The Good Kind of Dorky

Randy's Recessionista Recipe

2009-02-19T18:45:00.003-05:00

Your recessionista tips are fabulous--keep 'em coming! It seems a lot of your ideas are centered around how to cut back in terms of food costs. That is a big place where we could improve too. This year I have been making a concerted effort to eat out less and to be smarter and less wasteful when it comes to buying food and making meals. I thought I'd share the yummy, cost saving way I turned a package of $5 Wal-Mart ground beef into three meals. One meal was soft tacos with all the fixins. The second was really just Edgar's meal--a bunless burger with sweet potato fries on the side--because I was having some frozen meal and he wanted a burger. After dinner last night I decided to use the rest to make homemade meatballs since I had all of the ingredients already in the house. Preparing them last night saved me a ton of time after work tonight. All I did was cook the spaghetti and then throw in the sauce and meatballs. It was a really, really easy and yummy meal. I thought you might like the meatball recipe. To give credit where credit is due, I got it from a Martha Stewart Everyday Food that randomly appeared in my mailbox. I'm sure Martha is just trying to lure me in, but I will resist you Martha...I will resist you. But really, there is nothing like a free "cookbook." Possibly better than free panties. So totally recessionista chic!

(Oops, I think I accidentally jumped the gun and hit Publish. I had a spasm! I wasn't done with this post--WTF!)

So the meatball recipe is as follows:

Ingredients:

coarse salt and ground pepper
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (I only had dried, so I used what I had and it worked fine)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg
1 pound ground beef
1/4 plain dried breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil

In bowl, combine Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add beef and bread crumbs; mix gently. Form into 16 balls.

In a pot (or pan!), heat oil over medium. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally. I think it took 10-15 minutes until they were done. At this point I put them in the fridge, but if you were going to eat them immediately, then make your pasta and add the meatballs to the sauce! I decided to mix everything together, but of course you can make the sauce separately to pour over the pasta.

It's just the two of us, so we had a bunch leftover too. I hope you try it and love it too!

Are you a recessionista?

2009-02-17T20:58:00.005-05:00

I work in a retirement community and it never ceases to make me smile when I see a resident toting her things around campus in an old gift bag instead of a purse. Many of these residents lived through the Great Depression and don't want to waste a thing. I've even seen one lady carrying her things in one of those small, sturdy pink-striped Victoria's Secret bags. Save Everything because you never know when it could come in handy. Maybe these ladies are onto something.

Growing up, the Great Depression Era always fascinated me. My peers often wanted to write their history reports on the roaring twenties, but I was always so much more intrigued by the '30s. Grapes of Wrath anyone? I never imagined that I might one day live through a depression era all my own. My generation has trouble relating to the mindset of the older generations because when we want something, we get it, and we get it now. Times they are a changing and we're having to learn to make do with a little bit (or a lot bit) less than we're used to. I've been coming up with little ways to save money...little ways to be "recessionista" chic! I know this is a play on "fashionista," but I love it and I plan to use it loosely and often. So how fun would it be to share with each other the things we are doing to live on less? Way fun, I say!

Today I bring you...

Recessionista Tip #1: You know you took the soap and/or mouthwash, etc. the last time (or ten times) you stayed at a hotel. So when you run out of soap, don't run to the store. Pilfer through your linen closet instead. It's amazing the things you'll find. I bet you won't have to make a store run for these everyday items for at least a few weeks.

Recessionista Tip #2: It's winter and my hair gets dry very easily. I started shampooing my hair every other day rather than everyday. My hair is less frizzy and I'm totally making my expensive shampoo last longer!

Recessionista Tip # 3: When you get a coupon for a free pair of panties at Victoria's Secret, use it. Go into the store, don't look at any other tempting merchandise. Go straight for the freebie, check out, and leave. You'll totally get your shopping fix, you'll have new undies and you'll totally be sticking it to the "man." Take that, man.

So, what are your fabulous recessionista tips? Let's keep a running list. Let me know whenever you come up with something new! This will be so fun. I promise.

Blonde Moment

2009-01-18T12:33:00.002-05:00

The morning after the college football championship game, Edgar informed me that the Florida Gators had won. We had been talking about their quarterback, Tim Tebow, the night before. Anyway, the breakfast conversation went something like this.

Edgar: Florida won last night 24 to...(I am so not even paying attention at this point)...

Pause

Me: Oh are you talking to me? Sorry, I was reading an e-mail. What did you say about the 24th? Oh, who won the game last night?

Edgar: Are you kidding me? Yes, I was talking to you. I said, the gators won 24 to (whatever, I don't even remember what he said)

Me: Oh, cool.

Edgar: Did you know that Tim Tebow is really religious and he and his family have done all these missionary trips around the world?

Me: Oh really? That's cool to hear about a football player doing some good in this world.

Edgar: Yeah, he actually went to live in a Leper Colony.

Me: He went to live with leprochaunies?

Edgar: Yeah, in a lepercolony. (I still have no idea that he is saying "Leper Colony")

Me: Whoa, that is awesome! He lived with leprochaunies? So they really exist??

Edgar: O. M. G.

Me: Oooooooooh (just realizing what he actually said) you said LEPER COLONY! I was going to say, go get me my Lucky Charms!!

My Resolutions

2009-01-04T20:49:00.003-05:00

Like I've said before, I'm not really a big New Year's Resolutions person. I don't like to set myself up for failure and I like to make small improvements day by day, blah blah blah. I do, however, like to make a short list of a few goals I'd like to work on throughout the year. In 2008 my goals included reading more, going to church more, getting in shape (lifting weights) for the wedding--all things I accomplished--go me! Focus on career goals was on the list too, and I think I can safely say that I considered options this past year. For the most part though, I'm still in the same place career wise as I was this time last year. We'll call that a work in progress. Of course, for the past 5 years "write poetry" has been on my list and I really still haven't gotten around to that. Maybe 2009 will be my year!

So here is my documented list of resolutions for 2009:

1. Get back into lifting weights and staying fit! Not that I'm sooo "unfit," but the motivation has not been there like it was in the past.

2. Continue going to Church on a semi-regular/regular basis.

3. Volunteer.

4. Keep reading, more and more! :-) Book club, here I come.

5. Continue to learn to cook new recipes. (see, a lot of my resolutions are things I've already begun. Not a bad place to be if you ask me)

6. Maybe run a 5k? This is a set-myself-up-for-failure resolution, but I'll put it on there anyway.

7. Save $$$!

8. Organize my house and do a couple of renovations.

9. Write poetry...obviously.

Hello 2009

2009-01-03T22:25:00.009-05:00

Happy 2009! Where exactly did 2008 go? I have no idea, but I do know that it was one of the best years of my entire life. I know exactly what you mean, Ashlee. How can 2009 top 2008?

Let's just get right to the highlights:

In February, we had leap day and Edgar and I actually had a real anniversary--four years together! In May, a bridal shower and bachelorette party were thrown in my honor, making me feel very, very, very loved. Of course, June 7 was probably the best day of my life thus far--Edgar and I tied the knot! My memories of the day are such a blur, and just under seven months have passed. Everything seemed to happen so fast that day. Not only was there a heck of a lot happening in a relatively short period of time, but also there was total sensory overload. Lack of sleep, heaps of emotions, family and friends all there supporting Edgar and me--it was all so beautifully and breathtakingly overwhelming. Barring a few very minor things, I wouldn't have changed a thing about the day.

That's me...behind the bubble

After the wedding, I got a new stamp on the 'ol passport when we travelled to Dominican Republic (Edgar's homeland) for the honeymoon. All-inclusive resorts? Heart! Heart! Heart! I remembered what it was like to feel relaxed and my appetite returned. Happiness weighs more, right? Maybe 2009 will be the year I get back in shape then. ;-)

In early October I went to the New Kids on the Block concert, aka The Best Concert Ever, with Sarah and Lauren. I rocked the shirt I've had since 4th grade!

Mid-October I visited my parents in Central New York to celebrate my birthday. We rocked out in style at a Sugarland concert. Kellie Pickler opened the show and was signing autographs afterwards. I got to meet her and she signed my ticket. Pick Pickler!

For Christmas vacation I took the train to NYC and Mom took a train down from Syracuse and we spent a day in The Big Apple with my sister, Sara. Then all three of us took the train together back to Syracuse for the holiday.

Those are just a few of the highlights. There was also a trip to a water park, apple picking, pumpkin picking, a Halloween costume party, a trip to Central New York for a friend's wedding and Sarah's graduation and celebration. My resolutions for '08 included lifting weights and reading and going to church more regularly, three things I actually did! I also rediscovered my long lost love of reading and consequently fell in love with a fictional vampire. I did fun things that I hadn't done in ages, like sewing...
I think this sewing thing is stressing Sarah out. Lauren thinks it's funny.

The first half of the year leading up to our wedding was filled with much stress and excitement and flew by quickly because of it. There was just so much to plan and deal with on top of regular pressure from my job. I want to say that if I could go back and tell myself to just take a deep breath I would, but I know that if I had to do it all again, the stress would be there just the same. In the second half of the year, I relearned how to relax and just enjoy each day. Marriage is quite nice. Life is quite nice.

My feelings toward my job have been across the board--a true love/hate relationship. The career aspect of my life is not completely in balance, but only time will tell on that one.

And blogging. Could I have blogged any less??

When I reflect upon the moments of joy that I experienced this past year, I cannot help but smile. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband, two great dogs, amazing friends and a loving family. Edgar and I both have our jobs and although we may not have everything we want, we have our health, our jobs, a roof over our head...and we have love. And really, what more could we possibly need?

Giving Thanks

2008-11-29T09:28:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving was two days ago, but it's never too late to say what you are thankful for.

This year, I'm thankful for:

1. My husband! I can't believe it was just about 6 months ago that we tied the knot. Sometimes it feels like it was years ago and yet, it feels like it was just yesterday. Even though much of it was a blur, I'm pretty sure it really happened. I have pictures to prove it. I'm thankful for our commitment to one another and for the life that we share.

2. I'm thankful for my parents, as individuals and as a "whole." I am eternally grateful for all that they've done out of love to provide for me, guide me, challenge me and support me. I am also thankful that they've morphed into friend-parents over the past few years. Being an adult child is pretty cool.

3. I'm thankful for my sister for her friendship. I am also thankful for the things she gives to this world...her undeniable love of life, her ability to inspire others to take risks, her positive, energetic spirit and her perseverance.

4. I am thankful for my friends both near and far and even those I've never met! Near--I am so lucky to have found a great little group of friends who I genuinely hope to grow old with! Far--a couple of my very best friends I only get to see maybe once or twice a year. No matter how much time has passed, we can always just pick right back up where we left off. That's true friendship. Those I've never met--some of you blog friends I feel just as close to as I do to my "real life" friends. You know who you are...

5. I am thankful for Bugs and Zoey. They bring so much hairy joy to my life.

6. I'm thankful for my job and the ways in which the people I work for and with enrich my life in ways they'll never know. I'm thankful for a roof over my head and food on the table.

7. I am thankful for faith.

8. I am thankful for optimism and hope and the knowledge that they are not necessarily synonymous with naivete.

9. I am thankful for the great nation that is the USA. We are not without our problems, but we are optimistic and we are hopeful. I am also thankful for those who serve in the military.

10. I am thankful for my good health and the good health of those around me.

11. I am thankful for fictional vampires.

AND I'm thankful for YOU! What are you thankful for??

Open up...it's time for "party mouth"

2008-11-22T22:30:00.004-05:00

It's late Saturday night and close enough to tomorrow to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH! This year, Sarah won't have to share her birthday with a turkey, which is awesome. Instead, a group of us are going bowling to celebrate. My bowling skills are about as good as my singing skills, so it's bound to be a fun afternoon of me rolling a heavy ball into a gutter. Enough about me though, let's talk about Sarah. How about we all say why we love Sarah, as per tradition...Sarah's tradition...that she probably started on her own birthday. :-)

If you don't know Sarah you could always visit her blog and come up with something. Or just make something up.

Here are 10 reasons why I heart Sarah, in no particular order.

1. She has pretty hair.
2. Actually, all of her is pretty. Sarah is pretty inside and out!
3. She is funny, witty, smart.
4. She is one of the most considerate people I've ever met in my life. She's a good listener and a giver.
5. If Sarah does not approve of your actions, she will cut you.
6. No really, she will.
7. Sarah is creative. She knows how to do things like knitting and coming up with cool designs for her blog. She's a reader, a writer and a lover. Unless of course she is about to cut you.
8. Sarah is full of passion.
9. She inspires people to be better.
10. Sarah is a true friend and one of the best friends I've ever had.

Happy Birthday, friend of mine.

Edward Cullen wants you...

to have a happy birthday.

Come back

2008-11-19T20:45:00.006-05:00

Here I am. Leave it to me to return to blogging by posting somewhere else.

In lieu of a real post

2008-08-06T18:20:00.015-04:00

Okay, I really loved my wedding. You've gotta see more pictures!! You've just gotta!

Easing Back Into It

2008-08-03T21:00:00.021-04:00

Who talks for over a year about her wedding and then when the actual wedding takes place leaves the entire internet hanging? Yes, I would slap me too.

My wedding, in one word, was amazing. It was by far one of the best days of my life. Maybe even the best day. It was almost two months ago. It seems like just yesterday and yet, it seems like it was years ago. It feels like it is still right at my finger tips and yet, I'm hopelessly trying to grasp on to each little memory and savor it before it floats away. I'm so afraid I'll forget the little moments and the details. My advice to my engaged sistas--truly enjoy and take in every moment. It's true what they say--it goes by so fast! My insides actually hurt when I start thinking back on the wedding and realize I can't relive it. I can't believe it's actually said and done. I don't care what Tom Cruise says, post-partum wedding depression does exist. Sometimes I feel so tired, irritable, unmotivated and just plain sad. I recognize that a huge portion of this is stemming from another major area of my life and is not wedding related at all, but now that I don't have the wedding to take my mind off of it, I have to deal with it head on. And it's hard (that's what she said!) and it's depressing.

Well that was a fun pity party. Let's move along now. My life is not all blue. Conversely, it's really, really relaxing to not have the stress and anxiety of the wedding. I've been eating (too much) again and enjoying my weekends! I've been decorating my house and ordering new furniture. It feels nice to be a wife. It feels relaxing and comfortable and exciting to be Edgar's wife. I am a WIFE!!! I have a HUSBAND!! HOLY SHIT!

And now, what you scrolled past all of the words and sentences and stuff to see.

The Wedding of a Lifetime (cue dramatic music)

Looks like they've got a little Captain in them

#1 Bridesmaid and her Mexican hubby

MOB and DOB

It was so much FUN!

Phew! It was hard to choose photos to show you and they took a long time to upload, but if there is something you want to see more of, just let me know!

Edited to add: In my desire to get off of my computer because it was getting late and I still wanted to eat ice cream and watch TV, I failed to mention the woman behind these wonderful photos. The lovely Paige was my wedding photographer and I would 100% recommend her to anyone who lives in the Richmond area and is looking for a photographer. She does everything, not just weddings and she is so awesome to work with. Here at The Good Kind of Dorky, we love our Paige!

06.07.08

2008-06-07T09:27:00.002-04:00

I am getting married.......TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am just having some breakfast and drinking some coffee (I need lots of it because I didn't sleep well, but not too much or I'll have to pee. I always have to pee). Yes, I just made my wedding day post about peeing. Awesome.

Well I have to get a few things done before I head to the salon, but I just wanted to remind you all that...

TODAY IS MY WEDDING DAY AND I'M GETTING MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are You Excited?

2008-06-02T14:35:00.003-04:00

As you probably know by now, I am getting married in five days. FIVE DAYS I tell you! So many people have asked me the question, "So, are you getting excited?" It's a simple question really. The answer, however, is not so simple. Sure, I am excited. Excitement is definitely one of the emotions I'm feeling. I'm excited to see my family and friends whom I have not seen in years. I'm excited to be married to Edgar. I'm excited to see the flowers and the reception room and the cake. It's all going to be a surprise because even though I've chosen what I want, I don't know what it will look like all together. I actually won't know until I am walking down the staircase into the room filled with all of the wedding guests. I am excited to see my beautiful maid of honor and bridesmaids in their pretty dresses, standing by my side. I'm excited for the rehearsal dinner and I'm excited for the honeymoon. There are many things to be excited about. And I am excited.

But what no one asks is "Are you overwhelmed? Do you cry every time you think about walking down the aisle with your dad? Are you sad and nostalgic because you feel like you are waving goodbye to the last moments of your childhood even though your childhood, for all intents and purposes, has been gone for some time now? Does the thought of having all of your friends and family in one room at the same time make you feel so overjoyed because ohmigosh that is so much love in one place? Does the thought of saying your vows to the man you are committing to spend the rest of your life with no. matter. what. make you feel content and thrilled and scared and safe and vulnerable all at one time? Are you anxious? Are you stressed out? Are you worried that you will be sad after the wedding because the day you have been dreaming about since you were five will, in five short days, be just a memory?"

No one ever asks those questions. And maybe they don't because they haven't been married before and have no idea. I know that until I was a bride myself, I had no clue. Maybe the people who have been through it before know how emotional this time is and so it's easier to just ask, "Are you excited?" because they wholeheartedly know exactly what feelings I am going through because they've been there. Somehow "are you excited?" is like "how are you?" We say "How are you?" as a way to greet people. I think "are you excited?" is like the bridal equivalent. No one expects anything but a trite answer.

Do not misread me. I am certainly not offended when someone asks me if I am excited. It's a simple, legitimate question. It's just hard for me to give anything but a complex answer. Most times when I have been asked the question I have paused and just said "I am excited...I am also stressed and overwhelmed...I'm many emotions all at once." Which is true. There is no single word that can describe what I am right now. So when you ask me if I'm excited and I don't jump up and down and say Yes YES YES, it's not because I'm not excited, it's just that I have a lot on my mind.

The Bridal Parties

2008-05-14T19:27:00.010-04:00

Part I: The Bridal Shower

The sexy hostesses

On Saturday, May 3, I was thrown the best bridal shower and bachelorette party imaginable. Sarah and Lauren were the lovely hosts of the afternoon bridal shower and my sister, Sara, was in charge of the late-night debauchery. At the bridal shower we ate yummy food...

Note the (very appropriate) pink and green theme! Mmm I want a cupcake.

After the delicious lunch we played party games. The first game was a series of questions about Edgar that I had to answer. Edgar had given Sarah and Lauren his answers beforehand. Sneaky, sneaky! Before the questions were asked everyone guessed how many out of 16 I would get right. The questions and answers were adorable because they were "Edgar answers" which involved thinking like Edgar, which can be kind of random, let's face it. Some of the answers Edgar gave were super sweet though. When asked what he liked most about me, his response was "the way she treats people, me and the dogs." One word to describe me..."beautiful." This game was probably my favorite part of the shower because not only did I already feel loved by everyone in the room (my mom, my sister, Edgar's mom, my friends...), but getting to hear Edgar's sweet answers made it extra special. For the record, I got 11/16 correct, which considering some of the answers was pretty damn good.

The other game we played was the one where you have to guess the spice just by smelling it. This game is hilarious because I don't have a very strong sense of smell overall so the spice will be curry and I will guess cinnamon, etc. etc. That, coupled with the fact that I don't use a lot of spices when I cook (and will be a horrible wife) makes it a really fun game because I just start naming random spices. Like, Scary Spice. Har Har Har

So, to recap, the bridal shower was awesome and I heart Lauren and Sarah! Oh, and I got some wonderful gifts--thanks girls!

Part II: And now let the debauchery begin!
A Photo Essay

At my house for wine and dessert before we left to make love in the club

Me and Sara eating our sweets

At the club-it wasn't hitting me yet

and then it hit me

Then, Sara and I danced in a cage. There are pictures to prove it. I just have to find them. I think they are linked on my facebook page for those of you who are my "friend." Other highlights include me talking about "fucking up" some redneck bride who wanted to borrow my tiara (I was joking, of course), asking men if they sleep in the nude and other dares I had to complete and making a girl I met that night dance in the cage with me.

I haven't had that much fun in a long time. Good times. Good times.

You were just too busy being fabulous

2008-05-05T20:07:00.002-04:00

I've had many, many, many requests (a solid 4, at least) to return to the world o' blogging. I've just been so distracted and I wasn't feeling it. If I haven't been to your blog in awhile please don't take it personally. I still love you. I do. I have been thinking about you guys a lot. I have a feeling that when I spiral into my deep, dark post-wedding depression that I'll be around quite a bit. For realz. Anyway...

I HAVE SO MUCH TO TELL YOU!!!!

I can't say it all in one post so I am going to try to give you lots of the highlights throughout the next week or so. Most of them revolve around my wedding, which let's be honest, is all you wanted to hear about anyway. Right? Today's topic: photography.

A few weeks ago I got an e-mail from my wedding photographer, Paige. The wedding package I selected does not include an engagement photo session. She contacted me to see if Edgar and I might like to do a session anyway so she could get to know us a little bit better before the wedding. We had such a fun day! Paige is an awesome photographer and overall just a really fun person to be around. I'm going to totally pimp her out now...so, if you live in the greater Richmond area and are looking for a photographer you should totally give her a call. Dudes, she even has a blog.

If you want to see the entire gallery from our photo shoot you can go to Online Viewing. Choose Edgar and Lindsey from the drop down menu. Our password is june07

I have nothing more to say today. Just go look at pictures of me. Yes, I'm really that vain.

Is my TMJ TMI?

2008-03-24T19:40:00.003-04:00

Last week I went for my 6 month dental appointment. The past, oh I don't know, five times I've been to the dentist they have told me that I have a cavity and I've had to return a week later for a filling. I was starting to get really pissed off about it because some of these cavities were so small I didn't even need Novocain, they were painless and took my dentist no longer than ten minutes to complete the job. I truly believe that he was just trying to get money. I am convinced that dentists are shady like that. I hate flossing, but for the past year (Year!) I've been flossing every night and using a flouride rinse. Cut out sweets from my diet? Hell no! But, I've been very, very good otherwise. So when I saw I had an appointment coming up I began to prepare myself for how I would go about refusing the filling without being a total, mega, fired up bitch. Or my much more subdued version of one.

Well what do you know? I didn't have any cavities! I am actually convinced that it was because last time I told him that I better not have any cavities at my next check-up and I think he was kind of getting the hint that I wasn't going to fall for his money-sucking ways anymore. I mean I was this close to finding a new dentist and I think he knew it.

I did decide to ask him about the jaw issues I've been having, not even sure if a dentist is who one goes to with a problem such as this. I haven't been able to chew gum very often anymore and certain foods like chips at Mexican restaurants will mess up my jaw and make it pop, feel dislocated and occasionally, make it hard to open my mouth all the way. Problematic for so many reasons. Also, I am a Type A, anxious, overly stressed out Bride who doesn't really know what it feels like to not be stressed anymore. I clench during the day and I clench the entire night. This isn't a new thing, it has just become much worse over the past six months or so. I've tried to become more aware of my daytime clenching, but at night I can't help it. Since I wear a retainer at night anyway, I don't grind my teeth, but it is not uncommon for me to wake up with a sore head, jaw and face. So, I brought this up to my dentist. He had me close and open my mouth and there was a loud POP. As I suspected, I have TMJ. The dentist said I should probably get a specially made bite guard that is worn at night to keep me from clenching. Damn it! Can I ever escape this place without being taken for all I'm worth?

As I was checking out, the receptionist at the front desk said she would call my insurance company for me to see if the bite guard is covered by my insurance and then call me to let me know. A couple hours later she called to tell me that no, it is not covered. Well, "how much is it?"

"$600"

!!!!???!$#@&%$@!?

Well, I guess I'll have to learn to live with the TMJ, at least for now. Stupid jaw. Stupid dentist. Stupid insurance. They should KNOW I am saving up to make the final payment on my honeymoon! I don't have money for things like jaw health!

So, are any of you out there living with this condition? Do you know any ways to make it better that don't cost $600? Please, I'm dying to know.

Look! I'm posting something...how rare

2008-03-13T07:50:00.002-04:00

Look who I got to hang out with last Saturday...

Newly engaged Jen and her BLING, (me), Erika and her(my) unborn baby BOY, Sarah and her unborn MASTER'S DEGREE!

Yeah, it was a pretty sweet afternoon. I had already eaten breakfast, but pregnant Erika had.to.eat.right.now and I am a poor planner, which meant I got to have my second breakfast while being lectured on the joys of Google Reader and in general how to live my life. Do I even have to tell you who was doing the lecturing??

More Wedding Talk of Course

2008-02-27T20:23:00.003-05:00

Are you as tired of looking at my ass as I am? Hey, at least you can close the window. I have to walk around with this thing all day long.

Gosh. Time flies when you're, well, just busy. Work has been a little bit crazy the past few days and have I mentioned recently that I'm planning a wedding? Last Saturday I met with the "flower chair" at my church so she could show me the altar flower containers. Perhaps the least notable wedding activity to date. I made up for the it though when I headed over to my appointment with my seamstress. She did the custom beading on my dress and I got to see it completed for the first time. Can I just say, AMAZING! The gown is just.so.me. I get so excited at the thought of seeing my dress again. We're in that exciting, early relationship stage and I'm still getting butterflies. In fact, I get to see my beautiful gown tomorrow morning. She did the first alterations so when I try it on tomorrow, it's actually going to fit. I hope. Maybe I shouldn't have had pasta and chocolate malt balls tonight. Plus, it's that lovely time of the month. Hmmm, yeah, might be a little snug.

In other exciting wedding news, my veil is ready to be picked up, as are my bridesmaids' dresses. I can't wait to see them!

This wedding is really going to happen!

Speaking of the wedding really happening, I am having some mixed feelings about it. Okay, no jumping to conclusions here people. I have no mixed feelings about Edgar. I am not having any doubts. What I mean is, I am having a wide range of emotions as The Big Day gets closer. Thinking about the actual day, seeing my dress, thinking about being Edgar's wife, ordering shoes--all of the important stuff--makes me want to jump up and down and let out a girly squeal. Being a wife, losing the single woman identity that I've carried for 26 years, the thought of changing my name, transitioning into a full-blown adult--all scary stuff. And even though I've lived away from my parents for over three years, I still feel like I'm their little girl to some extent and marriage will somehow change that. I am aware this probably sounds so lame, but I am also sad that on June 8, my wedding day will have already passed. The day I have been looking forward to since I was five years old will be over. I know there will many more happy times and things to look forward to (baaaabies!), but I still get a little sad that the anticipation will be over. I'll be married. I will have a husband. I will be a wife.

So tell me o wise married ones, how were you feeling in the months and weeks leading up to your big day? Was it pure elation or did you have some mixed emotions too?

all together now..."wtf have I done?"

2008-02-18T20:28:00.006-05:00

I woke up this morning and remembered that I only had until Tuesday night to come up with something to submit for Julie's contest. Julie is my girl so of course I MUST enter her contest of awesomeness (it doesn't hurt to suck up, right Julie?)

Throughout the day I kept trying to come up with something funny to take a picture of, but being Monday and all, my brain was still on weekend time. When I got home from work I got Bugs "leashed up" and went for a run (I made good time, by the way). I've been trying to lift weights more regularly and tone up a bit. Last night I cleaned and vacuumed our second floor. Half of it is Edgar's office, the other half we just use for whatever. I decided that I'd bring my pilates mat up there to help motivate me to do crunches, stretch, etc. After my run I was all pumped up so I decided to get in some crunches before dinner. Of course, everywhere I go the dogs must follow. Is that what it's like to be a mom? I began doing crunches and was almost through my second set when...WTF....

"OMG EDGAR! GET THE CAMERA! QUICK! I NEED YOU TO TAKE A PICTURE FOR A BLOG CONTEST"

He was all like WTF?!

It just goes to show you that a true WTF moment must happen organically.

(Also, WTF is up with the camel-toe? And the ass view? Must have been on wide lens)

Happy Virtual Engagement, Jen

2008-02-15T11:28:00.007-05:00

Happy Virtual Engagement, Jen. Sarah and I put our minds together to bring you this: Our gift to you. A timeless classic. A variation on a theme, if you will. Enjoy it. Cherish it. Love it like you love Joel (or Brad Pitt)--until the end of time.

Dear Joel:

This morning I cried
Not because I was sad
Not because something was wrong
But because we’re getting married
For once I feel a sense of wanting to stay home barefoot and pregnant with our lovechild
I find myself wanting to give oral in over abundance to someone special
Someone that allows me to talk about any and everything
Someone that admires my cats
Someone whose laugh sends tingles through my body
It seems as if that year (and that other year, and the other one too) of waiting for you to finally propose to me never existed
We’ve stepped back in without missing a beat…
I find myself touching and caressing myself every hour on the hour (sometimes even twice)
But in my mind I’m visioning someone other than you
At this moment of intimate thought my hands are no longer my hands they are Brad Pitt’s
Exploring the cavernous depths of my woman hood
Indulging in my warm and my moist treasure that I am sure you would enjoy, like a warm, moist Betty Crocker cake fresh out of the oven
As I continue to explore and reach a climax from the indescribable and long awaited sensation from Brad Pitt’s touch
I shed a single tear
Yes, one single tear
For it is at this moment that I realize that I miss you immensely and how much I long for your touch…
(but first I must finish up with Brad Pitt)

Joel,
I open myself up to you
I am ready to be naked and freaky with you
I give you
My Heart
My Mind
My Soul
but mostly My Body
And all of my issues (especially those concerning Brad Pitt)
While thinking my inner most thoughts
I (literally) open myself up to the touch of your hands
I am passionate about the touch of your lips
Right this moment I am longing for the touch of your body co-existing with mine
I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives wrapped in the thought of you loving me
Loving me in ways I thought were only meant for fairy tale romances or low budget porn movies

And again I cried
Not because I am sad
Not because of something being wrong
But because I know it’s really over for me and Brad Pitt
2/15/08

11:51am

Of course, every bride-to-be knows the importance of trying on many gowns and doing her best to really invision the Big Day.

We love you, Jen! Happy Engagement!
~Lindsey and Sarah

When I think about you I touch myself

2008-02-14T08:19:00.002-05:00

In honor of Valentine's Day I thought I'd bring you a love poem I found in my former co-workers "My Documents" section of her computer while I was looking for a file. Along with her resume and other personal documents was this little gem.

This morning I cried

Not because I was sad

Not because something was wrong

For once I feel a sense of wanting to be loved

I find myself wanting to give love in over abundance to someone special

Someone that allows me to talk about any and everything

Someone that admires my southern swagger

Someone whose laugh sends tingles through my body

It seems as if that year of waiting never existed

We’ve stepped back in without missing a beat…

I find myself touching and caressing myself

But in my mind I’m visioning you

At this moment of intimate thought my hands are no longer my hands they are yours

Exploring the depths of my woman hood

Indulging in my warm and my moist treasure that I am sure you would enjoy

As I continue to explore and reach a climax from the indescribable and long awaited sensation from your touch

I shed a single tear

For it is at this moment that I realize that I miss you immensely and how much I long for your touch…

I open myself up to you

My heart

My mind

My Body

My Soul

My inner most thoughts

I open myself up to the touch of your hands

The touch of your lips

The touch of your body co-existing with mine

The thought of you loving me in ways I thought were only meant for fairy tale romances…

And I again I cried

Not because I am sad

Not because of something being wrong

But because of you and the happiness you have bestowed upon my heart.

11/15/06

11:32 am (so glad she documented the exact time, aren't you?)

Remember kiddies, delete your files before you leave your company....and have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Vote for B

2008-02-12T09:40:00.000-05:00

If you live in Virginia VOTE OR DIE, just as P. Diddy said. I stressed out over who to vote for and even had a dream about it last night, but I woke up early and got to my voting location before work, which means I get to wear my "I Voted" sticker all day. So hott right now.

Speaking of elections, a very crucial election is coming up...

Audrey and Erin are hosting the Bloggie Doggies Awards and Bugs would like you to consider nominating him for one of the lovely awards. Here are some links to refresh your memory:

I mean, seriously people, he is cute!!

Weiner shadow and all!

He will be a very sad reindeer if the internet doesn't show him any love. Very sad.

Seriously people, he is already working on his acceptance speech...

The Answers

2008-02-10T11:29:00.000-05:00

While some of you got one right, no one was able to guess both of the truths. Let's talk about the lies.

I am naturally blonde. This one might be a little ambiguous as Laurel and I discussed. My hair was blonde as a kid, but has darker as I've aged. Technically, I haven't seen my entire head of hair in its virgin state for about ten years. I've seen my roots though and I know about what my hair color is--a mousy shade somewhere between blonde and brown. So technically maybe this is a part-truth, but for the sake of this game I'm just going to go ahead and call it a lie.

I secretly want to be in a polygamous relationship. Maybe if this relationship involved Jim from The Office or Dr. House from House M.D. I'd reconsider, but truth (or in this case lie) be told, I do not want to be in a polygamous relationship. Edgar on the other hand, now that is a different story.

I am allergic to peanut butter. Sweet Jesus if I ever develop this allergy someone just put me out of my misery. A life with peanut allergies is no life for me.

I am registered Republican. Lies, all lies. Let's not even joke around about this. :-)
Actually, in the state of Virginia one cannot register with a party, but if I could, the party name would start with a D. Sometime I should tell you the story about when I turned 18 and registered to vote in NY State. I "accidentally" checked Independence Party because I wanted to register as an Independent. Well, actually that is the entire story, so no need to tell it again at a later date.

I am left-handed. A lot of you thought this was true about me, what with my creative nature and superior intellect. No, I'm right handed and just.that.good.

My parents love my sister more than me. Um, hello??? Obviously they love ME more.

So by process of elimination, the truths.

I sucked my thumb until I was 12 years old. No really, I did. And I found out that I am not the only one. I was forced to stop this bad habit when it was time for me to get braces. True story.

I have kissed a girl. Is it that hard to believe that this is a truth? Didn't anyone else get drunk and totally make out with their best friend in college? Well I think you guys are the weird ones. College is all about experimentation, my friends.

And there you have it. More than you probably ever wanted to know.

Truths and Lies

2008-02-07T20:42:00.000-05:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I have blogged and I am seriously behind on my blog reading. I have been pretty focused on the fact that I am getting married in exactly four months. It's funny, when I got engaged I thought I would talk about the wedding all the time, but I didn't. I didn't talk about the wedding all that much for a good 7-8 months. That's because I had so much time left. Now, the main focus of each day is wedding, wedding, wedding. (Marsha Marsha Marsha!) I think about it so much and I have so many anxieties that I am this close to having to breathe into a paper bag to catch my breath. On an exciting note though, we have decided on a honeymoon locale. We have chosen a resort too, but still have to book it. Drum roll please...

We are going to the Dominican Republic. For those of you who don't know, this is where Edgar's family is from and it is his birthplace. So it will be really meaningful to travel to "the homeland." I am so excited! As each day passes and we get closer and closer to the wedding, I get more and more excited to marry Edgar and be his wife. I just feel like everything is so right. While the wedding "event" stresses me out, the thought of being joined in holy matrimony with Edgar brings me a sense of calm. It's a good feeling to say the least.

Anyway, Isabel and probably some others have been playing a little game called "6 Lies and 2 Truths." Okay, let's play!

1. I sucked my thumb until I was 12 years old.
2. I am naturally blonde.
3. I have kissed a girl.
4. I secretly want to be in a polygamous relationship.
5. I am allergic to peanut butter.
6. I am registered Republican.
7. I am left-handed.
8. My parents love my sister more than me.

ok go!

Shopping would be the motif here

2008-01-26T21:50:00.001-05:00

Not too long ago Carrie asked me where I was registered just in case someone wants to get me a wedding gift. I figured it was about time I get back to her on that. Most likely she just wants to laugh at the things I want. However, Miss Carrie, there is no electric can opener on my list for you to make fun of so you'll have to find something else. I already have an electric can opener thank you very much. But don't worry, I have a manual one too, you know, in case the power goes out.

I am not one to advise holding back when it comes to shopping, especially if the shopping is being done for yours truly. So have at it, folks.

If you know my last name, you're good to go.

Crate and Barrel
Macy's
Mikasa

It would be really fun and cool if you told me what I have left off that I really should include! Remember, Edgar and I have been living together for a few years so we do have some of the essentials that many newlyweds may not have.

On another note, my parents are in town this weekend! My mom found the best MOB dress today that she is going to get or else. Talk about "Indecision 2008. " I guess I know where I get it from.

We also looked for lingerie for my wedding night...something white and pure, just like me. I looked at Victoria's Secret, but I didn't find anything good. I love their panties, but does anyone else think the quality of their lingerie has gone downhill over the past few years? They used to be classier and even the material used to be better quality. Oh well. I also looked at Dillard's--a dept. store--and I found a really pretty white, sparkly number, but it wasn't very...ahem...supportive. Do you guys know of any good websites or stores that sell lingerie? For the wedding night and the honeymoon I'm looking for stuff that is sexy/cute, but just not too cheesy.

And did I mention I got two bras, each on sale for $9.99 today? What a steal!

How do you feel about giving up "marital relations" a few months before the wedding? Born again virgin or just plain dumb? You decide.

2008-01-22T19:44:00.000-05:00

First of all, I am in shock. So very sad.

Now onto your regularly scheduled program.

Not regular enough because I realized today that I haven't posted in a week. Blame the wedding.

It is hard for me to believe that in just over 4 months, this wedding is actually going to happen. I've been plugging away at my wedding to-do list and trying to get things checked off. I have my own personal list that is messy and has scribbles all over, and then I have my electronic checklist thanks to the blessing that is The Knot. Oh thank goodness for that little website and its fabulous organizational skillz.

Just today I was able to mark off "order wedding bands." I also made a trial run hair/make-up appointment with the salon that robbed me. I also made an appointment to get my hair cut and colored on February 2. I am trying a less expensive stylist. Apparently the one I chose the first time is a master stylist. Hopefully I'll like this new person because she only charges $35 for a cut. Too bad I'll be spending the big bucks (read: $100+) to have a full head of highlights put in. Normally, I am a DIY hair colorist, but with the wedding coming up I want to have it professionally dyed a few times before the big day. You know, to perfect the color. I figure Audrey and Co.'s Get Active Get Awesome, or GAGA, is taking the place of a personal trainer so I'm actually SAVING money. Right?

I am not one to share my to-do list with the world on a regular basis, but since you are just dying to know what I still have left to do, I'm going to tell you. Your welcome.

Order invitations
Buy/make favors
Book honeymoon
Get flower girl basket and other ceremony things (unity candle, etc.)
Buy champagne flutes for Edgar and me
Get bubbles for after ceremony
Sparklers for after reception
Design/choose a program cover
Book hotel for wedding night/block off rooms at hotels for out of town guests (waiting to hear Back from Marriott Account Exec.)
Touch base with Church's "flower chair" (left msg)
Make final decision on tuxes and get measurements of all the men
Choose bridesmaid shoes (any websites you would recommend would be a huge help!)
Choose bridesmaid jewelry
Gifts for people
Ask another person to read in my wedding. I already asked my aunt and she said yes! Also, my uncle, he will be bag piping!
Meet with the DJ
Book rehearsal dinner
Call the woman who is supposed to be doing bead work on my dress and yell at her for not calling me three weeks ago when she said she would. Also, she was supposed to do the beading in DECEMBER
Try not to kill bead work/dress lady before the BIG DAY
Get the indecisive MILF of the Bride, or MOB, to decide on a dress (possibly a topic of conversation for another day)
Okay, there are certainly a million more things I need to do before June 7, but these are the ones on the forefront of my mind.

Stop ranting about everything I need to do on this blog might make the list at some point. But not yet.

Recent things I've done:
Well two weekends ago I met with the caterer of the country club where our reception is, last weekend I met with the florist. This weekend I'm meeting with the cake lady. The weekend after I am getting my hair done (only semi-wedding related) and the weekend after that I am meeting with the Church's organist. So, if you want to see me between now and June 7, I really will have to pencil you in.

What is the problem, officer?

2008-01-15T20:09:00.001-05:00

Here she is in all her glory--Silver Beauty. My new 2006 Jetta. By using the brilliance that is Craig's List, I was able to sell my Jeep Grand Cherokee in just under a week. I got the price I wanted too. So, what do you think? It was a rainy day when I took the picture, but it will have to do for now.

In other vehicle related news, today I had to go to Newport News (approx. 2 hours away) for a meeting at one of our other retirement communities. On my way back to Richmond I was chatting with Edgar on my cell phone, cruising along on I-64, minding my own business, when out from one of those small roads between the east bound and west bound lanes (cop hide-outs) came...well...a cop. With her lights on. I quickly put my phone in my lap so she wouldn't see me talking on my cell. Even though it's not illegal in Virginia, whenever I see a cop my natural New York instinct kicks in. I quickly looked at the speedometer and saw that I was only doing about 65-70 in a 65 mph area. The cop was behind me, but in the next lane over. I started to pull over, but she drove past so I thought, "Okay, no big deal." Then the cop drove toward the white truck and SUV, both of which had zoomed by me just before the cop came out from hiding. Everyone had slowed down and the cop was attempting to do a two person pull-over. At this point I was approaching them. The truck and SUV were successfully pulled over. As I am passing the cop I see her look at me and motion for me to pull over. So I pull over. I'm far enough ahead of the other vehicles that were pulled over, but not too far. I watched her approach both of them and speak to them. First she interacts with the driver of the SUV and then lets him go, but I couldn't tell if a ticket was issued. After the cop had driven past me I had hung up with Edgar, so at the point when she was pulling me over I was not on the phone. As I'm parked on the side of the road praying that the large trucks zooming by don't come crashing into me and ending it all, I call Edgar and tell him that I was pulled over. But seriously, I had NO CLUE why. I didn't think she saw my phone and I wasn't speeding. I took out my license and registration and waited. I wasn't freaking out because I really didn't think I did anything wrong. I was just perplexed.

About five minutes pass and she comes over to my car. I roll down the window.

"Is everything okay?" she asks.

Is everything okay??? You tell me. You pulled me over.
"Ummm...was I speeding? You pulled me over"

"No, I didn't pull you over."

Dude.
"When I drove by I saw you motion me to pull over." (I do pointing hand motion to explain exactly how it looked to me)

"No, I was motioning to the other guy."

"Because I didn't think I was speeding. Or doing anything wrong." Except for talking on my cell phone, which should be illegal, but isn't and could you do something about that?

Yes, I pulled myself over. Must call Edgar. Must tell Mom. Must not tell co-worker notorious for making blonde jokes.

The cop and I both laugh and smile (I think she wanted me, personally) and I am grateful I didn't get smooshed by an 18-wheeler because how tragic would that have been? Tragic, I tell you.

Five Month Freak Out

2008-01-07T19:52:00.000-05:00

I think for my wedding I'm going to have a cake that looks like this. What do you guys think?

I know I promised to take a picture of my car, but it's dark out so I will try to do it later in the week. Currently, I am also trying to sell my Jeep Grand Cherokee. Anyone want to buy a car? I've posted on craigslist so hopefully I sell it soon. I thought someone was going to end up buying it yesterday, but after wasting the majority of my day, he left and never came back. I talked to him on the phone and he said he was still trying to get the money that his brother owed him so he could buy the car. Turns out, his brother was one of the guys calling me throughout the day trying to buy the car out from under the brother. Either that or they are both lying. It was like the Jerry Springer of trying to sell one's car. I am not going to deal with those guys anymore. I have a guy coming out to see the car tomorrow so keep your fingers crossed for me.

In other news, work is still pretty blah and the rest of my life is just one big wedding and non-wedding to-do list. Fun fact: I will be a wife in 5 months from RIGHT NOW. I have so much yet to do. I've booked my major vendors, but now it's setting up food tasting appointments (fun!), booking a limo, figuring out hotel stuff, choosing favors, flowers and how I want the tables to look at the reception. Oh and then there is the DJ and choosing shoes for me and my bridesmaids, making a final decision on the tuxes, getting the guys to send in their measurements and the list goes on. Details, people. Lots of details. So I've been trying to get back into the routine of working out in the mornings so I have my evenings free to research wedding stuff and get things done around the house so that it doesn't crumble around me. Did I mention we still have to purchase wedding bands and decide on a honeymoon locale? Oh and I need to find someone to do my make-up and hair for the big day. There are things I'm forgetting I'm sure. Like ordering invites and designing programs and deciding on a rehearsal dinner location. Yeah. Did I mention I only have five months? I did. Good. Now watch me attempt to stay sane.

Yeah, it's so not gonna happen.

2008 whether you like it or not

2008-01-01T21:45:00.000-05:00

Happy 2008 ya'll! I am back from C(entral)NY and not really excited at all to return to work tomorrow. Go figure. I got back to Richmond Sunday night thanks to my Dad who drove the 9 hours to bring me back home in my brand new car (said in a game-show voice, please) just to go straight to the airport and fly right back home. I hate driving that far by myself so my Daddy really came through for me. He is a good Daddy. I'll show you pictures of my car later this week. First thing's first.

Another year gone and it's time once again to make resolutions. I'm sure I mentioned last year that I am not big on making resolutions because I think that improving yourself is an ongoing process and at the new year, while I like to reflect and loosely set a few goals, I don't like to have the "my diet starts tomorrow" attitude while I shove that "last" donut into my mouth just to turn around the next day and say "no really, tomorrow." Hmmm, ironically I did have a donut today. Even more ironic, I did say that starting tomorrow I am going to get out of this holiday food funk and eat healthier. Maybe this year I'll be less of a hypocrite. Yeah, that's what I'll do. But really, I do prefer to take small steps each day/week/month toward self-improvement. Like losing weight, you have to set small attainable goals or else you will fail. The bigger picture is often overrated and over-analyzed.

Some of the highlights of 2007 in no particular order:

-I started recycling late in the year after a three year break and, dude, you would not believe how much I was throwing away. I am getting kind of anal about it now. Today, instead of throwing away a small paper bag at Dunkin Donuts, I carried it around in my purse so I could put it in my recyclables when I got home. It feels good.

-Was proposed to. Said yes. By the way I'd like to note that my wedding is in 5 months! Hold me. You will be hearing much more about this in the days and weeks to come. I'm starting to freak out a little over how much I have left to do.

-Got to know a few of you guys better...you know who you are.

-Worked out on average 3-5 times per week for almost every single week of the year. It's all about the lifestyle, baby!

-My baby sis graduated from college!

-Wedding gown shopping with Mom and sissy.

-Hanging out with my Richmond friends and family...and hanging out with my lovely Manassas friend.

-Went to Ikea for the first time ever.

-Read at least one or two books.

-Started going to church slightly more than usual, which means I went maybe 5 times.

-Got a promotion.

-Engagement party.

-Girly birthday sleepover.

-Williamsburg with Edgar.

-Visits from Mom and Dad.

-Probably a lot of things that I am forgetting...

In the first half of 2008, I'd really just like to keep my head above water when it comes to my hectic job o' misery and all of the wedding planning, stay healthy, sleep more...pretty much just try to avoid going crazy. On a side note, I bought an new planner today (HEART!) and I can't wait to start filling things in.

This post is all over the place and I apologize, but it is a good representation of my state of mind right now. I'm going to stop now and show you a few pictures from my week at home. Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day (presents!)

Pretty

I got candles, hand sanitizer and lotion. Hmm

Sisterly love

Mom cooking

Goats I love outside of a store I love

Thinking of Audrey on the drive down to VA

A Christmas Quickie (post that is)

2007-12-25T16:12:00.000-05:00

I'm at home in Central New York now with my mom, dad and sister. What a wonderful day we're having opening gifts, eating the traditional Christmas breakfast, waiting for the traditional dinner, sharing laughs and enjoying each others' company. Of course, I wish Edgar were here with me, but we were able to have a mini-Christmas celebration together before I left to come home. I keep thinking how next year at this time I will be a wife to someone. In a few years, I could be a mom to someone. Each year Edgar and I have been creating more and more holiday traditions together and I can't wait to one day share traditions with a family of our own. In the meantime I am in no hurry--I am just delighting in the fact that I can still come home and relax and be a kid again. Yeah, I'm okay with that.

I hope you and your loved ones are having a Merry Christmas!

I'll be sharing "home" pictures with you later in the week! Get excited!

SBS, please come forward and tell me who you are!

2007-12-20T16:45:00.000-05:00

I must say, I think I have the best Secret Blogger Santa EVER! Yesterday I was home sick, feeling like pure crap (fever/chills/sore throat and all) when my day was brightened by the UPS man, who showed up at my door with a package for yours truly. It was from none other than my very own SBS. Are you excited to see what I got?

I about peed my pants with the joy that only comes from seeing a box that looks like this.

EEEEEE!!!!! Vera Bradley stationary!!!! I've always wanted VB stationary because much like putting a Starbucks in Target, it is a marriage of two things I love dearly (I don't even know that I've ever mentioned my love of stationary so way to go, SBS!) Throw in the fact that it is pink (!!!) and purchasing this particular style also supports breast cancer research and you've got the recipe for The Miracle of Christmas right there.

I would have posted a picture of myself thoroughly enjoying my awesome gift, but I went to the doctor yesterday afternoon and was diagnosed with Strep Throat, more commonly known as "SARS." I was advised not to go to work today because of how highly contagious I am. As my gift to the world, I stayed inside and away from humanity today. I fear you might catch it just by looking at a picture of me, but believe me, my sex appeal is out of control. I don't know how Edgar is managing to keep his hands off me.

Luckily, I should be back to my non-contagious self by tomorrow and feeling much better just in time for Saturday's anxiety attack over my plane ride home. I'm doing everything in my power not to freak out, but these antibiotics are kind of putting a cramp in my plans to get wasted as a trial "self-medicating" technique. So I'm actually going to have to attempt to be a sane human being who doesn't let irrational fears take over. Surprisingly, I'm feeling a bit calmer than usual so that's a good sign.

Tomorrow night Edgar and I are celebrating Christmas together since we'll be apart on the actual holiday. The tree looks so pretty and we bought the perfect tree skirt last weekend. I put the gifts under the tree today. I can't wait for tomorrow night! In honor of our little family's early Christmas celebration I give you a picture of my pretty little reindeer daughter, Zoey.

Edited to add: Okay, so I pretty much don't have any idea who my SBS might be...last week I thought it was someone who I later found out wasn't even doing SBS. HA! Then I thought it might be Janet and about 5 minutes ago I thought, maybe it's Laurel. I am so off, aren't I?

Edited yet again to add: It was Laurel!!!! My random instincts were correct! Thank you Laurel-you are the best!!!

Biggest Shock Ever!

2007-12-18T21:29:00.000-05:00

Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant.

I am speechless really.

React!

The post in which I talk about my sister

2007-12-15T13:23:00.000-05:00

On a side note, I love my Secret Blogger Santa! She rocks! Thanks Laurel and RA for being lovely santas and setting up this awesome exchange.

.......................................................................................

My sister Sara, who had a blog for about a week, moved to NYC back in October. To pay the bills she had been working at Banana Republic until she could find a job that would allow her to utilize that college degree which she obtained back in the April. She had interviewed at a handful of companies, one of which was accompanied by a Paula "I'm crazy and most likely on drugs right now" Abdul sighting. Finally, last week she got offered a job at a company that, I believe, does media coverage of some of The City's events. She accepted the offer and this past Monday she began her tenure as an unmarried woman trying to make it big in The Big City. Her office window boasts none other than a view of the Empire State Building. My office window boasts an alternate view of the retirement community.

The girl's got balls so to speak. She has gone from being my immature kid sister to being a strong woman whom I admire quite a bit. I've never denied that she is the cooler sister. She is a high energy, driven gal with a penchant for partying. She's a risk taker and a lover of life. Her strong drive, which can occasionally be mistaken for selfishness, sometimes masks her innate thoughtfulness. Generally speaking, she possesses a lot of qualities that I do not. The thing I've had to adjust to as a big sister is the fact that she is not the kid sister I could once boss around. I can't tell her what to say and do and expect that she will listen. She's not the pre-teen trying to hang out with my friends and me. She's not the high schooler getting in trouble for talking in class. She's not the college student slicing her hand open on a beer bottle (okay, maybe I'm being rash, that was only less than a year ago). She is not a mini-me and nor would I want her to be. She is a young woman beginning a career and facing the "real world" head on. Arguably, we still remain in slightly different phases in life; she just got her first job and moved in for the first time with a boyfriend, while I've been employed for three plus years and am about to get married. But even though we are very different people, the figurative distance between us has somehow shortened. She is a cool chick and someone I like having as a friend. I don't even mind arguing with her sometimes because it's not the same type of arguing we did as kids--now there doesn't have to be a "right" or "wrong."

The hardest thing I've had to learn is to just shut up and listen and not try to give her advice because it only pushes her away. Now I know how my parents must feel. Irony, you bastard.

Sometimes I feel like Sara's third parent, even though I am quite positive she doesn't see it that way. The thing is, when she moved to NYC I was proud of her, of course, but more than that I felt, and still feel, an overwhelming desire to protect her. I want to protect her from the adjustments (to put it softly) of living with a boyfriend for the first time. I want to protect her from the bad things and people in this world. I want to warn her about stupid office politics and shield her from the bullshit. I want to protect her from hurt.

But then maybe she is more prepared than I think she is. Maybe she is more prepared than I ever was. I suppose I just have to trust that she is a smart girl. A smart girl who will be just fine.

Christmas, spiders and Amy Winehouse

2007-12-08T11:12:00.000-05:00

That was a needed and well deserved week off from blogging if I do say so myself. I'm going to try to keep up with it as much as I can during this busy holiday season. I cannot believe there are only two more work weeks until I leave for Upstate/Central New York. I'm going home to see my family for a week, which I am so excited for! Unfortunately, Edgar has to work that week so he'll be staying behind to spend Christmas with his family here, but like last year, he and I do our own mini-Christmas together before I leave. Last year I prepared an entire holiday meal for us, roast beef and all. So those are my plans...now, onto what I really wanted to tell you about.

A few nights ago I came home from the gym and immediately saw a large brown spider on the floor in my dining room. The dogs were all excited to see me and wiggling their backsides and following me around. Well, when I saw the spider I immediately yelled "OH MY GOD, EDGAR! IT'S A BROWN RECLUSE!" My yelling made the dogs more excited and Zoey (my poodle) started jumping around near the spider. I then yelled "ZOEY!" she kind of didn't know what to do so she sat. Right. on. the spider. I got her to stand back up and get away with it while Edgar went and killed the spider for me. I started going on and on about how dangerous brown recluse spiders are. See recluse spider wound, not for the faint.

Edgar told me that it probably wasn't a brown recluse, but I saw it with my own eyes and it was big and brown. I went to visit my trusty friend Google and looked up the brown recluse so I could properly identify the broken remains that were floating in my toilet.

As it turns out, I may (or may not) have improperly identified the spider. It was most likely just a harmless wolf spider. Regardless, I still don't like spiders in my house. Just don't put me in an airport with some guys wearing turbans, for cripes sake.

On another note, something I find equally if not more repulsive than a brown recluse bite wound? Amy Winehouse. I'm not even kidding when I say that looking at her makes me feel slightly nauseous. She must have talent because I heard she got, like, six grammy nominations. I guess I just don't see it...

Freaking Finally

2007-11-30T20:56:00.001-05:00

NABLOPOMO is officially over and I did it!!!! Did you make it? Are you glad you did it? Are you going into hibernation now? I made a couple of new friends this month and got to be closer to a couple of the lovely ladies I already knew, so if I had to do it again, I would do it just for that alone! Thanks for a month o' fun times! Let's keep up the blogging, ladies. I say those words of encouragement more for myself than anyone else. Yes, sometimes I talk to myself.

Only one day left...

2007-11-29T21:01:00.000-05:00

First let me apologize that I have gotten so behind on blog reading. I'm going to try to catch up this weekend when I have free time since I. will. not. be. posting. I am so ready for a break and am looking forward to a fun, carefree weekend of non-posting. I have to say though, as much as I am getting whiny about it, the month went by much faster than I thought it would. My posts weren't always as quality as I originally intended them to be, but I have posted everyday thus far and have been having a blast e-mailing my new and old internet buddies. Now I have to focus on Secret Blogger Santa so I can make sure my girl gets some fun stuff from me.

Anyway, one more day. Hang in there NaBloPoMoers. The finish line is right. there.

I've Been Robbed

2007-11-28T20:06:00.000-05:00

I was in desperate need of a hair-cut. I mean desperate. I have been a tad dissatisfied with my stylist lately and going back and forth about whether to break up with her or not. I decided it was probably time to call it quits. The technique I chose was the "no call back" technique because that is a perfectly acceptable way to dump someone in, like, the eighth grade. Trust me, I've tested it.

I made an appointment with a stylist who had been recommended to me by my ex-boss. He (the stylist) is wonderful and gay and talkative and loves Project Runway. We bonded. And he knows what he is doing when it comes to cutting hair. The time just slipped by and we spent almost an hour and a half together because his next appointment never showed up. He is everything I could ask for in a stylist!

When I looked up the salon's website prior to making an appointment, it said that a woman's hair-cut was $35+ depending on the skills and experience of the stylist, so I'm thinking $40-$45. Maybe a wee bit more than I normally pay, but only by a few dollars. In a true moment of weakness, I decided to splurge on a $20 bottle of hair spray because I usually don't spend much on styling products. My bill came to $84 before tip!! $84!!! This was after convincing myself that it was absolutely necessary for me to get a hair-cut even though I am way broke, still need to buy a plane ticket home and have a handful of things left to purchase for Christmas gifts. Plus, I just sent in checks to pay a dental bill and a state/county personal property tax. WTF!! That haircut was 60 effing dollars! I've never spent that much for a cut alone!!! I feel cheated, robbed, empty on the inside. Okay, maybe it's not that bad.

But now I don't know what to do. I really like him. The thing is, I haven't actually decided if the haircut is spectacular or just above average. I think it will depend on how it looks when I style it myself. Also, I usually dye my hair out of a box for financial reasons, but he has an awesome idea for hair color for me. But I'm not so sure I am ready to know how much that would cost.

Okay, seriously, I'm bored

2007-11-27T19:52:00.000-05:00

My life isn't boring. I'm not bored at work. In fact, I'm actually very, very busy at work. I can see myself becoming overwhelmed any minute now. No, not any minute now--next Thursday when my coworker no longer works with me and I am doing her job as well as two others.

I am just bored with this NaBloPoMO, but I'm hanging in there. Only a few days left and then victory...and a break from blogging for a few days! Just you watch, once the pressure is gone, I'll probably come up with some great blogging fodder. Or not.

Ever since I was a little girl I've been obsessed with looking at baby names books and fantasizing about what I will name my baby one day. I used to pretend I was pregnant and then I would quickly go into labor (insert breathing sounds for effect) and give birth to a baby who would shoot down a birth canal that looked suspiciously like my over-sized sweatshirt, probably from Limited Too. I would then look though the top baby names of, like, 1980 and choose the perfect name for my perfectly plastic newborn child.

For a long time (back in the 90s) Renee was my favorite girls name, but I'm so over it. I love the name Maggie, but it reminds me too much of Edgar's ex girlfriend who was never a favorite of mine. So Maggie is out.

I'm not trying to hint that I am pregnant by the way.

I love to play the hypothetic game of "If you gave birth today what would you name your baby if it was a boy? and if it was a girl?" On most days I'd probably pick Alexander for a boy and maybe Emma or Audrey or Audrina (I know, I know) for a girl. I am actually a huge fan of names that are cross gender like Jordan and Jamie. Heart! So if I had that baby today I would name it either Riley or Ryan. Doesn't matter the sex, it's all interchangeable really. I'm just in an R cross-gender mood today I guess.

What would you name your baby?

The Final Bugs Monday

2007-11-26T21:02:00.000-05:00

Being a reindeer is not all its cracked up to be
(Christmas 2004)

The producers/managers of The Good Kind of Dorky attempted to sign a deal with Bugs & Co. to carry on Bugs Monday after NaBloPoMo, but were unable to come to a contractual agreement. Therefore, this will be the final Bugs Monday. Of course, there will be occasional Bugs features from time to time.

And now a final word from Bugs himself.

Hey guys, can I just tell you that Mom ate so much food over the holiday?! Seriously, it was borderline disgusting and yet borderline I was about to bite her for not giving me more handouts. Also, she gained no less than three pounds in four days. That was including two work-outs at the gym. The least she could have done was take me to the park to burn off those calories. Clearly I am resenting her right now. To get her back, while she was at the gym tonight trying to lose some of the lard in her butt, I decided to get on the bed and take a nap on her side of the bed with my hairy head on her pillow. Now my little hairs are all over. I'm a "shedder," what can I say? The best part--she just washed the sheets and blankets last night!!! When she came home she was kind of pissed off. Mission accomplished. That'll show her for not giving me my fair share of turkey.

You know what also is hard about my life? Living with a sister poodle who has the worst gas all the time. The crazy bitch is like an old lady. I've never heard anyone break wind more often than her--not even my mom and dad!

Besides not getting enough table scraps and having to live with a smelly sister, my life isn't so bad. I get to sit on the couch and cuddle with Mom every night. In fact, I'm about to go do that now.

Thanks for all your love this month. Shout outs to my pals Ben, Rufus, Ted, Gus and recovering from surgery, Bailey.

Clean slate

2007-11-25T21:15:00.000-05:00

I figured it was about time to clean up my house a bit. I feel like it gets so cluttered so quickly. So that is what I did today. Nothing more than clean and take a break to grocery shop. I also put away my "harvest" decorations. It seems like October and November have just flown by. I feel like I was putting up my Halloween decorations just yesterday. The weather is finally feeling like fall and now it is time to move onto Christmas! I haven't gone all out with Christmas decorations yet or anything. I'm of the school that you wait until a week or two into December to put up a tree, etc. I did, however, put up my Styrofoam berry wreath from Target on the front door. So now I look holiday confused--we didn't carve our pumpkins this year because we didn't get around to it so I kept them out on my front porch. Now that Thanksgiving is over I need to either throw them out or use them in some way for cooking. Thing is, I've never cooked with a real live pumpkin before. Have any of you tried this before? Any pointers? Should I even attempt it or should I just say goodbye to them Tuesday when the trash collectors come?

Since I have nothing better to say...

2007-11-24T23:01:00.001-05:00

Is anyone else getting just a little tired of posting everyday? I'm definitely glad I signed up for NaBloPoMo, but I don't feel like I have something worth saying everyday. Only a few more days left though, right? We can do it.

Tonight Edgar and I were discussing briefly our wishes for either cremation or burial upon our demise. I said I most likely would want to be cremated, to which he replied, "No, you can't be cremated. I want you to be buried next to me so you can be by my side forever." Sure it's a little morbid, but it was also one of the sweetest things he's ever said to me. That's true love, people.

So tell me, do you want to be buried "whole"? Cremated? Your ashes tossed over the ocean or an open field? I know it's a weird subject to talk about, but don't you think we need to address these issues?

Happy Birthday Sarah!

2007-11-23T22:58:00.000-05:00

It is 11PM and I feel like I've been up forever even though I didn't do the whole 4AM crazy shopping. I did however wake up relatively early for a non-work day and I was out shopping around 11AM. I spent 6 hours in the trenches and tried my best to just keep smiling and not get annoyed. I really hate large groups of people in enclosed spaces, i.e. an indoor mall. I just hate dodging people every few seconds. I kept my temper under control for the most part, but after hours of walking around and being on my feet, my body started to shut down right about the same time my patience was waning. It was all worth it though because I did put a dent in my Christmas shopping. I only have a few people left to buy for. I am guessing I could have my shopping complete in about 2.5 more outings.

I maybe even gave in and bought one of those big cinnamon buns that they sell at the mall. Shame.

Enough about shopping though--the real holiday today was not Black Friday, but rather the Birthday Extravaganza o' Sarah! 26 years ago today my best friend was born.

If my one month old self knew that one day she would find such a sweet, kind, funny, bossy (in an endearing way), creative, bright, perfect friend, she probably would have smiled. Or pooped in her diaper. But definitely out of excitement. For sure.

Gobble Gobble

2007-11-22T16:26:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for many things. Here are a few of them.

1. My immediate family, who not only loves me, but also loves each other. Parents who, for so many years, put me and my sister above themselves so that we would have countless opportunities.
2. My extended family who I don't see nearly enough.
3. Edgar, the love we share and the life we share.
4. My friends, who I'd be lost without.
5. My dogs who bring so much joy to my life.
6. My health and the health of my loved ones.
7. A roof over my head, food, warmth.
8. Forgiveness.
9. The knowledge that there is far more good in this world than there is evil. And no matter what, there is a silver lining if you look hard enough. And sometimes, you have to make your own silver lining.
10. Each breath I am given. And the strength and love that comes from knowing that there are a few people in this world who I'd give up my next breath for if it meant that they could have another.

Getting ready to feast

2007-11-21T21:42:00.000-05:00

In preparation for Thanksgiving, which we are spending at Edgar's mom's house with his family, I started baking tonight. I decided to try something new and off the cuff for a dessert. I got pumpkin bread mix and used it to make muffins, but then iced them with cream cheese icing to turn them into harvest-y cupcakes. They taste really good--of course I tried one. Or two.

Tomorrow I have to get up and make a Wat-Mart run. I'm also going to make whole berry cranberry sauce and possibly a potato "casserole" type dish. I figured I'd try a few new things this year (except for the cranberry sauce, which I made last year too) to add to the smorgasbord of Spanish-American Thanksgiving cuisine. I tend to like the more American traditional foods, but I also like that anything goes. It gives me a little freedom to try a few new things. Maybe I'll even start a tradition of my very own. Hey, you just never know.

Public Service Announcement

2007-11-20T22:16:00.000-05:00

If you have not signed up to receive e-mail from Cold Stone Creamery then you are seriously missing out, my friends. Just go to their website and sign up for the birthday club. Each yeah on your birthday they will e-mail you a coupon for a free "love it"(med. sized) Creation. They definitely won't overwhelm you with e-mail either. When they do send e-mail, it always involves some cool coupon anyway. Tonight Edgar and I indulged in a buy one get one free "love it." I couldn't even finish the dish o' deliciousness! Such a good deal! Anyway, if you love ice cream as much as I do, and especially if you have a birthday coming up, go ahead and sign yourself up. Trust me, you won't regret it. And if you get a coupon and don't want to use it, by all means send it my way.

Bugs Monday

2007-11-19T19:48:00.000-05:00

Today was going to be the premiere of the Bugs and Bailey feature. Bailey is Julie's dog and is feeling a bit under the weather today. In fact, they are taking her to the hospital so please send Bailey your get well wishes.

I'm pretty bummed that you're feeling sick, Bailey. Maybe we can play next Monday.

Don't forget to check in from time to time and see how our other furry friends are doing: Ben and Rufus, and ones I don't know as well like Ted and Gus.

I'm guessing I might be in the minority on this one

2007-11-18T20:01:00.000-05:00

It has become very clear to me that the hot item in gift giving this holiday season is the Digital Photo Frame ("DPF").

Now don't get me wrong, I get that it is nifty neato and all of that--no more getting stuck looking at the same damn photo day after day, year after year. The DPF allows your family and friends to enjoy a slide show of memories whenever they'd like. Plus, you can change up the pictures with minimal hassle. Like I said, I get that it's a cool gadget. My opinion on the DPFs is not that strong one way or the other. If someone gave me one of these as a gift, I'd think "oh, interesting. I'll give it a try."

But seriously, please don't get me one. Call me old fashion, but I would not want one of these in my family room. Not that my family room is all that great looking right now, but I know that one day it will be and one thing I do not want gracing the tabletop is a DPF. I hate to have more wires in one room than absolutely necessary, for one. For another, they are just cheesy and too high tech for my taste. Just like how I refuse to use anything other than a standard planner that you actually write in (with a pen not a stylus!), when it comes to photos on display, I am a traditionalist. I do not want the detailing on my picture frame to be the word "Samsung" or anything like it.

So this holiday season when I am making my list and checking it twice, you can be sure that you will not find the words Digital Photo Frame scribbled in ink to then be scanned, turned into a pdf and e-mailed to the North Pole. cc: Mrs. Claus

Something Blue

2007-11-17T22:31:00.000-05:00

Today was relaxing and I had a chance to do a couple of the things I wanted to do--including picking out wedding bands with Edgar! We may check out another jeweler just to compare, but I am thrilled with the rings we chose today. In lieu of a wordy post, I present you with this site's new look.

So tell me...

...how do I look?

Ho Ho Ho-bag

2007-11-16T21:20:00.001-05:00

Can you believe that Christmas is just around the corner? I haven't even started any of my shopping. In fact, I can barely believe that Thanksgiving is next week. This year feels like it's flying by at a more accelerated speed than usual. In an attempt to organize my Christmas shopping, I am attempting to compile a list (I heart lists 4eva!) of what I'd like to get for each person I plan to give a gift to this holiday season. The problem is, I am also trying to set a Christmas budget as things are looking a bit tight this year what with my upcoming doctor appointment, my poodle's eye doctor appointment (yes, she sees an animal eye specialist), her need for an updated rabies vaccination and most likely a steroid shot to help with her seasonal skin allergies, my need for a hair-cut and then all of the regular expenses OH! and then there is that wedding I'm helping to fund. I'll also need to buy a plane ticket to head back home to Central New York for the holidays. And how many pay checks will I get between now and then? Two? Three maybe? Definitely not enough. It'll all work out somehow--it always does, but I digress.

What I was intending to tell you is that I'm trying to research what is in the stores to get an idea of what I might like to buy before I actually attempt to tackle the malls. Inevitably, I always end up wandering around aimlessly searching for that perfect gift. I'm at least trying to cut down on the aimless hours. I'm hoping the pre-shopping shopping will help.

So I want to know: 1. What are your holiday shopping tactics? 2. What are some great gift ideas that I should look into for the people on my list?

Coed Naked Blogging

2007-11-15T21:59:00.000-05:00

I just got home from the gym and was about to get in the shower, but our stupid hot water heater had to be reset again because the water went cold. Does anyone else out there have this issue? While I wait for it to warm up again I figured I'd get to work on this obligatory post. Yes, I am blogging to you from the nude today. I am even more naked than my dog who has the decency to at least put on a collar.

Today was much better than yesterday, but I am still unsure about my job right now. We'll see how things go over the course of the next few months. Anyway, enough of that.

I was asked, then pressured, then pretty much harassed to be part of Laurel's Secret Blogger Santa, which is sure to be awesome, but I have a feeling I was not the only victim.

It should be fun though and I advise you to at least check it out and consider doing it. It will be the best thing you do this holiday season (I had to say that, Laurel scares me).

I have to go now--this chair is leaving a funny imprint on my butt.

Faith Based

2007-11-14T21:44:00.000-05:00

I found out today that a co-worker of mine will be putting in her two-weeks notice tomorrow. She is our database manager and then some, so losing her will be a pretty big blow. In some ways, a bigger blow (whoa that came out wrong) than when my former boss/VP left in August. On one hand, I am really happy for her and proud of her. She is a really bright young woman and I want all the best for her. On the other hand, when it comes to the fund raising team of the organization, I have been around the longest and so all of her work will "naturally" default to me--initially at the least and forever at the most. Since my boss left earlier this year, my happiness has decreased pretty dramatically and my frustrations have increased. Every year in the three years I've been with the organization there has been turnover and I am always the one to pick up the slack. I am really sick of it. There is only so much "transition" that one person can take. Maybe I shouldn't be so emotionally invested, but I am. I spend at least eight hours there a day, five days a week--it's hard not to be. It's just that I used to love my job. I actually looked forward to going into work everyday. Nowadays, I contemplate calling in sick on a weekly, if not daily basis. I'll get over it, right? It's just that my frustrations with it make me want to cry and/or have a breakdown. Anyway, enough about work.

On a happier note, Edgar and I met with our minister this evening to talk about the wedding. We didn't do too much "premarital counseling" tonight. We mostly just talked about the logistics of the wedding and he answered any questions we had. Can I just tell you that I love my religion and my minister. Seriously, this guy is awesome. I like him more and more as I get to know him. He seems to be pretty progressive and current which really appeals to me. It's like he realizes that the church has to adapt to the current times, yet he does this all while staying true to the core traditions and the faith. Also, he encouraged us to join the 20s, 30s, 40s group which meets up every month or so just to hang out. It's a social group that sometimes meets up at a bar. This is my kind of guy, this is my kind of church. I just feel like he is so laid back, approachable and non-judgmental--everything I could ask for in a minister. I mentioned that my uncle might play his bagpipe at some point during my wedding day and he asked me if he wore underwear underneath his kilt. Then he said "maybe I shouldn't have said that." He is pretty much the epitome of religious awesomeness.

I am confident that when Edgar and I are saying our vows before God that it will be much more meaningful because Father J will be marrying us.

Bugs Mond...oh crap

2007-11-13T22:37:00.001-05:00

Well it's Tuesday and I realized this morning that I completely forgot about Bugs Monday. I'm positive I would have remembered if I wasn't preoccupied with work and going out of town for a meeting. I spent the night in Newport News and got back to Richmond early this afternoon. This week is a very busy one for me at work. Needless to say, Bugs was pissed, but I smoothed out things over with an offering of steak leftovers. The situation has officially been rectified.

After work I headed over to the gym that was hosting the open auditions to be part of their new ad campaign. I have a feeling that I good number of people tried out. The auditions took place at various locations over the course of three days. If I make it I will be shocked, but I'm definitely not counting on it. If anything, cross your fingers I'll get chosen for the print ads because speaking while nervous is not my forte. I'm sure you are thinking "oh it couldn't have been that bad." Believe me when I say that when I am nervous I tend to ramble and not make a lot of sense. I also don't think through what I'm about to say so it usually comes out jumbled and riddled with "ums." I felt like I was on American Idol as there were three judges staring at me. Mostly expressionless. I told one of them he was totally the Simon. At least I got a laugh or two. Just thank goodness I didn't have to sing.

I had to stand on the white line, have my photo taken, talk into a microphone and be video-taped. They asked me some questions about why I like to work out, etc. Time goes by at an odd pace when I'm nervous. I feel like I blacked out--I only remember bits and pieces of what I actually said and as for those things, I just keep cringing and wishing I said something completely different.

I know I am being hard on myself. I really won't be sad if I don't get chosen. I put myself out there and tried something I've never tried before and I'm proud of myself for following through. Why I am having anxieties over this is seriously beyond me. I'll let you know either way as soon as I find out.

And now, a day late but still completely lovable. I give you, Bugs...Tuesday??

I mentioned before that I like to be outside. The park is one of my favorite places. Mom and I went walking in the park and she took this picture of me. I think I look very handsome here. The only problem with this photo is the wiener shadow.

Be a Star?

2007-11-12T13:15:00.000-05:00

I am leaving soon for Newport News, Va for an overnight biznass trip. I am not looking forward to it all that much, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do...right? I wanted to make sure I posted just in case my dinner meeting runs late and I forget about posting or something. I doublt I would forget, but I do want to make sure that I have a computer to use.

Half because I think it would be fun to try, half for this blog's sake, I was thinking of going to the open auditions that my gym (different location) is having tomorrow. Here is the link if you want to read the details.

I may have mentioned in a previous post that American Family Fitness likes to use their own employees in ads, but now they are looking for members to be featured. I have no idea what they are looking for and I have never tried out for anything like this before so I thought it might be a good "stepping outside of the box" thing for me to try. I don't have high hopes that they will pick me and that is fine, I just think the entire experience could be interesting and at the very least it would give me some blog-worthy material. The things I do for you, internets.

I applaud American Family Fitness for featuring "real " people with "real" body types in their advertisements. What a positive, healthy outlook they have!

At some point tomorrow between 3-8pm I'll be giving it my best shot...that it unless I chicken out. You think I should try out, don't you? Convince me either way.

Weekend Remix

2007-11-11T19:52:00.001-05:00

Our friend Lubi, who will be Edgar's best man in our wedding, was in town for the weekend. We hadn't seen him in two years so it was so wonderful to have him visit. We all lived practically next to each other in the dorms senior years so we used to be around each other all of the time. You know the friends who you are able to pick right back up where you left off with no matter how many years have passed, and it's never awkward? Lubi is one of those friends--he is like family to us.

Lubi's flight got in Friday morning and Edgar took off work so they could go see a movie together. We all met up for dinner at TGI Fridays. When I tried to give input on the appetizer selection (spinach artichoke dip, of course) and we ended up with the "triple play" (potato skins, mozz sticks and chicken wings), I knew I was going to just have to face that fact that this was going to be a manly weekend.

Saturday we went to Colonial Williamsburg, so I did end up having some pull.

This was the most beautiful tree I've ever seen.

We checked out a bunch of the colonial shops. I have these boys wrapped around my finger, just not when it comes to appetizers. But hats, definitely when it comes to hats.

There are some interesting characters visiting Williamsburg. In an effort to make up for my lack of photographic evidence of the woman dressed all in leopard print, I bring you "Tourist with socks, athletic shorts and dress shoes." I did this for your, internets. You know this dude is probably some genus, but it won't be realized until years after his death.
After we got back from Williamsburg, we went over to Edgar's mom's house for dinner. Here is a group picture of my soon to be brother in law, his wife who blinked, their son, me, Edgar and Lubi.
After dinner we met up with Sarah, Lauren, Erika and her friends at a bar in Richmond. These are my boys.

Erika does the symbol for love. Clearly there is a lot of love here.

There is a lot of love here too. Me and my best girlz.

Close Call

2007-11-10T23:35:00.000-05:00

Edgar, our best man and I just got home from hanging out with Sarah, Lauren, Erika & friends at a bar in Richmond. I just looked at the clock and yelled "shit" and ran to my computer. If I had stayed just 20 minutes longer at the bar I would have been totally screwed with NaBloPoMo! How about I never have this close of a call again. Cheers to that.

Filler and Fluff

2007-11-09T21:56:00.000-05:00

Last night I had a sexy time dream about John Krasinski. It was probably because I watched The Office right before I went to bed and also because I heart Jim. In my dream Jim had cheated on Pam with me, but I ended up talking it out with Pam and she was totally understanding about the whole thing. Riiiiiight. At least I got it right in my dream. I hate those dreams where I have the opportunity to have sexy time with some dude and then I end up saying no because I'm with Edgar. WTF!!! It's my dream, but I digress.

Last night was not the first time I've had a Jim Halpert/John Krasinski dream. It was probably the fourth time. Some people have recurring nightmares, so I think I'm okay with recurring Jim. I wake up feeling in love with Jim. I think my obsession with all things The Office has gone a little far, but if it means a sexy dream here and there, I'll be just fine.

In other news, my best guy friend from college is in town for the weekend. He is also Edgar's best man. I am sooo very happy to have the opportunity to hang out with him for a couple of days since it has been two years since I've seen him. He lived in the same dorm as Edgar and me senior year of college. I met him a few days before Edgar moved in and he introduced us. The rest, well, it's pretty much history.

Roid Rage*

2007-11-08T21:38:00.001-05:00

I'm disappointed that you guys could only pick out Keith Urban from the group of country hotties. The answers would be:
1. Josh Turner
2. Rodney Atkins
3. Keith Urban
4. Jason Aldean

You all have got a lot to learn about country music.

We haven't talked fashion for a while here at The Good Kind of Dorky and I think it's time. I was at the post office yesterday and saw a lady who looked a bit like a hooker, but more like a redneck hooker, who was wearing a faux fur leopard print jacket. She had a matching fur purse and I believe there was something leopard in her hair too. I wanted to take a picture with my new camera phone (welcome to the 2000s, self!), but I thought it would be too obvious. Jennifer, over at Operation Pink Herring advised me that I should have turned off the shutter sound and acted like I was texting. Brilliant. I'll remember that for the future.

This poor woman, bless her lil' heart, was being swallowed by a really tacky leopard. I am here to advise you ladies (and gentlemen) that if you are going to wear an animal print, please only wear one article of clothing at a time. Preferably, the print will not cover a large area of your body. For example, leopard or zebra print ballet flats are adorable when worn with a fairly simple outfit consisting of solid colors like black, white or brown/khaki. An animal print belt might be cute too. I'd avoid an animal print dress, skirt, jacket or pants. There are situations where you might be able to get away with a print shirt, but it's risky and it is rare to find one that actually looks tasteful. Also, if you are going to do a belt don't do a matching shoe. Seriously, I can't emphasize this enough--choose one thing at a time.

A headband might be cute...or shoes, I love animal print shoes. A leopard print purse is risky--zebra print less risky--but try to go for a sleek rather than a cute look. If you fail to follow these rules I'll be the one standing suspiciously close to you, just texting a friend...

*Fashion don'ts really make me fill with rage.

Ladies Love Country Boys

2007-11-07T22:23:00.000-05:00

What to write, what to write...??

I had a very long day and I'm very tired.

I've been watching the CMA awards tonight and I just want to declare to the internet how much I lurve country music. My younger self would have said that she hated country music, but that opinion came from a girl who hadn't given it a fair chance. When I was 16 I dated a guy who loved country music and listened to it all of the time. He loved Nascar too. Needless to say we did not stay together for long, but we did keep in touch for a number of years. The best thing to ever come from that relationship was my new found love of everything country.

Today, I probably listen to country music more than I listen to "the cool stuff," although I listen to all of that too. The reason I love country is because 1. it tells a story 2. expletive language is rarely used (I am becoming such a granny) and 3. the music and the artists seem much less pretentious than, say in hip-hop or rap.

I just relate so much more to country music than music of any other genre. Country music makes me laugh and it can definitely make me cry, but in a good cleansing cry kind of way. I LOVE COUNTRY MUSIC. There I said it. Now time to get back to watching the awards, but first my gift to you...

There is no man sexier than a country music man
If you can name these four hotties, then we are true friends

I'm drooling.

Election Day

2007-11-06T22:04:00.000-05:00

Today was election day. Three years ago I had recently moved to the state of Virginia and voted in the presidential election by proxy in New York State. Two years ago was the gubernatorial race, which was a big deal and I voted in that election (your welcome, Governor Kaine). Last year was big because the marriage amendment was up for a vote (I tried, my friends, I tried). This year, today to be exact, I was faced with a personal dilemma. I knew nothing about any of the candidates. Not one thing. Sure, I saw some signs on the lawns of my fellow Virginians, but I was completely uninformed about the candidates. I thought to myself, "Well I can go and vote based primarily on the party I tend to lean toward or I could just forgo voting this year altogether." I have always been of the mindset that everyone should exercise their right to vote. We live in this great country where all citizens are allowed to vote. Everyone, especially young people, should vote. If you don't vote you have no right to complain, as my elder co-workers reminded me.

I did not vote this year. My rationalization being that an uninformed vote is worse than not voting at all. Do you think I made the right decision? What would you have done in my situation? Did you vote--if no, why not?

Whether I made the right decision or not, one thing is certain--you won't hear me complaining.

Bugs Monday

2007-11-05T19:35:00.000-05:00

I forgot to mention yesterday that I did in fact go to Barnes and Noble over the weekend as promised, but my poetry ended up being complete crap. I guess it's a start though! Maybe sometime I'll post some of my stuff.

But enough about me. Bugs has been feeling the peer pressure from Audrey's dog Ben, who gets featured every Wednesday on her blog in a feature called Wednesday Bensday. Admittedly, this made Bugs a little jealous. You'd be surprised that he was all that excited to be featured here what with all of the lawyers and agents. Did you know he is also demanding only bottled water go in his water dish? Bugs is quite the divo when he wants to be.

After we had everything settled on our end and contracts were signed we got a call from Ben--something about infringement rights--but I never returned his call. So every Monday during the month of November, in honor of NaBloPoMo, Bugs is going to have his own mini-feature. Enjoy!

This week, Bugs wants you to get to know him a little bit better...

Hi, my name is Bugs.
I love the outdoors.

Sometimes I like to play with my sister. Does playing with a pink toy make me feel emasculated, you ask? Need a moment? Chew it over with Twix.

Being so active makes me tired. Sometimes I like to sleep stretched out on "the dog couch." In this photo, I was not stretching...I was actually asleep.
Sometimes I like to sleep scrunched up.

I dress up cuz the bitches like it. Notice my "bee stinger."

I love a good party (don't look at my wiener).

I know you looked.

All of these things are fun, but after a long, strenuous day of napping, I just love to snuggle on "the people couch" with my mom and dad and watch TV.

By what we have done and by what we have left undone

2007-11-04T20:57:00.000-05:00

I went to church this morning with Edgar. Like writing poetry and volunteering, going to church is another one of those things that I wish I did more often--one of those things that I say I will start next week. No, next week, I promise. I wish my church held services at 5 or 6 o'clock on Saturday evening. I swear I would go all of the time. It's just hard because there are only two mornings per week that even offer the opportunity to sleep in and for a sleep deprived person who stays up later than she should on a regular basis, it is hard to pass up those much needed hours of shut eye. On the rare occasion when I actually do pull myself out of bed and make it to church, I never regret my decision.

Edgar and I are getting married at said church next June and it is important to me that we establish some sort of relationship with the church/congregation so that when we are saying our vows it will have more meaning to us. And it isn't just our relationship to the church as individuals, but rather our relationship to one another as a couple on a spiritual journey, a couple exploring, strengthening and defining our faith, a couple making a commitment to God and to one another. For better or worse. Till death do us part.

In other commitment news, I decided to start recycling. When I lived in New York State my family and I always recycled. It is just what you do there. In New York City, Edgar and his family recycled because if you didn't you would get fined. I'm not sure if it was law in Upstate New York, but I am confident that my family would recycle regardless. Recycling truly is just part of the culture there.

Since moving to Virginia three years ago, I am ashamed to say that I've only recycled a can here and there at work. I don't even want to know how many recyclable items I've tossed in three years--I'm sure it would be appalling. I don't know how or why I became so apathetic about recycling--maybe I just got lazy, maybe it's the culture down here. I remember being quite alarmed that it wasn't more ingrained in the minds of Virginians, but somehow I became that Virginian.* Somehow I became that American. So as of today, I am a recycler (it's a real word, patent pending). I vow to be consistent and mindful.

I think I've unfairly made myself appear completely unable to follow through with anything and that is not entirely true. I am just hard on myself because I disappoint myself when I procrastinate or fall short of the person I know I could be if I just put forth a little bit more effort. I do follow through though when it comes to 1. this blog and 2. working out. I don't post as much as I should, but I have kept up with this whole blogging thing for just over two years now. This little blog has been the one creative outlet/hobby that I have stuck with and been consistent about.

Not everyone is as diligent (or obsessive!) when it comes to working out as I am. I have routinely worked out and stayed at a healthy weight for over three years. Working out has become a part of my lifestyle--no thinking, just do it. I also added weight training for my arms once a week and I've stuck with it for a handful of months now. Whether or not the lifting is being motivated by the desire to look good in my wedding dress is beside the point. I've only missed 3 weeks total, which for me is not too shabby. Soon, I'd like to add legs to my routine. It doesn't even make sense that I haven't added legs already, but let's not talk about that.

I work at a non-profit, I donate what I can to a couple of charities and I care for two adopted dogs. Admittedly, there are a few things I have done right. Then why is it always the shortcomings that stand out in my mind? Is anyone else out there hard on her/himself for things that go undone?

* Edited to add: I know that many Virginians do recycle and I am not trying to generalize--it was just my initial perception. I bet statistically less Virginians recycle than New Yorkers, but I really have no proof of that. (Don't want the grannies coming after me--they are some tough broads) :-)

Inspired: Part 2

2007-11-03T18:03:00.000-04:00

While we are on the subject, I wanted to share with you something I recently learned of and found to be quite inspiring. My friend Dana, who I know from high school and have not kept in very good touch with, has started a not-for-profit organization with his girlfriend and some of their friends. Dana's girlfriend Erin is a marathon runner and is well on her way to becoming the youngest person to complete a marathon on all seven continents. Not only that, but she has a full time job in NYC.

The organization is called In the Running and what they do is select an already existing, not well known organization to support in each marathon location--7 marathons, 7 continents, 7 causes. Seriously, you have got to check out the website. This chick makes Laurel look sane. There is even a runner's blog that details the group's experiences thus far. What they are doing further proves just how much of a positive impact a few people can have on this world. Not to mention, they are young people!

Stories like theirs' inspires me for obvious reasons of course (um, amazing!) but also because I know I will never be the person who runs seven marathons on seven continents. This doesn't make me feel bad about myself because, hello, that is just not me. But it does it makes me reflect upon my own life...if this one young woman is doing all of that, what more can and should I be doing, even if on a more local level?

Her story also got me thinking about how I completely chickened out and never ran the 5K I promised myself I would. What if I got people to sponsor me to run a 5K and then I gave the proceeds to either a local charity or to In the Running? Just a couple thoughts I was tossing around in my head. Regardless, I need to do more than I am currently doing, which also happens to be very little. Go figure. I would bet that most of us could do more than we are doing.

So I want to know, what do you already do for your community? What do you dream of doing? And, how do you stay motivated?

Also, if the mood hits you, please consider supporting In the Running. 100% of the proceeds go to the charities. Every little bit counts.

Inspired

2007-11-02T21:47:00.000-04:00

If October was the month for nostalgia then certainly November is the month for inspiration, what with all of this blogging and challenging ourselves to write everyday. Last night Edgar and I went to a coffeehouse in Richmond called Common Groundz to support our friend Danny who is the founder of a spoken word/slam poetry group. Danny was the emcee for the slam poetry competition and he invited Edgar and me, along with three other people, to judge. Spoken word is not my favorite form of poetry and I am quite sure that I would be horrible at it, but I respect the form and have an appreciation for the performance aspect of it. Since I do have a background in poetry (and I am using "background" loosely), I was confident in Danny's choice.

Midway through the competition, as I was drawing cute little smiley faces next to the score on my yellow Post-It notes (sophisticated system, I know), it became clear that Edgar and I were the Paula Abduls of the group. Sure opposites attract, but last night we were completely on the same page. There were three contestants, three rounds and we gave each performance a score between 1 and 10 and could use decimals up to one decimal place. Five judges, therefore 50 was the highest possible score per round, per contestant, get it? One contestant got a 23 and 16 of those points came from Edgar and me. Maybe I would have been a little more harsh if this competition was a serious thing, but it was mostly just for fun--the prizes were a $1, $5 and $10 bill, respectively. This brings me to another point--I am not a good judge. And I am not claiming that I don't judge people (Sarah stop judging me). What I am admitting to you is that my judging skillz are riddled with bias in certain situations. I pride myself on the fact that I generally am, or try to be, a diplomatic and fair person; however, when two of the contestants are men and one is a gestating woman, all of my rationale pretty much takes two steps forward and two steps back. The woman did end up winning thanks to me, but she clearly needed the win more--$10 buys more diapers than the alternatives. On a side note, I totally think pregnant women should be allowed to participate in the Miss America Pageant--I'll even volunteer to be a judge!

Edgar and I had a great time at the poetry slam and were glad we did something different and on a Thursday night too! GASP! Being in that environment really inspired me to want to get back into writing poetry. If I had to pay you $10 for each time I said that and didn't follow through, you'd be able to diaper your baby for a year (or buy Britney Spears' new CD Blackout for all of your friends). There are a few reasons I think I haven't taken the initiative to get back into writing poetry. I get lazy or promise myself to do it tomorrow, I get caught up with other things and forget, or I don't feel inspired, but mostly I'm afraid that I won't be as good as I used to be. I get frustrated thinking about being frustrated. Ironically, the thing I love most about the poetry writing process is working on one line for hours and hours and get frustrated to all hell, but then finally getting it right. Finishing, I mean really finishing a poem satisfies me like nothing else can. That is why I love writing poetry. It satisfies my soul and inspires my life just as much as my life inspires it. And yet I deprive myself because deep down I'm afraid to admit that it's okay if I never accomplish my high school self's goal of being a published poet just as long as it is makes me happy now. I'm not depriving the world of my work, I'm depriving myself of the one God-given talent I think I have (because it sure as hell ain't singing), regardless of whether or not I am not good enough to be published. So this weekend I am going to sit down, preferably at my local Barnes and Noble, and write. It may not be good enough to share with the world, but damn it, it will be inspired.

G'Day November

2007-11-01T17:30:00.000-04:00

Halloween went well, but we didn’t have as many trick-or-treaters as I had expected. We did get some though. Each year I overestimate how much candy I need. Do I do this “subconsciously” to make sure that there just happens to be plenty left for me? I’ll never tell.

Last night before dusk I took my dogs for a walk. I have made this my very own little tradition. Each year since I’ve lived in Virginia, the weather on Halloween has been perfect—a nice break from the snow-suit under the costume weather typical of Central New York. I tried to dress up my dog Bugs like a bee for our walk, but the leash was interfering and it just wouldn’t work. I love that time of night on Halloween—the neighbors are out perfecting their decorations, pumpkins are being lit and kids run around excited for what is about to come—the anticipation is almost palpable. It is my favorite holiday (actually Christmas is, but don’t tell Halloween I said that).

Today during my lunch break I went for a walk. What I felt walking through the neighborhood near my office can only be described as “hung over.” A smashed pumpkin, discarded candy wrappers, decorations knocked over, or at least looking strangely out of place and lonely, and a hair bow without an owner. And it was quiet. I felt a little sad that I would have to wait until next year to experience it again and guilty that I wasn’t immediately directing all of my thoughts to what I should get friends and family for Christmas. I tried to clear my mind of consumer propaganda and just enjoy the beautiful day.

Autumn never fails to make me feel nostalgic. I think about mortality a lot, high school and college, past friendships, relationships, cycles and every other clichéd notion that we associate with this time of year. Give me a break, I was an English Lit major—I tend to gravitate toward symbolism, metaphor, pathetic fallacy and the like. And much like “accidentally” buying too much candy, I think Nostalgia is actually the reason I love this season best.

Happy Halloween (engagement party pics included)

2007-10-31T07:59:00.000-04:00

And now for the winner of the "Save the Date Magnet for my Wedding: no invitation will follow" contest. So what if I've changed the title of my contest on a daily basis. It's my contest. The winner (drum roll please) is Cece!! Not only did she give me many captions to choose from, but they all made me laugh. YAY Cece! E-mail me your address and I'll send it out right away. I promise not to stalk you...

ghost bride

ghost groom

creepy

family portrait

brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew to be

you know these ladies...

Engagement Photos

2007-10-29T22:36:00.000-04:00

Today I bring you a look at some of the engagement photos that the talented Miss Lauren took for us about a week ago. She did an awesome job and I love them! If you live in Virginia and would like Lauren to take your photos, please contact me. I am now her self-proclaimed agent. To showcase her work and only her work, I will hold off on posting pictures from our Halloween engagement party tomorrow. If you can't wait that long, you can check out the pictures that Lauren posted on her site. Also, the winner of my the "win a functional magnet with my name on it" contest will also be named tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Happy belated 2 year birthday to my blog. I started this blog on October 27, 2005. Also, I signed up for NaBloPoMo today. What was I thinking?

October: a great month or the greatest month?

2007-10-24T20:13:00.000-04:00

I'm debating whether or not to sign up for NaBloPoMo. On one hand, I'm struggling to post more than once a week as it is. On the other hand, maybe it would be just the motivation I need. Luckily, I have a few days left to decide. Since I posted on the morning of my 26th birthday, many fun and exciting things have happened. The evening of my birthday was fun because Edgar baked me a cake and gave me a gift--a new digital camera! My old camera was becoming less and less reliable. I also received my first wedding registry gift for my birthday. I cannot even describe how exciting that was. Then, on Friday, Sarah and Lauren threw me a girly birthday sleepover for three (with booze). Sadly, no one even got drunk. I've become pathetic in my old age. However, we contacted some awesome spirits using a Ouija board! One of the "spirits" had some interesting things to say about Lauren. It wasn't true though. She is completely into men. I promise.

I thought the night couldn't get any better, but then they gave me this new bag to welcome to my growing family of Vera Bradley bags. Heart.

My 26th birthday was definitely a good one and I consumed a lot of baked goods including, but not limited to, cake.

It didn't take long to recover from my non-hangover, so I wasn't worried about looking crappy for my engagement photo shoot on Sunday. The very talented, non-lesbian (but I'd still love her if she was) Lauren took our photos at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond. Once I was able to relax it turned out to be a pretty good time. I can't wait to see how the pictures turned out. I'm in suspense. Don't keep me in suspense Lauren. That was me being bossy. I'm done now.

In other news, my parents are currently in a town about an hour and fifteen away from me, but I'm not going to see them until Friday morning. They are checking out said town as a retirement option and then making their way to Richmond to attend my Halloween/Costume/Engagement party, of joy. Edgar and I plan to dress up as a very dead bride and groom. This is the costume I bought. Your welcome for all of the visuals today.
I can't wait to see everyone else's costumes. If you don't wear a costume I will turn into dead bridezilla, which surely must be worse than a living bridezilla.

Breaking News: As I am writing this Lauren the psychic just e-mailed me an outtake from the photo shoot. Shall I share it with you? Sure, why not. I don't think Lauren the psychic would mind.

What the hell am I doing? Write the best caption and you will win your very own Save the Date magnet for my wedding. Your invitation will not follow, but you will have the best looking refrigerator accessory in town. It is a very appealing prize, I know.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2007-10-16T08:04:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday, my former blog and now real life friend Erika came to visit Sarah and me. She brought her adorable son Evan for a day of fun at the Richmond Children's Museum.

This was actually taken after the museum. We had a late lunch together in Carytown. We tried to get Evan to sleep.

The museum was awesome. Awesome if you aren't OCD, because the kid germs were everywhere. I didn't freak. I think I washed my hands three times though.

Also, I don't like kids. Don't get me wrong, Evan is great--I love my friends kids and family members' kids, and one day I will love my own kids, but just random children of strangers? Not so much. And it's not that I don't like them, it's just that I don't relate to them very well. I'm just not one of those people who loves kids.

Still, the museum was fun! And the best part of it all?

In honor of my 26th birthday, which is today, I present you with...

FOUND PORN from the Richmond Children's Museum!

It's all about the Benjamins...baby

2007-10-08T22:24:00.000-04:00

Tonight was the first of 3 sessions of a financial management course that Edgar and I are taking at University of Richmond. It meets Mon.-Wed. of this week and runs from 6:30-9:00 pm. I give Sarah, and everyone else who goes to school and works a full time job, so much credit. It's tiring and it has only been one night.

Edgar and I never had classes together in college so it's a first for us. I learned tonight that he is very inquisitive, which is fantastic, because I don't always speak up when I have a question. He also got some question correct that apparently no one gets right. What a nerd!

I think the class is going to be helpful in providing useful tools for investing, saving, etc. etc. Thus far, I have subscribed to the "Ignorance is Bliss Policy," but apparently that isn't recommended. Did you know that if I invest some of the money in my savings account, I could earn more money because the rates would be better? AND when I needed it I could take from it tax free (I think). I could invest in a money market for example. It's all about liquidity, baby! And what is a money market you ask? I have no idea! But maybe by Wednesday I'll know!

Apparently it's totally cool to have things to show for your money other than cute jeans and pretty cars. (But seriously though, I just got a really cute pair of jeans from Express for $60 and I think my ass looking good is "something to show for it") (I don't usually spend that much on jeans, trust me) (But they are cute) Aside from jeans there are things like life insurance so if I should die prematurely my dogs can still live the lifestyle they are accustomed to. Or retirement, which is just as important because without it how will I have cute jeans and adorable dogs and a vacation home on the beach when I am 55? Optimism and good financial planning--the keys to success.

Other than educating myself about the ins and outs of solid financial planning, the best thing about this course is that Edgar and I are taking it together. I definitely think it will enhance our marriage and our life together if we can make smart financial decisions as a couple. As nonchalant about finances as I may sound in this post, I do truly want to learn this stuff. I don't want to be a woman who sits back and has no clue what is going on. I'm a feminist, damn it!

So, who makes the financial decisions in your household? Do you feel like you have a good grasp of your assets/finances and what you need to do to reach your long and short-term goals?

No Apologies

2007-10-03T22:41:00.000-04:00

Every post I write, I feel the need to apologize for being such a slacker as of late. Maybe instead of apologizing, I'll just write--no apologies.

The gym I am a member of (American Family Fitness, Northside, Richmond) is a nice gym. It has everything I need and offers a great variety of classes at no additional charge. I believe American Family is only in Virginia, but I could be wrong. One thing I like about the company in general, is that they use real people in their advertising. The janitor at my gym, who I've gotten to know a little bit (because I want him to date Edgar's mom--another story for another time) was featured in one of their brochures. They use real people, not airbrushed models. I think this is such a positive message and I applaud them for it! Overall, I feel comfortable going to this gym and the staff is great.

At the risk of sounding superficial...hell, 3/4 of my blog sounds superficial...I should not be one of the best looking people at my gym! Maybe it's the time of day I go (either early morning or after dinner) and I think the young people often go right after work, but that is no excuse, right? There are some fuglies at my gym and it is really a drawback. Do I just live in an ugly area of Richmond? That can't be true because I totally hang out at Wal-Mart on Friday nights to check out the fine pieces of ass. Let me tell you, they are fiiiine. After a good bicep lift, I like to head on over to The Mart and hang out in the hunting section. When a hottie walks by I just flex and say, "This way to the gun show!" You don't know how many gender ambiguous women I've picked up that way to take home for a threesome. I kid. I kid.

I feel like there should at least be a handful of hot model-esque, uber-popular girls in there to make me feel just a little insecure, for motivation's sake if nothing else. Why should I increase my resistance or run just a little faster? I don't know. You tell me. I bet if I worked out at a gym closer to a college with hot sorority chicks I'd run harder. But despite the fuglies, you know what really gets me heated? That they have a snack bar. Sure, there are a few healthy choices, but there are also Snickers bars. Why wait? They also serve pancakes and bacon in the morning (at least on the weekends, not sure about weekdays). Nothing like smelling grease and syrup while you're on the eliptical trainer three feet away. Yes, there is really no separate eating area. It's right out there by the cardio equipment. I'm not opposed to snack bars or smoothie bars, but seriously, don't sell candy and bacon. I'm all for candy and bacon in moderation, but I don't want to see it at the gym. Seriously, what message is that sending out? I swear I've seen people go in there just to eat, and trust me, the time would have been better spent on a stationary bike while they ate their breakfast. Now that is a novel idea.

A Quickie

2007-09-25T19:38:00.000-04:00

Well I've come down with a cold again. Didn't I just have one a month or two ago? I hadn't had a cold in almost 3 years and now I've gotten two in the past few months. WTF! Also, I haven't worked out in days (and I ate mucho crapola over the weekend) so of course I get sick and now I can't go running, making me feel even crappier. Anyway, I went home a little early from work, watched old episodes of Project Runway (heart!) and then took a nap. My sweet, loving fiance brought me home a Subway wrap because I just did not feel like cooking and neither did he. We need to get much better about coming up with meals for dinner. I feel like it is a constant struggle to come up with something good, healthy and interesting to eat. I suppose that is a post for another time. I also want to continue where I left off last post, but I'm tired and I must stay up to watch the premiere of House. Holy crap am I excited!

How about I give you, instead, an anecdote from this morning.

Edgar: Did you have any dreams last night?

Me: Yeah, I did, but I can't really remember them clearly.

Edgar: Well, when I came to bed last night you were already asleep so I held your hand hoping that you would dream about us holding hands.

Precious baby. It's little things like this that make me love you so much!

On Excuses and Exercise

2007-09-20T21:33:00.001-04:00

I can't believe it has been one whole week since I posted. I need to pull myself out of that nasty habit and post at a much greater frequency. I don't really have a good excuse other than I've been busy? I try not to post at work and I limit how much time I spend reading blogs at work too, so by the time I get home I am ready to hang out with Edgar, veg out by the TV or exercise--not sit at my computer after having done just that for most of the day. Speaking of exercise, I'm feeling kind of fit lately. Today, for instance, I walked 30 min. during my lunch break, ran for about 40 min. when I got home from work and then after dinner I went to the gym to lift weights for my arms. Perhaps today was more the exception than the norm, but I have been trying to run more often and lift more often. I'll be damned if my arms don't look at least a little bit toned on my wedding day. It's a tad bit embarrassing that I haven't done any lifting for my legs so if I end up looking like some disproportionate hulk, then the fault is my own. Did I mention how unmotivated I am to lift weights? I have been challenging myself to "lift arms" once a week. I've only missed one week in over a month. Maybe two months? It's also quite possible that I tried to figure out how many weeks until my wedding and if that would be enough to have nice looking arms. The counting made my head hurt, but I'm sure if I keep it up I'll look fine.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those brides who has thinks she has to lose a bunch of weight to look good on her wedding day. If I had to get married tomorrow, I'd be happy with how my body looked. I just would like to look slightly more toned, that's all. No starving or craziness for me (please ignore that I just told you I worked out three times today).

I was listening to the radio this morning and the DJs were talking about a recent article they read about women who are obsessed with losing weight and get down to around a size 0 and consequently lose their sex drive. I don't mean they completely lose it, but they have issues. The DJs asked people to call in if this is something that they can relate to. A lady called in to say that she was smaller than a size 0--she was a child's 14! She said that she rides a stationary bike 5-6 times a week for 2.5 hours each session. I'd actually have to use my brain and do the math, but she also stated that she rides the equivalent of 60 miles each time. WHAT?! She said it hasn't effected her sex drive at all. In all things TMI, she said that her husband says "You're going to kill me" in response to her above average libido. At this point, I could care less about if she gets her rocks off or not...SIZE 14!!! You could tell she thought that there was absolutely nothing wrong with her size or the amount of exercise she does.

They continued to take callers. A couple of men called in and were asked if they like a woman with a little meat on her bones or a size 0 woman. They all said they like a woman with a little "meat." One guy said he prefers women size 6 or above. Regardless of a woman's size, unless you are naturally very thin and naturally size 14 kids, which this woman obviously wasn't, you need help. Especially since she said she "ballooned" up to 140 pounds during her pregancy. WHAT? If I am only 140 pounds during my pregnancy, I will thank my lucky stars.

Come back for my next post (whenever that may be) because I might contradict myself sorta kinda.

But this is my post...

2007-09-13T20:02:00.001-04:00

Okay, here it is, the moment you've been waiting for...the big unveiling of my wedding website. I won't waste your time with any banter today. Just head on over to the site and check it out! Please note that once we have our engagement photos taken by my dear friend, Lauren, we'll have prettier pictures to display on the site.

Drum roll please...

www.lindseyandedgar.com

Titty Talk Tuesday

2007-09-11T20:14:00.000-04:00

I just returned this afternoon from a business trip. That sounds so official, but really I was putting on a golf tournament to raise funds for my organization. That's all I'm saying. The point is, I'm back in town and trying to catch up on blogs, because, clearly, this girl has priorities.

Over the weekend I decided I'd try to find undergarments for under (as the name would imply) my wedding dress. Did I tell you I got a dress? No? Well I am now. See, I'm not sure if I'll need a bustier or just a strapless bra. I started by checking out the bustiers at Victoria's Secret. They only had one option and I wasn't loving it (turns out they have an identical one at Target for a whopping price difference of $60!) The thing I wasn't loving about this particular bustier is that it was padded all down the front, leading me to be skeptical that it wouldn't actually add inches to my midsection. Perhaps I'm being irrational, but I don't want to look heavier than I am on my wedding day. The girl who was helping me at Victoria's Secret suggested I try out Nordstrom.

I headed over to Nordstrom and began perusing the intimates section. They only had one bustier and it went all the way to the hip and it had boning (hahaha boning, I'm 12). I enlisted the help of one of the lovely Nordstrom associates. She informed me that because I don't really need any tummy control (in her opinion) that a strapless bra might do just fine. She asked what size bra I wore and if I'd been measured before. I replied that I hadn't been measured, but that I was a 34B. Still, I wanted to be professionally measured just so I would know for sure. We went back into the dressing room for privacy. Written on her measuring tape was the statistic "8 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra." I was determined not to be a statistic. I held my breath and crossed my fingers.

You are 32C/D.

WHAT?!! A "D?" Really? A "D?" This is good news, this is very good news.

I decided to try a strapless in both a C and D for good measure. The D definitely fit better and didn't cut in and give me four boobs (lovely associates words, not mine). While I believe I'm closer to a C-cup in actuality than a D-cup, it was pretty cool to fill out a D. She said it had, in part, to do with my small rib cage or something, but I wasn't really paying attention. I was wearing a D! It's just too bad 32 D is kind of a hard size to find. Oh well, I'll do just fine wearing a 34 and wearing it at the tightest hook. In the future though, I will be much more careful to make sure I am wearing the correct size. To my defense, my cheap-o comfy bra's from Target do run a bit big. My B really does fit fine.

I purchased the strapless bra and it was quite possibly the best $38 dollars I've ever spent. I'll have to see how the strapless works with my dress, because, as Sarah has informed me, some seamstresses will recommend the full bustier only because it makes the dress lay properly. If that's the case, I'll happily D(eal) with it. I needed a good strapless regardless.

The best part of this whole orDeal? Calling up eDgar and sharing my revelation. Now he can never tell me my boobs aren't big enough and I should get implants.* I've got proof.

* He says it jokingly. Don't get your panties in a knot.

Fashion Friday

2007-09-07T08:11:00.001-04:00

Okay ladies (and men), it's time to talk fashion. Recently, the buzz has been that colored jeans are making a comeback. I'm not sure how I feel about this. My first instinct was hell no. Back in the late 80s-early 90s I definitely rocked the colored jeans. I believe I had a pair in hunter green, light teal and pastel yellow. I may have even had a purple pair. My friends wore them too. My friend Heather had them in wild colors like red and magenta. Some young ladies even tight rolled them. Stick a scrunchie in your hair and you were set!

Fast forward to 2007. Ummmm....I think bringing back elements of the 80s and even the 90s (because hello the 90s were so long ago) is acceptable in small doses, like a type of shoe or necklace, for example. Are colored jeans just crossing the line though? With the right color jeans, a neutral top and subtle accessories, do you think you could make it work? Are you even willing to try? If Sex and the City were still on, you know Carrie and Samantha would wear them.

Will this trend just come and go or will they be here to stay for a while? I didn't love gaucho pants when they first came out, but now I think they are god's gift to fashion and I'm praying the trend stays around a little bit longer.

Colored jeans--could I be convinced? Would you hang out with me if I were wearing purple jeans? Let me know what you think about this trend!

What do you think--hot or not?

A little too tight? A little too bright?

They look kind of cute on Ashlee...

A Bloggerific Sunday

2007-09-03T11:14:00.000-04:00

My Sunday began early as I prepared to make my way to our Nation's Capitol City, accompanied by Sarah and Lauren. It was more like Lauren and I accompanied Sarah since, by default, she was the driver. Lauren's car is a Mini and mine is air conditionally challenged. Unfortunately, my sister was unable to come with us because she wasn't feeling well, but hopefully her new blog was not created in vain. Let's hope she makes it past the first post. I have faith in her.

Sarah, Lauren and I parked in Vienna and rode the metro in. We regretted not calling Erika to let her know that we were in Vienna as she was parked just a few cars away from us. Don't worry, it will never happen again. Seriously. You do not want to anger Erika. Lesson learned.

When we got to our metro stop we headed over to the restaurant Matchbox to meet up with everyone. I'm always a little anxious to meet people I feel like I know so well from blogging, but have never met in "real life." Will it be awkward? Will they like me? Will I like them? Erika was the first and only person I'd met from blogging and it was a really positive experience so I was hopeful.

Love: The first person we saw when we walked in the door was Janet. She was dressed all cute, rocking the white pants while she still could. It's funny, when you meet another blogger, it never really feels like the first time you've met them. Janet is totally cute and sweet, just like on her blog! In person though, she is more city girl chic than I thought she would be (I don't mean that in a good or bad way--just an observation). I like her a lot and hope to have many more opportunities to spend time with her.

We went to our table to wait for the others. Erika was next to show up. Seeing Erika for the second time ever was like seeing a best friend you've known forever--you can always just pick back up where you left off and it's never awkward. I can't believe I haven't known her my whole life.

The next to arrive was Isabel, with The King and Babboo in tow. Let me tell you, she has one cute baby. Seriously, he oozes adorable. If you think Isabel is awesome on her blog, then you will love her even more in person. She is fun, easy to talk to and spunky. And she is even more gorgeous in person.

Jennifer and her boyfriend were the last to show up. I haven't read her blog so I didn't know much about her, but I plan to read it in the future. She seemed really nice, but we were at opposite ends of the table so I didn't get a chance to talk to her very much.

So, you are probably all like, "Shut up, Lindsey. Show us the damn pictures." Jeez. Simmer down already. Here you go.

We all had something other than blogging in common.
Can you match the foot to the blogger?

Janet uses Isabel to reenact the Larry Craig situation so that we would all understand exactly how it all went down. Thank you, Janet, for sharing your vast knowledge with us. ;-)

The infamous under-the-stall reach
Me, Janet, Sarah

All of us!

Shortly after lunch we went our separate ways for the most part--Erika, Sarah, Lauren and I walked down past the Washington Monument, past the WW2 Memorial and all the way up the marble steps to see the Lincoln Memorial. I learned that, no, you cannot sit in his lap and, yes, it is actually Lincoln not just "the dude in the chair." The nation's backyard (as Erika instilled in our minds) is really just one big learning lab!

Oh, and the Reflecting Pool actually reflects something significant. Who knew?

After the fabulous sight seeing we went over to Erika's house to meet her baby, Evan, and husband, Jonathan. Evan is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute and sweet and silly and smart. I am in love! Their two dogs, Diesel and Scrappy are so cute too. Diesel and I are very fond of each other and it is entirely possible we made out.

After all of the fun with Sara and the awesome day with my now real-life blogger friends, I am wiped out! I took Sara to the airport this morning, picked up breakfast at Dunkin Donuts and later, treated myself to an afternoon nap. Come tomorrow it's back to the grind. Thanks for the amazing weekend, ladies.

Sister-Sister

2007-08-31T23:21:00.000-04:00

My sister, Sara, is in town for the weekend. Her flight got in Thursday night and she'll be here until Monday morning. Today we had sisterly bonding time in the form of a bridesmaid/maid of honor dress shopping extravaganza. A decision has not been made yet, but we took a lot of photos. Here are a few of the highlights.

This dress is pretty cute. Imagine it in pink.

Fuck that.

The snobby Richmond bridal shop just changed their policy and now allows photos!

You get the point. There are a few other dresses that are possibilities too. Regardless of the style, the dresses will be pink. RAAARRR bridezillllaaaaaa.

After we looked at dresses, I took Sara to Short Pump Mall for a little shopping and to show her one of my favorite places in Richmond.

Look, a short pump.

We went to Ann Taylor Loft because who doesn't love a store that always has a sale?! I walked to the register with shorts very similar to the ones featured below fully intending to pay the $30 which appeared on the sticker. It was $20 less than the original price so I figured I was getting a deal. Apparently, I hadn't taken into account the additional sale price. They rang up as $4.00! I felt like I'd won the lottery. They might as well have given them to me free for cripes sakes.

This evening I've been hanging out with Edgar and Sara, while Sara has been creating her very own blog! I think it is still in the creation stage, so I won't share the link with you just yet. I completely peer pressured her ("Peeeeer pressuuuure. Doooo iiiiit.") into starting a blog so she'll fit in when we drive to DC on Sunday with Sarah and Lauren for a mini-blogher of our very own, where we'll meet up with Janet, Isabel, Erika (who I've met once before) and the Operation Pink Herring chick. Maybe I should frantically start reading her entire blog. Maybe I shouldn't, lest I come across as an overzealous, stalker-freak.

You can rest assured--the close of the weekend will no doubt bring a pictorial update.

What do you have planned for labor day weekend? Have you been wearing as much white as possible while it's still socially acceptable?

Monday Vent

2007-08-27T22:19:00.001-04:00

Perhaps I was a little distraught over Owen Wilson's supposed suicide attempt or the fact that Hulk Hogan's son totally could have died in that car wreck (did you see the car?) Maybe I was just a little on edge because I didn't get a lot of sleep last night, it's Monday, I have a ton to do at work and my fifty-something male co-worker handed me his dirty cup (okay, it's not how it sounds. I mean mug) and asked me to get him coffee, but in a larger mug than the one I used the last time I got him coffee. That would be the aforementioned dirty mug. I got him coffee before because I was being nice and offered. Let me point out that I do not work for him, with him and I am not a secretary. Yes, secretary. Administrative Assistants don't get people coffee, at least not in my world. I am not an Administrative Assistant either. The only thing we have in common is that we work for the same company and share an office. Maybe I am overreacting, but it really pissed me off.

I wasn't even having a bad day though. Overall, it was a decent day and at the end of it I came home to my embarrassingly, overgrown jungle of a yard as I have for the past few weeks. Clearly, the neighbors are getting sick of looking at the monstrosity (I'm positive even the black family next door is considering a move) because my redneck neighbor sent over his redneck grandson to offer to mow our lawn for $20. Yes, folks, that's $20. And Edgar said yes. Edgar, who has been promising me for two weeks that he would get OUR lawn mower out from the tool shed and mow the lawn, paid a kid to do his dirty work. I don't know what made me more heated, the fact that he wasted $20 when we have a perfectly good lawn mower of our own or the fact that he paid someone so he wouldn't have to get off of his booty to do what he promised me he would do. I am leaning toward the latter, although they both make me breathe fire.

So, what do you think? Am I overreacting? Do you have something you want to vent about? Here is your forum. Let it out.

Misc.

2007-08-21T20:16:00.000-04:00

I got back this afternoon from an out of town trip for work. It was just overnight, but it has kept me from getting to all of your blogs. I promise to visit you as soon as I can.

Now down to biznass. I'm sure you are just dying to know where I am in the wedding planning process. Don't fall off the edge of your seat.

I now present you with: My Wedding Check-List

Set the date...CHECK It is June 7, 2008 in case you were curious
Booked the reception site...CHECK
Booked the church...CHECK
Booked the photographer...CHECK
Booked the DJ...CHECK
Booked the "cake lady"...CHECK
Worked on wedding website...CHECK
Created a registry...CHECK*
Contacted a florist to get pricing...CHECK
Attended no less than two bridal shows with bridesmaid of the year...CHECK
Spent over $50 on bridal magazines...CHECK

* Over the weekend we went to Crate and Barrel to start a registry. The most awesome part is being able to change and add things online! I've also started a registry at two other stores and I did those two completely online. Edgar and I had so much fun with the bar code scanner thingy at C&B. This was definitely one of my favorite wedding activities to date!

My soon to be sister-in-law (yeah, the same one I sometimes have issues with) has offered to throw Edgar and me an engagement party. She has been really nice lately, so I hope it continues. She can be so kind when she wants to be. I think if she acts bitchy in the future, I'm just going to call her on it in a calm manner, but I digress. If you don't know, I love I mean LOVE Halloween. SIL and her husband, Edgar's brother, are going to throw us a Halloween engagement party!!! I am soooo excited! We met up at Barnes and Noble over the weekend to talk details so she could get a feel for what type of party I want. She came up with the Halloween theme and of course I said YES and insisted that it be costume required. I really want to be a corpse bride and Edgar the corpse groom. Look, you are currently at "The Good Kind of Dorky." What did you expect, people? Coolness?? Who even uses the word coolness anymore?? Apparently me. Enough said.

Anyway, the wedding planning is going well. My sister and maid of honor, Sara, is visiting next week so we can look at bridesmaid dresses. I can't wait! I'm still waiting to find out if the lady who does my mom's nails, friend's boss can get me the dress I want at cost. If not, I need to find an alternative. It'll all come together I'm sure. I think I've accomplished enough thus far. I am a planner by nature so I am totally in my element, even if I do have my moments of stress and frustration. The most stressful decision so far has been the photographer and the easiest and quickest was the DJ. Maya, please tell me I am doing well in terms of timeline!!

In other miscellaneous news, it has been very stormy in Virginia. Creepy stormy. This was taken on the back porch of my house tonight. It looks like a black and white photograph!

Devastated

2007-08-16T10:28:00.000-04:00

I was checking People.com this morning and was shocked when I read this. You don't understand. I LOVE them. I love the show House and I love Cameron and Chase. I even bought the recent issue of In Style Weddings just because Jennifer Morrison was on the cover and there was an entire article about their relationship and engagement. What a waste of $6.

Everytime a couple I love breaks up, I say to myself, "What? Why? But they were perfect!!" Think Nick and Jess. I don't think I am completely over that one.

Maybe it's time I stop putting other couples up on a pedestal just to watch them fall. Why is it that I fall into the "grass is greener" mentality when it comes to celebrities when, in reality, what I have with Edgar is clearly more "perfect" than anything Carmen and Dave ever had? I just don't want to believe that they are human too. It just goes to show, you never really know what goes on behind closed doors.

Regardless, it still makes me sad when couples who I find to be completely adorable and The Ultimate Ideal, break up. Where then is the hope for us mere mortals?

Am I the only one who falls into this trap?

An Apology

2007-08-11T12:28:00.000-04:00

No I'm not apologizing for my heartless post about the homeless, although my one uppity commenter would probably prefer that I did. I was actually really happy to see my piddly little blog sparking some really good discussion even though my faithful readers, I hope, would know I was just messing around.

I am worried, however, that you might find my past actions completely unforgivable. I recently heard that Starbucks will be implementing a nationwide price increase.

While the article cites rising energy and fuel costs as the reason behind the 5 cent (per drink) price increase, I am here to come clean with the real reason why you will be paying more for your non-fat grande latte with a sugar free shot of hazelnut.

Back in October 2005, when this blog began (please don't go read those posts. Seriously, it was bad) I wrote a post about my Starbucks specific klepto tendencies.

Because I am against the high price of a Starbucks drink, I make up for it by helping myself to a few extra packets of Splenda. It's possible that I've been known to carry 10-20 Splenda packets in my purse at one time or fill up a little dish at home so that, when needed, my cereal could have an extra hint of sweetness. Now I don't take 10-20 in one trip. It adds up over time and my little nest egg o' Splenda grows. This little habit is not only Starbucks specific (I'm lying. I've been known to do this at Panera too.), but it is Splenda specific. Equal and Sweet n' Low just don't have the same appeal, you know?

The reason I take just a few more packets than I actually need is my little way of stickin' it to the man. Well, it appears the man stuck it right back to me. Damn man.

Now, because of me, the nation is suffering. In the course of two posts I've come out as a liar, thief and hater of the homeless. Don't judge me. Just please accept my apology and try not to think of me when you are paying 5 cents more at your local Starbucks.

I wonder how many Splendas I will have to "borrow" to make up for this?? I can't let the man win!!!

To my one disgruntled commenter: Don't go all Starbucks and McDonald's are ruining the world on me. I know.

To the Beggar at the Corner of Staples Mill and Glenside or The Post in Which You Contemplate Whether or Not I am Going to Hell

2007-08-09T08:05:00.000-04:00

I can only imagine how shameful it must be for a young woman, or anyone for that matter, to stand on a street corner with a sign that reads "I lost my job. My son and I need money to eat and pay the bills. Please help," or something along those lines.

I'd like to point out that I am much more willing to give the homeless food if I have it with me than I am to dole out money. I am a pretty trusting person, but when it comes to this, I don't like to hand out cash if I don't know that it will be used specifically for necessities. Necessities do not include beer, cigarettes and drugs, by the way.

When begging, there are some rules you must follow if you expect anything from me:

1. Don't approach my car.
2. Do not speak to me unless spoken to.
3. Do not try to force eye contact with me. Sometimes I don't have anything with me to give to you so don't try to force guilt upon me.
4. If you ask for food instead of money, I will be more likely to help you.

This next one is specifically for the woman I saw yesterday. All of the beggars who are sitting on the corner reading this blog, please learn from her mistakes.

5. Under no circumstances will you wear a shirt that says "Rise and Whine." Did you not contemplate how this might come across before you set out this afternoon for a round of rush hour begging? While it gave me a good laugh, it also took away my ability to feel at all bad for you. I'm sorry, but you must be dressed appropriately for the task at hand.

Lions and Tigers and Bears OH MY...and sharks and elephants

2007-08-06T21:16:00.000-04:00

Last week ended with my boss resigning (I'm really sad she is leaving, but for obvious reasons I can't talk about it here) and my weekend began Friday afternoon with a pedicure. I've been wanting a pedicure all summer, but I've been hesitant to spend frivolously as I am trying to save for the wedding, which by the way is in just over 10 months. June 7, 2008 to be exact. Eeek! Over the weekend Edgar and I started thinking about our honeymoon. Instead of my original idea of the Outer Banks (which candidly is still an option), we started talking about going someplace really cool like Jamaica (not the one in Queens) (All these parentheses are making me feel like Janet) (seriously)

Saturday Edgar and I took a day trip to Virginia Beach to go to the aquarium there and then to Norfolk to go to the zoo. It was an animal packed day. Before heading home that evening we stopped a seafood restaurant where I had a broiled lump crab cake and hush puppies. Gotta love the south. Edgar had chicken.

Here are some photo-highlights of the day.

So many photo opps with the fake creatures.

Did you know I LOVE goats? Of all of the animals there, I love the goats the best.* I love the farm smell too. Seriously, someone buy me a goat.

Edgar's favorite animal is the penguin so we had someone take this for us.

(omigod, someday there could be a baby in this picture. babieeees)

Unfortunately, by the end of the day my throat started feeling a little tickly and I started to come down with a cold. Luckily it has been pretty mild and I don't feel too bad at all, but that was an unpleasant way to spend the remainder of the weekend.

Pleasant, however, was Sunday's trip to the Richmond Bridal Show with none other than my numero uno bridesmaid, Sarah. Any event that gives you free crack errr ummm bridal magazines, it okay in my book!

I know it's only Monday night, but I could use another weekend. Then again, couldn't we all?

* I was also quite fond of the giraffes and prairie dogs

I Hate Photographers

2007-08-01T08:04:00.000-04:00

Okay, that's a lie. I hate making big decisions. I hate making big decisions that involve spending big bucks. After agonizing over which photographer to choose for weeks and narrowing it down, I think I've made my decision. No. Not "I think." I have. See, I'm even indecisive about decisions I've already made. I haven't signed anything yet or put down a deposit so technically...

All of your great advice yesterday really helped me to just go with a "reasonable" price and not look back. I'm done considering the "good enoughs" and I've decided to go with a woman who provides the style I'd like even if she is, in my opinion, slightly pricier than what I would like to spend. She was willing to work with me to customize a package so I could get a more middle of the road price in terms of what she offers. I hope you guys don't mind me talking about money. I'm just trying to be honest with you guys and give you an idea of what this crap costs. Have I mentioned how lucky I am to have Maya, a real life wedding planner as a friend?

Here, check out the woman I've decided to have photograph my wedding and let me know what you think. Remember, I haven't signed anything yet, so there is always room for indecision.

My Own Personal Paparazzi?

Take a Picture, It'll Last Longer

2007-07-30T21:42:00.000-04:00

If you've never "shopped" for a wedding photograher, you may consider yourself officially forewarned. After a few weeks straight of researching and comparing photography styles, comparing prices and ruling out the way out of budget ones, I've been left with one or two options. One of those options was actually the first one I was serious about. I met her in person too. There is also a studio that I am going to call tomorrow to check on their prices. If their prices are good, they are in the running. If their prices are too high, I think I am going to go with my first option and call it a day. Then again, I have few alternative options that are in the running, but they are my third and fourth choices. I'm not exaggerating--literally hours and hours have been spent on this process. I'm ready to make a decision already. I even had a dream last night about wedding photographers that left me tossing and turning.

If you've never researched photographers' prices, I advise you to do so before you actually need one so that you don't faint from the sticker shock alone. I'm not looking for bells and whistles here folks. I'm looking for a decent photographer who will give me a CD with all of the pictures in the end. I'll figure out an album later. For the photographer's time and a CD, we're talking right around $1,900-$2,500. There are some for much more, but this is the range for the ones I've narrowed it down to. There are also a handful for less, but for me to spend that kind of money, they must be able to take better pictures than I can. I mean, seriously.

I read that the biggest wedding regret is not spending enough on a wedding photographer (or is this just the man talking?) I don't want to make that mistake, but there is also no way I am spending $3,000+ even if it is one of the most important days of my life. What do you guys think?

Like I said, you've been forewarned.

Punked

2007-07-23T21:21:00.000-04:00

Holy guacamole my friends! If I were seriously about the walk down the aisle in that ruffled monstrosity(see previous post), I hope to goodness that you would stop me, smack me and for goodness sakes get me something else to wear!

Okay, so I don't really think the dress was that bad, and it has suprisingly grown on me (not enough to actually consider it), but let's face it--NO. It's just not me. I'm sure that dress would be perfect for someone out there and I know a few of you genuinely liked it...a lot (cough Chiada cough), but I really just tried it on for the fun of it. I just wanted to mess with you guys to see how you'd react. A couple of you might have been lying as to not hurt my feelings, one of you insulted it and then said just kidding (but I just know you hate the dress lol ), one of you avoided saying "I" and just said "Great dress," (LMAO), and one of you avoided dress talk altogether CHA CHA CHA. Call me a beyotch, but you all had me entertained for the entire day. Thanks!

I do hope that this little "trick" does not turn into a boy who cried wolf scenario. When I actually choose THE dress you all better love it and tell me I am the most beautiful bride to have ever walked this earth and no one could surpass or even match my beauty. And if you hate the dress and think I look ugly, you better have some pretty damn good lies ready.

#1 and The One (?)

2007-07-22T21:42:00.001-04:00

My #1 Bridesmaid (Sarah, of course) graciously went dress shopping with me on Saturday. She helped me in and out of all 15+ dresses I tried on. It was true friendship at its finest, folks. I seriously don't know what I would do without her.

A lot of the dresses were okay, a few were definite "nos" and a few I lied and said I liked just so the lady could write something down for me. I feel an overwhelming sense of guilt if I don't like anything, so I will lie and say I love something just so they have some hope that I will return.

However, after a lacy, beaded and jeweled pile of rejects there was finally a sparkly glimmer of hope:

I think it's the one. What do you think?

Perfect for my marital fiesta del amor cha cha cha

(My #1 captures all angles as I bust a move)

A Conversation I Ran Into

2007-07-19T20:41:00.000-04:00

A few nights ago I was out for a run with my beloved Bugs. I saw three boys hanging out in the street with their skateboards. I have trouble guessing ages, especially when it comes to boys, but I would say they were around 12 or 13. As I was approaching them I heard them say the word "dildo" (oooh the google searches...) and then they started snickering. I thought to myself, kids. They saw me coming and so they moved out of the way. As I passed by them one of them said, "He uses dildos," and laughter ensued. I tried not to laugh because I didn't want to encourage them and I didn't say anything back because I didn't want to be the predator who talks to young boys about dildos. I'm sure the victim of that comment was not too appreciative, but I'm just glad to know that playfully embarassing your friends never goes out of style.

Getting Dressed for the Rest of your Life

2007-07-15T12:01:00.000-04:00

This summer is turning out to be busier than I expected. It has been busy off and on and work, I've been busy making appointments to taste cakes and meet with photographers for the wedding and I've been just all around busy on the weekends with birthday parties and parental visits. Needless to say, I am still just as pasty white as I was in the dead of winter. It's actually pretty disturbing. I tried to lay out in the sun today, but I was melting into a big pile of sweat, or perspiration, if you prefer. "Women don't sweat, they perspire," as my dad would say.

Mom and Dad came into town on Wednesday evening and I took Friday off of work so Mom and I could go shopping. For a wedding gown!!! Our dress shopping extravaganza lasted two days straight with very little sleeping in between. Maybe that is an overstatement, but it sure felt like all we did was go to shop after shop. In total we visited six shops--it would have been seven, but one was closed. I was left at the end of said extravaganza with three possibilities, but not sure if any of them are the one. I like them all in different ways.

Dress number one is not a real possibility as I completely broke the cardinal rule of wedding dress shopping--don't try on a dress you can't afford because you might fall in love with it (I did this even after a pep talk from my #1 bridesmaid, Sarah). The fact of the matter is, I'm not in love, per se, but I am in lust. The dress is almost $2,000--just over double my budget. The dress fits my body really well and it is really figure flattering. It has pearl beading on it that looks beautiful, but the thing is, I want it to sparkle just a little bit. So if I bought this dress, not only would I be broke, but I would also have to pay someone to sew on some clear or sparkly beading. Not to mention alterations. All of this would add up to pretty much triple my original budget. I should forget about this dress and just move on, right?

Dress number two is really pretty, but it has straps with beading on it that look just a little heavy for my frame. If I choose this dress, I would have to pay to get rid of the sleeves and have it turned into a strapless dress. That would cost money, but it still wouldn't cost as much as dress number one. After I returned home yesterday I was looking through my wedding binder (as every bride knows is completely essential to planning the big day) and I found a page of a magazine I ripped out with dress number two starred! I didn't even know. Maybe it's a sign.

Dress number three is totally cute, pretty and has an age appropriate look to it (as do the other ones). It is very "me," but I'm not sure that it is my favorite. If you are married, tell me, did you just know your dress was the one when you first tried it on, or did you take time and consider a few options? I keep waiting to try on the one dress that makes me totally giddy and gives me the feeling of "oh this is the one. I can't imagine walking down the aisle in anything other than this dress." sniff sniff But maybe it won't happen that way and I shouldn't let my high expectations get in the way of finding the perfect dress for me. Maybe it will be more of a slow sizzle. Maybe all of this is a metaphor for relationships...my relationship with Edgar is not a series of highs and lows, but rather a slow sizzle and a growing love. Perhaps finding the dress of my dreams will be the same way.

With each dress I try on I try to imagine myself at the end of the aisle and seeing Edgar at the other end, his eyes lighting up. I know I could wear sweatpants and a t-shirt down the aisle and he would still think that I look beautiful, but helloooo that is so not happening. It's my wedding day. God willing, I'll only have one. I want to do it right, but I also want to be sensible about the cost. I know some people find the dress on the first try, but I've always been one to think it over. The best things in life involve some sort of production, right?? ;-)

For your viewing pleasure, here is a dress I tried on just to see how a halter style would look on me. This dress is not one of the ones I'm considering, but I thought I'd give you guys something to look at.

Edgar's Birthday Partaaay!

2007-07-08T13:20:00.000-04:00

Edgar's birthday is on Monday so I decided to throw him a party. He will be 25. I threw him a "big kid" party (see below). Here is a photographic recap of the evening.

Fun kids stuff!

Sarah and Michael joined the fun (it was apparently very bright out last night, hence Michael's rockin' shades)

Lauren was very excited about the goody bags

Here is the World of Warcraft cake I specially ordered for Edgar. Now this is true love.

Singing Happy Birthday!

Edgar blowing out the candles. The flames of the candles were the same color as the candle itself. Check out your local Wal-Mart. They are pretty much the coolest candles ever.

Edgar opening his gift from Vidal, Jazmin (read: my SIL to be) and baby Joaquin

Adoringly watching Dad open his gifts.

Happy 4th!

2007-07-04T08:13:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July!!! While you people are out enjoying yourselves, having picnics, watching fireworks and the whole shebang, I will be at work. Woe is me. No, but really, it's my own fault. I actually chose to work today. I chose to work today because my mommy and daddy are visiting me next week and I'm taking off next Friday to go out with my mom and look at BRIDAL WEAR! It's not a bad trade off if you ask me.

Tomorrow I have to go on an overnight trip for work, but I'll be back Friday afternoon sometime. I feel like every night has been busy this week. Monday we went to Edgar's mom's house and last night we had to take the hairy, four-legged children to the vet. They both have itchy, red bellies (allergies) and they needed to get some medicine. Their annual visit was supposed to be in August, but we asked if they would give them their vaccinations, etc. last night so we wouldn't have to come back in a month and pay the $45 visit fee. It was nice to save $45, but what was not nice was that the bill came to over $500 (shoot me in the foot...both of them). Do you know what I could have bought with $500!!!!????!!!! Something other than pills, ear medication and special shampoo.

Are they worth it? With that price tag, I'm just not sure anymore... ;-)

Deep Thoughts on Vera Bradley and Paris Hilton

2007-06-29T22:07:00.000-04:00

On Vera Bradley
I was shopping at a gift shop/boutique on my lunch break called Tweed where I have befriended one of the sales girls. Kimmy is probably in her early 20s at the most and her grandmother lives in the retirement community where I work. She mentioned the new Vera Bradley patterns that will come out later this summer. I asked if she had the vendor book because I would LOVE to get a sneak preview! She had it! She showed it to me! It made my week!

I know some of you aren't familiar with my one true love, Vera Bradley. If you don't have a Vera bag, you are missing out. You need one. I was so happy to see the new patterns. Sometimes it's hard to tell from the catalog whether or not I'll like the patterns in person, but a couple of them definitely had potential. Love.

On Paris Hilton
So, who saw the Paris Hilton interview on Larry King the other night? What did you think about it? While I thought she was being fairly sincere, there are definitely people who should not be given an hour interview slot. It was so boring listening to her say the same thing over and over again. A ten minute interview would have sufficed. I could have talked about my wedding plans for an hour and you would have gotten more out of it, let's just put it that way.

Is anyone out there?

2007-06-26T23:00:00.001-04:00

Dear Internet,

I got back from my trip to NYC last night and tonight we went to Edgar's mom's house to help her with a couple of things. Then we went grocery shopping. It was getting late so I did a superfast shopping while Edgar waited in the car. I've pretty much been running around busy for the past week at work, traveling, and now getting back into the swing of things here. All of this has not left a lot of time for blogging. I've been trying to check in on you all when I get a free moment here and there, but I haven't had a nice chunk of time to sit and collect my thoughts and give you something worth reading. Instead of rambling, let me gather my thoughts and try to bring you something at least a little bit worthwhile tomorrow, perhaps. Are you okay with this? Are you even still reading me or have you given up?

Love,
Lindsey

Maybe I'm not so gangsta after all

2007-06-19T12:02:00.000-04:00

I really cannot tell you enough how much I appreciate your opinions and advice! Seriously, you guys rock! I'm kind of letting the money/dollar dance thing go for now and hopefully it won't come up again. If I HAVE to do it, I'll be a good sport about it (or at least try) because I suppose it isn't the end of the world, but at the same time I plan to stand my ground for the time being. I think if there is something else that Edgar really wants at the wedding that I don't want, I'll give in on whatever that may be so I don't have to ask for dolla bills ya'll. It's unreal how gangsta I am.

Speaking of gangsta, I am leaving Friday for NYC. Corona, Queens ain't ready for me. Actually I don't know if Edgar's aunt (who we are staying with) lives in Corona, but I think she is in Queens. Maybe she is in Jamaica, Queens like 50 cent (someone stop me from pronouncing that "fifty cent." Like I said, totally gangsta, or should I say gangster?)

Southside Jamiaca Queens __ ya heard me. Tell me you are with me on this one, people.

Anyway, I will be in NYC until Monday afternoon. We have the baptism for three of Edgar's relatives to attend. I would like to meet up with Sassypants, but I don't know when I will have free time...???

In other news, my SIL to be totally treated me like crap again and I totally just sat there...again. I swear I will speak up next time. It's just hard because I don't like conflict and I don't enjoy being bitchy. She, however, was in true bitchy form on Saturday night. We were all over at Edgar's mom's house for dinner. There were a bunch of us just hanging out, talking, etc. She wasn't being bitchy to me exclusively, but at this point she had already insulted our dog for not being pure bred like her dog (I know, right??? Who does that?) and the conversation had somehow turned to body size. Edgar's sister, has been trying to lose some weight. Our friend Danny said, "K*, you are looking really good." She said that she would like to lose 20 more pounds. Danny (who is Brazilian) jokingly made a comment about the white standard of beauty, etc. It wasn't insulting to me...it was very clear he was just joking. Then Danny said something about how I look really good and I said thank you. Apparently it's not okay for anyone to compliment me because SIL says, "Lindsey's too thin for my taste," in a really rude tone of voice. And did I say, you are too ugly for my taste? Or too bitchy? No, I sat there and said that I work out and I go by my body fat percentage and level of health instead of just shutting her up with a fiesty remark. Then she repeated that I'm too thin for her taste just in case everyone didn't hear the first time (Edgar and my MIL to be were not at the table at this point to stand up for me either). Then SIL says, "Well I guess the only people who have to be happy with how you look are you and Edgar." Okay, that pissed me off even more and I can't even exactly explain why. First, my goal of being in shape has nothing to do with Edgar. Edgar loved me when I was 35 pounds heavier. He will love me if I am 100 pounds heavier or lighter. Well not lighter, because I'd be dead, but you get my point. I know SIL's comment was total jealousy or insecurity or something, but I let her get under my skin again. UGH!

Thanks for listening to the nonsense that was today's post. I swear next time I talk about SIL I'll have a better story to tell. One where I come out on top.

Edited (already) to add: Dudes, I'm not even all that skinny! I would say thin or healthy maybe, but I have hips and some thighs, so let's face it, "skinny" is not a word to describe me. And SIL isn't even a large person!!! And if she were, who the f*** cares!?

Are you sick of me yet?

2007-06-14T07:41:00.000-04:00

Edgar and I were talking about the wedding last night. I was saying how there are a few things that I definitely do not want to do at our wedding, one being the dollar dance (or apron dance as they call it in the Polish tradition). Edgar wants to do the dollar dance. I do not. He thinks I'm taking too many traditions out of our wedding already, but I disagree. There are tons of "traditional" things we'll have in our wedding. My feeling also is that these days, anything goes! There are too many traditions to do them all anyway!

My feeling is that if people are traveling to come to our wedding to be with us and bringing a gift already, it's in poor taste to ask them to pay money to dance with the bride and groom. To be brutally honest, I think it's just plain tacky. I want the reception to be for us, but also for our guests. I don't want them to feel like they have to shell out more cash. I'd be happy to dance with everyone in the room for free!

My intent is not to take what Edgar wants away from him. I just don't feel comfortable with this "tradition." How do you guys feel about the dollar dance? Did you or would you have this at your wedding?

Edited to add: Sorry to be confusing. I'm half Polish, but I don't do anything that is traditionally Polish and neither does my mom, who is 100% Polish. Edgar is Dominican and the money dance is part of his culture. The only people from my family who might appreciate the dance are my moms' parents, who didn't raise her so they don't really have a lot of influence with things like this.

Wedding Talk Per Usual and Updates

2007-06-10T21:22:00.000-04:00

You asked for it. The Good Kind of Dorky is now no holds barred wedding talk. Once we have it more "put together" I'll share with you Edgar and my wedding website. Yes, we are that cool.

I cannot thank you guys enough for the wonderful advice you gave me. You all made me feel so much better. I saw SIL over the weekend and things were much better. She asked about where we were thinking of having the reception and I told her and we talked a little bit about the wedding, but I refrained from sharing too much. I pretty much said how classy and upscale our reception site is and that shut her up. My mom thinks I should say something to her at my reception about how much better it would be if there was a big grill, haha! I'm not going to because hopefully that will be the last thing on my mind, but you never know.

If I don't get fired between now and my wedding, I'll be shocked. It's so hard to concentrate at work these days. I am going to make a real effort to limit how much wedding stuff I do from work...no really...I'll be good. Tomorrow the catering director from our tentative reception site is faxing me a contract. It's so nerve racking because I have to put down a deposit, which means I can't change my mind. Maybe this wedding will cure me of my indecisiveness, but it could make it worse, you never know. Event planning is so much easier at work when I'm spending someone else's money!!! Here is one picture from inside the golf club, where we are having the reception, just to give you a sneak peek.
I can't wait. If the catering director gave away my date, I'll pretty much kill him. I'm just sayin.' Oh yeah! Did I tell you my date yet? I can't remember. 6/7/08 so hot right now.

This wedding has taken over my life. My mom and I have been looking at sooo many websites for cakes, flowers, dresses, etc. It's out of control. Rumor has it she bought me a wedding book over the weekend so a care package in my near future is totally possible. Also, my mother-in-law to be gave me my birthday present early (my birthday isn't until October). She knew that I would be stressing over all of the planning so she got me a gift certificate for an hour long massage. I can't wait to go because I've never had a massage before!

So those are pretty much my updates and ramblings for the time being. We are meeting with Father John a week from Wednesday (he had to cancel last week) to talk about the ceremony. I made sure that they would reserve the date for me. Game on.

Shout outs to Cece for sharing tons of her wedding photos with me and to Aimee for sending me the sweetest card.

Oh, oh, oh and Laurel has inspired me to run a 5K race. It's in October. Please don't let me wimp out you guys.

Paris is back in jail! Loves it!

On a slippery slope to assvice

2007-06-04T22:00:00.000-04:00

You guys definitely had some great advice/opinions about leggings. It's amazing how strongly you feel about certain fashion trends. I LOVE hearing what you think!!

So I'm trying to limit my wedding talk. My 5 mintutes I gave myself for today turned into hours. Edgar and I are meeting with the director of catering at a golf club tomorrow night to see the site and see what they offer. I hope it turns out to be a place to consider. We looked at two places over the weekend--one of them we loved, but it is very, very $$$$ Too much $$$$$ I'm trying to keep some sort of budget. I want to have what I want and it WILL be nice and classy, but I also want to be realistic.

Can I just say that I hate competitive women who always think they have to one up other women. Edgar's sister-in-law is like that. Sometimes we get along really well and she is supportive and sweet, but then she will turn around and talk down to me and try to make herself sound like she's better and everything she has is better than what I have. I'm not jealous of her. I think she sounds insecure when she says shit to me, but it gets under my skin so badly. For example, when I told her I want to keep my wedding dress and accessories to no more than $1,000, she said, "My dress cost $5,000." I was telling her some of my ideas for my wedding last week and then all of a sudden last night she was using what I said to insult me or try to make herself sound and/or feel better. Like, I was telling her my estimated budget and her reply was, "Oh, I didn't have a budget. I don't even know what my wedding cost." It's like, why even say that? That's a shitty thing to say. I know she is just like that...it's pathetic, but it's how she is. Yesterday in reference to me being a budget, she said, "You could have your reception at my neighborhood's clubhouse. There is a playground and a big grill." Like, WTF? It pissed me off so badly and it was so insulting. I said budget, not backyard BBQ (not that there is anything wrong with that, but it was very obvious that that is not what I'm looking for) I just looked at her and I was like, "umm, I guess it's something to think about," because I didn't want to be rude. UGHHHH

Sorry to just vent about all of this, but it seriously makes me more upset than it should. I can't stand feeling like I have to be defensive all of the time and I hate feeling like someone is trying to tell me what I do or have is not good enough. My wedding is going to be classy and pretty and I'm going to do it how I want...I'm not going to go into debt just to try to be "better than her," because let's face it, I could spend a million dollars and she would still find something that "wasn't as good as what she did." I'm having this wedding to marry the man I love in front of my friends and family. I'm making choices based on what will make Edgar and me happy, not to try to be better than anyone else. In my heart, I know this. Maybe I should start talking back to sister-in-law...I do have a tendency to let some people walk all over me. My true friends are supportive of me and would never make me feel this way...

Can you tell how much she is bothering me?? UGH, I need to just find a way to let it go. I think I just need to grow some balls and talk back when she treats me like shit. Right?

Blame the Drugs

2007-05-31T07:48:00.000-04:00

Oh wait...I don't do drugs.

What I'm about to confess will probably make some of you moan and groan and possibly end your friendship with me. I've been on the fence for a long time about the legging look. I hated it, then I liked it, then I was unsure and then I decided to go for it.

On Saturday I was out shopping with two lovely ladies: Sarah and Lauren. They don't like the legging look and that's okay, they humoured me anyway. I ended up getting this outfit for around $25. It was a steal, right?

You might as well have thrown dollar bills in the trash can, you say?

Look, I'm okay if you don't like the outfit because I am still not completely sure if I like it. I tested it out on Sunday when I was over at Jazmin's house (Edgar's sister in law). I figure it is appropriate for just hanging out on the weekend and not much more.

Here is a picture of me in my new outfit. Edgar took this blurryish, not so flattering picture...we need to work on his photography skills. Also, I think I need a pair of black leggings. I'm not sure if I am in love with the gray ones. What do you think?

Do you still want to be my friend?

Wedding Talk and a Meme

2007-05-26T10:40:00.000-04:00

You are so lucky. Do you want to know why? Because you get to listen to me talk about wedding stuff for approximately one whole year and maybe even then some. Lucky you.

This weekend we really need to work on setting a date. I totally charted my cycle for the next year because I'll be damned if I have my period on my wedding day. Red is so not my color. There have to be other people who chart their cycle to determine a wedding date, right??? June 7, 2008 is our first choice, but we realize we have to be flexible. May 31 would work too, but Edgar doesn't like the idea of having our wedding on the last day of a month. I reminded him that we did start dating on leap day, which by the way happens again in 2008. He thinks it would be romantic to get married on February 29, but I say VETO to that. I do not want a February wedding, nor do I want to wait another four years to have a real anniversary. I guess to set the date we have to line it up with the church (which we have yet to actually join, although I realize this isn't a necessity) and then figure out where we want the reception to be held and make sure they have the date available. This is the part that worries me most because June wedding in Richmond pretty much sounds to me like it's going to be a huge hassle. Not only that, but last night I started having doubts about getting married in Richmond. Maybe we should get married in my home town instead (Cazenovia, NY). It would be nice and in terms of travelling, the majority of friends and family will have to travel as it is. I'm still leaning toward having it in Richmond, but I can't decide.

I pretty much have settled in my mind who I'd like to have in my bridal party. I've already asked my sister to be the maid of honor and I've asked Audrea (best college friend) to be a bridesmaid. Edgar's sister, Kilsy, will be in it too, although I haven't officially asked her yet. I actually know for sure who I want the other two people to be, but I am also afraid of hurting a couple of people's feelings. I just don't want it to get out of hand so I want to keep it down to 5 people. The people who I am choosing are the people who are closest to me and who I also feel will continue to be a part of my life. There are a couple of people who I'd like to have in the wedding because they mean so much to me, but like I said, I want to limit the number of people. I think I may ask them to do a reading during the ceremony. Also, the poet in me has chosen my bridal party for symbolic reasons. I don't think I will regret my choices.

Okay, enough wedding talk for one day. I promised Carrie and Julie that I would do the memes they tagged me for. Since they are so similar I will combine them into one. Julie's asks that I give 8 random facts/habits about myself and Carrie's asks that I give 6 weird/unique/unusual things about me. Therefore, I'll give 7 weird facts and/or habits about me. I did one like this awhile back. I'm too lazy to go back and see what I've written, so if I tell you something you already know please forgive me. Okay...

1. I have acquired a fear of flying. I'm not sure when exactly it started, but it was sometime within the past couple of years. Flying didn't used to bother me, but now I get really anxious before the flight and during it. Last week there was some turbulence on my flight and my heart was beating so hard I thought it was going to pop out of my chest. The fear makes for a very exhausting day. I wish I could find a way to make it go away. I think it's a control/lack of control issue, but let's not get into that right now.

2. I sucked my thumb until I was 12.

3. I dye my hair and haven't seen its true color (other than the roots) in probably 8 years or so. I generally dye it darker in the winter, but I feel more myself when it's blonde.

4. I hate sleeping naked. I won't do it.

5. When things are messy, I get really irritated.

6. Every now and then I call my mom before I go to work for her fashion advice.

7. I am more comfortable in my skin and at ease and happy with my body now than I have been in years (my body issues started at the beginning of college and have been something I've struggled with for a long time). I still have "fat days" occasionally, but overall, I'm proud of the time I put into working out and keeping my body healthy. I don't irrationally think that I'm fat anymore and I love how my body feels when I am moving or after a work out. It took me a long time to be able to write what I just wrote and actually mean it.

I'm Back!

2007-05-23T20:44:00.000-04:00

I'm back from my trip! My flight got in last night around 7 pm and I was happy to spend the evening with my fiance. Haha I have a fiance. That's so weird. I don't really like the word fiance so instead I call him my Beyonce. I say things like, "I have to call my Beyonce to check up on it" or "I'm just so crazy in love." Who could resist a bootylicious Beyonce like mine? Yeah, he hates it. He can't stand being called my Beyonce. Well, that's all the more reason to marry me ASAP! Yeah, I'm a total dork, but I never claimed to be cool.

Edgar and our two hairy babies were so happy to see me last night. One of them had a "red rocket" over the excitement, but I won't say who.

My sister's graduation was last Thursday and she is now officially a member of the real world. Welcome to the club, Sara!! After her graduation in Burlington, VT I drove back to Syracuse, NY with my family and I spent a few days with them. On Sunday I spent the afternoon with my best friend from college--her name is Audrea and she is about 6 months pregnant and looks so beautiful and healthy. It was just sooo nice to spend time with someone from my "past." On Monday Mom, Sara and I went to David's Bridal to look at dresses. It was a lot of fun. I didn't find "the one," but I definitely got an idea of what type of dress I might like. Other than that I just hung out and relaxed. It was a great vacation and it came at just the right time work wise. Let's just say, it was a much needed break.

So that's what I've been up to, what about you?

P.S. Julie, I know you tagged me. I'll get to it. No worries!

How It All Went Down

2007-05-16T06:46:00.000-04:00

Thank you guys so much for joining in and having fun with the "JCrew dress game." Sassy Laurel even went to JCrew to try on the dress and take pictures for a Sass Attack/Good Kind of Dorky joint project. Check it out! It's pretty much the most awesome project ever! I'm talking better than electricity.

Now onto engagement talk. I know I am evil for leaving you in suspense about how Edgar proposed. I know some of you are totally angry grrrr that I didn't e-mail you to tell you cough Isabel cough. Yep, I am pretty evil. Ok, I have to make the story quick because I actually have to leave for the airport in about 30 minutes. I'm going to Vermont for my sister's graduation tomorrow and then driving back with my parents and sister to Syracuse, NY to spend a few days with them at home (Edgar won't be joining me, he'll be here in Richmond working and taking care of the doggies). I'll be flying back to Richmond next Tuesday. My anxities are on overdrive this morning ever since I developed a fear of flying. Anyway, I'll try to post on my little vacation and make sure to catch up on all of your blogs.

Oh, was I stalling again?? Oh yeah, engagement. So Edgar and I spent Saturday down by the James River. They have a canal walk where you can walk along the canal, hence the name, and then it leads into the river. In one part we crossed a bridge over the river and walked down to this area where a bunch of people were swimming and out on the big rocks. I bet we walked for a good 2-3 hours. It was such a nice day. Edgar had made reservations at The Melting Pot for that evening so we went back home to relax and get ready for dinner. I had just got a sweet deal on a dress a few days before so I decided to wear it! I had always wanted to go to The Melting Pot, but had never been so I was really excited. For those of you who don't know, it's a fondue restaurant.

We got to dinner and we had the bread and veggies dipped in cheese, salad and then it was onto the main course. We ordered the fondue fusion--a mix of meat and seafood. It was perfect because I love seafood and Edgar loves meat. The lobster was soooo good. Everything was delicious and perfect and we were having a fun time. After the main course they brought out the dessert foods to dip in a warm melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture. We had a few pieces and I wasn't really paying attention to anything but the chocolate at that point. Dude, it was sooo good. Then Edgar asks, "Do you love me?" I said, "yes of course" (he had been asking me throughout the day if I loved him so I was like, yeah, I love you, get over it). He said, "How much do you love me?" In true dork fashion I stretched out my arms and said "this much." At this point I'm still not paying a lot of attention. I was just being silly. Then he asks, "Is it enough?" and I say "Is it enough?? What do you mean?"

"Is it enough to marry me?" My sweet Edgar was holding the most gorgeous ring ever!

At this point I'm in shock and my vision is blurred because I can't believe this is happening (really, I only had one glass of wine, so it was definitely the shock) I start saying things like "shut up!" and "Are you serious?" I'm freaking out and he is looking at me like, oh my gosh is she going to say anything. I realize he is waiting for my response and I'm like "Oh, YES!!!" Then he tries to put the ring on my hand and I'm still spazing so he had to grab my hand to do it.

It's still sinking in that I'm engaged!! I can't believe it. I'm excited and happy and overwhelmed all at the same time. I already bought two wedding magazines. I'd been waiting my whole life to do that. I could have before, but I didn't want to look like a douche bag. Yeah I talked about my engagement in the same post that I said douche bag. That's just how I roll.

Anyway, I have a plane to catch!!! See you soon!