After a year of wedded bliss, I thought it was high time to finish the photo album. Mostly because a girl in our office got married last month and is finished hers. Well, better late than never.
Showing posts with label Babbling about weddings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Babbling about weddings. Show all posts
Friday, October 01, 2010
Monday, December 14, 2009
Warning: My cleavage may punch you in the eye. Sorry about that.
My wedding pictures are in! Yes, it's almost three months since we got married, but there's an explanation for why they are so late.
My photographer fell off a roof.
The plan was to have the pictures back a few weeks after the wedding. However, my photographer and his wife had to go out of town for two weeks, so the pictures were pushed into the middle of October. But, just when they returned from their trip, they got the flu. With the H1N1 flying around everywhere, it was understandable that the pictures would be a little later. Like the end of October.
And then my photographer fell off a roof.
He spent some time in hospital as they tried to determine if he had a brain bleed on top of the broken collar bone and cracked ribs. Then he spent a long time resting in order to be able to be awake for more than an hour at a time. The second CAT scans showed no brain bleed and no brain damage (which everyone was so thankful for knowing another family who did not have such good news). He was on the road to recovery! He then started physio.
But, today while I was in bed with a migraine, the pictures arrived at our door! Once I was awake (and the light wasn't making me want to rip out my own eyes) The Guy and I loaded the CD into the computer. And started the process of uploading over 950 pictures. It took over half an hour and by then I was almost late for my meeting.
But, finally, I have uploaded a select few onto Facebook. I narrowed it down to 59 pics. Here they are. Don't worry if you don't have an FB account -- you don't have to for this link.
Later I will upload all of them to Flickr so they will be held safe for eternity. I'll let you know.
My photographer fell off a roof.
The plan was to have the pictures back a few weeks after the wedding. However, my photographer and his wife had to go out of town for two weeks, so the pictures were pushed into the middle of October. But, just when they returned from their trip, they got the flu. With the H1N1 flying around everywhere, it was understandable that the pictures would be a little later. Like the end of October.
And then my photographer fell off a roof.
He spent some time in hospital as they tried to determine if he had a brain bleed on top of the broken collar bone and cracked ribs. Then he spent a long time resting in order to be able to be awake for more than an hour at a time. The second CAT scans showed no brain bleed and no brain damage (which everyone was so thankful for knowing another family who did not have such good news). He was on the road to recovery! He then started physio.
But, today while I was in bed with a migraine, the pictures arrived at our door! Once I was awake (and the light wasn't making me want to rip out my own eyes) The Guy and I loaded the CD into the computer. And started the process of uploading over 950 pictures. It took over half an hour and by then I was almost late for my meeting.
But, finally, I have uploaded a select few onto Facebook. I narrowed it down to 59 pics. Here they are. Don't worry if you don't have an FB account -- you don't have to for this link.
Later I will upload all of them to Flickr so they will be held safe for eternity. I'll let you know.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Now that's romance
The wedding was fantastic. The bride was gorgeous and her veil was to envy. Little stitched leaves and sparkling things handwoven all the way down a Cathedral train. Wow!!
Finally, The Guy and I went up to dance. Guess what song we had our first dance to? Gold Digger. That's right. Gold Digger. I'MA LET YOU FINISH, BUT WE'RE THE BEST DANCERS EVER.
I told Lyn that was our first dance and she asked how awkward it was. Let's just say this. We are two of the whitest people on Earth dancing to a song which contains the "N" word. How awkward do you think it was?
****************
Queen D and I decided we were going to have to steal the flower girl. She was so cute. We decided we would share her. One week with D, one with me. Then we found a baby to steal too. He was precious. So, one week with one kid, one week with the other. Our husbands would never notice!! Unfortunately, the moment didn't present itself so we went home without. ****************
The Guy and I realized that in the years we've been together, we have never danced together. So, we thought we would rectify that at the wedding. Numerous slow dances came and went, but we never went up. After awhile I went and danced myself crazy with the Mobile girls to very bouncy songs. And "Jessie's Girl" which is the greatest song ever. Except for Journey. Journey rocks.Finally, The Guy and I went up to dance. Guess what song we had our first dance to? Gold Digger. That's right. Gold Digger. I'MA LET YOU FINISH, BUT WE'RE THE BEST DANCERS EVER.
I told Lyn that was our first dance and she asked how awkward it was. Let's just say this. We are two of the whitest people on Earth dancing to a song which contains the "N" word. How awkward do you think it was?
Friday, October 02, 2009
Wedding weather
I chose September for a reason. I love fall. Cool weather, crisp air, turning colours of leaves and trees, the whole thing. I love it. So I expected September -- especially the middle of September -- to be the right time for perfect weather.
Our summer was crap. It was cold and rainy. We had about three days of good, scorching, Saskatchewan summer. August had a couple of warm days, but nothing really that I remember from my childhood. I thought it boded well for September. As long as we didn't have snow, I figured it would all be good.
I did not plan for +34 degrees. (93 degrees F for the fine American folks) In September. While I would be wearing 50 pounds of taffeta and silk. In a teeny little church with no air conditioning.
It was a hot day. A miserable hot day where I sweat off my makeup within the first hour of being in the church. We then did numerous hours of pictures in the sun. Finally, after we had had enough of being smiley and sweaty, we did what any smart group of people with a limo for an hour would do. We made it drive us to a pub.
The whole wedding party walked into our favourite hangout and ordered drinks. The Guy and I even got a free wedding drink. It was a red letter day.
Our summer was crap. It was cold and rainy. We had about three days of good, scorching, Saskatchewan summer. August had a couple of warm days, but nothing really that I remember from my childhood. I thought it boded well for September. As long as we didn't have snow, I figured it would all be good.
I did not plan for +34 degrees. (93 degrees F for the fine American folks) In September. While I would be wearing 50 pounds of taffeta and silk. In a teeny little church with no air conditioning.
It was a hot day. A miserable hot day where I sweat off my makeup within the first hour of being in the church. We then did numerous hours of pictures in the sun. Finally, after we had had enough of being smiley and sweaty, we did what any smart group of people with a limo for an hour would do. We made it drive us to a pub.
The whole wedding party walked into our favourite hangout and ordered drinks. The Guy and I even got a free wedding drink. It was a red letter day.
Monday, September 28, 2009
The real vows
Just like the time I took finding the perfect song for our wedding, The Guy and I also searched high and low for the perfect vows. Actually, we googled them and let the Internet find the perfect vows. When we found them, they expressed exactly what we wanted for our marriage. We used them in our first marriage -- a tiny affair with no audience but the ministers and their wives in the back of the church. They were beautiful.
When the time came for the real wedding, I told the minister we wanted the same vows. We figured that since we had dome them once, there was no point in going over them again. Then came our wedding day. We stood in front of the audience of our dearest friends and family. And then the minister started the vows.
If you noticed the WTF? moment The Guy had on his face, you would think that he didn't want to marry me. However, if you were either The Guy or me, you would know that the minister read the wrong vows. However, you can't very well stop in midst of your wedding ceremony and go "Dude, where are our vows?" so we just powered through. Words such as "plenty" and "want" were being tossed around like confetti. It was very old timey and not at all what we had planned. But, whatever.
The minister does so many weddings, the odds are he just copied and pasted the wrong thing into his little program he had with him. At least, that is what I am going with. He's the sweetest man, so I don't think it was anything other than that. Although, he did throw the phrase CHRISTIAN marriage around a lot too.*
So, what I wanted to do was put my real vows out there for you all to see. I'm very glad we got to use them at the first wedding because they were very special to me. And, who knows, the way things with The Guy have been, we'll likely do a third wedding before too long. It seems like one every 2 months gets us a lot of gifts!
And with no further adieu, the real vows:
*Don't get me wrong. I'm all about Christian marriage. However, every time he said it like that (and believe me he used his capital letters voice) it sounded more like a threat. I almost got the giggles, but held it together until the ring part where I then cried like a little girl.
When the time came for the real wedding, I told the minister we wanted the same vows. We figured that since we had dome them once, there was no point in going over them again. Then came our wedding day. We stood in front of the audience of our dearest friends and family. And then the minister started the vows.
If you noticed the WTF? moment The Guy had on his face, you would think that he didn't want to marry me. However, if you were either The Guy or me, you would know that the minister read the wrong vows. However, you can't very well stop in midst of your wedding ceremony and go "Dude, where are our vows?" so we just powered through. Words such as "plenty" and "want" were being tossed around like confetti. It was very old timey and not at all what we had planned. But, whatever.
The minister does so many weddings, the odds are he just copied and pasted the wrong thing into his little program he had with him. At least, that is what I am going with. He's the sweetest man, so I don't think it was anything other than that. Although, he did throw the phrase CHRISTIAN marriage around a lot too.*
So, what I wanted to do was put my real vows out there for you all to see. I'm very glad we got to use them at the first wedding because they were very special to me. And, who knows, the way things with The Guy have been, we'll likely do a third wedding before too long. It seems like one every 2 months gets us a lot of gifts!
And with no further adieu, the real vows:
I, (name), take you; (name), to be my (husband/wife), my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honour and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
*Don't get me wrong. I'm all about Christian marriage. However, every time he said it like that (and believe me he used his capital letters voice) it sounded more like a threat. I almost got the giggles, but held it together until the ring part where I then cried like a little girl.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Wedding Pic
I can't leave without one picture up. We head for Vegas in a few hours. I haven't showered, packed, or gone to return the wedding rentals. This is going to go well.
Here is a great shot of The Guy, my grandma, and me. She is too teeny for words!!
As a surprise, I arranged for our wedding pics to be done on the football field where "our" favourite team plays. The Guy had no idea until we were just about there. It was an awesome surprise. I can now officially do something really stupid in the future and this will totally cancel it out. Woo!
P.S. Roger and Queen of West Procrastination had it right. Queen because she knew and Roger because he knows me. Well, except he doesn't really, but you know what I mean. It was really important to me not to live together without being married. So, we eloped! We called this the sham wedding. (I wanted a big wedding because my Dad was coming from Ukraine and I had the dress already.) My sister and her friends now call it the Sham-Wow wedding.
Here is a great shot of The Guy, my grandma, and me. She is too teeny for words!!
As a surprise, I arranged for our wedding pics to be done on the football field where "our" favourite team plays. The Guy had no idea until we were just about there. It was an awesome surprise. I can now officially do something really stupid in the future and this will totally cancel it out. Woo!
P.S. Roger and Queen of West Procrastination had it right. Queen because she knew and Roger because he knows me. Well, except he doesn't really, but you know what I mean. It was really important to me not to live together without being married. So, we eloped! We called this the sham wedding. (I wanted a big wedding because my Dad was coming from Ukraine and I had the dress already.) My sister and her friends now call it the Sham-Wow wedding.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Oh, by the way, we're already married
Yes, today is my wedding day. It will be solemn and beautiful and a public testimony of The Guy's and my love for each other. But the confession is true.
The Guy and I got married a couple of months ago. In July. Alone.
DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT WAS TO KEEP THAT SECRET FROM YOU????
Seriously. We told some of our friends and family, but I had to keep it off the Internet. We didn't want people to feel like there was no purpose in coming to a wedding when the nuptials had already happened. So, we eloped -- planning to keep it a mostly secret.
Uh huh. If you think I can't keep a secret, you should try getting married in a back room where 350 of your family and friends are unknowingly eating lunch. The secret lasted... oh, 30 seconds. WILDFIRE. I am surprised it was not immediately posted on every news source in the world.
So, now the secret is out. Officially.
The Guy and I got married a couple of months ago. In July. Alone.
DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT WAS TO KEEP THAT SECRET FROM YOU????
Seriously. We told some of our friends and family, but I had to keep it off the Internet. We didn't want people to feel like there was no purpose in coming to a wedding when the nuptials had already happened. So, we eloped -- planning to keep it a mostly secret.
Uh huh. If you think I can't keep a secret, you should try getting married in a back room where 350 of your family and friends are unknowingly eating lunch. The secret lasted... oh, 30 seconds. WILDFIRE. I am surprised it was not immediately posted on every news source in the world.
So, now the secret is out. Officially.
Today is my wedding day
It took me some time to find the right song for our wedding. The song, like most things in my life, was something I knew what I wanted, but had no idea what I was looking for exactly. I didn't know what it was, but I would know when I saw (ahem - heard) it.
I wanted a song that spoke to who I was and how I feel about The Guy. I wanted every feeling of love to be captured in that one moment as I walked toward him. I wanted one perfect song to say that this is the moment and I choose to be with The Guy forver.
A bunch of us were sitting around one night and I explained my dilemma. Someone suggested looking at songs from my favourite artists. We went through naming songs by Blue Rodeo, Jann Arden, Jack Johnson, etc. When it came to Chantal Kreviazuk, I knew we had a winner. Originally, I had thought about another of her songs "Before You", but when I found this song, it was right. There was no more searching to be done.
Today will be that moment when I stand in the entrance to the church and look down the aisle at The Guy waiting for me. This song will begin and I will walk toward him. This song will tell him the things I can't express in words. Like how important he is to me. Like how I have been looking for him for a long time.
Walking down that aisle today will be just like walking home.
I wanted a song that spoke to who I was and how I feel about The Guy. I wanted every feeling of love to be captured in that one moment as I walked toward him. I wanted one perfect song to say that this is the moment and I choose to be with The Guy forver.
A bunch of us were sitting around one night and I explained my dilemma. Someone suggested looking at songs from my favourite artists. We went through naming songs by Blue Rodeo, Jann Arden, Jack Johnson, etc. When it came to Chantal Kreviazuk, I knew we had a winner. Originally, I had thought about another of her songs "Before You", but when I found this song, it was right. There was no more searching to be done.
"Feels Like Home" by Chantal Kreviazuk
Somethin' in your eyes, makes me wanna lose myself
Makes me wanna lose myself, in your arms
There's somethin' in your voice, makes my heart beat fast
Hope this feeling lasts, the rest of my life
If you knew how lonely my life has been
And how long I've been so alone
And if you knew how I wanted someone to come along
And change my life the way you've done
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
A window breaks, down a long, dark street
And a siren wails in the night
But I'm alright, 'cause I have you here with me
And I can almost see, through the dark there is light
Well, if you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I've waited for your touch
And if you knew how happy you are making me
I never thought that I'd love anyone so much
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way the back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
Somethin' in your eyes, makes me wanna lose myself
Makes me wanna lose myself, in your arms
There's somethin' in your voice, makes my heart beat fast
Hope this feeling lasts, the rest of my life
If you knew how lonely my life has been
And how long I've been so alone
And if you knew how I wanted someone to come along
And change my life the way you've done
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
A window breaks, down a long, dark street
And a siren wails in the night
But I'm alright, 'cause I have you here with me
And I can almost see, through the dark there is light
Well, if you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I've waited for your touch
And if you knew how happy you are making me
I never thought that I'd love anyone so much
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way the back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
Today will be that moment when I stand in the entrance to the church and look down the aisle at The Guy waiting for me. This song will begin and I will walk toward him. This song will tell him the things I can't express in words. Like how important he is to me. Like how I have been looking for him for a long time.
Walking down that aisle today will be just like walking home.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
One down, two to go, PANIC
This week began actual action towards getting the wedding actually ready. Monday, a good friend and I worked labouriously on the picture collage of The Guy's and my baby to adult pics. It turned out awesome (pictures to be posted soon). Tuesday was a day of appointments - waxing, massage, chiro.
Today, I thought that -- since I really wasn't that busy -- I would start two exercise classes. One at noon (stretching and stress relief) with my good friend, Rae and one at 5:30 (intro to Pilates) with my cousin, Janny. They went well, but my back is definitely not overly thrilled with me. Neither are my hips. I could end up walking down the aisle with a walker. Hott.
OMG. Spell check just said "hott" was a word. PARIS HILTON, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE?????????? Ahem.
Sorry about that. After Pilates, I grabbed my sister, Ky, and we went to buy the food for the wedding. Since we are having about 638 different kinds of cake, we're just having fruit and cheese for food. $200 later, that's an effing lot of fruit and cheese.
Finally, tonight my father, his wife and my brother arrived. It has been almost two years since we last saw Dad, so I went to meet them at the place where they are staying -- with my Dad's cousin, DC Power. I would have loved to have everyone stay with me, but the thought of that many people and all the added chaos on top of the wedding chaos, well... The Guy and I would not be going on a honeymoon so much as a mental health facility.
It was so good to see my Dad. He's lost some weight and looks... European. It's really cute. His wife is adorable and always frets about it, but really she is cute as can be. I am glad to have them home for this. It's nice to have my family back together. It's the first time we've all been together in awhile. Except for my SiL who has to work and won't be flying in til the morning of the wedding. But, we will glue a picture of her floating head to the wall and it will be just like normal.*
Tomorrow we decorate the church. Then I will know how little I am really prepared. Prepare to be amazed.
*We took family photos one year, but SiL had to work so she wasn't there. Grandma took the family photo and tacked it to the wall. Then she cut out a giant picture of SiL's head and taped it just underneath the picture. It remained that way for years. CREEPY.
Correction: Hott is only a word if it is capitalized. Sorry, Paris, I take it back.
Today, I thought that -- since I really wasn't that busy -- I would start two exercise classes. One at noon (stretching and stress relief) with my good friend, Rae and one at 5:30 (intro to Pilates) with my cousin, Janny. They went well, but my back is definitely not overly thrilled with me. Neither are my hips. I could end up walking down the aisle with a walker. Hott.
OMG. Spell check just said "hott" was a word. PARIS HILTON, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE?????????? Ahem.
Sorry about that. After Pilates, I grabbed my sister, Ky, and we went to buy the food for the wedding. Since we are having about 638 different kinds of cake, we're just having fruit and cheese for food. $200 later, that's an effing lot of fruit and cheese.
Finally, tonight my father, his wife and my brother arrived. It has been almost two years since we last saw Dad, so I went to meet them at the place where they are staying -- with my Dad's cousin, DC Power. I would have loved to have everyone stay with me, but the thought of that many people and all the added chaos on top of the wedding chaos, well... The Guy and I would not be going on a honeymoon so much as a mental health facility.
It was so good to see my Dad. He's lost some weight and looks... European. It's really cute. His wife is adorable and always frets about it, but really she is cute as can be. I am glad to have them home for this. It's nice to have my family back together. It's the first time we've all been together in awhile. Except for my SiL who has to work and won't be flying in til the morning of the wedding. But, we will glue a picture of her floating head to the wall and it will be just like normal.*
Tomorrow we decorate the church. Then I will know how little I am really prepared. Prepare to be amazed.
*We took family photos one year, but SiL had to work so she wasn't there. Grandma took the family photo and tacked it to the wall. Then she cut out a giant picture of SiL's head and taped it just underneath the picture. It remained that way for years. CREEPY.
Correction: Hott is only a word if it is capitalized. Sorry, Paris, I take it back.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Pre-wedding prep
Tonight was my pre-wedding hair trial. I went to meet my hairdresser who had a baby 4 months ago and is thin and gorgeous and hip. I hate her. Expect that I totally adore her. But, let me tell you, if she wasn't so nice, I would have drowned her skinny ass in the sink as she was washing my hair.
We did the trial run. There was a lot of backcombing and hairspray. I looked... well, a lot like I did in the early 90s. A lot of backcombing and hairspray. Her idea was a cute concept of half up with curls. In reality, the high hair part of the concept is not so much me. Especially when it took me over half an hour to brush out said backcombing. Afterward, I looked like I had a bad 60s bouffant. That is so not how I want to spend my wedding night. "Just a sec honey, I have to brush out my matted hair." We may have to rethink this.
Another day passes and we're another day closer. I'm well beyond panic stage right now. I don't even know enough about what I am not ready for to know what I should panic about. You know?
We did the trial run. There was a lot of backcombing and hairspray. I looked... well, a lot like I did in the early 90s. A lot of backcombing and hairspray. Her idea was a cute concept of half up with curls. In reality, the high hair part of the concept is not so much me. Especially when it took me over half an hour to brush out said backcombing. Afterward, I looked like I had a bad 60s bouffant. That is so not how I want to spend my wedding night. "Just a sec honey, I have to brush out my matted hair." We may have to rethink this.
Another day passes and we're another day closer. I'm well beyond panic stage right now. I don't even know enough about what I am not ready for to know what I should panic about. You know?
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Something borrowed, something blue, something pimple
Here we are a mere 17 days until the wedding.
Okay, I had to pause for a moment of panic, but I'm okay now. A mere 17 days until the wedding.
I've lost my train of thought.
Right. I'm covered in pimples. Zits. Acne. Breakouts. Pizza face.
Since my teens, I had problems with acne. I went on Accutane twice. Nothing. Finally, about 2 years ago I went on a dose that would cure the acne of an entire chess team and I was free. Nothing major for years. A few here and there, but nothing major.
Fast forward to this spring and summer. I have had a fairly healthy share of stress and things (otherwise known as "shit to do"). I figured a few zits was normal. And then this last month came. Oh August, you are a hateful beast. Between the constant rain, the excrutiating heat and the OMG I am so stressed right now things, I have broken out in little teeny bumpy zits. All over my forehead. One on the bridge of my nose. One on my chin. I am a mess.
Did I mention I will be having 2 days worth of professional pictures focused solely on my face? (Yeah, and The Guy too. Whatever.) Extreme closeups of my face? Oh the joys.
Not only am I going to be paranoid about my facial scars showing up, but I have new zits. I knew it was likely, but I'm not happy about it. I plan to cover my face in zit remedy (no, not the band from Degrassi) and hope for the best.
So, I'll see you in 17 days. I'll be the one with the bag over my head.
Okay, I had to pause for a moment of panic, but I'm okay now. A mere 17 days until the wedding.
I've lost my train of thought.
Right. I'm covered in pimples. Zits. Acne. Breakouts. Pizza face.
Since my teens, I had problems with acne. I went on Accutane twice. Nothing. Finally, about 2 years ago I went on a dose that would cure the acne of an entire chess team and I was free. Nothing major for years. A few here and there, but nothing major.
Fast forward to this spring and summer. I have had a fairly healthy share of stress and things (otherwise known as "shit to do"). I figured a few zits was normal. And then this last month came. Oh August, you are a hateful beast. Between the constant rain, the excrutiating heat and the OMG I am so stressed right now things, I have broken out in little teeny bumpy zits. All over my forehead. One on the bridge of my nose. One on my chin. I am a mess.
Did I mention I will be having 2 days worth of professional pictures focused solely on my face? (Yeah, and The Guy too. Whatever.) Extreme closeups of my face? Oh the joys.
Not only am I going to be paranoid about my facial scars showing up, but I have new zits. I knew it was likely, but I'm not happy about it. I plan to cover my face in zit remedy (no, not the band from Degrassi) and hope for the best.
So, I'll see you in 17 days. I'll be the one with the bag over my head.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
21 days
If you look at the little counter to the right, you will note there are 21 days left until the Hing-Yatt wedding. 21 days. Twenty one days. That's three weeks. THREE WEEKS.
Hold on while I breathe deeply into this paper bag.
I'm a little panicky, but not really. It isn't real yet. It's like a month before a big exam - I have no realistic idea how little I am prepared for this. I think I have most things in place. Sort of. But the day looms closer and all I can think is "Huh? Already?"
I have the dress, the shoes, the man, the place, the flowers, the people. The rest is just gravy. Or so I keep telling myself to make up for the fact we might not have enough chairs.
Hold on while I breathe deeply into this paper bag.
I'm a little panicky, but not really. It isn't real yet. It's like a month before a big exam - I have no realistic idea how little I am prepared for this. I think I have most things in place. Sort of. But the day looms closer and all I can think is "Huh? Already?"
I have the dress, the shoes, the man, the place, the flowers, the people. The rest is just gravy. Or so I keep telling myself to make up for the fact we might not have enough chairs.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Longest post about underwear EVER: Panty Party Parade
When it came time to ask someone to be my "maid of honour", I wasn't thinking about my stagette. I asked my brother. For one, he is one of my best friends. For two, it made it so I wouldn't have to choose between my sisters. I like to be more passive-aggressive about who is my favourite sibling.
It was much later on that I realized one of the roles of the bridal party is to arrange the shower and/or stagette for the bride. Hmm. Well, my brother is out. I couldn't ask my sisters for a couple of reasons. The first being they were out of the province, the second that they are prudes. (Tee hee. Kidding. I mean spinsters.) So, I decided I would ask someone else to do it for me.
I picked two friends from work - Jess and Queen D. We have been fast friends since they started. I guess it was inevitable. They were the first people hired at the office who were under 50. We are all similar personality types (read: Type A) and we're all just a little... unbalanced. Who better to throw me a party? So, I asked, they agreed, and I put it from my mind. They told me when to arrive and that was all I knew.
I have to admit I got nervous the closer it came to the date. I suddenly realized there was going to be a room full of people staring at me. I almost made The Guy turn the truck around and tell them I had died. But I didn't. And I'm so glad.
Everyone gathered into the basement that was covered in balloons and presents. I sat at the head of the ring of chairs and felt foolish. Who was I that I felt important enough to demand people come to celebrate me? And I told them to bring gifts? RUDE. But we all settled in quickly and I introduced everyone to everyone else. It was fun. I was starting to enjoy myself.
Just as quickly as we arrived, we left. A photo scavenger hunt had been arranged. I had not been on one since high school and it was like we'd never left. We crowded into cars, giggling like fools and set off. Our car was sure to beat the others - we had the bride!! We set off to take pictures. We sped, we swerved, we laughed. We finished in 20 minutes. And realized we read the directions wrong. So, we redid the whole thing and returned to the house 5 minutes late. Behind the group that got the speeding ticket. Points tallied and our car was dead last.
We rallied quickly and hurried downstairs to stuff our faces with the greatest spread of food ever. From the best spinach dip I've had to the vegetable cream cheese pizza that makes me want to have little vegetable babies with it. I ate until Jess ripped the plate from my hands to make me open presents. To be fair, had she not stopped me, I would still be there having eaten myself into a spinach coma.
Then the presents - lingerie. Or, as someone calls it, linger-y. The gifts ranged from classy and gorgeous things I would have bought myself to items so scandalous I may never be able to look upon them without blushing. A few things, I had no idea what they even were. Then I read the instructions and almost died of prudishness. It was like all the Puritan women that ever existed throughout history came into my body at that moment just to DIE FROM THE HORROR all over again.
After the shower, we reconvened for supper at a fancy restaurant. It was awesome. We ate all afternoon and then went for supper. DREAM DAY. We walked by a huge group of Russian hookers to get into the front door. (That story will be in a later post.) We ate and drank and laughed and had many onlookers come into the room to find out why I was in a sparkly, pink, foam tiara.
As the evening was nearing completion, another present came out onto the table. Underwear. An entire bag of underwear. Everyone who was at the supper (and a few jammers) bought me a pair of undies. Each pair of underwear had some tie to the person who bought it. And I had to guess which came from who. I was not good at it. I got a couple right eventually (like my Sis-in-law to be's choice of Rider football undies) but even the obvious ones difficult for me.
All in all, I made a pretty good haul. I have more skanky night clothes than one human (who is not in the sex trade) actually needs. I also have enough underwear to litter the streets in gotch.
As God is my witness, I'll never go commando again.
It was much later on that I realized one of the roles of the bridal party is to arrange the shower and/or stagette for the bride. Hmm. Well, my brother is out. I couldn't ask my sisters for a couple of reasons. The first being they were out of the province, the second that they are prudes. (Tee hee. Kidding. I mean spinsters.) So, I decided I would ask someone else to do it for me.
I picked two friends from work - Jess and Queen D. We have been fast friends since they started. I guess it was inevitable. They were the first people hired at the office who were under 50. We are all similar personality types (read: Type A) and we're all just a little... unbalanced. Who better to throw me a party? So, I asked, they agreed, and I put it from my mind. They told me when to arrive and that was all I knew.
I have to admit I got nervous the closer it came to the date. I suddenly realized there was going to be a room full of people staring at me. I almost made The Guy turn the truck around and tell them I had died. But I didn't. And I'm so glad.
Everyone gathered into the basement that was covered in balloons and presents. I sat at the head of the ring of chairs and felt foolish. Who was I that I felt important enough to demand people come to celebrate me? And I told them to bring gifts? RUDE. But we all settled in quickly and I introduced everyone to everyone else. It was fun. I was starting to enjoy myself.
Just as quickly as we arrived, we left. A photo scavenger hunt had been arranged. I had not been on one since high school and it was like we'd never left. We crowded into cars, giggling like fools and set off. Our car was sure to beat the others - we had the bride!! We set off to take pictures. We sped, we swerved, we laughed. We finished in 20 minutes. And realized we read the directions wrong. So, we redid the whole thing and returned to the house 5 minutes late. Behind the group that got the speeding ticket. Points tallied and our car was dead last.
We rallied quickly and hurried downstairs to stuff our faces with the greatest spread of food ever. From the best spinach dip I've had to the vegetable cream cheese pizza that makes me want to have little vegetable babies with it. I ate until Jess ripped the plate from my hands to make me open presents. To be fair, had she not stopped me, I would still be there having eaten myself into a spinach coma.
Then the presents - lingerie. Or, as someone calls it, linger-y. The gifts ranged from classy and gorgeous things I would have bought myself to items so scandalous I may never be able to look upon them without blushing. A few things, I had no idea what they even were. Then I read the instructions and almost died of prudishness. It was like all the Puritan women that ever existed throughout history came into my body at that moment just to DIE FROM THE HORROR all over again.
After the shower, we reconvened for supper at a fancy restaurant. It was awesome. We ate all afternoon and then went for supper. DREAM DAY. We walked by a huge group of Russian hookers to get into the front door. (That story will be in a later post.) We ate and drank and laughed and had many onlookers come into the room to find out why I was in a sparkly, pink, foam tiara.
As the evening was nearing completion, another present came out onto the table. Underwear. An entire bag of underwear. Everyone who was at the supper (and a few jammers) bought me a pair of undies. Each pair of underwear had some tie to the person who bought it. And I had to guess which came from who. I was not good at it. I got a couple right eventually (like my Sis-in-law to be's choice of Rider football undies) but even the obvious ones difficult for me.
All in all, I made a pretty good haul. I have more skanky night clothes than one human (who is not in the sex trade) actually needs. I also have enough underwear to litter the streets in gotch.
As God is my witness, I'll never go commando again.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Whose wedding is this?
As I have been planning my wedding, some things have come to light. The main one is that most things a person does for a wedding is not for themselves. It is for other people. My wants do not necessarily come into play here. Now, I'm not talking about my wants for colours and flowers and times and things. I'm talking about my wants for who is present, what people give, who is invited, what happens, etc. My wants have not always been top priority in these things.
I'm a fairly easy going bride. I don't much care what happens on the day. As long as 1) I don't fall on my face, 2) the wedding starts on time, 3) no one wears Rider jerseys, 4) the building doesn't burn down, 4) no one dies, and 5) I am actually married by the end of the whole thing, I don't care what details occur.
I keep hearing "but it's your wedding". They tell me to be selfish, to make it about me, but that does not seem to be how it works. Maybe that's how it works for other people.
I guess it could be. If I was mean about it. If I said "NO. This is what I am doing and you can bite me." But then someone will be disappointed. I don't like to disappoint people. It's not in me. I mean, unless I can scandalously disappoint people. That's entirely different. I have said "No" in some cases, but I can see the look of disdain on people's faces when I say "No, I don't want gifts, so I did not get registered." or "No, I'm wearing red shoes to the wedding". But in some places, it's not in me to say no.
People have wonderful intentions. They want to show me how much they care. How important I am to them. But some, they want to show others how important they are and how vital they are in my life because they can plan things for me and help me and do things. And they all mean well. I know they do. But the road to hell, right?
Then there are some people who would like to be included because of how important my mother was to them. People who "would be so hurt" if they weren't invited to the bridal shower. People who have been "so important" in Mom's life. People who disappeared the minute Mom died and have never called or talked to us since.
So I will have a bridal shower full of people who are getting one more chance to be near Mom by watching me go through something that, by all rights, my mother should be in attendance at. I will smile and visit and say how nice it is to see them and they will get teary because I sound just like her. I will enjoy myself for the most part, but a small part of me will be angry that these people will be there and my mother won't.
I'm a fairly easy going bride. I don't much care what happens on the day. As long as 1) I don't fall on my face, 2) the wedding starts on time, 3) no one wears Rider jerseys, 4) the building doesn't burn down, 4) no one dies, and 5) I am actually married by the end of the whole thing, I don't care what details occur.
I keep hearing "but it's your wedding". They tell me to be selfish, to make it about me, but that does not seem to be how it works. Maybe that's how it works for other people.
I guess it could be. If I was mean about it. If I said "NO. This is what I am doing and you can bite me." But then someone will be disappointed. I don't like to disappoint people. It's not in me. I mean, unless I can scandalously disappoint people. That's entirely different. I have said "No" in some cases, but I can see the look of disdain on people's faces when I say "No, I don't want gifts, so I did not get registered." or "No, I'm wearing red shoes to the wedding". But in some places, it's not in me to say no.
People have wonderful intentions. They want to show me how much they care. How important I am to them. But some, they want to show others how important they are and how vital they are in my life because they can plan things for me and help me and do things. And they all mean well. I know they do. But the road to hell, right?
Then there are some people who would like to be included because of how important my mother was to them. People who "would be so hurt" if they weren't invited to the bridal shower. People who have been "so important" in Mom's life. People who disappeared the minute Mom died and have never called or talked to us since.
So I will have a bridal shower full of people who are getting one more chance to be near Mom by watching me go through something that, by all rights, my mother should be in attendance at. I will smile and visit and say how nice it is to see them and they will get teary because I sound just like her. I will enjoy myself for the most part, but a small part of me will be angry that these people will be there and my mother won't.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Too excited
I can't sleep. I'm too excited. Today was a big day.
The wonderful Janny came over today. We created my wedding invitations and printed them off. Now, I say "we" as in the Royal We. As in, I did nothing but wait, play farming on Facebook, pace, play with Neighbour baby, and offer my opinion when called for. Oh, and sometimes I counted paper. Like I said, it was a big day.
The Guy called half way through our foray into the world of invitations with great news. His sister's condo has an offer in on it. With conditions to be removed before May 15th. So, she will be buying The Guy's place (she is buying a house for her - but once was my - dog, Maddy). This means The Guy and I are likely going to be able to put a real offer on a house we love. We will then be less stressed in waiting for my house to sell because at least we won't have three houses now.
I am nearly crawling out of my skin with excitement at the possibilities. God willing - and as long as I don't die tomorrow - this will all work out. In our favour.
Terror, any one?
The wonderful Janny came over today. We created my wedding invitations and printed them off. Now, I say "we" as in the Royal We. As in, I did nothing but wait, play farming on Facebook, pace, play with Neighbour baby, and offer my opinion when called for. Oh, and sometimes I counted paper. Like I said, it was a big day.
The Guy called half way through our foray into the world of invitations with great news. His sister's condo has an offer in on it. With conditions to be removed before May 15th. So, she will be buying The Guy's place (she is buying a house for her - but once was my - dog, Maddy). This means The Guy and I are likely going to be able to put a real offer on a house we love. We will then be less stressed in waiting for my house to sell because at least we won't have three houses now.
I am nearly crawling out of my skin with excitement at the possibilities. God willing - and as long as I don't die tomorrow - this will all work out. In our favour.
Terror, any one?
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Days of Grace: Day 65
Since I haven't gone to bed yet, it is still my Tuesday. So here is yesterday-today's edition.
- I BOUGHT MY WEDDING DRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahem. I'm sorry. If you didn't catch that, I bought my wedding dress. The dress I tried on the other day with my coworker. I thought about it for days. I dreamed about it. I took crazybarefeet and her daughter to see it. Crazybarefeet burst into tears upon seeing me in it. However, Ky said (and is perfectly correct) that she would have cried even if I'd been wearing a white plastic bag. No pictures will be shown on here as The Guy is very sneaky. - Tonight has been all manners of crazy night. Why is that a grace? Because sometimes crazy is fun. I wish tonight had sound effects. If it did the sound would be that noise The Three Stooges make. Woop woop woop woop.
- This video. Seriously. This kid makes me laugh my head off.
- Questionable Content. The web-comic has been running for a few years now, but I have just discovered it recently thanks to my good pal, Violet. I spent the entire last week reading the entire 1300 comics. Lets just say I didn't get anything done. It is only funny to indie types - ages 25 - 35 - who enjoy humour that is just on this edge of completely inappropriate. You have to start at the beginning because everything is interconnected, but (once you get through the year of bad drawings) it is totally worth it.
- Saying "woop woop woop woop" to myself and giggling. Have I mentioned I haven't slept?
Friday, January 23, 2009
Top Five: Good, Bad and Ugly.
I've been reading. I figured I should do some reading and learning about this thing they call 'marriage'. I've never done it before, so I thought I should look into it. I had purchased some books previously on marriage, engagements, relationships. I'm always interested in things that are none of my business, so I have books. So, now I'm reading them.
One book I have asks questions. Questions you should ask of yourself before you do something permanent. Questions you should know about yourself. I'm all about introspection, so I find these questions really cool. Until, of course, they ask something of me I would rather not know. There are a lot of those questions in this book.
Five reasons someone would want to spend the rest of their lives with you. Five reasons they would not.
Ouch. Well, here we go.
Reasons why I rock:
1. I am a caring person. I want to take care of people. I want them to be happy and healthy. I will give of myself to make that happen. I love my family and friends fiercely. So being a part of that is likely a good thing. When I'm loyal, I'm loyal to a fault.
2. I have a good sense of humour. Well, okay, "good" is questionable. I can laugh at almost anything. Myself, other people, stressful situations. It's necessary to find the humour in stuff so it doesn't kick you to the curb.
3. I am good in a crisis. If things are going poorly, I am the girl to call on. Whatever the crap is that is falling, I can deal with it. I'm level headed and decisive in times of crisis.
4. I love dogs, kittens, babies, and street people. You would think those 4 things don't have any similarities, but they do. I cheer for the underdog. I love dogs because they are so dumb and love so unconditionally. I love kitties because they are soft and delicate. Then they grow into cats and I hate them, but I love kitties. Babies? That's self explanatory. And the street guys? I love them. They smell of mouthwash and BO, but they are highly amusing. Why is this a good thing? I think it shows I have a big heart.
5. I want to be a good person. I think about who I am and why and sometimes I work on making that better. I want to be the kind of person someone would want to have around. If that doesn't work, I make really good chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.
Reasons I might rock less:
1. I am bossy. I like people to do things my way in my time. I can be an obstinate bitch when I think I'm right.
2. I can be really mean. I judge people harshly and do it openly.
3. I hold people (and myself) to a ridiculously unfair standard. I want as close to my version of perfection as I can get. When I (or anyone) really screws that up, I get frustrated.
4. I'm bad with money. I spend more than I should, I sell for less than I should, I pay more than I should. I give to charity even when I can't pay my bills. I lend to friends or family as often as I can because I want to help. I put savings away while accumulating debt. I learned from a pro (thanks Dad!) and will forever be broke.
5. I don't think before I speak. I can be harsh and tactless and cruel when I think I'm being funny. I say the wrong thing at the wrong time and never even notice I've done it. Everything I say sounds like an order or a complaint (think Marj Simpson) and I blurt out things before I've processed the best way to deal with them. At work, we have a system. I get really mad, write a scathing letter, show it to my coworker Jess, she shows me how it could be said with a little more diplomacy, and I throw out the letter.
So there you have it. The Guy will have a lot to deal with when he gets me. More than he bargained for, I gather. You know, it was a lot easier to think of reasons NOT to be with me. I bet a therapist could have a grand time with that one.
One book I have asks questions. Questions you should ask of yourself before you do something permanent. Questions you should know about yourself. I'm all about introspection, so I find these questions really cool. Until, of course, they ask something of me I would rather not know. There are a lot of those questions in this book.
Five reasons someone would want to spend the rest of their lives with you. Five reasons they would not.
Ouch. Well, here we go.
Reasons why I rock:
1. I am a caring person. I want to take care of people. I want them to be happy and healthy. I will give of myself to make that happen. I love my family and friends fiercely. So being a part of that is likely a good thing. When I'm loyal, I'm loyal to a fault.
2. I have a good sense of humour. Well, okay, "good" is questionable. I can laugh at almost anything. Myself, other people, stressful situations. It's necessary to find the humour in stuff so it doesn't kick you to the curb.
3. I am good in a crisis. If things are going poorly, I am the girl to call on. Whatever the crap is that is falling, I can deal with it. I'm level headed and decisive in times of crisis.
4. I love dogs, kittens, babies, and street people. You would think those 4 things don't have any similarities, but they do. I cheer for the underdog. I love dogs because they are so dumb and love so unconditionally. I love kitties because they are soft and delicate. Then they grow into cats and I hate them, but I love kitties. Babies? That's self explanatory. And the street guys? I love them. They smell of mouthwash and BO, but they are highly amusing. Why is this a good thing? I think it shows I have a big heart.
5. I want to be a good person. I think about who I am and why and sometimes I work on making that better. I want to be the kind of person someone would want to have around. If that doesn't work, I make really good chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.
Reasons I might rock less:
1. I am bossy. I like people to do things my way in my time. I can be an obstinate bitch when I think I'm right.
2. I can be really mean. I judge people harshly and do it openly.
3. I hold people (and myself) to a ridiculously unfair standard. I want as close to my version of perfection as I can get. When I (or anyone) really screws that up, I get frustrated.
4. I'm bad with money. I spend more than I should, I sell for less than I should, I pay more than I should. I give to charity even when I can't pay my bills. I lend to friends or family as often as I can because I want to help. I put savings away while accumulating debt. I learned from a pro (thanks Dad!) and will forever be broke.
5. I don't think before I speak. I can be harsh and tactless and cruel when I think I'm being funny. I say the wrong thing at the wrong time and never even notice I've done it. Everything I say sounds like an order or a complaint (think Marj Simpson) and I blurt out things before I've processed the best way to deal with them. At work, we have a system. I get really mad, write a scathing letter, show it to my coworker Jess, she shows me how it could be said with a little more diplomacy, and I throw out the letter.
So there you have it. The Guy will have a lot to deal with when he gets me. More than he bargained for, I gather. You know, it was a lot easier to think of reasons NOT to be with me. I bet a therapist could have a grand time with that one.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Mom's dress
My mother was at her thinnest just before she got married. At 25 years old, she was 5’7” and 125 lbs. She was beautiful and fresh and slender and lovely. Her wedding dress was handmade by her mother complete with over jacket and veil. She was a vision. The picture of her hung in our house for most of my life depicting her in her gown with her veil cascading down her back.
I always wanted to be as lovely as she was in that picture. I wanted to wear her dress and veil and look as beautiful as she did in that picture.
I was 10 years old when I sat with my mother as we looked at her gown that she had kept in Grandma’s closet and admiring the craftsmanship. I was in awe of the veil which had a crown made of an old Javex bottle and covered in the material matching her jacket. I was in awe of the simple A-line dress of ivory. I asked if I could try it on.
I couldn’t get the zipper done up. I was a 5’2”and weighed 125 lbs. I was 10 years old and had outgrown my mother’s wedding dress. And eating disorder starts... now!
I was heartbroken. My romantic dreams of being 25 (ha!) and floating down the aisle in my mother’s dress were shattered. I was just too big. I was already bigger than most of my mother’s friends (ask me about the time I was 12 years old and too fat for the hand me down jeans of a mother of 4.) I accepted I would not be able to wear the dress and I moved on in my dreams for the future.
I spent the next 10 years alternating between deciding never to get married (who wants that?!) and wanting to get married at 18 years old and having 12 children. Finally, in my early twenties, I decided I might as well get married and started my plans. I had a book with all my ideas and wishes that I kept adding to from time to time.
Flash forward to this weekend. The excitement of my engagement has not worn off (at least for me. The sisters keep teasing me that I don’t go 10 minutes without mentioning my ring. They are quite tired of it already!) Grandma spent the afternoon chatting with me about wedding things and mentioned she still had Mom’s dress in the closet. We all scrambled to see it.
There in the top of the closet, in an old hat box, lay Mom’s homemade gown wrapped in a plastic bag. We lifted out the jacket and dress and finally the veil. The Javex bottle has long since cracked and broken, but the veil is as long and beautiful as ever. Grandma asked me if I wanted to use it for my wedding.
I could have cried. Suddenly, I realized I could use it. I would have to remove the headpiece (and Javex bottle!) and replace it with a comb or headband of some sort, but I could make it my own and still have something from my mother’s wedding with me.
I’ve packed up the entire dress now. We figured it might as well be all together. I am not sure what I will do with the rest of it yet. Unless I magically lose most of my body weight (and possibly a limb) I won’t be wearing it, but it is nice to know I get a part of that dream the 10 year old me had dreamed.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
You can sit down now
My brother and his wife arrived last night really late. Or, early this morning. Today, we were discussing the engagement and any wedding plans in the works.
A short time later, I said to my brother "So, will you stand up for me?" He stared at me in disbelief and with a confused look on his face, he asked "Why?"
I couldn't figure it out. I thought he would be a little more enthused about the request. Trying to play it cool, I said "Because I want you to."
He continued to look confused for quite some time. After a lengthy pause, he sighed deeply and slowly rose to his feet.
I had to laugh and explain I wanted him to stand up for me at the wedding. To be fair to him, no one else in the room could figure out why I wanted him off the couch.
A short time later, I said to my brother "So, will you stand up for me?" He stared at me in disbelief and with a confused look on his face, he asked "Why?"
I couldn't figure it out. I thought he would be a little more enthused about the request. Trying to play it cool, I said "Because I want you to."
He continued to look confused for quite some time. After a lengthy pause, he sighed deeply and slowly rose to his feet.
I had to laugh and explain I wanted him to stand up for me at the wedding. To be fair to him, no one else in the room could figure out why I wanted him off the couch.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
No, I typed in "Alternative"
I was doing a search for music I could use for the upcoming wedding. I went to a wedding site where I could chose genre and where I want to use the songs.
I was playing bits and pieces to see if I liked the songs and was getting excited over a few of the songs I had forgotten about. I was shouting things like "Cranberries!!", "Oooh, I love this song by Lifehouse!!" and "Well, I can't use Smashing Pumpkins in a wedding."
Suddenly, Ky turns to me and says "Did you tell the program your age?"
And then I uninvited her from the wedding.
I was playing bits and pieces to see if I liked the songs and was getting excited over a few of the songs I had forgotten about. I was shouting things like "Cranberries!!", "Oooh, I love this song by Lifehouse!!" and "Well, I can't use Smashing Pumpkins in a wedding."
Suddenly, Ky turns to me and says "Did you tell the program your age?"
And then I uninvited her from the wedding.
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