Oh, you noticed? Yes, yes, I am in the middle of a little blog facelift. I had the idea to change just a couple of things tonight and, of course, once I got started I just couldn't stop (i.e. couldn't even if I wanted to due to complete computer incompetency and taking hours to shrink a photo I didn't end up using, but whatever).
It is still in progress.
For now, it is what it is. Thanks for being understanding and non-judgemental while I finish.
Tonight, I closed the door on my old aparment. "Old apartment?" you ask. "Didn't she move months ago?"
Well, yes. But tonight I went back to pick up a couple of things and clean the fridge. Alone in the cavernous space was all fine and well, but once it was time to really shut the door, I felt a sense of...completion. There are most definitely seasons to life and that was made very clear to me as I left the building with my husband and was going to our home. What a feeling. I can be pretty sentimental, you know. And usually the closing of chapters really gets me, but not this time. This time all I knew was that was then and this is now. All I can see is forward, this new path that I am on and completely ready for. It proved to me that I am farther along than I thought I was in this whole "getting-married-and-starting-a-life-together" thing.
Bring it on.
November 1, 2010
October 29, 2010
Falling slowly...
Autumn is in full force, friends, and I couldn't be happier. Kenny probably didn't know he married a homebody, but I am thoroughly enjoying being in our warm home, lighting candles, and drinking hot chocolate. Oh- and I am taking up baking. Suddenly, since using my Kitchenaid a few times for banana bread and cookies, all I want to do is find fun recipes and bake. If you need something, I will bake it for you.
I know. I. Know.
Have not come far on the cooking front, however, and don't see that changing anytime soon. I begrudgingly made stew the other night and meatloaf the night before and I plan on riding the credit for those out for at least another week. I'm great at "making dinner," a.k.a. reheating and making the table look pretty.
On another note, I am now 27 years old. I would like to stress that normally I would not point out my age in a post, but this one deserves some attention because it has grabbed mine. Suddenly, I woke up and was 27, I swear. Now I know this isn't true, but all I remember is turning 21, going to the Irish Emmigrant on the Ave and, once home, having a long talk with my sober roommate about how I really appreciated this neighbor of mine named Kenny Soldano, but still would not admit how much I liked him. :)
And then I must have been sleeping through any more aging until BAM- I am 27. It just hit me. There's nothing wrong with it, of course, and I plan on keepin' on just like I have, but it's definitely "no excuses" time.
I'm pushing 30, friends.
I know. I. Know.
Have not come far on the cooking front, however, and don't see that changing anytime soon. I begrudgingly made stew the other night and meatloaf the night before and I plan on riding the credit for those out for at least another week. I'm great at "making dinner," a.k.a. reheating and making the table look pretty.
On another note, I am now 27 years old. I would like to stress that normally I would not point out my age in a post, but this one deserves some attention because it has grabbed mine. Suddenly, I woke up and was 27, I swear. Now I know this isn't true, but all I remember is turning 21, going to the Irish Emmigrant on the Ave and, once home, having a long talk with my sober roommate about how I really appreciated this neighbor of mine named Kenny Soldano, but still would not admit how much I liked him. :)
And then I must have been sleeping through any more aging until BAM- I am 27. It just hit me. There's nothing wrong with it, of course, and I plan on keepin' on just like I have, but it's definitely "no excuses" time.
I'm pushing 30, friends.
October 21, 2010
For Now
Here's my theory- posting a couple of photos forces me to smash through the proverbial "picture posting block" that I have been experiencing for over a month now and gradually introduces me to the valuable skills of discernment and selectiveness. Plus, it's a fun little taste. :)
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| Just us. |
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| One of the best moments that day- and meaninful photos |
October 14, 2010
A Larson Lost
You know, this period of settling in has been great. At first, boxes were everywhere, his stuff was meshing with mine (i.e. we were giving a lot of his away...), and we were facing loads of potential in this little house we call home. And I have enjoyed setting stuff up and seeing it come together, little by little.
But considering for most of my adult life I have only had to worry about decorating a little room with pictures of my friends and maybe contributing a couple of candles to the common living space shared with roommates, this is a big leap.
Martha must be out of town 'cause I've been trying to channel her for weeks.
The trouble is patience. That, my friends, is not a revelation. I am just so darn IMPATIENT. I want it all DONE. YESTERDAY. Once I buy something, I want it outoftheboxandputinitsspotrightthen.
But our little place has been coming along quite nicely. It actually feels like home.
On another note, I have officially changed my name. No longer a Larson, I am legally a Soldano. After sitting at the DOL long enough to panic, thinking "Gosh darnit,Natalie- why didn't you take any time to consider Larson-Soldano, for crying out loud," it was done and it was right.
I don't think that fact has quite settled in me yet. I don't feel or look any different. I haven't really had time to think about how I am now a part of Kenny more than ever, that our children will never be Larsons, and that the Natalie Anne Larson Of Old was once a toe-headed girl who loved purple and jungle green, collected Polly Pockets, and wore stirrup pants.
...and that girl is no more (well hallelujah- why wouldn't you want to leave that uncool girl behind, you ask?). ;) Now I am Natalie Anne Soldano, part of a new family and filling the new role of wife. I haven't had to introduce myself yet or sign a receipt, so those will probably be the kickers.
And let's be real- this Soldano will always be a Larson. :)
But considering for most of my adult life I have only had to worry about decorating a little room with pictures of my friends and maybe contributing a couple of candles to the common living space shared with roommates, this is a big leap.
Martha must be out of town 'cause I've been trying to channel her for weeks.
The trouble is patience. That, my friends, is not a revelation. I am just so darn IMPATIENT. I want it all DONE. YESTERDAY. Once I buy something, I want it outoftheboxandputinitsspotrightthen.
But our little place has been coming along quite nicely. It actually feels like home.
On another note, I have officially changed my name. No longer a Larson, I am legally a Soldano. After sitting at the DOL long enough to panic, thinking "Gosh darnit,Natalie- why didn't you take any time to consider Larson-Soldano, for crying out loud," it was done and it was right.
I don't think that fact has quite settled in me yet. I don't feel or look any different. I haven't really had time to think about how I am now a part of Kenny more than ever, that our children will never be Larsons, and that the Natalie Anne Larson Of Old was once a toe-headed girl who loved purple and jungle green, collected Polly Pockets, and wore stirrup pants.
...and that girl is no more (well hallelujah- why wouldn't you want to leave that uncool girl behind, you ask?). ;) Now I am Natalie Anne Soldano, part of a new family and filling the new role of wife. I haven't had to introduce myself yet or sign a receipt, so those will probably be the kickers.
And let's be real- this Soldano will always be a Larson. :)
September 27, 2010
Reviews
The wedding is over? Oddly, yes.
You have debriefed and put everything wedding related into a box for the shed? Yup.
Things are relatively settled and normal life has begun? Mm-hmm.
Vendors want you to fill out client evaluations about your experience? Well, oka-ay, Sounds Unlimited.
Watch out, DJ Russ- you have no idea what's coming to you. You think it's been over a month and you haven't heard from Bride Soldano, so you sit back and let out that breath you've been holding since you crossed your fingers and went into the Soldano/Larson wedding unprepared and only armed with a tux and minimal charm. "She must have either forgotten or loved me," you think to yourself as you mix a poor track of "SexyBack" and "At Last."
Neither, my friend. I am sorry to break it to you, but I am no fool. I would never waste this opportunity to formally declare how disappointed I was. And the month that has passed has had quite the opposite affect on me- the memory has not faded, as you would assume. Instead, it has become GLARINGLY CLEAR that YOU were the ONE obvious stain on the day, and that was known as soon as the gal in the big white dress had to look up at you on your stage and yell "CUT IT", complete with hand motion, when you tried to play "Friends in Low Places" or whatever it's called (sorry Garth Fans, but I have never liked country in my life). You couldn't be bothered to even look at, let alone bring, the request sheet the couple toiled over for you? Nice. You thought it was a shocking mistake that they didn't want "Love Shack" when the Maid of Honor had to break this to you at the reception when you were about to play it (thank you, Jennifer!) since you didn't look at the "Do Not Play" list, either? Awesome. SO GLAD technology worked in our favor and our electronic submissions of these requests made it into your hands. Whether due to the company's neglect or yours, it does not matter. You will hear about it, Russ. And if you walk away remembering no other words from the evaluation, remember this one- "stressor." It is as good as a scarlet "S" on your tux when YOU are the one to stress out the bride. Big No No. Don't they teach you that in DJ School?
Okay, so a total modification of this post was actually sent to the company- a little less ranting and raving and a bit more professional jargon that will hopefully catch the attention of the right person. If I save one bride from Russ, my work here is done. ;) A word to the wise- if your DJ does not contact you until two days before the wedding- run. If this is only due to your initiation and then you learn he has called the wrong person multiple times trying to get ahold of you- run away quickly. And if he makes any comments alluding to music you wouldn't have touch your wedding with a ten foot pole- get out and stock up your IPod, friend. It's worth it.
On the other hand, everyone else got glowing reviews.
(Ha- now that you've seen "scathing," imagine "glowing"). :)
You have debriefed and put everything wedding related into a box for the shed? Yup.
Things are relatively settled and normal life has begun? Mm-hmm.
Vendors want you to fill out client evaluations about your experience? Well, oka-ay, Sounds Unlimited.
Watch out, DJ Russ- you have no idea what's coming to you. You think it's been over a month and you haven't heard from Bride Soldano, so you sit back and let out that breath you've been holding since you crossed your fingers and went into the Soldano/Larson wedding unprepared and only armed with a tux and minimal charm. "She must have either forgotten or loved me," you think to yourself as you mix a poor track of "SexyBack" and "At Last."
Neither, my friend. I am sorry to break it to you, but I am no fool. I would never waste this opportunity to formally declare how disappointed I was. And the month that has passed has had quite the opposite affect on me- the memory has not faded, as you would assume. Instead, it has become GLARINGLY CLEAR that YOU were the ONE obvious stain on the day, and that was known as soon as the gal in the big white dress had to look up at you on your stage and yell "CUT IT", complete with hand motion, when you tried to play "Friends in Low Places" or whatever it's called (sorry Garth Fans, but I have never liked country in my life). You couldn't be bothered to even look at, let alone bring, the request sheet the couple toiled over for you? Nice. You thought it was a shocking mistake that they didn't want "Love Shack" when the Maid of Honor had to break this to you at the reception when you were about to play it (thank you, Jennifer!) since you didn't look at the "Do Not Play" list, either? Awesome. SO GLAD technology worked in our favor and our electronic submissions of these requests made it into your hands. Whether due to the company's neglect or yours, it does not matter. You will hear about it, Russ. And if you walk away remembering no other words from the evaluation, remember this one- "stressor." It is as good as a scarlet "S" on your tux when YOU are the one to stress out the bride. Big No No. Don't they teach you that in DJ School?
Okay, so a total modification of this post was actually sent to the company- a little less ranting and raving and a bit more professional jargon that will hopefully catch the attention of the right person. If I save one bride from Russ, my work here is done. ;) A word to the wise- if your DJ does not contact you until two days before the wedding- run. If this is only due to your initiation and then you learn he has called the wrong person multiple times trying to get ahold of you- run away quickly. And if he makes any comments alluding to music you wouldn't have touch your wedding with a ten foot pole- get out and stock up your IPod, friend. It's worth it.
On the other hand, everyone else got glowing reviews.
(Ha- now that you've seen "scathing," imagine "glowing"). :)
September 20, 2010
Let them eat SOUP!
Having a particular aversion to the kitchen for about 27 years now, I have much experience in the art of frozen dinners and spaghetti. However, I now have a husband who eats enough for a table of four and a frozen Marie Calendar isn't going to cut it. Using a beginner swimmer analogy, I have decided to "get my feet wet" by "wading in" with soup. That's right- I am very excited about making soup. We were given our entire set of pots and pans, thus I am very excited to find use of the 15 gallon pot. Okay, maybe it's not that big, but it's BIG.
Soup. Of course. Autumn is here (my favorite), soup is cozy, you get to eat bread with it (my favorite), and what can go wrong when you throw it all in and let it simmer? SO that's my big plan. We "dove in" with chili, moved on to baked potato soup, and then made minestrone. Not too shabby. So far, so goooood.
A few other observations I would like to share in regards to now living with a boy.
*I stare amazed every time I actually watch a shirt go from its hanger in the closet to his body and miraculously end up with dirt on it. This, of course, is followed by a conversation that goes something like this:
Natalie, staring: " How did that get there?", pointing at lines of dirt now decorating his chest.
Kenny, staring: "What?"
Natalie, emphatically pointing.
Kenny, staring: "Oh. Huh. Dunno." as he walks away.
How does it not bother him?
*Spending an evening eating leftover soup and watching the Discovery Channel, "Hallelujah Broadway" on Ch. 12, or any number of VHS movies we haven't seen in awhile is fabulous. "Poor Time" is going well so far.
*Our definitions of things are different, such as "clean," "empty," "finished," "relax" and "garbage." But the best one is "enough." What I need to have "enough" food is definitely Kenny just getting started. But I've known that for six years.
*I have married someone who will pick me up from work, help me close the shop, help make dinner, help cleanup, and massage my feet all, in one evening. I got me a CATCH!
Overall, the transition has been lovely. As weird as it had every right to be, it's been great and completely non-weird. I appreciate having lived out what God promised- to bless a union sanctioned by Him and enjoy what He is so happy to pour out.
OH- and we got WEDDING PHOTOS that are gorgeous and help me remember the beauty of the day instead of the stress! If I could recommend anything, it would be GET A GOOD PHOTOGRAPHER. You've probably heard that already, but it's totally worth it. I am so thankful to have quality images that bring back the fun and love. Yay!
More on that later.
Soup. Of course. Autumn is here (my favorite), soup is cozy, you get to eat bread with it (my favorite), and what can go wrong when you throw it all in and let it simmer? SO that's my big plan. We "dove in" with chili, moved on to baked potato soup, and then made minestrone. Not too shabby. So far, so goooood.
A few other observations I would like to share in regards to now living with a boy.
*I stare amazed every time I actually watch a shirt go from its hanger in the closet to his body and miraculously end up with dirt on it. This, of course, is followed by a conversation that goes something like this:
Natalie, staring: " How did that get there?", pointing at lines of dirt now decorating his chest.
Kenny, staring: "What?"
Natalie, emphatically pointing.
Kenny, staring: "Oh. Huh. Dunno." as he walks away.
How does it not bother him?
*Spending an evening eating leftover soup and watching the Discovery Channel, "Hallelujah Broadway" on Ch. 12, or any number of VHS movies we haven't seen in awhile is fabulous. "Poor Time" is going well so far.
*Our definitions of things are different, such as "clean," "empty," "finished," "relax" and "garbage." But the best one is "enough." What I need to have "enough" food is definitely Kenny just getting started. But I've known that for six years.
*I have married someone who will pick me up from work, help me close the shop, help make dinner, help cleanup, and massage my feet all, in one evening. I got me a CATCH!
Overall, the transition has been lovely. As weird as it had every right to be, it's been great and completely non-weird. I appreciate having lived out what God promised- to bless a union sanctioned by Him and enjoy what He is so happy to pour out.
OH- and we got WEDDING PHOTOS that are gorgeous and help me remember the beauty of the day instead of the stress! If I could recommend anything, it would be GET A GOOD PHOTOGRAPHER. You've probably heard that already, but it's totally worth it. I am so thankful to have quality images that bring back the fun and love. Yay!
More on that later.
September 14, 2010
Home again, Home again, Jiggity Jig.
Hey everyone! I'd like to start off by saying that I actually began this entry over a week ago when we first got back from the honeymoon, but found myself launched into a crazy house and the real world before I could press "Publish Post". But let's press on.
To those faithfull readers out there who still think to themselves as they sit down to their desk/laptop, "Hm- I wonder what some of Natalie's thoughts are this morning," thank you. I am guessing that most folks assume that since the wedding is over, there will be no more blog.
I don't go down so easily.
First of all, the fact that the wedding has come and gone, as has the honeymoon, will take some adjustment. Wait, I don't have to refer to my Wedding Day Master List fifeen times today? My mind isn't swirling with cake then woodchips then food then seating then music, wash/rinse/repeat? It is a nice feeling, but has taken some getting used to. Having been swept away suddenly in a cherry red Camero and off to a tropical island with a new husband for two weeks was insane all by itself, let alone the fact that a WEDDING happened that needed debriefing.
I agree that there's no way to know what it feels like until you experience it. As much as you prepare, make calls, pay people, give orders, it's gonna be ridiculously crazy on an emotional/physical/mental/spiritual level.
And trying to take it all in is like trying to catch water in your hands- some is going to slip through the cracks. I firmly believe that as soon as cloning is allowed on people, the first thing they need to do it duplicate brides. Thank you!
At this point, I am straddling the line between the wedding still fresh in my mind/sad it's over and remembering it fondly with chuckles and warm hearts. I do a little of both sometimes. :)
But for the most part, here are the Top Thoughts and Feelings:
* I am filled with gratitude toward everyone involved, everyone who came, all the love we felt.
* I felt pretty
* It was all very beautiful, I think (will have to wait for photos!)
* The ceremony was just as we imagined it and where we felt no stress, no anxiety, and knew that's exactly where we were supposed to be. It was lovely. :)
* I am more in love with Kenny than ever. If it's possible after six years, I feel more comfortable and happy with every day. We can't get over the fact that at the end of the day, we're not...leaving... ha!
* And finally- we did it. We're married! By golly, FINALLY!
PLENTY more ruminating to come. And I would love to include a pic or two, but can't seem to save them right from Facebook. Once I have photos of my own, consider it done!
Love.
To those faithfull readers out there who still think to themselves as they sit down to their desk/laptop, "Hm- I wonder what some of Natalie's thoughts are this morning," thank you. I am guessing that most folks assume that since the wedding is over, there will be no more blog.
I don't go down so easily.
First of all, the fact that the wedding has come and gone, as has the honeymoon, will take some adjustment. Wait, I don't have to refer to my Wedding Day Master List fifeen times today? My mind isn't swirling with cake then woodchips then food then seating then music, wash/rinse/repeat? It is a nice feeling, but has taken some getting used to. Having been swept away suddenly in a cherry red Camero and off to a tropical island with a new husband for two weeks was insane all by itself, let alone the fact that a WEDDING happened that needed debriefing.
I agree that there's no way to know what it feels like until you experience it. As much as you prepare, make calls, pay people, give orders, it's gonna be ridiculously crazy on an emotional/physical/mental/spiritual level.
And trying to take it all in is like trying to catch water in your hands- some is going to slip through the cracks. I firmly believe that as soon as cloning is allowed on people, the first thing they need to do it duplicate brides. Thank you!
At this point, I am straddling the line between the wedding still fresh in my mind/sad it's over and remembering it fondly with chuckles and warm hearts. I do a little of both sometimes. :)
But for the most part, here are the Top Thoughts and Feelings:
* I am filled with gratitude toward everyone involved, everyone who came, all the love we felt.
* I felt pretty
* It was all very beautiful, I think (will have to wait for photos!)
* The ceremony was just as we imagined it and where we felt no stress, no anxiety, and knew that's exactly where we were supposed to be. It was lovely. :)
* I am more in love with Kenny than ever. If it's possible after six years, I feel more comfortable and happy with every day. We can't get over the fact that at the end of the day, we're not...leaving... ha!
* And finally- we did it. We're married! By golly, FINALLY!
PLENTY more ruminating to come. And I would love to include a pic or two, but can't seem to save them right from Facebook. Once I have photos of my own, consider it done!
Love.
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