I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are enjoying New Years! I certainly enjoyed myself, but was left with a bad cold. I am three days into a four-day vacation so I'm hopeful that by the time I go back to work on Wednesday my health will return. Now I'm hopped up on cold medicine, so I apologize if this post doesn't always make sense or written with my normal flare!
Anyway... Santa was good to me this year! I got a new stereo for my iPod and my parents gave me pearls! They should look great with my wedding dress. Eli gave me three books and I think you can get a good idea of how people view you by the books they give you. And Eli has me down to a T, which is good! Here's what he got me:
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. This appeals to my side that is interested in world events and how those events affect the day-to-day lives of normal people. The journalist in me, so to speak.
In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner. Perhaps my favorite chick lit writer, I love me some fluff! After writing about crime all day, I like coming home to read books that are light hearted and in the end the girl always gets the guy.
The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank. I'm really excited to read this one. It's about a woman's journey to self discovery in relationships, work and self. I love these types of books. It appeals to the side of me that critically looks within.
Overall he did pretty good, huh?
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Got the dress, got some jewels...
I picked up my wedding dress today! It's now in the closet and I hope Eli doesn't take a peak. It's just as beautiful as I remember. I also picked up a necklace to go with. Now I just have to find some shoes...
Aside from wedding plans, a lot has been going on. Holidays are upon us, which means that I haven't seen Eli in a month because the restaurant is crazy! That's good, but it would be nice to see my fiance. At least will get a whole week together in Mexico next month!
Oh what about Mexico, you say? Well Eli's stepdad is taking all of us to Mexico. There will be 12 of us there to an all inclusive!!! I'm marrying into the right family I think. I plan on sitting in the sun, reading a lot of books and drinking free alcohol!!
Sounds great, no?
Aside from wedding plans, a lot has been going on. Holidays are upon us, which means that I haven't seen Eli in a month because the restaurant is crazy! That's good, but it would be nice to see my fiance. At least will get a whole week together in Mexico next month!
Oh what about Mexico, you say? Well Eli's stepdad is taking all of us to Mexico. There will be 12 of us there to an all inclusive!!! I'm marrying into the right family I think. I plan on sitting in the sun, reading a lot of books and drinking free alcohol!!
Sounds great, no?
Thursday, November 29, 2007
The dress!
I found my wedding dress!!! I'm so excited about it. It's beautiful. And white. I know, but it's not a traditional poof ball. And the way I'm going to style it, it will be rock.
I got it at a boutique in Minneapolis. This place brings designers from the east and west coasts to the Midwest.
Oh and I got it off the rack, so it was a steal of a price. I probably shouldn't talk about how much it cost but I'm so proud of the deal! It's a $3,000 dress and we paid $800! Nice.
It was the third dress I tried on. And I have to give Kris credit, because she found the boutique. It was great because we were the only ones there. The saleswoman was super nice and let us do our thing and answered questions. They had a ton of great dresses, too. I knew as I slipped it on that it was the one. It fit perfectly, I'll just have to get it hemmed and take in the shoulders a bit.
It was exactly what I pictured!
Things are coming off quite well. I'm getting things settled with the DJ and then we should be done for a bit. Then it's flowers, bridesmaids dresses, tuxes, etc.
I got it at a boutique in Minneapolis. This place brings designers from the east and west coasts to the Midwest.
Oh and I got it off the rack, so it was a steal of a price. I probably shouldn't talk about how much it cost but I'm so proud of the deal! It's a $3,000 dress and we paid $800! Nice.
It was the third dress I tried on. And I have to give Kris credit, because she found the boutique. It was great because we were the only ones there. The saleswoman was super nice and let us do our thing and answered questions. They had a ton of great dresses, too. I knew as I slipped it on that it was the one. It fit perfectly, I'll just have to get it hemmed and take in the shoulders a bit.
It was exactly what I pictured!
Things are coming off quite well. I'm getting things settled with the DJ and then we should be done for a bit. Then it's flowers, bridesmaids dresses, tuxes, etc.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Smile!
There are certain things that I care a lot about when it comes to this wedding. And there are other things that I don't care so much about. One of those things are engagement pictures.
I'm not really sure why you have to have engagement pictures taken, but you do. You send them to your local paper where employees openly laugh at the dumb poses and think "How did that guy get a hot girl like that?" I know this to be true.
So Eli and I went and got our photos taken as tradition dictates, figuring we could get Christmas presents out of them. We went to a place that would be fast and cheap: Sears.
Of course we did the cheesy poses and showed off the ring. I probably should have gotten a manicure or painted my nails. But I didn't think that far ahead. Here's what we got. Feel free to laugh and mock.
How funny is this one? You can tell I'm trying not to laugh and my hand is all weird. I'm trying hard not to make it one of THOSE poses:
Insert corny love song from the 80s here... 
I actually like this one.
Now the best for last. We took solo pictures. Apparently we may have wanted to get a collage, via 1976. You know what I'm talking about, the photo of the woman thinking dreamily and then in the corner is a photo of the couple. So great.
Eli looks cute in this one, but it's still funny.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
101 Things About Me
So this has nothing to do with weddings, but Jaci did this cool thing on her blog by posting 101 things about herself. I thought I'd give it a whirl...
1. I like to be constantly busy during the week and do nothing on the weekends.
2. I see my fiance maybe five hours a week because he works CONSTANTLY.
3. I tend to get cranky.
4. If I don't eat every three hours I get dizzy, cranky and can't concentrate.
5. The more I get to know my best friend, the more she reminds me of my sister.
6. I have an obsession with magazines and have five subscriptions, though I manage to find ones to buy on the news stands.
7. I wish I lived in Finland.
8. Instead of hunting for a wedding dress, I always thought I'd be hunting for my second job by now.
9. Nothing makes me happier than giggling with Eli.
10. I only have patience for kids under the age of 6.
11. I don't understand teenage boys.
12. I'm marrying a man who has 6 brothers and two sisters.
13. I'm ridiculously close with my cousins on my dad's side even though we only see each other maybe once a year.
14. I don't understand why people scrapbook.
15. I secretly wish I could be a clothing designer.
16. I wish I made $10,000 more a year.
17. I judge people with dirty houses.
18. Although I always have clutter, I hate dirt and grime.
19. I love to swim.
20. I'm really not into sports, but I like that it gives Eli and I something to do together.
21. I hate that Eli gets so worked up and yells at refs/officials/umps at sporting events.
22. I could live off of fries and ice cream.
23. I think people lie about how much sex they have.
24. I was born on the cusp of Virgo and Leo and have traits of both.
25. I'm usually selfish, but have found a giving side to me when it comes to Eli.
26. I'm completely in love, but not gross about it.
27. I hate public displays of affection.
28. I love movies.
29. I thought high school was going to be like the Breakfast Club, but it turned out to be more like Daria.
30. I went to Lilith Fair. Twice.
31. I used to know every band and every song within the first notes played.
32. I love Minnesota Public Radio.
33. It doesn't make me uncomfortable to see you cry.
34. I don't lie.
35. I tell people how wonderful they are, but I also tell them when they've disappointed me.
36. I want my mom to be proud of me.
37. My dad is the funniest person I know.
38. I love dogs, but don't want to clean up after one.
39. I like going to the gym and workout four or five times a week.
40. I want to be physically strong.
41. I think skinny people look sickly.
42. I have no idea how parents of young children do it.
43. I like my in laws.
44. I've been learning sign language in order to communicate with some of my in laws.
45. My great grandma lived to 101.
46. I've written so many stories about people dying unexpectedly that I cherish life more.
47. I like a glass of wine or beer, but don't like drunkenness.
48. I think people who get drunk are reckless.
49. I don't like all of Eli's friends.
50. I like my parents and wish I could see them more.
51. I wish I had the money to travel.
52. I knew Eli was the one because together we feel like a family.
53. I love my job.
54. This is harder than I thought.
55. I'm currently reading a book about prohibition in Stearns County, where I live.
56. The book is really interesting.
57. I hate people who try too hard.
58. I believe that nothing is black and white.
59. I'm all for spirituality, but organized religion makes me uncomfortable.
60. I have the best grandparents in the world.
61. When I was little I played with Barbies and had three huge boxes of Barbie stuff.
62. I don't like talking on the phone.
63. I love to e-mail.
64. It makes me sick to watch rich people on "reality TV" spend money without care when so many people can't afford health insurance.
65. I don't know if I'll stay in journalism once I have kids.
66. My dream is for Eli and I to own a successful restaurant.
67. I love movies from the 1980s.
68. My friends are way cooler than me.
69. I'd rather stay home on a Saturday night than go out.
70. I love to gossip.
71. I worry that my love of gossiping is going to bite me in the butt.
72. I love a good cuddle.
73. I'm crazy about Christmas and decorate my whole house.
74. I love holiday tradition.
75. I love playing cards with my family.
76. I'm going to Mexico in January.
77. I use Chapstick all the time and actually use up the whole tube.
78. I love Vaseline lotion.
79. I wash my face every morning and night like clock work.
80. I'm predictable.
81. I follow routines.
82. I don't have many female friends.
83. But the women who are my friends are those who I admire.
84. I enjoy being around men, and not because I'm a flirt.
85. I don't believe in tearing down other women to make myself feel better.
86. I got to sleep every night at 11:15 and wake up at 7:30.
87. There are three full bookcases of books in my house.
88. We have an extensive collection of DVDs.
89. We actually watch those DVDs.
90. I was in dance when I was little.
91. I played soccer growing up.
92. I wasn't good at either one (90, 91).
93. I was the chubby girl growing up.
94. That had a profound influence on who I am today (93).
95. I know my children will look like mini Elis.
96. On our first date, I thought Eli was 19. He was 25.
97. I hate seafood.
98. I think I could be stylish if I had more money.
99. I used to have an eyebrow piercing.
100. The only time I've made my mom speechless was when I came home with that piercing.
101. I'm not that smart, but I sure can fake it!
There I'm done! Maybe you learned something...
1. I like to be constantly busy during the week and do nothing on the weekends.
2. I see my fiance maybe five hours a week because he works CONSTANTLY.
3. I tend to get cranky.
4. If I don't eat every three hours I get dizzy, cranky and can't concentrate.
5. The more I get to know my best friend, the more she reminds me of my sister.
6. I have an obsession with magazines and have five subscriptions, though I manage to find ones to buy on the news stands.
7. I wish I lived in Finland.
8. Instead of hunting for a wedding dress, I always thought I'd be hunting for my second job by now.
9. Nothing makes me happier than giggling with Eli.
10. I only have patience for kids under the age of 6.
11. I don't understand teenage boys.
12. I'm marrying a man who has 6 brothers and two sisters.
13. I'm ridiculously close with my cousins on my dad's side even though we only see each other maybe once a year.
14. I don't understand why people scrapbook.
15. I secretly wish I could be a clothing designer.
16. I wish I made $10,000 more a year.
17. I judge people with dirty houses.
18. Although I always have clutter, I hate dirt and grime.
19. I love to swim.
20. I'm really not into sports, but I like that it gives Eli and I something to do together.
21. I hate that Eli gets so worked up and yells at refs/officials/umps at sporting events.
22. I could live off of fries and ice cream.
23. I think people lie about how much sex they have.
24. I was born on the cusp of Virgo and Leo and have traits of both.
25. I'm usually selfish, but have found a giving side to me when it comes to Eli.
26. I'm completely in love, but not gross about it.
27. I hate public displays of affection.
28. I love movies.
29. I thought high school was going to be like the Breakfast Club, but it turned out to be more like Daria.
30. I went to Lilith Fair. Twice.
31. I used to know every band and every song within the first notes played.
32. I love Minnesota Public Radio.
33. It doesn't make me uncomfortable to see you cry.
34. I don't lie.
35. I tell people how wonderful they are, but I also tell them when they've disappointed me.
36. I want my mom to be proud of me.
37. My dad is the funniest person I know.
38. I love dogs, but don't want to clean up after one.
39. I like going to the gym and workout four or five times a week.
40. I want to be physically strong.
41. I think skinny people look sickly.
42. I have no idea how parents of young children do it.
43. I like my in laws.
44. I've been learning sign language in order to communicate with some of my in laws.
45. My great grandma lived to 101.
46. I've written so many stories about people dying unexpectedly that I cherish life more.
47. I like a glass of wine or beer, but don't like drunkenness.
48. I think people who get drunk are reckless.
49. I don't like all of Eli's friends.
50. I like my parents and wish I could see them more.
51. I wish I had the money to travel.
52. I knew Eli was the one because together we feel like a family.
53. I love my job.
54. This is harder than I thought.
55. I'm currently reading a book about prohibition in Stearns County, where I live.
56. The book is really interesting.
57. I hate people who try too hard.
58. I believe that nothing is black and white.
59. I'm all for spirituality, but organized religion makes me uncomfortable.
60. I have the best grandparents in the world.
61. When I was little I played with Barbies and had three huge boxes of Barbie stuff.
62. I don't like talking on the phone.
63. I love to e-mail.
64. It makes me sick to watch rich people on "reality TV" spend money without care when so many people can't afford health insurance.
65. I don't know if I'll stay in journalism once I have kids.
66. My dream is for Eli and I to own a successful restaurant.
67. I love movies from the 1980s.
68. My friends are way cooler than me.
69. I'd rather stay home on a Saturday night than go out.
70. I love to gossip.
71. I worry that my love of gossiping is going to bite me in the butt.
72. I love a good cuddle.
73. I'm crazy about Christmas and decorate my whole house.
74. I love holiday tradition.
75. I love playing cards with my family.
76. I'm going to Mexico in January.
77. I use Chapstick all the time and actually use up the whole tube.
78. I love Vaseline lotion.
79. I wash my face every morning and night like clock work.
80. I'm predictable.
81. I follow routines.
82. I don't have many female friends.
83. But the women who are my friends are those who I admire.
84. I enjoy being around men, and not because I'm a flirt.
85. I don't believe in tearing down other women to make myself feel better.
86. I got to sleep every night at 11:15 and wake up at 7:30.
87. There are three full bookcases of books in my house.
88. We have an extensive collection of DVDs.
89. We actually watch those DVDs.
90. I was in dance when I was little.
91. I played soccer growing up.
92. I wasn't good at either one (90, 91).
93. I was the chubby girl growing up.
94. That had a profound influence on who I am today (93).
95. I know my children will look like mini Elis.
96. On our first date, I thought Eli was 19. He was 25.
97. I hate seafood.
98. I think I could be stylish if I had more money.
99. I used to have an eyebrow piercing.
100. The only time I've made my mom speechless was when I came home with that piercing.
101. I'm not that smart, but I sure can fake it!
There I'm done! Maybe you learned something...
Sunday, November 11, 2007
It's coming together
I'm watching Steel Magnolias right now. I'll have to turn it before it gets too sad, but it's the beginning with the wedding scene. Man I'm so making my bridesmaids wear dresses that look like cotton candy and hats that match!! So great! Now I just need to have about a dozen more bridesmaids and it can be just like the movie!
Kidding aside, wedding plans are going great. We officially have all the majors done: Ceremony and reception site, caterer (the tasting is in February), officiant and now we have a DJ. We're using the same guy who DJed my sister's and cousin's weddings. He did a good job and doesn't cost a ton. I hear he likes to hit on the ladies at receptions, even though he's married. So watch out girls! The only person I'm really worried about is Eli's younger sister Brittany. But the groomsmen and ushers have generously offered to keep an eye on her...
That reminds me that Eli has asked two of his friends to be ushers. They are Pat and Andy. They both have known Eli forever.
But I'm so happy to have all the major decisions made. Now it's the fun stuff, like dresses and flowers. The day after Thanksgiving we're going to go check out a couple more dress shops and hopefully I'll make my final decision on a wedding dress. Woohoo!
My mom was teasing me, though, on how I have very strong opinions on some things and have no opinions on others. And the things I don't care about I just want her to handle! Why should I waste my energy on something like, for instance, center pieces, when I couldn't care less? Oh well.
Kidding aside, wedding plans are going great. We officially have all the majors done: Ceremony and reception site, caterer (the tasting is in February), officiant and now we have a DJ. We're using the same guy who DJed my sister's and cousin's weddings. He did a good job and doesn't cost a ton. I hear he likes to hit on the ladies at receptions, even though he's married. So watch out girls! The only person I'm really worried about is Eli's younger sister Brittany. But the groomsmen and ushers have generously offered to keep an eye on her...
That reminds me that Eli has asked two of his friends to be ushers. They are Pat and Andy. They both have known Eli forever.
But I'm so happy to have all the major decisions made. Now it's the fun stuff, like dresses and flowers. The day after Thanksgiving we're going to go check out a couple more dress shops and hopefully I'll make my final decision on a wedding dress. Woohoo!
My mom was teasing me, though, on how I have very strong opinions on some things and have no opinions on others. And the things I don't care about I just want her to handle! Why should I waste my energy on something like, for instance, center pieces, when I couldn't care less? Oh well.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
About that dress...
So sorry about the long wait between posts. Things have been crazy at work and I always think of a million other things to do on the weekend. So anyway, here's what I've been up to...
We went wedding dress shopping last weekend! I was nervous that I would get stressed out, but it wasn't too bad. I went with my mom and sister.
I think that for most women, shopping for their wedding dress is the highlight of their lives. They've looked forward to it since they were girls and have a definite image of what that would be.
With me, not so much.
At the first place we went, the woman helping us was great. She listened to me and was patient.
The second place we went to sucked. The woman didn't listen to me and kept bringing me all the wrong dresses. And the gaggle of women who came with the other brides was too much. Who needs 12 people along to look at dresses? Too many opinions.
As many of you know, I really wanted a non-white dress. I just hate how every bride looks exactly alike. And a princess gown just isn't me.
So I looked at dresses in different colors and, well, they were either really ugly or too bridesmaid-y. We even went to Macy's to find a nice party dress or something, but that didn't work out.
But I tried on some white dresses that I actually like. They are still non traditional, no big ball gown for me. And I found one that I really liked!
The day after Thanksgiving we're going to a couple other stores just because we have time to keep looking. By the end of the day I should have a gown!
In other news, Eli's mom brought over a bunch of photos of him as a little kid. I wanted them for the slide show for the reception. I haven't really seen too many pictures of Eli when he was younger, so it was pretty fun. Once I get our scanner/printer/copier up and running I'll post some! He's too cute!
We went wedding dress shopping last weekend! I was nervous that I would get stressed out, but it wasn't too bad. I went with my mom and sister.
I think that for most women, shopping for their wedding dress is the highlight of their lives. They've looked forward to it since they were girls and have a definite image of what that would be.
With me, not so much.
At the first place we went, the woman helping us was great. She listened to me and was patient.
The second place we went to sucked. The woman didn't listen to me and kept bringing me all the wrong dresses. And the gaggle of women who came with the other brides was too much. Who needs 12 people along to look at dresses? Too many opinions.
As many of you know, I really wanted a non-white dress. I just hate how every bride looks exactly alike. And a princess gown just isn't me.
So I looked at dresses in different colors and, well, they were either really ugly or too bridesmaid-y. We even went to Macy's to find a nice party dress or something, but that didn't work out.
But I tried on some white dresses that I actually like. They are still non traditional, no big ball gown for me. And I found one that I really liked!
The day after Thanksgiving we're going to a couple other stores just because we have time to keep looking. By the end of the day I should have a gown!
In other news, Eli's mom brought over a bunch of photos of him as a little kid. I wanted them for the slide show for the reception. I haven't really seen too many pictures of Eli when he was younger, so it was pretty fun. Once I get our scanner/printer/copier up and running I'll post some! He's too cute!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Multiple choice, your marriage is doomed... or is it?
For those of you who have never gotten married before, there is this test you have to take. It's not really a pass/fail kind of thing. More like a "Here's what you have to work on."
But the questions are ridiculous. Things like "I am shit and can't do anything." Okay, that's not what it says, but some of them seem to want to find out if you're depressed. Very odd.
It also asks about your family background and knowing where you will be financially once married. As Eli said "Poor, but not dirt poor."
The family background part was pretty interesting. I never really thought before how different Eli and I were raised. Eli is second of eight kids that he grew up with (he has a half-brother who lives with his dad). His house was always filled with activities (ask him about playing drug wars as a kid). I on the other hand am two of two and spent most of my teen years as an only child because my sister is four years older than me. She was in college my entire high school career.
Which means I'm selfish and Eli's used to giving in! Ha! Actually I think there may be an ounce of truth in that, isn't that terrible?
I'm anxious to see what the results are. My guess is that we'll score high on spending time together, but will likely need to talk about finances and raising kids. I'll let you know!
Eli's scared that it's going to show that we aren't compatible or something. I'm worried what the pastor is going to say about the spirituality scores. Eli and I are on the same page, but in our belief that organized religion isn't for us.
In other news we're going dress shopping this weekend! I'm pretty excited about that :)
But the questions are ridiculous. Things like "I am shit and can't do anything." Okay, that's not what it says, but some of them seem to want to find out if you're depressed. Very odd.
It also asks about your family background and knowing where you will be financially once married. As Eli said "Poor, but not dirt poor."
The family background part was pretty interesting. I never really thought before how different Eli and I were raised. Eli is second of eight kids that he grew up with (he has a half-brother who lives with his dad). His house was always filled with activities (ask him about playing drug wars as a kid). I on the other hand am two of two and spent most of my teen years as an only child because my sister is four years older than me. She was in college my entire high school career.
Which means I'm selfish and Eli's used to giving in! Ha! Actually I think there may be an ounce of truth in that, isn't that terrible?
I'm anxious to see what the results are. My guess is that we'll score high on spending time together, but will likely need to talk about finances and raising kids. I'll let you know!
Eli's scared that it's going to show that we aren't compatible or something. I'm worried what the pastor is going to say about the spirituality scores. Eli and I are on the same page, but in our belief that organized religion isn't for us.
In other news we're going dress shopping this weekend! I'm pretty excited about that :)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Meet the groomsmen...
Eli has made his selections on who will stand next to him on our wedding day. Obviously they're his friends so I only know them a bit. But I know they all mean a lot to him and will be a lot of fun on the wedding day! So here they are:
Best man: Mike. He's Eli's best friend and they've known each other since middle school. Mike is a bit of a goofball but he's a genuinely nice guy. He's also hysterical so prepare for a great toast!
Groomsman: Cory. He's Eli's brother in law and Jaci's husband (please see the "Meet the maids" entry). Eli says he and Cory are "pretty much the same person." Obviously these two mean a lot to us if they're both in our wedding!
Groomsman: Greg. He's been Eli's friend for longer than he can really remember. They play hockey and disc golf together. And I'm sure they have gotten into their fair share of trouble together.
So there's the rest of the wedding party!
Next on our list is meeting with the pastor who is marrying us. We have to take a marriage test to see if there are any issues we still need to discuss... Should be interesting.
Best man: Mike. He's Eli's best friend and they've known each other since middle school. Mike is a bit of a goofball but he's a genuinely nice guy. He's also hysterical so prepare for a great toast!
Groomsman: Cory. He's Eli's brother in law and Jaci's husband (please see the "Meet the maids" entry). Eli says he and Cory are "pretty much the same person." Obviously these two mean a lot to us if they're both in our wedding!
Groomsman: Greg. He's been Eli's friend for longer than he can really remember. They play hockey and disc golf together. And I'm sure they have gotten into their fair share of trouble together.
So there's the rest of the wedding party!
Next on our list is meeting with the pastor who is marrying us. We have to take a marriage test to see if there are any issues we still need to discuss... Should be interesting.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
I'm a little stressed
I have a feeling that I will have sequals to this post.
Anyway I'm a little stressed. With all the planning, thinking of money and taking care of day to day things (keeping the house up, work, etc.) I'm a little overwhelmed. Eli works about 14 hours a day Monday through Friday so I'm pretty much on my own with planning. He wants to be involved, but can't make all the phone calls and research that I can do in the morning before I go to work (or at work when things are slow :) )
Then I decided that I want to get our engagement photos taken before Christmas so we can give them as gifts. So add that to the list. Not to mention having to ask for money from Eli's dad for the wedding- very stressful.
Then yesterday while chatting with my sister I decide it would be so fun to have a dinner with the wedding party to thank them for being a part of the day!
Blah. I always do this to myself. Try to do everything at once.
Eli reminded me last night that we're at a really good spot for having a year left to plan. We have a ceremony and reception spot. A caterer and cake maker picked out. The officiant. The wedding party. I'm going dress shopping at the end of the month.
Right now eloping sounds good. And I'm only a month into planning. Help.
Anyway I'm a little stressed. With all the planning, thinking of money and taking care of day to day things (keeping the house up, work, etc.) I'm a little overwhelmed. Eli works about 14 hours a day Monday through Friday so I'm pretty much on my own with planning. He wants to be involved, but can't make all the phone calls and research that I can do in the morning before I go to work (or at work when things are slow :) )
Then I decided that I want to get our engagement photos taken before Christmas so we can give them as gifts. So add that to the list. Not to mention having to ask for money from Eli's dad for the wedding- very stressful.
Then yesterday while chatting with my sister I decide it would be so fun to have a dinner with the wedding party to thank them for being a part of the day!
Blah. I always do this to myself. Try to do everything at once.
Eli reminded me last night that we're at a really good spot for having a year left to plan. We have a ceremony and reception spot. A caterer and cake maker picked out. The officiant. The wedding party. I'm going dress shopping at the end of the month.
Right now eloping sounds good. And I'm only a month into planning. Help.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Meet the maids
So after much thought I have selected my bridesmaids. In the last couple of weeks I've asked each of them to be a part of my wedding and thankfully they all said yes.
I'm proud to say that I have a crew of smart, funny, incredible women who will be standing next to me on my wedding day. They're each fabulous and are important to me now and in the future. They are:
Maitron of honor: Kris, my sister. She's always been there for me and will be there in the future. She's also my only sibling! She's not afraid of the dirty work- like picking out flowers or which color I should choose for invitations. As maitron of honor she will be the one to deal with my freakouts as the wedding stress mounts. Good think she's used to it :)
Bridesmaid: Britt, my best friend (aside from Eli, of course). We've known each other since college and she's the other half of the Two Most Rock Chicks Ever. I'm lucky to have a best friend like her, she knows me and never judges. She's all around awesome.
Bridesmaid: Jaci, Eli's sister. We've only known each other a short time but I'm comfortable saying she's one of the coolest ladies I know! Her laid-back style will be a welcome on the wedding day. She also seems to have that whole working-mom thing down, and you have to respect that!
So there they are! The ladies who will make my wedding experience fun, keep me sane and be there to celebrate. I'm glad they're up to the challenge!
I'm proud to say that I have a crew of smart, funny, incredible women who will be standing next to me on my wedding day. They're each fabulous and are important to me now and in the future. They are:
Maitron of honor: Kris, my sister. She's always been there for me and will be there in the future. She's also my only sibling! She's not afraid of the dirty work- like picking out flowers or which color I should choose for invitations. As maitron of honor she will be the one to deal with my freakouts as the wedding stress mounts. Good think she's used to it :)
Bridesmaid: Britt, my best friend (aside from Eli, of course). We've known each other since college and she's the other half of the Two Most Rock Chicks Ever. I'm lucky to have a best friend like her, she knows me and never judges. She's all around awesome.
Bridesmaid: Jaci, Eli's sister. We've only known each other a short time but I'm comfortable saying she's one of the coolest ladies I know! Her laid-back style will be a welcome on the wedding day. She also seems to have that whole working-mom thing down, and you have to respect that!
So there they are! The ladies who will make my wedding experience fun, keep me sane and be there to celebrate. I'm glad they're up to the challenge!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Hi, my name is...
Deciding whether to say yes when Eli proposed wasn't really even a question. In fact, I think I said "Of course I will marry you!" instead of just "yes." That was the easy decision, the no brainer.
But there was a bigger decision that I had to make- whether to change my last name and take Eli's. I never in a million years thought I would ever change my name. As a writer, my byline is so important to my career. I also have always thought it odd that a woman always had to take her future husband's last name. It seemed like giving up her identity and taking on her new and only identity, being a wife.
And I never was going to give up my identity for a man!
But... love makes you do crazy things right?
So deciding to take Eli's name, to become Mrs. Kari Stenman (Mrs.? What?) was really huge for me. But I made the decision on my own for my own reasons, not because that's just what a woman does.
For those of you who don't know, Eli has a different last name from his parents. His parents divorced when he was very young and both changed their last names in the years that followed. Long stories for both so I won't go into it here.
Anyway, Eli and his brother kept the last name Stenman, but grew up in a family who all had his stepdad's last name. For Eli, it is important that he raises his kids in a family where everyone has the same last name, where everyone is in one family unit.
The more I thought about it, the more I agreed. Granted nowadays plenty of kids have different last names from at least one parent. But I wanted something better than that.
See Eli and I aren't just getting married, we're taking the first step to being a family. I know that sounds cheesy, but it's true. And part of me felt like I was holding back on something by keeping my last name. Like I wasn't fully committing or something.
So I decided to make the change. To tell Eli, I ordered note cards that said "Elijah & Kari Stenman" on them. I was really nervous, it was like proposing back to him!
Being so great, Eli realized how big of a decision it was for me and was excited that I decided to take his last name!
Now I just have to practice my new signature!
But there was a bigger decision that I had to make- whether to change my last name and take Eli's. I never in a million years thought I would ever change my name. As a writer, my byline is so important to my career. I also have always thought it odd that a woman always had to take her future husband's last name. It seemed like giving up her identity and taking on her new and only identity, being a wife.
And I never was going to give up my identity for a man!
But... love makes you do crazy things right?
So deciding to take Eli's name, to become Mrs. Kari Stenman (Mrs.? What?) was really huge for me. But I made the decision on my own for my own reasons, not because that's just what a woman does.
For those of you who don't know, Eli has a different last name from his parents. His parents divorced when he was very young and both changed their last names in the years that followed. Long stories for both so I won't go into it here.
Anyway, Eli and his brother kept the last name Stenman, but grew up in a family who all had his stepdad's last name. For Eli, it is important that he raises his kids in a family where everyone has the same last name, where everyone is in one family unit.
The more I thought about it, the more I agreed. Granted nowadays plenty of kids have different last names from at least one parent. But I wanted something better than that.
See Eli and I aren't just getting married, we're taking the first step to being a family. I know that sounds cheesy, but it's true. And part of me felt like I was holding back on something by keeping my last name. Like I wasn't fully committing or something.
So I decided to make the change. To tell Eli, I ordered note cards that said "Elijah & Kari Stenman" on them. I was really nervous, it was like proposing back to him!
Being so great, Eli realized how big of a decision it was for me and was excited that I decided to take his last name!
Now I just have to practice my new signature!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Have you seen my engagement ring?
No, seriously. Have you? Cause for awhile no one seemed to know where it was...
My first (and hopefully last) wedding horror story:
I went to take my engagement and wedding rings to the jewelers to get them sized down. Well, since it takes more than a week to do I had it all planned out so I could pick them up last Friday. I was seeing family and friends that weekend and wanted to show off my new bling.
So I go to pick them up on Friday and the jeweler is fumbling around with the paper work, making phone calls, searching on his computer... and saying nothing to me or even looking at me.
I knew something was wrong.
I asked the jeweler if he lost the rings and he goes "Just temporarily..." and gets a really nervous look on his face. My face falls and I feel the tears prickling my eyes.
I was so upset. The jeweler asked me if I had other shopping to do and I said I would go see my fiance, cause Eli's restaurant is just around the corner.
So I go see Eli and am trying to maintain my composure but the tears are coming fast. I go to the bathroom to calm down, but of course that doesn't work. So I went and told Eli that he had to deal with it cause I didn't want to be the crying girl in the jewelery store. Sure I may have gotten some sort of appeasement deal, but I do have some dignity.
Eli talked to the guy and found out that they put an "incomplete address" on the package to mail it to the guy who does the sizing. So my rings have been sitting at UPS for a week!!! WTF?
I was so mad. Doesn't anyone put return addresses on packages anymore?
They said they would size the rings and have them back early next week. So I call on Tuesday to see if my rings are in and the guy who answers the phone goes "No, and I really have no way of ever knowing when they will be in." What???
Now I was pissed. I call Eli and he goes and talks to the guy who sold him the ring (not the guy on the phone). This guy tells him that the guy who answered the phone doesn't know what he's talking about and that my rings were coming in that afternoon.
So I went to pick them up yesterday and got a really nice apology from the guy who actually messed it up. Which I really appreciated.
But as I was wearing my ring at work it kept slipping around and I thought "Crap, did they even size this thing?" So I was freaking out about that and that after everything the ring didn't get sized.
I went back to the jeweler and he showed me that, yes, the ring was the right size but my fingers probably shrunk cause it was so cold.
So long story short my engagement ring is now on my finger, it's the right size and I got an apology.
But, man, what a joke!
My first (and hopefully last) wedding horror story:
I went to take my engagement and wedding rings to the jewelers to get them sized down. Well, since it takes more than a week to do I had it all planned out so I could pick them up last Friday. I was seeing family and friends that weekend and wanted to show off my new bling.
So I go to pick them up on Friday and the jeweler is fumbling around with the paper work, making phone calls, searching on his computer... and saying nothing to me or even looking at me.
I knew something was wrong.
I asked the jeweler if he lost the rings and he goes "Just temporarily..." and gets a really nervous look on his face. My face falls and I feel the tears prickling my eyes.
I was so upset. The jeweler asked me if I had other shopping to do and I said I would go see my fiance, cause Eli's restaurant is just around the corner.
So I go see Eli and am trying to maintain my composure but the tears are coming fast. I go to the bathroom to calm down, but of course that doesn't work. So I went and told Eli that he had to deal with it cause I didn't want to be the crying girl in the jewelery store. Sure I may have gotten some sort of appeasement deal, but I do have some dignity.
Eli talked to the guy and found out that they put an "incomplete address" on the package to mail it to the guy who does the sizing. So my rings have been sitting at UPS for a week!!! WTF?
I was so mad. Doesn't anyone put return addresses on packages anymore?
They said they would size the rings and have them back early next week. So I call on Tuesday to see if my rings are in and the guy who answers the phone goes "No, and I really have no way of ever knowing when they will be in." What???
Now I was pissed. I call Eli and he goes and talks to the guy who sold him the ring (not the guy on the phone). This guy tells him that the guy who answered the phone doesn't know what he's talking about and that my rings were coming in that afternoon.
So I went to pick them up yesterday and got a really nice apology from the guy who actually messed it up. Which I really appreciated.
But as I was wearing my ring at work it kept slipping around and I thought "Crap, did they even size this thing?" So I was freaking out about that and that after everything the ring didn't get sized.
I went back to the jeweler and he showed me that, yes, the ring was the right size but my fingers probably shrunk cause it was so cold.
So long story short my engagement ring is now on my finger, it's the right size and I got an apology.
But, man, what a joke!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Save the date!
So we have made the big decision: We have set a date and gotten a place to have our wedding! We are getting married Oct. 18, 2008 at the St. Paul Hotel! I'm so excited :) The spot is beautiful and in a great area of St. Paul. The package is perfect for us. Should be a lot of fun!
Now that we have that part settled, we can focus on the fun part. Now it's about picking out a cake, food, buying a dress, etc.
Now that we have that part settled, we can focus on the fun part. Now it's about picking out a cake, food, buying a dress, etc.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Your place or mine?
First, I would just like to say I spent 15 minutes trying to figure out how to put a link into my post. I went through all the help sections of blogger. Only now did I realize that there was that handy tool button thingy at the top of the page.
Really I'm not a moron. Just maybe a dumbass.
Anyway, wedding planning is in full force. I spent $70 on wedding books this weekend alone (dumb, I know, but see above). But first things first, where and when are we going to have this thing??
We want to get married in the fall. The colors are naturally beautiful out and fall is my favorite time of year.
So this weekend we're going to see two sites and we're completely torn on which to pick.
On Friday we're seeing the McNamara Alumni Center, http://www.alumnicenter.umn.edu/, which is beautiful. The architecture alone is fantastic! Think of the photos!
On Saturday we're going to look at the St. Paul Hotel, http://www.saintpaulhotel.com, which is also beautiful. You also get more bang for your buck by getting the cake, an hour for open bar and other services included in the price.
I'm not really sure what we're going to do. We have dates reserved for both. I'll let you know how it goes, though!
Really I'm not a moron. Just maybe a dumbass.
Anyway, wedding planning is in full force. I spent $70 on wedding books this weekend alone (dumb, I know, but see above). But first things first, where and when are we going to have this thing??
We want to get married in the fall. The colors are naturally beautiful out and fall is my favorite time of year.
So this weekend we're going to see two sites and we're completely torn on which to pick.
On Friday we're seeing the McNamara Alumni Center, http://www.alumnicenter.umn.edu/, which is beautiful. The architecture alone is fantastic! Think of the photos!
On Saturday we're going to look at the St. Paul Hotel, http://www.saintpaulhotel.com, which is also beautiful. You also get more bang for your buck by getting the cake, an hour for open bar and other services included in the price.
I'm not really sure what we're going to do. We have dates reserved for both. I'll let you know how it goes, though!
Monday, September 17, 2007
The proposal
There's the bling! So here's how I got it:
It was our 18 month anniversary and I went and had dinner with Eli at his work (he co-owns a resturaunt in case you didn't know). I jokingly asked him where my present was and he laughed and said "I don't know." We moved on in conversation and I forgot about it.
So that night he came home and I was watching LA Ink (which is totally awesome btw). Funny enough my phone rang and it was Britt. Eli gave me a look like "Oh, crap, don't get on the phone" so I quickly wrapped up my conversation. He went and took a shower like normal.
So Eli came out of the bathroom and asked me if I wanted ice cream. I said yes and he disappeared, I wasn't really paying attention. A few minutes later he comes up and has his hands behind his back. He pulled out a bear and said it was a present for me. I got excited and then he said that it comes with something else.
He then pulled out this little box and I though "oh my gosh this is it!" And he proposed! It completely caught me by surprise!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Story of us
So I thought I should start at the beginning with Eli and I. Here we are, aren't we cute? Also note the picture of the Boss in the background!
So Eli and I started dating about 18 months ago. We met over a burrito bar; he was the cook and I was a regular. Apparently he noticed me and figured out who I was. He found me on MySpace and sent me a message. I still have it...
"Hey... My name is Eli, I work at Bravo's and I think I may have seen you there before, I also saw you in the Up Next, so I thought I would say hey whats up?"
My sister says he pursued me. But my thought when I got that first message? Hello, stalker.
Anyway, we exchanged a few e-mails and decided to go on a date. Our first date was great and lasted more than eight hours talking!
So needless to say, things worked out. We've been living in sin for a year now.
What can I say about Eli? He's the sweetest, nicest, silliest guy I know!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Ready or not, here I come.
So here's me. This is after Eli and I had had two dates. Britt (my best friend) and I were in New York City visiting our friend Andrew.
Anyway, for those of you tuning in this blog is basically going to be all about my pending wedding. I'm recently engaged to Eli and now have to plan the big day, as they say.
But I'm not exactly a traditionalist- by a long shot. I have a tough time with some of the symbolism in weddings. White dress? Who am I kidding? Dad walking me down the aisle to hand me off to Eli? Better get my dowry in order too.
So anyway, this wedding is going to be a little different. Tune in for regular updates about what's going on and how the planning is going. Please be patient, though, cause I'm still trying to figure out how to use blogger. (Note the blog's title).
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