There’s something very predictable about gaining weight when you’re in a relationship. When the pressure is off to always look good (because you love each other as you are, blah blah blah), the comfort weight can creep up on you like the freshman 15. Of course, sitting at a desk all day and a love of carbs doesn’t help the situation either.
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach (I’m not so sure this only applies to men), which is why I showered Hal with baked goods for at least the first year of our relationship. Part of the problem I allegedly created was that he was the only one indulging in these sweet treats; I didn’t eat them. Cupcakes and cookies are good but I’d take a baguette, a bagel, or any slice of yeasty goodness over them any day. Like Hal can eat his way through a pint of ice cream, I can do the same with carbohydrates in quantity. Anyway, Hal claims that it’s because of my culinary sugary delights (brownies out of box) that he’s gained weight. Forget the facts that he’s sedentary most of the day and the man hardly touches our elliptical. Now wanting to be named the sole culprit, I stopped baking (for the most part). But not eating fat doesn’t necessarily help you lose fat, which is why Hal decided to join Weight Watchers (WW).
So this is the first full week on WW for Hal, and me. Essentially, I’m dieting by association since I make most of our meals. And counting points becomes addictive. To make it easier to figure out the points, Hal’s got this nifty calculator (of course there’s a gadget involved) that calculates the points for you based on calories, fat and fiber.
While I understand the purpose of the point system, I was surprised by how few points I was allotted for the day based on my weight, height and sex – only 15 points. That’s nothing, which is probably why the required minimum of points is 18. Apparently, my height and sex really work against me; two things I can’t change of course. Being such a shorty earns me ZERO points. Being a female only gets me 2. Men get 8 just for being born with…well, you know. Although if I was breastfeeding, I’d get 10 points! (Is this why some women breastfeed their kids until they’re two?) It’s all about the points.
While I feel like I’m exceeding my daily points, Hal’s continually coming under his 30 point allotment. At this rate, he’ll be slim and trim in no time. Let’s hope that he still loves me as I am (without the blah blah blah). He’d better, or I’m going to start baking again!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
A nice break
Happy Monday! (I’m far from that excited but why add to the moody Monday slump by putting ellipses rather than an exclamation point?)
I’ve realized that weekends where nothing really gets accomplished can be fun. There’s always a lot on the ‘to do’ list but it’s nice to abandon it once in a while to just go with the flow without a set plan.
Friday, Hal found a top 100 hip hop songs list on the internet and he and I had an impromptu dance party which included an attempt at some nifty dance moves as he swung me from side to side, my legs flying over our heads (hard to picture, even harder to describe) while I laughed hysterically.
Saturday, we took a ride on his Harley which was scenic and breezy, and left me with the all-time worst butt ache. It’s always funny for me to see people’s reactions when I’m riding on the back of the bike. I can’t tell if they’re fascinated because I’m small and they think Hal’s got a child with him, or if it’s because I look like a bobble head doll with the helmet on. More accurately, I look like Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis’ character) from the movie Spaceballs. Yes, that ridiculous. Also notable during our trip was the giant bug that hit Hal in the face. It was HUGE!
Saturday night, we had a few of his friends over for a casual BBQ. My favorite part was listening to the guys go back and forth about hair loss, as they debated about receding hair lines, accused each other of going gray or thinning the worst, and ultimately made excuses about recent hair cuts and summer shaves accounting for their follicly-challenged state. It’s refreshing to see men get so uptight and self conscious about their looks. I was highly amused.
Sunday we went to a matinee movie, Transformers, Revenge of the Fallen. Obviously it was Hal’s turn to pick the movie, and all I remember from these 2 ½ hours (which I’ll never get back) is Shia Lebouf looking pensive while giant pieces of scrap metal rolled around in the desert. Clearly a four-star cinematic experience. But later we steamed little neck clams in garlic and stood out in the thunderstorm, so the funday Sunday was made the most of.
It was nice to take a break from the work stuff and the wedding stuff to do purely lazy weekend stuff. I might make a habit of it.
I’ve realized that weekends where nothing really gets accomplished can be fun. There’s always a lot on the ‘to do’ list but it’s nice to abandon it once in a while to just go with the flow without a set plan.
Friday, Hal found a top 100 hip hop songs list on the internet and he and I had an impromptu dance party which included an attempt at some nifty dance moves as he swung me from side to side, my legs flying over our heads (hard to picture, even harder to describe) while I laughed hysterically.
Saturday, we took a ride on his Harley which was scenic and breezy, and left me with the all-time worst butt ache. It’s always funny for me to see people’s reactions when I’m riding on the back of the bike. I can’t tell if they’re fascinated because I’m small and they think Hal’s got a child with him, or if it’s because I look like a bobble head doll with the helmet on. More accurately, I look like Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis’ character) from the movie Spaceballs. Yes, that ridiculous. Also notable during our trip was the giant bug that hit Hal in the face. It was HUGE!
Saturday night, we had a few of his friends over for a casual BBQ. My favorite part was listening to the guys go back and forth about hair loss, as they debated about receding hair lines, accused each other of going gray or thinning the worst, and ultimately made excuses about recent hair cuts and summer shaves accounting for their follicly-challenged state. It’s refreshing to see men get so uptight and self conscious about their looks. I was highly amused.
Sunday we went to a matinee movie, Transformers, Revenge of the Fallen. Obviously it was Hal’s turn to pick the movie, and all I remember from these 2 ½ hours (which I’ll never get back) is Shia Lebouf looking pensive while giant pieces of scrap metal rolled around in the desert. Clearly a four-star cinematic experience. But later we steamed little neck clams in garlic and stood out in the thunderstorm, so the funday Sunday was made the most of.
It was nice to take a break from the work stuff and the wedding stuff to do purely lazy weekend stuff. I might make a habit of it.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Ruins ruin
I spoke too soon yesterday (perhaps wishful thinking) when I said that Cape May was a done deal and the planning could commence. The fiancée informed me last night that he’s now interested in going to Riviera Maya, Mexico. Untouched beaches, ancient ruins, cities and pyramids with names we can’t pronounce, and a swim-up bar at the resort, what could be better? As he peruses the package deal for this 8-day adventure, he proceeds to read aloud the descriptions for every single attraction, excursion and amenity this trip offers. He becomes the new cheerleader for Riviera Maya, as every word is uttered with exuberance. Zip lining!!! Cenotes!!! (We had to look up what a cenote was, but he was still excited about them) Spider monkeys!!! (I think that got the biggest cheer) Snorkeling! – Hal stops himself from adding an extra exclamation point when he realizes he doesn’t like to put his face in the water. So snorkeling is optional.
I listen, eager to move on to the topic of dinner since it’s 8 o’clock and my stomach is growling. I take on a rather noncommittal tone as I express my desire to not spend a lot of money.
Hal: We only live once. When we die we can’t take the money with us.
Jenn: I understand that. But I’m hoping I don’t die before next September that way I can put it towards a wedding I’m alive to enjoy.
Hal: Hmpf.
Jenn: I’m not saying no, I’m just not saying yay, let’s book it. Why don’t we mull over it this weekend?
When I said I would consider it, I meant it sincerely.
Here is where Hal went wrong. We finally sit down to dinner and the fiancée puts on a movie, The Ruins. As the DVD is starting up, I ask him what the film’s about. Judging by his inability to make eye contact, I instantly know that it’s a horror flick. I hate horror movies. There’s nothing appealing about them even though Hal tries to convince me that snuggling up to him would make up for it.
What’s The Ruins about? An ancient Mayan pyramid with evil foliage that kills its victims, usually stupid teenagers on ‘an adventure’. The vines are in search of human blood as they eat away at your flesh and even climb their way into your body. It’s like the body snatchers with possessed ivy and angry flowers. It wasn’t as gory as a movie like Saw but it certainly didn’t help Hal’s campaign to get us on a vacation to Riviera Maya.
What was the fiancée thinking showing me this terrible movie?
Lesson to be learned: Do not pitch a vacation to the Riviera Maya then show a movie that makes this exotic place seem like death trap. It's like showing Snakes on a Plane as the inflight movie. Marketing guru Hal is not.
I listen, eager to move on to the topic of dinner since it’s 8 o’clock and my stomach is growling. I take on a rather noncommittal tone as I express my desire to not spend a lot of money.
Hal: We only live once. When we die we can’t take the money with us.
Jenn: I understand that. But I’m hoping I don’t die before next September that way I can put it towards a wedding I’m alive to enjoy.
Hal: Hmpf.
Jenn: I’m not saying no, I’m just not saying yay, let’s book it. Why don’t we mull over it this weekend?
When I said I would consider it, I meant it sincerely.
Here is where Hal went wrong. We finally sit down to dinner and the fiancée puts on a movie, The Ruins. As the DVD is starting up, I ask him what the film’s about. Judging by his inability to make eye contact, I instantly know that it’s a horror flick. I hate horror movies. There’s nothing appealing about them even though Hal tries to convince me that snuggling up to him would make up for it.
What’s The Ruins about? An ancient Mayan pyramid with evil foliage that kills its victims, usually stupid teenagers on ‘an adventure’. The vines are in search of human blood as they eat away at your flesh and even climb their way into your body. It’s like the body snatchers with possessed ivy and angry flowers. It wasn’t as gory as a movie like Saw but it certainly didn’t help Hal’s campaign to get us on a vacation to Riviera Maya.
What was the fiancée thinking showing me this terrible movie?
Lesson to be learned: Do not pitch a vacation to the Riviera Maya then show a movie that makes this exotic place seem like death trap. It's like showing Snakes on a Plane as the inflight movie. Marketing guru Hal is not.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
I really think we should take a vacation
It began with a statement from the fiancée. “I really think we should take a vacation”.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with that statement. In fact, it’s probably one of the most pleasing auditory statements one can make. And I should’ve been elated at the idea, except for three things:
- We should be saving up for the wedding
- We should be saving up for the honeymoon
- Jenn does not want to plan anything other than the wedding
Does this mean we should not plan a vacation this year? No! exclaims the fiancée. We’d spend the money anyway (on a flat screen TV or a Bowflex or more paintball crap) so why not spend it on us and our ‘together time’. That’s the hook and he knows it. I concede to the idea of a vacation. Who doesn’t want a change of scenery and the opportunity to detach from real life for a few days?
Figuring out what we’re going to do becomes a monumental discussion in and of itself. Should we go on a cruise? To where? How long? What cruise line? Why do we need a balcony, Hal, that’s significantly more expensive?
Goals of the vacation are then discussed.
- We want to be able to relax.
- We want a nice balance of beach time and activity time. Hal and I need to feel a modicum of productivity even when on vacation.
- We’d like to go to one place and make that home base for the duration.
- We’d prefer to go to a place neither of us has been (or has been in a while).
A cruise seems to fit the bill. But it’s expensive.
“What about a road trip?” the fiancée suggests. To where?
Before I know it, Hal has Google Maps up on his computer screen and he’s outlining a route with his mouse that starts in NY, travels down to Washington DC, stays there for a beat, and then heads further south to Richmond, Virginia to visit (freeload on) his aunt, with an excursion to WillIAMsburg, then finally ending up ferrying over to Cape May where we drive home from the tip of the Jersey Shore. To my protesting expression, Hal points out that it’s less than 15 hours of driving in total, and we get to see lots of stuff. Almost instantly, it seems ‘our’ goals have gone to hell.
Nothing about this stone-hopping vacation sounds relaxing, especially having to plan it. Home base is a distant memory in the present possibility of three hotels over 6 days. How can one relax when colonial Williamsburg closes at five and there’s a ferry to catch to get to the cape? Sensing my lack of enthusiasm for this road trip of Hal’s (yes, I’m giving him ownership of this one), he settled for a simpler plan. Cape May for a week including possible parasailing, good eats, one hotel, surrounded by the charm of a seaside town. Much better.
“I really think we should take a vacation”. I agree.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thank goodness for country music???
When Hal and I were first dating, I remember staying at his house until 1:30 in the morning as he played me every song in his repertoire. He has a fairly well-rounded collection, most of which I’d never heard. I was familiar with many of the artists and bands but wouldn’t necessarily call myself a fan of any of them, or their music. From Ozzy Osborne (he’s even been to Ozzfest) to Hank Williams and Jimi Hendrix, I could tell Hal’s taste varied from mine. His parents raised him on The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. I was raised on Mozart, Dave Brubeck and Z100. He loves Muddy Waters and I’m more of an Ella Fitzgerald girl. And while he also had tracks by Ludacris (Luda!) and Jay Z (good things), it was really his heavy metal collection that I was having difficulty appreciating – Pantera, Black Sabbath, Type O Negative (who?). I couldn’t understand how you could listen to someone screaming at you for 3-5 minute intervals with loud banging in the background. But what offends our ears is all relative. I know Hal’s ears get offended anytime Z100 is on.
After listening to all of it and hours of it, there is one theme that clearly transcended all musical genres: Love Sucks. Whether it’s country, pop, rap, or even heavy metal, somebody is writing a song about how horrible love is, and that women are usually to blame. You begin to wonder if all men, or at least the ones that attempt to make and sell their music, hate women. And what about the ones that listen to it? That night, after getting my fill of “that bitch broke my heart”, or lyrics of the like, I started to wonder if I was dating a misogynist. Then I considered the plethora of songs in every genre that bash women (and men) and realized these people don’t hate women (some of them do), but they hate that women have the power to leave them vulnerable and heartbroken. I want to yell at them all, Get Over it, but then what would they have to sing about? For country music artists it’s pickup trucks and my dog, but you can’t make that sound angry in heavy metal.
Still questioning his musical taste, Hal then played that song, the song that I took as a sign that he can be sensitive and perhaps even sentimental. It’s a country song by Blake Shelton called PS, If This is Austin I Still Love You, and it’s a cute little love story of sorts sang with a sweet twang. It was the antithesis of every song we’d listen to so far and it was a breath of fresh Oklahoma air. So now, when he’s in the mood to give me the musical review, I always make sure he plays the Austin song just to remind me that this guy, the guy that can appreciate a cute little love song amidst the angry screaming from men wearing too much eye liner, is also the man I’m marrying.
After listening to all of it and hours of it, there is one theme that clearly transcended all musical genres: Love Sucks. Whether it’s country, pop, rap, or even heavy metal, somebody is writing a song about how horrible love is, and that women are usually to blame. You begin to wonder if all men, or at least the ones that attempt to make and sell their music, hate women. And what about the ones that listen to it? That night, after getting my fill of “that bitch broke my heart”, or lyrics of the like, I started to wonder if I was dating a misogynist. Then I considered the plethora of songs in every genre that bash women (and men) and realized these people don’t hate women (some of them do), but they hate that women have the power to leave them vulnerable and heartbroken. I want to yell at them all, Get Over it, but then what would they have to sing about? For country music artists it’s pickup trucks and my dog, but you can’t make that sound angry in heavy metal.
Still questioning his musical taste, Hal then played that song, the song that I took as a sign that he can be sensitive and perhaps even sentimental. It’s a country song by Blake Shelton called PS, If This is Austin I Still Love You, and it’s a cute little love story of sorts sang with a sweet twang. It was the antithesis of every song we’d listen to so far and it was a breath of fresh Oklahoma air. So now, when he’s in the mood to give me the musical review, I always make sure he plays the Austin song just to remind me that this guy, the guy that can appreciate a cute little love song amidst the angry screaming from men wearing too much eye liner, is also the man I’m marrying.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Poor Hal
Do you ever see yourself going down that slippery slope of emotional imbalance, and as you’re watching yourself fall, all you (think) you can do is continue to grasp onto the nonsensicalness that got you there? Sometimes these moments can be drawn out and spiral into an emotional onset of tears, as you’re heaving your exhausted body across your bed, face planting into your pillow. That’s all lovely in true dramatic form, but I generally make my emotional breakdowns quick. They may come out of nowhere but as fast as the tears form, they’re wiped away and my eyes are dry. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t cause momentary anguish for Hal, who’s usually witnessing this or on the receiving end of it. Like last night…
Snuggling on our bed. What could go wrong…
Hal: You know, I’m pretty happy with you.
Aw, how sweet. Wait-
Jenn: Pretty happy? Why not very happy?
Poor Hal.
Hal: What?
Jenn: Why aren’t you very happy?
Hal stares at me, searching my face for the right answer.
Hal: I’ll be very happy when we have a house, kids…
Jenn: But your level of happiness with me should be irrespective of those things…
Hal continues to stare at me. He maintains the “I can’t believe we’re actually having this conversation right now” look.
Hal: Oh no, you’re about to have an emotional moment aren’t you?
My voice catches in my throat. It has begun.
Jenn: I want you to be very happy with me. I’m very happy with you.
Hal: I am happy with you.
My eyes start to swell with tears.
Jenn: But not very happy.
I roll away from him. Poor Hal emits a sort of nervous laughter mixed with confusion. But as he turns me around, he smiles with genuine care.
Hal: Oh babe, don’t get upset. I wouldn’t have asked you to marry me if I wasn’t happy with you and didn’t think we’d be very happy together for a long long time.
Well that makes sense. All better now.
Poor Hal.
Snuggling on our bed. What could go wrong…
Hal: You know, I’m pretty happy with you.
Aw, how sweet. Wait-
Jenn: Pretty happy? Why not very happy?
Poor Hal.
Hal: What?
Jenn: Why aren’t you very happy?
Hal stares at me, searching my face for the right answer.
Hal: I’ll be very happy when we have a house, kids…
Jenn: But your level of happiness with me should be irrespective of those things…
Hal continues to stare at me. He maintains the “I can’t believe we’re actually having this conversation right now” look.
Hal: Oh no, you’re about to have an emotional moment aren’t you?
My voice catches in my throat. It has begun.
Jenn: I want you to be very happy with me. I’m very happy with you.
Hal: I am happy with you.
My eyes start to swell with tears.
Jenn: But not very happy.
I roll away from him. Poor Hal emits a sort of nervous laughter mixed with confusion. But as he turns me around, he smiles with genuine care.
Hal: Oh babe, don’t get upset. I wouldn’t have asked you to marry me if I wasn’t happy with you and didn’t think we’d be very happy together for a long long time.
Well that makes sense. All better now.
Poor Hal.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
More than just "I Do"
Is this crazy but I've already started thinking about the wedding vows. It was the fiancées idea to write our own (I think he knows what he's going to say already. How convenient...). I on the other hand am so anal about penning anything (emails, thank you notes, my Facebook status) that it'll surely take me over a year to create something that's sweet, sentimental, loving, thoughtful, expressive, all with a touch of humor (I'm trying to avoid eliciting awkward laughter however). I have two rules: No rhyming couplets about love and marriage. Nothing too cliché or maudlin.
I came across 20 questions for the bride and groom that are supposed to assist in formulating your vows. It looked like a game of MadLibs. I couldn't help but have a bit of fun with it. Responses in red should not be taken seriously unless otherwise indicated.
- What did you think when you first saw him/her? How to use: When we met at Match.com, I knew we were both over the bar scene and desperate to find l♥ve.
- When did you realize you were in love? The more specific you are able to be, the more touching the story. How to use: I knew I was in love when you took me to the MOMA even though you hate abstract, contemporary art. Of course, you also thought we were going to The Met. Oops.
- What do you have now that you didn't have before you met? Focus on the heart and head, not material possessions. How to use: Before I met you, I was single. Now I am not.
- How has your worldview changed? Life has likely gotten better since the two of you joined forces, so tell everyone about it. How to use: Because of you, I see the world through Hal-colored glasses. Who knew you could rationalize just about anything. Those glasses are optional, by the way.
- What do you miss most when you're apart? This will probably be something mundane but powerful -- How to use: You are such a part of me that when you're gone, I miss cuddling. (I couldn't help but take that one seriously).
- Where do you see yourselves in 10 years? 20 years? 40 years? Go deeper than Happily married in a big house. I look forward to our honeymoon, laughing and drinking wine as we cruise the Mediterranean. (not long term enough?)
- Is there a line from a movie, song, or poem that says it all? It's okay to borrow, as long as it's not too much of a cliche (we're sorry, but You complete me is suffering from overuse). How to use: I watch you vacuum, and I think to myself, what a wonderful world.
- Do parts of the traditional vows resonate with you? Maybe you're not so sure about the obey part, but can you really go wrong with love, cherish, and...? How to use: I promise to
cherish andhonor your "need" to play computer games, but add a time frame and funny reference for levity: ...all the days of my life, especially when curled up on the couch with takeout, or until we have children and then you best be helping me out. - Can you think of a funny or touching experience that put your partner in a new light? How to use: When you stepped on my toes at a recent wedding, I saw you for the non dancer person you are. And that made me want to love you that much more for making the effort.
- Is there a harrowing experience that strengthened your bond? This one rides tandem with #9. How to use: See #9. My toes were never the same.
- What goals and values do you both have? Stating your common bond may just expose your inner Wordsworth. How to use: We share a love of fresh mozzarella, so together we can eat an entire ball of it in one sitting.
- What about him/her inspires you? What do you most respect about your partner? How to use: Your ability to take a 6 hour car ride and not make a bathroom stop once has shown me how to be conservative with my liquid intake on road trips.
- What promise can you make to codify your devotion? How to use: I promise to always cuddle with you whenever you ask. (no, this is not self-serving at all)
- How will you change together? You know what your goals are -- think about the steps the two of you will need to take together to reach them. How to use: I look forward to (see question 6) as we __________. Honeymoons can be life-changing right?
- What metaphor (or simile) would capture your love? Think of something that describes or defines your love: Is it strong like a castle? How to use: Our love is like a hot fudge sundae because it's always satisfying, makes me happy and I can always go for seconds. (I am talking about love, not something R-rated for all you dirty birds out there)
- Why are you entering the bond of marriage? Think about why marrying your fiance is so special. How to use: To me, marriage is a commitment that can only be broken by legal action. With you, it's a commitment that can only be broken by legal action.
- What will keep your marriage strong? Find the bedrock of your relationship. How to use: Even when times get tough, we will have fresh mozzarella, and dance.
- What are you most looking forward to about married life? The wedding is just the beginning. How to use: I look forward to no longer living in sin as we embark on the path of spiritual righteousness. (I hope that didn't sound too sacrilegious)
- What do you expect out of married life? Defining your expectations will help you make and keep promises. How to use: I know our marriage will last a while and I vow to remember your name on our 50th anniversary.
- What words do you associate with love? Make a list of romantic terms so you can avoid overusing love -- too many repetitions dilute its power. How to use: My devotion/adoration/ passion is CHOCOLATE! And yes, the devotion and passion is for Hal too. I can imagine living without chocolate, but I can't imagine my life without Hal.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Wedding "Chit Chat"
There's nothing like a late night chat...
Jenn: I’ve been looking at various wedding checklists and they all say we should create a budget. So when do want to discuss budget for the wedding?
Hal: Well…how much does stuff cost?
I guess that means now
Jenn: I’m not sure yet. I haven’t done the (copious amounts of) research yet to price out vendors.
Hal: I don’t know if we can set a dollar amount since we don’t know how much the things that are most important to us cost.
Hopeful
Jenn: Are you saying it’s open-ended?
He gives me that look when he’s just heard crazy talk.
Hal: No. We should make a list of what we think everything will cost, high and low, and then determine how much we want to budget for each item based on its priority to us.
Ever pragmatic is he, this approach does actually make sense to me.
Jenn: Okay. So I guess I should start pricing out florists, photographers, music…
Hal: This is going to be interesting though.
Already feeling a little flustered for 11:30 at night.
Jenn: Why?
He smirks a little.
Hal: Considering I don’t want to spend any money on a wedding, this is going to be tough.
Sigh, you said it brother.
(end scene)
446 days to go!
Jenn: I’ve been looking at various wedding checklists and they all say we should create a budget. So when do want to discuss budget for the wedding?
Hal: Well…how much does stuff cost?
I guess that means now
Jenn: I’m not sure yet. I haven’t done the (copious amounts of) research yet to price out vendors.
Hal: I don’t know if we can set a dollar amount since we don’t know how much the things that are most important to us cost.
Hopeful
Jenn: Are you saying it’s open-ended?
He gives me that look when he’s just heard crazy talk.
Hal: No. We should make a list of what we think everything will cost, high and low, and then determine how much we want to budget for each item based on its priority to us.
Ever pragmatic is he, this approach does actually make sense to me.
Jenn: Okay. So I guess I should start pricing out florists, photographers, music…
Hal: This is going to be interesting though.
Already feeling a little flustered for 11:30 at night.
Jenn: Why?
He smirks a little.
Hal: Considering I don’t want to spend any money on a wedding, this is going to be tough.
Sigh, you said it brother.
(end scene)
446 days to go!
Urban Oasis
Proof that we did find our way to The Cloisters, eventually…
Monday, July 6, 2009
Ready, set, plan!
Planning a wedding means getting organized! With more than a year until the nuptials, I should have plenty of time to get organized, right? Apparently, plenty of time is completely relative and I’m finding ‘plenty’ is actually not enough in some cases.
By many accounts, by which I mean various wedding magazines, Martha Stewart, and random people I’ve encountered in the past few weeks, the planning must begin NOW and the COUNTDOWN has BEGUN (so has the anxiety). So I decided to put together a checklist of what to accomplish so many months, weeks, day, minutes and seconds out from “I Do”. Seeking assistance, I signed up at TheKnot.com. Yes, I feel like I’ve joined the herd of brides-to-be but did I mention the anxiety has started and I’m more than 14 months out? They provide an impressively thorough checklist, from choosing a color scheme 9-11 months out to ensuring my veil and wedding hair work well together 6 weeks out. There are seven pages worth of stuff and here I thought I earned a huge check mark for finding a place and choosing a date. Oh, and the Knot people were kind enough to remind me I have 447 days to go.
All I know for sure is I’m marrying Hal at Round Hill on September 26, 2010, and that I’m already doing the sun dance so we have nice weather. It’s never too early to start on some things!
By many accounts, by which I mean various wedding magazines, Martha Stewart, and random people I’ve encountered in the past few weeks, the planning must begin NOW and the COUNTDOWN has BEGUN (so has the anxiety). So I decided to put together a checklist of what to accomplish so many months, weeks, day, minutes and seconds out from “I Do”. Seeking assistance, I signed up at TheKnot.com. Yes, I feel like I’ve joined the herd of brides-to-be but did I mention the anxiety has started and I’m more than 14 months out? They provide an impressively thorough checklist, from choosing a color scheme 9-11 months out to ensuring my veil and wedding hair work well together 6 weeks out. There are seven pages worth of stuff and here I thought I earned a huge check mark for finding a place and choosing a date. Oh, and the Knot people were kind enough to remind me I have 447 days to go.
All I know for sure is I’m marrying Hal at Round Hill on September 26, 2010, and that I’m already doing the sun dance so we have nice weather. It’s never too early to start on some things!
Friday, July 3, 2009
What will the moose do without you?
Sexy Sarah (Palin) seems to be showing her crazy once again.
I don’t think I was the only one saying WTF upon hearing of her resignation. I quickly went from WTF to cautious optimism that this is truly the beginning of the end for Palin, the political cheerleader. I doubt it though. She loves the spotlight and seems to thrive on showcasing what an idiot she can be, to the public especially. Usually when you’re not the brightest bulb, you should remain in the dark for a reason.
If she really does hope to run for president in 2012, then what kind of message does this send? I don’t want to do this job anymore, so I’m not going to. I’m fairly certain this is not the mantra of presidential material.
In her speech, she said a lot of nothing. Although, there were hints of campaign rhetoric splintered throughout her stream of consciousness. “..And it’ll be good. So God bless you, and from me and from my family to all Alaska [insert whichever state she’s campaigning in], you have my heart.”
And if she plans to use her book tour as a platform for campaign visibility, I wonder what else Palin will spend the next two years doing to prep for November 6, 2012. I can only envision her becoming Student Sarah, sitting in a classroom learning all about government, International affairs, and how to pronounce the names of certain countries correctly. She’ll take an accelerated class on Political Science 101 and she’ll have daily flash cards on who’s the president of Mexico, and why North Korea always has a frowny face next to it.
And not to worry, the entire time Student Sarah will look oh-so-chic in those fashionable glasses that nobody will notice that you can’t cover up incompetence and ignorance with a book jacket.
Try as I might to find just the right words to showcase my feelings on Palin, Maureen Dowd (as always) of the NY Times managed to succinctly express how she feels about “Caribou Barbie”. Check out her latest op-ed piece at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/opinion/05dowd.html?em.
If you are a fan of Sexy Sarah, feel free to tell me in as many words as you’d like how wrong I am. Extra points for anyone who makes a cheer out of it, pom poms optional.
I don’t think I was the only one saying WTF upon hearing of her resignation. I quickly went from WTF to cautious optimism that this is truly the beginning of the end for Palin, the political cheerleader. I doubt it though. She loves the spotlight and seems to thrive on showcasing what an idiot she can be, to the public especially. Usually when you’re not the brightest bulb, you should remain in the dark for a reason.
If she really does hope to run for president in 2012, then what kind of message does this send? I don’t want to do this job anymore, so I’m not going to. I’m fairly certain this is not the mantra of presidential material.
In her speech, she said a lot of nothing. Although, there were hints of campaign rhetoric splintered throughout her stream of consciousness. “..And it’ll be good. So God bless you, and from me and from my family to all Alaska [insert whichever state she’s campaigning in], you have my heart.”
And if she plans to use her book tour as a platform for campaign visibility, I wonder what else Palin will spend the next two years doing to prep for November 6, 2012. I can only envision her becoming Student Sarah, sitting in a classroom learning all about government, International affairs, and how to pronounce the names of certain countries correctly. She’ll take an accelerated class on Political Science 101 and she’ll have daily flash cards on who’s the president of Mexico, and why North Korea always has a frowny face next to it.
And not to worry, the entire time Student Sarah will look oh-so-chic in those fashionable glasses that nobody will notice that you can’t cover up incompetence and ignorance with a book jacket.
Try as I might to find just the right words to showcase my feelings on Palin, Maureen Dowd (as always) of the NY Times managed to succinctly express how she feels about “Caribou Barbie”. Check out her latest op-ed piece at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/opinion/05dowd.html?em.
If you are a fan of Sexy Sarah, feel free to tell me in as many words as you’d like how wrong I am. Extra points for anyone who makes a cheer out of it, pom poms optional.
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