My life really isn't all about my wedding...

I was playing around on Ravelry and someone posted a "funny" article about bridesmaids complaining about a bride.  I thought it was more bitchy than funny, and if someone really feels this angry about things they should probably not be in the couple's wedding.  There was much debate on the forum about #1 - not talking about anything but the wedding.  This particularly annoyed me because the first thing people ask me about when I haven't seen them for a few weeks (days?) is "how is the wedding planning going?" So don't get pissy if that's what I talk about - you probably asked.  I'm not really obsessed with my wedding, but lets be honest with ourselves my life is not a thrill ride (thank goodness) and right now my wedding is the most exciting thing going on for me.  Here's the other thing, I actually do have other big things going on but they aren't necessarily happy things, and unless I know you well, I won't be bringing those up.

So, now on to other things I can talk about -

I actually picked up my living room today.  This is a big undertaking because I hate cleaning and I have stacks of paper everywhere.  Paper is my nemesis in the cleaning scheme of things.  I'm trying to be better, but it's not successful.  Seriously, it's to the point where aunts are suggesting that I keep my room clean for Lent.  Yep, I'm still a 10 year old who needs to be nagged to clean my room.  I keep using the excuse that I need a system, or that once I get it clean I'll be good and keep it clean.  The reality is that I am really bad at putting away clothes.  They get thrown on the futon in my bedroom and left there.  Mail gets looked at and dropped on counter instead of being put in the recycle.  I pin ideas on pinterest to get me motivated - so far it's not working.  This concerns me greatly.

I've never been a neat nick, and Michael is similarly not super organized. We go through bursts, but it's not consistent.  But I would like to possibly, maybe, god willing, have kids someday.  And it just seems that a cleaner house is a necessity - I don't want to be THAT family where school work gets lost, things are cluttered  etc.    People tell me that having kids forces you to find the time/energy but what if it doesn't?  My mom always had our house really neat - I'm not sure if I can achieve that, and that makes me really sad.  As much as she drove (drives?) me nuts, my mom did a pretty spectacular job of being a great mom, managing the house cleaning, ensuring we had a homemade meal, and working.  How did she not collapse from exhaustion?

My sister does the same thing.  She is an awesome job and manages to cook, clean, and even festively decorate for holidays - and while my brother-in-law is awesome, those are not tasks that are his strong suit.

I have nightmares that my family comes to visit and my house is like one of those out of horders....seriously, I'm not quite balanced anymore.

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.

  

Falling leaves...and falling temperatures

Fall is officially here.  Actually I think it's been fall for about a month now, if I got the equinox right, but it has just now started to get cold.  Friday I woke up to frost on my windshield.  I dug out my hats, gloves, and scarves.  It's my favorite time of year!  Not so cold that I am worried about frostbite, but cold enough to want gloves and a hat.

It makes me want to knit.  Thankfully I have lots of projects to keep me busy over the next few months.

First up is the sweater for William.  I'm knitting up the Grow Like a Weed jacket.  The sleeves are done and I'm onto the body.  It will be my first attempt at steeking.  I'm excited and petrified at the same time.  If it starts to unravel I may break down and cry.  I'm knitting it in Cascade Eco + is this dark green/blue color.  It's pretty awesome and I hope to have it done, steeked and blocked by Thanksgiving.  I love Cascade yarns and I was able to pick this up at my new local yarn shop.  Having a shop 2 blocks from work could be very, very dangerous.  Plus the owners is so sweet.  I may have turned into that annoying customer who's always there.  Oh my, I hope that's not the case...

Next I'm on to wedding knitting.  I am trying to make sure that none of my craft projects have to be completed.  I'm thinking of knitting a Clapotis for each of the ladies in our wedding party (two for me, one for Michael).  Looking at how long it has taken some people I'm a little nervous that I won't be able to get three of them done in time.

I also want a shawl for me and not to sound extremely selfish, but I would rather complete mine if I can only get one done.  I've got to narrow it down.  Right now I'm looking at Elise or maybe Autumn Leaves.  Then there's Umaro or this Entrelac shawl (that has gotten really bad reviews for the directions).  I'm really leaning toward the Autumn Leaves.  I love Jared Floods' designs and the leaves pattern seems appropriate for a fall wedding.  Hm...we shall see.

Now I'm off to look at healthy crock pot recipes.  Yep, it's officially Fall!

How the heck...

I want to steal this woman's flowers. Think she'd mind?

Photo Album - Imgur

They are amazing and if I have abilities in that direction I'd do it. Now I'm off to search out a place to purchase them...or directions.

Any ideas?

Progress on all fronts

In knitting news - I have both sleeves done for William the Weed jacket for my nephew.  I'll be starting on the body this weekend.  I'm so excited to try steeking...and so scared at the same time.

Also, I apologize in advance for future posts but suddenly it seems my life has become completely encompassed by wedding planning.  When did I lose my mind?  I never really thought much about wedding related stuff and suddenly it's all that comes to mind.

We have a date - note the new ticker/countdown.  We have the church reserved and now a reception site with caterer.  I'm getting to start thinking about wedding crafts, which is really what I'm looking forward to the most.  I don't want anything excessive but I'm hoping to complete shawls for each bridesmaid (two) and the groomsmaid (one) as well as myself.  If I find the time, I'm going to knit something for the mothers as well but that will be for later.

Also, I'm so stoked for our centerpieces.  The idea is still evolving but Michael thought of the greatest thing that is totally us.  A stack of antique looking books with vines "growing" around them.  We figure we'll start scouring thrift stores, yard sales, and ebay for some deals.

I'm just trying to not get stressed about it all.  This is supposed to be fun right?

Also - progress on the mini goals:

Step 1 - Drink at least 12 cups of water a day - Success

Step 2 - Complete one round of Power 90 - Today was Day 58.  I've been sporadic, but sticking with it.

Step 3 - Each small meals every 2-3 hours (at least 10g protein, no more than 40g carbs) - I'm not sure this is practical for me right now, but I'm trying

Step 4 - Don't eat within 2 hours of going to bed - Success

Step 5 - No more processed grains - So far, so good

Step 6 - At least one fruit or veggie with each meal - Two out of three meals. Progress

Step 7 - Get a minimum of 7 hours sleep. - Working on it still.

Things are happening in my little world.  So far I'm moving in the right direction!

I came across this quote from Dr. Seuss today and it just fits M and I so well I had to share:

We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love. 

 I'm hoping to find when it was actually said/written to verify the source but I love this.  If we do wedding programs I'm going to suggest it for the cover.  Otherwise maybe M can fit in into the website somehow.

We're planning in earnest now and I find myself obsessively thinking about wedding stuff.  This is not me.  I am not someone who ever really thought about her wedding.  But now it seems to consume my idle mind.  It's actually darn annoying once I walk out of the haze and realize all the day-to-day things that still need to get done.

We aren't getting married for a year.  We've got time to plan the shin-dig.  Someone save me from myself and my obsessive need to plan things.