Once again, I open up the darned Knot page, suckered into it by an intriguing article I was tempted to peruse, and there it was- the countdown. 55 days and counting...I looked at Kenny and said, "I need to blog."
We are currently sitting at the home of the Huizars, getting ready to print labels/response cards/directions. It's funny how just when you think you have one thing done, someone asks a question and your hand is forced- you must reply, "No. We don't have that done yet. In fact, we never even thought of it." So let's all pray that what we want done actually gets done today.
In other news, I AM MOVED. No, not emotionally, but physically moved out of my apartment! Holy crap, I can't believe it. In fact, that is also what inspired the need for blogging. My first night in my new house and I had another awful wedding dream. I was recounting it to Kenny in the car and summed it up with, "Well, I just hope that nothing ends up like that. Nothing." That includes the wedding party walking down the aisle to "Hey Ya" by accident, me forgetting to put on any makeup, wearing a mullet wedding dress (short in the front, long in the back- what the HECK), and myself walking down the aisle with a sparkler.
I'll give you a second with all of those horrifying possibilities.
This qualified as a nightmare, folks. I was beyond thankful to wake up and have reality hit me. I awoke in the new house, however, and that was a little strange. I do stress the "little." What's even weirder is that it doesn't feel that strange at all. Even sitting in the living room last night, boxes everywhere, I felt at home. STRANGE, huh? I thought I would feel like a fish out of water, but not at all. We had only been there a total of maybe three times, and not for long, but it just felt right.
Anyway, enough about that. Just wanted to keep you posted (heh, that pun never ceases to make me chuckle) and let you know that there is now a Soldano home base. It feels good. I can now devote an entire corner of the living room to wedding stuff. *lets out deep breath* Let the projects begin!
Feel free to bring by a casserole or festive flowerpot at your leisure. ;)
Finally, to add to our new home, we were able to purchase a coffee table and matching littler table off the side of Aurora from a guy named "Jim" who was shirtless, shoe-less, with a long grey beard. But Kenny got him down to $25 dollars in the end. It needs to be refinished, of course, along with the kitchen table from the Latvian rummage sale, but they look good already. Go figure.
June 28, 2010
June 25, 2010
Just as I predicted...
Bloodshot eyes...wild hair...frazzled nerves...and we're not even done yet. The invitations are printed, and they are cute. Still left are the labels, response cards, and postage. Thanks to the best MOH ever, Jennifer Huizar, who commandeered the whole thing and stayed up WAY past her bedtime to help this lost couple. She gets a ton of best friend points.
Guys, I just have to admit something. All attempted wit and fun times aside, I'm noticing that my enjoyment of these processes has amounted to less and less with each task.
Now that we are under two months, I'm kind of starting to freak out. There is still SO MUCH to do.
Picture this: sleep-deprived Natalie, the afternoon after printing invitations until 1am, lying on her bedroom floor. While staring at the ceiling, tasks flood her mind. One thing after another, every box to check holding the hand of another, skipping through her thoughts, until all that's left to do is.... continue to lie on the floor.
Of course.
Couple that with having to move this weekend, and you have a "ready to snap" Natalie. Fun, huh?
I know I'm supposed to embrace this time and enjoy it, but there are days where I find that challenging. In one breath I can't wait for it to happen so that we can start our lives together and, I swear, in the same breath I know I should be taking in every moment and soaking in this time that we will never get back. Then there's the breath where I still can't believe that we're engaged at all (this is the breath that people probably want to slap- it's going on nine months already!).
Thanks for letting me vent. I'm praying that once I'm passed this weekend and things are moved, I will be in a calmer place. Of course, I'm kinda terrified to move into the house that Kenny and I are going to live in (that's on one hand) and that I'll be living there by myself (chillin' on the other hand).
Until another post...(I swear it'll be more upbeat). :)
Guys, I just have to admit something. All attempted wit and fun times aside, I'm noticing that my enjoyment of these processes has amounted to less and less with each task.
Now that we are under two months, I'm kind of starting to freak out. There is still SO MUCH to do.
Picture this: sleep-deprived Natalie, the afternoon after printing invitations until 1am, lying on her bedroom floor. While staring at the ceiling, tasks flood her mind. One thing after another, every box to check holding the hand of another, skipping through her thoughts, until all that's left to do is.... continue to lie on the floor.
Of course.
Couple that with having to move this weekend, and you have a "ready to snap" Natalie. Fun, huh?
I know I'm supposed to embrace this time and enjoy it, but there are days where I find that challenging. In one breath I can't wait for it to happen so that we can start our lives together and, I swear, in the same breath I know I should be taking in every moment and soaking in this time that we will never get back. Then there's the breath where I still can't believe that we're engaged at all (this is the breath that people probably want to slap- it's going on nine months already!).
Thanks for letting me vent. I'm praying that once I'm passed this weekend and things are moved, I will be in a calmer place. Of course, I'm kinda terrified to move into the house that Kenny and I are going to live in (that's on one hand) and that I'll be living there by myself (chillin' on the other hand).
Until another post...(I swear it'll be more upbeat). :)
June 22, 2010
Ready, Set, Move
As it turns out, I have a few encouraging things of note to report.
First, as children run and wail above me and after a night's sleep narrated by neighbor's BBQing, I am happy to say that we are signing our lease today. Why haven't we already done that, you ask? Well, Phalla (pronounced "Paula") needed some paperwork and it required the use of the postal service and only now are we all able to meet at the house. Tonight, at 5:30pm, we will be house renters. That's right- in a week, I will be inhabiting The Soldano Homestead alone, terrified of night and able to hear my breathing echo until Kenny joins me in August. But, there will be a yard.
Of course, that means actually moving, which is a whole 'nother story. I hate moving. Moving haunts my dreams. Moving peers over my shoulder and snears at my attempt at list-making and prioritizing. Moving screams at the top of its lungs at the mountain of stuff to pack, triggering an avalanche of simultaneous panic and exhaustion before even beginning.
Yet with moving, there's pizza. :)
Prayers for moving. Well, not for Moving. Moving can take a flying leap. Prayers for Natalie relocating in the next few days.
Second, my hair actually has grown. When opening up my blog today, I was able to compare hair length in the photo from October that sits atop the page with my photo with Lynda Lynda.
So there's that.
Our current project is invitations. If when you see me next, my eyes are bloodshot, my hair disheveled, and I demonstrate jumpy behavior, then I've been working on invitations.
The List still has yet to get any smaller, people.
First, as children run and wail above me and after a night's sleep narrated by neighbor's BBQing, I am happy to say that we are signing our lease today. Why haven't we already done that, you ask? Well, Phalla (pronounced "Paula") needed some paperwork and it required the use of the postal service and only now are we all able to meet at the house. Tonight, at 5:30pm, we will be house renters. That's right- in a week, I will be inhabiting The Soldano Homestead alone, terrified of night and able to hear my breathing echo until Kenny joins me in August. But, there will be a yard.
Of course, that means actually moving, which is a whole 'nother story. I hate moving. Moving haunts my dreams. Moving peers over my shoulder and snears at my attempt at list-making and prioritizing. Moving screams at the top of its lungs at the mountain of stuff to pack, triggering an avalanche of simultaneous panic and exhaustion before even beginning.
Yet with moving, there's pizza. :)
Prayers for moving. Well, not for Moving. Moving can take a flying leap. Prayers for Natalie relocating in the next few days.
Second, my hair actually has grown. When opening up my blog today, I was able to compare hair length in the photo from October that sits atop the page with my photo with Lynda Lynda.
So there's that.
Our current project is invitations. If when you see me next, my eyes are bloodshot, my hair disheveled, and I demonstrate jumpy behavior, then I've been working on invitations.
The List still has yet to get any smaller, people.
June 15, 2010
A first!
It's stressful to have that much attention from such important people. My coworker's mom came into Diva that morning and asked, "Do you like to be the center of attention?" to which I replied "not....for long."
What a wonderful thing, though. The fact that there are even people wanting to throw/come to such a function made me feel honored. In the beginning, everyone went around to introduce themselves and say how they knew me. Now THAT was a blessing. Again, the women gathered in one room from different parts of my life made my heart swell.
Opening gifts, however, was just as awkward as I thought it would be. Don't get me wrong- I'm so grateful and couldn't be more thankful for those who gave us such great things, but just the act of sitting there in front of everyone and opening gifts was a bit surreal. But I'm not complaining (I just kept sipping margarita).
You attend plenty of these things in your life, usually as the one sitting back on the couch or going back for thirds through the buffet line, and it's odd when it's for you. I feel truly blessed, everyone. The featured picture is with Lynda Lynda, who made the masterpiece that is my rehearsal bouquet. She was so dilligent and attentive to detail that it turned out to be truly beautiful (except the pic of my isn't so great).
It was also cool to know where everything is going- our house. Big relief to have that figured out.
Sorry to say that it's over. I've been looking forward to it for so long now and it has passed. I hate that. Again- makes me a bit concerned for the wedding day. I hope I don't spend too much time concerned with how fast it is flying by and how it will soon be over.
June 11, 2010
"Done"
It is official- The Soldanos have a house and we couldn't be more thrilled! I waited a couple of days to post it, since until now we have only had Paula's "word," but we have paperwork in our hands and the proverbial ball is rolling. SO exciting! It's strange that it all happened so fast and it's rapidly off our list. One minute, we're barely scratching the surface of the monster that is house hunting and the next thing we know, there's our house. God is good, friends.
All I know is that the feeling was mutual between Kenny and I- this is where we will live. We just knew it. Quite a God moment that sent us skipping down the sidewalk after seeing it. If you're not skipping, then it's not the one. Good rule of thumb. :)
On a self-improvement note, I went to the gym. It was time to stop just talking about it and join. And that's what I did. Well, not without some moments of ridiculousness (of course). I knew it wasn't going to be easy, having to ward off pitches and deals and numbers with samurai skill. And that was just yesterday on the tour.
Today, on the other hand, was a whole different day at the gym. I went in for a free hour of consultation and physical assessment, geared up for some gentle activity and paperwork. Matt, Mr. LA Fitness Man, had other ideas. We began this "circuit" of strength training that was well beyond Natalie's abilities. No, Matt, I wasn't being modest when I said I have no endurance or strength. You wanna run me into the ground just to make sure? I made it through two "sets" of four, when on the third I felt dizzy, with blackness creeping into my eyesight and suddenly Matt's voice didn't sound so close anymore.
Uh-oh.
Well, Natalie, you know what this is. It'll be alright. Just drink water and keep him engaged in conversation while you clear your head and remember how UNcool it would be to pass out on Day 1 at the gym.
Mission accomplished, until I tried the machine. I was able to do one pull-the-thingy-around-the-thing before I knew I was really in trouble. Matt was very understanding after many apologies from me, saying that the final set would probably make me vomit.
"Really?" I asked, curiosity piqued. "What does it look like?" You know, maybe I could do it.
He steps in to demonstrate and as he is pulling the thingy around, just the sight of him makes me nauseous and lightheaded once more and I knew we were done. This he couldn't know, of course, so as he kept chatting, I slowly lowered my head and attempted to be as involved in the conversation as possible.
Not a great showing on my part. I realize this.
I could hardly focus the rest of our meeting, having burned through my energy (and pride) reservoir like THAT and just signed up for the damn membership. Matt probably noticed a drastic difference between Ready Rita and Drained Dana. I could have fallen asleep at his desk, though loosing consciousness at that point would have been a bad idea.
Man, I don't care how healthy you think you are. As soon as you walk into a gym, you have bad habits and even the way you breathe needs to be corrected. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration. But I don't smoke, hardly drink, don't even drink soda, indulge in the occasional fatty food, and try to remain fairly active (thinking, "I got this" as I swagger through the doors of LA Fitness) and instead, I leave defeated and ashamed as ever at the lifestyle I lead. I mean, my bad habit is MILK. How bad could it be? Pass-out bad.
No pain, no gain, right? Don't worry- I don't expect to become a whole different person by August. The wedding is merely a butt-kicker to help make happen what I've wanted for so long.
Let's just see where I end up (hopefully not on the floor of LA Fitness).
All I know is that the feeling was mutual between Kenny and I- this is where we will live. We just knew it. Quite a God moment that sent us skipping down the sidewalk after seeing it. If you're not skipping, then it's not the one. Good rule of thumb. :)
On a self-improvement note, I went to the gym. It was time to stop just talking about it and join. And that's what I did. Well, not without some moments of ridiculousness (of course). I knew it wasn't going to be easy, having to ward off pitches and deals and numbers with samurai skill. And that was just yesterday on the tour.
Today, on the other hand, was a whole different day at the gym. I went in for a free hour of consultation and physical assessment, geared up for some gentle activity and paperwork. Matt, Mr. LA Fitness Man, had other ideas. We began this "circuit" of strength training that was well beyond Natalie's abilities. No, Matt, I wasn't being modest when I said I have no endurance or strength. You wanna run me into the ground just to make sure? I made it through two "sets" of four, when on the third I felt dizzy, with blackness creeping into my eyesight and suddenly Matt's voice didn't sound so close anymore.
Uh-oh.
Well, Natalie, you know what this is. It'll be alright. Just drink water and keep him engaged in conversation while you clear your head and remember how UNcool it would be to pass out on Day 1 at the gym.
Mission accomplished, until I tried the machine. I was able to do one pull-the-thingy-around-the-thing before I knew I was really in trouble. Matt was very understanding after many apologies from me, saying that the final set would probably make me vomit.
"Really?" I asked, curiosity piqued. "What does it look like?" You know, maybe I could do it.
He steps in to demonstrate and as he is pulling the thingy around, just the sight of him makes me nauseous and lightheaded once more and I knew we were done. This he couldn't know, of course, so as he kept chatting, I slowly lowered my head and attempted to be as involved in the conversation as possible.
Not a great showing on my part. I realize this.
I could hardly focus the rest of our meeting, having burned through my energy (and pride) reservoir like THAT and just signed up for the damn membership. Matt probably noticed a drastic difference between Ready Rita and Drained Dana. I could have fallen asleep at his desk, though loosing consciousness at that point would have been a bad idea.
Man, I don't care how healthy you think you are. As soon as you walk into a gym, you have bad habits and even the way you breathe needs to be corrected. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration. But I don't smoke, hardly drink, don't even drink soda, indulge in the occasional fatty food, and try to remain fairly active (thinking, "I got this" as I swagger through the doors of LA Fitness) and instead, I leave defeated and ashamed as ever at the lifestyle I lead. I mean, my bad habit is MILK. How bad could it be? Pass-out bad.
No pain, no gain, right? Don't worry- I don't expect to become a whole different person by August. The wedding is merely a butt-kicker to help make happen what I've wanted for so long.
Let's just see where I end up (hopefully not on the floor of LA Fitness).
June 8, 2010
Paula
Why am I sitting here writing about it rather than signing a lease right now?
Well. You know us- we can't make any big decisions easily, duh. Even though this house is exactly what we were hoping for, we must endure the necessary talks with wise counsel and talk to death the pros and cons of said house.
The best part of the deal? Paula. Paula is the Asian landloard who is quite short and manic. It's fun to follow Paula around her house as she's crawling down in the vent and/or sticking her head in the oven to exclaim, "I VERY clean!" over and over.
She liked us, too. Apparently we passed her unsaid test of taking our shoes off before coming in the house (it has new carpet) and kept looking at us slyly, like she had found "the ones."
Or maybe I was just imagining that. :)
Prayers for what's next for the future Soldanos!
June 7, 2010
Night-Marry
Yes, another one.
All I remember is it either being pretty darn close to or on the wedding day.
And I forgot the ring. I never grabbed it- I could still picture it resting comfortably in my sock drawer. My heart was pounding out of my chest and I was a beginning to consider running when my faithful MOH, Jennifer, smirked at me and said,"Do you really think I didn't get it?"
*DEEP BREATH OUT*
There were a few other scary moments in yet another bad wedding dream (of this I'm sure, since I woke up in a panic at 6:30am) but lay there and had a calming thought- my betrothed is experiencing the same thing! Kenny told me last week or so that he was having some wedding dreams of his own. Something about not having tuxes and having to call buddies the day-of to scrounge some up. :)
I told him that must mean he should cross "get tuxes" off of is To Do List.
I'm no Joseph, but I think I know what these dreams are getting at- the Boy Scout motto.
Be Prepared.
Lists, lists, and more lists. Let's hope we get our ducks in a row before we're stuck in Snohomish and Kenny's wedding ring is still snuggled up with my socks and underwear.
Our marriage class finished up last week. I can't believe that we went through the eight weeks of it already Just goes to show that time is, in fact, passing quite quickly. It was a very good experience. We all agreed at our last meeting, a potluck, that we were very fortunate to have the group that we did. Quality folks and good discussions. Our mentor couple, Rick and Orleen, were very similar to Kenny and I and they offered much wisdom. She's has been an English teacher for many years (retiring this year, in fact) and Rick was an engineer. You can imagine the parallels in the relationships when talking about expressing feelings and differing interests. :) There were many times when Kenny and I glanced at each other knowingly after they gave an example of how they communicate. It was very valuable.
Now we are house hunting today and getting excited to find that place (which was NOT, in fact, this place on Genesee that had no closets and the W & D were perched outside, under the carport. No).
Wish us luck!
All I remember is it either being pretty darn close to or on the wedding day.
And I forgot the ring. I never grabbed it- I could still picture it resting comfortably in my sock drawer. My heart was pounding out of my chest and I was a beginning to consider running when my faithful MOH, Jennifer, smirked at me and said,"Do you really think I didn't get it?"
*DEEP BREATH OUT*
There were a few other scary moments in yet another bad wedding dream (of this I'm sure, since I woke up in a panic at 6:30am) but lay there and had a calming thought- my betrothed is experiencing the same thing! Kenny told me last week or so that he was having some wedding dreams of his own. Something about not having tuxes and having to call buddies the day-of to scrounge some up. :)
I told him that must mean he should cross "get tuxes" off of is To Do List.
I'm no Joseph, but I think I know what these dreams are getting at- the Boy Scout motto.
Be Prepared.
Lists, lists, and more lists. Let's hope we get our ducks in a row before we're stuck in Snohomish and Kenny's wedding ring is still snuggled up with my socks and underwear.
Our marriage class finished up last week. I can't believe that we went through the eight weeks of it already Just goes to show that time is, in fact, passing quite quickly. It was a very good experience. We all agreed at our last meeting, a potluck, that we were very fortunate to have the group that we did. Quality folks and good discussions. Our mentor couple, Rick and Orleen, were very similar to Kenny and I and they offered much wisdom. She's has been an English teacher for many years (retiring this year, in fact) and Rick was an engineer. You can imagine the parallels in the relationships when talking about expressing feelings and differing interests. :) There were many times when Kenny and I glanced at each other knowingly after they gave an example of how they communicate. It was very valuable.
Now we are house hunting today and getting excited to find that place (which was NOT, in fact, this place on Genesee that had no closets and the W & D were perched outside, under the carport. No).
Wish us luck!
June 3, 2010
Onward
The 3rd of June. And it's a doosey.
Had a great weekend at the Canal with everyone and, boy, did it go too fast. I guess that's what happens when you look forward to something so much, seeing every activity and task accomplished as one step closer to it, that no matter how hard you try to hold on to it, it still slips through your fingers like everything else.
Darnnit.
Makes me wonder what the wedding day will be like...I thought I'd be cool as a cucumber, sitting back with a mimosa to enjoy, but now I think I might freak out- try to grab on to every moment and when I can't, get frustrated.
Well, let's just hope I'm a little bit more mature then.
Can't hold on too tight.
Of course, now that the weekend is behind me, it's "Ready...Set.....PLAN!"
(Won't you be so glad when the marriage-isms are over?) :)
That is the permission I gave my brain at of 8pm Monday night. Memorial Day weekend was officially over and I had been waiting to open the Floodgates of Planning.
Consider it done. It's time to get serious, friends. No more messing around. Believe it or not, a wedding is happening in about two months and stuff must get DONE. Oh- wait, hold on....is that- your phone ringing? It is? Oh yeah, it is me! I need your help!
:)
Had a great weekend at the Canal with everyone and, boy, did it go too fast. I guess that's what happens when you look forward to something so much, seeing every activity and task accomplished as one step closer to it, that no matter how hard you try to hold on to it, it still slips through your fingers like everything else.
Darnnit.
Makes me wonder what the wedding day will be like...I thought I'd be cool as a cucumber, sitting back with a mimosa to enjoy, but now I think I might freak out- try to grab on to every moment and when I can't, get frustrated.
Well, let's just hope I'm a little bit more mature then.
Can't hold on too tight.
Of course, now that the weekend is behind me, it's "Ready...Set.....PLAN!"
(Won't you be so glad when the marriage-isms are over?) :)
That is the permission I gave my brain at of 8pm Monday night. Memorial Day weekend was officially over and I had been waiting to open the Floodgates of Planning.
Consider it done. It's time to get serious, friends. No more messing around. Believe it or not, a wedding is happening in about two months and stuff must get DONE. Oh- wait, hold on....is that- your phone ringing? It is? Oh yeah, it is me! I need your help!
:)
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