Just keep swimming

This is my motto lately.  I sort of feel like I can do nothing right. I can't seem to fit working out into my schedule.  Eating right just seems harder than usual.  It will pass...Right?

Anyway, everything that's been happening has made me want to expand the knowledge of my faith.  I am a Catholic convert.  I went through the RCIA program while in college.  While this was a really moving experience, there are a lot of basics that I just didn't get enough exposure to understand why we, as Catholics, do certain things and believe certain things.

First on my list is Confession.  I haven't been to confession since I converted.  I know I'm supposed to go more regularly than that, since I know I've sinned.  But I just don't understand why I must confess to a priest rather than pray on the matter and deal with it that way.  This is a constant struggle for me - things I know the Church requires and my own feelings on a matter.  I'm hoping that learning more will help resolve the internal struggle.

Bridezilla-dom

Has it really been since November?  I guess it has.  December is a busy time in my life between Christmas and year-end work related stuff it just seems like I get caught up in an avalanche.

So here's a bit of a catch up - I missed Christmas.  Or at least I missed Christmas with my family.  Instead, I spent Christmas Eve and Day with Michael's extended family in a two day, three meal, extravaganza!  I managed to only gain 2lbs and drink one entire bottle of wine.  It was really great wine.  Also, Michael referred to him and I as a family for the first time.  I got a bit weepy.  Dorky, bu true.  Overall, a very nice holiday.

Not taking a Christmas vacation from work means that I had vacation time to use - so I took last week off.  I am currently relishing the last few hours of non-work time.  I meant to update this week and boast of all the things I accomplished with my freed up time.  Here is that amazing list:

• purchased yarn for wedding stole and started said knitting project.  I did opt for Jared Flood's Autumn Leaves Stole.  The yarn color isn't showing well due to my lack of photography skills, but it is knitting up beautifully.  I'm especially proud as this is my first attempt at anything even resembling lace work.
• read two book - Heat Wave by "Richard Castle" and the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Both were quick and fun reads.  Heat Wave was actually much better than I expected considering it's by a fictitious author and came about because of a TV Show.  I was so happy that Michael agreed to read the Love Languages book with me, well first actually. It was actually pretty interesting and I think that the concept - different things/action/words make people feel loved - is good to keep in mind.  Just because Acts of Service make me feel loved doesn't mean that Michael feels the same way.
• cleaning was done.  Goal was basically the whole place - it's only five rooms.  Kitchen and bathroom were actually accomplished, living room was half done as was my craft room.  I give myself a C for effort.  I could have played less Lego Indian Jones 2 on my Wii.
• finally went to the doctor about my sinuses.  Turns out I have a very persistent sinus infection.  I'm on a twice-a-day antibiotic, back on allergy meds, and lots of advil.  I'm not sure if it's medication or that my body is finally like "yep, time to actually get healthy" but I've been exhausted ever since. 
• Also squeezed in the eye doctor and dentist.  Being the vain girl that I am, contact are going to be attempted.  I really don't want to wear glasses in wedding pictures.  I get my trial contacts in a couple of weeks.  We shall see how that goes.
• Super splurged and bought Rosetta Stone Italian 1-5.  I took Italian in College, my mom speaks a dialect, I've always wanted to learn.  Bonus - Michael has promised to attempt to learn as well.  I may secretly install this on his computer. shhhh
• lastly - and what I really thought of when I decided to blog tonight - I went to my very first Bridal Show.  It was...interesting.  I wouldn't call it fun, and to be really frank about 90% of it was pretty boring. However, it did make me realize that I have a lot more done/decided for our wedding that originally thought.  Thank you Pinterest!  It's just big things - dress, Michael's suit, and rings that I haven't managed.  You know, the things that are killer expensive.

So, not too much for a week of no work, but not bad. 

Now, back to this bridal show.  Accomplished - purchased cream pashminas for the bridesmaids and Michael's groomsmaid.  I now wish I had purchased one for myself to because I love those things so much.  The dresses were beautiful and the people wonderfully nice.  But honestly, I think my mom was right - it was for a different type of wedding.  I have no interest in tablescape consultations, since I've got the centerpieces and basics on decorations decided.  A custom made wedding dress is likely more than I'm willing to spend.  I already have people taking pictures.  Michael is in charge of invitations and cake/dessert.  So, while I did enter a few contests to win a dress, money or dinner, I probably wouldn't go to another bridal show unless absolutely necessary.  I was sort of saying this to myself for most of the day.  I felt really bad at the end - like I was just as bad as all those brides on TV but in a more "oh, I'm better because they are spending ridiculous wads of money"  I was being a bridezilla in my own way.  I'm not proud of that.