Not as fun as I thought

This past weekend Scott and I decided to work on our registries since we are running out of free weekends for the next couple of months. Honestly, it was not as much fun as I thought it would be. Maybe I am guilty of over-thinking it, maybe it was just too overwhelming, but whatever it was it was not fun.

I thought long and hard about choosing a variety of items in varying price ranges, things I wanted versus things I needed, and most of all taking Scott's preference (or lack of) into account. We sailed through picking out china patterns, stemware and flatware with ease. Unfortunately it was the more fun items like sheets, oven thermometers, and toasters that proved too much for our patience. At any rate, we've finally finished the bulk of the decisions and our selections can be found online at Bed, Bath & Beyond and Macy's.

I think being engaged is fun, and I'll no doubt think getting some of these gifts will be fun, but I cannot wait to settle down into a comfortable routine of marriage! All the planning and the stress that comes with it is just annoying some days.

Religion & Politics

I used to hear that in mixed company you don't discuss religion or politics. I guess those just weren't polite conversations to have with people that you didn't know well. At any rate, I didn't really understand until I got older and then....WHAM!!! I finally had a truly shocking conversation with a dear friend that was beyond bewildering about Republicans and Democrats. She was beside herself that I leaned towards more Republican tendencies than Democratic. This was the beginning of my pea brain understanding why you don't (normally) discuss such topics with other people.

On the other hand, as I "grow up", I realize that religion and politics are not always the only off limit topics. It varies from person to person, but I've had enlightening conversations about marriage, child-rearing, finances, and careers that I don't care to ever experience again. Truly, I suppose that some people will argue that in most situations any topic can be discussed if people are open-minded, respectful and empathetic to the opinions of others. However, the only thing I would argue is that discussions of like are better left to real friends. :)

New Hobby

Before the mad chaos of Hurricane Ike, I found a new hobby in being creative with Stampin Up. My friend Amber has been involved in it for a while now and she makes the greatest stuff. Mostly I get cards from her but on her blog you can see many kinds of creative creations she's made. I don't know how to completely describe it other than it is similar to scrapbooking but not always involving pictures/photo albums.

So, after looking at the products online, I located a Demonstrator of Stampin Up in my area named Bev. Take a look at her website: www.bevvictory.stampinup.net I didn't know how much interest I would have at first but after the September monthly meeting, I was hooked. I wanted to buy the whole catalog and start making cards. Bev is really organized and showed us how to use different techniques using various products and we ended up making 3 cards. I was so pleased with my creations that I decided to take a leap and start buying some craft supplies. Who knew that I could get so involved in something as simple as paper, ribbon and glue? Needless to say, I'm anxiously awaiting my order and I cannot WAIT until the October meeting!

Hurricane Ike

By now, things would seem to get back to normal after Hurricane Ike, but it is SLOW to happen. The truth is, many people at the office are still living without power and everything is anything but normal. I am very blessed to have had power since 9/15. Living so close to the Galleria helped matters apparently because the shopping giant was open 2 days after the storm. I don't know, it's really hard to tell the rhyme or reason to what is going on.

My family is still without power and the lack of electricity, crammed living space, and the small fortune they are spending on gas for the generators is wearing on them emotionally and physically. I continue to pray and do all I can to be there for them but I know it is still hard. Hopefully the weekend will bring nice weather AND restored power to many.

"THE" dress

Well much to my surprise, I have found THE wedding dress of my dreams. I'm convinced that it is perfect for me and is exactly what I had always imagined. It completely took me off guard that I had that feeling of "just knowing" when I saw myself in the mirror, but I did! It is a great feeling and I'm so hapy to have that behind me now. Of course the dress had to be ordered and won't be in for another 4 months but that's ok by me... The dress has actually been discontinued and as fate would have it, the warehouse listed 2 in stock. One of which was my exact size and color! Woohoo!!!

Side note on the size...the consultant ordered me a SMALLER size because she said the one I tried on was just too big. I almost kissed her... LOL, it's the little things!

Interesting "how to"

Most everyone has seen and/or used Wikipedia by now. Although it is written by everyday users, some of the information is very helpful. However, the "how to" section leaves much to be desired. For a good laugh, just randomly select a subject and browse through the many, many how to lists.

My personal favorite today was: How to be Laid Back

http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Laid-Back

I didn't think being "laid back" required instructions...but to some, I guess it does. :)

Nuns???

I live in Houston (a cultural melting pot supposedly) and rarely do I see strange things that make me go hmmmmmmmm. But lately on my way to work, I've been seeing a nun. Yes a nun. She is always standing at a Metro bus stop dressed in a solid white habit. The first couple of times that I saw her, I thought maybe it was a nurse uniform. After a closer look (I actually changed lanes to see her) I confirmed that she was indeed a nun.

So this raised several questions:

#1) Where does this nun live?
#2) Are there more nuns close by? Do they share a house/apartment?
#3) What kind of job does she have that she takes the bus?
#4) Why is her habit white and not black/white?

I'm not Catholic so I don't know much about nuns, priests, etc, but I just thought it was a strange occurence to see on my way to work periodically. Maybe one day I'll pull over and just ask...

Wet weekend

This past weekend my Aunt and her 3 kids came down from the small east Texas town, Center, and we went to Schlitterbahn Galveston. I've been wanting to go for a while now, ever since it opened actually and never made it until Saturday. Man was it wet...duh right? Well it was especially wet since it RAINED on us the entire time we were there. I was pretty bummed about it but the kids didn't really miss a beat and since we were at a waterpark anyway...what difference did it really make? On the other hand, I must be getting old because my feet were killing me by the end of the day and on Sunday I was having some serious muscle pains in my chest/shoulder area. I can only imagine that pain was caused by us trying desperately to hold on to the other kids' tubes while we floated on the "lazy river". BTW, it's not very "lazy" if you are trying to hold on to kiddos the whole time...it's more work actually. Nevertheless, we had a great time in spite of the rain and I look forward to going back...

Anniversay date

Yesterday Scott took me to the Aquarium Downtown. About a year ago, we met for our second date and spent a rainy day walking around. I was completely taken aback that he knew so much about all the fish and/or habitats. Why I was surprised is a little stupid since he has a Wildlife and Fisheries Science degree for A&M. At any rate, it was a good way to end the weekend with talks of what we each thought of the other person a year ago. It was the end of my date a year ago that had me calling my mom saying I was going to marry Scott....and yesterday, I still felt good knowing that my initial reaction to him was true. I can't believe I got this one right on the money. How blessed am I???

Wedding plans

So far after being engaged for less than 3 weeks, we've set the date, booked the venue and retained a photographer. Yea for being organized!!!

We have set a date for April 4, 2009 at htp://www.burkeshireplantation.com/. The pictures on the website don't really do it justice because the property AND the house are absolutely gorgeous. The director was more than courteous and helpful which makes for a less stressful process. I can't wait to see it all come together.

The only major decision I'll be making is about my dress. I plan to shop for that around October. Not to my surprise, bridal salons request anywhere between 4-6 months for order and delivery. Oh joy...as if a bride really wants to be on pins and needles for that long.

I'll keep you posted as things progress but all in all, the planning is going very smoothly and I couldn't be happier.