Funny How Most Of Our Weekends Involve Beer

Would you like to see photos of Thomas and I and our friends drinking German beer, eating German food, and omm-pop-popping our asses off? OF COURSE YOU WOULD!!

Addison, Texas Oktoberfest 2009!

I'm not even kidding you, that was a fabulous way to spend the Saturday before we head out to Vegas. And this photo?



KILLS ME! Every.single.time.I.see.it. Best picture in the history of EVAR. It's not only the fact that these two are wearing authentic German hats and drinking authentic German beer IN TEXAS but also that the hats? THEY MATCH THEIR SHIRTS. It was totally by coincidence that it happened too. Trust me on this one.

I also find it humorous that most of our pictures are of ourselves and the people we are with totally camera whoring it up and not of actual scenery or, in this case, old white men with funny accents in short pants and suspenders. Oops.

We're Almost There

Everything is done. The planning, the shopping, and the waiting. It won't be long now and we'll be off to Las Vegas. Off to meet our friends and family and off to begin our lives together as a married couple.

I plan to cherish every moment in Vegas. Look around, take it all in, and remember being there. Sure there will be video and pictures (LOTS of pictures) but the memories we keep with us are the most precious. The memories that cannot be captured in still photos.

I am marrying my best friend, the man that I love. Surrounded by people who love us. It's all so gushy and sickeningly sweet, but it's the truth. Next Saturday I will take a vow, a promise, to be the best partner in life that I can be. I look forward to making that promise and I also look forward to living that promise every day in every way that I can.

VIII

Where we were on this day 8 years ago is irrelevant. What we were doing and how we felt is insignificant. The event itself is bigger than all of us who watched it from afar.

Whether you hated the terrorists for what they did or rolled your eyes at the patriotism that followed, in the end it doesn't matter. It still happened.

Who you voted for or what theories you choose to believe is not something we need to talk about.

Be quiet. Be still.

Remember that no matter what you think or feel people, innocent people, died. They died doing the exact same thing you might do. Going to work, talking on the phone in your cubicle, sitting on a plane.

Today isn't about waiving your flag and telling your story. Today is about stopping, if only for a moment, and not focusing on yourself and your feelings but thinking of those who no longer have that luxury.

Two Weeks Notice

We are officially two full weeks from being in Vegas and I am absolutely AMAZED at how time has flown. It seems like only yesterday Thomas and I announced we were engaged and then decided the when and where of the occasion. I knew all the way back in May that September would be here before I knew it.

Everything is done. The shopping, the alterations, the food, music, plans. DONE. Now we wait. We wait to board our flight and we wait to make our way down the aisle. I am giddy beyond belief and I cannot wait to see everyone. I miss my family and I miss my friends. I am so very grateful they will all be there to share in our joyous day.

It won't be long now...

Hard Work Does Pay Off...Eventually

I swear I'm not writing this to brag. Even though it's my blog and totally my prerogative to do so, that's not me. I am writing this as a reminder to myself of how good I feel today. How much healthier I am now. And one day when I'm feeling down on myself I can look back and see what I've accomplished. No matter how much I pout or put myself down, that at some point I hit a milestone.

Yesterday, I bought a clothing size yesterday that I haven't worn in 10 years.

TEN! YEARS!

Friday evening I picked up The Dress from the alteration shop. I stepped into it and it zipped right up. Snug in the waist and not much breathing room but I'm in it. Three months ago I couldn't do that. A month ago I barely got it zipped. Today, it fits. Next month? I'd at least like to be able to get a little more wiggle room in it. Enough so that I'll be able to actually enjoy the post-wedding meal we've got planned without needing the jaws of life to get me out of the dress afterwards.

Thomas and I went shopping over the weekend. This wasn't just your everyday pick up this and that window shopping bullshit. OH NO. This was a heavy duty, hit every store in a 50 mile radius, make your credit card company think your card's been jacked, weep when the bill comes in kind of shopping. Both of us needed new clothes and not just because of Vegas, but because nothing fit anymore. I tried on dresses yesterday and felt so girly. I tried on pants and shorts and skirts and shirts and bought almost everything that fit. I deserved a day like that.

I am embracing this current size but at the same time I look forward to getting down to the next one. While I am proud of what I've accomplished so far I have to keep going. To prove to myself that I can be better, be healthier, and reach my goal.

Time Flies When You're Actually Enjoying Life

I'm not dead.

30 days to go until we leave for Vegas.

32 days to go until I marry this...



And I couldn't be any happier.

44 Days To Go And We've Got Gifts!

Thomas and I were in agreement when we first began planning our wedding that we would not be registering for gifts anywhere. We wouldn't ask for money, or fine china, or even a set of salt and pepper shakers. We were happy in the knowledge that we would be surrounded by the people we love the most at our wedding and they were kind enough to spend their hard earned money to go all the way to Vegas. However, some people just like sending gifts and I certainly won't turn down a perfectly good present.



Two heart pillows and beautiful picture from my Godmother and very awesome bride/groom luggage tags from The Princess.