{ Life } Bridal Nightmares

The wedding nightmares are starting again, now that we are just over four months out. Last nights was... epic.

I was at the ceremony with my family. They seated everyone inside, even though it was bright and sunny out. Instead of waiting, they served dinner immediately, but it wasn't anything we had asked to be on our menu. I looked down and realized I was in my wedding dress with no make up and my hair not done. The DJ started playing the reception music and the ceremony hadn't even happened. No one could find the site coordinator. The hall was over crowded. The cake wasn't there, the guys suits were all different. None of the bridesmaids were there. The photographer never showed up. It was like the whole thing was backwards. Reception, then ceremony... and all the details were wrong. Most of all... Carl wasn't there.

My mom did her best to keep me calm, but I was in a full crying meltdown.

Ugh. I don't know if I can handle this... I guess I just need to get my act together and get back to planning. My list is getting far too long and all I want to do is crawl under a rock.

{ Life } Me Vs. Facebook

In this day in age, the quickest way to announce your engagement is on none other than Facebook. The excitement after receiving the ring and accepting the proposal is followed by the elation of changing your Facebook relationship status to ‘engaged’.

Unless Facebook decides to ruin the fun for you.

Now yes, I know it is a silly thing in the grand scheme of things… But Facebook and I are still going through a rough patch after it ‘ruined’ my engagement announcement.

Ruined might not be the right word… but it did certainly disappoint.

The story goes like this: Carl and I arrived home and after celebration with my parents and excited texts and phone calls to family, I was thrilled to change our relationship status. A silly thing the social media world has deemed as a golden star to give out to those who care.

I log into Facebook right before bed, hoping that the late night post would yield some fun comment reading in the morning. Low and behold, my email inbox is FLOODED when I wake up. Excited to see the happiness and congratulations from my friends and loved ones, I look at my Facebook page and… what’s this?

There are five comments.

Now, if I didn’t have my message email notification turned on at the time, I might have thought something was wrong. Were my friends and family not excited for me? But, no – My inbox was flooded with the notices from Facebook about my friends congratulating me/us. But where were they on my profile?...

Apparently on the night I got engaged, Facebook was updating their servers and the majority of these comments got lost in the eternal server crash black hole…

Is it silly of me to begrudge Facebook for this? Yes, it is… But I would be lying if I said that it wasn’t incredibly disappointing. I even had people ask me why more people hadn’t commented on out engagement. All I could say was “they did, you just can’t see it”.

I asked Facebook about this, and their only response was “they might appear again over time… but if not, there isn’t anything we can do”.

><; Mer. Double mer.

And if you’re wondering? They never reappeared. To this day I’m still a little bitter about the whole situation.

When Carl moved here, I knew it was because we would be spending the rest of our lives together, so I had imagined posting our engagement on Facebook – the fact that this happened saddened me, but you know… you’ve got to get over it. In the grand scheme of things this was a minor glitch.

On the path to planning a wedding, there would be MANY minor glitches… and I guess I can just consider this a little pre-planning glitch training!

Did anything go not quite as you had planned in your daydreams about your engagement day?

{ Life } Thanksgiving

It’s a few days after Thanksgiving and I’m in a mood to reflect. This year, our family joined with my brother’s girlfriend’s family to have a big, warm meal together. The food was delicious and the company was entertaining. It couldn’t have been a nicer Thanksgiving day.

During dinner, my brother’s girlfriend asked us all to say what we were thankful for. This was something I thought that people only did in the movies, so immediately I panicked. I don’t do public speaking! What was she, crazy!?

Thankfully, I was the last to go and I had plenty of time to think. I decided to just say what I felt… and I almost got myself choked up.

This year, and every year… I am thankful for the love and support of my family. I know I can be a brat, moody, selfish, and even lazy… But they love me nonetheless. My family has been there for me when I didn’t deserve it and has stood by me in support no matter what. We aren’t the perfect family, but we are a darn good one. I’m so spoiled to have been raised by such kind, caring people.

I’m also thankful for Carl, naturally. This has been a whirlwind year and he’s been with me through it all. Even cranky nights (ugh, notice a pattern? I guess I’m a cranky pants!) after long days at work. I’m so thrilled to be marrying him, and planning our wedding together will continue to be a wonderful thing. He loves me, and I know it, despite my bad days and bad moods. He loves ME… and it feels good. Carl has a way of always making sure I know I’m special to him, even if I’m pissing him off (aah! Pattern!)

I want to be sure to be the same for him, because he means the world to me. Without him and without my family, I would be miserable. And probably cranky all the time, rather than some of the time!

I’m thankful for my friends, my job, and the roof over my head… I have a great life.

What are you thankful for?

{ Life } Long Distance In-Laws

One of the first things that I realized in Carl in my relationship was that our families would never be close. Not emotionally close, location! The long distance between his home and mine means that my dreams of both sets of grandparents being active in my future children's lives were going to be a lot tougher than I though. Then again, I never thought I would fall in love with a New Yorker!

I always imagined being close to my in-laws. I pictured spending time with them and bringing over the kids. I imagined his parent and mine being friends and spending time together... Maybe my life growing up in such a wonderfully close family sort of ruined me for realistically picturing the future.

It pains me to know that Carl's family is so far away. It makes me worry about the future. How will we do holidays? How often will we visit? What about when we have kids?

The first time I met Carl's parents, I was so excited. We clicked. It was so easy, so quickly. Not only did we get along, but we got along great. Swimmingly, if you will. I feel comfortable with them and enjoy talking about everything from life to Little Debbie snack cakes. There is always a little sadness in the back of my mind knowing the distance will make growing closer to them hard.

Are you close to your future in-laws? How do you stay in touch with them and grow your relationship?

{ Life } Halloween

Halloween is my favorite holiday. I love decorating up the house and planning out my costume. For the last five years (I think!), my brother and I have thrown a Halloween party for our friends that are the highlight of my fall. I always look forward to Halloween baking, cooking, and playing dress up. This year was no different! I was especially excited for Halloween this year -- Last year Carl and I were driving across the country to start our new life together on the 31st! While I was sad to miss the celebrations, I was celebrating my own new favorite holiday -- the anniversary of Carl making the huge leap to move from New York to Minnesota. Halloween just got a little more special! Here are a few of the costumes from the parties over the years I've worn. You'll notice the pirate seems to come out whenever I just feel like wearing a costume! It's my fall back costume for everything!

2006 The first year of the pirate with my college 'roommates' - We all lived in singles, but pretty much together :)

 

2007, the pirate returns for a Halloween comedy club appearance

  

2007, my actual costume for the Halloween party -- Hermione Granger

2008, my dark literature side comes out -- I was Alex DeLarge from a Clockwork Orange

 

 2009, I was originally trying to be Penny from Dr. Horrible's Sing a Long Blog, but ended up being Snow White

2011, the pirate comes out for the Halloween party at work... 

But then I switched into my actual costume for the year -- Kaylee from Firefly.

Carl and me -- Jayne Cobb and Kaylee Frye (my first costume of the night)

Then I became a black cat...

And finally a blue wig because... why not? It's Halloween!

I morphed a lot last night, but it was a great party. I'm already thinking about a costume for next year... Perhaps a Raptor pilot from Battlestar Galactica? If so, I better start on the costume now...

Happy Halloween everyone!

{ Life } SQUEEEEEEE!!!

So, normally I have a pretty structured plan as to what and when I am going to post each week. Sometimes little things throw my train off the thought track... But sometimes...

A kinda big thing does.

Kinda. Maybe. Sort of...

Chrissy (MOH) emailed me this afternoon. She had been scrolling through Wedding Bee (my wedding addiction) and happened to notice something. That something was this:

 Image Source / Screen shot from Wedding Bee

Know what that is?? It's me! And Carl!! It's my bio on Wedding Bee, and it was featured as the Bio of the Week! How cool is that? I feel like the little kid whose teacher just gave her a gold star and a cookie.I had been working on updating it to make it shiny... and the work paid off! I even got a special blog badge for being featured. Seriously... I say to thee once again - how cool is that?!

When I left this morning, it wasn't there... this afternoon, I just skimmed my Google Reader feed and I must have just missed it. I checked the time that it was posted and it must have been put up somewhere between my morning website check and my lunchtime newsfeed catch up! I'm so glad Chrissy emailed me!

So now, I intend to have a celebratory beer and relax all night with some Big Bang Theory and snuggles with Carl.

{ Life } Tan Lines and E-Pics

I currently have tan lines that battle some of the epic fail modeled below:

Image Source / Blogger

Thanks to an outdoor Twins game I went to,  I think I am closest to "tennis". It's all funny and cute until you realize we want to do our engagement pictures next week. What am I supposed to do?

I thought about a tanning bed, but held it as a last resort. I thought about tanning outside everyday, but in typical Minnesota weather fashion, we went from 90 degrees to 45 degrees in a day. So what am I trying?

Everything I read in my panic search for "fix my awful tan QUICK!" said Jergen's Natural Glow lotion. It slowly gives your skin color like a rub in tanner without turning out orange or being super fake looking. I have to say... In three days, it has made a difference. I'm hoping that by next weekend, I can proudly say I won't have to beg our photographer, Kate, to Photoshop my skin into one uniform color.

Here's hoping!! I'll keep you posted as the results develop!

Did any last minute glitches hold up your engagement shoot plans? How did you overcome them?

{ Life } Turning 27

Somehow, I really forgot about my birthday this year. I even said 'I forgot until someone told me what day it was that my birthday was tomorrow'... and still, when Carl gave me a big "Happy Birthday!" this morning, I was confused. I thought 'it's not... it is!'

How did I forget? Maybe between the wedding plans and a huge project at work, I've just sort of lost track of time. It's not usual for me to forget my birthday. I've looked forward to it every year. I like waking up on my birthday morning and feeling... special. Today, I was born. Some birthdays over the years:

My 16th birthday, where Chrissy, my best friend and now MOH, made me a sash, had all my friends sign it, and had me carry around a coconut all day in class. I think I got the chocolate and whipped cream from someone else...

On my 18th birthday (and I don't have photos for some reason), my friends surprised me in first period with a brownie with a candle in it, and they sang to me. It was really nice, even though I hate public displays!

 My 21st birthday, and first legal beer at Meister's

 My 22nd birthday, away at college. My two 'roomies' decorated my door for me.

We are skipping my 23rd birthday, in which my now ex broke up with me and made me move out of our apartment. You can see why.

 My 24th birthday with my friend Morgan, where we had a joint party (we are only a few days apart) with all our friends in my parent's garage

 I also caught a fish on my 24th birthday. It was my birthday fish.

 My 25th birthday, celebrated at the Bulldog. We all did a shot at midnight.

And my 26th birthday... Where Carl flew out, met my parents, and this whole crazy ride really got started. I also got a fishing pole, haha.

And now, my 27th birthday... My last birthday as a single woman. I realized that next year, I will be turning 28 as a newlywed. How exciting it that? But until then, I think I will celebrate with some great German food tonight with my family, and then go out for tacos and pitchers of margaritas with my friends on Friday to celebrate turning yet another year older.

Here's to a great birthday.

{ Life } Minnesota State Fair

The Great Minnesota Get Together is done and gone for another year... and somehow I forgot to blog about Carl's first visit to the second largest state fair in the US.

When I first visited Carl in New York, he brought me to the Scoharie County Sunshine Fair. We saw bunnies and drank slushies and I had my first cheese-steak. I couldn't help but mention how this fair was about a tenth the size of my hometown fair... I jokingly called their county fair 'quaint'. I mean c'mon... there was a tractor pull (which we laughed at so hard we cried).

Naturally, I have been anxious to take Carl to the Minnesota State Fair ever since. I have gone at least once every year since I can remember. Sometimes two and three times. I take this fair thing seriously! And why not? There are farm babies! Concerts! All the food you could want... on a stick! Butter sculptures!

So the day came and I brought Carl to the Minnesota State Fair. We ate, we saw animals, we walked and walked and walked... And here are some photos to show off some of the highlights. It's about to get pic-heavy up in here!

Carl & I enjoying cheese curds

1/3lb slab of bacon on a stick? Heck yes!

 Chipotle Orange sauce for the Big Fat Bacon... *drool*

 MinneApple Pie with cinnamon ice cream... YUM

 My favorite... Australian Battered Potatoes

 Why not?...

 Puffy aplaca!

 This is how to do cheese curds! Mmm... deep fried cheese...

 Cake contests winners. Check out the knitting cake... and the burger and fries cake next to it!

 Who doesn't?

Tired of walking? Take the sky ride!

I already can't wait til next year! Where else can I get my deep-fried cookie dough? My frickles (fried pickles)? My Scotch eggs on a stick... and all the useless crap you have to have but will never use... Like the bubble gun or a giant stuffed animal won on the Mighty Midway? Where else can I ride the giant slide?

Do you have a county or state fair you love to go to? What are your favorite parts?

{ Life } Don Williams

I was raised on classic country music. Charlie Pride, Willie Nelson, Tom T. Hall... those are my guys. Last night, the folks and I went to the Don Williams concert... man that man can sing. That deep raspy voice... those simple, classic lyrics... that's REAL country!

{ Life } Where We Are

{ Life } I Love This Town

The Twins might be behind by 16 games... But I love any time I get to spend at Target Field. My brother and our friend Paul went to a game on Monday against Baltimore... and even though it was a huge loss, the night was perfect and you just can't beat the view...

{ Life } Glamorama

One of the great benefits of working where I do is the yearly Glamorama fashion show and party put on by Macy’s. The non-profit I work with is the lucky beneficiary for this event, and I always look forward to the show.

It’s fashion! It’s music! It’s a wild and crazy post-party!

I’m no fashionista, but I do enjoy seeing the crazy new fashions. Some of the premiers for fall lines came from Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Papi, Tracy Reese and more. There is always a men’s underwear line that gets the ladies hooting. One year there was even men’s swimsuits and an onstage waterfall… Can you imagine the reaction to glistening men in only their little swimsuits? It was all over the news the next day!

There is always music to go along with the show. A mini concert is put on by a talent which acts as a break-up of the fashion show and a show closer. We’ve seen Eric Hutchinson and Macy Gray… We saw Cyndi Lauper and M.C. Hammer… This year was pretty great, though. The first act was Far East Movement, and our show headliner…

Bruno Mars! He’s adorable, sings like an angel, and has amazing fashion sense. A fabulous pick for the theme “Artrageous” this year!

Afterwards, there is a rooftop party at Macy’s in downtown. This party is epic. We were surrounded by four amazing catered food stations (Breakfast, panini’s, Americana, and sushi!) an crème brule station, and a candy buffet by See’s Candy. How can you go wrong?

The Patron photo booth is always a favorite spot!

This year, I continued onw yearly tradition: losing an earring. Oh well! Thank goodness they were only $5.00 from Target!

Carl and I had a great time getting out and having a memorable date night at Glamorama. Good people, great food, fun times... and all for an amazing cause!

Whats sorts of crazy date nights have you had leading up to your wedding day?

{ Life } Warrior Dash

This weekend, Carl and I took on the Warrior Dash at Afton Alps.

What is the Warrior Dash, you might ask? Their website describes it as:

...the ultimate event for thrill-seeking athletes. This 5k race is held on the most demanding and unique terrain from around the world. Participants will take on intense obstacles, and celebrate their feat with music, beer, and muddy shorts! The Craziest Frickin' Day Of Your Life!

Having never run... ever, this was going to be a crazy day for me. Carl did a great job of motivating me for the four months before the run. He encouraged me at the gym, he inspired me to push harder... And I was running an 11 minute mile by the day of the event!]

Unfortunately, the Warrior Dash started out straight up a hill. NO THANK YOU. That set the tone for a walk-jog for me the rest of the way. Just as I was ready to run again, there was another hill or another obstacle. Thankfully, I met a lovely lady who kept me company on our walk-jog.

Carl wanted to hang back with me to encourage me and make sure I was okay at first. After we stood and watched the finish line for awhile and watched all the people do the plunge, fire jump and mud crawl, he was too excited. While the idea of running the whole course together was fun and enticing, I didn't want to hold him back, so I was glad to hear he was going to give it his all and run ahead. I think I would have killed myself trying to speed up for him.

Along the way, I ran in to a man and woman who were really encouraging each other. She even used his shirt to wipe her sweaty face! I smiled and said 'now THAT'S a good friend!', and with a big smile, he replied 'no, that's 31 years of a great marriage.' That was really sweet... and as I jogged by I said 'that's exactly what I'm shooting for!'

The end of the race felt soooo good. I couldn't wait to get into the cold mud pit and crawl my way to the finish. Other than getting mud in my eye, it was awesome! Carl spotted me and yelled my name. He had a huge smile on his face and seeing him made me super excited to move faster so I could give him a big, muddy hug.

A turkey leg and a beer later, we were ready to head home. Carl ran the course in 43 minutes. I managed to get out of there in an hour and three minutes... I was hoping for under an hour. Oh well! Motivation for next year!

It was a great way to spend a Sunday together. We relaxed all night at home with delicious fish tacos and Food Network. These are the best days, ever.