Eyes Open, Feet First

Moving is hard, yo

2011-02-09T05:47:00.000-08:00

Packing up 6 years of life, 3 floors of apartment space, 2 nervous but snuggly kitties and a huge bucket full of sentimental memories is hard work.

We've said good-bye to my family. My 7 year old niece wouldn't stop with the hugs and made us promise we'll skype. My 71 year old aunt can't hear too much about the details of our new beachside cottage without getting teary-eyed.

We've said good-bye to our friends. Tons showed up to say "see you later" and make promises that they're already planning their left coast vacations. All insisting we stay with them when we come home to visit.

The Pod is 24 hours away from being picked up and beginning its journey across the 2,800 miles. Though strategically selecting what we will be taking and not taking, as well as what we need immediately and what we don't has been challenging.

There are still way too many items in our apartment that need a home .... or a dump, before we can drive off into the sunset on Sunday morning.

But through all of this - I've got Marrv by my side, and watching us go through all of this change, stress, emotionally exhausting good-byes but still coming out with smiles and smooches for one another at the end of the night and first thing in the morning brings me so much joy. We're going to make it through this, we're both excited for what's ahead of us and we're both realizing how strong our relationship and partnership is - going to be a rather amazing journey.

Oh yes...

2011-02-01T06:11:00.000-08:00

We got our photos back and they are ah-ma-zing. Our photographer (my dear friend Summer Gibbs) captured every single moment of joy, laughter and love throughout the day. Just looking at them, we instantly feel like we're right back in the middle of it - and that's a very good thing. I couldn't be happier. Now...to get to the recaps, and work on the photo albums (how do you possibly pick 100 photos out of 800 stunning shots!?) --- all while packing up and organizing for a cross-country move? We'll get there...we always do.

In the mean time though, I have to share a few.

And the delay drags on

2011-01-25T11:56:00.000-08:00

So remember how I was all "I'm totally recapping but need some time to just breathe and relax"? Yeah, well instead of time to breathe and relax, Marrv and I have decided let's just make this newlywed time as manic as possible by up and moving. Across the country.

Big news to share. In just four weeks from now, Marrv and I are going to bundle up our little kitties in our new car (new used car that is. and that we haven't purchased yet) and drive from our comfortable life in Philadelphia to start a new adventure in a new apartment (yet to be obtained) with two new jobs (these we DO have) in San Diego, CA.

So much is still up in the air - we only just accepted the positions this past weekend. What we do know is that we're leaving the ice scrapers and winter jackets (well we'll take one...you know for when we CHOOSE to find snow in the mountains somewhere) behind.

I'm sure by the time I'm back on here regularly anyone who ever listened/read my rambling posts before will be gone but I do promise to be back. And lord knows I think I just gave myself A LOT to write about on the other side of the whole wedding thing!

Keep our sanity (and bank accounts) in your prayers!

A New Chapter

2011-01-13T12:15:00.000-08:00

Sure, most would say that committing out loud in front of family and friends to love, honor, and cherish one another til death do us part is a pretty big "new life chapter" signal. And I do agree. But you know what really brought it home for me? Filling out a little form called SS-5: "Application for a Social Security Card". ie. changing my last name.

I've spent a great deal of time over the past year thinking about this issue. And I went back and forth on what I thought I wanted to do several times. On the one hand, I felt so tied to my birth name - more specifically, the feeling it gave me of connection to my birth family. With both my parents deceased, there was a part of me that felt keeping my name would keep me tied to them. Plus, throw on top of that the feminist argument raging around in my head asking "why does the woman have to make the change?" I don't think I really need to go into too much detail here on that argument, because I'm pretty certain anyone reading this blog has had a similar debate at one point or another and are familiar with where I'd go with that one...

Then of course there's the whole hyphen two name solution. This was actually Andrew's favored solution. But even for as much as we kept coming back to it - it just didn't feel right to me. And when he pressed me to explain why I didn't want to have both, when that seemed the perfect solution to all my wavering...I simply knew that this was one of those "wedding/marriage" aspects that I fell into the traditionalist category.

And that really shocked me. And it still does. I officially changed it and am now known to the US Government (and my work) as Mrs. Marrvelous. And yet, it is still so incredibly strange to me. Seeing my new name on my work email makes me do a double take. I tried to tag a photo on Facebook and typed in my maiden name and when "I" didn't pop up anymore wondered "What the hell! where am I!?" until it dawned on me, oh yeah - that name no longer exists. And all of those tiny moments of confusion continue to hit me with the enormity of this change (at least for me) and each time I'm left wondering again, so why did I change it?

Now after breaking down and telling you how I got teary eyed filling out the social security application...I do want to say that for every moment of sadness I feel when it dawns on me that the old name is out, I have ten moments of happiness thinking about creating this new family with Mr. Marrv. I know my brothers and sister are still just that...whether we share a last name or not. And I love the connection I now have with my parents in law.

So for those of you who have gone this path before me, it becomes more comfortable, right? And am I the only one who instantly feels 10 years older being called a "mrs"?

Settling In

2011-01-07T06:35:00.001-08:00

So even by my on and off blogging standards, I've been awfully quiet the last few weeks. Following the wedding weekend we were off to Florida for the holidays with family. And then when we returned we had a few days remaining before my in-laws flew home to Scotland. We spent a great deal of effort trying to absorb every minute we could with them as we know we won't see them again until Christmas 2011 - and that's a very hard realization.

Top it all off with a cold and trying to find the motivation to return to work after such an amazing few weeks off...well, I'm a little at a loss for blog writing at the moment.

But I will be back soon and hopefully with photos! We're still waiting on the professional ones and I'm going to wait for those for recaps though I'll start with events before the "big" day since I have my own shots of those events.

Here is my favorite from our first night in Florida though... a beautiful south Florida sunset as husband and wife! This is the image I keep going to in my mind - it's where my head is at the moment ... content, comfortable and happy.

Introducing Mr and Mrs Marrvelous

2010-12-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

Not a lot of time to write but just had to post a little "Yippee! We're hitched!"
The weekend was perfect - mishaps occurred and it was still the most perfect 72 hours of celebrations. Better than we imagined and so full of laughter, tears and joy. We're off to Florida in the morning with family for the holidays (not the real honeymoon but man am I looking forward to sleeping in, reading my book in the sunshine, eating a lot of cheese and drinking a lot of wine, and not having to coordinate anything!). When I'm back I'll definitely do recaps because not only do I really want to share but I want to preserve all of our memories and feelings before they escape.

I also really wanted to send a huge Thank You to the many wonderful women who comment here from around the blog world ... to say thank you for all the support in getting to this day - during those "oh my I'm so overwhelmed and if I have to be responsible for one more thing I might shout and storm out" moments, I simply thought back on the many emails, comments, posts exchanged back and forth. That's all it took most of the time to remind myself to take a deep breath and ... smile. So thank you.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with one of my favorite (non pro) photos:

I Caved...

2010-12-13T13:17:00.001-08:00

(via)

and totally gave into the "but it's your special weekend so you deserve to have new shiny, fun clothes". I got to a point where I kept looking through the closet and dresser and couldn't think of anything I wanted to have immortalized in photos for the rest of my life.

(No, this isn't actually my closet, but true story - my best friend/matron of honor and I did buy matching tiger t-shirts that look surprisingly like this one while backpacking in Brazil. Hot.)

I didn't go overboard, but originally I had told myself that with a smaller, more laid back weekend planned, I really didn't need to go over the top with new clothes. It would be kind of silly to show up in a fancy (even if super cute) new dress for the "rehearsal" if said rehearsal was at our house and I was chowing down on cheesesteaks.

And then this weekend I was in and out of shops doing some holiday gift buying and then I came home with a few new items for me. It was inevitable.

But it's justified, right? Friday night we're doing dinner with the in-laws and 3 other couples - pretty much all the Scots and a few American wives. Going to our favorite BYO restaurant (thank you Philly food scene for being so amazing) and I AM the bride. I know. Saying it out loud sounds icky to me - I've dreaded coming across anything like a Bridezilla that I realize a part of me was taking it to the other extreme and trying to play everything down. When, damnit, it is special and it is going to be fun - and if ever there was a good reason for a cute new top and pants this is it.

So two new cute tops and one pair of cute new black pants that are kind of like jeans but super stretchy (I refuse to call them jeggings even if that may be what they are) later and I am set to stand out a little bit while staying fun, informal weekend appropriate!

Did you spend a great deal of time planning the outfits for the "other" wedding related events?

Philly Represent!

2010-12-10T09:34:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned on here once or twice the deep love Marrv has for Philadelphia, his "adopted" home. He started coming to the suburbs of Philly back when he was still in university. He'd come for the summers to coach golf at a rather prestigious summer camp. Upon finishing Uni back in the UK, the same camp offered to employ him full time here as director of the golf coaches. So he packed his bags and set off by himself to move to a new country. He's been here ever since (2005). We could have an entirely different and long discussion about what it takes to even make that move - but suffice to say, those same necessary characteristics are some of the ones I admire and respect about him and make me love him every day.

I grew up outside of Philly and have lived in the city on and off for the past 10 years (wow. nothing like putting it down on "paper" to make yourself feel old!). And although I wander away every few years, and plan to wander away together in our future, it will always be home.

It's funny because we've been calling the night before the wedding 'International Night' as it is when both sides are meeting for the first time. But we thought our "rehearsal" dinner would actually be the perfect place to highlight our city - through its food. As a way to maximize mingling (and keep costs down!), we are having everyone to our home the Saturday night before the wedding. Now, with a small guest list (35 in total) it makes it a little more doable, even with a city apartment!

We made our calls over the past few days to order the food and we're both so psyched. The menu is Philly to the core.

Ok, so cheese is universal. But I love it. And I love our local high quality cheesemonger - Dibruno Brothers. The original is down in our Italian Market but we have a bit of a superstore just around the corner from us and my jaw drops each time we go in. I want to buy it all (but can only afford a few splurges here and there). So a "Crowd Pleaser" full of gouda, cheddar, spreads, pepperoni, dried & fresh fruits, pecans and more was a mandatory starter.

Soft Pretzels. I remember as a young girl, coming to the city with my mom and buying soft pretzels from the guys on the side of the street out of their shopping cart. Yes, that's right. Guys stand in the middle of South Philly streets (and stadiums of course) selling pretzels to cars as they drive by. I am positive it wasn't hygienic at all and I'd never buy it that way now (except when drunk coming out of those stadiums), but they're a Philly staple.

It's a hoagie. Not a sub or submarine.

And when it comes to hoagies, it's all about Sarcone's Deli(again, in the Italian Market). Any good Philadelphian should tell you - what makes our sandwiches great are the rolls, and the best come from Sarcone's (ok, Amoroso's is also top notch).

So what is a Philly menu without the king of Philly sandwiches...the cheesesteak. Honestly, we don't actually even eat them often (we save it for when people visit), but with so many out of towners (and a few Philly newbies!) we knew everyone was already trying to coordinate when they could get their fix so we figured we'd make it easy for them.

Ok, now for the creme de la creme! Dessert.

If you've never heard of Tastykake, well you're missing out. Krimpets, chocolate cupcakes and my personal fave - the peanut butter kandy kakes...are a local treat. I remember sending care packages of Tastykakes to our family on the west coast because they missed them so much. To be fair, they're not necessarily the best dessert, but we're both fans and it's a local company that we wanted to highlight - plus it's just fun to have tons of individually packaged, totally processed, and high calorie sweets on our table!

As much as I love all this food and I love that it really plays up Philly, I think we're both happiest that it really reflects us. There's a reason we chose this menu, and we have memories together with either the stores or foods themselves and that matters. I'm pretty sure the guests are going to eat it up as well (ha! See what I did there...) Plus, with the boxes and boxes of wine, beer and liquor we also got for the night - I think they're all set.

Did you cater your menu to where you were hosting the event or in another personal way?

The Calm Before the Storm

2010-12-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

We're in the final stretch. Yesterday was the 2 week mark until my in-laws (teehee, I love having in-laws. I know, who says that? But mine are awesome...more on them to come in another post) arrive. Marrv woke up yesterday and did a little jig on his way to the shower, calling back to me over his shoulder "Two weeks! Two weeks babe 'til mum and dad arrive". Talk about one super excited guy - going a whole year without seeing family will do that to you for sure.

I feel like there is just so much left to do tho I've been able to stay rather calm. I get comments daily from random people about how calm I am. I definitely take it as a compliment, but it also makes me a bit sad that it seems so odd to people that they feel the need to comment. That the "normal" bride is always so frazzled and crazed that anything less than shouting and sobbing is considered "different". I do fear that I still have a few sobs left in me though, like I said - still a bunch to get done and as much as I want to have it all out of the way before I pick up my in-laws (happy face again) I know there are some things that just can't be done until the wedding weekend - cake pick ups, taking said cakes and other decor to the restaurant, flowers (I've decided I'm going neighborhood market day of route because I can't be bothered trying to find a reasonably priced florist who doesn't drop their jaw when I say I need just two bouquets and a wrist corsage in less than 2 wks - lord help me). And I'm a bit fearful of who I may turn into smack dab in the middle of 15 errands on Saturday morning. But I'll deal with that when and if it happens.

We took care of our seating arrangement the other night while laying in bed. It got heated quickly which I knew it would and which is why I tried to suggest not doing this just before bed. I think it shocked Marrv though that who sits next to who actually matters or that someone may actually be upset by not sitting with another particular person. After several deep breaths, we scribbled it out and everyone is going to have a seat and plenty of booze so hopefully they're all happy.

And of course, walking around the city the past few blustery, chilly days it has finally hit me - I'm going to be one COLD bride! Eek. We were hoping to walk from ceremony location to reception restaurant as it's only about 6 blocks and you have to walk through our favorite city park to get there (pictures!). Now besides the fact that I'm a bit terrified of my 4.5 inch heels (they're so gorgeous tho) I'm thinking I'm just going to use my normal winter dress jacket. Um, tell me that's ok, right?!

Well, hasn't this ended up as one rambling post? I started with the idea of expressing how I feel calm even with a ton to do and knowing that we'll just keep plugging away day by day. And even with the fear of the potential (and most likely, inevitable) stress... I'm still so freaking excited! Excited for the in-laws, family and friends to get here! Excited for the dinners, showing off my dress, for people to see our guest book (yes, tiny bit victim of the 'pretty details') and excited to stand up with Marrv and say I Do !

(an early photo of the two of us...on a pretty fun special night. someone may have said I love you. and someone may have said it back. and of course we may have happened to be our local pub.)

Giving Thanks

2010-11-23T08:34:00.000-08:00

Sunday night, lying on one section of our L shaped couch with book in hand, snuggled under big fluffy blanket. Marrv lying on the other section of the L shaped couch intently watching football, snuggled under really plush blanket with both kitties snuggled right in there with him.

He turns to me and asks "What are you thankful for this year?" - just a hint of a smile on his face.

I say nothing, and simply point at him, then at his chest where Reina is curled in between her papa and the couch, then lower at his feet where Sammy J lies comfortable in his position as king of the house.

The moments of stress - wedding related, career related, finance (or lack thereof) related all fade out of mind as I think about our family (not solely by blood).

The family on one side that has instantly welcomed me and accepted me as one of their own. Made me feel comfortable and loved like they've known me forever. The family on the other side that has supported me through some devastating lows and a lot of really wonderful highs for the past 30+ years and make me who I am today.

And this year...for my baby family that's just really starting to take hold and blossom and grow. I'm a happy, and deeply thankful, girl.

Eye on the Prize

2010-11-12T10:41:00.000-08:00

The prize is a loving, healthy, challenging marriage and life together right?

Wrong! It's the honeymoon! (ok, no. I don't really think that a vacation is more of a prize than our loving, healthy, and challenging - as in challenge each other to be better people - marriage and baby family BUT I do really like vacation too)

And even though we're only 5 weeks away from the big day and there are still plenty of wedding-related chores and decisions to be made....we've been overly focused on the whole 'let's take a trip' part of it.

As I've mentioned before, immediately following the wedding we are jetting off for a week of sunshine in Florida with my in-laws (yay!), my sister (another yay!) and my aunt (the final yay!). This was always the original Christmas 2010 plan and then we decided to throw the wedding onto the beginning of all that - and we're pumped for this (I keep working on my facial and full fist pump/knee on the ground reaction so that I'm totally prepared when I get my wand from the Wizarding World of HP!). However, it is NOT the "honeymoon".

To make it just a tad more complicated (of course it's always more complicated...), we need to make a trip to Scotland next year to have a festive celebration with the rest of Marrv's family who can't be with us this December in Philly. I know, woe is us. It's pretty rad and we're pumped for that too. When we originally thought about this, we said - ok, why not just fly to Scotland and party, then get on a flight for somewhere else in Europe to be all romantical together, then return to Scotland for a night and fly home. And we came up with Portugal.

Well now that we are actually trying to sit down and discuss timing and of course, money (I hate you money. Or rather I hate you money that I don't have), it's even more complicated. Basically because of our work schedules the best (maybe only?) time we can travel is the June/July time frame - Hellllloooo high season. Now I'm a pretty crafty traveler, and I've been spending the past few days working all sorts of mojo but I just don't see us getting to Europe those dates for less than $1200 PER ticket. ouch.

Which has made us do a little reconsidering...perhaps after the party we can hire a car and travel in Scotland?

(I mean...really? Yes please.)

I would love this, and even had suggested it to Marrv back in the day. And though he actually doesn't know Scotland backwards and forwards, it's still "home" to him. And not to mention, not the hot weather that he really wanted. All that said, he is a bit excited about the idea.

There's still always the possibility of just jumping on the plane to Portugal as originally planned.

(I could stay here for months)

Then of course, while considering other flight routes to help with pricing, I mentioned flying in and out of Rome and you should have seen the look in Marrv's eyes. I've been to Italy a couple of times, but he's never been. And when we were originally planning it out we thought Portugal was nice because it was new for both of us. But then this past week I realized how much he really wants to go to Italy, and like any good little partner...now I really want us to go there so he can see how fabulous it is.

(Not going to lie - it's pretty romantic here)

But none of that really changes the fact that our jobs suck in terms of finding good vacation time that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (and an ear...). Yet, I feel so fortunate that THIS is the biggest problem we have currently ...choosing between three (and who knows how many else we'll end up throwing into the mix) amazing trips to spend our first big vacation as husband and wife - I guess that really is a prize in itself.

Avoidance

2010-10-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

We've been cranking through our to-do list. Still on the high of being so close and feeling productive (I'm sure it'll crash and burn soon and I'll be near hysterics and screaming "but what about stickers for the out of town boxes" at a high pitch squeal and hopefully I'll remember to just let it all go...but anyway....)

There's just this one small issue I've been avoiding - avoiding thinking about, avoiding creating a plan, and even avoiding writing about here. But then today's A Practical Wedding post happened. And I realized, I have to start confronting it.

The "IT" you ask? The IT is that on a day when Marrv and I will be surrounded by the most important people in our lives and to show our commitment in building our family together, three of the most important people in my life won't be there. My mother went first. She passed away when I was 15. Next was my brother, the second oldest in the family, bringing my siblings count from four to three when I was just 27 years old. Then, about two weeks after I turned 30, and just before he turned 72, my dad died.

I make jokes that the wedding isn't that large because my family keeps getting smaller. We're all dying off. I won't go into great detail about the impact this has had on my relationship with Marrv (I'll save that for another post), but I have noticed that now that I have my partner, he is certainly the target of a lot of my worry, concern and fear. He and I both know that every time I nag about how much red meat he eats and how it's bad for his heart (usually as I am also trying to sneak a bite of the very same bacon cheeseburger..) that it's really my fear of losing him, my need to control the relationships in my life that is the cause. Every day when I harp on the need to take daily vitamins, we know why.

And although I have thought of my parents and my brother every day since they've passed, planning a wedding - especially a small, intimate family and close friends only wedding - puts it right up in your face a lot more. I know the day of the wedding I'll miss them tremendously, even though I know I'll also feel full of joy and love. I get more upset when I think about how none of them got the chance to meet Marrv and see how happy I am. And even more, it breaks my heart that he never met them - to never meet three individuals who helped shape who I am today. I know they would have all adored one another - my mom was sassy and fun, and full of love - she would have doted on him especially as his mom is so far. My brother, well, he was a handful- sarcastic, brilliant, and could almost squeeze the life out of you with one of his tremendous bear hugs. And I can just hear the conversations Marrv would have had with my dad about the Phillies, they would have talked for hours - with a few completely and totally politically incorrect jokes thrown in for good measure.

So rather than face all of this, and especially face the large absence that is going to be blatantly obvious to everyone at the wedding, I've been avoiding thinking about it. Until I ready today's post and realized I should be thinking about it - and I want to be thinking about it. For me, I think it's going to come down to carrying/wearing important mementos that will serve to remind me that my family, my whole family, is there with me - and always will be. I also like the idea of including them into the ceremony in such a way that we can all reflect on the joy that they brought and the impact they had on my life - not the feelings of loss and grief that so many in my family still feel. Because I know all three of them were full of love, and they would be happy for me and for Marrv. The day is for celebrating, and that includes celebrating those that have come before us.

Oh Snap...

2010-10-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

Did someone say two months? TWO MONTHS!

And where is my mind currently? Pretty much in that "Throw some cash at it and hope it gets done!" crazy state of holy moly in two months exactly we're getting married in front of our family and friends!

There is still so much to do but right now, we're dealing with it and I'm feeling ok. I'm picking invites up from printers tonight, my wedding band is being cast as I type and should be finished shortly, kilts are practically ordered, and we've agreed on table top decor. Now, you know, to write the ceremony, figure out the whole flower situation (I am so lost on that one that I've barely thought about it), pick piper songs, and create our iPod playlist for the restaurant (oh yes - when I went to the reception restaurant to drop off contract and deposit they let me know that our floor has its own sound system and we can bring our iPod to play whatever music we want!!! It was just one more bit to make me love the wedding we've chosen/created).

And more than all this - I think both Marrv and I are so excited it's only 2 months away because it means only 2 months until we see all of our best friends (both those coming to the wedding and those incredible individuals helping us out even if they're not attending...our magic wedding fairies). And most importantly - only 2 months until Marrv's parents arrive from Scotland! Fortunately, I've got pretty outstanding In-laws. Unfortunately they live across a big fat ocean. It's hard only seeing them once, maybe twice, a year. We skype most Sundays, but it's not the same and this time each year is when Marrv gets especially cranky/antsy -- he knows he sees them soon which is good because he is basically at the point where he can't take seeing them much longer. And now that I've been so lovingly wrapped into this family, I feel the same way.

So yeah -- Two Months! Bring it!

Surprise!

2010-10-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

I think I've talked on here before about me and surprises. I love to give them but have a horrible time pulling it off. I always seem to buy something special for Marrv as a little surprise, and then have IM'd him on our blackberries before the day is even over to tell him what it is. I buy Christmas gifts and then ask if someone wants it early. Even planning his birthday party this year was so hard because there were times I just wanted to say "Guess what is going to happen!!" And I think I've been rubbing off on him because he seems to have a hard time keeping things from me anymore as well.

Except this time he did!

As I mentioned in my last post, I was up in Boston a few weeks ago for a big work conference that took up a lot of my (and my department's) energy and focus for the past few months. So in our debrief meeting, when our director told us that we were having a pizza lunch Thursday the 7th as a "thank you" for all the hard work - I simply thought "awesome, free lunch". Which in my world, free lunch is pretty sweet and especially when it's good gourmet pizza from the shop down the road. and it's free - did I mention that?

So when I walked up to the conference room yesterday to find a closed door, I wondered if I was in the wrong place - until I opened the door to a loud chorus of "Surprise" and saw bridal shower decorations and gifts everywhere.

I was in such shock and so overwhelmed, I nearly got teary and the first thing I actually managed to say was "There's still pizza, right?". And there was! Along with a ton of salads and goodies brought in by coworkers and a huge table of desserts (um, oreo truffles?! Anyone else ever had these because this was my first time and I thought I died and gone to heaven)

(Deliciousness in the form of a Wegman's sheet cake! God I love Wegmans!!)

It was such a great afternoon filled with delicious food (with so much leftover and I was forced to bring home bags of it to Marrv so that he could share in on the fun), great conversation and some pretty wonderful gifts. I mean, I know we registered for them but it's so much more fun when you open the wrapping paper and the new fancy Riedel wine glasses are actually YOURS to keep and use and enjoy!

They all started to mention how they were sorry Marrv couldn't be there and I smiled, and said I'm sure he's going to be shocked and thankful, but yeah, his work schedule doesn't really permit for a lot of mid-afternoon time off. And that's when they told me "Oh, but he already knows". And I had my second huge shock of the day. A friend of mine at work had already reached out to him, told him all about it, prepped him, invited him, got his input on things...and that little bugger had kept mum about it. Of course when I got back to my desk and could call him he was so excited to hear everything and was so happy that I had been surprised and happy to hear that I felt a bit spoiled by the generosity of everyone. I've been at my job for just under a year, so honestly, it was pretty incredible to have so many people there and get so many hugs and smiles and cheers for me and Marrv and what we're about to embark on. Especially after what I've felt over the past few weeks - this was awesome, and feel so on track again!

(What to give the girl marrying a Scotsman? His and Hers kilt towels of course!)

Bad Blogger

2010-09-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

So the last time we were here, we saw the heroine of this story in the middle of a melt down and feeling as if she was sinking into the many demands of life and so scared she would continue sinking until smothered her.

Well I'm here to tell you....I'm baaaack. (you know, until the next time it all becomes too much that is!)

It was certainly strange there for a bit. I'm not sure I can even adequately put into words how "overwhelmed" I was feeling. And it wasn't just the wedding. It was life. The wedding simply was that final straw that always seemed to push and push and push on everything else. It just fully dawned on me how much was going on with work, keeping up with my friendships, travels and then the wedding too. And one day it really hit me - both of my parents are deceased, my in-laws live in Scotland, my matron of honor lives in California and as much as Marrv may want to be involved, he works 8am to 9pm most days - making for a not overly involved groom. That leaves little ol' me. But Marrv was there through it all, took the brunt of my harsh reactions and emotional melt downs (had a few of his own) and here we are, on the other side of it and feeling way more excited and happier.

And I had a birthday this week! We celebrated by jetting off to the mountains with friends for a few nights. We kicked ass in a "sangria-off" among the group(Or maybe it was the sangria that kicked our ass....) and partook in hilarious games of Cranium where there are no other words to describe my ability other than "On Fire! Huzzah!" (Yes, I may have shouted that a few times. And again, I blame the sangria). Marrv spoiled me rotten, and I probably got the best gift from the in-laws...in the card they mailed over, they included a photo of little Marrv on his tricycle, with a little red rain slicker, little blue wellies (this was Scotland after all) and just the cutest little look on his face. It now resides on the table next to the bed - something for me to glance over and help to put a smile on my face at times when I may need a reminder of what it's all about.

To wrap up this long ramble ... tomorrow I'm taking a lunch time trip to a jeweler! To discuss wedding bands and other possible new fun jewelry! And I am SOOOO excited. There are so many bits and pieces to the wedding and some of them are cool but honestly, you could probably go 10 different ways on the decision and be ok with it. Or some things that you do because you "have" to - for whatever reason. Then there are the things that you can't stop thinking about because to you, they're the things that really matter. And for me, this is one of those things. I know objectively that a ring doesn't make a marriage. But I cannot wait to slip on that band. When I think of it, to me, all I think of is the commitment and family that we are busy creating and building.

Fingers crossed these jewelers are "the one"!

Mini Melt Downs

2010-09-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

I have been quite remiss in blogging lately. I feel like I have a lot of things to talk about (is it possible to have TOO many things to talk about?) but just don't feel like I have a minute to myself lately, let alone to write. I've been traveling every weekend, work is uber busy at the moment with a conference in Boston coming up at the end of the month, trying to fit in happy hours/dinners/drinks/walks by the river with friends who I haven't seen in weeks, not to mention that football is about to start so there go our Sundays. I admit it, tailgating Eagles' games is way more fun for me than debating the value of wedding favors. true.

But in any case, there's just been so much going on that I feel like I'm losing myself a bit.

We are officially, today, 100 days out from the wedding! (people are always astonished I know the exact number, and then I remind them I have a countdown on my blog - which right now is helpful but I think when it hits 50 I may have to put a big black censor bar over it) I am so freakingly excited for being so close - 100 days out means 97 days until Marrvelous's marvelous parents arrive, 99 days until we're sipping on cocktails and local cuisine with family and friends at our house watching most of them meet for the first time, it means 102 days until we take off with the in-laws, my sis and my aunt for a week in Florida and it means 108 days until Wizarding World of Harry Potter!! (comes a close second behind big days I'm excited for in the next few months :)

I've started working on the invites. A bit of a DIY endeavor with the help of a good friend. And thank god for her because if not, let's just say I would have had the printer and the computer (along with the blasted Illustrator software) out the window and on the curb out front within 10 minutes. Then quickly followed by a drain on my wallet as I whipped out the credit card to pay several hundreds of dollars for invitation suites made off-site. We made progress though, and hopefully finishing the deal next week - and will certainly share after they go out.

Still debating about having them printed professionally -- could use some help, is this something Kinkos/Staples could do? Or should I find a little mom and pop printing shop in Philly? It's probably no more than 80 pieces all together so I'm hoping the fee wouldn't be too bad. Thoughts?

Off to North Cackalacky

2010-08-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

Off to Pinehurst, North Carolina for a nice four day vacation with a few of Marrvelous's friends - including our best man! Yay, I get to meet our best man. finally. I know, strange that I haven't met such an integral part of our extended family, isn't it?

Two of Marrv's best friends from Scotland live here in the States as well (Pinehurst and West Palm, FL), both are golf pros as well and are married to American women. The friends from FL will be there (as well as the Florida Scotsman's parents ... from Scotland. And yes, the father is a golf pro in Scotland. Over there they just put golf clubs in their hands as wee boys!)

I'm really looking forward to a long weekend with a group of people Marrv considers family. We spend so much time with my friends or friends he has made here in Philly since moving to the US, but these are the friends who have known him since he was a youngin' and will be the ones with the truly obnoxious, yet hilarious toasts at the wedding.

Needless to say I'm looking forward to it - but the best part has been the look on Marrv's face every day this week. He's like a child at Christmas, so excited to be on vacation, play golf and more than anything - spend time with his best mates. It makes me so happy to see him so happy.

Enjoy your weekend y'all!

A Place to Celebrate!

2010-08-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

As mentioned previously, a few weekends ago, Marrvelous and I checked out yet another restaurant location as possibility for hosting our brunch reception. We had a long list of places to consider (Philly really is a great food town), but I think we were holding this one out for last just to be able to confirm to ourselves that this was the right choice.

From the get-go, the owner has been brilliant to work with - quick replies, creating multiple personalized proposals for menus, and just an overall attitude of being sincerely happy to host our celebration.

I knew I needed a place that had good food. Our city has too many fabulous restaurants to settle for anything less than deliciousness. Although I admit, I was a bit worried that even though we are going the brunch route, some restaurants may be out of our budget. But with those personalized proposals, the owner has also provided us several different pricing options as well. And as far as the food goes, all I have to say is that the menu will have jumbo lumb crab eggs benedict on it and so this going to be one happy little bride!

Finally, not only is the location perfect (just about 6 blocks from our ceremony venue and those 6 blocks take us straight through our favorite park which will be perfect for photos) but the look of the restaurant is spot on. We are taking over the 2nd floor, and the ceiling is made up of three extra-large skylights - so we'll have tons of light (fingers crossed for a bright wintery day - or even snow!) and you can also see the restaurant's gardens atop the skylights (from which they pull their vegetables and herbs).

So without further ado...please meet the restaurant where we will be toasting, laughing, and basking in the love and support from our family and friends...
Noble: An American Cookery

(Those rows of tables on the left and right will be filled with our family and friends - and just look at those skylights! via)

(The front of the restaurant - which makes for a great happy hour spot in the summer via)

Weighed down with Guilt

2010-08-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, so now that we're only roughly four months away I've been putting more thought into the logistics for our guests. Wondering when they'll arrive, where they'll stay, what meals we should provide, all of that. And now this huge weight of guilt has fallen on top of my shoulders and I can't seem to shrug it off.

Our wedding may be on the more intimate side, but there is still a group of out of towners and we're asking them to travel the weekend before the Christmas holidays. And with a Sunday morning wedding, I wonder if they'll have to stay over night until Monday as well.

I start thinking about how much it will cost them for flights. For hotels. For drinks and meals that they may need other than the two "times" we're providing. Taking time off work. Some of these younger couples have babies or infants and may even be leaving them with grandparents so they can travel a little lighter.

And all for our little, tiny, insignificant marriage celebration.

I know no one would say anything, fortunately we don't have to deal with any obnoxious obvious behavior (as far as I know...so far). But I can't help but be consumed with how bad I feel to make these people travel, pay hundreds of dollars, take time off...and all just to watch us say I Do at a small, morning ceremony followed by a small, brunch reception. Perhaps if we were having the blow out evening extravaganza that most people have - with a live band, passed hor d'ourves, photobooth, seated dinner, and open bar (though yes, our brunch reception will have an open bar, but how much can people drink at brunch when they may have to fly out that same day!! Ack. This is how my brain throws even more guilt onto my shoulders - worrying about people not properly abusing our open bar!)

We're going to see two of Marrvelous's closest Scottish friends next weekend and their families on a mini vacation to North Carolina. The one is our best man. And yet, I'm so nervous to bring up the wedding with them and to ask when they think they will fly in/out because I feel so bad that they have to spend that money and worry about that travel expense especially at the holidays - and also with these two, then worrying that because of our wedding, they won't be able to be with their families in Scotland because all of their extra vacation money went to being in Philadelphia with us.

Sigh. I hope I can get to a point where I not only tell myself to be ok with this, but that I really am ok with this. I know that it's small because it's our family and handful of closest friends. So these are people that really want to be there, but instead, right now - I just keep thinking, "Really? All of that for our little old celebration?"

Look Out Oprah!!

2010-08-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

(And yes. There will be Cheezborger! Cheezborger! involved. And no pepsi, coke!)

I'm coming to your house! Or rather, one of your bajillion houses all over the world.

Heading to Chicago tomorrow morning for a quick mini girls' weekend away! My group of girl friends from college, who I've talked about on here before - see here and here - are spread out all over the country (and actually world...we've got one who currently resides in India with hubby and baby). Close friends for over 10 years now and I feel so lucky every day that these 5 fabulous women are still in my life.

With age though comes a)being spread out all over the world b)marriages c)real jobs that require us to actually work and not take as much time adventuring as we'd like d) multiple babies (!). We all decided at the beginning of this year that we could use a girls only weekend - it's been so long since we've done something like this and then it became a question of where. Since there is a west coaster and many east coasters, we settled on Chicago. And just as it took forever to find a weekend that worked for all of us, well, what started as a 6 person trip is now down to 3. Oh well, life happens.

But us 3 are planning on totally living it up with deep dish pizza, booze, bike tours (Oprah's house!), dinner at one of Rick Bayless's restaurants (I'm counting down the minutees), plenty of good old fashioned mid-western charm and more booze.

Enjoy the weekend!

Lovefest Weekend Recap

2010-08-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

(via)

After a rather terrifying wedding-related nightmare last week, followed by high levels of anxiety for the rest of the day, I managed to have one of the loveliest weekends with Marrvelous in a long time. It was the kind of weekend that helps to remind us crazy kids why we are doing this in the first place!

In addition to what feels like entering crunch time of wedding planning, Marrv works some pretty crazy hours. Not only does he work Saturdays (as a golf pro, I'm just happy he has Sundays off), but he doesn't get home until close to 9pm on most nights. And then throw in that he's had juniors' camp added on top of his normal set of client lessons over the past few weeks - well, he's been a bit of a grump working on limited sleep. Pretty sure this weekend was what we both needed.

It started Saturday afternoon when after dropping off my dress at my aunt's house (and trying it on and twirling in it and walking around like it's totally normal to wear your wedding dress 5 months before the wedding in a house all by yourself) I picked Mr. M up from work. We quickly found ourselves settled up at the bar at one of my favorite beer bars in the 'burbs - Teresa's Next Door. The bartender was super helpful (super helpful in providing several free tastes of many beers - just how I like my bartenders!). We enjoyed a healthy share of Great Lakes Erie Monsters. (seriously peeps, try Great Lakes' beers...they're so good. And we would love to make a road trip soon to visit their brewery and drag some fun people with us!)

And it's a good thing we did because we paid up our tab and ran around the corner to catch an early show of Dinner for Schmucks with Steve Carrell, Paul Rudd and Zach Galifianakis. The beers probably helped to make the first 15 minutes funny. Then the buzz wore off and we still had to watch it. I knew with a cast like that it would either be horrible or hilarious. It was horrible. The "funny" lines were so obvious, and you knew they thought the audiences would just bust out laughing, and yet our theater stayed quiet. The entire movie. Not good.

Our date night dinner in the 'burbs more than made up for it tho. While cleaning out drawers a few months ago, we came across a restaurant gift card that Marrv received from an old job and hadn't used yet. SCORE! 100 Free Golden Dollars to a pretty swank establishment. Cha-ching! Our car (I should say our borrowed car. We don't even own a car) was most certainly the oldest and most un-Mercedes like in the parking lot. But we enjoyed our filet and martinis (or rather my martinis) with the best of them.

Sunday just continued the lovefest with an early morning game of tennis. Though I'm not sure you can really call it a game when it was only the 3rd time I've held a racquet and when I try to hit the ball with a backhand I end up doing a 360 degree full body swing around. This is even hard for me to admit - Marrv and I are so competitive and this is probably the one "sport" where we are so miserably mismatched (ok, well except for him being a golf pro and me playing lacrosse at a DI College). But actually I think that's what made it so fun. Marrv is a really fantastic coach, and he still had fun, didn't get frustrated with me and instead was able to laugh at my flying leaps, my horrible depth perception and miscalculations of timing Honestly, I think I should videotape our next outing. I'd be a youtube sensation. I'd go viral like Double Rainbows guy.

Anyway. After I wore both Marrv and myself out running all over the court, we met friends for Sunday brunch. My favorite meal of the week. And I'm happy to say that after this outing, we now have a brunch reception locale for the wedding in December! We've been trying places out over the past few weeks and had been saving this one sort of as the "hopefully all the other places will fall to the wayside after we eat here". And they did! I'll post on that later - I want to finalize details with the owners who I emailed last night to relay the good news. (I mean, who wouldn't want to host our brunch reception?!)

So once they write back with how giddy they are to sign the contract with us, I'll be sharing that news too! Yippee.

The Horror

2010-07-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

(via)

Alright everyone, it's happened. I had my first wedding nightmare.

The dream opened with me in a locker room style setting surrounded by several girl friends and it was time to get ready. Why it was a locker room with benches and tall lockers rather than the pretty bridal suite at the Colonial Dames, I have no idea. Maybe I was drawing on my many years of competitive sports. But that definitely set the tone - something in the milk ain't clean.

Instantly I realize that it's the morning of the wedding and I don't have a slip or any proper undergarments for my dress. Cut to me breaking and entering into some lingerie store (and for some reason I now realize it's still dark out...which perhaps is because we're having a morning ceremony in the winter...) I was instantly caught by the shop attendants, but they decided to take pity on me and gave me the one extra large full body girdle apparatus left in the store. I say thank you, grab it and race back to my locker room where there are now 20 more people that aren't suppose to be there or even invited to the wedding. Some young girl I don't know comes up to me and tells me that somehow she's managed to soak the bottom half of my dress. (Yes, now my dress has become detachable. Which seemed oddly normal in the dream). I start screaming bloody murder at the trollop who has appeared out of nowhere and destroyed my "skirt".

This is when my friend, who is a make up artist and will be prettying me up on the real morning, shows up and tells me it'll be ok. She can fix the dress. But let's get my hair done so she can start the make up. And it hits me. I don't have anyone to do my hair. And in the middle of this horror, it just feels like the worst thing I could have forgotten. I mean, how can I possibly walk down the aisle with my thin, stick straight hair?

The end of the dream was the absolute worst. All of a sudden it's the next morning, I'm standing with Marrvelous and I turn to him and say "I can't remember any of it". And I realize that I went from locker room debacle straight to the next morning. And I try and try and try to envision the ceremony, the reception, anything, and realize I can't.

The wedding happened and Marrv is showing me photos and I don't remember any of it and now it's done and I have no memory of the day with our family and friends.

It was a horrible, horrible feeling. And when I woke up, I instantly rolled over to get a hug from Marrv and remind myself that it was only a nightmare. The first one; hopefully the last one! But if I happened to spend a few hours today trying to sort out a few more of the items on the "To-do List", that's not necessarily a bad thing. Right?!

Random Dress Musings

2010-07-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

I got the call. My dress has arrived at the shop. I was told it would take 6 weeks and it took 2. And now I have what feels like 1000 thoughts running through my mind as I get ready to go pick it up Saturday.

1. Where the heck do I store it? Besides the fact that we only have one closet that is full-length and that happens to be the coat closet under the stairs (our clothes are stored in a wall to wall custom built wardrobe style thingy), I don't want Marrv seeing it pre-wedding. I know more and more couples are doing things differently, but this is probably that one small tradition I'm choosing to hold on to.

2. With that said, I immediately thought to take it to my aunt's home (the aunt I went shopping with) out in the 'burbs. She just also happens to be out on the west coast for the next month visiting my sister. So then I started to wonder, will it be ok in a closet in her home with no air condition going on for another month? I don't even know if that's a ridiculous thing to be concerned about or not. But I am. So what do you think - does a home with no air condition turned off for the next month and a much warmer than average summer happening have the possibility of destroying my newly purchased dress?

3. Is it wrong to be eyeing shoes that cost almost as much as the dress? How soon did people then buy their shoes? Should I definitely have "the pair" ready for when I go for alterations?

4. And alterations! Is it just easiest/best to do it at the store where I bought the dress? (the thought of scary Russian alteration lady fussing on me again certainly doesn't have a calming effect)

5. Alterations also means I need to get my act in gear related to the bits that will go on first, underneath the dress. All those fancy pull, lift, squeeze, smooth bits. (and that's as far as I go discussing that since I know the in-laws read this from time to time - Hello Marrvelouses!)

6. What else do I need to consider, think about, stress over, freak out on?

Summer 2010 Girls Getaway #1 (or the weekend I got heatstroke)

2010-07-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

Every summer for the past 5 years, a group of girlfriends and I pick a weekend to get out of the city and go camping. The campsites have varied over the years from middle PA to the past two years when we were in Henlopen State Park in Delaware. This was the ideal spot because it also had beach access! Not sure how many of you have camped before (and no, we're not badass and doing backwoods camping - I'm talking car camping where you drive up to your spot and pitch up your tent), but it's always ideal to have something to spend your day doing so that it's not just 48 hours of sitting by your tents. So Henlopen was great - we could be on the beach during the day, it's a state park so there was some hiking around too, cook our dinner over the fire back at the site, sometimes they'd have nightly ranger talks (though we pretty much got kicked out of the one we went to) and then a little midnight moonlight beach trip as well. Good times.

Well this year it took us a bit longer to get our act together and find a weekend, so by the time we tried to book Henlopen again it was all booked. Instead, we're headed up towards Harrisburg and hitting up the campsite that also hosts the annual PA Renaissance Faire (if only it was going on right now! Turkey legs for everyone!).

I admit, I'm a bit concerned about this heat wave we're experiencing. Marrv turned to me the other morning after watching the weather on the local news and solemnly said "Hon, can you promise not to die from heat?" and last night he sat me down and had a very serious "Please promise to drink 2 jugs of water each day" talk. He also came home from work with this fan for my tent -

How sweet! This is why I love him

Anyway, besides being a bit terrified of heatstroke, I'm so pumped for the weekend. The girls are so much fun and such good friends - the weekend will involve a whole lot of nothingness but I am 110% certain there are going to be at least 5 moments each day that I can barely breathe because I'm laughing so hard and there are tears coming down my face. I love those moments.

And it's going to involve a whole lot of food and booze.

Here's our food tent one year. Notice the classy boxed wine. There are also three large coolers filled with food that you can't see. And there's only 5 of us going

Um, I'm particularly fond of eating smores

20 Random Facts

2010-07-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

So I saw this on other local Philly bride Dana's Lover's Waltz: Our Low-Key Philadelphia Wedding site, and I thought - hmm, we're not all about our weddings and our honeymoons. Why not talk a little bit about all the other stuff that helps to make me who I am. Both of those ladies wrote 25 facts, but I had to weed it down to 20 so as not to bore myself to sleep!

1. I love surveys. I'm a sucker for them. Exhibit A: this blog post

2. I have been an aunt since I was 13 and now have 6 nephews and 1 niece - all of whom I adore. Here I am, about to get schooled in Guitar Hero by my 7 year old niece!

3. I have a ridiculous, insane fear of birds. I typically clench up as I walk by pigeons on the sidewalk and have been close to hyperventilating in places like St. Mark's and Trafalgar Square.

4. I really love watching pelicans soar in a line, dipping over the waves though.

5. I have been to 6 of the 7 continents. Antarctica anyone?

6. My Africa, Asia and Australia continent exposure could use some boosting tho!

7. I could read every book by Jane Austen over and over without getting bored. The same goes for Harry Potter 1-7, for sure.

8. I'm 50% Lebanese, have studied Arabic in classes, workbooks and cds. And can still only say a minimal amount like "hello", "Yes", "my name is", "I'm lebanese" and "Kiss my ass". You know, the basics.

9. Losing my mother at 15 is the event in my life that has had the most impact - both good and bad - on me. And it's something I still deal with 17 years later.

10. I could eat Mexican food every day for the rest of my life and be happy. Marrvelous has frequently asked me if I'm totally positive that I don't have some Mexican ancestry and noted that he has eaten more tacos, flautas and tortas in the 17 months we've been together than in his whole life.

11. Madonna Like a Prayer is my go-to karaoke song.

12. I insist on seeing all Oscar nominated films and those that have the actors/actresses nominated before the Oscars - even if it means seeing two movies back to back to fit them all in before the big night.

13. I am the biggest texter you'll ever meet. I know several people who have had to up their monthly texting capacity since meeting me. If you want an immediate response, text me. If you call, I'll probably screen it and just text you later. Sorry, nothing personal.

14. I played competitive sports growing up, including Division I lacrosse in college and really miss playing competitively. It tends to come out instead in any other sport-related activity in which I participate. As seen here in a wicked game of water balloon toss (look at that form, that determination...)

15. I love a sporty guy - so it's a good thing Marrvelous is also competitive and athletic. He is currently helping me with my golf game. He's a professional golfer and a great coach. And I admit, the first time we went together and he hit the ball 300 yards long and straight...my knees got weak.

16. I really want to live overseas again at some point. I'm hoping to use Marrv's golf career as a means to end up at some fancy beachy resort in Central America. He can be the golf pro while I lounge beach side. A girl can dream.

17. I've recently (like the last 6-9 months) become a lot more conscientious about my eating habits. I don't know if it has to do with reading Michael Pollan's works, getting older and starting to think about my health differently, or consciously thinking about someone else's health as much as mine...but I now frequent the farmers' markets regularly, look for the grass-fed, no anti-biotics, organic labels, and ask about where my food is coming from.

18. If I could have anyone's job in the world it would be Anthony Bourdain. I always do extensive research on local food and top restaurants when I plan for a trip. Mmmm, chowder bowls in SF! Look at that expressiveness - I'd be a natural on camera!

19. Introducing Marrvelous to National Lampoon's Animal House may be one of my proudest moments.

20. I can never seem to choose in the "beach house" or "mountain home" debate. I love an early morning walk along the beach, followed by a few hours on the beach cruiser, drinks with the sound of the ocean in the background, and wearing your favorite hoodie at night while you sit on the balcony watching the stars. But I love long hikes, and getting out on lakes to kayak or canoe. And I love building a good fire and being bundled up with great big trees all around. Soooo, I'll just take both. Thank you very much.

How It All Started

2010-07-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

After meeting Marrvelous, I have become a firm believer in the idea that things happen for a reason. I know a lot of the time people cling to that little phrase in order to justify or alleviate the confusion they feel after something bad or upsetting has happened. But the situation with Marrvelous and me at the very early stages of our relationship just made us both realize that when one door closes, it's because another one is going to open and help you continue on the right path. (sidenote: I think that will be the last cliche in the post...maybe)

It was a Thursday night in late February 2009. I was exhausted from work, and to be honest, exhausted from life. Or rather, the romantic life. A month earlier I had finally, officially ended a two year relationship that had been teetering on the edge of destruction from almost the beginning. Two people who wanted different things and yet took (way too) long time to determine that once and for all.

So back to the Thursday evening when I went home from work debating whether I would actually go to the happy hour/night out for a newish friend's birthday. I told myself I'd nap, skip the happy hour part, and see if I felt up for the festivities a bit later in the night. I awoke to several messages from friends who were already out celebrating, encouraging me (and harassing me) to get out and get some drinks. So I did.

When I got to the bar where everyone was, I realized there were two groups. The one group was standing around high tops and consisted of the birthday girl's friends from a running group she volunteered with. The other group, my friends who I joined, were sitting at a table next to the standing group.

(Me and two awesome ladies who repeatedly left messages saying I needed to show up)

There was very little interaction between the two groups, but that was fine for all involved. A good 15 minutes later another guy showed up and joined the standing group. And someone at our table whispered "Oh, that's the Scotsman" and we all diligently fell silent so we could try to hear an accent. And then all giggled when we did. And then fell back into our other random conversation and copious amount of pints. Another 15 minutes later myself and the two ladies above decide we're not going to eat at the bar, but that I need at least a slice of pizza before the next location (which is where the story gets really good). So we start to exit, telling the birthday girl we'll see her at the next stop, but before we make it down the stairs and out the door, the Scotsman steps in front of me, sticks out his hand and says "We haven't met, I'm Andrew" and gave me a great big grin. And after about 30 seconds turns to my friends and says "oh hi". We chatted for a minute and he said he wouldn't be able to make the next bar because of an early work meeting the next day and the three of us proceeded to give him a hard time for being such a lightweight (which of course now 17 months later, I fully realize is not possible for any Scotsman to be) and then walked out the door.

And I honestly did not think one single thing about it as we got pizza, got to the next bar, and ordered our next drinks. And then the rest of the group showed up, Andrew leading them in. He walked straight up to me at the end of the bar, ordered a drink and said he'd changed his mind.

(The first and only photo of Marrv from that evening - he did that strange pose quite a lot in the beginning, thank goodness he seems to have moved on a bit)

This is where I now tell you that this bar, where we really "met" and where we began our courtship, was the infamous Bob & Barbara's - where on Thursday evenings (including that one) they host the best darn Drag Show ever. Along with their signature "Philly Specials" - $3 gets you a PBR and a shot of Jim Beam. And sometimes (including that night) those specials just go down like water.

We spent the rest of the night talking, and I couldn't believe how deep our conversations got right from the beginning. And of course cheering on Lisa Lisa ("the girl so nice they named her twice") and singing every Cher and Madonna song possible.

The One You Always Dreamed About...

2010-07-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Just about three weeks ago, I did it. I went dress shopping.

Since getting engaged, I definitely had spent a good chunk of time over the past 6 months or so looking at dresses online and in magazines. I was also well aware of my limited budget, plus honestly, there is a part of me that just screams "you only wear it once, for one day" over and over inside my head. Don't get me wrong, I fell instantly in love with every Monique Lhuillier, one or two Jim Hjelm and quite a few Melissa Sweet. I also incorporated many hours on the Weddingbee classifieds, Recycled Bride pages and PreOwned Wedding Dresses. But then I always got freaked out about sizing and what the dress really looked like in person, the feel of the fabric, the weight of it...and I could never bring myself to buy one.

I had it in my head that I would visit Nordstroms (for the customer service alone it makes me want to open my wallet), Saks, Bloomies, etc and see what I could find off the rack. Not only did I think these would fit in my budget, but I have a confession. As much as I love buying new clothes, and I thought the dress part could be fun and really pretty and all of that -- I get a little antsy about being the sole center of some salesperson's attention. I don't think it's just that sometimes salesclerks can be pushy, or that you walk away buying 5 more products or articles of clothing you didn't even need (and jeez, 1 hour in Target lets me know I'm capable of overbuying all on my own, I don't need a trained salesperson to help). I think it's also because I just like the independence and having that quiet moment with your own thoughts before having several people flock around you and tell you 'get this' or 'try this'.

So with all of these different thoughts running through my head, I made an appointment at a local shop with the intention of a Nordstroms' visit immediately after, called up my aunt who I'm super close with and said "Um, do you want to go with me while I look at dresses?". She was pretty touched that I asked her, of course I wanted her there, but my thinking also involved the following:
1. My mother passed away when I was 15
2. My mother in law lives in Scotland
3. The one person, my MOH, that I've asked to "stand up" for us lives on the other side of the country
4. How could I possibly subject other friends to the horror of sitting in a bridal shop for hours while I walked in and out of the dressing room huffing and puffing my way through a ton of dresses!

So with appointment made and my aunt in tow...off to the store we went on a Saturday morning and I was all prepared to deal with sales clerks and bridezillas. And within 15 mins and maybe 2 dresses in I realized I was having fun! The sales lady helping us was so sweet, and even better? It was a Saturday so there were a ton of people in the store so she could only give me maybe like 75% of her attention which was PERFECT amount for me! I would try one on, she'd come by, talk to me about it, help me back to the dressing room and disappear for a few more minutes. It gave me time to talk with my aunt, time to think for myself, sometimes even enough time to get in and out of a dress that was horrific (like the one my aunt sneaked into the pile that made me feel like Elizabeth Taylor. And not the young, smoking hot Elizabeth Taylor. The older, over done friends with MJ, Elizabeth Taylor).

Fast forward 15 minutes. I tried on the dress that I was SO sure would be THE one after my 6 months of online and magazine browsing. It had all the bits that I thought I wanted my dress to have. But it wasn't.

Fast forward another 10 minutes and I try on one that makes me stop. And I start turning this way and that and wondering...could this be it? But I'm a bit concerned about the bottom -- and how much - dress - there was. So they bring out the alterations lady (who just happens to be Russian and so read the rest of this bit with Russian accent). Anyway, she comes out and is showing me how it could be bustled. And that's when my true anti-WIC self appeared. I asked her, very innocently, "Could the train just be removed entirely? Like could we just alter it so that this part isn't there?" Um, tip to all of those who may not have gone wedding dress shopping before - don't ask that. She started sputtering in broken English about how dare I try to ruin a gorgeous dress and what was I thinking. Then she turns to me and says "But what is the dress that you have always dreamed about? Since you were a little girl?" And that's when both my aunt and I started laughing. And I calmly said "I never dreamed about wedding dresses, I was too busy playing sports and getting into trouble". And my aunt nodded her head in agreement. And with that, the sweet sales lady I liked ushered the mean Russian tailor out of sight.

And those bridezillas I was afraid of? Well, I'm happy to report they didn't exist..and the lovely girl next to me also trying on gowns was the one who adamantly insisted I try on a dress that she loved best but didn't quite work for her...so after about 15 dresses, I caved and said "Ok, I'll try your dress on" thinking "Um, so not my style".

And BOOM. It was on and I started crying. Like "OMG I love it I'm so happy I can totally picture all of this now Holy Crap we're having a wedding This is it - We're in it to win it" kind of crying, all jumbled together and it was amazing.

Wedding Dress? Purchased! And this is probably the one piece of the whole celebration that I'm keeping for myself - not going to describe it, post a photo or names shops, etc. I'm usually pretty crap at keeping secrets so I know if I even start to discuss it, there is a far greater chance of the Marrv knowing more and we're planning so much of this together that this is something I want to keep for that day. But know that I love, love, love it. And with that, I'll leave you with this photo instead just because this looks like so much fun. (Followed by so much sick, but starting with so much fun!)

Viva Espana!

2010-07-12T11:40:00.000-07:00

Felicidades, Espana! The 2010 World Cup Champions.

Yesterday was insane - we watched the final at an outdoor block party at our local Irish pub and by the end, I had lost my voice, was waving my red belt over my head and dancing my tush off to the Gypsy Kings along with the other Spanish fans clogging the street (honestly, I was surprised by the number of Orange Crush supporters, who knew so many Dutch lived in Philly!).

I've been rooting for Spain from day 1 (sorry, USA) so even though Marrvelous had chosen to support the Dutch - he was happy for me.

If you haven't seen it already, please find the video of Spanish keeper Iker Casillas's post game interview with his girlfriend Sara Carbonero (a reporter for Telecinco) - even if you don't speak Spanish, it'll make you weak in the knees!

A bit tired today, struggling to get through work. So I leave you with these pictures via Fifa.com. You're welcome.

Save the Date Y'all!

2010-07-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

Save the Dates designed and sent - check!

Ok, I know, that seems like a relatively short time between when we decided upon our *new* December wedding date and Save the Dates dispatched. Let me introduce you to a little friend of mine: Paperless Post

Paperless Post is an online invitation service that I stumbled upon over the past 6 months of wedding blog addiction. I wish I could remember the first blog where I spotted information on it, but to be honest, I had even forgotten about the site until a few weeks ago when my bestie brought it up randomly as something we might want to consider. After playing around for awhile on it, and talking more with Marrv, we decided we wanted to go the paperless route - at least for the Save the Dates. It's definitely economical, it was easy for us to play with the designs and personalize them without having to be a graphic designer or be a photoshop expert.

This was my first time using Paperless Post, but so far so good. Or rather, so far SO Amazing! Honestly, it was so easy and they have so many cute designs to choose from. They have so much more than Wedding Invites/Save the Dates (and even more than just wedding related parties) - I have a feeling this will be an account I use for years to come.

When you first open your account you are automatically given 25 "stamps" and 10 "coins". Stamps are used like typical stamps - send one invite via email, use one paperless post stamp. The coins are for tiny upgrades to your invites (think envelope liner. I know. Envelope liner on email invites! Love it!) And then after you design your card and send it to your list, there's a handy tracking service where you can monitor who has opened the email.

Ok, this is starting to sound like a sponsored post - which it's not. (However, if Paperless Post would like to start giving me some dolla dolla bills y'all to chat them up, I'd be all over it)

Ok - it's tiny at the moment. Still working on uploading a better image BUT here is what it looks like. If you actually click on the photo it'll pop up bigger for you in the screen. Fireworks design at the top, a great blue color with slightly yellowish/slightly green print, love that even though it's online you can see the "texture" of the paper. Sigh. To me it's simple, modern and crisp (is crisp even the right word to describe something related to your wedding?) but we love it.
[and yes, if you can read it, there is smaller print at the bottom advertising our "wedding website" that is still a work in progress but hopefully will be a great place for our guests, and extended family/friends to learn more about all of the upcoming festivities!]

Ceremony Venue - Check!

2010-07-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

It's all falling into place...and I love it! With less than 6 months to plan a wedding, and planning a wedding that is so much more "us" ... well, it's been a lot easier for both of us to get excited and also to cross things off the list.

Like today for example. Ceremony location? Done! Marrvelous and I took a quick visit to one of the two locations we had it narrowed down to (and I visited last week without him and we agreed felt more right). After I took him through the house and gardens, we sat down with the estate manager and signed our contract (and opened the checkbook - ouch! but in a good way :)

Let me introduce you to the gorgeous building where Marrvelous and I will say our vows in front of family and friends this December ...

The Colonial Dames of America, Pennsylvania Chapter.

Founded in 1890, the Colonial Dames of America (CDA) is an international society of women members whose direct ancestors held positions of leadership in the Thirteen Colonies. The lovely Pennsylvania Headquarters House was completed in 1921, and sits on a pretty side street of Philadelphia.

This is such a great location for us. First, it's simply (to us) a really beautiful house and gardens. Oh the gardens. I know we went with a December ceremony, and we live in the Northeast and anything could happen...but oh how I hope for a mild day. The gardens are gorgeously landscaped, cared for and it would be amazing to have some photos taken out there. Fingers crossed.

Second, I seem to have a tendency to go for the colonial way of life. College of William and Mary (smack in the middle of colonial, historical Williamsburg) alumna here! Those four years of my life had a tremendous impact on my life, and was where some of my strongest friendships were formed - so I know my girlfriends in attendance in December are going to get a kick out of being sucked back into what feels like one of our old stomping grounds down in the 'burg.

Finally, this is a union between a Scotsman and a Yank. So with good ol' George Washington and bad-ass Abe Lincoln blessing us from the walls while a Piper plays traditional Scottish tunes and the men wear kilts -- we're properly representing the life we're building together and .... I LOVE IT!
(Oh of course, and the fact that it's just two blocks from our apartment, we're going to be reminded of the special day on an almost daily basis!)

It just felt so right...we both could immediately envision the winter wreaths and tree that would be set up, and most importantly we both saw where we could create an aisle and at what end of that same aisle we would stand in front of our small audience and ask them to continue to support us in our commitment to one another.

Such a tremendous moment! And how did we celebrate? By going to the range and working on our golf swings of course! (you shoulda seen my last shot with my hybrid... straight, crisp 150 yards - it was a beaut and made my Mister very proud - both of me and of his teaching abilities ;)

Been a good, good day

4 Hours...

2010-06-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

and counting.

Til Marrvelous walks in the door, drops his bags, brushes his teeth and crawls into bed.

I am a happy, happy girl. I really would rather not go 10 nights apart ever again.

(AND Pretty in Pink is on TV right now...um, Otis Redding's Try a Little Tenderness? Perfection in a song)

Happy Wednesday night everyone!

175 Days

2010-06-27T07:13:00.001-07:00

I wanted to wait and share this news on the blog after we spoke to our families and made them aware of our plans first.

Originally Marrvelous and I had envisioned a wedding celebration next summer (either Memorial or Labor Day to capitalize on the long weekend), in the city, with roughly 130 guests. We thought if we waited until next year, it would give us more time to save and plan, as well as give the Scottish guests a lot more time to prepare. As months went by (and as witnessed here) we were struggling with what we wanted to do, what we wanted our wedding to look like, feel like, etc. I admit, I definitely got caught up in a lot of the blogs - I mean, have you seen Style Me Pretty? And during that time, we felt so stressed, so confused, there was definitely a bit more bickering...all of the emotions that neither one of us wanted to associate with our celebration.

With all of this going on, we sat down and decided to talk about the goals of our wedding. As I talked about before, we needed to have an honest conversation with each other and determine what we wanted our wedding to feel like, to say about us and how to make sure it was true to who we are as a couple. And some of the biggest items that we pulled from that conversation was that
1. We wanted one. For sure.
2. We needed our immediate families and our closest friends there.
3. It is more important to us that the marriage and our relationship is stable - not only emotionally, but financially. And that we don't hinder our other life goals for the wedding.

So what is the final word? Well, we're 175 days away from getting married in front of approximately 40 guests - our families and a handful of friends! On December 19, 2010 we're going to have an intimate Sunday morning ceremony in Philadelphia followed by a brunch reception at a local restaurant. I can honestly say that since we made this choice and since we have spoken with our families about it, we are overwhelmed with joy and excitement. It just feels right.

I do want to make a note that there is obviously a piece in both of us that will miss our extended families and our larger circle of friends that day. Our lives are what they are today because of these people. With that in mind though, we also discussed having a smaller party here in Philly for our US friends (think house party). And we will also now go to Scotland next summer to properly celebrate with our family and friends there. [followed at that time by a honeymoon in Europe - can't wait!]

Even just writing this post has put a smile on my face! I am so excited for the path we've chosen and the way it's all going to fall into place (I really disliked the fact that we wouldn't have been back to Scotland until 2012, so I have to say, adding that party next summer really made me happy). But not only that, the fact that Marrvelous and I could sit down and discuss these things and be able to focus on what is best for our marriage fills me with strength and confidence in what we will be able to do as we move through life together.

With all of that said - 175 days!!!! YES! And man do we have a lot of stuff to do!

Ceremony Venue

2010-06-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

This morning I'm going to visit the final two venues in contention for the ceremony.

With checkbook in hand.

And Marrvelous in Denver.

Eeek! We may have a place to get hitched by the end of the day - scary and exciting all at the same time!

Father's Day...

2010-06-20T18:49:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to wish all the dads out there a happy day. And send a special happy thought out in the universe to my pops - This is my 3rd Father's Day without him, it's gone by so fast. It wasn't always a smooth relationship, and not always rosy. But I know that he loved me, and tried his best, and I miss him.

[Bob, otherwise known as Moose]

[Christmas 2004 - although a bit blurry]

Day 1

2010-06-20T18:28:00.001-07:00

Dropped Marrvelous at the airport at 3:30 this afternoon for a 10 night work trip to Denver. After parking the car back in the city, I immediately walked to our favorite special treat spot - yogorino. We always go together, it's like a mini-date night...get our favorite toppings, walk back towards the house, stop off in Rittenhouse Square to eat the yumminess. It almost felt like cheating by going by myself tonight. But I needed the pick me up. I then came home, got in comfy clothes and promptly ordered Young Victoria off the tv - a movie I was positive he wouldn't be upset to have missed (but I thought it was great). Now I'll finish the evening by flipping through InStyle in bed.

Sigh.

Only 9 more nights to go.

Catios

2010-06-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

I casually mentioned to Marrvelous last week that I had read an article on one of my favorite home design sites that talked about outdoor spaces suitable for cats. And how all of the people in the comments provided a dozen or so different ideas on how they made a space safe for their kitties to play in the fresh air. Most of them were screened in patios or sun rooms, and well, that's not going to be happening anytime soon at our center city apartment.

We were instantly intrigued though. Our two cuties, Samson and Reina, love lying by our glass doors that lead from the top floor loft out to the start of the roof deck. They are mesmerized by the leaves blowing, birds hopping along, and other general outdoorsy activities. Marrvelous and I have also discussed the fact that with the amount of times we like to have people over to sit up on the deck, it could be slightly dangerous with all those same people opening and closing those doors. We've tried sitting in the loft (where our computer is) and keeping the doors open. There is a hanging mesh screen in place to help keep out flying bugs and it deterred Sammy and Rei at the beginning. But slowly they've been creeping out and trying to inspect the great outdoors. In comes...Kitty Leash!

So Marrvelous and I talked more and more about how we could let them enjoy the fresh air, but keep them safe. I'm not going to allow little Miss Rei Rei to go missing. Nope, not happening. That's when Marrvelous called me from the pet store and said "I found something" and came home with the following:

[The "Come with Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash"]

We are now officially crazy cat owners (We're not the only ones!)-- and I love it! We tried it out on Sam first, being a bit more calm of the two (Reina takes kitty prozac for god's sake!). He did a bit of slinking, stuttering, but eventually was snooping around the deck and purring in my lap while we sat in the sun. Of course when I tried bringing him back in and "walking" him on the leash - that was an entirely different story. Sammy is not about being walked.

[seriously, he did the full on body slump]

So I think we need some more practice, but I have wholeheartedly embraced our crazy cat ways. Here is a photo of the cutes .... but I'm hoping to share kitty in harness photos soon!

[Mr. Samson on the left, and his cute little sister Reina on the right]

Writer's Workshop: 30 Things I vow to do this Summer

2010-06-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

I came across this make up your own list of "30 Things I Vow to do This Summer" on Mama's Losin' It blog by way of You Just Can't Google Everything, which by the way is an awesome blog name though I do Google everything.

So I thought, what better way to get in gear and produce a to-do list (with hopefully some fun things thrown in it) than distract myself at work with another blog post!

1. Thoroughly enjoy myself on all-girls' Chicago weekend trip
2. Finally try a quinoa recipe
3. Go to the beach
4. Go to the beach (repeat performance hopefully!)
5. Thoroughly enjoy myself on my all-girls' camping weekend trip
6. Eat minimum 6 smores on said camping trip
7. Take our engagement photos
8. Buy at least one new bathing suit for above beach trips, camping trips, etc...
9. Buy a racket and proceed to allow Marrvelous to school me in the ways of tennis
10. Select/Confirm/Pay for wedding ceremony venue
11. Get out on the golf course at least 3 times to better my game
12. Thoroughly enjoy myself with Marrvelous and his two best mates on our North Carolina weekend getaway
13. Read a new book every two weeks
14. Hang family/friend photos on our wall
15. Continue to school Marrvelous in the ways of lacrosse
16. Be better about blogging
17. Host more bbqs on our glorious roof deck
18. Right after I regarden and plant more greenery up there!
19. Buy a wedding dress - or at least go and try some on!
20. Enjoy lazy nights on the deck with Marrvelous and a 6 pack
21. Scheme more ways to work in vegetarian only meals or days in our life
22. Take the annual goals from my upcoming work evaluation and really start making a name for myself at my Org.
23. Spend more time with my aunt helping her around her house
24. Start working on our housing arrangements in Florida for the holidays
25. Save, save, save
26. Right after I get a couple of cute summer dresses that is
27. and cute sandals
28. Experiment with homemade pizzas
29. Take more time to call friends (and skype with the little one in San Diego!)
30. Snuggle with my family and continue to be amazed at how great my life is!

Honeymoons (Part I)

2010-06-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

So as it has become increasingly clear around here - I heart travel. To me, the honeymoon is where it's at! And recently there's been a lot of chatter in the interwebs about honeymoons - where to go, when to go, how long to go, how much to spend, and more. It got me thinking.

I feel like you often hear about these couples who go to Bora Bora, Fiji or some other far-off tropical locale. Do you realize how expensive it is to go to any of these amazing places? And this, after they've just typically spent a good deal on the wedding itself. Pretty astounding. Don't get me wrong, I am counting down until the day Marrvelous and I can jet off to the Maldives and shack up in a bad ass bungalow propped out over the water, where I can stare at the fishies swimming underneath through the glass floor and then just jump off from my own personal dock to go for a dip. I am ALL ABOUT IT. Trust me on that.

What I don't agree with is the mentality that because it is the Honeymoon, the trip needs to be something on this level. To me, the purpose of the honeymoon is to be with the person you've committed to and to enjoy yourself by taking some time to just have fun and reflect on the life you're building together. I guess, with that definition though, just about any trip you take could be considered a honeymoon - which isn't necessarily a bad thing! Marrvelous and I have discussed the idea/the desire to take annual "honeymoons" - ultimately, to take time together and escape from the every day responsibilities to remember exactly why we've chosen this life together. To reconnect in some ways.

Additionally, I know many couples who went to a really fabulous exotic spot for their honeymoon - and have never gone further than an hour away ever again. And that's not happening up in here. African Safari, Southeast Asia extravaganza, Bad-ass over-water bungalows...all of these are trips we intend to do. It doesn't need to be honeymoon numero uno, we've got the rest of our lives to keep it spicy with awesome travel, not just now.

With all of this being said ... I came across this today! Billy Black's Hobbit Motel, New Zealand

(photo via)

Yes! This is so amazing (almost as amazing as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - but not quite). Who wouldn't want to visit New Zealand and stay in Bilbo Baggins' look alike home?! Putting it on the list - tho I'm fairly sure Marrvelous is going to have a hard time justifying a Lord of the Rings specific holiday. I'll just convince him with the view -

(photo via)

Work Schmork

2010-06-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

It's a pain in the rear when work and other life responsibilities get in the way of blogging. I've had a much longer post on the drafting board for way too long. Thank goodness for the weekend!

Although...it is Philly Beer Week so we'll see how much coherent, sober writing I end up doing.

I'll be thinking of y'all while I tip back a few (or more)!

Ben with the Hammer of Glory (used by our mayor to tap the opening keg tonight...man I heart this city)

Forewarned

2010-05-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling the inner rage and frustration at the oil spill down in the Gulf start to boil and about to spill out onto paper (or blog as it is in this case). Just giving a bit of a heads up that a longer post, with many not-so-nice things, is on its way....

Wild Nights = Extreme Exhaustion

2010-05-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

Pulled off a rather amazing surprise 30th birthday party for Marrvelous last night. Was ridiculously difficult keeping mum about it as I'm always the one who ends up saying "Want to know what I got you?" about 5 minutes after I make a purchase and even when the holiday may still be a month away.

Will definitely blog about the entire planning process and actual celebration, but for the next 24 hours I'm going to relax, and bask in the glory of pulling off one hell of a good time. And allow Marrvelous to continue telling me how I'm the best thing that has ever happened in his life - that's a pretty damn good thank you.

As a little teaser, I'll leave you with this:

Heeeeee's Thirty!

2010-05-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Marrvelous

May your bottle(s) always be full - love you to pieces.

Sad Face

2010-05-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

Home from another wickedly awesome trip out west. It was a quick four days but those days were filled with fish tacos, ocean breezes, baby giggles, more fish tacos, good old fashioned drunkery, helping my best friend's amazing hubby surprise her with a new car on her very first mama's day, and even more fish tacos (seriously, I dream about the fish tacos every day between my trips).

I've loved San Diego for a long time and always in the back of my mind toyed with the idea of testing it out for myself. When I was younger, I jumped at the chance to spend a few months working in Toronto, quickly followed by working in Madrid, quickly followed by a move to DC, quickly followed...you get the picture. As I've gotten older, I admit - making a big move becomes so much more difficult. I've built up a tremendous circle of support here in Philly. The majority (not all - missing a vital person..my big sis) of my immediate family lives within an hour's drive. [Not to mention that Marrvelous's parents would have to then add on a 5 hour flight over the whole of the USA to their already 7 hour flight over the whole of the Atlantic Ocean. Or reverse, for us when we fly back for visits and holidays. That's long.] And then there's the stress of career path - how to find the right job in San Diego that is a step forward, a step up. One that is also engaging and fulfills me, and one that is open to hiring someone from across the country. Gone are the days where I feel comfortable moving to a new city with nothing in place.

Fortunately, my partner in life is on the same page with me. I can't tell you how relieved, excited, happy (and a number of other positive emotions) I feel at the thought that I have found someone who sees life in a similar way. That I have a partner in crime and someone with whom I can I take these big leaps. Marrvelous and I have similar attitudes and ideas on what is important to us, to make our lives feel full, and to make our lives more complete. He too is all aboard the San Diego train.

Several months ago, Marrvelous and I sat down to write out our Goals. We wrote the goals for 2010, for the next 3 years, for the next 5, and for the next 10. This is something, as I've mentioned before, Marrvelous is better at than me. This is a man who works with a life coach (who rocks and is a dream to work with)...and I find that amazing and comforting. He acknowledges the importance of looking at his life from many angles and talking his way through the bigger questions so that he stays on track to end up where he wants to be. Marrvelous has really taught me a lot about this - and since I've been with him, I see a force within myself growing. I'm becoming more conscious in my life and actively choosing how it will be. Back to our goal writing session - we both had on our 3 year index card "Move west".

So I found myself on this trip looking more closely at For Rent signs. Reading the local papers and exploring neighborhoods with a more critical eye. Talking to more people (at the bar while I ate fish tacos) about when they moved there, their thoughts on life in SD/and in California as a whole. The ball is in motion. Of course, now that I've returned to the east coast, the sad face has shown up. I know we both have said out loud we want the move to happen. And I know we both are making decisions in our life now (career wise, financially, even wedding related) that will help us get there in our 3 year (oh please let it end up being 2 year!) plan. But when I stop to think or say "by 2013...." - oh lord that's far away. Enter sad face.

Doesn't help that Marrvelous left Sunday morning for a week in Florida (he's sitting exams in the middle of nowhere Florida. Sounds like hell on earth to me) and I didn't get home from San Diego until close to 1am on Monday. He wasn't here to give me a hug and give me his usual pep talk on how it's going to happen and we will make it happen. Instead I have to wait until Friday night to see him. In total we will go 8 days without seeing each other, not long at all, but the longest we've ever gone. (which is way weird in its own way and can be discussed another time)

And to just dump all over the rest of this, Thursday is his 30th birthday! I feel like I have failed that I won't be with him on the actual day to make sure the celebration is done right. Even though I know it's not anyone's fault - the PGA has set exam dates so he had to go and there's always this weekend to be together and eat cake. Enter double sad face now anyway.

At least I have the kitties to snuggle with and make me feel better. And dreams of our future lovely beach bungalow in San Diego!!

Home Away From Home

2010-05-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

I believe life is marked by the relationships one cultivates. The people we surround ourselves with are so important in shaping the life we live and influence how rich a life can be. Some people come into your life for only a short moment (or in some cases, when you look back and see the toxicity with open eyes, maybe it was for too long a moment), though they all serve a purpose. There are the few individuals, however, that are always there and standing by you through your ups and your downs. Months can go by without seeing one another, but when you get together it's like no time has passed. You slip into that familiar and comfortable exchange and you realize, you are home.

J Train (not my nickname for her, but I'm not sure she would appreciate me revealing on the wide world web any of the hundreds of names I've called her along the way) and I met when I was eighteen and over 300 miles away from home - our freshman year of college. We have lived together (both in and after college), as well as traveled everywhere from Dewey Beach to spring breaks in Italy to backpacking around South America. We have spent numerous joyous occasions together - New Years Eves, birthdays, and weddings. As well as many of the more challenging moments of life: break ups, deaths, cross country moves to name a few.

It's really difficult for me to put into words how much she means to me and how fortunate I feel to have our friendship. For everything we've been through together, for the support she provides me on a daily basis and for everything I know we'll share in the years to come - all of that wrapped up is why I asked her to stand up next to me, and for me, as my Matron of Honor when Marrvelous and I exchange our vows in front of our family and friends.

I'm headed out to visit J Train this week for a long, yet too short, weekend in sunny San Diego. Since J moved to San Diego to set up shop with her fantastic hubby, I've managed an annual and sometimes lucky enough to make it biannual west coast trip. The last time I saw J, she was just about 7 and 1/2 months preggers. Marrvelous and I flew out to sunny SoCal so that two of the most important people in my life could meet and discuss how amazing I am :) As well as investigate potential future neighborhoods for Marrvelous and me (San Diego is a home away from home as well, but I'll leave that for another post).

The best part about this yearly installment, however, is that I'm finally going to meet the latest addition to the family. Meet little L and her angry face.

There are no words for how much I am going to smother this girl with kisses and hugs.

Deck Life

2010-05-02T07:48:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned a few posts ago, we've been making a real effort to make our roof decks an ideal outdoor living space. Slowly but surely, we're getting there. Last night we chose to stay home and instead sit together on the deck - enjoying each other's company, a few drinks, the beautiful weather and our awesome city view. At one point, I became rather overwhelmed with happiness. It was just such a lovely evening - I was planting some flowers by candlelight, sitting together in our new comfy deck chairs, talking about future plans. It felt like family; it felt like home.

Just wanted to share a few pictures to mark progress on the deck!

My little garden center of flowers!

Planting the New Guinea Impatients

Marrvelous enjoying his favorite local brew in one of our new chairs

The view from our deck! Love that this is my "backyard"

Family. Happy Face

Making it Us

2010-05-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

Marrvelous and I have now been planning our marriage celebration for four months. And let's just say it's been quite a ride. The ideas and thoughts that came spilling out of our mouths at lightening speed while we enjoyed our newly-minted engagement in Scotland aren't necessarily the same plans that we discuss now. In the past several months there have been numerous ideas regarding venue, location, caterers, size, timing, you name it. At one point it was a laid back traditional Memorial Day BBQ (that just happened to star a glorious white dress). At other times it was a backyard hippie love fest (this also included for a brief moment, a backyard hippie love fest in Scotland. I do love the idea of our entire US family - which includes our amazing friends - visiting Troon and coming down from their room at the Anchor Bar for a pint before a late night session at Pebbles. A girl can dream).

There was a brief moment when it was a rager in Vegas. The date has changed a few times, the venue has been up in the air, and the ideas just keep pouring in ... and out. Admittedly, a lot of this has to do with our financial restraints. We are paying for this celebration ourselves, maybe a little bit of help here and there. Ultimately we are ok with this. We always had a rough number that was our budget, and I do believe we'll be able to stick with it. You'd be stunned by the world of wedding bloggers out there now that have the most fabulous ideas for DIY.

It's possible to do a ridiculously chic and fun and amazing wedding on a budget. No matter what that budget is. Or at least this is what I keep telling myself. But I've had doubts and I've had those doubts creep in and make me wonder "Will people judge us if we have call liquor over top shelf?" "Will everyone think it's strange if we don't do a cocktail hour and go straight into the eating, drinking and dancing?"

Fortunately, with this wide world of blogging I've discovered, others have had these fears. But I believe I've also gotten to the same point those before me have when I remember that those people celebrating with us are the most important people in our lives. The family and friends that we know will be there for us, to help support us, and guide us through our new life together. I have had so many of my awesome friends offer to help - with centerpiece arrangements, invitations, photography and making me (with the help of a bad ass make up artist!) look stunning on the big day. These people love us as much as we love them. These people don't judge (and if they do, then they are free to enjoy their miserable, shallow little life all by themselves without us in it. Which is the nicer way of saying FU). All of this is why we always leave the idea of Vegas behind us and come back to a joyous, dance party celebration in our city. Because we want it - and we want to celebrate with the people we love.

In the meantime, I've realized that in order for Marrvelous and I to stay sane in this and comfortable with the money we do spend, we need to sit down and figure out what it is exactly that we want our day to be. Not just the who (which we've got covered) but the what, the why, the how. To discuss what values are important to us so that we make sure they translate into the celebration we create.

So I'm taking an idea I've seen written about elsewhere, but has really struck a chord with me when I first saw it on a blog I love 2000 Dollar Wedding and then again on One Cat Per Person(And how great is that blog name!). We're going to write out our Wedding Goals.

It's so easy to get caught up in all of the ideas out there- bunting, candy tables, late night taco trucks, backyard wedding vs. city loft wedding. The list goes on and on. So now it's time for Marrvelous and I to sit down and write out our wedding goals in order to be sure that the day, the weekend, the time spent with everyone is a true reflection of us. The very idea of doing this is exciting for me and I'm looking forward to some clarity and sanity! Wish us luck (Marrvelous always has an easier time goal-writing than me) and I'll be sure to share them soon.

Rainy Mondays

2010-04-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

It's bad enough that it's Monday. Does it really have to rain and bring spirits even lower? Here is where I wish I was lounging with Marrvelous instead of sitting in front of a computer in my little nook at work in rainy, dreary Philadelphia ....

Scratched from the List

2010-04-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

So by now, we're all aware of my ever growing list of "Places to Go, See, Be, Explore". Two days ago that list just got one line shorter when Arizona decided to go racist. See here

Before I begin, I'll give fair warning - this is going to be long. With a Master of Arts in Political Science, heavily focused on Latin American/US Relations and several school papers written on this same issue, mixed with my affection for all people and things south of the border....I have a lot to say about this one.

Now, admittedly, I've been to Arizona before and have been to the big tourist draw - the Grand Canyon - several times. So it was not high on the list, but it was there. Mainly because Marrvelous has not been there and the Canyon, IMHO, is one of those places you should see. As soon as you walk up to the ledge you are struck by how small we are and how young; how this planet we live on has so many delicious secrets and has been creating beauty for so much longer than most of us can fathom. And I find pride in showing off these landmarks to my foreign-born fiance. A sort of Rah Rah America moment (which don't happen too often - that's an entirely other discussion, however).

Arizona is also located in a different part of the country than Marrvelous has seen before, the Southwest. It was fun to show him the Northwest last year and again, tied with that whole feeling of pride in showing off my home country, I liked the idea of helping him see what the geography, the history, and the food of that region was like. And of course Arizona is a piece of golf heaven. So it's been on the list for those reasons as well. No longer.

When I brought up this subject with Marrvelous, he responded that we don't really know the crisis Arizona is facing due to illegal immigration. I quickly agreed, but legal racial profiling is not the solution. As a Scotsman, he's foreign, but white. I said this to him and said "But What If...every time you got into your car, you ran the risk of being pulled over solely because you looked different. What if every time you went out, you had to make sure you had that entire case of paperwork in our office that proves you are here legally? What if just once, you forgot?"

The law allows police to detain anyone they believe are in the country illegally and yet the Governor states that "racial profiling" is not allowed. Please. That is just a joke. Obviously they are dealing with a massive influx of illegal immigrants from Mexico and further south - so what is going to be the first step in police suspecting illegal status? The color of someone's skin.

These individuals risk their lives when they enter illegally - whether it's by paying excessive amounts to nefarious coyotes to smuggle them across (often abandoned, raped or squeezed for more money they don't have) or by crossing the inhospitable desert. The desert is a terrain they don't know, not realizing it will get freezing at night while attempting to fry you into mush during the day. Organizations that have left blankets and water in the desert have been persecuted by the same state authorities that are now Ok'ing racial profiling.

And why do they cross? Because there is an obvious market for immigrant labor. Let's be honest, in many cases the illegals are working on jobs that others (us Legals) won't take. A lot of the farm work, the construction, house/hotel cleaning, trivial jobs in restaurants. And in many cases these people will accept a lower wage than a legal citizen - why? Because a legal citizen could instantly report the employer for not paying the minimum wage, an illegal cannot. So how about Arizona legal authorities focus on cracking down on the employers who hire illegal immigrants instead of targeting people driving in cars or walking along the street?

In all of this, I'm not minimizing the drain on resources the state of Arizona is facing due to their border situation. Nor do I think the situation of illegal immigrants should just be ignored. However, for there to ultimately be real change, we need to look at the "Why" so that we can create solutions for the problems at the root of all of this.

Creating our Little Slice of Heaven

2010-04-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

Ever since moving in with Marrvelous, I have been itching to turn our roof deck into something a bit more spectacular...a place we both want to sip our morning coffee (or tea in his case) and read the paper on Sundays, a place to grill up new recipes and eat our dinner together in the fading light during the week, and a place to have guests over for drinks and fun. As any city dweller can tell you, outdoor space is precious and always in high demand. The fact that we have a two-level roof deck, with one of the best views of the Philly skyline is something we both really value. I saw the value in it the night we met, when Marrvelous used the infamous line, "Want to come see the view from my roof deck?" (Spoiler Alert: It worked)

Now that the weather is slowly turning in the right direction, I can officially say that the deck is on its way as well.

The first step has been cleaning both decks and this has been a torturous chore since I don't think it's been tackled, or even considered, in several years. There was potting soil growing its own tree from within the bag (It was so bizarre I almost kept it as an art piece). There are still two semi-filled tanks of propane that we need to find a good new home (Lowes? Home Depot? Anyone know who takes those?). Let's not forget the almost entirely full keg of beer that is way too heavy for either of us to carry. And I'm assuming it's crap and not just because it's been sitting there since New Year's 2009. True story.

So the fact that I was able to pull the top deck together this past weekend and get two new pots of gorgeous flowers planted and positioned to bask in the sunshine is rewarding! I've never gardened before so as much as I'm excited to do even more, it's scary. I want to tackle a few "window" boxes full of herbs, a larger planter that will house a bigger sized plant or bush, and some hanging planters for the first level of the deck. This is either going to turn out to be a gorgeous, lush urban oasis or soon we'll see the vultures circling above the dead, brown carcasses of poor, unsuspecting foliage.

Once we get a few more things put together, and get some of the additional furniture pieces we want, pictures will follow! Wish us luck!

New York City Recap (otherwise known as - Why Girlfriends are so Important)

2010-04-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

The weekend in Hoboken (with smidges of Manhattan thrown in) was fun, debaucherous, and much needed. Other than neighborhood walks (everywhere from the Village to Battery Park and all over Hoboken's waterfront) and massive wine consumption, there wasn't much to the weekend, but yet it was still so good for my soul.

It was spent with two very dear girl friends. I have known them since I was 18 from the days down in Williamsburg; our friendship has lasted and continued to grow through travels, marriages, break ups, new jobs, new cities and so much more. These aren't the friends I've known the longest, but I think the fact that these are some of my closest comes from the fact that we began our journey during such an important stage in life. Out on our own for the first time, our friendships began at the same time that we were really learning about ourselves as individuals.

The bond has only been cemented by all of the other experiences we've gone through together. I'd rehash some stories here for all of you out in the interwebs, but honestly, we've learned by now that the stories that still make us laugh so hard we can barely breathe and tears stream down the side of our faces (I'm talking DA Roadtrip 2000, English wedding antics and of course several New Year's Eve extravangazas) are never quite as appreciated by those who weren't involved or didn't know us then. But I think it's something special that even after fourteen years, those stories still make us double over. This is what life and relationships is all about.

The Big Apple

2010-04-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

Headed to New York tonight after work to spend the weekend with two very dear friends. Growing up only two hours from New York, I tend to forget how in so many people's eyes this is city of all cities. To me, it's where my friends live, where I've spent many fall weekends walking through Central Park or doing holiday shopping, where I've spent time exploring Brooklyn and Queens.

During our trip to Scotland for the holidays, I was reminded how amazing New York City is - friends' eyes lit up when talking about their upcoming holiday this summer, or the longing in others' eyes, with hopes of some day being able to get there. Then I remember that it's not only people all over the world, but people right here in the States. There are people that will live and die in the US and never make it there because it's too far and too expensive of a trip for them. They can't just jump on a bus and pay $10 and be in the Big Apple in two hours flat.

And I love Philly, this is my town. But I get it, I do - New York City, well, it really is that amazing. You may not want to live there, but it's hard not to have a ridiculously fabulous time even on a mini trip.

So I'm looking forward to a weekend just walking the city- popping in shops on 5th Ave (to drool and then move on with wallet still firmly in bag), conducting taste tests of all the fabulous cupcakes, avoiding Times Square like the plague, wearing my Phillies' hat with pride, and of course, lounging in Central Park and people watching.

Vacation, all I ever wanted

2010-03-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

The first time I ever got on a plane, I was headed to California. A five-hour, cross country flight is a rather big one for your very first, and as a 10 year old. My second time flying, we took a month long trip to England and Australia. I was 12 on that trip.

People without passports astound me. Perhaps it's unfair, but I instantly judge those people (sorry for those reading who fall into this category - but consider this an offer, get your passport and I will plan you one hell of a trip and show you exactly why it is so important and so fun to see the world!).

I have learned that I'm happiest when planning a trip - whether it's a quick two day stay or a 10 night trip to a brand new spot. I really enjoy researching places to stay, where and what to eat, how to get from one spot to the next and also to learn, in general, the history and background of wherever we're going. I like finding the hidden spots and going where locals go, getting a real sense of how people live their daily life.

When asked what is one of "Suzanne's biggest fears or disaster scenerios", Marrvelous, without hesitation, has answered "Not traveling enough or not living overseas again". Boy does he know me. It freaks me out to think about the fact that I have maybe 50-55 years left (hopefully), and yet my list of destination locations is constantly growing! I know 50 years seems like a lot, but honestly - you should see my list. As I've grown older, the list gets longer - but my time and financial resources just seems to shrink.

I know I should be even more thankful for the fact that I took 6 weeks to travel the USA with three of my closest friends following College graduation. And that I am the envy of many for then packing up for a 4 month South American adventure with my best friend. Yes, I've even spent time living and working in both Canada and Spain. These experiences really made me who I am today, and I think that is another reason why I am always looking to get on the move. Seeing wondrous sites that others only see in books, meeting new people with different viewpoints and ways of life, being thrown into uncomfortable situations - it makes me grow and it makes my life feel full.

So it has become a bit obvious to me that it's important I start giving some serious thought to how I can get my fix on a more consistent basis. Sure, I am already scheming and plotting on a few quick little trips this year (and don't even get me started on the ever-growing Honeymoon folder), but I think I need to take some time and dwell on how I can make my passion my every day reality.

Always open to suggestions - especially if they're of the "I'll pay you to country hop for the next year" sort!

Flaunt Your Rock!

2010-03-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

As most already know...Andy and I are entered into a fabulous contest to win an engagement shoot!

In order to enter, we had to submit a picture of ourselves as well as a picture of my e-ring. At the very least, I have to thank this contest for getting me off my butt and taking pictures of my ring that I will now always have. After speaking with a few more photography-inclined friends, as well as scouring the internet for pictures of rings and how they are framed, I finally ended up with a few that I liked.

The picture of us I took from our trip out west last fall - more specifically from a really wonderful wine dinner we went to in Sonoma at Balleto Vinyards with my sister and cousin. It was a delicious meal, amazing wine, gorgeous views and great company. I felt it really captured what Andy and I strive for in life; enjoying what the world has to offer surrounded by people we care about.

If we win this contest, not only do we get free engagement photos with pretty fantastic photographer April (I already have about 20 different ideas for the shoot, plus several others that incorporate Sam and Rei), but we are then entered into a national contest where we could win custom invites, cake topper, and other fun wedding goodies. It's not only super fun to win, but obviously as we're paying for this big party ourselves, free things help too!

So if you haven't already, or if you are just stumbling across this now, please go to: http://www.aprilziegler.com/?p=3509 and vote for Couple Number 6! (and check out my handiwork at ring photography!)

Home Cooking

2010-03-13T06:30:00.000-08:00

I consider myself a foodie. I'm always up for trying the dishes that other people wrinkle their noses at on the menu. I still remember Marrvelous's shock when he found out that not only had I tried black pudding, but that I love it. Although at the time, I referred to it as morcilla (which was what it's called in Spain). For those of you not in the know, I'd tell you to google it, but then you might not try it...

Before heading to Scotland for the holidays, everyone asked me if I was up for trying haggis. I admit, the first time Marrvelous sent me a picture of haggis he certainly didn't do a good job in selecting one that looked remotely appetizing. But I could honestly tell people that I was excited to try it and wasn't going to be hesitant either about the sausage suppers, scotch pies, or deep fried mars bars.

Everything was delicious (Ok, maybe not the mars bar so much), and it only makes it that much harder that we live in an area with little access to some of Marrvelous (and now my) favorite dishes. Grocery stores may have a British or UK section, but it's never very extensive and items are usually extremely expensive. Although we do make it a point to have Heinz baked beans, HP brown sauce and Cadbury chocolates on hand as much as possible.

So if we can't buy it ready made, we're going to have create it on our own. Which I think is important anyway, because it helps him get a little taste of home and helps me feel more a part of where he's from. With this in mind, Marrvelous recently gave me this Scottish cookbook he had - Teach the Bairns to Cook. It's aimed at children, but since they use words like neeps, fuarag, and Arbroath Smokie, I think it's a good thing that the rest of the recipe is a bit spelled out.

As much as this seems to continually shock my family, I cook. Not only do I cook, but I love to bake. And I'm starting to feel that I do each with some pretty darn good results. A few weeks ago I tried my hand at Shepherd's Pie and it was awesome, plus the look on Marrvelous's face after he had a bite, covered in brown sauce, was so worth it. Trying it again tonight - which has me so excited - and looking forward to trying neeps and tatties soon! A bit daunting as I've never bought a turnip before, but should be fun experimenting.

Now if only I could bake us some Cadbury Crunchies, we'd be all set.

Craft Beer - I Like

2010-03-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

I love beer.

I've spent many a night reading about beer, talking about beer, and most importantly - tasting beer. It certainly helps to live in one of the top three beer cities in all of America. Next week should have been the third annual Philly Beer Week, but the powers that be thought hosting it in June would be better for all involved. Before you start thinking Beer Week is simply pulling up a stool at a bar and drinking, you should check out: www.phillybeerweek.org

You'll see there are so many fun and creative events. Brewers from all over the country and world come to Philly to host events from karaoke (My personal fave) to meal pairings to contests and games.

However, since it's not until June this year, I will have to satisfy my March beer cravings with tonight's Philly Craft Beer Fest! There's a big group going (including my dear friend, Ms. Liz from our nation's capital) and will be Marrvelous's first true beer fest experience. This is a young man, who when I met him 1 short year ago, though Miller Lite was nectar of the Gods. I worked on him, educated him, forced him to test out new beers and I'm proud to say that today he agonizes over what bar to go to in case they only carry Miller Lite. That might be my finest beer accomplishment in life.

So tonight we will toast each other, our good friends, and our good city as we throw back a few of Butternuts Pork Slap Pale Ale.

Real Men Wear Skirts

2010-03-03T18:12:00.000-08:00

After when? and where?, pretty much everyone follows up with the same number 3 question: "Will Andy wear a kilt?".

At first I was actually shocked that so many people were asking; I just thought everyone would know that yes, of course he would be. He's Scottish. But then I stopped and remembered that I'm always harping on what people just seem to expect about weddings, and so I should be happy that everyone is curious and aren't making any assumptions. This is perhaps the one aspect of the wedding though that is set, for sure.

So to answer everyone, yes - the groom will be in his kilt. As will his father, the best man and any other Scotsman in attendance.

As a quick tutorial: the kilt each man wears is based on his family surname and the clan they belong to. This will determine the tartan (basically, the plaid pattern of the kilt). There are informal as well as formal ("Dress") versions of the tartans and so the Mr will be sporting his Dress Gordon. Here is what he'll look like (minus the steamy, good looking model) ...

And I know what question comes next, and I'll simply say - they're all true Scotsman and if you really want to know, you can ask them that day!

The First Test?

2010-03-02T09:07:00.001-08:00

Ok, I think I've figured out why people have weddings. If you can make it through the planning process as a couple, you can make it through anything.

Maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration. But I have found myself several times in this process (and we're only two months into it!) thinking "Why don't we just run off somewhere to do this". The thing is - I want the party. And I want my family, his family, our friends to be there to help us celebrate and watch us make that commitment.

What I don't want is the ridiculous fees tied to anything "wedding" related - catering, flowers, music. And then you add on all the little things that you think will just make your day so much better than anything experienced before because that's what everyone else in the blogs and magazines are doing.

So here I am, two months into it, having trouble sleeping because of the ever increasing dollar sign I keep seeing in my head (that's coming straight out of our two bank accounts only) and stressing about the people, because of either venue capacity or that ever growing dollar sign, we won't be able to invite even though we love them and consider them important in our lives. All of this, and we haven't even booked anything yet.

I just feel really fortunate that right now, while going through this, I have a partner by my side who tells me to take the deep breath, that we're going to have a fun day and it'll be what we want and something we have for "us" for the rest of our lives. And that all of the other little things don't matter; then I'm able to smile and enjoy all of this again.

Until the next blog I see with the gorgeous four digit dress and 5 level cake. Sigh.

What a Difference a Year Makes...

2010-02-25T16:52:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow marks the day I met my partner (in life and for life) and I am one giddy girl! Thinking back to this day last year, I can safely say I wasn't expecting to be planning a wedding only one year later. Hell, I can safely say I didn't even think I was going to meet a guy the very next day that was able to see straight into me while singing every Cher song imaginable with Lisa Lisa (the girl so nice they named her twice! Is it wrong that I want to find a way to incorporate B&Bs into the wedding celebrations? Engagement photo shoot perhaps?!)

I walked away that night knowing I had met someone so special, someone that was going to make a huge difference in my life. Within 45 minutes of knowing each other, we had covered so many life stories that it's no wonder, one year later, it feels like we've known each other forever.

In the past year, we've met each other's family. He's great with the niece and nephews - he even suffers the eventual black and blue marks that Katie leaves behind after her perpetual pinching. Hard to tell her to stop as she giggles the whole time she nips and twists.

We've learned so much about what drives us, what motivates us, what our passions are. In the past few months, Andy has chosen to follow his dream and create the career in golf he's always wanted. Experiencing his ambition and his determination has made me so proud and so confident in his success.

And of course, we've gone through the bumps and challenges that living together and building a life together inevitably bring about. He drives me absolutely crazy and I love every minute of it.

I'm so looking forward to the bumps, the laughs, the dreams and the love we share together for the next 50 years (at least)!

Aunt Sue in the house!

2010-02-20T07:26:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite roles in life is the one of "aunt". I adore all 6 nephews and my one very special princess (aka niece). They all rock and are incredibly fun, smart and super cute (even the 19 year old though he'd yell at me for saying he was "cute").

Marrvelous and I are off today to my brother and sis-in-law's house in Quakertown for a celebratory engagement dinner consisting of steak, copious amount of vino and perhaps a ridiculous amount of drunken guitar hero or Wii bowling. We haven't seen the munchkins' since before the holidays so pretty pumped to do crafts and play mario kart.

This is what we're headed into...

Working 'round the clock

2010-02-18T19:16:00.000-08:00

So I saw this quote today "Love is a feeling, Marriage is a contract, and a Relationship is work." and it stuck with me. I've often said that the wedding - it's just a legality. I honestly believe if you plan to commit yourself to someone, you do - a piece of paper isn't going to force someone to make it happen. That has a larger influence on insurance and taxes, or as it will be in our case - your residency status. The bigger reward lies in the relationship and in the work that makes that relationship so great that you want the contract, and you want to continue that feeling of love each day forward.

As I've gotten older and gone through other relationships, as well as watched friends enter into marriages (and out...), the importance of the word "work" becomes much clearer. For the first time though, I really feel like I not only understand it, but truly accept what lies ahead.

Just like my day job, there are days when the "work" will feel like a breeze and I'll be proud of what I've accomplished and feel like I was made to do this - who wouldn't want to hire me?! And then there will be the days that end in near-tears, wondering am I going crazy and am I any good at anything.

Those will be the days I remember that feeling - Love. And those will also be the days I focus on the contract - the Marriage. And through the good days and the bad, I hope to always smile at the choices we've made and at my co-worker in all this. Because it's been a true blessing to find a partner who is as committed to the work and excited for our shared days ahead!

And so it begins...

2010-02-17T16:45:00.000-08:00

I've thought about it for awhile. And always stepped back and put it off for another day. But a new year has brought a new resolve (and a serious push by the Mr.). So here I am, on the interwebs to inundate everyone with random thoughts on the meals I eat (there will be a lot of bacon discussion), places I travel, and continuous ideas on how to become independently wealthy and leave the world of work behind (huzzah!). And of course it will be a forum for the life Marrvelous and I are building together so our family and friends, near and far, can keep tabs on us ... beginning with that whole wedding thingy. Let's do this!