We're Getting Married

SMP Inspiration Boards

2011-03-20T11:36:00.003-04:00

= My new favorite thing

Check it out here. I for some reason can't embed the actual board on the blog. Truelytechnologicallyilliterate.

Future Engagement Photos

2011-03-19T13:56:00.006-04:00

I am so excited to have my engagement photos taken early next month in Charlotte, NC. I am excited because it is our first actual wedding planning coming to life and also because of the photographer I got. I have been reading this woman's blog for like three years so I basically feel like I know everything about her already. I can't wait to meet her!

Now, the problem is that I have no clue what Nick and I should wear for our pictures. We will be in Freedom Park, which I think will be a really beautiful venue. I, of course, want our engagement photos to be the first glimpse of our vintage-y, summer wedding. I have been looking at outfits options. What do you think?

All choices are from Mod Cloth... which I'm in love with, by the way.

Letterpress

2011-01-23T13:58:00.012-05:00

Why can't I just be crafty and creative? That way I could do all things myself that are wedding related. Unfortunately, because I am not crafty nor creative, I must find others to do these things for me. Enter: Spark Stationary. Their invites basically make me drool. Check these out:

Now I'm sorry, but that is some lovely letterpress if I do say so myself.

The invitation will set the tone for my coming wedding. What do I want my invitation design to say to my guests?

Dear friends and family,
I know you have been holding your breath for this moment basically since the day I was born. No worries, my fellow wedding attendees, the day has come. Join us for the best darn party this side of the Appalachians. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes and ~~a hefty check~~ a sense of humor because you are bound to have the time of your lives. See y'all soon!

I mean, that's totally an appropriate implied meaning for an invitation, right?

Oh, and just so ya know, June 2012 is looking like more-and-more of a possibility. Better bring your sunscreen!

I wrote a song for you

2010-11-27T15:16:00.005-05:00

And all the things you do
And it was called Yellow

Presuming we decide on a June 2012 wedding...

Navy and Yellow? That's what's on my mind.

Here's a look at why I am feeling inspired by these colors (and it's not just because they are my high school's colors).

Can't you see the color palette forming? It kind of makes my mouth water... yes- I am obsessed with planning this wedding.

If we decide on June it looks like the exact date will be either June 16 or June 17, 2012. If we decide on Saturday, the 16th, then the cost will go up and because this is a Summer wedding, we would have to change it from daytime to evening. This would also make the price go up. I feel like if the wedding is at night then it should be on a Saturday for the out of town guests who may be coming. Decisions... decisions...

I wish we didn't have to push the date off at all. I am obviously ready to dive headfirst into planning.

Summer/Fall

2010-11-26T11:08:00.010-05:00

As of right now our wedding date is up in the air. We have a few options. Because I do not want to wait an entire two years before we say our nuptials, I am beginning to think getting married in the Summer may be a good idea. If we choose the summer then I will not have to take any days off work and we will not have to factor in hurricane season when it comes to planning the honeymoon... These are all good things.

The problem is, I have always wanted an Autumn wedding. The colors are so beautiful, the weather is nice, and it would really just be perfection for my wedding to be in October. However, I am leaning toward a Summer 2012 wedding at this point.

Why the date change you may ask? Well, when we went to sign the contract at our gorgeous venue, we decided it would be best to wait a little longer in order to save up more money. I am not 100% in love with this idea, but I am growing to be more accepting of the decision.

If we decide on Summer, the wedding will be in June. I am thinking the main color will be navy and we could have a "vintage themed" wedding. I am basically obsessed with the wedding blog Style Me Pretty. You must checkout the weddings they feature. I would settle with basically any one of the featured weddings!

Here are the bridesmaid dresses that I love, love, love from JCrew. They would work for Summer or Fall. For Summer we would choose newport navy and for Fall we would choose espresso.

So moral of the story is that the wedding is not going to be what I had originally planned... but hey, that seems to be a reoccurring theme with my wedding!

I am thinking statement jewelry for the bridesmaids in their cute JCrew dresses. The strapless dress wearers can have a chunky necklace and the other dress wearers can have big, fun earrings. I saw this idea on Oprah the other day, and very much agree with whoever came up with that idea.

So, Summer wedding? Navy, vintage, chunky jewelry? I'm thinking I could grow fond of this idea. A soda bar and pie station? Yes, please!

There are decisions to be made....

Things are a'changin'

2010-11-25T23:06:00.002-05:00

Let's just say the theme-season-colors-date may not be what was previously mentioned....

I think it's a good thing.

Vintage, anyone?

Here comes the bride

2010-11-13T23:19:00.002-05:00

all dressed in ~~white~~.

Or ivory...

Same thing, right?

Picked out my wedding dress today! I'm glad I have such a fabulous Maid of Honor to help me through these adventures!

The deposit is being put down on our venue tomorrow. We decided on Sundara! I definitely think it is the right choice. After finding my dress today I am so excited. I can't wait for next year!

Venue

2010-11-06T10:49:00.005-04:00

So we are basically decided on the venue- Sundara We were even supposed to put down the deposit tomorrow (though now we are going next Sunday). So instead of putting down the deposit, I am going to see yet another ceremony/reception venue tomorrow. This place is in Fincastle, Santillane (which is just as far away from Roanoke as Sundara but in the opposite direction). I am willing to go see the venue because it is less than half of the price as Sundara and money is proving to be a problem in this wedding adventure. If we go with the other venue then the date of the event will be changed yet again. We would be able to have a Saturday wedding and it sounds like they have October 8th open at the other venue.

I love the scenery at Sundara. It is beautiful. You see nothing but mountains and woods. In the fall it is to die for! There is an apple orchard across the street from the house and I think that is just the cutest thing. I also love all of the old boxwood, magnolia, and willow trees. The location is stunning. The house itself is gorgeous. It was built in 1880 and still has all of the old-time charm. The only areas of the house that will be accessible to the wedding party are the bride's and the groom's rooms. There is also an old bath house outside with two bathrooms (one for men and one for women). There is a big red barn and a fire pit. There are also gardens and expansive fields. The venue is basically my wedding dream come true. It will be hard to see another venue and keep an open mind to it.

Santillane is also an old, 19th century, home. I think it is even older than Sundara. It also has a lot of land with mountain views. There is an apple orchard close to the venue but not directly next door! The best thing about Santillane that Sundara does not offer is the Bed & Breakfast. We would have full-access to the house and so would our wedding party. We could even rent out the entire place for the night so everyone could stay the night, which would be a lot of fun. I like the thought of staying the night there and leaving for our honeymoon straight from the venue instead of having to go home first. I am excited to see the venue and as soon as I go I will post some pictures and we can do more comparing and contrasting of the two!

Choices, choices

2010-11-05T21:54:00.004-04:00

Too many choices.

I have been looking into honeymoon spots and I just cannot make a decision. My number one/the most expensive pick is obviously Italy. I mean, if I could go anywhere in the world then it would be Italy. So that's my number one... I have also been looking at the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Niagra Falls. All options sounds pretty great. I like the idea of having an "all-inclusive" package. So I was thinking one of Sandals' resorts in Antigua. But considering we are getting married during hurricane season, I am not sure if we should go to the Caribbean islands! Hawaii would be a nice alternative to Antigua because obviously there are still beaches! Niagra Falls is definitely quite the opposite of my other choices, but it seems like it would be really fun.

So... I guess I'm glad we have a while to make some decisions! Oh... and who is paying for this honeymoon of ours? Huhhh.... maybe we will just stay home and have one of those, uh, "staycations." Sounds fun.

Rome, Italy

Antigua

Niagra Falls

Hawaii

Where would you go???

Big news

2010-10-24T12:42:00.002-04:00

So as you all know- I have basically put this blog aside until wedding plans actually get going. Well here's the good news

WEDDING PLANNING IS ALL I CAN THINK ABOUT

So because all I want to do for the next year is plan a wedding, Nicholas and I have decided to get the ball rolling. We have set a date. An actual, firm, for sure, planned out, deposit coming, date. So, family and friends, please keep this date in your calendars: October 16, 2011.

It's hard to believe I will be married in less than a year. I am so very excited and I am ready to start planning this shindig!

Once we have put the deposit down on our venue, I will announce more information (like time, location, directions, etc.). For now I just wanted to share my joy about my coming wedding.

new blog

2010-05-14T14:05:00.001-04:00

i have a new blog

The Word Wall

it's all about my life as a teacher :)

Life after college

2010-02-07T16:19:00.003-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about this subject lately... Life after college. What is life going to be like after college? Am I going to get a job? Am I going to get married? Am I going to buy a house? Am I going to have babies? These are all things I've always wanted to happen. But does that mean that it's not scary now that it is all finally going to happen?

Nick and I have been looking into moving away. I thought I wanted to stay in Roanoke but I think our lives together will be better if we move away. We are thinking about Charlotte, NC. We are going down in a few weeks for a teacher job fair. We are going to stay the night and maybe go shopping and just hang out in the city a little bit.

I have talked about moving away so many different times. But all of the other times it felt like I was just talking about things I could do whereas now I am talking about things I will do. Charlotte is only three hours away. The city seems like it would be pretty cool. There are definitely lots of things to do there. Also, the public school system is pretty great. So that's always a plus. Nick could go back to school. He wants to go for criminal justice. He has always wanted to be a lawyer but he thinks he is too old. I am trying to convince him that is nonsense and the sooner he gets started, the sooner he is finished! We are going to check out the UNC Charlotte campus while we are there (since that is where the job fair is). The program offered for criminal justice seems pretty great. There is also a good culinary arts school in Charlotte, too. So if he wants to do that instead then he can. I think I would prefer for him to do the criminal justice thing. Just sounds cooler to me.

Maybe we will go to Charlotte and I will get a job offer. How awesome would that be? I know it's probably too early for them to hire people... but at least I will be getting a foot in the door. I've been putting my portfolio together and finishing up my resume. I feel like such a professional now!

Have you ever heard of

2010-01-31T16:17:00.005-05:00

Mauritius? Go here to check out where I think we should go on our honeymoon. I recently went to Las Vegas (for those of you who didn't already know that, which I'm sure is no one). So in Las Vegas, I went to the Coca Cola factory.

I'm sure you are thinking, "What does this have to do with your honeymoon?" Well, my favorite soda was called sunfill blackcurrent and it was from Mauritius. I had never even heard of that country! So when I got home, I told Nick about the delicious soda and about it's location. He had never heard of Mauritius either. Naturally, we googled it. Turns out it is like the MOST gorgeous island ever!! It is off the coast of Africa (pretty close to Madagascar). Basically, it is perfect for a honeymoon.

Does this not look t total perf?!

This is the honeymoon suite:

Does anyone want to donate to the "Send Chelsie to Mauritius Fund?"

Happy 100th

2009-12-28T09:45:00.004-05:00

[Apparently this is my 100th post! Cool, huh?]

I'm not ready to say goodbye...

I feel you Christmas
I know I've found you
You never fade away
The joy of Christmas
Stays here inside us

Fills each and every heart with love

...

2009-12-05T21:23:00.002-05:00

Who would have thunk it?

2009-11-30T17:40:00.002-05:00

Nick and I had our three year anniversary a few weeks ago. I think it is pretty incredible that the two of us reached that milestone. No one would have put the two of us together. We are SUCH the opposites.

I am a southern girl.
He's a worldly traveler.

I often sing country tunes.
He "screams" punk rock.

I love small children.
He has a passion for the elderly.

I watch romance flicks.
He watches The Ultimate Fighter.

I'm a crazy cat lady.
He's a dog lover.

I think it's our opposites that make us work so well. Well, it seems to be that way because here I am three years later still in love with my better half.

I was thinking...

2009-10-14T11:23:00.002-04:00

about updating my blog. I'm doing it.
about getting some homework done. I'm not doing it.
about "cooking" some chicken noodle soup. I'm doing it.
about taking the dog out for a walk. I'm not doing it.
about being lazy on the couch today. I'm doing it.
about trying to make it through school today even though I feel sickly. I'm not doing it.

I want to be a better cook, a better housekeeper, a better pet owner, a better teacher, a better friend, a better fiance, a better Christian.

Hmmm

I think I'm going to try to cook. I mean, what will it hurt? Well, other than possibly my stomach (and Nick's) which is already not feeling great. I'm getting tired of only being able to make sandwiches. I would like to make some good baked macaroni and cheese :) And lasagna. Just those two things would make me very happy. And you know what? They don't seem too hard to make. And if I could just master those two things, well then I could conquer the kitchen.

I'm t total cray (that's for you mom and Jessi)!

This is just a random post.

See you next month!

Death by chocolate dentist.

2009-08-29T09:49:00.002-04:00

I hate going to the dentist (although I am pretty sure most of you know this already). My mouth has been in immense amounts of pain ever since my fillings were done on Tuesday. I am really just sick of my teeth. Period. Would it be okay to have dentures when I'm only 22? I think... yes! My jaw hurt sooooo bad yesterday (on my BIRTHDAY nonetheless!!) that I couldn't eat all day (other than soup and jello) and I dreaded speaking! However, I woke up this morning and really, it doesn't hurt as bad as it did. My dentist wants me to come in on Monday, but I am hoping the pain is completely gone by then and maybe I just had some TMJ (which are basically just muscle cramps in your face) (have I used enough parenthesis for you yet?) (okay.. I'll stop).

The problem with going to the dentist on Monday is that it is the first day of class! I already had to leave early on my first day at my internship, I don't also want to miss the first day of class. I mean, obviously, if I have to go then I have to go... But I think that maybe since it doesn't hurt very much today then by Monday it will be fine. Pray for me! PLEASE!

So I started at the elementary school on Tuesday and I love it more than I thought was possible! The teachers are amazing and so much fun to hang out with. I really love my CT (cooperating teacher). We don't have a classroom yet because she is getting new carpeting! But once we can set up I will post some pictures. I love elementary school. Can I just stay there forever? Oh wait, I CAN!

I can't believe I will be a college graduate in May. I mean, that's only 9 months away! Crazy, crazy, crazy.

One Month

2009-08-24T17:26:00.005-04:00

So it has now been over a month since the last time that I updated... this is just pathetic. Iaplogizedeeply.

Instead of updating... I have been vacationing,

having too much fun,

and working.

I start school again tomorrow... which would be a bummer, but I'm actually pretty excited to get back. I will finally be in an elementary school so puh-lease pray for me to like it! Maybe, if I update again one day, I will let you know all about it.

However, I am NOT excited about going in for Phase 1 of 4 dentist appointments tomorrow after school. I spent the morning filling my IPOD nano with good songs to listen to while I get my teeth drilled. I'm trying not to be a big baby, and I don't even think I'm that nervous... but I know that I will psyche myself out when I get there. I always get so nervous at the dentist. I hate it there. Really. I'm glad that my teeth will hurt less, well at least four of them will... Hopefully it's not as bad as I seem to think it will be. Hopefully I'm just in and out... no big deal.

Maybe you'll hear from me again soon?

How do I love thee?

2009-07-22T13:22:00.035-04:00

Let me count the ways...

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach when feeling out of sight for the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use in my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose with my lost saints.
I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life;

and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

"Not my child!" Monday

2009-07-20T08:58:00.005-04:00

Now... I know what you're all thinking, "Chelsie, I know that you sometimes may pretend to be preggo because of your recent weight gain, but you do not actually have any children." And do you know what I say to that? Pish Posh thankyouverymuch.

MckMama created "Not me! Monday" and now she has come up with a special addition for those of you bloggers out there who want to share their silly stories about their babies, toddlers, and maybe even tweens. "Not my child! Monday" is all about those temper tantrums, messy diapers, and food fights that you sometimes may rather forget. Join me as I talk about what "my child" did not do this week! And don't forget to head over to MckMama's blog to hear all about her adorable children and to read about what other kids have not been up to this week!

Now I may not have given birth to any "children," however, I most certainly do have one really ridiculously rambunctious puppy. And, I would definitely and do all the time call myself his mommy. And now, without any further adieu... may I present to you, "Not my PUPPY! Monday"

Bruiser had to spend the night at his grandma's this weekend because I was going to be out all night and his daddy was working late. When I got this text message from my mom:

it totally did not remind me of a time when my puppy was small enough to go to time out in a laundry basket...

Bruiser loves being locked up in a laundry basket... can't you tell?

This week (believe it or not) Bruiser has been relatively well behaved. He definitely did not eat three pairs of underwear, continue peeing on the floor in the dining room, wake up every night at 3am barking loud enough to wake the neighbors, attack big brother Mercutio until Merky finally showed him who was really boss early yesterday afternoon, chew up my favorite pen, chew up Nick's wallet, chew up the window sill, chew up the carpet, chew up a shoe, chew up a stink bug, chew up my bills (will that give me an excuse to not pay them?), chew up a roll of toilet paper, chew up some cat poop, chew up several stinky socks.... you get the point! My puppy is far too well-behaved to act like that!

When Bruiser learned how to ~~lift his paw for a treat~~ shake your hand like a gentleman this weekend, I was not so excited that we practiced for an hour last night. Bruiser did not eat so many pupperoni's that his poop looked quite unnormal this morning on our usual early morning walk.

Bruiser did not decide it would be a good idea to roll around in a puddle the size of Texas this morning and then track his messy muddy paws all through the apartment.

And my puppy certainly is not watching VH1 right now and growling at Beyonce shaking her butt. My puppy can recognize talent.

So there you have it... just a typical day in our animal-filled household. Don't forget to go to MckMama's blog and check out other "Not my child! Mondays."

Not Me! Monday

2009-07-13T09:16:00.002-04:00

Are you embarrassed about leaving your dirty dishes piling up in the sink for over a week? Or did you slip and fall in front of a group of people and now you want to admit to it? Ashamed to say you haven't washed your hair in four days? Well, don't be! Just join in on Not Me! Monday where bloggers around the globe are confessing their most embarrassing moments throughout the week. Just go to MckMama's page to learn the rules and then join in on all of the free therapy!

This week I did not skip all of my weekly chores and instead spend my days lounging on the couch in my pajamas. I did not then decide it would be a good idea to clean the kitchen so I just threw the dishes in the sink and pushed the counter crumbs on the floor and then claimed my job was complete.

Because I am such a good pet owner, I would never put a bow in my boy dog's hair. I understand that bows are sissy and a boy named Bruiser wouldn't be caught dead with a bow in his hair. If I had put a bow in his hair, I certainly would not have pretended he was a girl and thought about all of the cute little puppy dresses that I could buy for him to wear. Nope, not me!

While working the other night, I did not fall asleep in a rocking chair with Alexis drooling and snotting on my shirt and then decide I wouldn't need to change before going downtown to a concert because who would really notice drool, snot, and yogourt on a black shirt?

I also did not think, won't it be nice to be a mother? Snot on shirts is so sweet!

And finally, it was not me who decided to put her cat on a diet by cutting his food from 2 cups of food a day to 1 cup of food a day while the vet says to only give him a half a cup of food a day!! My Mercutio is certainly not a fat cat! And if he were, I would not be happy to have a chubby kitty because I like when his belly sags to the floor.

Want to join in on the fun?! Go to MckMama's page and figure out how!

Carlo's Bakery

2009-07-08T12:10:00.005-04:00

So I just recently started watching the show Cake Boss on TLC. And I must say that I lo-ove it! I wish I could have Buddy make my wedding cake. How cool would that be? Some of the cakes he has made are pretty crazy.

This one is so much fun! I (of course) love all of the pink! I don't think Nick and I will be needing a five-tiered cake... but what the hey? The designs are just really cool:

I really love this one... but you already know (if you follow my blog regularly) that gerbera daisies are my favorite. It would be really cute to have this cake if we had, which we will, gerbera daisies in our bouquets.

Buddy did this cake for Bride's Magazine and it turned out beautifully! I love all of the detail and how huge it is!

This cake is just plain... COOL. I mean, it's shaped like luggage! What can I really say about that?

Basically, I love the Cake Boss and I am obsessed with his cakes! He also makes some pretty cool looking desserts. It's really a bummer that he is located in New Jersey... oh, and the fact that one of his cakes probably costs as much as we have budgeted for our entire wedding. But hey, a girl can dream, right?

I know the vet is scary

2009-07-07T17:48:00.003-04:00

Dear Mercutio,

Remember when you were just a baby? You were so small and cute. However, you were not very nice. Actually, I really could have lived without all of the scar-forming scratches and the time you stole my cupcake... really not cool.

Even though you were quite the terror, you were such a precious kitten. I sometimes miss when you were small enough to sleep on my pillow with me at night and when you would crawl up my leg and rest on my back. I know that you're bigger now, but you're still my baby.

I wish I could tell you tonight not to be scared tomorrow when we have to go to the vet. I wish you would understand that we won't be there long and I love you very much. I know that you dread this time of the year but I promise it won't be so bad. I also promise we will get it over with very quickly as long as you are a good boy.

I love you, 'kidden.'
Love Mommy

Everyone wish me luck tomorrow afternoon. Merky hates the vet!

Count 'em up!

2009-07-07T09:06:00.003-04:00

1...2...3...

4...5...6...7...

8 teeth!

and yes the top picture is Ms. Alexis walking like a professional. I'm pretty proud. We had quite the day yesterday. Lots and lots of playing and splashing in the rainforest pool!

White or Ivory?

2009-07-05T12:24:00.007-04:00

... and does it really matter?

I mean, seriously. I think I like ivory more. Also, I like white for the bridesmaids. Could we all wear white or is that just a bit too virginal? Can I talk about virginity on my blog? Sure, why not.

However, I am also back on my "lapis" kick and now that we decided not to say our nuptials next summer.... we could go back to my original plan of an autumn wedding! I just love purple in the fall... However, I also am still totally in love with mermaid. Yes, the color, not the human fish.
I also, love this dress... period. I like in every color. Including candy pink and watermelon. I originally wanted the colors to be pink but I feel like that may be too girly. I still think that mermaid is my favorite. Picture it... it's a warm fall day. There are candlelit lanterns circling the field, sunflowers are tied to the aisle ends, gerbera daises and tealight candles across every table, guests are seated on wooden benches... the groomsmen and groom (of course) are dressed in khakis and white button ups, the bridesmaids come down the aisle wearing teal and carrying bouquets filled with all fall colors- red, orange, yellow, brown, green. The flower girl lead the way for me by dropping petals out of her metal pail on the grassy grown. The stage is set perfectly for my arrival.

When I picture my wedding, the colors seem to be the most important to me. Perhaps that's why I write about it so often. I think colors say a lot about the occassion. I've said many times I want it to be comfy casual... ME. I do not want the traditional white puffy dress... I don't like tuxedos and classical music. I don't want a violinst or champagne. I just want the wedding to reflect our personalities... I think it will. Even though we both have such strong personalities and they are polar opposites (Which is really a bummer). I really do want Nick to be able to have his punk music playing and I want our friends to have fun and not worry about getting all dolled up. I just want it to be fun! I don't know why I'm even worrying about it so much lately.. considering we are not even going to get married for two more years which is basically forever and a day away. I kind of wish we could do it sooner, but I just don't think we can.

Oh well... here's the dress I've picked out for the flower girl. Well maybe, you know how I change my mind so often.

I don't know why my pictures are all different sizes? Oh well.

Happy Holiday

2009-07-03T11:01:00.006-04:00

If I were to get married on any holiday... it would certainly be the Fourth of July. One, because it's Nick's favorite day of the year. Two, because I am obsessed with fireworks. And three, because it would be perfect to do it in Disney World by Cinderella's Castle. I mean, I am no princess and I do not by any means want a traditional, fairy tale wedding... however, I would love to have the big ball gown dress if I were getting married at Disney World, underneath the castle, with fireworks going, and on Independence Day. Really, how fun?

But seriously, can you imagine me in this dress?? I think not... I will stick with laid back casual... khakis and blue jean attire. Thankyouverymuch.

A girl from my high school got married last week. And although I am very happy for her, I am also a little jealous. I was doing my usual ~~facebook stalking~~ checking up on friends routine and came across her wedding photos. She was gorgeous and her wedding was really A LOT like how I invision mine being. It was in a big field by a barn atop a mountain. Basically, exactly the way I want my wedding to be. So naturally, I am jealous. But also glad she found happiness in her life. She definitely deserves it.

I know this is supposed to be a wedding blog... but it's kind of hard to write a wedding blog when we have decided to wait two more years to get married. However, I do still have my dream wedding mapped out in my head. I swear (although I probably shouldn't) that once we start really planning there will be lots of wedding stuff on this thing! But until then, I will continue updating about random things... like Bumpits!

From flat to fabulous

2009-06-30T17:56:00.010-04:00

Dear creator of Bumpits Volumizing Inserts,

I have always dreamed of being able to make my hair go from flat to fabulous in just three simple steps: tease, bump it, spray. Thanks to your invention, women all around the world are able to capture the 80s hair they've always dreamed of having. I remember when I first saw your commercial. Although my fiance thought I was crazy for thinking it (and possibly a few friends, too), I knew that what I had always wanted was about to be a reality. I have had my doubts about the power of Bumpits, but I think I am beginning to come around to your side. I must admit I was a little jealous of the 50-year-old woman at Olive Garden yesterday when I noticed that she must be wearing a Bumpit; for, she had the most perfect bump I had ever seen! My hair bumps pail in comparison to the perfection that is defined by the Big Happie Hair corporation. I wondered to myself, but how could I ever have my very own Bumpit? To my surprise, Bumpits are now being sold in Wal Marts across the country! How lucky am I?? Although I am not yet the proud owner of a Bumpit, I too will one day be able to bump it up!

Until then, here is what a strive for:

Please join me in my support of really big hair. I think every woman (and even men, I mean, why not?) should also know the joys of being able to "say hello to FAB hair."

Thank you again for helping flat-haired folks like myself.

Love,

Not me! Monday

2009-06-29T09:15:00.003-04:00

It's that time of the week again-- yes, my personal favorite time of the week, Not me! Monday. This fabulous free therapy was created by MckMama so that people like you and I can admit to all of our embarrassing moments throughout our weeks. If you would like to join in on the phone just go to this website and read the rules or if you just want to read some other funny Not me's! then go there and have fun.

It's 9 in the morning and I'm so far spending this beautiful summer day watching Jon Stewart's The Daily Show. No, I do not typically spend my Mondays glued to the television. However, if I did watch tv early in the morning, I would probably enjoy watching political comics. So today (well it was probably from early last week since we totally DVR everything) Cameron Diaz is complaining about how she does not understand how someone could eat a King Sized candy bar. I personally totally agree with her. I mean, she's right... who could eat a King Sized candy bar?! Definitely not me! Not ever! And I certainly did not just eat a bag of peanut butter M&Ms and a box of cookie dough bites in one sitting. And if I did eat all of that in one sitting, I did not eat ice cream earlier that day and a brownie later that night. That's disgusting, and what kind of person can eat sweets like she hasn't eaten in a week? NOT ME!

Nick and I finally watched Slumdog Millionare last night and I did not decide it was time for me to change the world. No one should think so highly of themselves. However, just in case I do change the world, I would like to start with the children. I love babies.

After watching the movie I was having a terrible nightmare about this man trying to murder me and my brother worked for said man. I did not get woken up by my alarm clock only to fall back asleep and into my horrific dream... three times! I am not still scared of dreams and things that go bump in the night.

I loved you MJ

2009-06-26T08:56:00.003-04:00

Dear Michael,

I loved you in my mommy's belly in 1987. She enjoyed your last album, Thriller. And although I was not there for that, I did pop out in time for Bad. I loved you, Michael, I guess it's just the way you make me feel. I loved you throughout elementary school, especially at Super Bowl XXVII when you performed songs from you Dangerous album. And might I say that Black or White was my absolute favorite music video. Michael, I even loved you when you paired up with your sister, Janet, and compiled Scream. You truly are the King of Pop and I'm glad I grew up with you in my cassette players and on my TV. Without you in my life I would have never enjoyed many fun times dancing in the family room with my big brother and singing songs like Thriller, Billie Jean, and Beat It with my college roommate. Although you are gone, your music lives on.

Sincerely,
Chelsie

..................................................................................................

So maybe I'm a little cheesy... but I really do love Michael Jackson and I'm definitely devistated by his death.

Not me! Monday

2009-06-22T08:31:00.004-04:00

No way! I have yet again joined the undeniably cleansing blog realm of Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama for people like you and I who may or may not skip showering some times because hair just looks better up and people who may or may not ignore the fact that their dogs pooped on the floor for an entire day because "maybe guests just won't go into the dining room and people who may or may not let the kitchen counter fill up with dishes because they're simply proud the dishes made it into the kitchen from the living room... You get the point. Jump on in- the water's warm. And don't forget to check out MckMama's page to learn the rules and to read other people's embarrassing mishaps throughout the week.

Let it be known that I am not composing this post while sitting on the couch with my feet up as high as I can get them because I had a tick on me last night in which case I did not ~~promptly yank it off of my neck and throw it on the living room floor while screaming bloody murder~~ carefully remove the pest, dip it in rubbing alcohol, and flush it in the toilet. Nope, not me! I am not scared that I now have Lyme's Disease and at any moment I may die. I am also not afraid that the tick (which I never could find) is in my carpet waiting for the perfect moment to attack.

My apartment is always looking its finest and I did not spend my day yesterday cleaning for hours and lighting candles in every room to rid the place of a mixture of dirty dishes, kitty litter, and puppy poop smell. Not my house. It always smells delicious and clean.

Ahem.

After cleaning the apartment I did not spend the rest of my day on the couch watching television. I do not spend many days on my couch. And even if I did, there's no way that you can see butt imprints on my cushions. Nope, absolutely not.

Alexis celebrated her first birthday this weekend and I did not decide it would be a good idea to get into the Moon Bounce that my boss rented. The last time I was in a Moon Bounce I loved it (even though I was probably 10, and what self-respecting 10-year-old doesn't love Moon Bounces?). However, my Moon Bounce experience ended up really quite unfortunately. After sliding down the slide with Alexis in hand, I did not feel so dizzy that I couldn't stand up and I had to just sit at the bottom of the slide as the other kids crawled over top of me. I did not then spend the rest of the day trying to find other things for Alexis to do because I was unwilling to go back to the Moon Bounce.

Speaking of Moon Bounces (not really, I just thought it would be cool to say that)... I was not jealous of the newly year old Alexis because she got a pearl necklace, pink pearl/diamond bracelet, David Yurman teething rattle, and a Tiffany's bracelet. There is no way that I would stoop so low as to be jealous of a one-year-old. Not me! If I was jealous, I would have good reason, don't you think? I mean, she's one!

Lastly, I am not still peeling from my sunburn from three weeks ago! I do not pick the skin off while sitting on the toilet every morning just hoping that "maybe tomorrow this will be over with!"

Don't you want to take part in this free therapy every Monday! If so, just go to MckMama's page and read her rules and then join in! We'd love to have you!

This is NOT an update

2009-06-12T11:58:00.002-04:00

oh wait... maybe it is. I don't even know what updating means, apparently. I mean, I never seem to do it anymore, huh?

Life has been different lately.

Strange even.

Up and Down.

Sometimes, mostly down.

But you know what? That's ok.

You learn a lot from being down. And eventually life will be up again.

It's

a

rollercoaster

Did you know Scarlet Fever still exists? Seriously... google it. I thought it was only something that was around in the 1800's and I'm pretty sure if you had it, you surely woud die. Apparently that's not the deal anymore. Alexis was tested for it yesterday because she had a weird rash all over her torso, back, face, and neck. Even though she tested negative, they went ahead and did a culture of her throat swab and the results will be in later today. Scarlet Fever.. who knew?

Marriage... it's pretty permanent, huh? Nick and I pushed the date off an extra year. I don't know if I blogged about that already or not? Maybe I did. So anyways, we decided anytime after 2011 will be fine with us.

I'm young.

I'd like to enjoy that for awhile.

Yes, even if that means: partying, sleeping in, being sluggish, going out with friends, going over my cell phone minutes (that one's just for you dad), loving on Mercutio more than my fiance, eating ice cream for dinner, watching Beverly Hills 90210 twice a day... well, you get the point.

Next week is my last week of school... again. Then I get a whole week off before going back for the month of July. During my week-long break, I am going to work as a camp counselor for a place called Camp Invention. I was pretty nervous at first (actually, I'm still pretty nervous) but I think it will be a lot of fun. Plus, it will be an excellent resume booster. I have the fifth and sixth grade group-- aka the BEST group! I am excited to be with the older kids because they are just so darn cool, really.

I finally got my fall schedule. I'm really not sure if working will be possible. My advisor told me before I wouldn't have to be at the elementary school until 7:30 but apparently I have to be there at 7:15. I know that doesn't seem like much of a difference... but basically the very earliest I can get off work is 7 am... And there's no way I will be able to make it to the elementary school by 7:15. Hopefully we can work something out. I'm pretty sure if I though school was kicking my butt now, I'm going to be in for a real suprise next semester.

That's unfortunate.

Wait, no pictures?

Yeah... I haven't been taking any lately. Maybe I will soon? The puppy is getting awfully big. Maybe I will photograph my terribly messy apartment.

Blah.

Our happy family

2009-05-31T20:58:00.003-04:00

Aren't we precious? I'm pretty glad this is my future hubby...

I think our family is pretty darn cute. We went to "Woofstock" yesterday and had such a good time. Bruiser loved meeting all of the other dogs and I had fun too!

Has it really been that long?

2009-05-27T09:15:00.004-04:00

...I guess it has been. SORRY

So I am now BACK in school, which is really quite unfortunate. The good news is that the class is only five weeks long so I am already almost done. I can't wait for summer break number two. But I especially can't wait for summer break number three ((which is when Nick and I are going to Florida)).

For Memorial Day weekend a girlfriend and I went to DC/Baltimore to celebrate another friend's 21st birthday. I had SOOO much fun that it is not even real to me. I literally don't think I have ever had a better vacation.

The most exciting part of the above picture is the fact that Kate Gosselin was wearing that SAME green dress from Ann Taylor LOFT on Jon & Kate Plus 8 this past Monday!! I was stoked. I knew I loved Kate and she has quite the faashion sense, I must say :) Also, do you notice my tan lines? Can you believe that this ghost has now upgraded to tan lines? Before going out of town I went to the pool with a friend of mine and managed not to burn! Other than the fact I was a little pink in the cheeks. But that's really a good thing, if you ask me. No need for blush that way.

I usually do not post pictures of me out partying... but I just had so much fun. I figure a few pictures of me and my friends having a good time is not a bad thing.

Yes... this is a picture of us playing JENGA! If you can't tell by my facial expression, I was quite shocked by the thought of giant Jenga. The blocks were huge and the game got quite scary. When the blocks fell, I thought my toes were going to be broken because they kept hitting my feet!

PS- Did you notice my new hair cut?! Yes, I cut off over 8 inches! It was so exhilerating! I am loving short hair.

This angel is getting sooo big! She now has SIX TEETH. That's really quite incredible.

As for some Wedding News: We decided to change our date (again). We are going to wait another year! So even though that sounds like forever from now... I think it is for the best. It's really the only way I will be able to plan for it appropriately. I also think that it will be good for us to be together a bit longer before we take the plunge. Even though we have already been together for awhile. I think it was just going to be too hard for us considering I am graduating only one week before our previously set date. I think waiting another year will be good for us!

Not Me! Monday

2009-05-04T08:44:00.003-04:00

This blog carnival was created by MckMama so that us bloggers could share our imperfections and funny moments throughout the week. To read about how to start Not Meing (did I just verb that?) and to just get a quick weekly laugh, go to My Charming Kids and learn the rules of engagement.

Today is my last day of school for 13 entire days! I am NOT so excited that I have a daily countdown on my calendar, my planner, and my desktop. I am not more than ready for this semester to be over. I have enjoyed every moment of studying, paper writing, project working, and presentation reviewing. There is no way I would tell you otherwise. School is more fun than sunbathing, pedicure doing, and couch napping. YEAH RIGHT!

I am not so glad that summer is here that I spent my entire weekend outside (well except for yesterday due to torential downpours). I did not wait all year for Roanoke's Annual Strawberry Festival. There are certainly better things to do in this city.

My most favorite future flower girl did not act up whatsoever during our weekend festivities.

I mean, it's fine for little toddler girls to spread their legs in front of a group of people. Why not?

This picture does not make me incredibly happy. I am certainly not embarassed by my grunting laugh. And Kendall is definitely enjoying being cuddled by her Aunt ChiChi. And who wouldn't want to be cuddled by a grunting female?

This week, I did not realize that my baby, Bruiser, is growing up. He is not now big enough to jump on the couch without much effort. He is also not big enough to stand up by the coffee table and pull whatever it is he wants off to become his new chew toy.

My FH is not ridiculously happy to have such a cute puppy.

Bruiser's hair has not already starting growing back. His eyebrows do not remind me of Lemony Snicket and his feet do not look like Treeman.

I have not ignored blogging for so long that I no longer know what to blog about. It has not been that long since I updated frequently.

I did not go "clubbing" for two nights in a row and manage to still get up at 5 in the morning for work. I do not need sleep. I can be a zombie and that is acceptable for my life.

I am definitely going to stop blogging now so I can study for today's final exam... oh wait. NO I'M NOT! There's no way that instead of studying I am going to watch Regis and Kelly and search for a Mother's Day present!

Bubbles in face

2009-04-28T09:03:00.004-04:00

Me: "Kendall, do not put the bubble wand in your mouth"

Kendall: "Bubbles in face?"

Me: "Yes, you'll get bubbles in your face"

Did she listen to me?

Nope...

Love that kid. So... Once again I have been neglecting my blog. I apologize. But I just really don't have time right now. The good news is that school is over next Monday. THANK THE LORD! I am not sure how much more I can take of these classes. The bad news is that I go right back to school on May 18th. Great fun. I'm still trying on dresses on the 8th so I will definitely be writing about that.

Before and After

2009-04-21T21:07:00.002-04:00

Before:

After:

Yes... I had to get a picture of him eating his rib because I couldn't get his face in the picture otherwise. What do you think of the bow?!? Nick is pissed. I think he's SOOO precious! Also, he no longer looks like tree man. AND you can actually see his eyes now. However, he still has his floppy ear :) But I love that floppy ear. Bruiser was such a good boy for his first grooming!

Here comes the bride. All dressed in white.

2009-04-21T10:41:00.005-04:00

I'm actually DOING wedding things now and not just talking about things. I have my first wedding dress trying on day coming up on May 8th. I'm definitely excited. Of course I would post pictures of the ones I like.... but I obviously don't want Nick (or really anyone) to see! Here are some "sneak peeks" Not that they really show you anything!

So enjoy these glimpses and see what I picked out.... uhm NEXT YEAR!

Not Me! Monday

2009-04-20T17:07:00.003-04:00

This blog carnival was created by MckMama so that we would all have a weekly outlet to just let our imperfections spill. Check out MckMama's page and please pray for her and her family as her youngest son is in the hospital!

This MONTH I have not totally ignored my blog. And I certainly have not also been missing it every second of the day (Okay.. I can't even lie like that). I am not so busy that blogging has to be furthest from my mind until school is over.

I am not craving more cheesecake even though I just ate some less than 20 minutes ago.

I am not ready to kill my FH for passing gas next to me then blaming it on me.

I did not get yelled at in school today by my terribly mean teacher. I did not then actually think to myself that if I just did not go back to school it would be okay.

I am not currently witnessing my horny, helacious dog humping his silky, smooth sheet. I am not sickened by this. He is too little to be humping.

Nick and I went to a lacrosse game over the weekend and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Of course we DID NOT forget to bring sunscreen and now Nick is covered literally from head-to-toe with sunburn. His bald spot on the back of his head it not blistered and bubbly. This does not gross me out immensely. I am not mortified by the fact that his peeling body will soon be sleeping in my sanitary and hygienic sheets.

I am not currently annoyed with the children outside laughing and playing. I do not take my bad days out on other people. I am not thinking about yelling at my students when I am a teacher and then thinking that it would be fine.

I am not a grudge holder.

Nope, not me!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-08T09:47:00.002-04:00

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2009-03-31T08:55:00.006-04:00

It won't STOP raining!!! We got two day break... but apparently rain is back in the forecast and I am sick of it! The old saying "April showers bring May flowers" better be the truth because it is still ugly outside and is not looking very "Springy" (yes, I often make up words). I am just soooo ready for Spring because I seriously want to pick out the ceremony place and get going on our wedding plans!

I really want to start planning because I need something to get my mind off of school for awhile. Thankfully there is only one more month and then I have a week off. Yes... only a week! I'm in classes all darn Summer long. Well, 10 weeks of classes and then I have a few weeks off in August.

Nick and I are talking about going to Florida this summer! I'm so excited because last time we went it was too cold/windy to go to the beach and stuff. It really does get a little chilly even in Florida! I'm super excited about going because I miss my grandparents!

I am still awaiting my Praxis II scores, but if I passed it means that I don't have another test to worry about for a little while! I will at least be able to start blocking without any problems! I can't wait for next semester so I can finally be in the classroom. I loved doing my read-aloud the other day because I could finally sit in a classroom with kids.. and that is after all what I want to do. I'm done with taking all of these classes and not being able to put it into action.

Speaking of boring school, I'm going to do some homework now. YAY!

Not me! Monday

2009-03-30T08:37:00.004-04:00

Sometimes it is hard being perfect all the time. And for that reason, MckMama created this fabulous blog carnival so that we could all tell about our imperfections throughout the week. Head over to her blog to read about other people's embarassing moments and perhaps write your own post!

Before reading any further please think about MckMama's youngest baby, Stellan, who is very sick in the hospital. She could use all of the prayers you can give to her and her family!

This week I did not decide to stop updating my blog for a little while. I am not too busy to play on the computer and just relax a little bit! My life does not feel like it's a mile behind everyone else and I am not playing catch up at all! Homework, projects, and assignments are not all I ever think about and if they were then I certainly would not also dream about doing homework, projects, and assignments. My sleep is totally peaceful, it's the only time I can finally stop thinking about homework, projects, and assignments!

My baby, Bruiser, did not go to the vet this week and get weighed in at 3.5 pounds! He is not TRIPLE the size he was when we got him less than two months ago! He is not so big now that we can give him those huge chewy bones with the meat in the middle that only the "big" dogs can chew! And I do not give him his chewy bone just so he will leave me (and my shoes) alone for a little while.

I did not steal this pictures from my boss' computer the other day so that I could brag about how big Alexis is getting! And I certainly did not think "Oh no, Browns fans?" when I saw what my boss had her wearing. Alexis is not hell-on-wheels and she does not grow up so fast that when you blink she's even bigger! She also is not getting ready to have FOUR teeth in her mouth because that would be absurd!

I definitely am not ill prepared for my test that I have later today. And I am not cutting this post short so I can cram six chapters in my head in two and a half hours! I am not a procrastinator!

It's a celebration tonight

2009-03-25T09:16:00.006-04:00

Please check out my left side bar and go click on the "Prayers for Stellan" button. MckMama's baby is still sick and to read all about it go to her blog and check up on her and the babe. Let her know she is in your prayers.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So one of the hardest things about planning the wedding is figuring out how to decorate everything. I am really not a creative person! So I am basically just going to steal other people's creativity. I once again spent most of my morning browsing theknot.com for good pictures of decorations.

This is a wish tree and the guest write down a piece of advice for the couple and hang it up on the tree. I think it is pretty cute. I like the idea of having the guests be kind of interactive in our wedding! Also, I would love to hear what some of them would have to say!

Although I think all of the glass is a little bit much, I really like the flower arrangements... I would probably tone it down a bit, but the colors are nice.

I love these flowers on the chairs. And of course I lo-ove the sunflower! These colors are just perfect together. I even like the tie around the chair. I just like the feel of it.

Ah-ha, more sun flowers! I think the metal pale is just the cutest thing. It goes with the southern-chic feel.

I love lanterns! I think they are so beautiful filled with candles.

I also love mason jars! I think they have the potential to make some pretty fabulous centerpieces.

Wouldn't it be precious to have flowers hanging from the alter/gazebo... whatever we get married under?

These vases are so simple and I have never seen calla lillies this color.

More mason jars. I think it would be pretty if they lined the trees around the ceremony/reception site.

Don't forget to check up on MckMama and leave me a comment and let me know what you think about my ideas so far. Also, there are two surveys on the left sidebar! Answer them so I know what you think!

UVA Lacrosse

2009-03-24T09:38:00.003-04:00

I bought my Honeybunch some UVA Men's Lacrosse tickets for their next home game. I am pretty excited to go watch the game because he is always talking about how much he loves lacrosse. I think we will have a good time together. It's always nice when we go outside of the box and do different things every now and then.

Not Me! Monday

2009-03-23T12:58:00.005-04:00

Is it Monday already? Honestly... where does the time go? Mondays are my favorite because it's a time for us bloggers to talk about all of our embarassing imperfections from the past week. You should probably join this amazing blog carnival because it is a wonderful form of therapy. Visit MckMama's page to read other Not Me's! and to see how to play!

You all know I am way too much of a ~~disorganized wreck~~ procrastinator to actually start this post on Saturday. I mean, there's no way that I would do that. I have better things to do on my weekend than look forward to writing my Not Me!

So this week I did not bring my Honeybunch to class with me on Monday and then proceed to go bowling with him for THREE AND A HALF HOURS! No way am I that patient nor is he. I was not in total shock when he said that he was nervous to go to school (even though we were only there for 15 minutes). At the bowling alley, I did not make a total fool of myself by "granny throwing" and just by being the worst bowler ever. I am a professional, there's no way my score would only be a 60! Nick did not insist on teaching me how to actually bowl well (I thought I was doing just fine) and then turn out to be right on his advice. Nope, my Future Hubby is wrong and I am right. Always.

Alexis is not the sickest baby ever right now and I refuse to work because of it. I did not get thrown up on and then proceed to start gagging and just have to walk away. I am strong-willed and I would not just abandon a puking baby. And if she were throwing up everywhere, I would not just set her on the hardwood floor because it is easiest to clean up. That is just terribly unloving and I wouldn't do that. If there was a terrible sickness spreading through the house and everyone (my boss, her mom, and her sister) got sick, I would not just suggest that I couldn't be at work because I can't afford to get sick. Nope, not me! I would comfort them all and make noodle soup. That's what I would do. And if I didn't do that, I would not be totally ecstatic when my boss told me not to worry about coming in for the rest of the week.

I did not go to Radford University to actually see my college for the first time ever! I am almost a senior. What senior hasn't seen her college? Well not me. I've seen mine. And if I had never seen it before, I would not get there and be totally jealous of the other college kids because they were playing football on the lawn and drinking Starbucks under trees. I do not wish I was still your average college girl instead of going to a 45 minute away off campus place (does that make sense at all?) where there's only like 15 people in my classes.

This weekend was not ridiculous and wild and I did not stay out late both nights only to not get any sleep once I finally rolled into bed. I am not super sick this morning and therefore i would not be thankful that I typed this up earlier in the week.

Well jump on in-- the water is warm. Be sure to check out MckMama's blog for the rules of engagement.

Update: MckMama's baby, Stellan, is sick in the hospital. Please everyone pray for him and their family that he gets better soon!

You're invited...

2009-03-22T12:16:00.006-04:00

Invitations are so important because it is one of the first things that people see that sets the tone for our big day. I love all of the invitations that I found on the knot but I am having a hard time thinking of where I am supposed to get the invites made! There's not really any where fabulous around here that I know about. So.... if someone knows a great stationary place- LET ME KNOW! Of course I would love to make the invitations myself but I'm just not crafty like that. I need some crafty people in my life!

Recruiting all friends!

So I really like the invitations with the fun maps. I just think they're really personable and allow for our personalities to show.

I really love the paper that this is printed on. Also, the colors are perfect together.

I love the simplicity of this one. I also like the print.

I love the photograph! I think it's nice because it's something that the guests could keep and it would look nice. Instead of just some plain invite hanging on the fridge for months.

I really like the colors of this one and I also like the font.

Even though this is very traditional, I like the flower in the background and the calligraphy.

The printed flowers on this one are so cute. I also love the bright colors!

These ones were handmade by the bride. I really love the flower and the cute rope thing that's wrapped around.

I really like the green ribbon wrapped around and I like the bird and the leaves.

This one is my favorite. The map is perfect and I like how it explains everything that's happening throughout the wedding weekend and shows all the places that people don't really know about in the area.

I love, love, love the tree on this one! I really just like everything about it.

So those are my favorites... which are yours? Since we still don't have set colors it's hard to really decide on a good idea. I think we will just have a bunch of colors. I'm pretty set on teal (David's Bridal color "Mermaid") and then just having yellows, oranges, and reds in the flowers-- that way we can kind of bring in a bunch of colors. I even think pink would go well with the teal... or brown? I have too many ideas.

Want a slice?

2009-03-21T18:27:00.005-04:00

Although we aren't positive we even want a cake at the wedding... I looked up some ideas on the knot anyways. After looking at some of the pictures I kind of like wedding cakes. They're actually pretty neat looking... I guess with the right artist.

I like the neat leaves and things that are kind of 3-D on this one.

Yes, that is a dish running away with the spoon! I absolutely love that topper!

And of course.... GERBERA DAISIES! My favorite. This one is a lot of fun.

This one is really classic. I like how simple it is.

I think this one is my favorite. The ladders are really cute and the topper is just precious.

I like the cute little bird on this one. I also like the 3-D thing again.

So what do you guys think? Cake or no cake? I like the idea of shoving cake in Honeybunch's mouth. Is it bad that I only want a cake for that sole reason?

Location, Location, Location

2009-03-20T12:44:00.007-04:00

So since it is almost Spring, that means my FH and I get to go "ceremony/reception" shopping to finalize the date and start rolling on our plans! I am super excited because I feel like we are actually going to get married some day (soon)! Here are a few of the places that we want to go look at:

The Vinton War Memorial is gorgeous! I definitely can't wait to go visit and see the inside and such. The only thing that I don't like is how elegant it is--- I know, I know. Don't most brides love the elegance and frilly napkins and stuff? Well, not me. I just think the building is so pretty so we will definitely go see it. I don't want to write it off just yet.

Valhalla Vineyards has the most beautiful view. It is nestled up on top of the mountain and I think it will have the most awesome sunsets. It is definitely on the look-in-to list. The only thing that isn't so great is that there is no alcohol (other than their wine) allowed. Which really doesn't matter a whole lot to me... but to Nick... yeah I think he cares.

The Kyle House is newly owned and renovated. We are planning on visiting it in a few weeks for an open house, school fundraising event. It looks super comfy and casual on the inside and I like that there are several different rooms and areas to walk around in. No one has to be confined to the dance floor or anything. However, the bad thing about it is that it is in Fincastle, VA so it's a little bit further away than I would like. But as long as it could accomodate the ceremony and reception then I wouldn't mind it at all. I'm really excited to visit. I think the best thing about The Kyle House is that it is owned by a catering company so all of the food and beverages are included in the price. I definitely like the all-inclusive thing.

And of course, Sundara. Which I have been looking at for a while. I am definitely excited to go visit there. I love all of the trees and there is so much land! Again, another pretty sunset place. I think I may be the most excited about visiting Sundara because there is a weeping willow.... and I love weeping willows! However, since there has to be a downside to everything in my life, Sundara is a little further away than I would like for it to be and there's not much in the area so I would be nervous about people having to drive all the way home!

So what do you think? I know it's not much in the way of pictures. But go to the websites and see what they look like inside.

My Obsession

2009-03-19T10:53:00.003-04:00

So everyone knows about how much I love 90210. Well unfortunately I was all ready to watch 90210 two nights ago. I cuddled up with a blanket and my mischevious animals and scrolled through the DVR recordings until--- THERE IT WAS: Beverly Hills 90210 Donna and David's wedding. Now I'm sure some of you remember that Donna and David's wedding is the FINAL episode... but considering I was 12 when 90210 ended, I forgot! So much to my dismay, the show ended. Over. Done. Why? So the soap net decided to restart the show and now I've been taken back to 1990 when Brandon and Brenda first came to West Beverly High School. I guess I will watch the high school episodes... well since I was three when those started so I certainly don't remember that.

PS- Go to the left side bar and vote for what colors my wedding should be-- I know some of you already voted, but vote again because I changed the colors to incorporate my favorite one: teal! So it erased the other votes.

Roses are red... Violets are blue

2009-03-18T09:45:00.007-04:00

So I know I love Gerbera Daisies and I also love Sunflowers. I don't like gaudy things and those HUGE bridal bouquets that just consume everything and you can't even see the bride because some silly grass crap is poking her in the eyes. I know I really love yellows and oranges. Since I am thinking about having teal bridesmaid dresses I think that teal, yellow, orange, red, or other bright colors would go really well together. Here are some examples of things I like a lot-- but they are still not totally perfect. But hey, I'm a picky person so I will just take what I can get right now.

I lo-ove this one with just daisies. It's so simple. I think it may work really well if the flowers were orange and yellow instead of pink. Don't get me wrong- I love the color pink more than anything but I know that Nick would prefer for pink to stay far away from him. And I get it... pink is certainly not the "manliest" color. I also love the brown ribbon! I think it just defines simplicity. And if you haven't figured it out yet: I am a simple person.

I love all of these colors. And although the bouquet is very "fallish" I just think it gorgeous. Besides, I want to get married in Autumn anways-- time restrictions just require us to do it in the Spring or Summer. So why not have a fall looking wedding in May? Don't people do that? Probably not. I just love the sunflower. Sunflowers are so pretty.

I don't totally know how I feel about the random green stick things hanging out of this one... but I like the colors and I like how it's a relatively small bouquet.

Again... more gerbera daisies-- they're just so cute.

So I've just been googling (man, I am verbing all kinds of things today) wedding bouquets and these were the ones I found and liked. I think my favorite one is the pink gerbera daisy one-- minus the pink.

I have been revising our guest list and it is now down to 135 (143 including the Wedding Party). I think that's a pretty good number. I could definitely deal with less people showing up. But I'm assuming that about 75% will actually come which would make it right around 100 guests. I think that would be acceptable. I just want to make sure we only have people there that really want to be there.

Basically right now we are just waiting for April to come around or for the leaves to start growing on trees... so we can go visit some ceremony/reception sites. Until then, there really isn't a whole lot that we can do. Since we cannot say that March 22, 2010 is for sure the date (because we have yet to get a ceremony/reception place) we can't really make any solid plans.

Hopefully all will work out well and around this time next year I WILL BE MARRIED!

The difficulties of planning

2009-03-17T21:54:00.002-04:00

Why exactly is it so hard to plan a wedding? I mean, shouldn't it be simple? I just want to get married. I just want things to be right and to be beautiful. But I have way too many ideas and there are just too many things that go into a wedding that I never would have thought of.

Dress
Makeup
Hair
Flowers
Ceremony/Reception site
Catering
Officiant
Decorations
Favors
Invitations

Bride.... Groom?!? Did we forget about them? WHAT ABOUT THEIR SANENESS?! Every time I sit down to get together some ideas I just get too overwhelmed... too frustrated. At this point just going away together and doing this thing all alone doesn't seem so bad.

Can someone just do this for me? And where is that FH of mine in all of this planning? Hmmm

Well... Happy St. Patrick's Day. I hope everyone is safe. It's definitely bed time.

Not Me! Monday

2009-03-16T10:27:00.005-04:00

"Not me! Monday" was created by MckMama so that bloggers like me could tell the world about her embarassing and unfortunate events throughout the week. This blog carnival proves that you can be brutally honest and live to tell about it. Join us by reading the rules by MckMama or just read other Not me's to get your weekly fix! Jump on in... the water is warm!

This week was not Spring Break and that means that I did not spend the majority of the week vegging out doing nothing at all. It's soooo not nice to have a week off of class and away from all of the obligations that being in school all day brings. I definitely did not spend my week watching BH 90210, hanging out my Honeybunch, shopping with friends, and ignoring my homework. No way, not me!

Also this week, I did not decide that it is my mission to plan a trip to Florida to visit my grandparents like Nicholas and I did last year. I do not miss laying on the beach breathing in the summer air. I do not dream of standing out on a pier watching the waves crash by.

I did not go to church AGAIN yesterday and still not find it so bad. I mean, church is boring and I would not enjoy being there (sorry Jesus).

I was not kept awake last night by little Bruiser barks and cat meows. I always love my pets and I absolutely never think about throwing them out the window, not even at 3:40 AM when I can't sleep.

Also, I did not spend my Saturday night laying in bed with a friend watching sad music videos on You Tube. That is pathetic. I am not pathetic. Even if I were laying in bed watching sad videos on You Tube you would never catch me in tears because of something like Carrie Underwood. I am tough and I do not cry!

My friend and I did not hear a car hit a light pole outside and then spy on the police officers by standing outside in her backyard. When we realized the driver had ditched the accident, and therefore must have been drinking, we did not hope to find some drunken man hiding out in her backyard so we could pull a citizens arrest. We were also not planning exactly what we would say when we were interviewed by the TV news station. Nope, not us!

Well I know it's not much this week, but hey I'm a busy person..... NOT! Don't forget to go to MckMama's page to read other Not Me's!

BH 90210: What a Saturday

2009-03-14T12:04:00.006-04:00

I took the Praxis II this morning. I really HOPE I passed! As long as I did then I am only one ridiculous test away from becoming a teacher! Yay :)

Now I'm just laying on the couch watching 90210. I think I love this show too much. Donna and David are about to get back together. Thank GOD. Because I can't handle them being broken up any longer. I just love them. Nick and I should be them. And he should definitely turn into Brian Austin Green. Okay... enough of that.

Bruiser is being too cute today.

Spring Break is over tomorrow. Which is really a bummer. Can't it just last forever? I have loved not having class. But I should start doing some homework.

Wedding Update:

Well... the wait is over: We finally decided on a date--> May 22, 2010!! So next month we are going to travel around to the different ceremony sites and pick a place. We were going to do it sooner but I want to wait for Spring so we can see what the place will actually look like! Considering there are no leaves on the trees yet!

We're really excited! Well, I am and I told Nick to be. Therefore, he is too. We are going to look at Sundara, the Vinton War Memorial, Kyle House, and Valhalla Vineyards... probably a few others too. Well definitely some others. So next month when we pick a place then we can really get cracking on this whole wedding thing and then the WEDDING BLOG will finally be about what it was supposed to be about!

We are still debating on a (semi)big wedding or a small wedding... We just don't know what we want. I just want simple, comfy, casual, beautiful, perfect. Isn't that what we all want?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-11T10:16:00.003-04:00

The Natural Bridge... is that even natural?

2009-03-10T16:23:00.003-04:00

... yes, I asked that question to my beloved FH. I'm pretty intelligent, huh? Good thing I want to be a teacher.

Our hike was actually REALLY fun! I'm glad that we went. It's not often that we get to do fun things together... not that hanging out doing nothing at all isn't fun-- it's just nice to do something new some times.

Nick at "The Lost River"

The last time I went to the Natural Bridge I think I was like 12 so I forgot how incredibly cool it is! I think my favorite thing was that George Washington carved his name into it! That's just so awesome. Also, Thomas Jefferson owned the bridge! I mean, I want to own a massive bridge made of stone.

The wax museum was still as creepy as I remember it being. I think that wax Jesus at the Last Supper was the scariest part. I held Nick's hand the whole time. I was totally freaked out! I mean, I am just not sure how Jesus feels about him being molded out of wax and put on a cross! Yes... they showed wax Jesus crucified. Weird!!!!! I think I will skip the wax museum and go to the caverns next time. That seems much less scary.

We saw a snake on our hike and I was a champion! Not scared at all! Seriously-- I'm not even kidding. I actually kind of liked him.

The hardest part about the hike was the 137 stairs at the end! Well, they said there were 137 but I only counted 119. Those liars! My legs are sore today... and I felt like a Jell-O person at the gym today. However, all-in-all it was a great day and I can't wait to do something fun again!

Not Me! Monday

2009-03-09T08:50:00.009-04:00

This blog carnival was created by MckMama so we could tell about all of our unfortunate, and possibly embarassing, mishaps throughout the week. Head over to her blog to join in on all of the fun or just to read some other Not Me's!

This week I did not get bored at work while Alexis was sleeping so I flipped through the recent Pottery Barn Kids magazine and proceed to pick out what my not-yet-conceived baby's nursery will look like.

That's just silly. There's no way that after looking in the magazine I decided it is for sure time for some baby-making because what if the adorable baby things go out of stock before I have a baby??? I do not plan my future based on the cuteness of a magazine. Nope, not me! My FH definitely did not scold me for deciding that our baby's room will be filled with things more expensive than my car! No way, my FH loves me and would never, ever get irritated by my momentary craziness.

There's also no way that this little angel started crawling on Saturday! Nope, she is just not that old yet. Time does not go by so fast that in the blink of an eye babies go from rolling over to crawling in no time!

I definitely have not actually found a church that I semi-like going to! No way! Not me! I never find churches I am actually comfortable in and actually go back to more than once.

My other baby that is not growing up way too fast is so not about to get smacked because he has decided to start humping things! Also, I would not talk about humping on my blog! If little Bruiser were humping things, I would not tell my FH that if he catches him in the act he needs to yell loudly at him. I would never get so mad at my little guy that I would raise my voice. Nope, not me!

There's no way that my FH and I are going hiking today! I hate being active and outdoors. It's the way I've always been and just because I've been going to the gym every day it doesn't mean that I actually like exercise.

I am not so annoying that I would talk about sponsoring me in the March for Babies every single day! But just in case you want to help out PUH-LEASE go to my site and see how you can help! I mean, it's definitely not obvious how much I lo-ove babies!

Well guys, get busy Not Me-ing! Don't forget to go to MckMama's blog to read other Not Me's!

March for Babies

2009-03-07T10:24:00.003-05:00

There's nothing better than saving babies. Please visit my site and learn about how you can help me save babies by sponsoring me in the March of Dimes annual walk, March for Babies. I would love if you could all help me out in any way that you can. Even if it means you just put on your tennis shoes on April 26 and walk/run with me! Please take a minute to learn about how you can help! Thank you

-------------------------------------

So once again I am just vegging out watching BH 90210! This is seriously the best show... basically ever. Am I a loser or not?

This is my new favorite picture right now. I love friends.

I'm feeling random right now.. and hungry. I think I'll eat and then maybe I'll go to the gym and "sculpt my guns." Yep, it's official.. I'm a loser!

Photo Friday

2009-03-06T19:28:00.003-05:00

Is that Sugar Pie kissing Hubert?

Why yes it is! I loved our three days of snow but I am definitely glad it is back to 70 degrees again :)

Not Me! Monday... on a Tuesday?

2009-03-03T08:50:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created for us by MckMama so we could spill all of the dirty details of our past week with no shame! (Well maybe some times a little bit of shame) Join in on all of the fun by going to her blog and reading the rules of engagement... or just read some other Not Me's and get a little laugh in for the day!

Well first and foremost, I certainly did not totally skip on doing Not Me! Monday on the actual Monday. No way, I would never do that. And just in case I did skip on doing it yesterday it's not because I was too busy playing in the snow for the first time in like 6 years! Nope, not me!

When I woke up to the snow on Sunday morning I did not immediately take advantage of the photo opportunities for Bruiser's "first snow." I definitely didn't spend the day lounging and watching the snow fall. Again, I know some of you out there have seen an awful lot of snow this year, but I haven't so let me enjoy the fun!

Also this past week, I did not give Bruiser his first bath and then proceed to just smell his cleanliness every day since then. That would be sick and weird. I mean, who smells puppies for fun?

When class was cancelled yesterday I did not spend my day building Hubert the Snowman and watching lots of television. You would think that I would have taken the free day to catch up on all of my school work that is due this week. I would never just not do all of the assignments that I am supposed to already have done.

Right now--- I am not freakishly angry at blogger for taking six hours to upload my pictures!!!! Why do they insist on ruining my post?

That's all for now... sorry so short!

Bruiser's Big Day

2009-02-27T16:43:00.003-05:00

Bruiser had his second vet visit today (his first since I got him four weeks ago!). He now weighs 2 pounds, 8 ounces. What a baby! I love my boy. For a special treat after the vet, B came with me to Aunt Amanda's house and we played with her and Kendall! Hearing Kendall say, "Bruisewwwr" was the sweetest thing ever! I just adore that kid.

We were all playing with the balloon. Kendall kept coming and sitting on my lap. Bruiser is trying to eat her head in this picture. I think that would explain the facial expression!

Bruiser saying, "I'm gonna get you!!!"

What a fun day we had :) I love my Bruiser. Even though he is digging at my crotch right now. It's really quite attractive. Oh puppies.

Knuffle Bunny Too

2009-02-26T21:12:00.003-05:00

I read this book in class tonight and it was just the cutest thing. It is about a little girl, Trixie, who gets so excited because she gets to bring her favorite stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny, to school. However, when she gets there another girl has the SAME bunny!!! Children's books are the best. What's your favorite kid's book? I am trying to build my collection so let me know which ones I should definitely have.

Exercise... twice in one day?

2009-02-25T21:59:00.005-05:00

Is that even possible for a gym-hater like myself? No way.......

Wait, I went to the gym twice today!!! Am I sick or something? I must be. This is just not the SugarPie (Yes my FH [aka Honeybunch] calls me this adorably sweet name) I know. Nope. Not me. And no this is not a Not Me! Wednesday or something... Just saying. I can't believe I just went to the gym twice in one day. I'm seriously proud of myself.

The first gym trip was once again Body Jam with Kelli. Today was much easier than the last time. However, we went to Gold's Gym instead of the RAC. I still am terribly bad at the choreography of it all but it is still fun to just jump around and be silly (and getting in shape at the same time as being a goofball is always an added bonus!).

The bad news about going to the gym = massive chin, nose, forehead breaking out. I mean, really, it's gross. Why do I have to sweat and get yucky anyways?

Wedding update: I don't even know what to say about the wedding. I'm totally lost. I just have lost my vision. When asked to close my eyes and picture my dream wedding I literally couldn't see a thing. That's not good, is it? I just want to get married... and be married!!! None of this fuss. No arguments. No stress. No huge expense. I mean, we will have a lifetime of that right? Do I really need all of it right now?!

I'm definitely getting more and more serious about getting a wedding coordinator. However, now I have a fabulous idea as to who it should be. ((You know who you are!)) The plans are in the works but we aren't going talk fully about it for another few weeks. I'm super excited about it though.

Give me some feedback:
Wedding coordinator or no?
Big wedding (130 people) or small (30 people)?

These are the big issues right now. I need some guidance. Give me answers!

PS- You do not have to be a member on Blogger to leave a comment~ So feel free to leave me one people! Just make sure you say your name so I know who you are!

Not Me! Monday

2009-02-23T08:34:00.007-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday where we can be brutally honest with each other and live to tell about it! This blog carnival was created by MckMama and personally, it is my favorite part of the week! Join in on the fun by heading over to her blog and reading her rules. Then write your own Not Me! Monday or just read others which are sure to make you chuckle!

This post is most definitely not going to just be about the past weekend because there is no way I would forget everything I did earlier in the week. Nope, not me! I just wouldn't do that.

I did not spend part of my wedding "savings" on some new clothes earlier this weekend. I am not so addicted to having new clothes that ever since buying my new clothes I have debated going back to get some more because I just don't think I have a pair of pants to match one of my new shirts. I do not plan my days based on what I feel like wearing. I would never do that. I mean, I may like looking cute but what to wear for the day is just not so important to me that I spend time every day just standing in my closet looking at all of my clothes. That's ridiculous and I would never be that person.

On Saturday, my mother and I did not go to the Salem Civic Center for a Bridal Show to realize that the show was the next day and instead of anxious brides in the building there were definitely not like 1,000 wrestlers there for a tournament. Nope, I would never mix up my days nor would I go to a wrestling tournament! I definitely did not leave the Civic Center and walk to the car pouting because "I looked bridal" (haha mom). Nope, not me! After leaving the parking lot, mom and I did not decide to make our day better by once again going shopping. I do NOT need to go shopping to be put in a better mood. We definitely didn't pick out a "bridal mom" outfit for my mom so we could then go to the real Bridal Show which was not the next day.

Saturday night I definitely did not go bowling and actually enjoy it! I hate bowling and it is just not something I would ever have fun doing.

I was definitely not so happy that I actually got a strike that I made an idiot out of myself by jumping up and down with joy! No way! Not me! My friends and I did not turn bowling into a dance off or a photoshoot. I mean, bowling is bowling not American Idol!

Speaking of which, I did not spend an entire night earlier in the week playing American Idol on the PS3 while I was home alone. I for sure did not then WIN the game and am now the new AMERICAN IDOL! I am a fabulous singer. Really, you should all hear me!

I did not have the best time hanging out with the girls all night! I mean, I am a loner and I would not prefer hanging out all night at the bowling alley. Nor would I ever go downtown to a nightclub (Metro!) and continue my fine dancing skills while laughing at all of the crazy people that go out in Roanoke. No way, not me!

Yesterday, my mom and I did not finally make it to the Bridal Show just to realize we were completely and totally overwhelmed by all of the things that are involved with planning a wedding. I so did not then drop my firm decision to plan this wedding on my own, without a wedding planner. I am not now making an appointment with Diamond Events to plan my whole entire wedding for me. No way. I am too much of an individual to give in and let someone do all of the work for me!

After the Bridal Show I definitely did not then get worn ragged by taking BODY JAM at the RAC with Kelli. No way did I mess up all of the choreography so I just ran around making up my own moves. Nope, not me! I can follow simply step directions while shaking my booty at the gym.

Well that's all for what I did not do this week! No go write your own Not Me! Monday and check in on MckMama for more Not Me's!

Bridal Show

2009-02-22T10:42:00.002-05:00

Today, mom and I are going to a Bridal Show. I guess it is about time I get cracking on the whole "wedding planning" thing. It's just so much work and I quite honestly would rather someone else be doing it!!! I have SOOO many ideas and things I want to be sure I have at the wedding... and things I kind of want... things I for sure don't want... It's just too much. I mean, I'm a pretty busy person so planning something so life changing is just hard to pencil in right now.

----Side note: Bruiser is running circles around the whole apartment with one of Merky's toys and all I hear is a little bell in the background going "ding ding ding ding" And then I hear Merky chase behind him!----

So I haven't done any school work at all this weekend. Which was my ultimate goal. I guess I will have to get on that tonight.

Back to the getting married thing--> Can't we just say "I do" and be done with it?

Are all those stuffed animals for me?

2009-02-20T21:23:00.004-05:00

I just love looking at the back of her head. Don't you?

I was talking to Shannon about how weird/cool it will be to have my own baby. It's just crazy that two people can make a baby. That a little person will be half of me one day. Whoa.

A friend of our's had a baby boy, Elijah, this Wednesday. He is precious, even though I only saw a picture of him on my cell phone! We are going to go visit soon. Newborns are so great.

Lexus should be crawling soon. This morning I turned around for like two seconds and she had rolled from one end of the room to the other! I can't wait for her to crawl! She pushes her self up and just shoves her head on the floor and stands on her tippy toes, then gets on her hands on knees, then she will fall in to the "swimming" position, like so:

She's pretty scary in this picture, huh?! Like she's saying, "Watch out! I'm gonna get you!" She just started swim lessons (well, "get-used-to-the-water" lessons) and this is her new favorite position.

Boredom leads to this

2009-02-20T09:59:00.002-05:00

I love paint.

A certain puppy is making me crazy...

2009-02-19T20:49:00.005-05:00

Everyone congratulate me! I have been to the gym every day since last Friday! I can't believe it. And I really do like going. (Did I just say that?)

So Bruiser has been driving me NUTS! He has just running around eating my underwear (why are puppies so gross?) and biting me and tearing up paper towels and fighting with the cat. I do not even remember the last time I had a good night's sleep!

-----side note: Blogger for some reason hates uploading my pictures-----

I have been camera happy the past few days. I took like a million pictures of Alexis this morning. She is getting so big. It's crazy. You will all be seeing them on my blog for the next several days. I don't want to overload you.

I can't believe she will be eight months old next week! They really do grow up fast, huh? I believe my grandparents now. Before I know it she will already be ONE! And that will just be crazy. Well... I will leave you with this angel:

Isn't she just perfect?

Not Me! Monday

2009-02-16T08:24:00.002-05:00

This blog carnival was created by MckMama. Be sure to head over to her blog to read other Not Me! Mondays and possible join in on all of the fun!

So this week I did not join the gym and actually LOVE IT! I mean, I hate the gym, it is just not possible for me to workout and actually enjoy it. No way, not ever! When I weighed myself pre-gym-joining and I had lost 5 pounds, I was not so freaking happy I could've fainted (if I wasn't at work watching the baby).

Also this week, my FH and I did not spend our first engaged Valentine's Day apart because he had to work. Instead, I did not thoroughly enjoy dinner at El Rodeo with a good friend and a trip to Barnes & Noble for some much needed book buying. Nope, not me!

I so did not leave my little ~~devil~~ angel puppy at his grandma's so I could enjoy Saturday night out. I was not totally prepared to have real babies to leave at grandma's when I realized how much I missed my pup over the weekend!

Also on Saturday, I did not wake up at 6:15 AM thinking that it was Friday so I ran out the door and to my car, without brushing my teeth, hair, or peeing, and then realizing it was Saturday and I did not have to be at work until 7:30. I would sooo not do that!

I did not spend my week at school thinking about how it was pointless to be there because there will never be a teaching job open in the state of Virginia... or at least Roanoke, for a very long time. I did not then consider just dropping out and going back to waiting tables for a living. No way would I ever think something so terrible for my future!

Yesterday, I did not spend the whole day ignoring my homework and by the time I finally did start it I did not get a phone call from my FH saying I had to pick him up from work because he was having an allergic reaction (possibly) to someone's perfume. I am just not so much of a slacker that I would not finish doing my homework after picking him up from work!

Well... it's a short Not Me! Monday today but I am freakishly tired and I have quite a tummy ache :( Don't forget to go to MckMama's blog to catch up on other people's Not Me! Mondays!

The Judgement Free Zone

2009-02-14T06:37:00.006-05:00

Okay... so I actually joined a gym yesterday! And I feel good about it. I'm glad that now I have my own membership and I am paying for it. I think I am going to feel more obligated to go because I have to pay for it! So yesterday I went with my friend, Amanda, and we had a really fun time. I really like the gym, actually. Crazy, huh? So my six-month, fat-blasting, butt-toning, workout has begun. I have to go today and tomorrow and that will complete week one (because the workout says I only need a minimum of 3 days). However, I think for now on I will go at least four days, but preferably five. It would really be something if I could make myself go every day! At least to do cardio. But I'm not sure I will have time for all of that. But maybe... they are open 24 hours during the week! If anyone ever wants to come with me--- feel free. I have an unlimited guest pass because I want my FH to come with me too.

Yesterday, some girlfriends and I went to see Confessions of a Shopaholic and it was laugh out loud histarical! I thought at one part I was going to pee my pants! (Did I just say I was pee my pants on my blog?) I definitely recommend the movie to anyone!!

My mom and I went to Barnes & Noble last night and there was a book signer there promoting her new book. My mom got trapped and ended up saying she would buy the book and she asked the lady to sign it for her. Well, it turns out the book was seriously weird. It had a picture of a steak and a bloody knife on the cover and it is a murder mystery. So my mom spent the rest of the night saying that the woman and put a hex on her because she wrote her name in the book! My mom is ridiculous.

Oh... and just to explain why I am writing this note so early in the morning- I thought today was Friday!!! I woke up at 6:15 freaking out because I work at 5 am during the week. So without peeing, brushing my teeth, or even getting dressed I ran out the door and to my car. Thankfully before I moved out of the parking spot I realized today is Saturday and I don't work until 7:30. Silly me.

PS sorry I haven't posted real pictures in a while. I haven't transferred the stuff from my old computer to my new one. Soon I will. (Did that just sound like Yoda?)

Perez Hilton should just disappear

2009-02-11T08:43:00.006-05:00

Honestly... Who is this man to judge other people? I mean, he is certainly not so fabulous and good looking himself. I'm frustrated that someone so judgemental and terrible could have such an influence on peoples' lives. He should use his loud mouth for good not for evil. I HATE HIM! Therefore, I decided to take one of his pictures and write on it. I mean, did that really make him famous? What's wrong with the world?

I guess I will just chock it all up to Global Warming because apparently it's real. It's a high of 67 today and it's the middle of winter! How is that possible? And seriously... where is my snow? I know there are those of you out there, like MckMama who lives in the "Frozen Tundra," but I want to see snow too. I miss it. I miss feeling like a little kid when I run over to the window to check if it snowed in the night. I miss putting on all of my layers to go sledding. I miss building snowmen and racing home for hot chocolate. Where's my snow? I guess I don't get to see any again this year. Maybe next time?

Wedding Update:

This is a different kind of wedding update because it is more of a "life update" than anything else. I seriously need to get my lazy butt up and to the gym or at least walking outside again. I thought I would keep up with the diet and exercise, but I am FOR SURE slipping. I've been perusing the knot and I found a seemingly simple 6-month wedding fitness program:

Month One
Weeks 1 & 2
20 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week

Weeks 3 & 4
30 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week

Month Two
Weeks 5 & 6
40 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week
2 sets of 10 stomach crunches
1 set of 10 push ups

Weeks 7 & 8
40 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week
3 sets of 10 stomach crunches
2 sets of 10 push ups

Month Three
Weeks 9 & 10
40 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week
3 sets of 10 stomach crunches
2 sets of 10 push ups
1 set of 10 squats

Weeks 11 & 12
40 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week
3 sets of 10 stomach crunches
3 sets of 10 push ups
2 sets of 10 squats
2 sets of 10 bicep curls
2 sets of 10 tricep curls

Month Four
Weeks 13 & 14
40 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week
3 sets of 15 stomach crunches
3 sets of 15 push ups
3 sets of 15 squats
3 sets of 15 bicep curls
3 sets of 15 tricep curls
2 sets of 10 chest presses

Weeks 15 & 16
40 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week
3 sets of 15 stomach crunches
3 sets of 15 push ups
3 sets of 15 squats
3 sets of 15 bicep curls
3 sets of 15 tricep curls
3 sets of 15 chest presses

Month Five
Weeks 17 & 18
40 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week
3 sets of 15 stomach crunches
3 sets of 15 push ups
3 sets of 15 squats
3 sets of 15 bicep curls
3 sets of 15 tricep curls
3 sets of 15 chest presses
3 sets of 15 "extra target area"

Weeks 19 & 20
40 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week
3 sets of 15 stomach crunches
3 sets of 15 push ups
3 sets of 15 squats
3 sets of 15 bicep curls
3 sets of 15 tricep curls
3 sets of 15 chest presses
3 sets of 15 "extra target area"

Month Six
Weeks 21 & 22
40 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week
3 sets of 15 stomach crunches
3 sets of 15 push ups
3 sets of 15 squats
3 sets of 15 bicep curls
3 sets of 15 tricep curls
3 sets of 15 chest presses
3 sets of 15 "extra target area"

Weeks 23 & 24
40 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week
3 sets of 15 stomach crunches
3 sets of 15 push ups
3 sets of 15 squats
3 sets of 15 bicep curls
3 sets of 15 tricep curls
3 sets of 15 chest presses
3 sets of 15 "extra target area"

So.... Do you think I can handle it? This seems like an easy enough workout schedule. I never start exercise and such in the middle of the week so I think I will start this Monday. Wish me luck and join in if you want to!

New computer

2009-02-10T09:30:00.002-05:00

Hey all

My computer was just being totally absurd yesterday and I could no longer handle it so I just decided it was time for a new one. Nick and I went to Best Buy and I bought a Sony Vaio. I love it! It is sooooo much better than my crappy old Dell. Seriously.

I am taking the old computer in today to have everything transfered over to my new one. I am just so ready to be D-O-N-E with that darn thing.

I'll update more tonight. Maybe? For now I have to take my FH to work and walk the dog.

Not Me! Monday

2009-02-09T08:46:00.004-05:00

Apparently my computer hates me today so I cannot post the fun "Not Me! Monday" button. Pretend it is inserted below
........................................................................................
This blog carnival was created by MckMama! To join in on the fun or just read other peoples' Not Me! Mondays go over to her site and catch up!

So this week I definitely have not been just vegging out on the couch doing nothing at all! I have an assignment due tomorrow and there is just no way that instead of starting it I have just been reading blogs and playing on Facebook. Why would I ever do that?

After watching the news say that Roanoke City schools had their budget cut by 15 million dollars, I so did not plot how to get the schools the money and in the process close the quatrillion dollar new ART MUSEUM right in the heart of Roanoke City!!!!! No, I'm definitely not so passionate about this issue that it makes me cry and hate all politicians. When will the recession be over?

Because of the ridiculous budget cuts I may NOT ever have a job and because of this I have not been thinking about changing my major to law (or something "presidential") and then one day just running for the President of the United States. If Obama can win, so can I!

Apparently my laptop has decided to get a virus or something and when the virus scan said there is spyware that may make porn pop-up randomly (which only comes from visiting these disgusting sites) I did not think seriously about beating Nick's brother up (since I know he was looking at those disgusting sites). Nope, not me! I'm just not the kind of person that gets worked up over something silly.

Bruiser has been chasing my around for days and days biting at my pants and socks and there's no way I have considered pulling out his little teeth and just feeding him blended dog food through a straw for the rest of his little puppy life. I love that dog ALL THE TIME and don't let anyone tell you differently!

This morning at work when Alexis was already awake at 5 am I did not just sit her up on her new ABC play mat and then just lay down beside her with her princess pillow and think about how great it would be to be asleep!!

Also at work today, I read People Magazine's article about Jessica Simpson being fat right now. I so did not then get up and just stare at myself in the mirror thinking, "Man, I bet they would call me a friggin' heffer!" Why do women have to be anorexic to be pretty?? This is just absurd. I am not now thinking about starving myself for the next year to hopefully fit into a size 0 since that's the only size deemed acceptable in our society! After coming to terms with being freakishly overweight (according to Hollywood) I did not then come home and eat a huge bowl of rice with lots of butter and cheese and then just say "Screw it! I'm curvy and it's cool with me and my FH!"

Okay-- Now you try! Write your own Not Me! Monday and link up to MckMama to check out others!

The man I'm spending the rest of my life with

2009-02-06T09:49:00.007-05:00

Going to the chapel

and we're

gonna get MAAAAARRRRRRIED!

Nicholas and I often act silly together and just jump around singing this song... But that's the only line that we know so we just sing it over and over and then go "duhdununduhnu." I'm so glad that I have such a fabulous FH (Future Hubby). Here are some funny ones of me and my honeybunch!

I just HAD to have all 20 candles lit! This is my 20th (duh) birthday at one of my favorite restaurants, Carrabas. And that's an ice cream cake it was delicious!

Here we are at a friend's wedding. He's such a sweetie, huh?

We are at a different friend's wedding (this past summer). I don't know what was funny but apparently something was. However, we do spend most of our time ~~making serious fun of each other~~ laughing at each other for no reason at all... So maybe nothing was actually funny.

I think my heart skipped a beat when I saw my beautiful ring this Christmas Eve.

I took like ONE BILLION pictures of myself with my new ring!

Again, something unknown was funny... Maybe it was my facial expression?

I have way too many pictures of my FH holding something in front of his face in order to avoid the camera! That butthead.

Nick + Guitar Hero = Really quite hilarious

I love this man with all my heart!

"The minute I heard my first love story I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don't finally meet somewhere. They're in each other all along."
Rumi: The Book of Love

I hate being sick...

2009-02-05T16:28:00.006-05:00

I love Jessi's face in this picture. We are fun.

Today has just not been a fun day. I feel dreadfully ill. I don't even know what's wrong. I just don't feel good. Achey, sleepy, hungry (but can't eat), lethargic, grumpy, overly emotional, whiny, ongoing headache... Need I say more? Someone tell me what's wrong with me and how to fix it. Of course, I won't swallow pills or go to the doctor so please suggest something else, k?
Being sick means I did not want to get up to go to school today. I tried... really I DID! I took a shower and almost passed out and I even did my makeup (kind of), plucked my eyebrows, and made my hair all cute.. But I just could not bring myself to actually leave the house. I really did not want to already miss a class because now I can't miss another one. It better be worth it this early on in the semester.

Bruiser is chasing Mercutio around the house. It's just precious.

Yes... His shirt says "I am the grandchild" My mom got it for him. I love this pup.

Date Night

2009-02-04T17:57:00.003-05:00

Nick is off tonight and we finally have the chance to hang out for a little while! I've been missing him. It is hard when he works ALL the time... and when he's off I am in class. It is a rough schedule for us right now. We are just going to sit at home and watch a movie (Pride & Glory) and maybe eat some dinner. Well, I hope we eat dinner because we all know I love eating.

Bruiser is sleeping on my right side and Mercutio is sleeping on my left. It is really rather precious. Because of Bruiser's outrageous playing he just wears himself out. Nick and I describe this as being "tuckered." It's for sure our new favorite explanatory word!

It is SOOO cold today. I don't know how it can be so cold but not snow! WHERE IS THE SNOW?! I'm ready for it. If it's going to be 16 degrees (like 1 degree windchill) then it better snow. If not, then c'mon summertime!

So school is well into season now. Spring break is one month away from Friday! (Yes I think about breaks long before they ever come). I feel like I have a lot to do... I just don't feel like doing any of it!

Well... I'm off to hang out with my hunny.

Up-do, down-do, half-do?

2009-02-03T08:43:00.011-05:00

Wedding update:

I know it's been awhile since I have even mentioned the fact that I started this blog because I am getting married!!! So I think it is time for a little wedding update!

I've been searching hairstyles today for the wedding. I probably won't go with anything that I see because I don't typically bring in a photograph when I get my hair done (just so I am not disappointed). But I at least want to look at some of the styles. And here are a few that I like:

I really love all of these up-dos but I think I like the "half-do" the most. I really want to show my hair. Plus I am probably going to have a strapless gown (because the one I found that I LOVE LOVE LOVE is strapless) and I think it would look good if my hair fell on my shoulders. Plus... I am growing it out and I want it to be pretty long. I love the curls and flowers and fun pins-- and all that jazz.

I've also been putting together a budget and the total cost is certainly higher than I would like for it to be... but it is still significantly lower than the average price of weddings! ((Which is $28,732 for the US and between $26K and $45K for Roanoke County)) I mean, that is just ridiculous. There's no way I would spend that much on my wedding!

The things that seem to be the most expensive are photography, catering, and the reception spot. I am still pretty set on Sundara but really I just want to make sure where we get married also has room for the reception. I really don't want to have to deal with driving somewhere else to go to the reception. I mean... I guess we could drive somewhere else, I would just rather not. I looked into Schaal's catering for the food and possibly drinks... however, the guy wants me to have my reception on location at one of his fancy looking spots. His places just are not my style at all though. So I don't really know what to do. His food looks and sounds delicious but the place (Metamorphosis) is just too modern and fancy looking for me. I like comfy casual. I want people to feel good about coming without having to wear a darn royal gown and tuxedo. I just do not get the "comfortable feeling" about the place. Here are some pictures:

This is the entrance... It looks like a darn nightclub

Here is the dining area (which I think is beautiful). But it is just too done up for my taste. The lights and weird looking decorations and colors... it's just not what I envision for my wedding. But then again, it would only be for the reception.

This is behind the bar. I don't how much I like it either. Again.. it's just too done up and modern or something. I think it looks great, it's just not me.

This is the bar lit up. Which really makes it look like a nightclub.

So I just don't know.. If we have our reception here then we will have to have the ceremony somewhere else because Sundara is really for a ceremony and reception. However... the good thing about Metamorphosis is that it is all-inclusive. So the entire reception is paid for in one shot (food, drinks, place, music, linens, tables, dining ware, etc). That is the reason why I haven't turned it down completely. If I just get them to do the catering then it would be pretty pricey because I would have to find someone else to do all the other stuff. Plus, it would be nice to have full-service and I wouldn't have to worry about doing anything myself. Yeah... that would be really nice actually.

It's time to wake up Nick for work and check on baby Bruiser. More later.

Not Me! Monday

2009-02-02T11:25:00.013-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Well guys, it's my favorite part of the week again: Not Me! Monday!! Read along to find out what I haven't been doing this week.

This week I have not been spending every single waking moment with our new ~~devil~~ puppy, Bruiser. There is just no way that I would play with him all day long and then proceed to just pass out on the floor instead of doing some very important school work. I certainly haven't been egging Bruiser on when he chases the cat, Mercutio, around the whole apartment barking and yelping at him. I would never, ever get so tired of cleaning up puppy poop that I just let him eat it right off the floor the other day. Absolutely not! I would never do that! And I certainly do not dress Bruiser in ridiculous clothes and then laugh at him when he can't walk right! There's no way I would do that... not to my puppy!

It's also just not possible that I have nothing to talk about other than the new puppy. I mean, I have a life outside of the dog!

I did not go to the mall on Saturday and buy a pair of jeans at The Loft for $4.60! No way! I did not then go upstairs to buy the new puppy a t-shirt and some more toys! I am not writing this post right now and just letting Bruiser have free range of the apartment. That would not be very smart... and I'm a smart girl!

I am not once again praying for snow tomorrow so class will be cancelled. There's no way I would do that.. I mean, we already missed class last week! Also, for breakfast this morning I did not forego a healthy, hearty meal for an ice cream bar. I'm on a diet... why would I have ice cream for breakfast!

My cat is so not the the biggest scaredy cat I've ever seen. How would it be possible for a 14 pound cat to be scared of a 1 pound puppy? That's just not possible. And I so did not raise my cat to be a wimp! He definitely does not take after his Mama who is not scared of everything in the world!

And I for sure did not allow Bruiser to chew on Nick's shoes because I resented ~~that jerk~~ my loving fiance for leaving his stuff on the floor even though I warned him not to 1 billion times! I would never do that my hunny! And don't you dare let anyone tell you otherwise.

Lastly, I am so not getting incredibly angry right now because of how long it is taking blogger to upload my pictures!! Nope, not me!

Well that's all for this week's Not Me! Monday! Check back next Monday for more of my life's craziness. Don't forget to check out MckMama's blog for more Not Me! Mondays!

Wow. What a weekend.

2009-02-01T21:41:00.005-05:00

Man... I tell you what. Having a puppy is seriously a full-time job! We woke up at 5 this morning and then again at 7. Thankfully Nick got up with him at 5 and I got to stay in bed until 7. We played ALL day long (in between his naps). I am seriously ~~exhausted~~ ~~pooped~~ tuckered. It's rough having a puppy.

We're watching the game. GO CARDINALS! They just scored a touchdown so they are up by three! I don't want the Steelers to win because then they will take the record for most won Super Bowls and I just don't want my Cowboys to get put out like that.

I have to work in the morning and I still have to read for class tomorrow. So this is yet another short post. Who knows if I will ever have time for more?!?!

Welcome Home Baby Bruiser

2009-01-30T22:57:00.003-05:00

I don't have any time to update... It's pretty busy around here with the puppy! But here are ALL of my boys!!

His first time outside!

It's nap time!!

((Nicholas is so cute when he's asleep))

And of course... Mercutio

What a scaredy cat!!

And just so it's known... I started this post Friday night and just now had time to finish it... yeah.. it's been crazy around here.

2008. A year in review

2009-01-28T23:51:00.003-05:00

No time for a real update... here's a survey instead

"Party like it's 1999"
((2008))

January

1. Did you have a new year's resolution this year?: quit smoking-- IT WORKED!
2. Who kissed you at midnight?: Nicholas :) of course
3. Have you ever been to times square to watch the ball drop?: no.. and I thought I wanted to... but all those people just freak me out

February

1. Who was your valentine in 2008?: Nick :)
2. What did your valentine get you?: a yummy yummy dinner
3. When you were little, did you buy valentines for your whole class?: wasn't it mandatory? i'm not gonna lie... i never wanted to give them to the dorky kids in class

March

1. Are you Irish?: nope
2. Do you wear green on St. Patty's Day?: of course. pinches are not fun
3. What did you do for St. Patty's Day in 2008?: i had to work. i had on white tights with a green garter, black shorts, a striped green shirt, and a fun shamrock headband! yeah.. i go all out

April

1. Do you like the rain?: it makes me ridiculously sleepy
2. Did you play an April fool's joke on anyone this year?: nah.. karma is not fun
3. Do you get tons of candy on easter?: my favorites are peeps and the whopper eggs

May

1. What's your favorite kind of flower?: lillies or daisies
2. Do you like the spring?: i like the colors!
3. What would you think of as a spring color?: pastels.-- pink, blue, green

June

1. What year did you graduate from school?: high school- 2005 associate's degree- 2008 bachelor's- TBA 2010
2. Did you go on any vacations last June?: nope-- moving time!

July

1. What did you do on the 4th of July?: set off fireworks in our backyard!
2. Went on any vacations during this month?: again.. no boring summer-- school!

August

1. Did you do anything special to end off your summer?: GOT ENGAGED :)
2. What was your favorite summer memory of '08?: obviously the engagement... and the new apartment
3. Do you go swimming a lot in the summer?: no. can't swim
4. Do you go to the beach a lot?: I would if I could

September

1. Who is your favorite teacher?: Mamma Haskins for sure
2. Do you like fall better than summer?: yes.. the colors are beautiful and the weather is perfect

October

1. What was your favorite halloween costume?: last year I was Nick for Halloween and it was prett funny
2. What's your favorite candy?: the stuff no one likes--- mary janes!
3. What did you dress up like this year?: again--Nick the punk rock CHICK!

November

1. Whose house do you usually go to for thanksgiving?: no where in particular. went to nick's parent's then my dad's this year
2. Do you like stuffing?: yuck
3. What are you thankful for?: Mercutio, Bruiser, Nicholas-- love my boys

December

1. Have you ever been kissed under mistletoe?: yes! Nick and I left the mistletoe up for a year at our old apartment
2. What do you want this year for christmas?: all i wanted was my engagement ring!
3. What's the best present you ever got for Christmas?: my first hamster, norman, when i was 8 ((and duh-- my ring!))
4. Do you like cold weather?: No-- I like a nice 60-70. Just a good breeze

1) How would you rate your 08(1-10)?: that's tough... I had so many ups and downs but it was still so good.. I'll say a 7
2) Where were you when 2008 began?: Macado's
3) Who were you with?: Nick and all the bar groupies
4) Where will you be when 2008 ends?: i was at martin's!
5) Who will you be with when 2008 ends? i was with my bff amanda, buffy, and tons of others.. saw nick later-- he had to work :(
6) Do you have a new years resolution for 2009?: keep my 4.0
7) Did you fall in love in 2008: i've been in love since 06!
8) You regret it? no way. nick saved me
9) Did you breakup with anyone in 2008? nope
10) Did you make any new friends in 2008? TONS thanks to school
11) Who is your favorite new friend? that's not fair. i love them all
12) What was your favorite month of 2006?: november
13) How many different places did you travel to in 2006? a few-- myrtle beach, new york city, camp lejeune... a few others i think
14) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2006? no, thank god
15) Did you miss anyone in the past year? i spent most of my year missing pj
16) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2006? well i really didn't see many... so i guess we'll go with saw 3 because it's the only one i can remember seeing
17) Do you enjoy where you are now? i've never enjoyed anything as much as i do now
18) What was your proudest moment of 2006?: private info
19) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2006? again, private info
20) What are your plans for 2007?: don't take things so seriously. life is fun

Snow Day Laziness

2009-01-27T18:39:00.003-05:00

I felt 10-years-old again today when Kelli texted me that our teacher decided to cancel class because of inclement weather! I spent my day eating the leftover snickerdoodles I made last night and playing with Smartboard (which I downloaded for school this afternoon). It's really been a very thrilling afternoon.

Now I'm watching Rob & Big and it is seriously hilarious. Big is having a baby so Rob got him a simulated baby to take care of and it won't stop crying. It's really quite funny.

I've been practicing my elementary print handwriting today. I think I'm pretty good at. Capital letters are a little harder than lower case ones... but I think if a kindergartener can do it, I can do it! I probably should have spent my day off doing schoolwork but I just didn't feel like it. I feel like I'm already behind and it's only week two. How does that happen?! I wish I was already studet teaching. I'm ready to be out of the classroom and into the action!

Nick is upset because his playstation isn't working for some reason. It's probably my fault because I got frustrated he was playing it for so long yesterday. I felt bad for him at first but now he has just decided to let it ruin his night and he is just laying in bed and won't talk to me. It's pretty mature, really. Boys... do they ever grow up? I'm beginning to think not.

Not Me! Monday

2009-01-26T16:52:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday, where we can be brutally honest with each other, and live to tell about it. This blog carnival was created by MckMama be sure to head over to her blog to check out the rules and to read other Not Me! Monday's.

I had to take quite a long break from Not Me! Monday because my computer was not working until recently (if you couldn't already tell from the lack of updates the past several weeks!) Here goes what I definitely, 100%, did not do this week!

This week I for sure did not hope for snow on the very first day of school so class would be cancelled! There is just NO WAY that I am that lazy! When ((unfortunately)) class was in session I absolutely did not doze off and wake up with a little drool on my mouth. That is just not possible..

Oh, and I definitely did not pick out the most adorable Yorkshire Terrier to take home this Friday. He certainly was not the only puppy that cried at the vet while the others took their vaccinations like professionals. NO WAY would I pick out the only whiny puppy. I mean, that is just not like me at all!

And, no matter what I may admit to later in this wonderful blog of mine, I did not spend my three-day weekend lounging on the couch watching Lifetime Movies and eating sherbert instead of doing my homework and housecleaning. There is also no way that instead of cleaning up I just shoved ALL of my belongings in the closet like a 10-year-old eager to be done with chores and had to push with all my might to shut the door. C'mon! You know me better than that! I would NEVER!

Nope, not me!

This week I did not have a serious conversation with my cat, Mercutio, about the arrival of his little brother, Bruiser. I mean, I definitely do not talk to my cat like he is a human being.

To round up my Not Me! Monday! I for sure have not been listening to Beyonce's "I am..." CD for over a month, on repeat. I cannot handle listening to the same six songs over and over and over again everytime I get in my car! Nope, not me!

Now you try out Not Me! Monday! Just write your own entry and check out MckMama's blog and follow her rules!

School work and housecleaning makes for a fun day

2009-01-25T09:11:00.004-05:00

I slept in a little bit today. It felt nice not getting up at 4:30 in the morning. Ever since I started my job it's hard for me to sleep past 6 AM. I'm glad this morning I looked at the clock and it said 8:30.

I forgot to bring my camera yesterday... and that's really a shame because I went to a friend's daughter's sixth birthday last night and it was pretty fun. I had a pretty wild Saturday night, huh? Small children, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, and ((unfortunately)) a pinata made for a rather fun evening. I think my favorite part of the party was when my future niece was talking about ripping someone into pieces and Tilley said "Whoa" with quite an expression. What kind of family am I getting myself mixed up with? Haha. Also, Nick and I bought Makayla the Hannah Montana dance mat and when she opened it she said "Oh my gosh! This is exactly what I wanted!" That made my night :) I'm glad we picked a good present!

During the pinata fiasco I spent my time chasing around this little angel:

She's such a booger.

After the party I went over to another friend's house and we watched The OC and ate junk food. YES I CHEATED ON THE DIET! But I just was ready for a break and I'm back on the wagon today.

I have seriously missed having Seth's quarky jokes and Marissa's druggy moments on my mind every Thursday night. It's a shame the show didn't last. I always wanted Ryan to be my boyfriend. He's such a badass.

After I take Nick to work I am going to spend my day doing laundry, cleaning up for the arrival of Bruiser next week, and doing HOMEWORK for the first time this year! Doesn't that sound like a really fun day? Yeah...

Preparing for Bruiser!

2009-01-24T12:06:00.007-05:00

I may have gone overboard... but I bought a ridiculous amount of stuff for baby Bruiser! I love Petsmart! I still need to buy him a bed-- I just did not like any of the ones that were at the store. I think I will check out Petland or WalMart. Or maybe I will just order one online? I bought him a Santa Claus costume for next year. It was on clearance so I figured, why not? I also got him tons of toys and some treats and of course the essentials-- potty pads and carpet cleaner! I'm sure that will come in handy!

Mercutio decided he needed to inspect all of Bruiser's new things. I made sure not to leave him out. I bought him a few new toys that I will give him when the new puppy gets here. I also got him some canned food because that's his favorite!

I'm glad I have such a precious kitten! I hope he loves the puppy! I think that he will understand that Bruiser is just a baby and that he needs to be gentle with him. At least I pray that is how things work out because I do not want my cat to eat the new little fella'. He is only ONE POUND and 13 ounces! Isn't that just the cutest?!

Amanda and I also went to Target last night and we basically spent all of our money in the one dollar bins! They had the best stuff for teaching! I got some flashcards for the Solar System and some for the letters of the alphabet. Also, I got a notecard holder, a book on the states, a cool little white board (to practice my elementary style handwriting on!), and I got a cool placemat for the puppy's food.

If you can't already tell-- I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THE NEW PUPPY!

Again, I know this is a wedding blog... but I really have not been thinking about the wedding because of how busy I am now that I am back in school and I'm worried about getting Bruiser next week.

A small update-- I really think I am going to book Ben Waddell for the photography. I just can't get over how good he is. It is a bit pricey but I am willing to spend less on things like flowers and music to make up for the amount of the pictures. Photography is definitely the most important thing to me. However, I cannot book him yet because we still have not decided on a place nor have we set a date. We should probably do some of that stuff one day. I do really love Sundara which is a historic house built in the 1800's. It has a beautiful yard and is very simple (definitely a theme of the wedding). However, I do not want to book the place without seeing it in the Spring because I want to know what it will look like with the trees and flowers blooming and such. But I may just have to judge by the pictures.

I am also pretty set on the color being Mermaid and having sunflowers. Since I want a Fall wedding (but we can't actually do it in the Fall) I want as much "Autumnesc" stuff as I can have in the Summer without it looking tacky. I love lantern decorations and having things be more personable. I really want to have a smaller wedding-- like 100 people or less. But apparently Nick and I know a lot of people that we really want to be there... and it's definitely more than 100. Ohhh weddings. Why is it about pleasing everyone else?

It is $600 cheaper to get married during the day- but I really want pictures during sunset. Sunset is just so gorgeous. Why can I not just budge on some things? I may have to! Getting married is just way too expensive. I need someone to seriously step in and offer some major help. Wink wink nudge nudge.

Bruiser, Cruiser, and Computer

2009-01-23T14:07:00.004-05:00

This puppy is soon to be mine! I can't wait. Only one week from today and I will have this tiny snuggle bug to play with me all day. I am wondering what Mercutio will think about our new edition. We're thinking about naming him Bruiser.

Do you think it fits? He is unbelievably cute. I can't believe Nicholas agreed to get him. He is seven-weeks-old today! And will be eight-weeks when I get him next Friday! I have wanted a Yorkie for quite a while. So I'm definitely stoked.

Another thing that just makes me smile is this angel.

She is sitting up now and everything. Man, they grow up so fast!

Some more exciting news-- I finally have my computer back! Nick and I went to Best Buy last night for a new cord. Also, we stayed up late playing Guitar Hero. I am quite the good singer.

Unfortunately I am back in school now... Looks like my weekend will be filled with homework and reading. Woo Hoo.

It's really a bummer. I was hoping Winter Break would just last forever AND EVER! Apparently someone did not get the message. So far I like my classes. I think my favorites will be Teaching & Learning Elementary Science and Reading. The science class seems cool because I will be learning about things I will actually be teaching! Also, I like my teacher for Reading so that always helps me like the subject more. ((Even though I don't really like reading)).

My diet is still going pretty well. I have yet to weigh myself because I know I am still way bigger than I want to be. But when I finally brave it up and step on the scale I will let you all know how much weight I have (HOPEFULLY) lost!

Here's my favorite picture from New Year's:

It would have been posted a long time ago but the lack of a computer meant no posting for a while. I feel like I have a lot to say because I haven't posted in so long... But I just don't even remember what I've done the past few weeks! Isn't that pathetic?

I'm going shopping for "Bruiser" later! Can't wait.

Broken Laptop

2009-01-06T16:29:00.002-05:00

Hey readers! My laptop is broken. So I won't be updating until it's fixed. Quite a bummer. I'm at work. Alexis is sleeping! Such an angel :)

Mermaid and Pool or Tangerine?!

2009-01-03T11:57:00.006-05:00

These are the tough questions in life... Jealous?

I'm a fan of mermaid and pool. Again-- I think it will look good with sunflowers. I'm getting pretty excited about this planning a wedding thing. It's cool. I know-- I usually hate orange. But I kind of like the tangerine- especially the flowergirl dress. It's so cute.

I'm watching 90210 right now. I know, I know... nothing new. I just love this show. Why did it have to go away? Thankfully on the Soap channel it comes on twice a day Monday through Friday and FOUR times on Saturday! Someone's looking out for me!

Get back to me on the color thing. Although I'm pretty set with Mermaid :)

What happens in FarmVegas...

2009-01-03T00:49:00.005-05:00

My friend, Buffy, and I drove to Farmville tonight to see her little sister play a basketball game. It was cool being back on my short-lived stomping grounds. We watched the Central Connecticut Blue Devils beat the Longwood Lancers, wished PJ well, and went to eat at my favorite FarmVegas restaurant, Charley's. ((Which I only love because of their baked brie!)) Mostly the trip was fun because Buffy and I spent a lot of time catching up an gossiping. I mean... we did spend four hours in the car. And we only caught the second half of the game! Haha. But at least we made it.

I like getting out of Roanoke sometimes. It's nice feeling like you aren't going to run into anyone that you know and you don't have to worry about what's or dinner or other stupid "homey" things. I liked just hanging out and goofing off with Buffy. I think we should do it again soon.

Longwood seems like it was a lifetime ago. This is certainly not my life anymore:

But... it was fun while it lasted.

Well.. it's bed time. Work in the morning. Yay.

No wedding news tonight. Maybe tomorrow :)

Marley and Me

2009-01-01T21:45:00.004-05:00

Amanda and I went to see Marley and Me tonight. Finally! I have been waiting for what seems like FOREVER waiting to see it. However, it was one of the most depressing movies I've ever seen. Definitely a tear jerker. I came right home and just loved on Mercutio for a little while. He even sat on my lap while I peed.

I just love that little booger. I don't know what my life would be without him. He is just about the only thing that ALWAYS makes me smile. I mean... look how darn cute he is.

I have to work in the morning. It's already 10 but I'm not tired at all. I'm not really looking forward to tomorrow. Alexis cried for like a straight hour and a half last night and I am just not ready for that again tomorrow. Especially when it's five in the morning. It's just hard to keep your spirits up when it's so early. I hope she is in a MUCH better mood.

Victoria's Secret is having their semi-annual sale. I wish I had money.

I think I'll go get the book Marley and Me when I get paid this week. I don't usually read... but I think I want to read this one. It was such a cute movie.

Something is wrong with my computer cord. It keeps on "unplugging" like it has to be sitting in a certain spot to work. It's really quite irritating. Again, if only I had money.. I would just buy a new computer. I think I just want a desktop. I mean... I don't take my laptop anywhere. So why not just get a desktop. I think it would be easier. This computer is driving me nuts.

I'm going to try to go to bed. Does anyone know when Grey's Anatomy is going to put out some new episodes? Monday nights are irritating me.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T13:54:00.004-05:00

Happy 2009 to everyone! I hope it was fun and safe! Get cracking on those resolutions. I know I am... thinking about it at least. NBC news told me that "It's all good" is out with 2008 and "It is what it is" is what's in now. Keep up with your slang, k? Gotta stay in the crowd.

So last night I went out to Martin's (a local restaurant/bar downtown). It was fun.. I just wish that Nick had been there. He had to work. As usual! But I did have fun just going out with my friends and such. There are tons of other pictures but they are on a friend's camera.

I can't stop staring at my ring.

On another note-- my cat won't stop peeing on my bathroom rug. It's driving me crazy. Nick just flicked him on his little head and then showed him where the litter box is.. like he doesn't already know. Why the heck will he not stop peeing on the rug?!? I'll change his litter I guess. Even though it's not even dirty. Oh well.

All the colors of the rainbow

2008-12-31T09:07:00.009-05:00

I was searching on David's Bridal today and their new Spring line for 2009 is out. I am loving all of the new colors. I really like Mermaid. I think it would look really pretty with the sunflowers! So think about these dresses with a pretty sunflowerish bouquet. Yes- I add "ish" to words even if it doesn't make sense. The second bouquet are orange gerbera daisies. I love daisies. Both are pretty. Also, I was pretty certain on this one bridal gown that I LOVE but now there is a new one that is definitely growing on me! ((Sorry-- not going to posts pictures of the wedding gowns because you never know if Nicholas will actually read this thing one day))

Planning a wedding is pretty fun. But very stressful. I keep on dreaming about the day and everything will go wrong. Like the dresses will be ugly mud colored or something and all the flowers are dead. It's really no fun. I'll just stop going to sleep. That sounds much better!

My not so thrilling day

2008-12-30T18:14:00.003-05:00

So today I have basically just been sitting on the couch watching 90210. I was able to go over to my friend Amanda's house for a little while but then came home just to sit on the couch. And now... Nick is finally off work but all he wants to do is "shoot people in the face" (he's playing Call of Duty) so I am left just sitting on the couch. It's really quite a boring life that I lead.

I wish I were a photographer. Seriously... I envy people who can take cool pictures. I have a really nice camera (Canon Rebel) but my mom is borrowing it right now to take pictures of her new cat. I think when I get it back I will actually use it and take lots of pictures.

I'm seriously bored right now.

Some wedding news... I think I am pretty set on a smaller wedding. Like just having two bridesmaids and two groomsmen and definitely no more than 100 people. I think that seems best. Our guest list right now is at like 150 but I'm sure we can minimize it. I just think the fewer the people the better. That way we will actually know everyone and be able to talk to them... and it will be cheaper! But we will just see what happens. I'm still not making any kind of definite plans. I just am getting ideas.

I love how this blog really isn't just totally about the wedding. I like just spending my time talking about nonsense stuff :)

My First "Not Me Monday"

2008-12-29T09:08:00.004-05:00

I've been reading along with a random person's blog (I know, weird) But I got bored and found this blog and I really enjoy reading about her life and journey! So far my favorite thing is the "Not Me! Monday" posts! So here I go for my first time...

This week I did not almost totally ruin the most exciting day of my life ((an official marriage proposal from Nickolicious)). I swear I didn't get mad at him for making me wait for him to get off before I could come home. When we finally did get to leave (because his co-workers decided to just do his closing work for him) I did not make even more of an idiot out of myself by refusing to dig for my keys in a purse full of money, snacks, nail polish, a planner, my wallet, every Christmas receipt, the past month's mail, and supposedly my keys to the apartment. When Nickolicious opened up the door I did not follow a slew of rose petals and candles to the bedroom where I found my beautiful ring tied to three red roses. After all was said and done I did not feel like a terrible fiance for making his day much more stressful than he had already anticipated!

I swear that this week I did not witness the most embarassing Cowboy's defeat by the Eagles in 20 years! No way, NOT ME! I also did not then proceed to see the Miami Dolphins (Nick's team) take not only a playoff spot but actually win their division! That absolutely just did not happen!

This week I did not close my Wachovia bank account after they "accidently" did not take out $11,000 a month ago.

Lastly, I promise I haven't been staring at my shiny diamond ring every second of EVERY day! I also definitely haven't been showing it off to anyone who will talk to me! Nope, NOT ME!

I hope you've enjoyed my very first Not Me! Monday Tune in next Monday for this week's adventures! And check out other Not Me!'s on MckMama's blog

Family Night

2008-12-28T11:52:00.005-05:00

I went to dinner last night with the Pait's. It was fun. I felt pretty crabby though... I've just been feeling so tired and have had lots of headaches. It sucks.
The random paper figures are my "Colorado Pait family" We had to pretend like they were there at dinner with us. It was pretty silly. Everyone seemed happy about my new engagement ring :) I am hoping that it stays that way. I want my family to be happy for me, first and foremost. I'm super excited that I can really start planning the wedding now!! Life is pretty good.

It's a Christmas Miracle

2008-12-25T20:43:00.002-05:00

Follow me through the door...

and down the hallway...

just a little bit further now...

and there it is!

I would say it was the best Christmas EVER!!!

I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus

2008-12-24T13:39:00.001-05:00

I can't believe Christmas is going to be over tomorrow. I mean... I hardly even had my candy holders and silly decorations out for long! Oh well. It doesn't even seem like Christmas. It's warm outside and I only have one present under the tree for me! Haha that silly Nicholas. Always a last minute shopper. I think I'll keep the tree up until New Year's and then it can go. At least that way I have a few more days to sip hot cocoa by the lights with Mercutio.

I checked my grades for the semester and the most surprising one of all was my A in statistics! I can't believe it. I was certain at the beginning of the semester I would get a C in that class! Unfortunately I was considered part time at Virginia Western and part time at Radford (even though I was in school FULL TIME!); therefore, I did not get any honors. But that's okay. I know I'm smart! Haha and cocky apparently. P.S. I also got my praxis and VCLA scores back and PASSED! Yay--> I'm just glad I passed the first time. There's no way I have the money to take them again. After Christmas passes I am going to register for the Praxis II and I will wait a few months to take the VRA. Why do I need to take all of these darn tests anyways??

Nick and I were talking about when we should start having kids and I am pretty set on when I'm 27. But he will be 36. Is 36 too old to start having babies? I want to wait until I have a continuing contract at my job before we start our family (just to make sure I can have a guaranteed job!). I think that's smart but Nick thinks he is an old man. Oh well.. Babies can wait! At the earliest we could have one when I'm 24 (right after grad school-- but pre-job). It takes three years to get a continuing contract with a school and I don't want to have to take time off and not know for sure my job will be waiting for me. I think 27 sounds good. More on that later-- like 3 years from now! Haha

Mercutio is sleeping behind me on the top of the chair. He's the cutest darn thing ever.

Budget

2008-12-19T09:06:00.001-05:00

Why is getting married SO EXPENSIVE?!?! I have been looking online at budget calculators and average costs of weddings and such. I mean, they're just ridiculous. I was thinking about cutting down the wedding and just have 1 or 2 bridesmaids and 1 or 2 groomsmen and not inviting everyone... but just people we REALLY know. It's stressful.

Last Day of School!!!

2008-12-17T09:47:00.001-05:00

I'm so glad that today is the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! I have an entire month off and I absolutely cannot wait!

This is a short post-- Just wanted to say that school is over and everyone should go here: http://www.frontiernet.net/~jimdandy/specials/xmas.htm my Aunt in Florida sent it to me! Merry Christmas!!

March of Dimes

2008-12-12T10:22:00.001-05:00

Hey guys! If you can't tell, I LOVE BABIES! So I am an advocate for the March of Dimes and their annual walk, March for Babies, is coming up in a few months. I would love if everyone I know would help by sponsoring me in my walk or if you want to JOIN ME!! To donate money you can click on the widget that is one the right side of my blog or the video at the bottom of the screen or go to: http://www.marchforbabies.org/chelsiepait If you want to join my team then go to http://www.marchforbabies.org/ and click on JOIN A TEAM. Then type in Team ChiChi and you should be able to follow the directions from there! Every little bit counts and the money is going to a great cause!

Other than that- Kelli, Amanda, and I finished our "Create a Classroom" assignment:

I think the project turned out great!! The presentation went well too. I always talk REALLY fast when I'm presenting-- so that was definitely an issue. But I didn't have near enough time to say everything I wanted to say!

Speaking of precious babies... here is my little love bug from this morning:

She is just the cutest thing that I ever did see. She's naked because she had pooped all over herself and then proceeded to spit up more than I had ever seen a baby spit up in my life. It was a fabulous morning at work today!!! She is getting so BIG though! Love her.

Wedding Update Nick put my ring on lay away and I should have it by the end of January. It will make for a fabulous Valentine's Day present! Also-- the whole Maid of Honor thing is still up in the air. But I am feeling better about my relationships and I am glad that things are getting sorted out! My friends are my friends no matter what.

My ring

2008-12-09T22:12:00.000-05:00

Nick and I picked out my ring yesterday! It's perfect. See:I can't wait. Nick is going to pay the deposit tomorrow. It's on hold right now. I LOVE IT!!!