The Writer's Right
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Woo-hoo! We have tents, tables and chairs!
After much searching, I have finally sent a deposit for tents, tables and chairs. Good news, because if I hadn’t found them, we’d all be sitting on the grass. But this isn’t such a bad thing, my uncle has a really nice lawn. But the thought of sitting in my white dress where Canadian geese have pooped isn’t such a good thing. Oliver the labradoodle may like the good poop, but I’ll pass.
So, we have tents, tables, chairs, stuff to eat, we’re working on drinks and we’re all set with centerpieces and things to eat off and drink with. We just need some signage. I have been in touch with the DJ and we plan to meet sometime this month to go over songs, announcements, etc. We are meeting with my good friend Paul in August to chat about the photography.
We’re well on our way to a successful wedding!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
And there’s a movie I won’t be watching for at least 88 days….
When I’m at work, and I’m doing some mindless stuff, I usually have my iPod on, watching one of the movies on it. My usual choice is “Sex and the City.“ I was watching it today, loving all the quotes I know by heart, until the wedding scene came on. For those of you who are fans (whether or not you love the movie) you know what happens when Carrie gets to the wedding venue. She gets a cell phone, calls Big and realizes he’s not coming. It’s the ultimate wedding let down. I got to that scene and had to turn it off. I couldn’t watch. I couldn’t see that pain in her eyes as she heard him say “I’m sorry.“ I couldn’t watch her confront him and belt him with her white roses. I couldn’t watch as her friends embraced her as she fell apart.
I know this won’t happen to me in 88 days, but, well, with all the wedding planning and such, I can’t do it. I’m looking forward to my wedding. I’m looking forward to walking down the aisle to the man of my dreams. Jeff and I even talked about this yesterday. We both can’t wait for the official “and now for the first time, I present to you, Mr and Mrs. . . “
I want to think happy thoughts for the next 88 days. (I know, it’s a countdown, but I visit theknot.com and they do a countdown on your page.) I want to think about our vows, being with our family and friends and the grand party afterwards.
It’s silly, but I can’t watch that movie until it’s all said and done.
But I also realized that EVERY SINGLE movie on my iPod has a wedding scene in it, except for maybe Chicago, and that has some ladies murdering their husbands. LOL (Again, we’ll wait for after the big day.) I need a new selection of movies!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
It’ll all be worth it…
I’ve gotten a lot of wedding advice lately and most of it has been RELAX! Best piece of advice. But you just can’t help but be all tied up in details and wanting it to go the right way. But most of my friends, who will be guest have assure me that no matter what happens, it will be a good day. And I know this.
Sunday we met with Pastor Bill for a second time, to talk about marriage and our wedding. This time he said us down and we went over the ceremony. I was prepared to plan. But I didn’t have to do anything. He took notes and then handed us a program to follow along. We went through the entire ceremony. It’s sweet, it’s simple, and there aren’t a lot of details to worry about. If the ring bearer decides to run down the aisle or hide in a pew, it’ll be fine. If the flower girl refuses to throw the petals, it’ll be fine. And if I trip up the stairs, well, most of my friends will not be a bit surprised! (Just call me grace.)
Among the chat about the ceremony, we also got to say our vows, and hold hands. It was a surreal moment. It was a reality check. Yes, it’s a big day, but what matters most are those vows that we will promise to each other. Love, honor, cherish . . . it’s what really matters. I have to admit, I got chocked up reading the vows as soon as I said, “I Samantha take you Jeffrey.“ Our pastor, who is a warm and caring man, smiled and his eye twinkled. He expected this. And I think he was touched. I felt, at that moment, that I knew what mattered. What mattered was that I was going to marry Jeff. And it didn’t matter what detail went wrong. All that matters is that we’re making this wonderful commitment to each other, in front of all of our friends and family, who will promise to support us. Richer or poorer, sickness and in health… who cares what money is involved because all that does matter is how rich our lives are, our hearts are, together. And it’s the health of our marriage that is important. We can overcome anything together.
It’s the first time in a long time I’ve been looking forward to September. I’ve been on edge about it all. But I need to take a step back every now and then, look into Jeff’s eyes, hold and hands and remember that the best part is that I’m marrying my soulmate. The rest is just minor details.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Wedding on the brain
So the wedding is officially 98 days away. And to me, that seems so near. But there is so much left to do. And I find myself really obsessed with details. I see a wedding on t.v. and I’m analyzing the bride’s bouquet, hair, veil, shoes. etc. I am constantly thinking of wedding details. I see a food show, I think of apps I could add. I see a cocktail and I think that maybe we need this “signature” cocktail that you hear so much about.
I read at least three wedding blogs a day. I read about other bride’s plans, tips and bridezilla moments. And I take a step back. What the heck have I become? I’d like to thing I’ve been pretty easy going, I let all my girls pick their dresses, the guys just need black suits and even our reception is a low key pig roast. But it’s the details that consume me.
Today I had my hair cut at a salon for the first time in a long time (my hairdresser is on bedrest) and I saw a girl get highlights and I loved them. The stylist told me that they would look good at me. I thought about making an appointment for the end of August but then I thought “What if they come out bad? And then I need to cover this disaster? It’ll be a month before the wedding and then I won’t have perfect wedding hair!“ STOP!!
I took a step back, took a deep breath and decided to give myself a day off from the wedding plans. I woke up planning the limo ride but I hope to go to bed just thinking simple thoughts like “I hope we have good weather for Father’s Day.“
It’s been a crazy ride. I just can’t wait for the day to get here so I can get off this crazy ride.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
100 days
My wedding is officially 100 days from today. I can’t believe it. I remember when it was like 300. Where has the time go. Between obsessing over flowers and reorganizing the guest list, the time is slipping away. I still have to get tents, tables and chairs. And there’s the beverages I really need to start putting some thought into. Did you know that many weddings feature “signature cocktails?“ And some brides stress over the perfect rehearsal dinner? It’s maddening.
My latest concentration has been on flowers. Bouquets are ridiculously expensive. I’m talking $150 for a bride’s bouquet and $15 for a boutonniere. Really? Seriously? It’s that “W” word. “Hi, I"m looking into pricing for such and such.“ For what date? “September 26” Ok, what’s the occasion. “Wedding.“ And you can just hear the cash register ‘cha-ching” in the background and their figures including an upcharge of at least 30% for uttering the “W” word. I need to ban the “W” word from my vocabulary. Seriously, it costs me $5 every time I say it. Ok, so it just feels like that.
Speaking of cha-ching, I have to get my “W” dress altered (hemmed and taken IN, thankyouverymuch) and I’m look at a price of at least $100. And Jeff needs to get his suit taken in, too. But well, he’s a man and just like his hair cuts, his altering will probably cost less. We’re going to ask the little Italian guy at the end of our street to look at it. It’s such a stereo type but Tony the Tailor is the best.
And speaking of hair, mine is getting very long. Part of this is because, like many brides, I want to be able to have a nice “up do” for the wedding. Another part is my hairdresser is on bedrest until August and I can’t find anyone else to but it. So it’s getting to be like Rapunzel. Ok, not quite that long or blond, but for me, it’s a pain. I usually end up wearing it in a pony tail. It’s getting the old chop a week after the rings are exchanged. Jeff said he likes it when I put it up. I do, too, but having it in a pony tail is getting old.
Oh, that reminds me, I have to get our rings ordered! We are ordering them from Ireland. And that’s all I’m revealing about the rings. But I can’t wait!
So, here’s to 100 days away - I hope I can keep it together!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Blogging from the Blackberry
I’m standing in line at the DMV. I’ve been here since 7:30 and when I got here, the line was already all the way around the building. Arg! And I have a very impatient 10 year-old with me.
Usually I’d have more patience but the hbour, the lack of coffee, and the fact that I’ve come down with a wicked cold is trying my early-morning patience. But because I’mm the president of the procrastinator’s club, I’m here. I paid my car taxes yesterday at lunch and now I have to pay my registration because of course it expires tomorrow. Like I saidI’m not only the procrastinator club president, I’m also a client.
It’s pretty funny to see other members of this illistrious club come around the corner and see the end of the line. “Holy shit!!!“ Seems to be the phrase of choice.
Misery loves company!
What a way to spend a Saturday morning.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
122 days . . . .
Our wedding is four months from yesterday. Today theknot.com told me it was 122 days away. ACK!! I ONLY HAVE 122 DAYS TO GET THE REST OF THIS SHIN-DIG TOGETHER!
Focus Samantha, it’s not that hard. All I have left to get is tents, tables, chairs, linens, flowers, alcohol, decorations, gifts, my dress taken in, shoes for me, Jeff’s suit taken in and well, I think that’s it. Nope, I lied, I have to get the rings! Jeff and I hope to do that soon since his will have to be special-ordered. But I think it’s all under control. At least, I hope.
I still don’t have a veil. A friend in Cali is sending me hers to see if it matches my dress. If it does, bam, I have something borrowed. And then I’ll need to match my jewelry. And I still need shoes. I’ll need them for when I take my dress in for tailoring. God-willing it won’t only have to be hemmed, but taken in. This morning jeans told me that it’s a distinct possibility. I didn’t have to do the “oh my God why did I put these jeans in the dryer dance” nor am I currently doing the “dear God is it time to go home so I can put sweats on because these jeans are getting tighter by the hour” dance. It’s a nice feeling.
But things are coming along. I got in touch with a friend who actually owns a limo and said we can use it and her services for a small fee. SCORE! Otherwise my dress would have to fit in the CR-V. And I quote one of my favorite movies, “It’s like to put a cream puff through a key hole!“ It’s a big dress. But I LOVE IT!
Jeff and I can’t wait until the big day. We’re both getting burned out on wedding planning. We just want it to be here so we can be married and party the night away! Woo-hoo!
But still, THERE’S ONLY 122 DAYS LEFT! ACK!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A new love…
Now that I have a Blackberry I’m discovering all the neat little things you can do with it. Surfing the web on a whim is great, the full keyboard rocks for an obsessive texter like me, but the best thing by far is Pandora. It’s a radio station program. You type in an artist you like, say, like Huey Lewis (hush, I love him) and it plays that artist as well as artists like it. It’s awesome.
Right now I’m listening to a classic country mix (hush, I like country, too). I got it by typing in Roger Miller. I’m in love with Pandora. How did I live without it before this?
It’s the best thing since sliced bread.
Monday, May 04, 2009
I’ve been eyeing it for so long…
I know I’m a big geek, but I just started my wedding registry and the first item I put on it was a Kitchen Aid Mixer.
For years I’ve been telling my mom that the only way you can get one of these is to get married. It’s not true of course, but it seems that’s where most of my friends have gotten theirs. So now, it’s sittng on my registry. I’m so excited. Who knows if I’ll get it, but it’s just nice to see a dream come true. (Marry Jeff is the dream of course, not getting the mixer. LOL!!)
In other news, we started meeting with the Paster Bill to get ready and plan the ceremony and my mom reports the shower invites are coming along. She and the wedding party are making them from scratch. It’s crazy but I know it’ll be nice.
I still need tents and tables (eh hem, Uncle Bill) and we need to meet with the DJ to talk about the reception. I also need to get handle on the flowers and I need to find ties for all the big boys. The little boys have their bow ties on order.
It’s coming along! 145 days to go!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Here you go Dayna - good luck!
Monday, April 27, 2009
We got the cake Mr. Frank….
Anyone else remember that from Father of the Bride? Martin Short played the wedding planner with a weird accent? His cake and Frank sounded like cock and Frock? “You need a cock Mr. Frock.“
Anyway… we have a cake! My mom and I stopped into a bakery I grew up on. I remember my grandmother bringing my sister and I there as kids. “We need to go uptown” she’d say. And we’d stop at the bakery and she’d get bread or hard rolls. I remember the smell of the cookies. I also remember she’d either buy us a cookie or the owner would give us one. I hadn’t been in there in years. But as soon as I stepped in, the smell of cookies brought me back to being 10 years old, being uptown with Papa’s wife. (We had so many grandmothers, this is how we told them apart.“
The baker is the third generation in ths business. My great-grandmother used to bring my grandfather there growing up. And my parents got their wedding cake there. So it’s only fitting that they are doing ours. It’s going to be carrot and it’s going to feature our kissing pugs on top. Jeff bought me the set, it’s a princess pug kissing her knight pug, the same day he bought my claddagh engagement ring. So it’s perfect for our big day.
We’ll discuss the decorating when the wedding gets closer, but we have some ideas in mind.
Phew! The cake is done, now I just have to find tents, tables, chairs and linens for the reception. I have a quote on that and my uncle is getting one, too. I also have to figure out where Jeff and I are taking our “mini moon.“ We’re taking a three-day honeymoon now and a bigger one in the spring. I’m thinking Maine may be a good getaway for us.
Things are moving along! Only 152 more days to go!
Family and Friends • Jeff • Wedding Planning • (1) Comments • Permalink
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Chapter seven…whatever!
He loves to table surf and remembers when there are wrappers or things he shouldn’t get into on the nightstand or the end table by Jeff’s chair. He’s eaten two cell phones in the past and other things.
Last night I left my glasses on the nightstand before we went out for my dad’s birthday (yes, I know, chapter seven, stop blaming the dog). I came home and they were on the end of the bed. The ends had been chewed. I KNOW it wasn’t Duke as he fancies surfing for bones we’ve taken away and his meal of choice is books (ironicially he chewed part of “Marley and Me”). Duke has also taken a liking to my Crocs and he had one of my jibbits in his mouth yesterday. Sigh….
So now the ends of my glasses are chewed. I’m going to give my friend a call and see if her dad, who owns and eye glass place, can fix them. Murphy is so lucky he’s cute!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Feeling good…
It’s been busy these last few weeks with wedding planning, running around, and the like, and this weekend I had a chance to slow down. I did some shopping with my mom (she found her dress for the wedding!), cleaned my rug with some new awesome spot cleaner, and most importantly, I had some quality time with my boy.
Things have been busy and when it’s like that, he and I barely have time for each other. We didn’t have his daughter this weekend so instead, he called me on Sat. while he was at work and said he wanted to go to the movies. Date night!!! So we caught a movie (Observe and Report) and then finished the Gangs of New York at home. And it was nice to just have us time. Jeff held my hand in the movie (that still makes me swoon!) and smiled at me from across the living room at home.
Before our movie at home, we took the boys to the park to let them run around. I did some tricks with Murphy and Duke and I worked on his “stay.“ He starts his first class in a few weeks so I’m warming him up. Jeff laughed as Murphy and Duke “pugtona-ed” around the field, enjoying the cool dusk weather. It’s definitely perfect pug temps!
Sunday Jeff went in for noon so I skipped church and he and I slept in. It was so needed for both of us.
I feel like we’re recharged and ready to plug ahead. Wedding plans are coming along and we’re excited about the big day. And while work looks like it’s going to be crazy, I know I’ll get through it because at the end of the day, I get to come home to my man.
Family and Friends • Jeff • Wedding Planning • (0) Comments • Permalink
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Murphy still needs your help!
Update: Murphy is now ranked: 9 of 257!! He was at 23 this morning! THANK YOU! Keep the votes coming!
If you sign back into the site and give the top 30 or so dogs (or more if you feel adventurous – or have a lot of time on your hands) a one paw rating, his score can greatly improve.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Could it be my gall bladder?
So ever since Friday, I’ve been waking up with these awful stomach pains. And I did have a small bout of acid reflux.
So I called my mom’s GI guy and got an appointment for May 8. In the meantime, I called my PCP to tell them I had referred myself. I mentioned the stomach ache and the nurse said I needed to see the doctor.
Today I went and saw the APRN, who used to work for the GI guy I’m going to. I explained my pain. It’s at the base of my ribs, more to the right. And sometimes the pain goes to my back. At night on several occasions, I’ve gotten really bad stomach pains that have made me nearly cry out. I get up, collect my pillow and head to the couch because I need air. This usually happens around 3 and by 5 I go back to bed. Since Friday this has happened several times and even before the frequency of these pains, it’s happened on and off in the past.
So a few friends tell me their experiences and mention it was their gall bladder. So the APRN examines me and tells me she wants to get an ultra sound on my gall bladder. Umm, ok. “Do you have a history of gall bladder problems in your family?“ Yes, both my mom and grandmother had them out. “Have you lost any weight recently?“ Yes, but I gained it all back. She’s concerned. She says a gall bladder is nothing to mess around with.
So Friday at 8 a.m. on my day off I’m going to get a ultra sound. why not, I’ve almost met my deductible. (I had a mammogram and a biopsy early in the year. No worries, no cancer, just lumpy boobs. LOL)
I also still have to see the GI, who will be sure to order and endoscopy. She asks if I’m worried. “Nope, as long as you give me good drugs, do what you need to.“
Oh, and by the ways, I’m due for a physical. Ugg…. ok, see you in June for that.
So, keep your fingers crossed that it’s not my gall bladder. But I would like to know what this pain is. It’s rather annoying, especially after I’ve eaten.