My Month of Milestones

Tomorrow’s a new day, or for me the start of what I’m calling my “Milestone Month.” July is filled with the moments you talk about with vagueness during your childhood, and it’s hard to believe that here I am actually about to live them out.

“Oh my gosh, imagine what we’ll look like at our 10-year reunion!”  — I can still hear us squealing as freshman in high school.

Or “One day we’ll all be old and married!” — Said between giggles at a slumber party.

So yes, I’m approaching both of these, and as I look back neither has really been what I expected. Marriage has, in a word, been wonderful. Of course we have had the occasional married couple spat. Of course we have days where we take each other for granted, where we fight when we should be laughing. But I’m lucky to say that if the first year of marriage is the hardest as they say, we’re in for decades of pure joy. I truly can say I’ve never been happier, and to that I can’t wait to celebrate!

As for the high school reunion, it’s very surreal to be gathering together 10 years later. And to top it off, the main event coincidentally falls on my birthday. That’s right, just to remind me I’m a full decade older than I was when I so innocently graduated into “adulthood” as a wide-eyed senior. Thankfully I came out of high school with great memories, and have retained many of the friendships I formed during my time there. But it’s still odd to think we’re actually at the age where you get together to reunite officially.

But really, when you think about it, so much has changed in these 10 years. And thanks to social media’s explosion during our college years, we’ve had the chance see every moment play out. We’ve watched frat parties turn into bridal showers turn into baby showers turn into their children’s birthday parties. We’ve seen how each person changed (or didn’t.) Yes, social media has made high school reunions a far cry from “Romy & Michelle’s,” and I probably can’t get away with saying I invented Post-It notes to my classmates. But I’ll bet it will still be an interesting experience. I just hope the next 10 years don’t go by as quickly…

And while I toast to old friends, blow out 28 candles and share anniversary cake and bridal shower wine with my handsome hubby, I know I’ll be adding more than a few memories to my mind’s internal scrapbook. Cheers to this July — and all the spectacular ones to come!

Dare me to show up in this?

What milestones do you have coming up? Share your stories, I’d love to hear them!

Where Does the Time Go?

 

I guess I’m getting older. Ok, I know I haven’t even reached the big 3-0 yet. But already, it’s frightening how much the words “time flies” ring true in my life. I still remember rolling my eyes when people would say life moves quickly, or the years just pass by, or where did the last few months go? But now, here I am, thinking the same thing. And, since getting married, it’s seemed to evaporate with even more voracity. How is it already June? And how is my first year of marriage already approaching?

Not that it doesn’t excite me. I’m beyond thrilled to be looking forward to a year of marriage and an exotic trip to go along with it. And summer, well that’s my #1 obsession. It’s just that I feel like I was walking down the aisle, clutching to my dad for support, just yesterday. There are still days when I want to relive it all over again.  Especially when I spot a wedding show or a magazine.  But then there’s many other times when I’m grateful our evenings aren’t filled with vendor meetings, guest lists and seating charts. I’ve had friends and family members give warnings to savor this time in our lives, that when kids come along we will have none to our own. Which, I’m sure is true.

But still, even with all this “extra time” in my life, there doesn’t seem to be enough to go around. Somehow there’s always a new task to finish, a new problem to fix. Recently my 102-year-old great aunt passed away. She lived a long life filled with happiness and health, one we all could only hope to have. Yet, even still, it seemed too short. Which is why I ask of myself, of you, of anyone reading this blog to make the most of yours. Because I need all the reminders I can get to do the same.

Happy (almost) summer, friends! Go out there enjoy every moment within it.

 

Phones Down, Eyes Up

I just love how this video touches on everything I discussed in my previous blog post. It makes me so grateful to have put down my phone long enough to find the love of my life. And even though texting and calling helped us get through those long-distance relationship months, it never came close to our time together, spent laughing and making memories. I hope this will serve as a reminder for me to not let today’s fleeting moments pass by.

Can You Hear Me Now? Disconnecting to Stay Connected

Disconnect. Relax & unwind. Leave your worries at the door. As a copywriter for a luxury hotel brand, I use these phrases often. But how realistic is it to ask ourselves to do these things in the digital world we live in? During my lunch break today, I quickly found out for myself it’s not so easy. Generally using my lunch break to chat with my husband and text friends and family, my plans were halted when my iPhone decided to not play nice.

Searching…. Try again… Resend?… Instead of feeling relaxed that I could step away from my phone for a few minutes, all I felt was stressed. Immediately I logged into Facebook, letting everyone know that I was having phone issues and they could reach me on there instead. Ten minutes and a phone update later, I was back in business. Making me remember that sometimes it’s ok to disconnect for a little while. And in many ways, it’s necessary to maintain a happy marriage, a healthy lifestyle and a sane mind.

Many of us, I included, work in an office environment where the majority of the day is spent eyes glued to a computer screen. Have a question? We send an email. Or shoot an instant message to a co-worker, who is just steps away in the cubical next door. We have meetings where 9 out of 10 people have a laptop or phone in hand, half listening to the conversation as they answer these emails, respond to these messages, check their calendars, whatever it takes to not be truly present in the moment.

So, I’ve decided to ask myself, how can I become more connected to life by disconnecting from technology more? Here’s my short list, I would love to hear yours!

– Travel often. With every new travel experience, I gain more knowledge than if I had read 1,000 articles online. I want to see the world from a new perspective, rather than just read about it.

– Put down the phone. There’s nothing more annoying than trying to talk to someone who is distracted by their phone. I need to remember this the next time I pick mine up.

– Engage in conversation. My mom’s always been great at starting conversations in the checkout line at the grocery store. I’d love to be more like her, always offering a hello or at least an encouraging smile to brighten someone’s day.

– Make time for friends. It’s easy to say “we need to get together soon,” and for months to pass before you do. But it’s a whole lot more fun when you put down the phone/iPad/laptop and actually do it!

– Make time for family. The same idea that applies to friends. A phone call is nice, but a visit is wonderful.

– Pray more. God doesn’t send emails, text messages and voicemails or wait for a calendar invite to schedule a chat. He’s always there to listen, which is quite refreshing if you think about it.

– Do fun things. Get out there and be active. Take a walk. Go see a concert. Or if you’re like my husband & me, go see seven concerts in one summer. Go to an NBA Playoff game. Plan a trip to a foreign country. Get tickets to the ACM Awards. Have something to look forward to every moment. Make everyday a new reason to remember why you fell in love in the first place.

How do you stay connected by disconnecting?

 

Our 1st Anniversary Escape

Can you believe it? Today is finally the official first day of spring, and I could not be more excited. Flip flops. Tanned skin. Sandy beaches. Ahh, bliss. Ok, maybe I’m getting ahead of myself, it is only March. But a girl’s gotta look forward to something. And to ward off those winter blues, my husband and I took the plunge and applied for our passports in preparation for our 1st anniversary trip to (drumroll, please….) BELIZE!

Since visiting there for a science trip in high school, I’ve been obsessed with this beautiful island paradise. I may have come home with braids in my hair. And a newfound love for pineapple Fanta and reggae music. And of course, the assumption that I would be back. Thankfully, 12 years later my dream to return will come true. My last trip involved so many adventures, from hiking through rainforests to visiting Mayan ruins. Along with lazy afternoons on a hammock, listening to CDs on my Discman — proof it’s been too long! I know that this time around, the adventures will be even more enjoyable, spent in the company of my husband.

After many Google searches, we decided to stay on Ambergris Caye, Belize’s largest island. The town of San Pedro is just a short walk or golf cart ride from our hotel, which apparently is how most people get around the island. Now that’s what I call sloooowing it down. Such a nice break from the bustling traffic of Dallas, you won’t blame us if we never return, will you?

Our hotel’s backyard

The infamous Blue Hole

Main Street, San Pedro

Pool view from our hotel

Where is your favorite place to escape? I’m determine to put my passport to good use and need suggestions!

Stories About Love… Or Lack Thereof

Depending on your relationship status, I’ve learned Valentine’s Day can be one of two things: awkward or awesome. Waking up on my first married one to breakfast in bed, I’m lucky to say mine has been awesome so far. But it hasn’t always been this way. Last night, I took a walk down memory lane with my husband (who kindly listened without falling asleep) and recalled all the awkward, awful Valentine’s Days I’ve had…

– The 6th grade heart steal: Because middle school isn’t awkward enough (hello braces!), we had a little game at my school to showcase your “love.” We’d all wear a construction paper heart around our neck with our name on them, and if a boy talked to a girl or vice versa, you had to give your name (aka heart) to that person to wear around his/her neck. Then we’d all go to the skating rink together, where it was all fun and games until it was time for a couples’ skate. Don’t make eye contact!

– The 8th grade drop-off: I put a Hastings gift card on your desk (remember Hastings, anyone?) You put roses on mine. We exchange uncomfortable thanks in the hall and never speak about it again.

– The high school match-up: Take a compatibility quiz, and for a price we’ll show you your matches. The catch is, I went to a very small high school, so the likelihood of getting matched up with the same 5 people every year was pretty much a given.

– The college fake a date: A dorm hallway conversation takes a turn for the worst… Guy: “So what are you doing on Valentine’s Day?” Girl: Ummm, nothing I guess. You?” Guy: “Nothing. So, umm. You wanna grab dinner or something? Since, you know, everyone else will be doing something. Just chill though, of course.” Girl: (racking brain for excuse, has no luck) “Fine.”

Thankfully, my awkward Valentine’s Days are past me. Tonight’s plans consist of the things we love about being married: simply being together. In lieu of a fancy four-course dinner, we’ve decided to stay in and cook enchiladas and make margaritas. In lieu of fancy gifts, we bought tickets together for several summer concerts. Do I still hope to woo my Valentine? Of course. But it’s so much better to know he’ll always be there, no matter what happens every February 14th… and all the days in between.

Do you have any laughable Valentine’s Day memories? Share them with me!

Sick on Your Wedding Day? Oh No!

Cough… cough… sneeze… sneeze. That’s pretty much been the soundtrack of my 2014. How about you? Hopefully you’ve been feeling a little less under the weather than my husband and me since the new year began. Apparently you don’t make a vow to be together through sickness and health for nothing. I’m talking nasty coughs. Runny noses. Fever and chills. No energy at all. Going to bed at 11 p.m. on our first married New Year’s Eve. And I’m the culprit who passed it along, plaguing Stephen just 2 days after my initial cough. Between the bitter cold “arctic blast” that has kicked the entire country’s butt this week (except for perfect lil’ Hawaii, of course) and the flus and unnamed viruses that are swirling around, I can say one thing with certainty. I’m so glad I didn’t get married in the winter.

Or at least, THIS WINTER. Oh I know, you can get sick in the summer too. Freak cold fronts can come through Oklahoma in May. Just ask my best friend Yvonne, who experienced a random Saturday in the 40s during her springtime wedding last year. I’m sure for their next 50 anniversaries it will be in the 70s. But these rare instances happen, and you suck it up and smile through it. If you’re the bride and groom, you probably don’t even notice the cold for all the adrenaline rushing through your veins.

But what if the really rare happens? What if you get sick on your wedding day? Or on your honeymoon?

Thankfully this didn’t happen to me. I rarely get sick in the summer, so I had fate on my side. Some prayers were sent too, which couldn’t have hurt. Thinking back, I was one lucky girl. And if I had to do it over again (or was getting married in the dreaded winter), I would be doing a whole lot more of this, just in case:

• Load up on Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer – keep them close at all times. I think I have at least 20 stockpiled in my cabinet at the moment. Healthy and delicious smelling. Double win.
• Take vitamins – I’ve started skimping on taking vitamins, but for awhile there I was taking prenatal ones to help my nails and hair grow. That extra boost might just help your immune system thrive. Hey, there’s a good resolution. Take more vitamins. And stop biting my nails, obviously.
• Get a flu shot – Ever since I was out sick from high school for a week, too ill to speak to any of my friends because of the flu, I’ve gotten this shot. And I haven’t gotten the flu since. Sure, I’ve gotten sick, but nothing like that.
• Stress less – Stress is known to do weird things to your body. The best thing you can do for your skin, hair, nails and overall health the week of your wedding is to not stress over it all.
• Drink lots of water – It flushes out your system and keeps everything running smoothly. And a hydrated face is a pretty one.
• Emergen-C or Airborne – If you start feeling a twinge of sickness, start downing these. The extra vitamins will jumpstart your immune system, and at the very least, you’ll have more energy to finish up the last of those favors.
• Skimping on the cocktails – A hangover on your wedding day? No thanks. That goes for morning mimosas too. Stop at one, just enough to ease your nerves during primp time. You’ll be glad you did.

As for the honeymoon, I’m always a worrier so I packed the pharmacy with us for our trip to Hawaii. Luckily neither of us felt sick, but better safe than sorry!! I attribute this to my mom, who used to make a list of all the possible ailments that might happen during our family vacations. Imodium-AD? Check. Tylenol? Check. Advil? Check. Aleve? Check. Claritin? Check. Band-aids? Check…. Check… Check… 😉

So tell me, what did you do to prevent getting sick at your wedding or honeymoon?

Stay healthy, my friends!

A Wedding Song to Put You in the Holiday Spirit

With Christmas literally just around the corner (6 more days!), I can’t help but feel like singing. Work has kept me more than busy lately, but a much needed 2-week break is so close I can taste it. Although we’ve already experienced ice and it’s not even officially winter yet, it’s a refreshing 72 degrees in Dallas today, and I’m loving it. So in the spirit of the holidays and my rekindled love for The Sound of Music following Carrie Underwood’s stellar performance, I crafted a little ditty of my own to the tune of “My Favorite Things”, inspired by my love for all things wedding. Happy holidays! And good luck getting this tune out of your head for the rest of the week! 🙂

 “My Favorite Wedding Day Things”

Dahlias and roses and blush-colored ribbon

Bedazzled sashes and presents all hidden 

Mr. & Mrs. forever you’ll sing

These are my favorite wedding day things.

 

Cream-colored earrings and veils that are flowing

Bouquets and tuxes and heirlooms for showing

Wide-eyed new grooms with a ring and a dream 

These are my favorite wedding day things.

 

Girls holding flowers with smiles and hair curls

Dad acting nervous and Mom sharing her pearls

Silver-haired lovebirds who still feel 18 

These are my favorite wedding day things. 

 

When the cold comes

When to-dos drum

When I’m feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don’t feel so bad! 

Do the holidays put you in the mood for weddings? I’m a summer wedding girl, but both my parents and brother & sister-in-law got married in December! Happy anniversary to Mom & Dad + Stacey & Chris!

What to Do With That Wedding Decor?

It’s the most wonderful hectic time of the year… Busy schedules at work. Holiday gatherings to attend. Oh yeah, and trying to maintain normalcy in life: stay fit, hang out with my husband, cook dinner, feed the pups, clean the apartment, catch up on my favorite shows. Not to mention those scrapbooks and wedding albums that are nudging me every time I glance in my closet to fill them with memories. I will get to it, I promise! Luckily I received the most beautiful album from my photographer to tide me over while I get everything back in order.

In another stroke of luck (or some might argue lack thereof), we’re coming off the cusp of ICE STORM 2013, as I dramatically like to refer to it as. In actuality, it was a half-inch thick ice storm, but it did shut down Dallas and its surrounding cities from Friday through Sunday. I, for one, wasn’t about to brave the cold — you never know how fast frostbite can strike! So I stayed inside like any sane girl should do, and first on my list was putting to use some of that wedding decor I so eagerly searched for just months before. Using our Mr. & Mrs. chairbacks from the reception, I brought our blank hallway wall to life with our favorite portrait from the ceremony, along with a cute sign that my bridesmaid, Shannon, gave to me as a gift. I love how it all turned out, and was then inspired to put together a memory box with some of our wedding items like the invitations, save the date, programs and garter. It should sleet more often, huh? Just kidding!!

Have any other ideas for incorporating old wedding items into everyday home decor? I still have a few items in my storage closet, just waiting to come out and play…

Behind the Scenes: Pre-Marital Counseling

Pre-marital classes. They can strike fear into any couple, especially a stressed-out one who “totally doesn’t have time for this.” Last week, I introduced you to my journey to the altar from a Catholic perspective, and now I’d like to take you through all the church’s requirements before you tie the knot.

Now, you may have already heard horror stories about all that’s involved in order to say “I Do” in the presence of a priest. But honestly, our experience didn’t turn out so bad. I’ll admit, there were awkward moments and it did take away some of our planning time (which my husband would be probably say is a good thing), but all in all I think it made us a stronger couple. And while we had been dating for almost 5 years during our classes, it still brought up a few issues we hadn’t talked through completely. It’s nice to get everything out on the table now, rather than a few years into a marriage or when children are involved. So jump in head first and give it everything you’ve got, it’s for your benefit after all!

The Breakdown

After selecting our church, we immediately contacted the coordinator in charge of weddings, or in some cases all Sacraments. For us, this was through the Faith Formation office, and it required at least six months lead-time before the wedding date. I believe this is pretty standard amongst Catholic churches, so make sure you don’t just assume you can get married there and forgot to make the initial contact!

Since our parish has multiple priests and we didn’t have a preference, our coordinator connected us with one who was available to meet with us. After setting up a meeting via email, we were ready to officially meet our officiant, and slightly nervous. Would he ask a lot of personal questions?

Not really. After the initial meet-and-greet, it was mostly filling out paperwork and choosing our wedding date and time. We discussed all the requirements for the day and were given a witness document for both our parents to sign. The most difficult part of the whole process was a 100+ question test. We felt like we were back in grade school as we were given our #2 pencils and sent to different rooms to fill out our scantron sheets. Remember those?

The questions were based on a scale of Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree, and focused on a variety of topics that you deal with during a marriage… money, children, religion, finances and many more I’m forgetting. It’s not a compatibility test, and there really is no wrong answer. Just keep in mind the answers you don’t match up on will be discussed aloud with your sponsor couple!

After our “test”, we were told we wouldn’t receive the answers until we met with our couple. In the meantime, we attended the longest part of our pre-marital classes, the daylong retreat. While this varies from church to church, our experience was a small-group setting, broken down into several segments throughout the day. There was so much content to cover it was pretty overwhelming! I won’t even try to recount all we discussed, but I do remember our favorite part was the workshop that helped you understand each other’s personalities. The worst part was when a marriage counselor made us create fake arguments with one another to “communicate better.” Instead, it just made us feel awkward and stirred up problems we weren’t even mad about originally. If you can survive this day, you’ll be just fine. 🙂

One more class before the sponsor couple meetings – Introduction to Natural Family Planning. I’ll admit, I was pretty skeptical and apprehensive going into this class. In my mind, I feared a couple with 12 children would be pressuring us to follow this system while bashing other birth control methods, but it actually was quite informative and scientific. A nurse led the class and explained all the technicalities without a hint of judgment to those who didn’t seem interested.

All this was completed by January, and with our wedding in July we were quite proud of ourselves for getting it accomplished so early. Unfortunately, getting matched up with our sponsor couple wasn’t so simple. After many emails, we finally were placed with a super nice one – but the wedding was only a few weeks away! Thankfully we were able to meet at their home Sunday evenings, making our four required sessions fly by. They were very relaxed, and included prayerful reflection, a discussion on the answers we didn’t match up on (divided into segments) and then a take home exercise for us to complete together. Though we completely dreaded the first meeting, we were actually sad when we had the last one. It was really enjoyable, and a great time to discuss any last minute issues we hadn’t really talked about or even thought through (i.e. raising children in the church).

Finally, we were ready to get married! All we needed was our marriage license, and it could become official. Yay!

Here’s a pic with our awesome officiant, Father Bierschenk!

Are you taking pre-marital classes? Do you find them necessary?