's, and we're working on our wedding registries (finished one, working on the other two). We've also booked a car to take us from the wedding and the reception, sent out save-the-dates, and are working on booking our honeymoon (in Charleston).
Next up: Figuring out the music for the ceremony (Brian's choir, the Vox Clara Schola [I think that's what it's called, anyway] is going to be doing all the music), picking out invitations, and buying our wedding rings. I also have a dress fitting in a few weeks.
Whew! Things are moving fast (only a little more than 4 months now), and it seems to be getting more real by the second. I'm alternately excited and terrified. Brian's set to hear from grad schools in mid-March so that's not doing much to remedy the situation. BUT, hopefully by April 1 we will know something about where we'll be moving.
A short update on school (because that's all I can stand), here are the classes I'm taking this semester:
- Disability Policy (interesting, but most of what we're learning I know already and it's not a long enough class to get into new things)
- Evaluation (it has a longer title, but i'm not interested in learning it)
- Grant writing (which has so far proved to be VERY useful)
- Financial management of nonprofits
- Facilitative leadership (iffy, b/c we're using a model the professor's husband developed).
As we rocket towards June, I'll try to keep updating...maybe I'll even add a "days to graduation" calendar..
Monday, January 4, 2010
2009 in review
Similar to last year, I thought I would review my favorite books/movies of 2009 (I also admit to needing a more positive post after the last one).
So, first up: books.
Series I've gotten into this year:
As for movies, I haven't seen too many this year, but a few stand out:
So, first up: books.
Series I've gotten into this year:
- Mr. and Mrs. Darcy mystery series. These are a much more lighthearted take on Darcy and Elizabeth than Rebecca Ann Collins' Pemberly Chronicles, and despite being slightly predictable, they're a fun easy read.
- Elizabeth Peter's Amelia Peabody series. Amelia is possibly one of my favorite literary characters ever, if only because this series put "Good Gad!" in my vocabulary.
- The Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire series. This is the basis for the HBO show True Blood, and the best way I can describe it is Twilight, except for adults and with good writing. And no cheesy romance. Or teenage angst.
- The Mistress of the Art of Death series. History + mystery=a good book for me.
- Books by Georgette Heyer (so far I've read The Convenient Marriage, Black Sheep, and Cotillion. ) They were written in the 1920s and set in the 1820s, and are funny without being cheesy.
- Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married. This was good British chick lit.
- Eats, Shoots, and Leaves. This is heaven for an English major. Or, former English major.
- My Sister's Keeper. Despite the ending being really sad, it was very fitting--not to mention fantastic.
As for movies, I haven't seen too many this year, but a few stand out:
- Julie & Julia. This made my favorite books last year, and the movie definitely lived up to its name. Meryl Streep is fabulous as Julia Child, and the Amy Adams sections reminds me of many, many times when I've been cooking and freaked out when I get overheated and things aren't working out the way I wanted.
- It's Complicated. Yet another Meryl movie, this one nailed divorce right on its complicated head (cheers for a movie that recognizes how hard divorce can be on kids). AND it's funny. A winner.
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I think this is my favorite Harry Potter movie. Funny teenage love angst, combined with fighting Voldemort, made for an excellent movie.
- Night at the Museum 2: Battle at the Smithsonian. Amy Adams's Amelia Earheart was the key in this movie. I also liked that the sculptures and pictures came to life too.
- Star Trek. Brian drug me to this, but I ended up liking it--action + space should equal Battlestar Galactica...but, it turned out, can equal this too.
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