The Writer's Right

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

One year ago today . . .

Is when it all happened.

I remember that date like it was yesterday! Happy anniversary honey! I LOVE YOU!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Finding the dress….

I survived wedding dress shopping and discovered ballgown is NOT for me. I looked like a big creamy cupcake and the dress so so heavy I felt like I was carrying lead in the hem! I found a gorgeous dress of which I can’t describe because Jeff reads my blog. But it’s classy and simple and not at all what I pictured myself wearing (or Heather as she had to try it on for me since she’s smaller and we wanted a real idea of what it would look like instead of me stuffed in and and looking visibly stressed. But it was beautiful and so nice. But it’s way out of my price range. I just can’t fathom paying that much. But, at least I know I want this style and not all the poofy satin.

Remember that scene in Sex and the City when she was getting into the limo “It’s like stuffing a cream puff into a keyhole.“? Yes, I love that show and now all wedding will reference to it. I even asked the woman at the salon if she had a bird I could put in my hair like Carrie. I wasn’t serious, but I think she thought I was. I got an odd look. And the girl helping out, a high schooler, gave me a blank stare. Kids today!

Come on Sex and the City fans, you know that scene:

“I but a bird on my head for him!“

“That was a bird? I thought it was feathers.“

“No, it was a bird.“

“Oh… it was nice.“

“Thanks.“

Hee hee… Liann, help me out here.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Wedding planning

So now that Jeff and I have officially started planning our wedding, I’ve decided to give it it’s own category (thanks Mike for adding it).

I have a binder organized with check lists, vendors, dates, budget sheets, etc. My mom was quite impressed with my system. She then mentioned I ought ot organize my personal budget that way but I digress.

My goal is to keep things tight and not spend money on silly things. I’m realistic about it all. I have a limited budget and really, I think it’s about getting the ones we love together to celebrate our union, not about facny ice sculptures and $10,000 wedding dresses. I want it to be meaningful.

With that said, we’ve talked to our Reverend, interviewed some banquet halls and I’m ready to set a date. I have a date in September 2009 in mind, but I have to make sure it matches up with both the church and the hall. So, that may be a challenge. If we can’t get the September date, or any, we’ll move it to November. October will be completely avoided. (His first marriage was in October and for once I’m going to be petty and demand to have my own month. I want it to be special.)

Tomorrow my mom and my friend Heather and I are going to look for wedding dresses. I have an appointment at just one bridal salon. I’m sure I was supposed to have picked out a good bra or foundation wear in preparation for trying dresses on, but I haven’t. I’m winging it. I’m only going to look, but I am going with an open mind. The salon I have an appointment with has samples in plus sizes so I’ll be able to see what the styles look like on me. A lot of salons just carry size eight in samples and I’m not sure I could get a size eight over my right thigh. I’d be worse than bathing suit shopping to put myself through that.

So, like I said, I’m going with an open mind. I do have a designer in mind (yup, it’s in my binder) and I know a place an hour away in Massachusetts carries it, but I’d like to see what this place offers. I do know I want sleeves on my dress (chubby arms need not be exposed except on the beach) and I don’t want it low cut. I’d like a modest dress. I read an article in the Times that said it’s a new trend. Who knew I was so with the times, for once.

So wish me luck as I start this journey of wedding planning!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

&*%$ it’s cold!

Yes, I know, I should be used to it. I’ve lived in New England all my life and at the end of every fall it gets cold. I guess the mild weather spoiled me. But it’s cold today. And even sitting here in the office I have sweater on. (Thankfully I left a cardigan here because all I wore was a long-sleeved tee-shirt.) This morning I dug out my short wool coat, a scarf and I bought some gloves at Target last night.

But I hate the cold. It’s miserable. And now the pugs are not pleased. Getting leashes on them is hard enough in the morning as Duke dances around playing the “catch me if you can, sucka” game. I know I can’t let him out without another layer. He’s “muscle and blood” as Cella says and he’s got barely any fat on him to keep him warm. Murphy on the other hand has a good layer. LOL (It’s ok smoosh, momma is the same.)

There was rumors of snow flurries last night. Nothing came. But it was 30 degrees. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…. I’m just not ready for it.

But I am ready to put my tree up. I’ve decided that next weekend Cella and I will put it up and decorate it. Perhaps I need to tell Jeff of this plan. Eh, he’s been playing Christmas music off and on for a month now. He’ll dig it.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Thanks Mike…

At least my blog looks presentable again. I’m happy to beg, bribe and plead with Paul to get things all prettied up. But as I’m not the geek Mike is, it looks ok to me and at least it’s functioning.

And Mike, after the last upgrade, this problem is nothing. (Thank you for the upgrade!!!!)

Monday, November 17, 2008

Patched Together

This is Mike again, posting on Sam’s blog.

I’ve managed to hack her site back together, but under the covers its pretty ugly. Somewhere in the upgrade from Expression Engine 1.6.0 to 1.6.6, her templates got pretty messed up. We’re might have to have to bribe Paul to do a real repair job.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Upgrade in Progress

This is Mike working on Sam’s blog. I’ve upgraded her to Expression Engine Core 1.6.6, and the actual EE software appears to be working well. However, the templates did something in the upgrade, and I need to call in a higher power.

We’ll get it fixed, Sam. We always do.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Hello from DC!

I’ve been here in DC for work. I did some open enrollment meetings. I also got to see some of the city. I went to the Holocaust Museum yesterday. It was fascinating but a bit depressing. But I do want to go back when I have more time.

I ate at a lovely Irish pub in town called Murphy’s while I was in VA. Good beef stew and awesome Murphy’s Irish Stout. I resisted buying a Murphy’s tee-shirt. Next time perhaps.

Today my friend Michael picked me up after my last meeting, and we’re hanging out. I got to see his lovely girl, Mille (you should all be pea-green with envy because she’s the queen of all pugs), and Michael and I just came from a great night out. He’s a gracious host and it’s wonderful to see him again.

Tomorrow I head further south to see my friend Ginger, along with her pug Jackson and pug mix Sammy. My pug friends are so are generous and wonderful for letting me crash and visit.

On another note, I do miss my Jeff and my boys terribly. Jeff said Murphy was a little mopey for a few days when I left. (Duke doesn’t care apparently, but it’s ok because I knew he was a Daddy’s boy!) I’ve talked to Jeff like three times a day since I’ve been in DC, and that doesn’t count all the texts I’ve sent back and forth. While I’m enjoying my time here, I really can’t wait to be back in his arms. I had a comfy bed in the hotel but I just couldn’t get a good night sleep. I can’t wait till I’m by his side, cuddling and drifting off to sleep. I know, I sound pathetic. I can’t help it though - I’m in LOVE!!!

I love you Jeff and I can’t wait to jump (gingerly of course) into your arms at the airport. LOVE YOU!

Just had to brag about my PV travels!

Saturday, November 08, 2008

Getting ready for the holidays…

Oh yes, I’ve started it already. Jeff and I have a few presents tucked away and now I have plans to do a scrapbook with a few girls from my scrapbook board. It’s a book of the 25 days of Christmas. Today I am going to my mom’s to finish a present for Jeff’s mom and then start on the book.

But first I plan on heading over to the used book store. I want to find an old children’s Christmas book and use it for the cover and back cover with some alterations. I was inspired to do this by a girl on my board who is ripping apart an old encyclopedia and altering it. I am so excited about this project. Another friend is using wrapping paper for some of the pages. Fabulous idea! How many times have you seen really cute paper and thought what a shame it is to wrap the gift and just have it thrown out. I’ve been know to save paper with no ideas of what to do with it. Now I know what to do with it!!!!

I’ve gotten so many wonderful ideas from these creative ladies. I can’t wait to start it!

Friday, November 07, 2008

Who knew this day would ever come….

. .  but it’s true, I’m engaged! We’re planning a fall wedding for next year.

Can you believe it? Woo-Hoo!

And before you all ask for pictures, there is no rock. From as far back as I can remember I’ve never wanted one. I like to be different and frankly, the diamond industry is really corrupt. So, I have a simple silver claddagh on my hand that I just love to pieces since it’s from my Irish boy. But we do plan to pick out some nice Celtic bands.

I’m getting married!

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Today is the day . . .

To quote Gen. Eisenhower on the eve of the allied invasion of Europe:

“ I am about to embark on the great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months.“

Good luck!

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

In other presidential news….

I was elected president of our condo association. And the first item on my agenda is to not let our management company schedule meetings on election day! Idiots!

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

It’s a busy day!

It’s election day! And I hear there are lines at the polls. That’s ok, because that means I have time to decide who to vote for. Yup, I still have NO IDEA!

And it’s also a happy day because it’s Justin’s SIXTH birthday. I had the pleasure of chatting with this handsome guy on the phone with morning, and I got the low-down on his presents. He was talking so fast all I really heard was “Webkins.“ But hey, that’s not bad!

I can’t believe he’s six! I remember when Jenn called to tell me shew as in labor. And, no Jenn, I will not let you forget that I changed his diaper in the hospital because you had no idea how to! But after that, you were off and running as the best mom. I remember before the race for the cure one year you had him in one hand, you were buttering a bagel and gossiping with us. I had to hand Justin over to you because I just can’t multi-task like that!  You’re an amazing mom!

And finally, last but not least, today Jeff sent me that first fateful message on my personal ad one year ago today. And like I’ve said before, I was dating that ass-clown at the time and almost didn’t answer.

But how can you resist a guy that acknowledges your pugs in the picture (it was Reggie and Murphy at the pumpkin patch) and tells you that while pugs aren’t his top dog, they are in his top 5? There was something about this comment that made me keep coming back to read it until I decided, “What the hell! It can’t hurt to talk to him over this ad.“ The rest, shall we say, is history!

Love you Batman!

Monday, November 03, 2008

Drinking a Sam Adam’s

I’m sitting here, at 20 of 7, on a Monday night, drinking a Sam. Yup, my Monday is THAT bad. Nah, it’s not bad. I’m just a sensitive soul. It’s been a rough day. I’m on a new “team” at work, I’m having some other issues and well, winter is fast approaching. I’ve never been one a person who gets affected by the seasons, but it’s a little sad to see the pretty leaves falling.

But this isn’t going to be one of those sappy blogs about falling leaves and how that is a parallel to life. Because my life is pretty good. Sure, I have some bumps along the way, but when you look at the BIG PICTURE, it’s pretty good.

But life is life and it happens. So I must offer up a good word for my friend Myla in Canada. She’s in the hospital. I won’t go into detail, but it’s scary. She’s one of my best friends, and we’re thousands of miles away and all I can do is pray for her. So if you could offer a kind thought, please do. She’s been with me on the other end of the phone when I’ve needed her most. And knowing that she’s so sick scares me.

Monday, October 20, 2008

I love this picture, too…

My friend Paul took this picture, too. I think it’s kind of neat!