317 Days

Honestly it feels like 17 days. I think this is the real reason I wanted to elope and not have a big wedding. Details. Ohhhh the never ending details. What if I pick the wrong centerpiece? What if Drew doesn't decide to give monogrammed Brooks Brothers umbrellas as groomsman gifts like JFK? What if my hair looks more Elizabeth Taylor than Jackie Kennedy? Will people care if they don't get to blow bubbles at us? Should I just get some god damn bubbles?

I know, not everything is going to go perfectly. But that doesn't stop me from losing sleep at night worrying about bridesmaid dresses, or bouquets and bridal party gifts and what kind of suits the boys should wear.

Ugh.

In other news we finally got my ring sized. You know like 3 months later. Turns out I have the tiniest of fingers. Ring size = 4. Thats right 4. Like the size most peoples fingers were when they were 10. Oh well.

I'm hoping to be able to use my mom's wedding band as my own providing they can seperate it from her engagement ring. It's already a size 4. So I guess that explains where I get my small fingered-ness from. Oddly enough of all the details I obssess over the wedding jewlery is not one of them. I could care less. I'd actually rather not wear an engagement ring, it's clunky and obnoxious. Everyone was all "oh I never used to wear jewlery but I don't even notice my engagement ring anymore", well guess what people I still notice and it still drives me nuts. I take it off as soon as I get home and on weekends I often leave the house without it. Not wearing a ring does not make me not engaged. I wish the exchanging of goats or something was still popular. I love goats and would love to have one.

In other news...

My dress is still not here and that makes me sad. Yes it's been less than a week since I ordered it. I still want it here now.

317 days to go.

Cheers,

Marisa

Saying Yes To The Dress

Yesterday was the day. Yesterday was the day I went to get my dress. My wedding dress. I have never been so excited for anything in my life. Honestly I never planned my wedding growing up so I never had a plan or vision in my head from the start, but once we decided to go ahead with a non-elopement and a full wedding my Type A-ness took over and plan, vision was locked down. The vision for my dress: Jackie Kennedy. 

Having done pageants in high school and college, I've worn a wide array of dresses. Spaghetti straps, halters, strapless, sweatheart necklines, and a-lines, mermaid, sheaths and fit and flare cuts. So the only dress that said "bridal" to me was a ball gown. I wanted a simple classic elegant ball gown in organza, tulle, or chiffon. Something that would look light and airy for an outdoor wedding. No laceup back, no pickups, no ruching, and very little bling or appliques. Again, the motto of the day was "think like Jackie O!"

Lucky for me my consultant at The Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul was awesome and also a lover of Jackie and ball gowns. She also did not mind my I know what I want just bring me only these things attitude. I know on Say Yes To The Dress girls go in wanting one thing and ending up with something they thought they didn't want. I am not that girl. 

Drew's mom and my friend Andrea came along and took tons of pictures for me. I tried on some really great dresses with only one dress I just didn't like, and here they are.

This was the first dress I tried and I obviously loved the shape. I did love the skirt too, I really love textured bottoms, but it didn't fit my "what would Jackie do" theme. 

I really loved this dress, it fit perfectly off the rack and it was just beautiful. The skirt was tulle and had beading and appliques similar to those on the skirt of Kate Middleton's dress. However, while beautiful and a ball gown, it still wan't my Jakie O vision. The next dress.....this was the only dress that I just didn't like.

The bodice...not bad. A little more bling than I wanted but it was pretty and classic at least. But that skirt. Ughhhhh that skirt. The tulle would just not lay flat at all. I just envisioned my poor bridesmaids trying to corral it at our outdoor ceremony every time I moved or a little breeze blew. Not a fan. 

Then we tried on my dress. Well not quite my dress as it was the entirely wrong fabric (taffeta. the HORROR) but the neckline was perfect the overall silhouette was perfect, then we added a birdcage hair piece and everyone was sold. I knew it from the moment I saw it on the website that it was the one for me and it was true. It has been ordered and will be arriving in 4-6 months :)

A big thank you to my mom who generously gave me a budget of $1500 for my dress. However, I luckily got my dream dress at a dream price only spending about 1/3 of the budget! Which is good because I just can't imagine spending $1500 on a dress I'm going to only wear once, even if it is my big day. 

So another big thing checked off my list! I'm so excited I can't wait for it to get here. Why does it have to take soooooo long? 

Wedding Cheers,

Marisa

5 Years Ago Today

Normally every February 8th I write a letter to my dad. In my letter I tell him about whats going on in my life, how everyone is doing and most importantly how much I miss him. However this week has been so much tougher than I thought it would be. Not only because of today, but I am up for a job and it's between myself and one other person. Please spare me the whole, "you'll of course get the job" because no matter how much I tell myself that, I know there is a real possibility that I won't get it. And the thought of being such a huge disappointment on this week of all weeks is really more than I can bear right now. 

I don't know if my dad would agree with the decisions I've made, but I know he'd be supportive. I miss that. I miss that the most. Unconditional support. Not that Drew is not supportive but despite my apparent flippant attitude towards family, I wish that I had the kind of family that I could always count on. That I know I could call and they would be there for me no matter what. I suppose I do have that, just not in biological family. I had that with my dad. And I suppose right now more than ever I miss it. 

Whatever the outcome of this job, I'm going to try to stay positive. Runner's up generally go on to win a crown, I should know I've been there before. I'm going to try not to let it ruin my weekend, or let it be a nasty blow to my self esteem. I suppose that's the best any of us can do, and I think my dad would be proud of that attitude. 

Cheers,

Marisa

Moving On Up....Literally.

Oh hi there! Long time no see. So remember that one time like a month ago when I said I had news but couldn't share it just yet? Well now I can. Finally. And can return to blogging. What is the news you ask? Well here it is.

I'm moving to Minneapolis at the end of the month.

We're both really excited and it's so amazing to finally be able to tell everyone. It's going to be a change but a welcome one. I am sad to move away from my friends and (non-biological) family, but I know distance won't ruin our relationship and I can't wait to have visitors in the Twin Cities :) You know once Drew and I find a place with a little more....space. 

HOLY FREAKING BALLS I'M MOVING TO MINNEAPOLIS!!!!!!!!!!!

So how have all of you been? I've missed you all terribly. I can't wait to get back at it and catch up with everyone. 

Twin Cities Cheers!

Marisa

P.S. Bears, Cubs, Blackhawks, Bulls for life. Sorry Minnesota.

Birthmas 2011

Okay finally. Here it is in all it's anti-climatic glory....because someone (me) left their memory card in their laptop and therefore could not take pictures with their camera. EPIC FAIL. However I managed to document a few things with the old Blackberry. And here they are.

Friday night we went out with Drew's brother and his wife to The Melting Pot. I have never experienced fondu before, but as Drew said "it's fonnnn to du it!" so I knew all would be well. It was so delicious I ate so much bread and broccoli covered in cheese. Then there was dessert. Ohhhh the glorious pot of chocolate and all the amazing things you could dip in it. I need a fondu set. Going on the Birthmas list for next year.

Christmas eve day was spent at Target because I forgot how to pack and left some necessities at home, and at Cub Foods to buy groceries for the weekend. We made black bean soup and grilled cheese sandwiches and listened to Christmas music to get in the festive mood before heading to family Christmas. Drew even wanted to wear this sweater.

While I appreciated his holiday spirit...I just could be seen with him like that.

 Now, I've been used to pretty small Christmas gatherings since 2005. Maybe 8 people tops. Prior to that my Christmases consisted of family gatherings at my grandparents house where there were maybe 25 people 30 at most. Drew has 21 first cousins. TWENTY ONE. Add him and his brothers that makes 25 grandchildren. It was overwhelming at first but after the second drink I was a-ok. 

Now on to the gifts!

First up, something I've been pining over at REI for I don't even know how long. And now, they're mine!

No, I have never gone snowshoeing before. However, I love hiking and snow hiking seems like fun. Now we just need some GD snow so I can use these and also use my other gift....

Patagonia snowpants! Despite it being 40 something degrees Christmas Day, I wore these home to Minneapolis. I cant wait to actually use them. 

I also got a Columbia fleece jacket, a North Face half zip fleece, annnndddd....

A flying lesson! Thats right in spring I will get a crash course in flying and actually get to sit in the cockpit and wear my aviators and bomber jacket and only answer to Maverick. 

Christmas evening Drew took me out to dinner to our favorite Indian restaurant (and I do mean favorite) Gandhi Mahal. I ate so much palak paneer I actually thought I was going to puke on the sidewalk. No joke. It really was touch and go there for a while. 

So there you have it. Birthmas 2011! I could not have planned it better myself. Full of food, family and friends and love :)

Cheers!

Marisa

25 Days of Birthmas Day 13: Remembering Dad

By now you've guessed that I love the holidays and my birthday, but there are always a few times when my Christmas spirit completely tanks and I find myself in tears listening to The Christmas Shoes driving home from work. It's at these times when I'm listening to these sad sappy songs that I start thinking about Christmas 2006, and how it was the last Christmas I would have with my Dad.

My parents tried to tell me I didn't need to come home since weather was always iffy and they didn't want me getting stuck and not able to get back to school. But my Dad was finally out of the hospital and I was determined to go home. I can't even tell you what I got that year, I didn't care. All that I cared about was that my Dad was home, and that meant things were on the up and up. I slept with one eye open the entire time I was home waiting for something bad to happen but it never did. Feeling hopeful and confident that all would be well, I headed back to school to start my very last semester of college and begin preparing for Miss Johnson and Jackson County.

Unfortunately I never got to compete in Miss Jackson County. February 8th my Mom called early in the morning to tell me that Daddy had passed away. I remember the shock, but I didn't cry. At first I was angry that I wasn't there. I should have taken a leave of absence from school for a while to be back home. I knew though that Dad would have been angry at me for neglecting school and making a fuss over him. I was then so happy that I had gone home for Christmas and got to spend one more Birthday with my Dad. He made sure that I had everything I could ever need growing up and always supported me no matter how ridiculous my plans. 

So while sometimes the holidays can get me down with a sad song or two, I just remember all the happy holidays we had together and how he didn't judge me and just laughed when  came stumbling home after Christmas at the bars on my 21st Birthday :)

Cheers,

Marisa

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life

Okay, you've asked so I'll tell. I had an amazing time in Minneapolis this weekend. AND I navigated all by myself, the city, 394 and 494 and only once had to bust out "Sorry...I'm from Iowa." Feeling pretty proud of myself. After meeting Drew and his co-worker for lunch we didn't know what to do with our afternoon since we had no plans for the day or evening and it was only 2pm. So we did what anyone would do. Drink beer and go bowling.

(the popcorn was butter herb and parmeasan. Sooo good)

(Drew concentrating real hard)

We had fun and weren't conserned about scores ( I WON) and had a good afternoon.

After bowling we hit up the booze store grocery store for ingredients for inside out lasagna.

(Wine was totally a key ingredient. No really)

This was such an easy recipe and it turned out soooooo awesome. I am craving it right now.

Might have to make that again this week.

Saturday was a bussssyyy day. Started off with touring Drew's work with his grandparents, who were so sweet. Followed by dinner at our favorite Indian restaurant where they have a lunch buffet, and lets just say I'm glad I was wearing leggings. Finally after that we hit up the Walker Art Center.

(Claes Oldenburg!)

(sculpture garden at Walker Art Center)

(Drew growing impatient with my picture taking)

That night we met up with one of Drew's friends for sushi in St. Paul which was amaazzing (again so glad I was wearing leggings!) and I got to see this

Why yes that is the Church of Scientology in St. Paul. Apparently it used to be the children's museum. It is huge. Those scientologists are loaded.

Sunday was brunch with the fam, and it was awesome. His parents are so nice and his mom deserves Mom of the Century or Sainthood or something. Drew is the oldest of 4 boys (thats right FOUR) and his youngest brother is autistic. Yet his mom is the most upbeat, kindhearted person I've ever met. I don't know how she does it. He has some amazing parents. Also she made eggs with Mornigstar Farms "sausage" in it for me. That made me smile :)

So there you have it. My Minneapolis weekend and meeting the fam. Such a great weekend and relocating is becoming less stressful. Now if only someone would give me a job....(hint hint)

Cheers!

Marisa

Title Lyrics: Stevie Wonder "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life"

(Future) Homeward Bound!

I'm heading to Minneapolis today to spend a wonderful weekend with my boy and (gasp!) meet the fam. Keep your fingers crossed for me ;)

We have some really fun things planned, but what I'm really excited for is a trip to the Walker Art Center . Our friends generously gave us tickets they were not able to use the last time they were up there.

(via)

Where this Claes Oldenburg lives

(Oh he's like way famous)

Catch up with you all after the weekend! Hopefully I have some good adventures to post!

And thank you all for your sweet comments, and thank you new commenters and followers. I don't know what I'd do without you guys :)

Cheers!

Marisa

Poverty Expirment 2011

I'm back. Still not 100% due to the crappiest nights sleep, but thats why they invented coffee, red bull and diet coke. Anyways about the title. My friend and I have decided that it's about that time to maybe be an adult and pay off our debts. This came about not long after I read an article about what living at poverty actually meant. The income for a family of 4 living at poverty is $22,350. I can barely afford myself, one person, and I make more than that! I cannot imagine trying to provide for a family on that income or imagine what it would be like to grow up living in poverty. Don't get me wrong this is not an attempt to make you feel bad for having money or spending it however you like. I work hard for every dollar I make, I'm not about to apologize for it. The stats are just what made me open my eyes that I have been wasting my money so foolishly. If a family can somehow get by on less than what I make a year there is no way I should be where I am with my finances.

(via)

I don't ever see myself buying a home because as previously stated I enjoy nothing about home ownership, but I will eventually need a new car. I'd like to start throwing more money into my 401K, and I'd like to create a nice savings so that I won't have to rely on credit cards in the event of something unforeseen. This will probably have some impact on my many random travels and shenanigans, but I'm hoping not much. I'll just have to get creative and who knows where my creativity will lead me. Oh and random, I found out today that my mom and her bf now have a house in Florida. So it's like I became a rich girl....who is actually not rich at all and poor with student loan debts and fashion related debts. However, this means I get to spend my bday not in snowy Iowa but in sunny Florida so woooooo!!!!!!!!!!

(via)

Pretty sure thats what the house looks like. I have that whole section on the left. If you're lucky, you'll get an invite to come party with me ;)

Cheers!

Marisa

Dear Daddy

It’s been 4 years today. I can’t believe it; it still feels like yesterday when Mom called so early in the morning to break the news. I should’ve gone home and been there. But I know you would’ve been mad at me for neglecting my studies. So much has happened in four years. I graduated! I wish you could’ve been there, but I know you were still proud of me. I didn’t move back home, I stayed here in Iowa and moved to Des Moines. I built a life here for myself, and I know that it’s because of you and your guidance and support that I am where I am today. I may not have always listened to you (okay you were right should’ve stayed away from musicians) but I always appreciated your unconditional support when I didn’t. You let me make my own mistakes and learn from them, but were always there to pick me back up and keep pushing me forward. There have been times in the last year where I wanted to give up and admit defeat but I thought of you reminding me that this isn’t so bad and that I’m stronger than that. So I did as you had always taught me and kept my head up and carried on, and you know what? It wasn’t so bad and now I couldn’t be happier. Yes, Will and I are still friends. I know you are curious as he was always your favorite. He’s finishing law school this year, and then I think he’s done because unless he’s going for PhD, there is nothing left. (Love you Will) Danielle is married and has a new baby boy! Can you believe it? We’re getting so old; seems like only yesterday we were building forts out of kitchen chairs and blankets.

I miss you and still think of you every day, but don’t worry about me; this little princess is doing just fine on her own. I still have my Birkenstocks…you know the ones you called Jesus cleats. I think I keep them just for that joke.

Love you,

Marisa

After a long absence

I'm back! Don't ask me what happened the last week and a half I have no idea. A mega heat wave hit the midwest for a week and I think I was just in survival mode. I've think we've made it through the worst of the summer and hopefully fall is just around the corner. That way you know I can actually spend time in my room, on my computer without sweating to death.

I don't have to much to update really. This last week has been pretty non-descript. My Dad's birthday is Friday so I've been preparing myself for that. Although it couldn't be on a worse week since my hormones are all out of whack and that probably isn't going to help. It's been three years since he's been gone and still, August 20th makes me so sad. Hopefully though I can surround myself with good friends and have a toast to my Dad and remember all the good times.

Oh, my one exciting piece of news....I got a blackberry! I finally decided to join the 21st century.

I'm sorry that people are so jealous of me....But I can't help it that I'm popular.

First things first. Hitting the gym hard and keeping up with household chores is hard work. I had a list of things I wanted to get done before heading to the gym this evening hoping that I would still be able to make it at a reasonable hour. As I was getting outta my car I was mentally preparing myself to dive right in and resist the urge to sit in front of the computer, when I walk in and see the little broseph-in-law already doing the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen table. Made my day.

Anyway, so last night at the gym post work out I'm in the locker room bundling up, I over hear a convo between a 4th grader and 5th grader. We shall call the 4th grader "popular girl" or PG for short and the 5th grader "unpopular girl" or UP for short. It went something like this:

PG: So do you have a boyfriend?

UP: No, I've never even kissed a boy.

PG: (In utter amazement) Really!??!?

UP: Yeah I'm waiting until marriage.

PG: Wow, I've already kissed like 7 guys. ( Which I'm pretty sure means about 1.)

PG: Not to brag but I'm kind of like little miss popular.

UP: I'm like miss unpopular 'cause I don't have a boyfriend.

I was cracking up at PG and felt bad for UP. I wanted to be like don't let that little skank get you down, girl has probably never kissed anyone either. But I didn't know if their moms where around and I didn't want to get the rep around the Y as the girl that calls a 10 year old a skank.

Next up: Deception of the worst kind. My bathroom scale and I are not on speaking terms. Bitch has been lying to my face for I don't know how long. Weighed myself at the Y on their fancy doctor scale and resisted the urge to scream WTF?! since I was in the family locker room. 6 lbs heavier than what I've believed I weighed all this time. SIX POUNDS! It's not so much the weight, I know I'm not fat blah blah blah, but I've been living a lie. On tomorrows to do list: Buy new scale.

Thanks for reading my crazy gym shennanigans. I'm sure there will be more to come.

It's Almost Time....

For my birthday! Oh yeah and Christmas. We had a fun yet brief Christmas dinner and gift opening at D's parents house today. The weather is turning terrible and tomorrow travel will be impossible so we headed up to the ole college town today. It was fun watching our niece "open" her gifts. (She's almost 9 months old, it was her first Christmas :) ) Tonight maybe we shall be getting our holiday "spirits" on with the besties in a Christmas/Birthday celebration. Hope everyone is having a fun and fabulous holiday, those in the midwest be safe and make smart travel choices!

Merry Christmas!

It's Over!

Black Friday that is. Soooooo happy to have that behind me. T'was crazy, I stayed up for a whole 24 hours, something I hadn't done since college. In general though, the customers were nice and there were no major problems that left me wanting to punch people in the face. So until next year! I guess I still have day after Christmas. Oh the returns that will happen then. Ah well. We had a good Thanksgiving full of delicious foods and wine and a fairly relaxing weekend. Oh and bonus. Found a dress for my Holiday Party on Black Friday at Von Maur for......$14. It's not green or one shouldered, but it's super cute and did I mention it was only $14? So it's nice to have that out of the way. That way, on the day of I don't have to be running around like a crazy person trying to find something to wear like last year. I can relax and get my nails done :) Short post for the day but I'm still trying to get back on a normal schedule after the Midnight-7am shift.

Peace out yo.