Okay, folks, sorry for the tremendous delay in updating this blog, but life kind of got in the way. Also, the husband and I were trying to put together a joint blog. Anyway, you can now read my blog at www.gregandjennifersworld.com. It is still a work in progress, but I hope to update it much more frequently than I have in the past couple of months.
Thanks for traveling to the new site with me.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
I Need One of These...Seriously
I really do need one of these. I am completely and totally serious. I know you have heard me talk about my great love my for hair dryer (and I promise that I am not forsaking said dryer), but as my hair just takes so long to blow dry, I am looking for some alternative means of drying the hair.
As I was surfing the net (yes, I googled "how do you blow dry your hair?"), I stumbled across this lovely contraption. I know these helmet style hair dryers have been around for many, many decades, but I think they have been vastly underappreciated and underutilized.
I mean just think about it. You could get up, take a shower and wash your hair, put it in the puffy hair dryer bonnet, strategically position the blower hose so that you would not accidentally strangle yourself, and then lay back down and get a good 30-45 minutes more sleep. Total REM cycle jackpot! Or, what if you need to wash the dishes and get your hair dry, but you just don't have much time. Set that baby on the kitchen counter next to your sink, and start awashin'. Yes, there is the possibility of electrocution, but on the bright side, your hair will look lovely when the ambulance comes to take you away.
All in all, I think the hosed hair dryer offers endless possibilities. I'm thinking of starting a campaign to bring back the hosed hair dryer. Is anybody with me?
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
4 Weeks of PB&J
Can I get away with eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for four weeks in a row, and it not seem odd? What about if I made sure and ate my PB&J on a nice hearty whole wheat bread? Would that make it any better?
The husband has to work late for the next four weeks (starting with last night), and PB&J (which really is a favorite of mine) was all I could muster up for dinner. So, I am thinking that since he won't be home for dinner, can I just get away with this for the next four weeks?
Think about how much my grocery bill will be slashed. A jar of peanut butter and squeeze bottle of jelly will easily last 3 weeks, and a loaf of bread for 2. Of course, I will probably end up spending the money I save in groceries at the doctor's office because my nose will have turned a funny shade of "peanut brown" and the inside of my mouth will be stuck together as my internal organs slowly start to shut down from all of the gooey-ness, but can that really be all that bad?
Hmm...what to do for dinner.
The husband has to work late for the next four weeks (starting with last night), and PB&J (which really is a favorite of mine) was all I could muster up for dinner. So, I am thinking that since he won't be home for dinner, can I just get away with this for the next four weeks?
Think about how much my grocery bill will be slashed. A jar of peanut butter and squeeze bottle of jelly will easily last 3 weeks, and a loaf of bread for 2. Of course, I will probably end up spending the money I save in groceries at the doctor's office because my nose will have turned a funny shade of "peanut brown" and the inside of my mouth will be stuck together as my internal organs slowly start to shut down from all of the gooey-ness, but can that really be all that bad?
Hmm...what to do for dinner.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Crestfallen...Utterly Crestfallen
I am crestfallen...utterly crestfallen. I went to visit the Social Security Office to have my name changed on my social security card (one of the many "name change" tasks) only to find out that my name ISN'T really my name.
Some of you may know that Jennifer is actually my middle name and not my first name. Yet, my parents have called me by this name since I was born. When I entered school, it started to become a little bit of a problem because the computers would instantly spit out "Rebecca" on the roll sheet, and each year (with each new class), I would have to raise my hand and politely explain to the teacher that I go by "Jennifer".
By the time I reached college, it began to get a little tiresome, and so in certain classes (the classes of 300 students taught by a graduate student), I wouldn't bother to correct the teachers (which also caused confusion, but that is a story for another post).
When I began to work as a public school teacher, I would grow frustrated because my school district email address would always read "Rebecca.Reinsch" at certain school district dot org. And I would explain to the computer tech who set up the email accounts that I go by Jennifer and couldn't we possibly make my email address read Jennifer.Reinsch? To which I was told in no uncertain terms that that was completely impossible to do. So, I would have to explain to all of the parents of my students my whole Rebecca/Jennifer issue.
Needless to say, after years of this, I have grown quite weary. (Although, I do have to admit that there is a plus side. When my phone rings and the person on the other end asks for "Rebecca", I know they are most likely a telemarketer, and I tell them she is not home and ask to take a message.) Therefore, when the realization that I was going to get to change my name hit me, I was E.C.S.T.A.T.I.C. Finally, I was going to be able to simplify my name situation.
**Let me pause right here in the story to explain that my parents really didn't realize that it would be such an issue when they named me and called me by my middle name. They really had the best of intentions.**
Anyway, fast forward to the Social Security Office, where I sit down in front of the lady and hand her my paperwork. She tells me that my submission (Jennifer Reinsch Schroeder) cannot possibly be done because Jennifer is not my legal name. I explain (probably with a little hysteria in my voice) that Jennifer is indeed my name. It is on my birth certificate. It is what I am called. She says that she doesn't care what I am called, it is not my name. To which I pull out my birth certificate and insist that IT IS my name, because it is on my birth certificate.
She was not sympathetic or understanding. She tells me I can drop Jennifer or Reinsch, but Rebecca is my legal name and so I must keep it. (Apparently, your middle name is a throwaway name that NOBODY cares about even if you have been called by this name for your entire life.)
In the end, I had to drop Reinsch, and I spent the rest of the day crestfallen. Plus, I had to explain to the husband that he had indeed NOT married "Jennifer" since she does not exist according to the U.S. government, and I wasn't really sure who he was married to.
Some of you may know that Jennifer is actually my middle name and not my first name. Yet, my parents have called me by this name since I was born. When I entered school, it started to become a little bit of a problem because the computers would instantly spit out "Rebecca" on the roll sheet, and each year (with each new class), I would have to raise my hand and politely explain to the teacher that I go by "Jennifer".
By the time I reached college, it began to get a little tiresome, and so in certain classes (the classes of 300 students taught by a graduate student), I wouldn't bother to correct the teachers (which also caused confusion, but that is a story for another post).
When I began to work as a public school teacher, I would grow frustrated because my school district email address would always read "Rebecca.Reinsch" at certain school district dot org. And I would explain to the computer tech who set up the email accounts that I go by Jennifer and couldn't we possibly make my email address read Jennifer.Reinsch? To which I was told in no uncertain terms that that was completely impossible to do. So, I would have to explain to all of the parents of my students my whole Rebecca/Jennifer issue.
Needless to say, after years of this, I have grown quite weary. (Although, I do have to admit that there is a plus side. When my phone rings and the person on the other end asks for "Rebecca", I know they are most likely a telemarketer, and I tell them she is not home and ask to take a message.) Therefore, when the realization that I was going to get to change my name hit me, I was E.C.S.T.A.T.I.C. Finally, I was going to be able to simplify my name situation.
**Let me pause right here in the story to explain that my parents really didn't realize that it would be such an issue when they named me and called me by my middle name. They really had the best of intentions.**
Anyway, fast forward to the Social Security Office, where I sit down in front of the lady and hand her my paperwork. She tells me that my submission (Jennifer Reinsch Schroeder) cannot possibly be done because Jennifer is not my legal name. I explain (probably with a little hysteria in my voice) that Jennifer is indeed my name. It is on my birth certificate. It is what I am called. She says that she doesn't care what I am called, it is not my name. To which I pull out my birth certificate and insist that IT IS my name, because it is on my birth certificate.
She was not sympathetic or understanding. She tells me I can drop Jennifer or Reinsch, but Rebecca is my legal name and so I must keep it. (Apparently, your middle name is a throwaway name that NOBODY cares about even if you have been called by this name for your entire life.)
In the end, I had to drop Reinsch, and I spent the rest of the day crestfallen. Plus, I had to explain to the husband that he had indeed NOT married "Jennifer" since she does not exist according to the U.S. government, and I wasn't really sure who he was married to.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Happily Ever After
Roxanne here guest blogging for The Bride. I am pleased to report that the Happy Countdown Couple atop the blog did, indeed, make it across the daisy-strewn field to each other and kissed in public and EVERYTHING!!! They are holed up somewhere in Houston, so I have been asked to fill you in on ALL THE DETAILS. . .(don't tell Jennifer I said that--she'd kill me. . .I'm only supposed to fill you in on the details that SHE would tell you, but seeing as how I've been here since BEFORE the beginning of this grand, romantic adventure, then I've got the REAL scoop.)
Okay, Jennifer, I KID. Sort of. . .
Let me say first of all that the sun shone on our lovely bride--the groom too, but we WANT the sun to shine on a bride on her wedding day. Spring pulled out all the stops here in Houston--the grass greened up, the temperature rose to a number where Jennifer did not freeze in her dress, nor did the rest of us swelter at the outside ceremony. In a word: GORGEOUS. AND despite the unexpected road construction throwing a kink in her invitation inserted map (sort of an oxymoron as you should ALWAYS expect road construction in Houston), the guests arrived, made it across the swinging suspension bridge(s) and were serenaded by the call of peacocks before, during, and at the conclusion of the ceremony.
The minister where Jennifer works did the honors(I say all OH-fficial as if I don't know him--Hi, David), and the ceremony went off without a hitch. Except for when Jennifer sort of dropped Greg's ring. I didn't actually SEE this happen as I was trying to take photos, but I can imagine that is sort of rolled around like a quarter. It did, however, behave itself and stay on the steps of the gazebo for easy retrieval. It also provided a wonderful injection of humor AND some great photo ops.
Below are the pictures Jennifer sent me today. I took them. . .and it was nearly 200. But seeing as how I handed the memory card over to her, she left MANY out that I would have included (like a close-up of the back of her hair with all the lovely organza flowers--LOVELY), HOWEVER, this will give you a little taste of the day.
After the hair-do, we ran to Sonic for some of that cheap water of which Jennifer is so fond. (Me too.) Here is she is relaxing pre-dress. . .
. . .'cause post-dress, there is really no sitting allowed, you know. Doesn't she look GORGEOUS????? The dress she chose (as well as the accessories) suited her PERFECTLY. Just loved it all!!!!
Bouquet of multi-pink gerbera daisies. She and I both HIGHLY recommend Central Market for all your flower needs. They were VERY nice to her when some of the flowers weren't so great and brought some over post-haste PLUS there were only THREE out of about 185 that I wasn't able to use for SOMETHING.
The Man. Very handsome and coordinated--with her chosen color of pink I mean--though I do not doubt Greg's dexterity AT ALL. *HE* didn't drop Jennifer's ring.
Jennifer and Dad--he gave a great, little "hand-over" speech--very, very touching and funny.
No words to describe this one. . .if you've been there, then you don't need an explanation.
This is the part where David said, "Jennifer, do you have a ring to DROP for Greg?" and Jennifer said, "Why, yes. Yes I DO!!!" Then she dropped it. I know--I'm giving her a hard time. To be fair, his ring is actually bigger than any of Jennifer's fingers including her thumb, SO it was kind of hard to keep it put. She had it in her bouquet hand so as to clutch it with the flowers, but once she handed her bouquet to her niece, there was no clutching of the ring anymore. It really was a GREAT moment. . .and no one laughed harder than the bride.
Emma, the daughter of David-the-Minister, made the groom's cake, and let me TELL YOU, it was a sight to behold and a delicacy to taste. Her ganache was TO DIE FOR, and the girl is only 11 1/2. Really, really pretty and delish! Way to go, Emma!!!! Cute dress too.
Jen's cake. . .bedecked with flowers and topped with some Vegan cupcakes.
Table arrangements and favors. . .
Okay, Jennifer, I KID. Sort of. . .
Let me say first of all that the sun shone on our lovely bride--the groom too, but we WANT the sun to shine on a bride on her wedding day. Spring pulled out all the stops here in Houston--the grass greened up, the temperature rose to a number where Jennifer did not freeze in her dress, nor did the rest of us swelter at the outside ceremony. In a word: GORGEOUS. AND despite the unexpected road construction throwing a kink in her invitation inserted map (sort of an oxymoron as you should ALWAYS expect road construction in Houston), the guests arrived, made it across the swinging suspension bridge(s) and were serenaded by the call of peacocks before, during, and at the conclusion of the ceremony.
The minister where Jennifer works did the honors(I say all OH-fficial as if I don't know him--Hi, David), and the ceremony went off without a hitch. Except for when Jennifer sort of dropped Greg's ring. I didn't actually SEE this happen as I was trying to take photos, but I can imagine that is sort of rolled around like a quarter. It did, however, behave itself and stay on the steps of the gazebo for easy retrieval. It also provided a wonderful injection of humor AND some great photo ops.
Below are the pictures Jennifer sent me today. I took them. . .and it was nearly 200. But seeing as how I handed the memory card over to her, she left MANY out that I would have included (like a close-up of the back of her hair with all the lovely organza flowers--LOVELY), HOWEVER, this will give you a little taste of the day.
After the hair-do, we ran to Sonic for some of that cheap water of which Jennifer is so fond. (Me too.) Here is she is relaxing pre-dress. . .
. . .'cause post-dress, there is really no sitting allowed, you know. Doesn't she look GORGEOUS????? The dress she chose (as well as the accessories) suited her PERFECTLY. Just loved it all!!!!
Bouquet of multi-pink gerbera daisies. She and I both HIGHLY recommend Central Market for all your flower needs. They were VERY nice to her when some of the flowers weren't so great and brought some over post-haste PLUS there were only THREE out of about 185 that I wasn't able to use for SOMETHING.
The Man. Very handsome and coordinated--with her chosen color of pink I mean--though I do not doubt Greg's dexterity AT ALL. *HE* didn't drop Jennifer's ring.
Jennifer and Dad--he gave a great, little "hand-over" speech--very, very touching and funny.
No words to describe this one. . .if you've been there, then you don't need an explanation.
This is the part where David said, "Jennifer, do you have a ring to DROP for Greg?" and Jennifer said, "Why, yes. Yes I DO!!!" Then she dropped it. I know--I'm giving her a hard time. To be fair, his ring is actually bigger than any of Jennifer's fingers including her thumb, SO it was kind of hard to keep it put. She had it in her bouquet hand so as to clutch it with the flowers, but once she handed her bouquet to her niece, there was no clutching of the ring anymore. It really was a GREAT moment. . .and no one laughed harder than the bride.
Mr. & Mrs.
Emma, the daughter of David-the-Minister, made the groom's cake, and let me TELL YOU, it was a sight to behold and a delicacy to taste. Her ganache was TO DIE FOR, and the girl is only 11 1/2. Really, really pretty and delish! Way to go, Emma!!!! Cute dress too.
Jen's cake. . .bedecked with flowers and topped with some Vegan cupcakes.
Table arrangements and favors. . .
The Carriage--TASTEFULLY decorated, though I hear tell it was a different story on the inside of the car. There WERE children present, so we truly appreciated the restraint of the decorator's. Thanks, guys.
It was a beautiful, beautiful day. Once Jennifer is out of that daisy-strewn field, she will I'm sure, have more comments AND more photos. There were two REAL photographers there as well, and I believe you can view their photos online at the end of March--details from the bride.
Congratulations, you two. Everyone who loves you--and even all those ladies at the salon who don't know you from Adam--are thrilled that God brought you together.
Now. Go get busy living happily ever after.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Do You Know How I Can Tell???
Well, the wedding is almost here. Do you know how I can tell? The boy and girl at the top of my blog header who have been running AT each other for awhile now are now almost touching. That means the wedding will happen any day now. To which I say, "Woohoo!"
There have been wedding preparation bumps, but nothing major.
My "to do" list has grown exponentially in the past 4 days.
I am still not certain of the "coldness" factor on Saturday morning, so I have a plan and a back-up plan.
I have finally purchased renter's insurance (I never had nice things that needed "insuring" before my wedding showers).
All in all, things are falling into place.
Last Saturday, one of my friends took the fiance and my picture for our church website and directory, and it kind of acted as an "engagement" picture. Here are a couple of those (I need to pre-apologize to all you facebook readers of my blog who have already seen these pictures posted on FB). The first one is a candid shot that we didn't realize she was taking, and it has become my favorite picture. The second one is the "official" photo since I am not allowed to keep the photo of me in the parrot costume as my "family" photo anymore.
There have been wedding preparation bumps, but nothing major.
My "to do" list has grown exponentially in the past 4 days.
I am still not certain of the "coldness" factor on Saturday morning, so I have a plan and a back-up plan.
I have finally purchased renter's insurance (I never had nice things that needed "insuring" before my wedding showers).
All in all, things are falling into place.
Last Saturday, one of my friends took the fiance and my picture for our church website and directory, and it kind of acted as an "engagement" picture. Here are a couple of those (I need to pre-apologize to all you facebook readers of my blog who have already seen these pictures posted on FB). The first one is a candid shot that we didn't realize she was taking, and it has become my favorite picture. The second one is the "official" photo since I am not allowed to keep the photo of me in the parrot costume as my "family" photo anymore.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Where Is Spring???
Where is spring? Hello, Mr. Weatherman. It is March in Houston, Texas. It should have been in the upper 70s/lower 80s for the past 2 weeks. Instead, we have hovered through the 50s and slightly into the 60s.
While some may love this weather, I am not currently a fan. You see, I planned a springtime in Houston OUTDOOR wedding, and right now, the outdoors are not seeming so appealing. Forget the fact that the flowers aren't blooming because of the cold, and Mother Nature was supposed to be my main source of wedding decor. I have gotten over that. What I am struggling with, however, is that I am an incredibly cold-natured person in general, and the thought of traipsing around the a garden in a springy organza dress (sans sleeves) already has me shivering.
Therefore, I have decided to take matters into my own hands and start devising a back-up plan for the cold. After searching our wonderdul world wide web, I have come up with some options.
Option 1: The Mid Length Cape. Yes, it looks a little more winter wonderland rather than March wedding, but I would be warm, and if I was having a bad hair day, I could cover up the hairdo with the hoodie.
Option #2: The Fur Muff. My hands get cold faster than anything, and usually if my hands are warm, I am feeling fairly okay. So, rather than bring out the fur cape as suggested in option 1, I could go for the smaller fur muff and insure nice, toasty hands. The one problem with this option is the question of where would my flowers go since my hands would be inside the muff. 
While some may love this weather, I am not currently a fan. You see, I planned a springtime in Houston OUTDOOR wedding, and right now, the outdoors are not seeming so appealing. Forget the fact that the flowers aren't blooming because of the cold, and Mother Nature was supposed to be my main source of wedding decor. I have gotten over that. What I am struggling with, however, is that I am an incredibly cold-natured person in general, and the thought of traipsing around the a garden in a springy organza dress (sans sleeves) already has me shivering.
Therefore, I have decided to take matters into my own hands and start devising a back-up plan for the cold. After searching our wonderdul world wide web, I have come up with some options.
Option 1: The Mid Length Cape. Yes, it looks a little more winter wonderland rather than March wedding, but I would be warm, and if I was having a bad hair day, I could cover up the hairdo with the hoodie.
Option #2: The Fur Muff. My hands get cold faster than anything, and usually if my hands are warm, I am feeling fairly okay. So, rather than bring out the fur cape as suggested in option 1, I could go for the smaller fur muff and insure nice, toasty hands. The one problem with this option is the question of where would my flowers go since my hands would be inside the muff.
Option #3: The Fur-Trimmed Anorak. Now, I think this is actually a good option because first off, it is trimmed with fur, and so that automatically gives it a "fancy" look. Secondly (and you can't see this very well), it has a cool pattern on it, and so I think I could pull of the "hip bride" vibe if I chose to wore it. Thirdly, fur is EXPENSIVE, and puffy anoraks are not. So, it would be a nice cheap option, and since I was giddy over my marriage coupon, I would probably be giddy over this bargain.
Option #4: The Denim Jacket. Okay, so you knew that had to be an option. After yesterday's ode, one can never count out the versatility of the denim jacket. However, if that seems a little understated for most, then I have one more option for you.
Option #5: The WHITE Denim Jacket. It is the best of both worlds (sorry for the Hannah Montana reference). I get to wear a coveted denim jacket, and it at least kind of looks "weddingy" because it is white.
I am not completely sure what I am going to do even though these are all pretty good options. Maybe I'll just have someone follow me around with a battery operated space heater.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
O Denim Jacket, How I Love Thee
Yes, you read that correctly. This is a quasi "ode" to the denim jacket. Anyone who has seen me every Sunday for the past 3 years has probably realized by now that I'm a little "denim jacket obsessed". I wear one every single Sunday with whatever outfit I have on. Now, lest you think I just throw on my denim all willy-nilly, let me assure you that I do not buy a Sunday outfit unless it coordinates with my jeaned jacket.
I had a shower this past Sunday at the fiance's church. Guess what I wore...a darling new dress and my denim jacket. (pictured below--the friend who introduced us, me, and the fiance)
I had a shower a few weeks ago at my congregation. Guess what I wore...a black skirt, a cute top, and the denim jacket.
The fiance and I are having to have our picture made for the church website and directory. Guess what I am wearing...you guessed it...some sort of clothing topped off with a denim jacket. It has become my staple, my security blanket, and to those who think it might be too hot to wear it in the summer, I simply assure them that that is what air conditioning is for.
In less than 2 weeks at the wedding--the outside wedding--it is looking as if the temperatures are going to be in the mid 60's. I had someone ask me yesterday if I would wear the denim jacket with my wedding dress to stay warm. I just might. It's classic and goes with EVERYTHING.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
I Don't Want Bunnies & Chickens & Ducks
Well, the wedding is less than 3 weeks and more than 2 weeks away, and there doesn't seem to be enough time in each day to get things done (and by things, I mean both wedding AND work things).
The current wedding "thing" that is wreaking havoc is the wedding favor (yes, I realize how dumb that sounds). I really didn't like my original plan, and so I set out in search of a new plan...a better plan...a plan that involves various shades of pink.
This "new plan" can at least use some of the "old plan" items (i.e. the Valentine's M&M's that I purchased), but it also needs additional candies (yes, family members, I will be sugaring you up at the wedding). So, on Monday after work, I went in search for any remaining Valentine's M&M's that might be lining the shelves of our local discount stores (yes, I realize that Monday was over a week past Valentine's Day, but I was holding out hope that there might still be some out there).
My back up plan, if the M&M search proved fruitless, was to look at Easter colored candy, because I could pick out certain shades and use only those candies (did I mention that this new plan involves picking out all of the red M&M's out the current Valentine's packs). But, all the Easter candy now has bunnies and chickens and ducks on it. And while I realize I am from East Texas and there is a good bit of "backwoods" to my general persona, even I do not want farm animals on my wedding favors. So, those were out.
I went to store after store after store looking for the perfect candy, and my overall mood became crabbier the longer I looked (this can be verified by the sales clerk at Target...I think I owe her an apology). When I was about to run out of gas on the bad side of town, I took that as a sign that it was time to give up and call it a night.
The search was not over, though. The fiance joined in on Tuesday. After taking careful notes of exactly what I was looking for, he went to 6 or 7 different stores in his neck of the woods and finally located numerous bags of a chocolate candy (from a different holiday season) that would work (after sorting out one of the colors, of course). Jackpot!
I have since added one more extra special candy to the mix, and I am now ready to turn the plethora of sweets over to my dear friend who is using child labor (her daughter) to help put all of the treats together. When all is said and done, we will have baggie after baggie of unusable red M&M's leftover, but really cute wedding favors (and isn't that the important thing).
The current wedding "thing" that is wreaking havoc is the wedding favor (yes, I realize how dumb that sounds). I really didn't like my original plan, and so I set out in search of a new plan...a better plan...a plan that involves various shades of pink.
This "new plan" can at least use some of the "old plan" items (i.e. the Valentine's M&M's that I purchased), but it also needs additional candies (yes, family members, I will be sugaring you up at the wedding). So, on Monday after work, I went in search for any remaining Valentine's M&M's that might be lining the shelves of our local discount stores (yes, I realize that Monday was over a week past Valentine's Day, but I was holding out hope that there might still be some out there).
My back up plan, if the M&M search proved fruitless, was to look at Easter colored candy, because I could pick out certain shades and use only those candies (did I mention that this new plan involves picking out all of the red M&M's out the current Valentine's packs). But, all the Easter candy now has bunnies and chickens and ducks on it. And while I realize I am from East Texas and there is a good bit of "backwoods" to my general persona, even I do not want farm animals on my wedding favors. So, those were out.
I went to store after store after store looking for the perfect candy, and my overall mood became crabbier the longer I looked (this can be verified by the sales clerk at Target...I think I owe her an apology). When I was about to run out of gas on the bad side of town, I took that as a sign that it was time to give up and call it a night.
The search was not over, though. The fiance joined in on Tuesday. After taking careful notes of exactly what I was looking for, he went to 6 or 7 different stores in his neck of the woods and finally located numerous bags of a chocolate candy (from a different holiday season) that would work (after sorting out one of the colors, of course). Jackpot!
I have since added one more extra special candy to the mix, and I am now ready to turn the plethora of sweets over to my dear friend who is using child labor (her daughter) to help put all of the treats together. When all is said and done, we will have baggie after baggie of unusable red M&M's leftover, but really cute wedding favors (and isn't that the important thing).
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Nothing Says Neverending Love Like a Coupon
So, as I was on my way home this afternoon, I was visiting with one of my friends on the phone, and I happened to mention something to her that sent her into a fit of laughter. After composing herself, she asserted that this really should go on the blog.
So, here it goes...
The fiance and I did our pre-marital counseling through our preacher at church. We chose to do this for a variety of reasons. What we did not realize at the time was that there was a greater, more cost-effective benefit to doing this.
You see, our church is part of a program called Twogether Texas. The idea of this program is that if couples go through a pre-marital counseling program prior to marriage, the state of Texas will give them a discount on their marriage license. That's right, folks, it is a full-fledged marrige coupon (and a pretty good coupon at that).
So, we completed this counseling, and the fiance and I are now the proud recipients of our very own marriage discount, because nothing says neverending love like a coupon.
So, here it goes...
The fiance and I did our pre-marital counseling through our preacher at church. We chose to do this for a variety of reasons. What we did not realize at the time was that there was a greater, more cost-effective benefit to doing this.
You see, our church is part of a program called Twogether Texas. The idea of this program is that if couples go through a pre-marital counseling program prior to marriage, the state of Texas will give them a discount on their marriage license. That's right, folks, it is a full-fledged marrige coupon (and a pretty good coupon at that).
So, we completed this counseling, and the fiance and I are now the proud recipients of our very own marriage discount, because nothing says neverending love like a coupon.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Swimming in a Sea of Ribbons
Over the past two days, I have been swimming in a sea of ribbons. Some wonderful ladies from church threw me a wedding shower last night, and then this morning my fellow children's ministry ladies (and man) threw me a surprise shower at our monthly meeting. As much as I do not like being the "center of attention", the showers were both absolutely wonderful and I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by all of these people.
I have included some pictures (complete with "captioning").
These are the hostesses of my church shower. Getting everyone into the room to take a picture turned out to be a pretty big feat.
I am not a fan of pictures. So, this was me trying to hide as pictures were being snapped. I apparently overestimated the "coverage" that my jacket would provide. Also, please notice the plate of Oreos and the bowl of peanut butter. Those are the best shower foods EVER.
I have included some pictures (complete with "captioning").
These are the hostesses of my church shower. Getting everyone into the room to take a picture turned out to be a pretty big feat.
I am not a fan of pictures. So, this was me trying to hide as pictures were being snapped. I apparently overestimated the "coverage" that my jacket would provide. Also, please notice the plate of Oreos and the bowl of peanut butter. Those are the best shower foods EVER.
We are having Gerbera Daisies at the wedding, and so these were two of the flower arrangements done for the shower.
This picture is just cute. It is of my friend Roxanne's daughter (on the right) and my friend Jacinda's daughter (on the left).
This picture is just cute. It is of my friend Roxanne's daughter (on the right) and my friend Jacinda's daughter (on the left).
This next picture is from my shower this morning. Those are my fellow CM peeps. Bless, Dustin's heart. He always gets thrown into a sea of ladies.
And finally, this is my friend Roxanne. This is the person who introduced the fiance and me (yes, I owe her BIG TIME). Even though she lives about an hour north of where I live, she and her daughter were able to come to the shower. If you notice, we have both moved to our "fake smile" part of the day.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Catch-Up
Okay, the purpose of this blog post is to play catch-up. I haven't posted in a little over a week, and because of that I was chided by someone at church for falling behind on my posting. So, here is a quick recap since I last posted.
1. I am getting married in 5 1/2 weeks. Woohoo!
2. I drove around today with 12 glass vases in my backseat floorboard. I am afraid to look and see if any of them are broken.
3. I have purchased 6 large waters from Sonic for a grand total of $1.92 ($0.30 each plus tax).
4. I finally had the inside of my car cleaned (it was filthy), and numerous people have commented on it. That worries me slightly.
5. In last Wednesday night's 1st and 2nd grade class, we glittered. We didn't just sprinkle a little sparkly on some glue we G.L.I.T.T.E.R.E.D. on piles of glue, and I then sent everything home with parents.
6. As my friend Melanie and I were walking one morning, we passed by a man sitting in the driver's seat of his truck playing a ukelele.
7. I fell in the church parking lot. Only my pride was hurt (and the car I slung myself across as I came crashing to the ground).
8. I asked a rude sales person if I was annoying him by trying to purchase something from him.
There you have it. There is my "little over a week" recap. I realize it wasn't terribly interesting, so I will try to carry a notepad with me this week so that I can jot down all the things that happen, and hopefully the next post will be more entertaining.
1. I am getting married in 5 1/2 weeks. Woohoo!
2. I drove around today with 12 glass vases in my backseat floorboard. I am afraid to look and see if any of them are broken.
3. I have purchased 6 large waters from Sonic for a grand total of $1.92 ($0.30 each plus tax).
4. I finally had the inside of my car cleaned (it was filthy), and numerous people have commented on it. That worries me slightly.
5. In last Wednesday night's 1st and 2nd grade class, we glittered. We didn't just sprinkle a little sparkly on some glue we G.L.I.T.T.E.R.E.D. on piles of glue, and I then sent everything home with parents.
6. As my friend Melanie and I were walking one morning, we passed by a man sitting in the driver's seat of his truck playing a ukelele.
7. I fell in the church parking lot. Only my pride was hurt (and the car I slung myself across as I came crashing to the ground).
8. I asked a rude sales person if I was annoying him by trying to purchase something from him.
There you have it. There is my "little over a week" recap. I realize it wasn't terribly interesting, so I will try to carry a notepad with me this week so that I can jot down all the things that happen, and hopefully the next post will be more entertaining.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Does This Concern Anyone Else?
As I have continued along in my wedding planning, certain ideas or thoughts on how I was going to do something have had to change. I know this is typical, and as much as I claimed that NONE of my ideas would change, I must sheepishly own up to the fac that I was wrong. Yes, indeed, I have had to change a few plans.
With that being said, I have begun scouring the internet in search of "budget-friendly" (a.k.a. cheap) solutions to certain situations. In one of these searches, I discovered something most unusual. I discovered that you can purchase your wedding reception centerpieces from Oriental Trading Company. Yes, I am completely serious.
For those unfamiliar with the world of the OTC, this company specializes in uber-cheap crafts, kid toys, party favors, workroom supplies, etc. The key word in that sentence is uber-cheap. Also, I don't think you noticed anywhere in my description the word "wedding". Oriental Trading Company is not known for its elegant wedding franchise. In fact, they are known for their VBS supplies. I generally order hundreds of dollars of stuff from them each summer for various kids activities. So, to find out that I could purchase all the centerpieces I wanted and get free shipping on orders of $75 or more actually concerned me. Am I wrong? Does this concern anyone else?
After looking at their selection (yes, I looked at it because they are cheap), I decided that OTC was not the way for me to go. So, I will continue my search online, and I will no doubt stumble across additional pieces of information that utterly confuse me. Maybe if I search long and hard enough, I will also discover that Lowe's hardware store sells bridal shoes.
With that being said, I have begun scouring the internet in search of "budget-friendly" (a.k.a. cheap) solutions to certain situations. In one of these searches, I discovered something most unusual. I discovered that you can purchase your wedding reception centerpieces from Oriental Trading Company. Yes, I am completely serious.
For those unfamiliar with the world of the OTC, this company specializes in uber-cheap crafts, kid toys, party favors, workroom supplies, etc. The key word in that sentence is uber-cheap. Also, I don't think you noticed anywhere in my description the word "wedding". Oriental Trading Company is not known for its elegant wedding franchise. In fact, they are known for their VBS supplies. I generally order hundreds of dollars of stuff from them each summer for various kids activities. So, to find out that I could purchase all the centerpieces I wanted and get free shipping on orders of $75 or more actually concerned me. Am I wrong? Does this concern anyone else?
After looking at their selection (yes, I looked at it because they are cheap), I decided that OTC was not the way for me to go. So, I will continue my search online, and I will no doubt stumble across additional pieces of information that utterly confuse me. Maybe if I search long and hard enough, I will also discover that Lowe's hardware store sells bridal shoes.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
World's GREATEST Discovery
So, I took a break from "all things wedding" yesterday on my day off to have lunch with a friend. It was in the process of picking up my lunch that I discovered the B.E.S.T. T.H.I.N.G. E.V.E.R. (and no, I don't think I am overstating anything). You can buy a large ice water with extra ice from Sonic for $0.30!
To say that I was overjoyed in making that revelation is an understatement. I have a love affair with Sonic ice, and I have been trying to drink way more water lately, and this combines the best of both things.
And...(and this is the cheapskate in me)...if I stop every day of the week and get one, that is only $2.10 (woohoo). Which is less than $10 a week (even bigger woohoo).
I hope this announcement has brightened your week as much as it has mine.
To say that I was overjoyed in making that revelation is an understatement. I have a love affair with Sonic ice, and I have been trying to drink way more water lately, and this combines the best of both things.
And...(and this is the cheapskate in me)...if I stop every day of the week and get one, that is only $2.10 (woohoo). Which is less than $10 a week (even bigger woohoo).
I hope this announcement has brightened your week as much as it has mine.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The 10 Most Overused Wedding Songs
I laid in bed this morning for a good two hours before my alarm went off just going over various wedding-related items in my head. What should I do about this? Who can I tell about that? If it has to do with weddings, I am thinking about it.
Add on top of that all of the work-related items that I still must be concentrating diligently on, and you end up with a bride sitting in a Denny's on a Tuesday night with tears in her eyes. It really is a sad sight to behold.
However, I am M.U.C.H. calmer now. Nobody worry. I am not making any guarantees, but I seemed to have located the "good sense God gave me." (That's my shout-out to East Texas colloquialisms.)
Anyway, I went to eat lunch today with my friend Roxanne, and we started talking about wedding music. What started out as a serious conversation about songs to choose became a laugh-fest over the most overused songs in weddings. So, I thought I would share with you our list.
I have been to and in many a wedding that have pulled more than one selection off this list, and so I am fairly certain that I will offend numerous people with my ascertions. Therefore, I would like to offer a preface. These are the songs that I and I alone (well, Roxanne too) deem overused, and our opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of those around us.
Also, I am super-tempted to just make a compilation CD of all of the overplayed wedding music to use as pre-music for the wedding just because I think I would find it funny. I'll let you know what I decide.
Here is the list...
10. Evergreen by Barbara Streisand - A wedding is just not a wedding without "Babs" as part of it.
9. The Rose by Bette Midler - The same thing can be said for Bette. Whether it is The Rose or Wind Beneath My Wings, Bette has provided us with numerous wedding options.
8. Sunrise, Sunset from "Fiddler on the Roof" - The one has always struck me as odd, but it still prevails as a popular unity candlelighting song. Usually when I hear it, I have to work very hard to not purposely burst my eardrums in response.
7. One Hand, One Heart from "West Side Story" - Also an unusual choice because it is about two people who get married and then one of them dies. Not terribly joyful in my opinion.
6. Glory of Love by Peter Cetera - The title says it all, and if it didn't, the "easy listening" quality of the song makes it quite versatile.
5. I Can't Help Falling in Love with You by Elvis Presley - It's Elvis...what more can I say. Generations of teenage girls marveled at his swiveling hips.
4. Come What May from "Moulin Rouge" - Really...people choose some of their wedding music from the soundtrack of Moulin Rouge? I think that disturbs me more than the song itself.
3. Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion - Celine falls into the same category as Bette and Babs. Her signature "chest thump" (ala My Heart Will Go On from Titanic) makes her an appropriately dramatic "love songstress".
2. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by J.S. Bach - This one is for all my music friends out there (and for those that rely on pre-packaged wedding music CD's). I daresay Bach did not forsee the great popularity this piece would achieve. If he had, he would have demanded greater royalties.
1. Forever by Chris Brown - Okay, I am actually a fan of this song, but ever since the YouTube video hit the internet, this is "the song" to use, and so that is why it is included in the list. And no, it will not be a part of my wedding. If you have seen me dance, you will understand why.
Add on top of that all of the work-related items that I still must be concentrating diligently on, and you end up with a bride sitting in a Denny's on a Tuesday night with tears in her eyes. It really is a sad sight to behold.
However, I am M.U.C.H. calmer now. Nobody worry. I am not making any guarantees, but I seemed to have located the "good sense God gave me." (That's my shout-out to East Texas colloquialisms.)
Anyway, I went to eat lunch today with my friend Roxanne, and we started talking about wedding music. What started out as a serious conversation about songs to choose became a laugh-fest over the most overused songs in weddings. So, I thought I would share with you our list.
I have been to and in many a wedding that have pulled more than one selection off this list, and so I am fairly certain that I will offend numerous people with my ascertions. Therefore, I would like to offer a preface. These are the songs that I and I alone (well, Roxanne too) deem overused, and our opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of those around us.
Also, I am super-tempted to just make a compilation CD of all of the overplayed wedding music to use as pre-music for the wedding just because I think I would find it funny. I'll let you know what I decide.
Here is the list...
10. Evergreen by Barbara Streisand - A wedding is just not a wedding without "Babs" as part of it.
9. The Rose by Bette Midler - The same thing can be said for Bette. Whether it is The Rose or Wind Beneath My Wings, Bette has provided us with numerous wedding options.
8. Sunrise, Sunset from "Fiddler on the Roof" - The one has always struck me as odd, but it still prevails as a popular unity candlelighting song. Usually when I hear it, I have to work very hard to not purposely burst my eardrums in response.
7. One Hand, One Heart from "West Side Story" - Also an unusual choice because it is about two people who get married and then one of them dies. Not terribly joyful in my opinion.
6. Glory of Love by Peter Cetera - The title says it all, and if it didn't, the "easy listening" quality of the song makes it quite versatile.
5. I Can't Help Falling in Love with You by Elvis Presley - It's Elvis...what more can I say. Generations of teenage girls marveled at his swiveling hips.
4. Come What May from "Moulin Rouge" - Really...people choose some of their wedding music from the soundtrack of Moulin Rouge? I think that disturbs me more than the song itself.
3. Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion - Celine falls into the same category as Bette and Babs. Her signature "chest thump" (ala My Heart Will Go On from Titanic) makes her an appropriately dramatic "love songstress".
2. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by J.S. Bach - This one is for all my music friends out there (and for those that rely on pre-packaged wedding music CD's). I daresay Bach did not forsee the great popularity this piece would achieve. If he had, he would have demanded greater royalties.
1. Forever by Chris Brown - Okay, I am actually a fan of this song, but ever since the YouTube video hit the internet, this is "the song" to use, and so that is why it is included in the list. And no, it will not be a part of my wedding. If you have seen me dance, you will understand why.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
She Can Stand on a Cup
So, for those who have missed the recent excitement, yes, it is true, I am getting married. As all of you married folk out there know, there is M.U.C.H. to be done when it comes to planning a wedding. And while I know you guys aren't interested in all the details, after yesterday's outing of taking care of the wedding registry, I have discovered that there is a fount of material for blog posts. So, I will try to find a happy balance between droning on about wedding items and sharing the absurdity that happens our way.
As I said, the fiance and I headed out to do our Wedding Registry yesterday because there were a few little, old ladies at church that were somewhat forceful in making sure we knew the importance of getting that done IMMEDIATELY. So, rather than argue and risk being taken down by a denture-wearing, cane-toting granny, we obliged.
In one of the stores we went to (a department store) to pick out our china and other fancy items that we hope to use, the wedding consultant took great pride in demonstrating the versatility of our china. She whacked it on a table to demonstrate that if you felt so inclined, you could throw the china at the fiance and it wouldn't break. As tempting as that feature was, I really subscribe to the notion of NOT using violence when it comes to relationships (sorry, Chris Brown).
As if that was not enough of a selling point, she then grabbed one of the teacups, placed it on the floor, and stood on it. Now, I am sure that there is some sort of party trick associated with this, and if I were to try it, it would crumble and crush and disintegrate into miniscule pieces. However, she wanted us to know that if we ever needed to reach a dish (like say your fine china) on the top row of a kitchen cabinet, we too could grab a 4-inch teacup and use it as a step ladder.
As odd as a couple of these actions were to me, she really was a wonderful sales person to work with, because as soon as I saw the WORLD'S UGLIEST FLATWARE and asked if I could take a picture of it (of course, who wouldn't do that), she lifted the cover on the case so that I could get a better picture.
Below you see said flatware. Yes, it is "fish" flatware. The spoons have a little notch to represent the "fish mouth" (which probably makes eating soup a little tricky) and all the pieces have a dorsal fin on them. I am quite disturbed that anyone might pay $65 a setting for sterling silver flatware shaped like a fish.
As I said, the fiance and I headed out to do our Wedding Registry yesterday because there were a few little, old ladies at church that were somewhat forceful in making sure we knew the importance of getting that done IMMEDIATELY. So, rather than argue and risk being taken down by a denture-wearing, cane-toting granny, we obliged.
In one of the stores we went to (a department store) to pick out our china and other fancy items that we hope to use, the wedding consultant took great pride in demonstrating the versatility of our china. She whacked it on a table to demonstrate that if you felt so inclined, you could throw the china at the fiance and it wouldn't break. As tempting as that feature was, I really subscribe to the notion of NOT using violence when it comes to relationships (sorry, Chris Brown).
As if that was not enough of a selling point, she then grabbed one of the teacups, placed it on the floor, and stood on it. Now, I am sure that there is some sort of party trick associated with this, and if I were to try it, it would crumble and crush and disintegrate into miniscule pieces. However, she wanted us to know that if we ever needed to reach a dish (like say your fine china) on the top row of a kitchen cabinet, we too could grab a 4-inch teacup and use it as a step ladder.
As odd as a couple of these actions were to me, she really was a wonderful sales person to work with, because as soon as I saw the WORLD'S UGLIEST FLATWARE and asked if I could take a picture of it (of course, who wouldn't do that), she lifted the cover on the case so that I could get a better picture.
Below you see said flatware. Yes, it is "fish" flatware. The spoons have a little notch to represent the "fish mouth" (which probably makes eating soup a little tricky) and all the pieces have a dorsal fin on them. I am quite disturbed that anyone might pay $65 a setting for sterling silver flatware shaped like a fish.
The "item of note" for the day is when we were registering at the "other" store (think more economical store), the fiance and I were getting a little silly, and so there might possibly be a "wild card" item on the registry that we put on there just to see if anyone would notice and find it as funny as we did. No, it is not something crude. Yes, it is something that is obviously a joke. And yes, if someone figures it out, I will tell you what it is.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Three Things
So, I have been a little lazy with blog posting as of late. As I mentioned in my previous post, part of that is due to lack of "postable" ideas. I am still in a little bit of a "blump" (i.e. blog slump). However, three things have struck me recently that I thought I would share with you.
Number 1: I saw a man on a unicycle yesterday waiting for the crosswalk light to change colors. First off, he seemed to be struggling to stay upright. I think he was a new unicycler. My guess is that he was trying out the unicycle to see how the ladies would like his sweet new ride. If I see him again, I will take a picture.
Number 2: It is Tuesday which means it is my "Walmart circular pricematching" day. I used to do this on a regular basis on Tuesday evenings, but have recently gotten lazy. For those that don't know (and I tell EVERYONE this because it makes me so happy, so there are probably not many of you who are "out of the loop"), Walmart price-matches. What that means is you can bring in ALL OF YOUR CIRCULARS from ANY GROCERY STORE and if an item is on sale in those circulars, Walmart matches the price. It is a way to get some good prices without having to run around to lots of grocery stores.
Number 3: At this point, I can't remember what the third item was. Oh well, it probably wasn't that interesting. So, you actually only get two thoughts from me today. My guess, though, is after I make a trip to Walmart tonight, there will be PLENTY to blog about and my blump will be gone.
Number 1: I saw a man on a unicycle yesterday waiting for the crosswalk light to change colors. First off, he seemed to be struggling to stay upright. I think he was a new unicycler. My guess is that he was trying out the unicycle to see how the ladies would like his sweet new ride. If I see him again, I will take a picture.
Number 2: It is Tuesday which means it is my "Walmart circular pricematching" day. I used to do this on a regular basis on Tuesday evenings, but have recently gotten lazy. For those that don't know (and I tell EVERYONE this because it makes me so happy, so there are probably not many of you who are "out of the loop"), Walmart price-matches. What that means is you can bring in ALL OF YOUR CIRCULARS from ANY GROCERY STORE and if an item is on sale in those circulars, Walmart matches the price. It is a way to get some good prices without having to run around to lots of grocery stores.
Number 3: At this point, I can't remember what the third item was. Oh well, it probably wasn't that interesting. So, you actually only get two thoughts from me today. My guess, though, is after I make a trip to Walmart tonight, there will be PLENTY to blog about and my blump will be gone.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Not a Clue
Seriously, folks, I have not a clue as to what to write. The whole "12 Days of Christmas" thing totally did me in. My brain has not been able to generate another quality thought or anecdote since then. Hopefully, something will strike me soon.
(*PAUSE*)
Speak of the devil. I just had to take a momentary pause in my blog-whining to take a sip of soda during which I began coughing which caused a spewing of said carbonated beverage onto my computer screen.
Okay, so there is your anecdote for today. If nothing more interesting begins to happen, that is what you have to look forward to for the coming year of blog posts.
(*PAUSE*)
Speak of the devil. I just had to take a momentary pause in my blog-whining to take a sip of soda during which I began coughing which caused a spewing of said carbonated beverage onto my computer screen.
Okay, so there is your anecdote for today. If nothing more interesting begins to happen, that is what you have to look forward to for the coming year of blog posts.
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