tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25012408746518822882024-03-05T01:57:35.236-07:00Teej's Life Upon the Wicked StageJust a little about the adventures and misadventures of a girl trying to make it in the world.Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-57681489564244950112012-06-08T09:25:00.002-06:002012-06-08T09:25:58.797-06:00It's Been Awhile ... againI'm terrible at keeping up with this blog. Sorry folks. It gets a little harder once Life starts picking up. I'm going to try to keep this quick n' dirty ;) Although, you all know that I am not known for either of those things.<br />
<br />
Personally: going good. Lovin' life. Having some back problems though. Spasms that hurt like hell for a couple seconds. My whole body freezes when that happens. But it is getting easier to live with it; as long as I don't irritate my back too much. Not easy. Aside from that, everything is pretty good!<br />
<br />
Job: I've been busy. In May I started by directing a show at Long Lake Theatre. It was a little odd, adjusting to the new place, but it was fun too. Great show - 'Over the River and Thru the Woods' - there was a lot of heart and laughs in that show. But, I had to leave the show a week and a half before opening because I had to start my job at the Paul Bunyan Playhouse. So, I had two shows opening on the same day! Yes, I am back at the Playhouse again, and I am so happy that I am. I'm SMing the first 4 shows of the season, and doing props for the musical (<em>Suessical</em>!!). At first I was a little apprehensive about everything, but I feel wonderful about it now. While I love Props, I am so happy to be able to Stage Manage this year. I'm loving the job, and I have found a confidence that I never seemed to be able to have before! I'll be a busy girl this summer! By the way: if you ever get a chance to see 'The Spitfire Grill: the musical' - <em>DO IT!</em> I've fallen in love with this show, and it is quickly becoming one that I would love to direct myself someday. It has absolutely gorgeous music! (we have a cello & a violin in our orchestra - I was ecstatic when I found out!)<br />
<br />
Birthday: it was great. A little nerve-racking in the morning, getting everything ready for opening at the Playhouse and worrying about the opening at Long Lake. Fortunately, everything went well on both ends. Ahren was there to celebrate with me all day, and he gave me the best present: a charm that says "i create" The words have a very special meaning to me, and he used the gift to boost me up when I was the most nervous and anxious about the show. I love it, because it will be a constant reminder. I never think I contribute to the world, but when I really think about it, I do. I create. "i create" will also be the name of my theatre company (if I ever am so blessed to start one). My cast also gave me a gift - one of the best gifts EVER! A blinged out tape measure!!! No kidding - it's green with pink and silver rhinestones all over it! Seriously made me giggle like a little kid!<br />
<br />
Wedding: Things are starting to fall into place, but I just realized the other day that I only had 4 months to go! Now is the time we have to crack down and make final decisions. I also have to start asking for help, which we all know I am terrible at. We've got a list of "to dos" that isn't too terribly long, but it is full of some pretty important things. So, it's crazy, but the very fact that we are planning our wedding makes it a labor of true love. It's the little details that are becoming the most fun now. I found this vintage hat at an antique store that I have strangely become quite attached to, and the girls' gifts make me really happy. Soon, Ahren and I will focus on decorating more Mason Jars. I'm looking forward to that!<br />
<br />
Ahren - couldn't be more amazing! Every day with Ahren is a reminder that life is good, that miracles exist, and that God loves me. According to all the people at the Playhouse, we are the most adorable couple (one even mentioned to her friend that we were as adorable now as we were last year!). Everyone thinks the world of Ahren, and I think everyone has seen his positive effect on me. Everything really is a little brighter because of him. Someone said to me "everyone needs another person to pour their soul into" and Ahren is that person for me. I'm so happy, it seems unreal!<br />
<br />
I think I have written too much already, so alas, it is time to stop writing. More to come as the summer progresses, I am sure. If I can find the time to sit and write a blog!Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-39311038809044392972012-03-14T03:42:00.001-06:002012-03-14T03:42:33.949-06:00I'm Poor, but I Wanna Get Married: Actually, I'm rich, and other updatesI know, its corny, but as I sit here working through my insomnia, I look to my right and there he is: my fiance. Snoring. And even though its not the most pleasant sound in the world, I'm filled with love. In this string of blogs I talk a lot about money and cost and balancing that with inspiration. The one thing I think I failed to mention is that my biggest inspiration is by wonderful fiance. So for all the brides out there, everywhere, I want to say this: money doesn't matter as long as you have love. I would much rather have a cheap, tacky, meaningful wedding than the most fashionable event in the world without a bit of heart. <br />
<br />
And you know what? I'm completely lucky. I have this wonderful person with me always, who puts up with my love of weddings, and my crazy DIY projects, and constant conversations. Poor guy, he's not a wedding enthusiast, but he tried so hard for me. I love him very much for being such a good sport. Another thing to remember, dear brides: an interested and involved fiance is better than any amount of money.<br />
<br />
As for updates. Well, we got a lot done.<br />
<br />
First was the confirmation of the ceremony site. (I can't remember if I already covered this, so I'll do it again) The church we have been attending was going to be busy on our date, so we went with our second choice: the Historic Chief Theatre. I've worked the past 7 summers during the Paul Bunyan Playhouse Summer Stock season. Some may say it is a little tacky, but I know and love the place. Theaters are like churches to me, and when I see an empty stage, I see a blank canvas. So I called upon my dearest friend, Barry Nelson, to help me out with lights and sound, and I think we can make this work to our advantage.<br />
<br />
Next was the Cake Consultation. Hmmmmmmm! The meeting did not go as planned, but we got to eat cupcakes, so everything was fine in the end. When we scheduled the consultation, we got to pick 4 flavors to try. Ahren is in charge of the cake, so he chose Triple Chocolate Fudge & Peanut Butter, Chocolate with Salted Caramel, Red Cashmere, and French Vanilla with Madagascar Vanilla Bean. I was hoping he would branch out more, but hey - the man knows what he likes, and you can't fault him for that. I think we really threw the company for a loop because we told them all we wanted was a "Sweetheart" cake. One layer just for me and Ahren to cut. We did not plan on feeding all of our guests with the cake. But they took it in stride.<br />
<br />
I will say that I learned a lot from this consultation. #1: don't be surprised if your expectations are not met on a first meeting. I watch too many wedding shows, so I was expecting someone with a sketchbook and an artistic soul. Nope. She took copies of some pictures that I had of cakes I collected since I started planning this wedding (which, now that I think about it, was not an accurate representation of what AHREN wanted) #2: Don't get me wrong, I love cupcakes, but I don't think they are an accurate portrayal of a cake. For one thing: obviously the actual cake part is usually much more compact. And, with frosting the way it is these days, they pile it high on stop. Which would be great except, I have a BIG problem with too much sweetness. So, you can't really get a good feeling for what it is exactly like. Oh well. #3: You NEED to be PREPARED!! Ahren was running the show, and, try as I might, I don't think I prepared him enough for all the things he was going to be asked. #4: Prices will always shock you. I had no idea that some bakeries charge by the slice. NO WONDER cake prices average around $1000! I was floored! So our little one layer cake is looking to be around $100. #5: you can't be intimidated. Poor Ahren was so over his head with this appointment that he got nervous, which made him very quiet, so I had to step in, which I was not prepared to do, which I think made the consultant probably think that we didn't know what we wanted. #6: stick to your guns. Don't feel bullied into doing something you don't really want. #7: do your research! Come to find out 2 of our choices don't make great wedding cakes. (see, I was right with #2!) Caramel only works drizzled on top of a cake, not inside it, and the cream cheese filling can be a problem if it gets too warm. And did you know that blue and purple in fondant is hard to do? Apparently it is, because in our contract, they specifically state that they are not able to guarantee those colors. <br />
<br />
In the end, they suggested that we come in for a follow up meeting a couple of months before the wedding. So, by then I will put all of this new knowledge to good use, and Ahren will come in with more definite ideas. Let's hope everything goes okay!<br />
<br />
Next: reception venue. We went to check out a couple sites when we were in for the tasting. A couple store fronts down from the tasting was the (technically) 4 level Elks club. It's not a fancy venue, but the bartender who was in really sold us in the place. The only down side: no elevators. But the 4 levels are that bad, the longest jot is from the entrance (level 1) to the first lst floor (level 2). It's like a split level home, except it's a dining room, a lounge/bar, and a ballroom. We're having a lot of fun trying to figure out how to make this all work, but I think, in the end, it is going to be just perfect for us. The rental is amazingly cheap, and they were so adaptive to just about anything we would need. We called to place a hold on the date today. So YAY! We've finally got BOTH venues set!<br />
<br />
Last thing to cover in updates is the veil. I liked ... correction, LOVED the idea of wearing a veil from someone in the family. I really, really, am hoping for my mom's veil. It would be so perfect for my wedding gown, but its kinda MIA right now. My grandma says that my mom has it, but my mom has no idea where it would be, and has no memory whatsoever about having it. So, I am hoping beyond all hope that it is in storage somewhere. If not, I did ask my sis-in-law if she still had hers, and she's pretty sure she does. It is not as perfect as my mom's is, but it still is a part of the family, so I am thinking it will be perfect either way. <br />
<br />
So, next topic to be discussed at length: the Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Sixpence in Your Shoe. This is something VERY important to me! So, I am on the lookout for the perfect things for each of these. I have some options, so I am going to try and make it all work.<br />
<br />
But enough for now, because I think I'm actually getting tired!!<br />
<br />
Hugs and Kisses from the Future Mrs!Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-22091930437948950492012-02-29T15:36:00.002-07:002012-02-29T15:36:55.230-07:00I'm Poor, but I Wanna get Married: 1st finished DIY project and update <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5EmyvGUAYm3PVjG9hQKIZb92z7GYegrkI3O0FligqWiUneE9auCGhWp6L8zIF1W7mi_ZQNtFCxUDAtpLT5I7oJLZV4ockixBdR69tjV_C3grOFYhZEfjGEEZskYpyBY6ySedsvhzRQE/s1600/ring+bearer+pillows+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5EmyvGUAYm3PVjG9hQKIZb92z7GYegrkI3O0FligqWiUneE9auCGhWp6L8zIF1W7mi_ZQNtFCxUDAtpLT5I7oJLZV4ockixBdR69tjV_C3grOFYhZEfjGEEZskYpyBY6ySedsvhzRQE/s320/ring+bearer+pillows+003.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">They're finished!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
First off, how do you like my Ring Bearer Pillows? I guess they're not much, but I'm a little proud of them, even though I know I really don't have a right to be. Like I said, they're not much. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Well, at least my first DIY project is complete. And I did this one on my own! Woot!</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Let's see, what else??? Here is the updated Save The Dates designed by Ashley Masias. Ashley is my dear friend from college, and she has been gracious enough to do the Save the Dates for us as well as the invitations. She's ridiculously talented, and she knows me so well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjsfoBMuaaDFzSpqn35lxgnP-QgvaDDA0qTUvaOVcFzZCj-nCozcS3Wywnl7j1LW0ZZv60GXKt2r42qpS5bM5YS_fcH-NBplD92faLh4TRYhAf3BoKz8kjA7nX2wmy7POEYjFy3ZIQOU/s1600/!!3picsfinalREDO_3!!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjsfoBMuaaDFzSpqn35lxgnP-QgvaDDA0qTUvaOVcFzZCj-nCozcS3Wywnl7j1LW0ZZv60GXKt2r42qpS5bM5YS_fcH-NBplD92faLh4TRYhAf3BoKz8kjA7nX2wmy7POEYjFy3ZIQOU/s200/!!3picsfinalREDO_3!!.jpg" uda="true" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJabfgPeoL0W27RsHed7p0ysrUiVvfeSa3ngkiotuJ0GxhAPSEC7sXfBrSYdswUpWaG-5XGkNNpVZStoE1UJHYYwk5nC7dZ7gAZjZp_d-CsdYjsiYmhTiQymEGHADaRrjNiKm_lJuuILY/s1600/SmallSignREDO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJabfgPeoL0W27RsHed7p0ysrUiVvfeSa3ngkiotuJ0GxhAPSEC7sXfBrSYdswUpWaG-5XGkNNpVZStoE1UJHYYwk5nC7dZ7gAZjZp_d-CsdYjsiYmhTiQymEGHADaRrjNiKm_lJuuILY/s200/SmallSignREDO.jpg" uda="true" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviExDL3DQyqAEXPl28mrJmF00VjXgcSe0US6Rg6SHp0XON1GPsuwT8gOxG9hFlWPIuczp5yTuQumyMgp4XwRt_PHBbXQYw9tdmSmdcP3V4Xz2m3MhlSgIJpvuAooZHwggXRWA2YYTNg8/s1600/RoughFlowerFinalREDO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviExDL3DQyqAEXPl28mrJmF00VjXgcSe0US6Rg6SHp0XON1GPsuwT8gOxG9hFlWPIuczp5yTuQumyMgp4XwRt_PHBbXQYw9tdmSmdcP3V4Xz2m3MhlSgIJpvuAooZHwggXRWA2YYTNg8/s200/RoughFlowerFinalREDO.jpg" uda="true" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's see, what else??? Oh yeah, I bought a wedding dress. This might be a cautionary tale for other brides. So, you know about most of the drama from the last blog (which I would like to take this time to apologize for. Sometimes you just have to let it all out). Part of me wants to re-hash all of that, but I don't want to go there, so read the previous blog for full details. I figured I would buy my 2nd favorite dress online because it was only On Sale online. So, it comes down to the time when I have to make my online purchase and I CAN'T FIND THE DRESS ON THE WEBSITE. It's gone. Completely! I checked to see if it might have moved to the Outlet section, but no. It's just gone. Thinking about it now, I don't understand why I didn't have a small heart attack. The good thing was that I had a couple other options, which I quickly narrowed down to 2. It ended up being me and my mom discussing my two options in the kitchen, and making a decision before we all gathered to play pinochle. Here's the scary part: I have not tried on a sample of the dress. This is a big "no-no" for brides. It's a huge risk. So, I am a little nervous. But there is something I do feel really good about: I know that with this dress, I am going to feel like a bride. That was a fear of mine from day 1. When I was looking at really cheap and simple wedding dresses, I was always concerned that I would not feel the part on that day. But with the dress I chose, at least on the fashion side, I know I am going to have that feeling.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the ceremony front: we had it narrowed down to 2 possible locations. Admittedly, it has taken way too long to get this nailed down. And a number of things were depending on the choice. I feel terrible that Ahren did not get his wish on the location. He really wanted an outdoor wedding, but once we had to move the date of the wedding, we decided that inside would be safer. October is a little ... unsure, as far as weather goes. So, we narrowed possibilities down to either the church we have both been attending, or the theater where I have worked for 7 years. Well, I called the Pastor today, and he told me that the church will probably not be available. So, location number 2 it seems to be. We'll email the reserve tonight and meet with someone soon to book it. So, crossed fingers all, and hope nothing goes wrong.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, one last thing: Ahren decided he wanted to book Althea's Cakery to make our wedding cake, so we've got a testing coming up on March 10th! I'm excited! If you're around Bemidji, I highly suggest swinging by the Cakery and trying their cupcakes. TO DIE FOR! So, I will probably dish on that afterwards!</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Until then: hugs and kisses from the future Mrs!</div>Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-54089099891217504212012-02-15T19:41:00.003-07:002012-02-15T19:41:50.527-07:00I'm Poor, but I Wanna get Married - GuiltThe topic for this entry is one I have REALLY been struggling with. It is also one that I have discovered no solution to, yet. <br />
<br />
Guilt. No one ever told me that in planning your wedding you will get a bad case of it. I guess maybe this doesn't happen for all brides, but I would think it would happen somewhat often for brides like me. What do I mean, like me? I mean girls who have, indeed, been dreaming of this day for as long as they knew wedding existed, and who happen to be broke. <br />
<br />
Most of the time I find the no money thing a fun challenge, not a problem. But then you run into a bump in the road. For each bride it will be different, but for me, it is the gown. <br />
<br />
Trust me, I know, I know; It is incredibly superficial and selfish.<br />
<br />
Here was my downfall: I went wedding dress shopping and I did something that I should not have done. I had no idea what kind of thing would look good on me, so I decided that I would try on, just so I could find out. Which was fine until I decided to ignore price tags. No, strike that, I didn't ignore them, I just didn't look at them. I chose dresses without looking at the tags. I wasn't looking to buy a dress that day anyways. I just wanted to try on some to see what would look good on me. And, on one hand, it was successful because I did find out a lot about what would look good on me. The problem is: I found dresses that did look good on me. REALLY good. I kinda fell in love with some. Thus began the guilt. #1: for dragging my family all the way to the nearest David's Bridal to watch me try on dresses. It was an all day trip for, in the end, almost nothing. #2: for the wonderful girl who helped me. She was so wonderful. Really sweet. A lot of these girls work on commission, so my idea of just going to try on was really just a waste of her time. For that, I feel really bad. All I can think now is: was it really worth that trip to discover that Ivory looks best on me, I can wear strapless dresses, and my favorite neckline is Sweetheart?<br />
<br />
Fast forward. My fiance and I were talking dresses over and we finally came to a decision on the budget based on ... just our feelings that paying any more for a dress would be wasteful. $200. Well for those of you who know anything about dresses, that is on the extreme cheap side. Not saying that it can not be done. But, all the dresses I tried on are now out of the question. Which kinda made the whole trip almost worthless. And I feel bad about that. And I feel bad about getting excited over the dresses I liked in the first place. REALLY bad. I got caught up in the moment of looking and feeling good. And for a little bit there I was not thinking about how much I love <span style="background-color: yellow;">my</span> fiance, but how good I could look for him. I figured on having my dress made by a friend I have, but she's got a toddler and a newborn at home, so it's not like she has a lot of time, and I can't compensate her well for her time in making the dress. And I feel bad about that which means:<br />
<br />
Guilt sets in. And it stays for a long time.<br />
<br />
And not just about dresses. About everything. I get these amazing ideas for decorations and such, and I get excited about them. But then I think about how much it would cost. Then I feel guilty. It has even gotten to the point that it doesn't matter how cheap it is, I still feel bad about thinking about those things. <br />
<br />
My fiance's Dad came to talk to us a while ago and he mentioned how little it cost him and his wife to get married. Granted, that was back 27 years ago, and their wedding was under special circumstances, so it was quick and simple; but it made me feel like we were being too extravagant. I should say that he didn't say that is what we were doing, he just was shocked that a dress could cost about $500. Considering that his entire wedding was under that much. He didn't say anything to make me feel bad, I just read in between the lines. And now I can't get that out of my head.<br />
<br />
So, I feel guilty about this whole thing. Every time I start to think about making plans for this wedding I get a shot of guilt. Do we really need to invite all these people? Do we really need to get married in a church? Why should I care about what I look like on that day? Do you really need a photographer? Why should you waste any money on decorations? Yeah, you want to have fun, but isn't having a wedding dance a little much?<br />
<br />
What is worse is that I feel guilty about the flip side too. Is it fair to your guests that you are not having dinner, let alone a cocktail reception? How can you ask them to travel that distance if you're not even entertaining them in style? If you're not giving out favors, it is really fair that they give you gifts? <br />
<br />
GUILT EVERYWHERE!<br />
<br />
I used to love planning my wedding, but now I just feel guilty all the time. Part of me says: just elope. But that is the one thing I WILL NOT do. I don't want that at all, and I will give up everything I have to in order to ensure that I have at least our families there on that day. And I feel guilty about that.<br />
<br />
It's like this endless sucking vortex of guilt and bad feelings. I can't seem to get myself out of it, and I don't know what to do. And all because I went and tried on some dresses.<br />
<br />
My poor fiance has tried to help, but I can see him getting a little frustrated with the whole thing too. I just want to feel good about my wedding again. I love weddings, and I love planning them, but I just can't handle the guilt.<br />
<br />
Sorry folks, just had to rant about that. I'm not asking for sympathy, or anything like that, but if you have any ideas on how to beat the Guilt, please feel free to let me know!Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-42936992173888027712012-01-18T23:41:00.001-07:002012-01-18T23:42:01.729-07:00I'm Poor, But I Wanna Get Married: keeping on trackActually, this should be subtitled: Keeping <strike>yourself</strike> Myself on Track.<br />
<br />
I have a tendency to get a little carried away sometimes. I've been planning versions of dream weddings since I was a little girl. I'm a wedding junky. I adore weddings. Mostly because of the amount of love poured into the day, but also because secretly, and deep down, I am a little style diva. I love good style in any form, though I don't have any to save my life! So, I would often make up many different scenarios and concepts and colors for weddings and do a lot research a look at a lot of pictures and plan it all out in my mind. Lots of fun. But not so good when it comes to planning your own wedding.<br />
<br />
Reasons? #1: Fake weddings have no budget and no limits. #2: there is no one to disappoint when there is no one but yourself. #3: you can pick up and drop concepts like flower petals and, again, no one cares!<br />
<br />
So, yeah, I have a tendency to get carried away. And I am on this wedding. Looking at the style and contemplating what everything would look like and what everything would cost is starting to take over and I am loosing track of why this is happening in the first place. So, this blog is my reminder.<br />
<br />
Most important: I wouldn't be planning a real wedding if it weren't for Ahren. He loves me, and I love him, and this wedding is about us getting married. It sounds so simple. Sometimes I think people forget that a wedding is nothing without the marriage; the actual act of getting married. Two people vowing to spend the rest of their lives together. THAT is why all of this is happening. And never, EVER, should anything overwhelm that.<br />
<br />
What do I want out of this? Like I said, the most important part is that I get married to Ahren. But after that, what is important to me? Why don't I just head to the courthouse? <br />
<br />
The Most Immediate Answer: I would not get married without my mom and dad there. My Dad HAS to give me away.<br />
<br />
The General Answer: I want the important people in our lives to be there for that moment. Yes, the guests are important. But it is not about the number of guests and inviting everyone we know. Honestly, I want the people who don't care to just stay away. NO ONE should feel obligated to come to this wedding. I want people to want to be there, and I want the people who have played a big role in our lives to witness that moment. I want them to be there with us, and for us.<br />
<br />
So yeah, I am still going to worry about what kind of decorations to do for the ceremony, and how much a wedding dress costs, and what are our best location options, but at the end of the day, I don't care if people think this was one cheap wedding. If they think that, then good riddance. But if they can walk away from all of this knowing how much we love them, and how much we love each other, I will be the happiest bride on earth!<br />
<br />
If I can just keep coming back to Love, than I'll be kept on track.<br />
<br />
Love and Kisses from the future Mrs!Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-46311182974663176882012-01-09T13:39:00.001-07:002012-01-09T13:39:16.987-07:00I'm Poor, but I Wanna Get Married - Changes (and Update and Explanation)This blog is a little more personal than the rest, but I did find an overall theme that most brides will have to contend with, so let me explain:<br />
<br />
Changes. Obviously, they are closely related to compromises, they are going to be apart of your wedding, and while they are sometimes not fun, it's something you will have to learn to live with, and be relatively happy about it. Here's hoping that the changes in your wedding will be relatively un-stressful. You just have to learn to go with the flow, take a deep breath, and move on. But here is something else that I just discovered the other night: No matter what, remember that you need to keep the end product in mind. Its about your Wedding - the day that you join your life with another.<br />
<br />
Moment of rant: forgive me, but this has been on my mind. I'm a wedding show junkie (I admit it, I love watching wedding shows. A lot, like a LOT!) But I noticed something, and it bugs the crap out of me. It's all about color and theme and look and price. Never once have I seen a bride on one of those shows say: "I want this day to be about celebrating our love for one another" Maybe that is because it should go without saying. But when you are going to be married, why, OH WHY, would you not say that over and over again? Just something I had to get off my chest.<br />
<br />
Anyways ...<br />
<br />
My fiance is not as enthused about wedding planning as I am. He's not un-interested, but at a certain point, his eyes get a kind of glaze and I realize that it has probably become too much and that he has had enough. Poor guy. The two of us are not decision makers by nature. We're both too afraid to make the wrong decision, and disappointing someone, or do something wrong. We are almost too sensitive to the needs of others. This obviously makes things a lot harder. I mean, I have a hard time convincing myself that planning what I am going to wear that day is not incredibly selfish; We're just more focused on our guests. Early on, we decided that the most important part of that day was our getting married, but the second most important part of that is having the people we love with us.<br />
<br />
Which brings us to our Change. We found out over Christmas that my sister is pregnant again! YAY! Niece or Nephew #5 is on it's way!!!! First off, let me make it clear that we are EXCITED for Steph, Chris, Dakota, and Baby Pickles pt 2 (this is my name for future little one). New Baby, New Baby, New Baby! (You can't see it, but I'm doing a happy dance right now)<br />
<br />
Now, for the less fun part: Steph did the math and realized that the approximate due date would be a little too near the wedding. We can't guarantee that Chris will be able to get leave to come to the wedding, so it could be just Steph and Dakota (and possibly Baby Pickles pt2). Driving all the way from NY is out, and air travel in the 3rd trimester is a "No." Train is a possibility, but any travel when you are that far along is problematic at best. So, basically, if we wanted Steph at the wedding, we had to move the date. :S Enter our problem.<br />
<br />
We either had to move the wedding up to May, or push it back a month or more. As time is your friend for a Budget Bride, shaving off 4 months of planning and saving was something we just couldn't do. So we had to move it back. We wanted Chris there, but the only way we could guarantee that is if we held out until around Christmas. While it was a bonus for the people in our immediate family, and anyone who would already be in the area, for most others, it would be a major problem. Most everyone from outside the general northern Minnesota area would probably not come. Not to mention, that we risk bad traveling conditions, which would make it possible that NO ONE from out of state would come. If there should be a blizzard, we would have to postpone anyways, and we just thought that it would be too risky. (By the by, as I write all this, I still feel INCREDIBLY guilty)<br />
<br />
Long story short(er), we settled on October. Second weekend in October. <em><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">October 13, 2012!!</span></strong></em> Which, I came to realize afterwards is my Grandma & Grandpa Gaskill's Anniversary. Figures, huh? I mean, we picked the first date and then I realized that it was Mom's birthday, and now we pick a second day and this. At first, I was worried that people might think we are trying to overshadow their special day, but I was convinced that instead, it would just be a good omen.<br />
<br />
I know this throws a monkey wrench in plans for some people, and trust me, I feel bad about it. But, I figure, more time to change plans is better than less time. I hope no one gets mad. I'm trying to maintain the idea that the people who want to be there will be there if they can. I'm trying to please all, and this Change was a little bit of a wake up call. I can't please everyone, and maybe I should be focusing more on the two of us. I still have a hard time with this, though. <br />
<br />
Good news though: this has inspired Ahren and I to make more definite decisions, and this has also led to setting a wedding dress shopping date. I've been fighting with myself about that. Being very Budget-conscious, I figured that I would just skip it altogether, since I figured I wouldn't be able to afford a store dress. Plus, you know how I feel about focusing on myself, even though I kind of want to do it. However, Ahren has been pushing me to do this, and he and Mom ganged up on me, and we've set a Shop Date! So, look out Fargo, I'll be seeing you Jan 28th, and we'll be trying on pretty dresses! I'm getting kind of excited about the whole thing, which has led me to another "moral" to pass on to brides like me:<br />
<br />
Have Fun! It's so easy to get bogged down in the chores and worries that go with planning a wedding. So much so, that sometimes it feels selfish to concentrate on something that makes you happy. You and you alone. I honestly struggle with this. But the thing is, if you don't concentrate on something that makes you happy, you will come to resent the whole wedding. What Ahren made me realize is that going shopping is not about spending money, it's a bonding experience and its helpful. Whether we find a dress or not doesn't matter. It will help me to see myself as a bride, help me decide what I want to look like, help me get excited, hopefully without feeling selfish.<br />
<br />
So, please, brides everywhere. In honor of this, have some happy wedding planning time. Go shopping with the important women in your life. Dish about the details with your bridal party. Watch wedding shows with your best friend. Surf the net with your fiance. Go to as many taste tests as you want! Enjoy it!<br />
<br />
I think that is probably more than enough for now. More to come as it comes!<br />
<br />
Hugs and Kisses from the Future Mrs!Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-24733135417995315202011-11-12T15:44:00.015-07:002011-11-15T13:50:10.638-07:00I'm Poor, but I Wanna Get Married - DIY and Being Thrifty<div><div>Hello! I realize it has been a while since I posted last. What have I been up to in the world of wedding planning? Gathering projects and getting started. So, this blog is about DIY - with a dash of being Thrifty in the process. </div><div>DIY (do it yourself) is sometimes necessary for the Budget Bride, and being Thrifty IS a necessity. Especially when you are DIYing. Contrary to popular belief, not everything DIY is cheaper. Sometimes the price of the materials you need to make the item is more than it costs to buy a ready-made item. Sometimes. It depends on your style, what it is, and what you can get the materials for. </div><div>This is where being Thrifty comes in. And if there is one thing I am good at, it is being Thrifty. I think it is in my bloodline. My mom does not give herself enough credit for this, but she is the one who taught me by example how to decorate simply, but prettily. Being a props person has also taught me a thing or two about decorating appropriately on a tight budget. So, I am most fortunate.</div><div>Here are some tips: get to know your local second-hand or thrift stores. You will be surprised what you will find in there sometimes. If you don't like items second-hand, then you will have a MUCH harder time, and I have to ask you: what is wrong with you??? Bonus: it's Green to Re-use! Another tip: if you can, join any Barter, Re-Sell, Exchange groups or sites in your area. There are a couple locally for me that I check, and I have been able to find some amazing things. Another thing on your side: people love to help out with a wedding! I have had a number of responses on my posts about needing items for a wedding, as well as some offers for cheap services too. Former Brides generally love to help Future Brides out. </div><div>The downside to this is that you will have to swallow the sometimes bitter pill of Compromise. Get used to this. Sometimes it will be heartbreaking. This is where the priorities of the wedding will help out. Its okay to have those items where you don't want to compromise, but generally, if you are on a tight budget, you will have to get used to it. I've had to. I always dreamed big for my wedding because it was not reality, but now that it is, I have come to keep those old plans as dreams, and look to the more simple side of things. But that doesn't mean that I am compromising style a bit - it's just changed, that's all. </div><div>So, I've been looking for easy (because I am NOT a DIY goddess) projects that I can do which will eliminate some expenses. Most of the ideas a decorative, but some are more practical. Here's another thing to keep in mind: after the wedding, what are you going to do with the items? You could give away, re-sell, or keep. Me, I am a fan of keeping. Generally, most of these projects are things that I wouldn't mind keeping ahold of and using in my home. I also like the idea of passing on some items to my kids or other family who are getting married.</div><div> </div><div>Enough chatter, and time for pictures and more chatter :P</div><div> </div><div>INSPIRATION: Burlap Ring Bearer Pillows</div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 319px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675300510301474466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4qiHIs8KAZJP-Ci-19DA_nLa5Xe6h7hjMcnEYXOQgo-Ame2cKzDwN2jyDRStTqDgxS49DcBAGsdIPsnMCkCpA5LmRTHj4xstZUozpKb2MV-eRg4syxPQK2oOy_M9aMQTGRWi6z4iYMk/s320/Inspiration+-+ringbearer+pillow+2.jpg" /></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UosNDlcz8VSg7vSp6-v2I4IavKLUlyrMUi117AOfz33kTpyyfhrPs5Juqwklqu6dIObYQJNi36p-Y1Q6XPfEwg5VHJb7tkLgwhabhsO3C1OgtGrliMTzpbyWHleOmz78gP1U062zw1k/s1600/Inspiration+-+ringbearer+pillow+1.jpg"><font color="#000000"></font><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 170px; height: 135px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675300508429702706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UosNDlcz8VSg7vSp6-v2I4IavKLUlyrMUi117AOfz33kTpyyfhrPs5Juqwklqu6dIObYQJNi36p-Y1Q6XPfEwg5VHJb7tkLgwhabhsO3C1OgtGrliMTzpbyWHleOmz78gP1U062zw1k/s320/Inspiration+-+ringbearer+pillow+1.jpg" /></a>The Practical Side: I bought a throw sized burlap covered pillow for $1 at a local Thrift store. I needed 2 small ring bearer pillows, so took it apart and made two smaller pillows. Other materials needed: scissors, thread, other decoration as desired.</div><div>REALITY: Now, because I am not the best sewer there is, and because I don' t have a sewing machine, I just hand stitched them with colored thread (to match our "colors", and so we could tell which ring goes to which kid and carries what ring) so there would be a rustic looking frayed edge. Now I just need to decorate them. Here is what they look like now:<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7uxFe5mk4ZP6_4N7ripegzdIQ_JbT0VVZvbCsi0qhObEdupHkRE5d_o3fLDzLjSotRzlt7gXGfiI_g9MTZgrex43foMeM2Dmv1TTT3xnBQeS9pMgYlrwl0TzC6OoCehJcOFHUO_UVro/s1600/Reality+-+Ring+Bearer+Pillows+1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675300508550217154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7uxFe5mk4ZP6_4N7ripegzdIQ_JbT0VVZvbCsi0qhObEdupHkRE5d_o3fLDzLjSotRzlt7gXGfiI_g9MTZgrex43foMeM2Dmv1TTT3xnBQeS9pMgYlrwl0TzC6OoCehJcOFHUO_UVro/s320/Reality+-+Ring+Bearer+Pillows+1.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>INSPIRATION: Burlap roses!<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgW3TTjl92Bn6PIahr49LhqVP4T4ybHgm49FhRzK4fVTkkGtsQMJA4u8Aqj2O0NYrwsthNR6jaezCyYX5okB6blLed4_800vKv2rn5DKWFzmDtpQ-kGD8lR0FCaEfAQsUm9tEhtRIjzE/s1600/Inspiration+-burlap+bouquet.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675297542635370338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgW3TTjl92Bn6PIahr49LhqVP4T4ybHgm49FhRzK4fVTkkGtsQMJA4u8Aqj2O0NYrwsthNR6jaezCyYX5okB6blLed4_800vKv2rn5DKWFzmDtpQ-kGD8lR0FCaEfAQsUm9tEhtRIjzE/s320/Inspiration+-burlap+bouquet.bmp" /></a>I can't tell you how excited I am by this! I'm not going the traditional route with flowers for this wedding - too expensive. No bouquets for the bridesmaids and no petals for the flower girls. Instead, we are going to do a Rose Ceremony, which basically involves the passing out of flowers to random members of the congregation and having them and the attendants place roses in a vase indicating the support from friends and family of the couple in their marriage. That pretty much eliminated the need for bouquets. But I still wanted to have something to toss. Then I found this. PERFECT!!! Now I just have to determine if I want to do all flowers as burlap. I'm still not sure about how far I want to take this. I could make boutonnieres and bouquets from burlap, and the flowers for the Rose Ceremony. Hmmm ... still have to think of this.<div> The Practical Side: Burlap cut into strips, glue gun & sticks, floral sticks, opt decorations (pearled hat pins & ribbons. I found burlap sacks for sale at our L&M Fleet Farm @ $.49 a sack! There is a possible down side: since these are used sacks, there is colored writing on them. However, since we're cutting it into strips, I think a dash of color here and there will be a nice dash of color. I've also gotten some pearled corsage or hat pins from my future MIL, so I've got a nice start on what I need. This will be more time than money, I think :)</div><div>REALITY: (haven't been able to start this yet)</div><div> </div><div>INSPIRATION: Card Suitcase</div><div>This is one I am incredibly excited about! </div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbIvhW_QOgoqRKRT_dIZjQD87hJ8W7hJ7A_S_8ScKGO2vuVcpdS8AMPmpLkwxSGa5Go6pPt4B2bWzejaP9Pt2jeI7gpI-fXh3VBzYIrhfECzWbiJmRhF6x0lK1pSoCZpjQespKHUUS0o/s1600/Inspiration+-+card+suitcase+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675295296616459490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbIvhW_QOgoqRKRT_dIZjQD87hJ8W7hJ7A_S_8ScKGO2vuVcpdS8AMPmpLkwxSGa5Go6pPt4B2bWzejaP9Pt2jeI7gpI-fXh3VBzYIrhfECzWbiJmRhF6x0lK1pSoCZpjQespKHUUS0o/s320/Inspiration+-+card+suitcase+4.jpg" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQtfmF9sdXWoAkxLuz6fbUSHnl6EdoXxLHn3ISZzGYda7SY1_Njvy4HsHa3e7eUJNFs_LS8lfN4LyAGWCc7cIv8uGJiHbxQqjBCaTv2uBi0VdDQlaQWyTxXRmdg_GfYzF7wMAPnXfZiU/s1600/Inspiration+-+card+suitcase+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 170px; height: 135px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675295287289153826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQtfmF9sdXWoAkxLuz6fbUSHnl6EdoXxLHn3ISZzGYda7SY1_Njvy4HsHa3e7eUJNFs_LS8lfN4LyAGWCc7cIv8uGJiHbxQqjBCaTv2uBi0VdDQlaQWyTxXRmdg_GfYzF7wMAPnXfZiU/s320/Inspiration+-+card+suitcase+3.jpg" /></a>Two great parts about this: #1: easy transportation for cards, wedding album, and guest book from ceremony to reception site. #2: instant storage for wedding memorabilia after the wedding. You won't have to wonder which box your wedding album is in - you'll know exactly where to find everything!</div><div>The Practical Side: this could be costly, or it could be cheap depending on your taste, and just plain luck. Vintage suitcases can be kind of pricey in antique stores, but if you look around, you can probably find something cheap that will do, or you can get something from friends or family. (Note: the type of suitcase you get can also compliment your wedding look. I saw one of these on a site for a 60s california theme that was so retro, it was adorable!) Aside from that you can do just about anything. If you buy craft items and fillers, it can be expensive, but this is where thrifty comes in. I use found items, and I also like using what little craft talent I have, so most of this is going to be pretty cheap.</div><div>REALITY: I've got the suitcase! I got it for free on a Barter/Trade site from a woman I am working with on a show. Isn't it perfect? I will keep you all updated on this as I work on it, but this is what I have to start with:<br /><div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmhkHp7Tdzip3fiUHgv2crySAi8PKDqAEYjqoIfjF0dPwdrzA7NM94MFYCktHPTTQJNHsZc6UrGMyANf_8xsFALgCbv6LlA0KfTSHGS1maeIBvKiAX199AAOpCkydslV_OJ6-k72osrc/s1600/Reality+-+suitcase+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675295279252935906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmhkHp7Tdzip3fiUHgv2crySAi8PKDqAEYjqoIfjF0dPwdrzA7NM94MFYCktHPTTQJNHsZc6UrGMyANf_8xsFALgCbv6LlA0KfTSHGS1maeIBvKiAX199AAOpCkydslV_OJ6-k72osrc/s320/Reality+-+suitcase+2.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div><div> </div><div>INSPIRATION: Burlap and Doily DIY projects</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_8BMup72jaBVfnAB0GOK-9aeNbrA5c6VXH2a5VJK68YLFQGfuOY7qfPVVlrGMhTmkLrH6Og1HFgwie-YEF1Lu49M4Cg_rmrOulF1OeUVI4TmJNvP5k8v46CQTAs2lutM0U-5LdoLdA0/s1600/Inspiration+-+just+married+banner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 249px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675291633290336802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_8BMup72jaBVfnAB0GOK-9aeNbrA5c6VXH2a5VJK68YLFQGfuOY7qfPVVlrGMhTmkLrH6Og1HFgwie-YEF1Lu49M4Cg_rmrOulF1OeUVI4TmJNvP5k8v46CQTAs2lutM0U-5LdoLdA0/s320/Inspiration+-+just+married+banner.jpg" /></a>Isn't this adorable?!?! I was researching old wedding customs and I came across one that said the couple walked from the homes to the church behind a banner. This is kinda the reverse of that, and I just think its cute. So, the flower girls will be the first to exit, carrying this sign as we leave the ceremony. Another good thing: This can be attached to the head table, and displayed in the home for the first couple of months or so. It also makes an adorable hand-me-down.</div><div>The Practical Side: Items needed: clear burlap piece, yarn, ribbon, fabric flowers (or items to make your own). I'll keep you posted when I start this!<br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBspGYcyNPMDCPoGyNQiBRPlpGognNd78PuFG8d-iJcTRyx-dPxZjPf_W32Co4oWSBDruaWWl0NgfnSM3eUIvYLoZ5D0Q46vlyI41MqRcX6vznD6P9BabKq7S-_2-s9MhOGtPIWydK6k/s1600/Inspiration+-+doily+banner.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 210px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675291633524611106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBspGYcyNPMDCPoGyNQiBRPlpGognNd78PuFG8d-iJcTRyx-dPxZjPf_W32Co4oWSBDruaWWl0NgfnSM3eUIvYLoZ5D0Q46vlyI41MqRcX6vznD6P9BabKq7S-_2-s9MhOGtPIWydK6k/s320/Inspiration+-+doily+banner.png" /></a>How much do I love this? SO much. Simple, but adorable. Just take a bunch of paper doilies of various sizes and shapes and put them on christmas lights. If you want color, you can use colored lights or paint the doilies to match your theme. And how adorable would these be on valentines day???</div><div>The Practical Side: Items needed: various paper doilies and a string or two of christmas lights<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXs8f4rxcJADs2i3ZKwQLj-xh4NciGEtdI-gyaszvF1Zk96Mh3r1x4zCoKXgmgk5rhIyH2hF2zcCbPTnw_kJcpFi9haDLh43sA3mJ-XL6gkDm38tsZxvortIEDu_PxJsuh8q2lPCsU5E/s1600/Inspiration+-+Doily+and+burlap+banner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 224px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675291629159035682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXs8f4rxcJADs2i3ZKwQLj-xh4NciGEtdI-gyaszvF1Zk96Mh3r1x4zCoKXgmgk5rhIyH2hF2zcCbPTnw_kJcpFi9haDLh43sA3mJ-XL6gkDm38tsZxvortIEDu_PxJsuh8q2lPCsU5E/s320/Inspiration+-+Doily+and+burlap+banner.jpg" /></a>Doily and burlap banner. Again, simple, but versatile. You can spell out words with the doilies, or use felt or other fabric over the doilies for letter, or just leave it as is for simple decoration.</div><div>The Practical Side: Items Needed: scissors, thread, burlap, doilies, any additional decorations.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfe7hIZW_g25qNs_TPsihyphenhyphenSw0XCM5emKxhHvxf1xWnLq3UwdbCiIa1sCsG_ctqjxH-0N3ftAJy3gtbgr4im86Sx3FZfUeu3vHEcCKFratSlS2TEOHiEWRvyWhIUmTbA2KPouP2-iIcKs/s1600/Inspirations+-DIY+-+doily+flower+garland.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675291622407733778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfe7hIZW_g25qNs_TPsihyphenhyphenSw0XCM5emKxhHvxf1xWnLq3UwdbCiIa1sCsG_ctqjxH-0N3ftAJy3gtbgr4im86Sx3FZfUeu3vHEcCKFratSlS2TEOHiEWRvyWhIUmTbA2KPouP2-iIcKs/s320/Inspirations+-DIY+-+doily+flower+garland.jpg" /></a>I couldn't find a picture of the finished product, but this is doily flower garland. Just imagine strings of these adorable "buds" creating a curtain around behind you. Even better if you are using a canopy of sorts - especially adorable if the wind is slightly blowing!</div><div>The Practical Side: Items Needed: various round doilies, thread, needle<br /><div><div><div> </div><div>INSPIRATION: The Soundtrack of Us</div><div>This is one of the pet projects that I will probably not be able to do, but I love the idea so much that I wanted to share it with all of you:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VH7UYoetVUD0VF7_rmI2BclRdCPKLyEF80-BFH1Rdb9AsAb4GBjSdaGFguatCcCqyqLICuB2Y2VIXx8TdcT1IQWHWnhvvHYypcuIxR9Amb9zVaFQ53OnQCGuEkswomHe0vjHUiBn9Cg/s1600/Inspiration+-+cd+soundtrack.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 215px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675289036758132146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VH7UYoetVUD0VF7_rmI2BclRdCPKLyEF80-BFH1Rdb9AsAb4GBjSdaGFguatCcCqyqLICuB2Y2VIXx8TdcT1IQWHWnhvvHYypcuIxR9Amb9zVaFQ53OnQCGuEkswomHe0vjHUiBn9Cg/s320/Inspiration+-+cd+soundtrack.jpg" /></a>Make your own wedding/relationship soundtrack! Think about it: music is key in most weddings, and each wedding has its own required playlist. You think you have amazing taste in music, and you think others will enjoy it? Make your own soundtrack!! (I imagine there might be some legal restrictions about selling these, so be careful!) I've already started gathering songs. Most will be determined by your wedding song choices (ie: first dance song, father/daughter dance, etc); but throw in some fun songs that you and your partner just like. I'm throwing in the song that Ahren sang for his first kareoke experience ;) Have FUN with it!</div><div>The Practical Side: this can be expensive :( Blank Cds are not badly priced, but to get enough for everyone with cases, will get pricey.</div><div> </div><div>INSPIRATIONS: Mason Jar projects. </div><div>I'm not 100% sure where I can use all of these. At this point, we're not sure about needing table decorations at the dance. However, I figured that I would want these in my home either way, so if nothing else, I have options, and I have cute pieces for decorating the home afterwards.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEhdO0k3ffWvHFEtQJpWjVysePfx4YBNUVPPZX6ClSmJZ2uuM1OeUIrVeygUt8Vy_kr3RZvZxnmNNfuAe0OxnvNr_HkD7yaYJGRQpNvb1PXPofoAwKt3DJIwQ3piIZGWPAkmmuN0W_IA/s1600/Inspiration+-+silluhoutte+mason+jars.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674244188345841826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEhdO0k3ffWvHFEtQJpWjVysePfx4YBNUVPPZX6ClSmJZ2uuM1OeUIrVeygUt8Vy_kr3RZvZxnmNNfuAe0OxnvNr_HkD7yaYJGRQpNvb1PXPofoAwKt3DJIwQ3piIZGWPAkmmuN0W_IA/s320/Inspiration+-+silluhoutte+mason+jars.jpg" /></a>Silhouette Mason Jars - whether these are for vases or candy jars or luminaries, they are so sweet and simple. I love the idea, and I think they'll be pretty easy to make. I think I might stick with hearts though - the silhouette might prove to be too hard (I'm not exactly artistic - drawing was never my strong point.)</div><div>The Practical Side: Items Needed: mason jars, spray paint, construction paper or stencils and their reverses, tape</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1CxoWbBCjxMSpw5MluibTkRHdgF-RaEAE5tlbWSaqcOGbr9g8qpwh1ugzrNXgIXaoKKKIamqsBt-S178Lxa2_2VgvHS3du6Zrt_cE3llKFoGGaxqqXWEbc5XHi6VIpkag7s-D-YqZRQ/s1600/Inspiration+-+doily+covered+mason+jar+luminaries.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674244188479554546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1CxoWbBCjxMSpw5MluibTkRHdgF-RaEAE5tlbWSaqcOGbr9g8qpwh1ugzrNXgIXaoKKKIamqsBt-S178Lxa2_2VgvHS3du6Zrt_cE3llKFoGGaxqqXWEbc5XHi6VIpkag7s-D-YqZRQ/s320/Inspiration+-+doily+covered+mason+jar+luminaries.jpg" /></a>Doily Covered Luminaries - again, sweet and simple. The hardest part is going to be finding all the doilies without paying too much. I had not idea how expensive they can get -especially the delicate ones. But they are so beautiful that I just couldn't pass this idea by. It looks like some hot glue and a lot of patience required for these.</div><div>The Practical Side: Items Needed: mason jars, fabric doilies, tape or glue, other decorative elements, candles</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Qv-6LPqbtwJZTobJMaBv9Mll3uLwu81YLn_JWQFze2T9YWAe_mUqD9jvWm05CIntQLS6JW9ZC4wAh5Oa8CUWfaLwikOj_jqchZaZuknCL66nRTpZv1b-Xa8tnRloIk6K98DlKeEnJOc/s1600/Inspiration+-+chx+feeder+candy+dish.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 203px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674244183656338114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Qv-6LPqbtwJZTobJMaBv9Mll3uLwu81YLn_JWQFze2T9YWAe_mUqD9jvWm05CIntQLS6JW9ZC4wAh5Oa8CUWfaLwikOj_jqchZaZuknCL66nRTpZv1b-Xa8tnRloIk6K98DlKeEnJOc/s320/Inspiration+-+chx+feeder+candy+dish.jpg" /></a>Chicken Feeder Candy Dish - this is going to prove the most expensive. I've done some searching online and apparently the base alone goes for about $16 a piece. No kidding. I can find really cheap ones (plastic) but they're not so cute - and the colors don't fit the look I am going for. So, if any of these ideas do not get used, it will be this one :(</div><div>The Practical Side: Items Needed: Mason Jars, Poultry feeders w/ jar openings, decorative elements as desired, candy</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOk8kkQDuLdsTvrEbFt4yIfC5tyOHvtm3AZADhZ5vm5aqCcIVaJeWmUI8L_tiEq37KKVjrLpk8UU0ual-itUhMSGf9VQUIPnn4sSYun1925qZ2QKiaAZO2h6seQ2CP_B26aYIHQViw1sY/s1600/Inspiration+-+book+pg+luminaries.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 238px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674244185193685394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOk8kkQDuLdsTvrEbFt4yIfC5tyOHvtm3AZADhZ5vm5aqCcIVaJeWmUI8L_tiEq37KKVjrLpk8UU0ual-itUhMSGf9VQUIPnn4sSYun1925qZ2QKiaAZO2h6seQ2CP_B26aYIHQViw1sY/s320/Inspiration+-+book+pg+luminaries.jpg" /></a>Book page luminaries. Instead of wrapping all the way around, I would place bits and pieces around the mason jars. Concentrating on poems, quotes, famous passages, or just cute art. The best thing about this is that you can do anything with it - you can do themes pieces for seasons or occasions, or just looks. It seems simple enough, and I like making collages, so this should be one I could do fairly easily. Hopefully.</div><div>The Practical Side: Items Needed: Mason Jars, book pages, glue & water (can also use tape), paintbrush, candles</div><div><div> </div><div>I hope you enjoyed this peak into the process! Hopefully I will be able to keep you posted as each of these are made!</div><div>Hugs and kisses from the future Mrs!</div><div>Teej</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-25469091598795212152011-09-27T13:36:00.005-06:002011-09-27T15:14:02.352-06:00I'm Poor but I Want to Get Married! Inspirations!First and foremost I should start with the moral of this blog: Inspiration is Free! It only takes a little bit of time and interest, and if there is one thing that us Budget-driven Brides have it usually is interest. So, here's a tip: Get searching! Can't afford all those wedding magazines? Guess what? The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Internet</span> is your friend! Most (if not all) magazines have websites online, and searching through there is just as easy as reading the magazine. I'm telling you, get on any and all wedding sites (usually free to join), pick up the magazines, watch a wedding show, Google weddings. Another thing to remember: Don't limit yourself when searching! Don't ignore something just because it appears expensive. I've gotten plenty of ideas watching shows like "Platinum Brides" and have catered them to my own taste and $ amount. But here is another thing to remember: not everything you see can be catered down. Sometimes that $14,000 dress, really is out of your reach. But, if you're a little clever, a little crafty, and/or know someone who is, you can overcome some obstacles.<br /><br />Now that we are done teaching, now it is time to see pretty things! My inspirations! I've gathered a bunch of photos of things that I think are pretty cool, or that I want to incorporate into the wedding somehow. These inspirations are mostly in the decor and food. The look of the wedding, minus fashion. We'll start with the mouth-watering food! Hope you enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqvxqJ73M0XzR4yKbh3FfUM14HYgpSAJ8GybrTt0j7gJL2UbugWfRhvVlh1bXkGC064j6qJvU-HTpum8wr4KNMuGi6TCHmXwcJOt-WiNFOo-igouiILYuGIWi-BkNZ7T15BSWFfJZCbU/s1600/large_image.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657130230150446978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqvxqJ73M0XzR4yKbh3FfUM14HYgpSAJ8GybrTt0j7gJL2UbugWfRhvVlh1bXkGC064j6qJvU-HTpum8wr4KNMuGi6TCHmXwcJOt-WiNFOo-igouiILYuGIWi-BkNZ7T15BSWFfJZCbU/s320/large_image.jpg" /></a> <em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">OMG</span>! Pink milk in tiny glasses! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ohhhhh</span>! I doubt whether or not I can figure out a way to fit this into the wedding, but isn't that just perfect for me?!?</em><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQSd3QFaZRyQ2bmkUeH5Vc1F7skR-sgpHaM1eVF8rhbnWvR32Snl0Pt-TQd_GdkJWwYV5ktMDCu2dxvJ12y3B8ZWviJ_MALQKKJ24p29wg58urKwOg5zlf7gvJ6yRjy_7HTslQcqVZW4/s1600/homemade+cakes.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657130223622188210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQSd3QFaZRyQ2bmkUeH5Vc1F7skR-sgpHaM1eVF8rhbnWvR32Snl0Pt-TQd_GdkJWwYV5ktMDCu2dxvJ12y3B8ZWviJ_MALQKKJ24p29wg58urKwOg5zlf7gvJ6yRjy_7HTslQcqVZW4/s320/homemade+cakes.jpg" /></a> <em>This has 2 things that I love: the wood cake "stands" and the cakes themselves. I'm not into the "One Cake to Rule Them All" deal. I have too many people who like too many different things. I have people who are diabetic, and some people who can't have gluten, so I want to cater to their needs as well. Which is why I have decided to do several different cakes, and have a personal "sweetheart" cake for me and my fiance. Also, I want a homemade love kinda feel to the wedding, so this picture perfectly gets the feel of what I'm thinking. </em><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><em></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_wQ7zrpXoKKlr-Q9tkPHGwIkLS_AjqFzyYVxkCjkpY3X_THWC243LaLmaCJfvaEShuNbFCFNzie5OV86_S7TjTM0CbrfDG1jcyb2WVe2i4ii_R42v5bsgNUnSvkpbo02_1ZyGhFGP9A/s1600/BlogBrandonKristinWedding0027.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657128685607705186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_wQ7zrpXoKKlr-Q9tkPHGwIkLS_AjqFzyYVxkCjkpY3X_THWC243LaLmaCJfvaEShuNbFCFNzie5OV86_S7TjTM0CbrfDG1jcyb2WVe2i4ii_R42v5bsgNUnSvkpbo02_1ZyGhFGP9A/s320/BlogBrandonKristinWedding0027.jpg" /></a> <em>Okay, so this isn't for sure yet, but we're thinking instead of having a meal, which we really can't afford anyways, we might concentrate on dessert instead. Our wedding is going to be early afternoon, we are going to take a break, and then follow with the reception later in the evening. This means: everyone gets food <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">in between</span>, and we provide a dessert bar! A little something for everyone. Yes, this can get expensive, but since we are concentrating on simple pleasures, our desserts can be just that: simple, delicious treats.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnkSc0z0zWe7cG3b2h8nMfDKm5HxZlDMkRss9vqm6_j0MJMLBbc8pwLhGXlFqmfV4sP-E0pXmOVoMoi4E99cUqzWFMeMnMwCmWHI41eO0t00IxUzgU7_kTvTrPHTwM98pBlc7NgBNgUk/s1600/4440036790_587aedd7af.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657128682756584546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnkSc0z0zWe7cG3b2h8nMfDKm5HxZlDMkRss9vqm6_j0MJMLBbc8pwLhGXlFqmfV4sP-E0pXmOVoMoi4E99cUqzWFMeMnMwCmWHI41eO0t00IxUzgU7_kTvTrPHTwM98pBlc7NgBNgUk/s320/4440036790_587aedd7af.jpg" /></a> <em>Whoever came up with this idea is BRILLIANT! Rock Candy on Cakes! I love, Love, LOVE this idea. A really cheap way to add a little sparkle and/or color and/or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bling</span> to your cake. I mean, it's Rock Candy ... on your WEDDING CAKE!! *Heart this!*</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJhpNJObWi8_L70B_r-Wx39WGpsxhr6wLdLeT0D_6cqe6zKpBk7rVVK8P9HIWsUVcilTpzvo2AXEGYA_wr7LNRfqHayLT4MG4ThH36UWBXoekYE_v3yCpFbZa7ROVIgSLIcFGd8jhBFg/s1600/brooches.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657128677704608034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJhpNJObWi8_L70B_r-Wx39WGpsxhr6wLdLeT0D_6cqe6zKpBk7rVVK8P9HIWsUVcilTpzvo2AXEGYA_wr7LNRfqHayLT4MG4ThH36UWBXoekYE_v3yCpFbZa7ROVIgSLIcFGd8jhBFg/s320/brooches.jpg" /></a> <em>Not sure if this is for me or not, but I do like this: it's a bouquet of brooches. Flowers can be expensive and last for a very short time. But you can find brooches in the attic, at second hand stores, rummage sales, flea markets, or auctions, ranging in price from expensive to "please take these off my hands" Not to mention, your entire bouquet can have your "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue" in it. Like I said, I don't know if this is something I want to do, but it certainly makes me think outside the box on how to cut back on the floral budget.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVimw2XFmX31x0cVnEjnywO3j17I7bbAGqOLgsbweqNQDELsYT0OMaR5oAXFWqXg7nnB1-x0THE9yk_V91bFpwPeC9pbxy1mmi76DgLIWaUM1p4bNHwB3giNYgrvO3MaZbyTTPs8tswXY/s1600/alyssum.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657128674320901554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVimw2XFmX31x0cVnEjnywO3j17I7bbAGqOLgsbweqNQDELsYT0OMaR5oAXFWqXg7nnB1-x0THE9yk_V91bFpwPeC9pbxy1mmi76DgLIWaUM1p4bNHwB3giNYgrvO3MaZbyTTPs8tswXY/s320/alyssum.jpg" /></a> <em>My real wedding inspiration. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alyssum</span>. I love these flowers SO MUCH! They were on bushes outside the house I grew up in. I fell in love with this flower commonly called "carpet of snow" If I can find a way to have these flowers in my wedding, I will!</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6mkvLPUpCecEidUbhedcQr0zteF3StaaU1CF_qe7C1-8bf5zKnvyC3bMAiJeh_JOtGIPaZ5k6nbTpg740UATMql9qG3xVHw8aWuRX8rBG0STEwTHxlzJfmwpDWNjhYE3Mzyqp_3F1-k/s1600/DIY_book_page_jars+luminaries.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657128667280483122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6mkvLPUpCecEidUbhedcQr0zteF3StaaU1CF_qe7C1-8bf5zKnvyC3bMAiJeh_JOtGIPaZ5k6nbTpg740UATMql9qG3xVHw8aWuRX8rBG0STEwTHxlzJfmwpDWNjhYE3Mzyqp_3F1-k/s320/DIY_book_page_jars+luminaries.jpg" /></a> <em>These luminaries touch my antique heart! Take old books, or pictures, or sheet music; tear out some pages, glue them on to candle holders and put in your candles. But don't limit yourself to just luminaries. I have seen similar things used as vases, favors, and candy dishes. Neat huh? This also has the ability to last beyond your big day and make amazing conversation pieces in your home.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDXubY7_y9M12F4krG4ipLCueWt40W8wsvp9lc1vaQj2awjzuB-uXpJ86IrVbi5kFHmUH7caNa0X_zLPBcWBNjdhLmgt3AMelq_Zb5Quc96mDnp7WfiTla11lu1V2Lf6Ttgpxh4UUAMg/s1600/doily+covered+mason+jar+luminaries.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657127818387876706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDXubY7_y9M12F4krG4ipLCueWt40W8wsvp9lc1vaQj2awjzuB-uXpJ86IrVbi5kFHmUH7caNa0X_zLPBcWBNjdhLmgt3AMelq_Zb5Quc96mDnp7WfiTla11lu1V2Lf6Ttgpxh4UUAMg/s320/doily+covered+mason+jar+luminaries.jpg" /></a> <em>I know, again with the luminaries?! Hey, I love candlelight! Add to that my love of mason jars and doilies, and you have the perfect addition to my wedding! These are so adaptable! Like the luminary above, this can have other uses as well, and again, also makes the great transition from wedding to home!</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DifDOF99ZW0G9bgP7t2ifSI4Y_EY0kEf_H-jpCk-4NE60EzDnzyHNcmP9x0SVNjLWZ9ubdN5eZqC_wmrXr-Z3hkAg0N0eKZjEc-0PmI_-A1I-bHOYLvhyphenhyphenmlH2lH-fuG8wtNiDpa_ueQ/s1600/suitcase+card+holder.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657127814095478338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DifDOF99ZW0G9bgP7t2ifSI4Y_EY0kEf_H-jpCk-4NE60EzDnzyHNcmP9x0SVNjLWZ9ubdN5eZqC_wmrXr-Z3hkAg0N0eKZjEc-0PmI_-A1I-bHOYLvhyphenhyphenmlH2lH-fuG8wtNiDpa_ueQ/s320/suitcase+card+holder.jpg" /></a> <em>Oh, you can bet I will be doing this! Vintage suitcase turned card holder! I've seen some that are fairly plain (like this one) or some that got a complete new makeover for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occasion</span>. One even used the basic idea of the paper luminary and applied it to the suitcase, and you know what? It was brilliant! Something else to consider: easy transport on the wedding day, and easy storage for your wedding <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">memorabilia</span> afterward.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7W8p_M50ZppYth6AjtjrwlZeANXRQr_3Zkklu1TdOmlOjk7Dq-ivR7WAs81Ku0H7PpR_Df2TAFeaoSnKzTgmotB-bx-rzA26glVqGCRKJB-KvhIr62KtoEEuD3LVd1FrpyZjoetL5X9U/s1600/doily+banner.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 210px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657127806993285506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7W8p_M50ZppYth6AjtjrwlZeANXRQr_3Zkklu1TdOmlOjk7Dq-ivR7WAs81Ku0H7PpR_Df2TAFeaoSnKzTgmotB-bx-rzA26glVqGCRKJB-KvhIr62KtoEEuD3LVd1FrpyZjoetL5X9U/s320/doily+banner.png" /></a> <em>Again, I am SO DOING THIS! All you need: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Christmas</span> lights (colored would be cool too) and paper doilies - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">BAM</span>, you have a fabulous addition to your lighting decor! Both cheap and fabulous looking. Also: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Christmas</span> decorations!</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYim498gY1uZVCDSJPoXRAJloAYExKibwR1oz_rkvi6EtoZkv3aDen6tUeF2WkBm_wVeYlHCYFt9xpmFlvI-_y6mIiCHf3MI2qQQUVsdjIrpU83lhZl0LaFzvjPTmIal8PrTyZ0vS-qeQ/s1600/handmade-wedding-in-virginia-61.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 249px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657127803779341202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYim498gY1uZVCDSJPoXRAJloAYExKibwR1oz_rkvi6EtoZkv3aDen6tUeF2WkBm_wVeYlHCYFt9xpmFlvI-_y6mIiCHf3MI2qQQUVsdjIrpU83lhZl0LaFzvjPTmIal8PrTyZ0vS-qeQ/s320/handmade-wedding-in-virginia-61.jpg" /></a> <em>I Love this! This is an altered version of an old tradition (variations found in many cultures). The bride and groom were to walk to the church together surrounded by family and friends as well as their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">attendants</span>. Usually they would be led by a child - usually a girl with flowers (hence the walk down the aisle proceeded by a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">flower girl</span>). This takes that tradition, but uses it for the exit of the couple from the church and to either their new home, or the reception. I love this idea, and I really want to use this in our wedding! </em><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WadToZm-uoD-SWqdyNpZN8CTdeQ-_IsEk2kps_K5c8WGiHbbcDEoN7ELBklfWhz4K832x0ro5dckiePSQiN2pKXncaQ2FFf8D1-6IAVuLFLVCsE0rdn9HT17bd6Q8DzUpQXbMq6zmSg/s1600/burlap%252C+lace%252C+mason+jars%252C+assylum%252C+lilac.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657127800156809794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WadToZm-uoD-SWqdyNpZN8CTdeQ-_IsEk2kps_K5c8WGiHbbcDEoN7ELBklfWhz4K832x0ro5dckiePSQiN2pKXncaQ2FFf8D1-6IAVuLFLVCsE0rdn9HT17bd6Q8DzUpQXbMq6zmSg/s320/burlap%252C+lace%252C+mason+jars%252C+assylum%252C+lilac.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><em>This is the Master Inspiration photo. I'm pretty sure I shared this with the blog before, but its worth posting again. Vintage, lilac, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">alyssum</span>, mason jars, burlap ... This has it all! It is sweet and simple and beautiful. This is what I want our wedding to be.</em></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div align="left">PS: I figured out a new sign off for these posts! It's kinda corny, but I love it:</div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">Hugs and Kisses from the future Mrs! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-3098976834319061532011-09-19T11:32:00.004-06:002011-09-19T14:02:32.187-06:00I'm Poor, but I Wanna Get Married! save the Dates, Bridal Expos, and Bridesmaids dresses<div>Let me start this with a confession: for a while there, I lost all enthusiasm for planning this wedding. With all the personal changes in my life, the wedding took a backseat in a major way. I didn't even enjoy looking through magazines anymore! Why? Well mostly because I lost my job, and I still haven't been able to find anything. Money is TIGHT right now. So, the last thing I wanted to do is think about a wedding that I can't afford to have.</div><br /><div>What got me out of this wedding depression? My two best friends. My wonderful Matron of Honor and my darling fiance. I owe so much happiness to these two people, simply because of their presence in my life. But each went the extra mile lately to really help me get out of my financial "funk." </div><br /><br /><div>My MOB is designing our Save the Dates, and not too long ago she sent me the proofs of a dozen design possibilities. Sorry, no previews until we finalize the designs, but I can say that they were wonderful! Looking at all the options and talking together about what we liked, and what we loved - just the act of making wedding decisions together about something made for us by someone so close to two of us, really perked me up and got me excited! Here's the savings part: we're sending out our STDs via email (yes, I know how terrible that looks and sounds, bear with me.) We're looking at our guest list - which will be another post once we haggle over that - and figuring out who needs printed out copies, and who can recieve them via internet. In this day and age, almost everyone has an email, so that will dramatically cut down on postage costs. Less fun, but more practical.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My wonderful fiance went out of his way to encourage my renewed enthusiasm. He surprised me yesterday by taking me out to Bemidji for dinner and a surprise. The surprise turned out to be us attending the Bemdiji Bridal Expo. When I heard about the expo a couple months ago, I got really excited that I finally was able to go to something like that. But, the idea went out the window with everything that was going on, and I didn't think we had time, so I just kinda forgot about it. I honestly cried when we got there. I threw my arms around him and cried, I was so happy.</div><br /><div>Granted, the Bemdiji Expo is small compared to expos in larger cities (there was only 30 vendors), but it still was a wonderful time! A word of advice: come hungry. That was our biggest regret was that we ate beforehand and didn't have room to try everything we wanted. GO HUNGRY!! Also: go to have a good time and learn a lot! Right away, at registration I was made to feel special (I got a 'Bride' sticker!) Congratulations came from everywhere, and at each vendor, I felt inspired. Nevermind the fact that I could never afford most of their services - it was just nice to sample items and see all the new trends. It was $10/person, and at first, I felt bad about spending that money, but it was totally worth it. Sadly, I did not win anything, but I still got so many samples and gifts, and information. I enjoyed the samples more, but the information I gathered was more useful. Leaving that day I had so much to think about.</div><br /><div>Warning: it can be very overwhelming, so take your time, put everything away, and sign up for every give away you can find!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Now on to the Bridesmaids dresses. Well, obviously, I can't afford to buy the dresses for my girls. So, I felt bad about asking them to buy dresses that they would only wear once probably, and also something that they wouldn't like. I'm a people pleaser, and I like it most when people are pleased with me. So I decided that I would give them options and let them decide what dress style will work for them. As we are going for a very casual feel, I am requesting that the dresses be cocktail length or short (no full gowns!). </div><br /><div>Now, we hit the hard part: color. I have the pet idea that every woman needs a little black dress; Its the fashionista in me. So, I figure, this is the perfect excuse for my girls to treat themselves to something every girl should have. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFHpLmNy1sex2htHAp3ob0Slsj5eqpHseKQ3otX0cBfiwPln_mEj3U3UdyQQ9ptGGPJYqXxor2bCRpb7Xir6M3-E7oIC6UgjXygCWrS2emz1aJJ7j4O-98dbS9ASNT8t0GViR9nnuWpU/s1600/imagesCA9JNIWG.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654129240240804322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFHpLmNy1sex2htHAp3ob0Slsj5eqpHseKQ3otX0cBfiwPln_mEj3U3UdyQQ9ptGGPJYqXxor2bCRpb7Xir6M3-E7oIC6UgjXygCWrS2emz1aJJ7j4O-98dbS9ASNT8t0GViR9nnuWpU/s320/imagesCA9JNIWG.jpg" /></a> I love the simplicity of a black dress - and also, believe it or not, the versatility. You can add a dash of color so easily. The shoes, the flowers, hair pieces, belts, you name it. And better yet, with the black as a base, the color will pop and draw attention to it.<br /></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Now - another option: Purple and green. This is the traditional side of me. Also, because those are our two main colors. (We're not limiting ourselves with colors - really is just too constrictive for me, and makes it harder for me to design with secondhand and found items) The only difference is: they get to choose the look and the shade.</div><br /><div><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBH_AQQIrkRuicUnE4IfrnfQr7HsIbadpAyCgOYr98UskxklKLPgKH1GZ57zfWYMFJ2nRF0mbp1MUS8EoH9mNVaf108olJuJd3inIAvGl5MR8RXOIokZ3j8NOBUsfGSZL3tYrvtpP_LU/s1600/4637584414_74711fa9d4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654154243326733858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBH_AQQIrkRuicUnE4IfrnfQr7HsIbadpAyCgOYr98UskxklKLPgKH1GZ57zfWYMFJ2nRF0mbp1MUS8EoH9mNVaf108olJuJd3inIAvGl5MR8RXOIokZ3j8NOBUsfGSZL3tYrvtpP_LU/s320/4637584414_74711fa9d4.jpg" /></a> Not sure how this will play with the girls. Somehow I think this color scheme will be the least popular option because of the restrictions. I also worry about this because there are so many shades to choose from, and it is possible that they will clash together. This is the wildcard choice.</div><br /><div><br />Last option, and a recent developement: Creams. I fell in love with this idea because of this picture:</div><br /><div align="left"><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4Mf1o6yiaiIUcP95HTMFjuZJw5If5cvU55KKGyKPPz7ib5KuvVqiWLru7K_tOsw0-mxzF4Kem3UwMhWF6YyGF0tT5KwDaBiZXKgh4qF9gu2vB-53X-EI5xxviqrrftDloa8rs3AMgIA/s1600/girls.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654129234433700946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4Mf1o6yiaiIUcP95HTMFjuZJw5If5cvU55KKGyKPPz7ib5KuvVqiWLru7K_tOsw0-mxzF4Kem3UwMhWF6YyGF0tT5KwDaBiZXKgh4qF9gu2vB-53X-EI5xxviqrrftDloa8rs3AMgIA/s320/girls.jpg" /></a> I'm in love with this and I would love to see everyone in this scheme (sans cowboy boots). I guess mostly because of the beauty with the variety. It's a picture of innocence and simplicity. Everyone looks angelic. I'm not about drawing attention to myself, so I liked the idea of the girls being in similar shades as I am. As a designer, I also know that this look creates a cohesive statement. A color family. Literally. There is only one member of my bridal party that is not relation by blood or marriage, and she falls into the category of family through love, so I like this idea a lot. Keeping with the neautral shades also makes it easier for the girls to wear it again.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The morals of today's entry: </div><br /><div>* Options are your friend, and having as little restrictions as possible makes planning a wedding with a HUGE budget restriction a lot easier.</div><br /><div>*Have your friends and family help with the wedding: it makes it more personal. You will be pleasently surprised how talented these amateurs are, and most of the time, they will help out gladly (and freely, or at cost).</div><br /><div>* Include your bridesmaids in the decision making when it comes to their dresses. Girls will be more gracious about buying their own dresses if they have a say in them. Bonus: you feel less bad about making them spend money for your big day</div></div></div>Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-67775915648686517272011-08-31T12:26:00.018-06:002011-09-02T14:27:31.677-06:00Summer's Over Update<div align="left">Okay, well as you know, summer is over. And as most of you already know, that means a BIG part of my year is done with. Yes, I had another great summer at the Paul Bunyan Playhouse in Bemidji, MN! Another summer, another 5 shows. Here's what happened:
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div align="center"><em><strong>Forever Plaid</strong></em></div>
<br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 196px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647821714636795634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYikDjbM27s-UM3AnWLCNyU9LZUhVLrv-29Ytd282d5qAgPMumZCsbV5EMqNxdiWsw9LGkjNL6fLIBNuFhiOAHyxZU8kBfQmVCzzOwQtp45leO23psRN4jNmJ9FNP8_1EHSuF-1oc9PA/s320/246743_10150206562044920_76064179919_6856738_389703_n.jpg" /></div>
<br /><div align="center"><em>the Plaids: Sparky, Smudge, Jinx, and Frankie</em>
<br /></div>
<br /><div align="left"></div>
<br /><div align="left">A small musical, but one of the best shows of the season. These four guys were in a car accident and died the night they were on the way to their first big gig. Now, they get to come back to earth to do the show they would have done that night. If you like music from the 50's and 60's, you would have loved this musical. It was pure fun! I really learned to love the music, and for a lot of our crowds, they were old favorites. It wasn't that hard a show to put up technically, but there were some fun challenges. The best part (other than the amazing vocals from our PBP star cast) was the lighting. We had a new designer this year for 2 shows, and he was wonderful. Considering our limited lighting ability in the space, he really made some WOW moments in the show. The reveal for the finally was amazing. Here:</div>
<br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647821708985463650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNg7Z4TDcDBcrMFSgxMkgX-2JVr-nlwSQzga1_USeEM8L3vUFth7q7QNps2VIfsLXzifihHPP2Bj8f9pMfPbTvQ8CYcwy618RpIxiWLUb1NXGHBtQ_gTKAohcfUUc6_NfiNxuoGTkhh8/s320/261556_10150216056209920_76064179919_6943527_5888312_n.jpg" /><em>"Rags to Riches/Shangri-La"</em></div>
<br /><div align="center">
<br />
<br /><strong><em>A Midsummer Night's Dream</em></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0Z3s9gJTtBhXy4LCdjr3yj6GZbct3472Nn0Ahv8o3YvNwtM5M6AXpgLr-XHuLWxzSPMDg6-KkAYs31MVMq4IgcQQyISY_-Jvr1zCk4DT9pIKSfU2QyIoY_-m8k1SFledFaWJgscrbg0/s1600/264495_10150218760324920_76064179919_6971388_2659754_n.jpg"></div>
<br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647829491401758226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0Z3s9gJTtBhXy4LCdjr3yj6GZbct3472Nn0Ahv8o3YvNwtM5M6AXpgLr-XHuLWxzSPMDg6-KkAYs31MVMq4IgcQQyISY_-Jvr1zCk4DT9pIKSfU2QyIoY_-m8k1SFledFaWJgscrbg0/s320/264495_10150218760324920_76064179919_6971388_2659754_n.jpg" /></a> <em>The "Mechanicals" check to see if the Moon doth shine the night of the wedding.</em></p>
<br /><p align="left">This show was an unexpected gamble. Zach wanted to do one Shakespeare show before he left PBP, so he chose this one after last season. Little did he know at the time that the Theatre Dept @ BSU also chose to do that show for its season. Not only that, but somehow they both managed to try and do it the same way: steampunk. Well, Zach found out too late to change the show, but we were able to change the concept. So on top of those problems, we also had MN government shut down. That really hurt local businesses, and the Playhouse was no exception. Bemidji is such a tourist town in the summer, and a lot of our audiences just weren't there because of the shut-down. It didn't help that a lot of Bemidji had already seen the show this year, and also: Shakespeare and Bemdiji summer stock don't mix that well. Attendence wasn't terrible, but it was low compared to other shows. Still, it was an interesting show. We decided that the lovers would be regular modern, albeit a little romanticized. We also took out a bit of the slapstick with them. They were more serious. The fairies were straight punk - which made for some fun with the lighting. But the best part (by far) was the mechanicals. They decided the actors would essentially play themselves - as a PBP company. So, we had some fun re-writes, and threw in a lot of local humor. It was wonderful! Best prop of the show: light up flowers (see below)</p>
<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEGU34mBLmhN3Jb2IuVdQj26YpAUGrs5hGlWKW82Sunsm9VyMvjDV8YtyL6NhjkHO1eOTQIG7T6ADv0vV22QHYMPpYehrCd2MDxj7UcRTo-FFkfMGcVIM_tRtij1KrjCqiCZYr0MMZMQ/s1600/260352_10150243792619920_76064179919_7093539_1674615_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647824639619729682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEGU34mBLmhN3Jb2IuVdQj26YpAUGrs5hGlWKW82Sunsm9VyMvjDV8YtyL6NhjkHO1eOTQIG7T6ADv0vV22QHYMPpYehrCd2MDxj7UcRTo-FFkfMGcVIM_tRtij1KrjCqiCZYr0MMZMQ/s320/260352_10150243792619920_76064179919_7093539_1674615_n.jpg" /></a> </div>
<br /><div align="center"><em>Oberon enchants Titania with "Love-in-Idleness"</em>
<br />
<br /><strong><em>Lend Me a Tenor</em></strong></div>
<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647833661619931698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6iVMCaVSwpBKEmapTTbxlVbFjAZiRXANjwZAtSGSf5TRizsYmPHpp9AZrGgBTMm1aE-9cGUdZeUB4WI1JOoaPtPpJJeeuOUIna8WAtAdkOT4WupzRqNs_dPna4_OM4f9QG3trq4WM8k/s320/italian+bastard.jpg" /></p>
<br /><p align="center"><em>"Italian bastard!" - the Opera Manager lets out some anger on the "dead" tenor </em></p>
<br /><p>This one was pure fun! A true Farce! The great tenor, Tito Merelli is set to make his american debut performing "Otello" at the Cleveland Opera Company. But after an accidental overdose, the company gofer and aspiring singer gets roped into impersonating Tito onstage to save the company. Mistaken identities ensue, and well, you have to see it to appreciate it. My sides ached from laughing less then 15 minutes into the show. It was a hit!</p>
<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647821157077440114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9C_8BYSPHc749ccSB_ELVbcooRD1fkHbdwxjKTQItJ6C7VcddvWKujF1fWCMmw0ZRJhlu_SD9VY0hsqdRO-tFt0heeCeuv1AclLV1KCw-oQz7eE6Dznsefp8MRN4yDGCfzR41oe3EYc/s320/irror+image.jpg" /></p>
<br /><p align="center"><em>the Otellos take a rest</em></p>
<br /><p align="center"><em><strong>21A by Kevin Kling</strong></em></p>
<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647821153447070594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk6ejz_VlPIpNMgMC-Wuv0rz_fB0EpTkqltlOqGjSHQJeooLsF6lea-i99uzyvnQ9zk6BBnchOC9vtCDM6O3-4pZH-zvntyT3YGiiOVlCyhEZyYq63r0i6WLAcg6VCqawsoY9-eQyjHk/s320/185403_10150261157741510_652926509_8044459_1293872_n.jpg" /></p>
<br /><p align="center"><em>Ron, the bus driver of 21A</em></p>
<br /><p align="center">A one-man show written by a famous MN storyteller, starring PBP's own Artistic Director, Zach Curtis. This show was wonderful! The story takes place in the span of 15 minutes one autumn day on the MN busline. Told from the viewpoints of 8 of its passengers. I can't even begin to say how amazing this show was. Acting was phenomenal. The Set was simple, but gorgeous, with a fantastic cut-out of the Twin Cities skyline. So many favorite moments, so many great characters. Ron, the bus driver' Gladys, an old-lady; Chairman Francis from the Church of Democratic Progression; a Student; Not-Dave, no matter what anyone else says; Captain Twelvepack, a brand-new drunk; steve, Steve's invisible best friend; and Man with a gun.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRNzsb1qoCTwD5Arl1aVRLPFP3XGHGW-GIjGPG0HOJLefMb-7HWKSiFbG0dPspqibBCWs9U1OXhXxu7HgPP_XWzJ_m4gB3xK7j0VPGXd8o0daV2tZnDFfNXhhTrJJy7WRe7whqWh45lY/s1600/205941_10150261240611510_652926509_8045379_2539831_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647833666101626818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRNzsb1qoCTwD5Arl1aVRLPFP3XGHGW-GIjGPG0HOJLefMb-7HWKSiFbG0dPspqibBCWs9U1OXhXxu7HgPP_XWzJ_m4gB3xK7j0VPGXd8o0daV2tZnDFfNXhhTrJJy7WRe7whqWh45lY/s320/205941_10150261240611510_652926509_8045379_2539831_n.jpg" /></a></p>
<br /><p align="center"><em>Captain Twelvepack speaking to Not-Dave</em></p>
<br /><p align="center"></p>
<br /><p align="center"><strong>The Full Monty</strong>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJNotrYFwGxS6epUa_twVa6YAmnB-kL_u2Umw2oSoldcai_BX-QdNlV3w3MhwacIpVzRrcjBXL0F2dDosPq8xo__vBVXG3ecqSYNp8b0hViuN0HXUFNWdOhwneRHRn5R6RZ12B5FX4pE/s1600/304929_10150283006309920_76064179919_7467491_5396668_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 179px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647833672657670754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJNotrYFwGxS6epUa_twVa6YAmnB-kL_u2Umw2oSoldcai_BX-QdNlV3w3MhwacIpVzRrcjBXL0F2dDosPq8xo__vBVXG3ecqSYNp8b0hViuN0HXUFNWdOhwneRHRn5R6RZ12B5FX4pE/s320/304929_10150283006309920_76064179919_7467491_5396668_n.jpg" /></a></p>
<br /><p align="center"><em>"It's a Woman's World!"</em>
<br /></p>
<br /><div align="left">"God Bless their little g-strings!" Yeah, that's right. We finished the season with the musical of <em>The Full Monty</em>! What a show! Like the movie, only moved to Buffalo, NY in the 1980s, the show is about a group of umemployed steel workers who get the idea to strip to make some much needed cash. We thought the mostly conservative crowds would be a little apprehensive about this show, but Bemidji crowds LOVED this show. The women showed up in droves, and by the end of the evening, even the men were cheering for the characters to take it all off and bear their all. It was amazing!! By far the most challenging show of the season, but when all was finally done, it was worth it. And boy, did we get glowing reviews from the audiences!</div>
<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7XxJH4gURM77y0DEdpHT0u5AP1l55LWYOQRSQqZ-v4iiqGpuUAZzaVMHsmx2VDJk1aKWy45r9sY35eWVS0ZeOWmnH8hjVGlpk-Y-Zx16txza8HiSVs7WLw9Zk2uAgy3cirrceHIO6vE/s1600/281664_10150267873654920_76064179919_7325784_3497091_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 204px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647820573946870322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7XxJH4gURM77y0DEdpHT0u5AP1l55LWYOQRSQqZ-v4iiqGpuUAZzaVMHsmx2VDJk1aKWy45r9sY35eWVS0ZeOWmnH8hjVGlpk-Y-Zx16txza8HiSVs7WLw9Zk2uAgy3cirrceHIO6vE/s320/281664_10150267873654920_76064179919_7325784_3497091_n.jpg" /></a> <em>"Let It Go" The men of Hot Metal</em></div>
<br /><p>All in all, it was a great summer, and as this was the last season with Zach Curtis as the Artistic Director, it is likely that it will be the last year for me as well as the rest of the crew. I will miss all of them terribly, but I can look back at all I have done in the past 6 years and be proud of how much I have grown and how much I have learned. I haven't completely given up on PBP yet. I am planning on submitting my resume and a sample of my work to next season's Artistic Director for his consideration. I would like to come back as Production Stage Manager. It would be ambitious, but I figure that it is worth the try.</p>
<br /><div align="left">As for now. Well, here goes the rest of the update.
<br />
<br />Ahren and I couldn't find a place in Bemidji that suited our needs to rent, so he asked me to move in with him. He lives in a trailer on his parent's farm. Not ideal, but not bad either. It's a camper more than a trailer. No working water or stove, so we're kinda limited. We use the bathroom and bake if we need in his parent's place. It sounds a lot worse than it is. They are wonderful people, so I don't mind it much at all. I got a cat out of it too. Ahren has a cat named Mittens, and while I like her, we're kinda butting heads a little. She doesn't think too much of me unless it is early morning and she wants to cuddle. Let me show you what I mean:</div>
<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3h4eNbW9Py835u7vuGiNQ_r1Y4UGYwNkhhso9d2qEmf621ogyiFMqEr2KJ6F5tf3XE5kKmvonEX2JpOAgiB6b8s9aNRSS1o8wvJOs1YgvsQJK6vJftknNPZg8s0cb7aOhabyC00F603s/s1600/mittens+-+the+look+she+gives+me+when+Ahren+is+around.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647791229796631698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3h4eNbW9Py835u7vuGiNQ_r1Y4UGYwNkhhso9d2qEmf621ogyiFMqEr2KJ6F5tf3XE5kKmvonEX2JpOAgiB6b8s9aNRSS1o8wvJOs1YgvsQJK6vJftknNPZg8s0cb7aOhabyC00F603s/s320/mittens+-+the+look+she+gives+me+when+Ahren+is+around.JPG" /></a> <em>this is the look she gives me when Ahren is around</em>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnoPvrdiJGgSEfDRyQbMS9hNIXml5Xv848Od7Qn2E8RwHGKJvnbt8gAa4spr2xGSAx_9Ns7mWQedI18EkzQW_qdOCdM-NbAca28PyYaTvjTUaMfBzr1BqokJ9cuiFrLbvgsnPVPspvAU/s1600/mittens+-+the+look+she+gives+me.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647791225827375202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnoPvrdiJGgSEfDRyQbMS9hNIXml5Xv848Od7Qn2E8RwHGKJvnbt8gAa4spr2xGSAx_9Ns7mWQedI18EkzQW_qdOCdM-NbAca28PyYaTvjTUaMfBzr1BqokJ9cuiFrLbvgsnPVPspvAU/s320/mittens+-+the+look+she+gives+me.JPG" /></a>
<br /><em>this is the look she gives me the rest of the time - ha!</em>
<br /><em></em>
<br />
<br /><div align="left">Actually, we are looking into getting something else. There is a bigger trailer and a cabin that we looked at the other day. If the bank gives us an "okay" we might be looking at financing one of them. The trailer is cheap, but it needs a lot of work because of water damage. The cabin is from an old resort, so it is small and a little retro. It's been sitting empty for a while, so it really needs some TLC, but despite all of that, I kinda like it. So, we're looking at options.</div>
<br /><div align="left">
<br /><div>
<br />Bad news: I am looking for a job again. I won't go into details, but I made a stupid mistake at Luekens and they let me go. Boo. I kinda liked it there, but the more that I think about it, the more it seems like it was best for me to go. What do I mean? Well, with the move, it made driving to Bemidji a 45min drive, and that just costs too much right now. So I'm trying to keep looking on the bright side of things. I'm looking around the area for jobs, nothing big yet, but I just put an App in for a position in a fabric company in a town not far from here, so I'm hoping that will go well.
<br /></div></div>
<br /><div align="left">On to better news: Ahren got a new job! He started looking for something else the moment Luekens started screwing around with him after he got sick. (Long story.) He heard about a mill in Kelliher that was looking for people, so he turned in an application and they contacted him right away with a job offer! He's loving it so far. The company essentially cuts wood for various crates/packing material, so he gets to come home covered with sawdust everyday. He smells great after a day of work :D He really likes it, and the pay is better, and it is closer, so he couldn't really pass up an oppurtunity like that. We're both loving his work hours 7-3:15, and he gets weekends off and paid holidays! He was working 6-2:15 (summer hours), which made for some early mornings, but neither of us minded so much. While I am not working, I am really enjoying playing housewife. I make his lunch every morning and when he feels like eating dinner we make it together (<strong>thank goodness</strong> for an electric skillet, microwave, and slow cooker!). On weekends we work on the trailer, cleaning and organizing and doing the week's laundry. We plan out our meals weekly, do grocery shopping together, and all sorts of everyday things. <strong><em>I LOVE IT!</em></strong></div>
<br /><div align="left">
<br /><div></div></div>
<br /><div align="left">Not much more to report. Now for the fun part: PICTURES! (Hey, I have to do something with my free time.) We've been having some fun exploring the area. I also got some pictures of his siblings and other random things. Enjoy!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4tvth_yw2zUONcm8oslqJuo41cJtEVEg6kq5ZomxT5r8D1E0jK76r3DzuvubXvPl9-_Uyi62yth89gJUO9FHQOEYQGyyjcgfVFb57Q7Q9j4q27TCTUjKyj6KFbk1CR1Iv5S99iUuyWY/s1600/playground+16.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647784921266022978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4tvth_yw2zUONcm8oslqJuo41cJtEVEg6kq5ZomxT5r8D1E0jK76r3DzuvubXvPl9-_Uyi62yth89gJUO9FHQOEYQGyyjcgfVFb57Q7Q9j4q27TCTUjKyj6KFbk1CR1Iv5S99iUuyWY/s320/playground+16.JPG" /></a> <em>Ahren out at a local abandoned playground</em>
<br /></div>
<br /><div align="center">
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaYJBShPP_HwU43bm5tmHDxNVEy3nLTv0Vu6ioevZStCsbTqDVPie8wLQ8gbY52j3vxY4RXMCLE3shw7_hNr5uvZQCtY5CIWSW-fyWCgqIJGrF75mOflgvaRlueiT-Ufw0nrVcBXiKCQ/s1600/McGriffs+-+Jade.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647820049695663218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaYJBShPP_HwU43bm5tmHDxNVEy3nLTv0Vu6ioevZStCsbTqDVPie8wLQ8gbY52j3vxY4RXMCLE3shw7_hNr5uvZQCtY5CIWSW-fyWCgqIJGrF75mOflgvaRlueiT-Ufw0nrVcBXiKCQ/s320/McGriffs+-+Jade.JPG" /></a> <em>Jade</em>
<br /></div>
<br /><div>
<br /><div>
<br /><div><em></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB71KSpQ0JjbXqXkRWbtTakrgGNlSPNpwfovR-zXnvi3Ln7CrbSBNQfSLWadueo6VjIRQsaecFTCvyGUmVNFEVZbvvTQIjHkm9wu0wuqxz3j1MTIorXfhYmSokTxn9HZzDqaZAfHbmWeQ/s1600/McGriffs+-+Rosie.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647820042820234546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB71KSpQ0JjbXqXkRWbtTakrgGNlSPNpwfovR-zXnvi3Ln7CrbSBNQfSLWadueo6VjIRQsaecFTCvyGUmVNFEVZbvvTQIjHkm9wu0wuqxz3j1MTIorXfhYmSokTxn9HZzDqaZAfHbmWeQ/s320/McGriffs+-+Rosie.JPG" /></a> <em>Rosie</em>
<br /></div></div>
<br /><div>
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGYCmfjI462t4s1sPAoqeOWW570qChCwbBWgC0jYrBfIOQQS_BZp5mPAvhPYc2RSTIJCgWatvYQsCiKkknyx7x4BYL4QLzvOCOKfHQ5_K9f5IPFIUVTK252wMjU2ScwCzgAgDVAk9pg8/s1600/McGriffs+-+Spring.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647819285672857282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGYCmfjI462t4s1sPAoqeOWW570qChCwbBWgC0jYrBfIOQQS_BZp5mPAvhPYc2RSTIJCgWatvYQsCiKkknyx7x4BYL4QLzvOCOKfHQ5_K9f5IPFIUVTK252wMjU2ScwCzgAgDVAk9pg8/s320/McGriffs+-+Spring.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><div><em>Spring</em></div>
<br /><div><em></em></div>
<br /><div><em></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRq7NZ-pFd4MPSS3MEyg-wuMdFQtbV53YkMX65uun2UzkisS43JGEaeDL6jefEjOBlveE6wl5n4KZnem4ra3YBLxcUp5o4VF2d6PBNwjbWVogMp37CuiqlHMFEbLh_84UC_H11z7n2Ck4/s1600/pocket+flower+2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647790653704793154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRq7NZ-pFd4MPSS3MEyg-wuMdFQtbV53YkMX65uun2UzkisS43JGEaeDL6jefEjOBlveE6wl5n4KZnem4ra3YBLxcUp5o4VF2d6PBNwjbWVogMp37CuiqlHMFEbLh_84UC_H11z7n2Ck4/s320/pocket+flower+2.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><div><em>flower in the pocket</em> </div>
<br /><div><em></em></div></div></div></div>
<br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647790644724239954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBkeyT-USA0JAwB2QarTHlFQCp5U_rkzMjmByMyqAbmotTK6kz4Qqj8OsSvNCQDbQH5VnZGZmUtRSY_0jA8r6EtidkaTgcOp0TQ-1NbJbed3AAlAl8WrRxHhPkhl9qv2prL9eoLToH1U/s320/Rosie+with+flowers.JPG" /><em>Rosie Flower Face</em></div>
<br /><div align="center">
<br /></div>
<br /><div align="center"><em></em><em></em><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647786286363667650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qnVj6mbV0UtSlYty7GFlcC26U7A9guCW3eouaqvG0ERAwm1Q0XsUyLRe2IcV-M6GOQliZ14UFjDFCXJYXnch-a2dkUswXYC3qXauveY-Q_TpJloNDveCLCHaWN0a6dZ4IapLFcTvAHk/s320/playground+11.JPG" />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MKUAzZD2B1qLnZmZMGmU1htl17jS4asOByoUE2qfPC7iGtgCwsAIstSIs2tzquloRbtAqvBI2KXwDR1oa33COib4PvqKeXupJADlBkeCIijFbVoxyTN4t7D5til4mtgbwhaimo50SgA/s1600/playground+10.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647786280357478642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MKUAzZD2B1qLnZmZMGmU1htl17jS4asOByoUE2qfPC7iGtgCwsAIstSIs2tzquloRbtAqvBI2KXwDR1oa33COib4PvqKeXupJADlBkeCIijFbVoxyTN4t7D5til4mtgbwhaimo50SgA/s320/playground+10.JPG" /></a> <em>More from the abandoned playground</em>
<br />
<br /><div align="left"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOC2mFn95tAnsaS6QrqxQ7T_wm_AYPUsMGmAnYXJStk1NT786JXcZv5iiJrvWxzzPYluqJdBFy6Uo2NRkxK87RpEizT5xX1Jn3Z7CUDQpPJyZv_Pt341Em4uTUwgCLmBc0cwxADJV9Pd4/s1600/McGriff+men+fixing+things+2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647820568342958306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOC2mFn95tAnsaS6QrqxQ7T_wm_AYPUsMGmAnYXJStk1NT786JXcZv5iiJrvWxzzPYluqJdBFy6Uo2NRkxK87RpEizT5xX1Jn3Z7CUDQpPJyZv_Pt341Em4uTUwgCLmBc0cwxADJV9Pd4/s320/McGriff+men+fixing+things+2.JPG" /></a></div></div>
<br /></div>
<br /><div align="center"><em>Last but not least, I leave you with this picture of the McGriff men at work</em></div>
<br /><div align="left"><strong>Have a good day everyone!</strong></div>
<br /><div align="center">
<br /><div align="left"><em>love and kisses,</em></div>
<br /><div align="left"><em>Teejie</em></div>
<br /></div>Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-19821989092459960122011-08-09T15:21:00.003-06:002011-08-09T16:33:05.090-06:00I'm Poor, but I Wanna Get Married! Getting startedSo, this part of my blog will be dedicated to what it will take to have a wedding on a fairly non-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">existent</span> budget. What do I mean, non-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">existent</span> budget? Well, I'm glad you asked. All the bridal magazines I have ever read have said that the first thing you need to do is set a budget.
<br />Trust me, I would love to set a budget ... but #1: I have no idea where to begin. I don't know how much it costs to get a hall for a reception, or an average cost of a photographer. I don't know what cheap options there are out there. I certainly know the expensive ones - all I have to do is go on to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">WeTV</span> and watch a couple of their bridal shows and watch for five minutes to know what a lot of money can do. Just so we're clear, I am not knocking the likes of 'My Fair Wedding' or 'Platinum Brides' - I LOVE those shows! In fact. I wish they would make another one: 'How the Real World Weds' Now that would be a show I could learn a LOT from. And #2: I have no clue what I can put into this wedding. My savings is in the double digits, my fiance and I come from mid-to-low-income families, and we both have low-to-mid-income jobs. But what we do have is LOVE.
<br />
<br />That's right, this is not going to be all doom and gloom about how I can't afford the wedding I want. This is NOT what these entries are going to be about. This is about how we can have the wedding of our streamlined dreams without running to the courthouse for a quickie and on with the rest of our lives. The Courthouse is an option for most people, and if that is how you want to do it, I say, go ahead. But <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span>, my fiance, and I feel it is very important to have our family and friends there for us on that day. I desperately want my Dad to walk me down the aisle, and I want to look out and see the most important people in our lives witnessing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span> and I bond our lives together. So, we keep that in mind as our No. 1. At the end of that day, I don't care if people go home talking about the decor or the food. I want them to think about how much <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span> and I love each other. That's the goal.
<br />
<br />So, we're going to cut a lot of corners, do a lot of things ourselves, and shave off a lot of fat, so to speak.
<br />
<br />Here's what we have so far in regards to the wedding:
<br />* We're going for simple, practical, chic
<br />* lots of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">DIY</span>, and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">eco</span>-friendly (no so sure about this last one, but we're going to try)
<br />* Colors: green and purple
<br />* very country, crafty, antique, homemade
<br />
<br />With this in mind, I will say this: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span> and I know a lot of talented individuals. If I ask, I might be able to get some of them to help out with the wedding. I'm incredibly grateful for this. My only problem is that I have a hard time asking people for favors. I don't want to take advantage of them. But this is something I NEED to get over. Small struggle, comparatively.
<br />
<br />Enough for now. We'll tackle more later. Until then I just have to keep my head <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">somewhere</span> between the clouds and the ground.
<br />Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-35392426735103465222011-08-09T14:26:00.005-06:002011-08-09T15:21:18.566-06:00I'm Tired of Trying, and intro to: I'm Poor, but I Wanna Get Married!Just a quick update on everything before I get to the title stuff:
<br />Playhouse: Good; although audience attendance has been lower this summer. Thanks in part to MN government. Tourist rates are way down, ask any retailer, so down goes audience numbers too. But the shows have been great. Bumps along the way as always, but overall good. 'The Full Monty' is showing now, and we've got AMAZING reviews :D
<br />Other: still find myself at the end of the summer season with next to no money and no place to live. I do still have a job at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Luekens</span>, thank God, and I do have a backup place to live (with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span>) until we can find/afford something in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bemdiji</span>. Still searching, but nothing yet :S Getting VERY worried.
<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span>: He's amazing. He had a bad bout with, not one, but three, illnesses and an enlarged spleen. Still recovering, but he has an appointment scheduled to see if he can return to his regular work soon. Fingers crossed.
<br />On to the rest:
<br />
<br />First thing, I don't want to whine, but I am so tired of trying SO HARD to be one of the cool kids. I know, I know, I shouldn't try to be anything I am not, and just embrace myself as I am. Well, that is true. I don't want to not be who I am, but I would like to be included now and then. Feel like one of the crowd, apart of the gang. Actually, no, I take that back. I am apart of the Gang; I'm just that kid that no one likes very much in the crowd. This isn't to say that I want to be the center of attention or anything. I certainly don't want that, I couldn't handle that. I don't have the chops or the personality for that. Maybe that's it. Maybe I have to have the overwhelming personality like so many of the people I see around me. Maybe; I don't know. Did I miss that day in school? Why am I such an idiot? WHY can't I be cool?!?! Maybe I am asking too much. I don't know. I would be completely downtrodden by this if it weren't for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span>. He's my savior. I don't have to try so hard with him. Its natural. He feels the same way about me. Before we had each other, we felt so out of place in the world. You can have a lot of friends and a great family, but you can still be an outsider. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">That's</span> me - and that was him. He says that with me, he finally feels like a somebody. I understand exactly how he feels. But now, he is more than a Somebody - he is my Everything. My best friend, my S<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">oul Mate</span> ...
<br />
<br />You'll have to pardon me, I'm emotional. That time, you know ;I I go through this all the time. My hormones take me on a wild journey of emotions. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span> takes it all in stride, thank God. It's really nice actually. Now I have someone to hold my hand when I hear a sad song on the radio and the tears flow. I have someone to join in when I'm on the up and up, and he lets my mind just go wherever it wants. He seems to enjoy some of it, actually. God, I love him!
<br />
<br />Speaking of all things <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span>:
<br />
<br />Wedding. We picked a date: Sept. 14, 2012!
<br />
<br />We've got a little over a year before it happens, but to be honest, I have no idea how we are going to make this happen. I have to vent a little frustrations right now, if you don't mind. Skip on down if you don't want to hear about any of this. (Sorry folks, this is my therapy): So, we've got no money, no prospect of saving a lot, no chance of winning the lottery. We both come from mid to low income families, and we both have low to mid income jobs. I have a HUGE stack of bills and cranky creditors. But amid all of this, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span> and I have found each other, and we want to get married. WHAT DO WE DO?!?! We could elope ... but no, that costs money. We could just go to the courthouse - but NO, having our family and friends there is INCREDIBLY important to us. So ... well, we're going for an actual wedding. Only problem is: we have to majorly skimp on EVERYTHING. We're realistic and practical, so we don't want anything extravagant, but the line between standard and extravagnat is now in question. The most important thing on that day is that we get married. Everything else is going to have to be extra. My only worry is that I will be shorting our guests.
<br />
<br />So how are we going to do this? One day at a time ;) I might have a few venting sessions occassionally, but above everything else, I am just so glad that I found someone who wants to share the rest of their life with me! I am SO BLESSED! I may not be much, and I may not have much in this world, but someone loves me :D
<br />
<br />Any subsequent blogs with the 'I'm Poor, but I Want to get Married' are going to be about me figuring out how to do things on a low, low, low budget. So low, that we can't even create a budget. Read the next part for more information!
<br />Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-32697796101371445662011-07-26T23:22:00.004-06:002011-07-26T23:26:16.487-06:00review: HP & the DH pt. 2 (no spoiler this time)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeBptjGGZqomRxwPX6ykoITMY0iE4qbXNFX6BeRxrcdJu8Wv7vBtBxt0SHhIcqVIKMMKq2JwmqAUZF5fFoap9_e9_f_OFL2-2iN5B28xRPir1X2NGBZj_d9d0GciQfePw3Mwt9jTZW60/s1600/Hollywood_Films_Harry_Potter_and_the_Deathly_Hallows_Part_2_2011_First_look%252CBanner%252C_Cast%252C_Wallpaper%252C_Still%252CTrailer%252CCrew%252C_Movi_e_Plot%252C_Budget%252C_Posters%252C2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633898516539288546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeBptjGGZqomRxwPX6ykoITMY0iE4qbXNFX6BeRxrcdJu8Wv7vBtBxt0SHhIcqVIKMMKq2JwmqAUZF5fFoap9_e9_f_OFL2-2iN5B28xRPir1X2NGBZj_d9d0GciQfePw3Mwt9jTZW60/s320/Hollywood_Films_Harry_Potter_and_the_Deathly_Hallows_Part_2_2011_First_look%252CBanner%252C_Cast%252C_Wallpaper%252C_Still%252CTrailer%252CCrew%252C_Movi_e_Plot%252C_Budget%252C_Posters%252C2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />If you are a fan of Harry Potter (or if you are even curious), go see this movie!<br /><br />5 out of 5 stars!!Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-20664651731815417352011-06-27T13:43:00.008-06:002011-06-27T18:47:03.836-06:00Wedding!! We begin to plan ...<div align="left">I'm not sure anyone will care to read this, but now I have something else to blog about: Weddings!</div><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><br /><div align="left">Confession: I LOVE weddings. Always have. When I was little, I would dream of weddings and when I got older, I would plan weddings. Yes, I love all those wedding tv shows. I love 'My Fair Wedding' and 'Platinum Weddings' - and yes, even occassionally I will watch 'Bridezillas' :( (By the way, you all have my permission to slap the tar out of me if I ever get that bad). So, I'm legit now! I can plan with no guilt!<br />Now I have the guy:<br /></div><br /><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622988193497755490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZXmOr5Ocs6XweJw0JGnp_5oYUY7wPo74rWgj7aOd1Rn8yTVhqSMp6Cox05s-fhhZ3mKh3fECVKE5WXhvJ4r24ByVJruval4pyyoo9xPbeAu7r9Uw7gD95eh6v288wgf39NMxToMwUGQ/s320/Ahren+and+Me+Midsummer+opening.JPG" /></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Ahren and Me at the 'Midsummer' opening party</em></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Just in case you are wondering: we're not sure about a date yet. It will be at LEAST a year, if not more. We're going to be working on saving, so we can have the kind of wedding we want, and not just the cheapest thing we can do.</div><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><br /><div align="left">With that being said though, we're looking at an early fall wedding. Something after the wedding season rush, and before the snow falls in MN. But we're unsure about this. Our biggest concern is that we have as much of our families there as possible. It really is <strong><em>very</em></strong> important to have everyone there. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Essentially, we are thinking: simple, classic, practical. Of course, with a dash of beauty. Of course, anything can change at this point, so everything here is just tenative. We're more concentrating on a conceptual look rather than just colors, but we do have colors picked out: emerald and purple. Granted those colors don't exactly fit with a fall wedding, but since leave colors are so unpredictable and we're still unsure about when we can do the wedding, we didn't want to plan around that.<br /></div><br /><div align="left">Wanna see the visual concept? Here:<br /></div><br /><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622988199868813282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfWB-nMVYUUNmd03l2MJGGJK7Y1hP4AhjZzXWnCSKbEXa9iGNeSWRl_rUSdzsWF7ypbZDzlQhpe67aYSP68EaDG458VbwOkYj7Xd61My3rEVmGb_cQIZoSady3oiKkS0SLcg8HifT6zQ/s320/decorations+-+burlap%252C+lace%252C+mason+jars%252C+assylum.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="left">This picture has all of my favorite elements in it. What do I love about this? MUCH! I love the simple flowers, homespun country look of it with a touch of antique. Its soft and sweet and simple. I like the use of burlap and lace. Rustic, but chic, country and antique. My favorite flowers are alyssum, and I love the mason jars. They're cheap and fairly easy to find, and they can be dressed up with a little ribbon, or beautiful enough on their own. They're perfect for vases or candle holders, as well as other things:<br /></div><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmq5EA79YbomdDRM-EX7hTwfHjoIuUAz8qrST0DsT2-8-FPdShUx6XJciCaCCOtswyEEQXIs2D7Qafw9a1Wh8oyifQ8t7RtY8bY56nxcgaQtnf2H7ETdH3ZgFC28Tdlnw3bUcTNiJ5bU/s1600/decorations+-vintage+photos+in+mason+jars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 210px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622988207860687122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmq5EA79YbomdDRM-EX7hTwfHjoIuUAz8qrST0DsT2-8-FPdShUx6XJciCaCCOtswyEEQXIs2D7Qafw9a1Wh8oyifQ8t7RtY8bY56nxcgaQtnf2H7ETdH3ZgFC28Tdlnw3bUcTNiJ5bU/s320/decorations+-vintage+photos+in+mason+jars.png" /></a> I kinda LOVE the antique pictures in the mason jars, I don't know why, but something about this really struck me. Probably because I love antiques, and especially vintage pictures.</div><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyk3bNLwhp-pkIcjsp971ENUIhd_DhWEMNLPbMNh4rP2AbwM_C7Np2sIQ7E-rI0Egx9f9bYaRNjrcUF2ydhVu3-iw5o00dPB9jLoY9aA2jJnQE2iUycENHogTOJxZjwttfyWha6xRaSeE/s1600/vintage-smogshoppe-wedding19-ruffledblog.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623022428006860562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyk3bNLwhp-pkIcjsp971ENUIhd_DhWEMNLPbMNh4rP2AbwM_C7Np2sIQ7E-rI0Egx9f9bYaRNjrcUF2ydhVu3-iw5o00dPB9jLoY9aA2jJnQE2iUycENHogTOJxZjwttfyWha6xRaSeE/s320/vintage-smogshoppe-wedding19-ruffledblog.jpg" /></a> I love this idea of holding cards. A lot of what I like for this wedding has a crafty feel. I guess more accurate would be "something old into something new" Vintage is popular, and I love it! Kinda has a "good ole days" feeling to it.</p><br /><p align="left">Like? Opinions, please. I do welcome them. Especially later on in the post :D</p><br /><p align="left">Good news! I have had my first wedding wish granted. I only have 2 "impossible" wedding wishes - for now ;) And one came true! Long story short, I have an ex-roommate from college who is my best friend - although it has been years since we have seen each other and she lives in NY, I still REALLY wanted her to be my Matron of Honor. Ahren told me to take a chance, so I did, and she called, and we talked, and she AGREED! I can not begin to tell you how excited I am about that!!! Ahren was pretty ecstatic about it too. He was so happy for me - although he has never met this girl at all. Although, I am sure he has heard enough about her by now. So - YAY! With this addition, we are almost done with our wedding party. We're sticking mostly with immediate family, and a couple very dear friends. We're definately going for a non-traditional view of flower girl and doubling up in order to include both sides of the family. The ring-bearers are still undecided. We have 4 options, and need to narrow it down to 2. Mostly I just don't want to leave anyone out, or make anyone mad (parents or kids). So, I will announce that when we've made some decisions.</p><br /><p align="left">Now on to:</p><br /><p align="left">The Dress!! Here are some of the pictures I have come across. I don't think there is a single one I am 100% in love with, but I love them all in their own ways. Really, what I am looking at is something simple. Nothing fancy - no intricate beading and rhinestones. No trains, or a very short one. I don't want my dress dragging on the ground, and sometimes busseling the train can be a big pain. Big thing: need straps of some kind. Obviously, I need the support. Plus, I don't look good with bare shoulders, or almost bare shoulders. Spaghetti straps look terrible on me. Thinking of going with the tea length look, which is gorgeously vintage, and perfect for an outdoor wedding with a lot of dancing afterwards. My only worry with that is: what if I don't feel like a bride when I wear that? What if it just seems like any other nice dress I have? I have always heard that is the biggest worry that brides have. I always thought that was silly, and logically, it is. But sometime after this whole thing became a reality, logic took a flying leap out the door.</p><br /><p align="left">Again, please let me know what you think!</p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpo6J9smRZHIWMJVum61qVvbOQxNyrOtwli7PHaDz2hPxUZkYYj6loQQi991786fC0FsegocJqRkyd6CBWkli_BIrAIlFGoQCdC7l-Z4z9HQ-QfRu9CxTcglaWcjn1eCw30J-jmlJEPI/s1600/BRIDE+-simple+elegance+low+back+dress.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623045133880533810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpo6J9smRZHIWMJVum61qVvbOQxNyrOtwli7PHaDz2hPxUZkYYj6loQQi991786fC0FsegocJqRkyd6CBWkli_BIrAIlFGoQCdC7l-Z4z9HQ-QfRu9CxTcglaWcjn1eCw30J-jmlJEPI/s320/BRIDE+-simple+elegance+low+back+dress.bmp" /></p><br /><p align="center"></a><em><strong>The Hemp dress</strong> - It's simple, and a little sexy with the low back and deep v-neck. At this point, I'm not sure about that. I'm not the sexy type - but the simplicity of the dress kinda off-sets that, so this type is still in the running.</em></p><br /><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnlUVM0jUv7edo5h0kMwfW7Mf_y46XldXyR59ABk44M3REKdqJ4ECDfUz33R28J_aeZgYUK5yC1DLUMw-bNQ82okKoN7-69FWCoq4mG-wxUyGE-O-1u4keW9zbyBA-CB3OD_qE50LnaU/s1600/BRIDE+-clean+%2526+simple+dress.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623044927465709026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnlUVM0jUv7edo5h0kMwfW7Mf_y46XldXyR59ABk44M3REKdqJ4ECDfUz33R28J_aeZgYUK5yC1DLUMw-bNQ82okKoN7-69FWCoq4mG-wxUyGE-O-1u4keW9zbyBA-CB3OD_qE50LnaU/s320/BRIDE+-clean+%2526+simple+dress.jpg" /></a> <strong><em>The Quilt Dress -</em></strong> <em>Again, simple but beautiful. I think this one is cotton. I love the bottom of this dress. It gives a little something to the dress without it being too intricate.</em><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyUkLvSnwt7yP4ezt5M_Jbo0pUQEhg_m0vlDxKn0RFcluxNd0g-MRXPjf5xVGZvyjCE946lrHwJAg7zrv9X_7oVmFUexhwJhhZlYXp-OeUbNgmBPgpTEBs1IUwkvr948p42DayusmZSE/s1600/BRIDE+-+vintage+wedding.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623044918149229410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyUkLvSnwt7yP4ezt5M_Jbo0pUQEhg_m0vlDxKn0RFcluxNd0g-MRXPjf5xVGZvyjCE946lrHwJAg7zrv9X_7oVmFUexhwJhhZlYXp-OeUbNgmBPgpTEBs1IUwkvr948p42DayusmZSE/s320/BRIDE+-+vintage+wedding.jpg" /></a> <em><strong>The Tea Lace 3/4 dress </strong>- another thing I am thinking: I'm not all that thrilled with my arms, so sleeves are a possibility. I like the 3/4 sleeve look. This dress has a lot of gorgeous lace - perfect for the burlap & lace aspect. </em><br /><br /><br /><div><em></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbxERqasE-gsU5vjJ61eaiM19Jv90FvJ0IYBg1P4I9xrSeusiVmVgjYAlvsxzfTp3hvx6phrKGoP4ghZ1kKpwk7RgzqY4ci4i-ep1VfsONAWptgccEFPRT0rOSWKJoakwfTCfqUhHzmA/s1600/BRIDE+-+ribbon+tea+length+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623044899069781554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbxERqasE-gsU5vjJ61eaiM19Jv90FvJ0IYBg1P4I9xrSeusiVmVgjYAlvsxzfTp3hvx6phrKGoP4ghZ1kKpwk7RgzqY4ci4i-ep1VfsONAWptgccEFPRT0rOSWKJoakwfTCfqUhHzmA/s320/BRIDE+-+ribbon+tea+length+3.jpg" /></a><br /><em><strong>The Epitome dress -</strong> I'm kinda in LOVE with this dress. Especially with the concept of the colored petticoat. Won't that be awesome when I swirl on the dancefloor? It's got a gorgeous vintage look to it, tea length, lace, a dash of color. I've even seen a version of this with sleeves. One of my very favorites!</em><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlACdH4fY0XnXqUsfcMuGbbfGiVSO7yAZVpN08Xr8grMFSw1q4mfqhW1iDIz8Xh1CvM7_xZzeCXsgL5RwbugOPBP_v6ba2cjaIM2hbVCOAA_r0u025tRS-2-qqI4OsQNli5iNlJGg8g4/s1600/BRIDE+-+davids+bridal+dress+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623042934449705746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlACdH4fY0XnXqUsfcMuGbbfGiVSO7yAZVpN08Xr8grMFSw1q4mfqhW1iDIz8Xh1CvM7_xZzeCXsgL5RwbugOPBP_v6ba2cjaIM2hbVCOAA_r0u025tRS-2-qqI4OsQNli5iNlJGg8g4/s320/BRIDE+-+davids+bridal+dress+1.jpg" /></a><br /><em><strong>the simple with sash David's Bridal dress - </strong>this is my practical dress. Based on budget, this is one of my best options. Simple, with a dash of color and cheap. Problem: no straps or sleeves. Other problem: it just doesn't excite me. But that doesn't mean that this won't be it.</em><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qOobA9HiPhPBGhlNW1wUIt8PSm0Z25mIF-BRrsJDOMKcRKqJ4UKrt1SXG9FgAk02T4FRWDIcMUiB32xpDbu8qC89JtfqmTb7dPfHgvUZZScZVdH6BaMMW0HVjjJlg43EBBxACX8TOJI/s1600/BRIDE+-+Julietta+by+Madeline+Gardner.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623042925471849474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qOobA9HiPhPBGhlNW1wUIt8PSm0Z25mIF-BRrsJDOMKcRKqJ4UKrt1SXG9FgAk02T4FRWDIcMUiB32xpDbu8qC89JtfqmTb7dPfHgvUZZScZVdH6BaMMW0HVjjJlg43EBBxACX8TOJI/s320/BRIDE+-+Julietta+by+Madeline+Gardner.jpg" /></a> <em><strong>the Overly Elegant dress</strong> - Too much train, but it's so pretty! Again simple with only a floral bow and sash for decoration. It says elegant to me, but it also seems like it wouldn't quite fit with the rest of the wedding. Although, I will say this: goes wonders for the curves!</em><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhqW2goAwshs4u2N4rRRR2ib52N_PGX-IXwV2FtGD-BgHBrxYe5PhLzeyQ1WDwArYHI-vu7HaZq5cvtWSlGu8R99AhbmnnDvJsp4A6fgYLwNhfnZwHToiwGew_ZkIrOKSlZ2DPdiP2_M/s1600/BRIDE+-+christina-hendricks.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623042897431460434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhqW2goAwshs4u2N4rRRR2ib52N_PGX-IXwV2FtGD-BgHBrxYe5PhLzeyQ1WDwArYHI-vu7HaZq5cvtWSlGu8R99AhbmnnDvJsp4A6fgYLwNhfnZwHToiwGew_ZkIrOKSlZ2DPdiP2_M/s320/BRIDE+-+christina-hendricks.jpg" /></a> <em><strong>The Oddball dress - </strong>this dress took me by surprise. Okay, it's simple and there are straps, but I didn't think I would like something like this as much. I was not into the gathers with most dresses. It's too much of a fad, and most of the time, its just too much, and usually the gathers have rhinestone (again, something I didn't want) But this one didn't. Really, I don't know why I like this - and I guess I don't because: I LOVE it!</em><br /></div><br /><div align="left">Well, I better quit for now. Look for updates and pictures as Ahren and I make some decisions. We'll also be looking for some imput too - so feel free to comment and let me know what you think about all of this. Suggestions are also welcome.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">There is one more thing I should mention Ahren and I are thinking (we're not sure if this is appropriate or not) of asking certain family and friends to donate time and talents in lieu of gifts. Since we know that we're going to have to DIY for a lot of this wedding, we're seeing if anyone would be willing to pitch in. Like what? you ask. Like baking, photography, music, craft stuff (designing save-the-dates or putting together programs or favors) things like that. Do you think that is a terrible idea? </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Okay - really, I am going to stop now.</div><br /><div align="left">'Til next time, then!<br /><br /></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-71056621901014831112011-06-17T08:20:00.003-06:002011-06-17T08:37:04.074-06:00I was going to do this quietly, but ... I'M ENGAGED!I know I am very behind and need to update with a lot of other things, like the first PBP show of the summer, where I am living at now, Stephanie's wedding, and a couple different other things, but I can't wait:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyU6vRCO0xdeYJR763o448S-dmDQj5iw303-6yMS2cZT6LOyonunwr1Vgg7puGNF-JaKR7jRSW2Y-xKBw4ntUWDUcQnErVcXE-Cc74qsOzkX8YdQSkG6T74OWDWqi92V_QHu2UHUjrb0g/s1600/ring+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619194090966735858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyU6vRCO0xdeYJR763o448S-dmDQj5iw303-6yMS2cZT6LOyonunwr1Vgg7puGNF-JaKR7jRSW2Y-xKBw4ntUWDUcQnErVcXE-Cc74qsOzkX8YdQSkG6T74OWDWqi92V_QHu2UHUjrb0g/s320/ring+001.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><strong>I'M ENGAGED!</strong></em></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div><br /><div align="left">I haven't been able to stop smiling since yesterday.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I actually have to get going to a meeting this morning, so I don't have time to write a full report, but here are the quick and dirty details:</div><br /><div align="left">went to Northhome to meet Ahren's grandparents who are visiting from Indianapolis. He took me on a walk to a little secluded wooded area and got down on one knee. To be honest, I can't remember exactly what he said. My mind was racing.</div><br /><div align="left">Of course, I said yes.</div><br /><div align="left">I don't think I will ever forget the look on his face. It was almost the same look he had on his face when we shared our first kiss. </div><br /><div align="left">You know the best part? Its not the ring, its not the idea of the upcoming wedding, its that he asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. He wants to share his life with me. I never thought I would be so lucky to have anyone want this, but someone does, and its someone I love very much. I'm so happy; I feel like crying!</div><br /><div align="left">One of my favorite lyrics from my favorite show says "to love another person is to see the face of God" It's true. In my love for Ahren, and in his love for me, I have found myself closer to God - and I can't thank Him enough for bringing Ahren into my life.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I promise more will follow, but I just need to get some work things done before I have the time to update everyone on the rest of it.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Hope everyone has a wonderful day!</div>Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-27550920758430165332011-05-13T19:51:00.006-06:002011-05-13T21:34:27.305-06:00Photography from a visit to the McGriff'sLast Sunday and Monday I went to spend some time with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span> at his parent's. Perfect country setting for some photography adventures. If you want a look at the rest of the album, head to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> to check it out. The ones I post here are less about the fun time I had, and more about the pictures I took.<br /><br />HOWEVER ... indulge me one moment of personal:<br />This was truly a great experience. His family is so much fun. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span> has 3 younger siblings, all of whom are lovely. The whole family seemed to take to me, and I'm beginning to get past all my awkward shyness and open up to them.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606389465022101346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QvNVuEnq4AokqLno-N8Opt6tZPaT7AJzFfUCj9qr4qgb-7eal7Kn3HTxSqhvGOOLSYtIaQEYCvgpr0DI-5QSJqfx62Wb-EmA_2e1ZkU4f0wH0ANAF6nVCRPtngGAS15hL8X_h7rmFG4/s320/kiss+for+the+camera.jpg" /> <em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren's</span> sister took this picture of us ... :D</em></p><br /><p>But the best part of the trip was just being with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span>. We took long walks together around the property, and really got the chance for true heart-to-hearts. There were times when I would have to just stop and look at him for a little bit. I can't believe my luck, but more than that, I can hardly believe how much I love him. Part of this trip was an affirmation of sorts, a glimpse, if you will, at the future - and although it was not what I had always envisioned, it is beautiful.<br />Everything was just so simple and comfortable and easy - I hadn't had a day like that in a long time. Being with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span> is one simple pleasure after another. I used to think that love had to be incredibly complex and complicated - but with him, it's not. It's powerful, but easy and natural.<br /><br />Okay, back to the pictures. I will admit, I did doctor them a lot - mostly to get a little of an old-timely look to them. I don't know what, but something about that faded effect simply worked for these photos.<br /><br /></p><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMQKK7P90BG37MSnaj_7dpdWijDkp-M9MM_lysvEnhhqsDKBJLC5h2mJNW69WeZTwnTavj0bV-53L33d2jSSy_9NJbsUbzP345mfja0FG_bdik7P2_5Ex-nCuuNcJuZfuFxjW0g28d8Y/s1600/the+path.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606390053999177042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMQKK7P90BG37MSnaj_7dpdWijDkp-M9MM_lysvEnhhqsDKBJLC5h2mJNW69WeZTwnTavj0bV-53L33d2jSSy_9NJbsUbzP345mfja0FG_bdik7P2_5Ex-nCuuNcJuZfuFxjW0g28d8Y/s320/the+path.jpg" /></a> <em>This path was on the back of the family's property. Something about it made me think of an old poem from school about the old path no longer taken.</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSF7GpRVf9251O94V3CuS-s7Kh5cGrSrlybEIJXeYGCpFKgQNgjyZJqxXRJq_zBtqK7kgJM7T7fkB_tj8Tj_ZS0OOP5PwYoDP1bYtgyB-fZvYM2Bq6wbo4r-L0c5Ywq7U2bKfLTGJ28o/s1600/hard+working+man.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606390043087955106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSF7GpRVf9251O94V3CuS-s7Kh5cGrSrlybEIJXeYGCpFKgQNgjyZJqxXRJq_zBtqK7kgJM7T7fkB_tj8Tj_ZS0OOP5PwYoDP1bYtgyB-fZvYM2Bq6wbo4r-L0c5Ywq7U2bKfLTGJ28o/s320/hard+working+man.jpg" /></a> <em>This is one of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">McGriff's</span> neighbors, Ernie (I think). He was out fixing an old barbed wire fence with his wife, and he just looked the perfect picture of an old-school, hard working rancher.</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsx6WaMCLlF-u_mm_WnnPJMlDy0gvgi4Y2wkBdrd4fPZK5zIgX6IZP6nKiVQ4ZGeRD6kW2ohDhYtcSnJ8Ub7DBsbZVO15rgyvckKGl1ALq59-NFbSXQbrXjYDBG8YOSV9izBFeOF8S6L4/s1600/dandelion+and+wood.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606390037618732178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsx6WaMCLlF-u_mm_WnnPJMlDy0gvgi4Y2wkBdrd4fPZK5zIgX6IZP6nKiVQ4ZGeRD6kW2ohDhYtcSnJ8Ub7DBsbZVO15rgyvckKGl1ALq59-NFbSXQbrXjYDBG8YOSV9izBFeOF8S6L4/s320/dandelion+and+wood.jpg" /></a> <em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren's</span> little brother picked this dandelion for me, and I couldn't help but put that bright yellow up against the faded wood of an old birdhouse.</em><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipqCczinnLuVeZoSSZe3IZIlM4z674cphzvK_LvWrlitCFu69xdKK4t85EqTDDVZknj29GZpI3pGlltlJAzZeMGetQFhrb9C2-oYQUikurWMe0_PeWCbdRv_dnHXrXSqAGETISy_NrAA/s1600/creepy+tree.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606390033570785682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipqCczinnLuVeZoSSZe3IZIlM4z674cphzvK_LvWrlitCFu69xdKK4t85EqTDDVZknj29GZpI3pGlltlJAzZeMGetQFhrb9C2-oYQUikurWMe0_PeWCbdRv_dnHXrXSqAGETISy_NrAA/s320/creepy+tree.jpg" /></a> <em>There is something just wicked about this tree.</em></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGs9CSfWdm8bDehHP5MS7S4hVMXFyHublPlTTnCyI7TW8141d0sQ26AZDrMIttMxS2ZXtAO46z-SgtKCJ2-qngERugn6ESTIwpnf81-52XmAzjLm41aL8JqzX1ZdwuENOdCsmAmyJELM/s1600/barbed+wire+close.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606390030259053346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGs9CSfWdm8bDehHP5MS7S4hVMXFyHublPlTTnCyI7TW8141d0sQ26AZDrMIttMxS2ZXtAO46z-SgtKCJ2-qngERugn6ESTIwpnf81-52XmAzjLm41aL8JqzX1ZdwuENOdCsmAmyJELM/s320/barbed+wire+close.jpg" /></a> <em>Okay, here is an odd thing: I once watched a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">tv</span> special about the building of America, and found out that barbed wire truly changed the face of the country. This baffled me, and since then, I have been fascinated by the symbolism of it - so naturally, I had to get a picture.</em><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606389460987303346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-WXgj71vD9-UpzWjudiIFHmcKlw4km3KsE1o5BFYkbtShm5Z9hepQV6DDLn8PiuwgPNjPjOZsHA7vWKPsV7x3T8E1wIb-v2NfflwwhbAjQQSF1CA7QMNG6Y2XKdmFBu-ym1OGb2NlTc/s320/Rosie+1.jpg" /><em>This is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren's</span> littlest sister, who is quite the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">squirrelly</span> character. She had a lot of fun climbing up this tree.</em><br /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606389456124964114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Xm6oZSqB_TL-PqWxIaTFxSx5je0uUhvFxbGkqhT-ktrYm3Z6ECcrrc0kuTV4Zd043AkDdIXa96xmn2GqesSRe7Tia8X2bpfkcgF3yrMZ-WCIv6nAkHfVvo87DJUMvl6jdle1iH1ftwA/s320/Socks%253B+the+rock+n%2527+roll+duck.jpg" /> <em>I had to include this picture in this post - this is Socks, the rock star duck. Note the incredible <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Mohawk</span>. And trust me, he had the attitude for it too.</em><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAciUmv7RaTXURox71YzCV8926SUKv2JPiJLo6gMVboa63wbV7fo_r7oRDje3bcOvUzOALW9Ue702N_oUHP5G_AAJ2VaVAsaO6Uw9K63N4sTRnXS0JmweMFzrSVUZtAoiwDSB5S8NwAg/s1600/Jade+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606388706107774578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAciUmv7RaTXURox71YzCV8926SUKv2JPiJLo6gMVboa63wbV7fo_r7oRDje3bcOvUzOALW9Ue702N_oUHP5G_AAJ2VaVAsaO6Uw9K63N4sTRnXS0JmweMFzrSVUZtAoiwDSB5S8NwAg/s320/Jade+1.jpg" /></a> <em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren's</span> little brother. Little guy, big personality!</em><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Qe1Qu6rJwxvHFXbBnH7_wz4Sdwnh09_RoSbig4pbw_ReJK_BXuEjef2Uf7Ph6NJRVARxYBvy1BtJUj0nFA-QJ8_bdmmooCeMmA0Isogrl-T5yJdwDcZUS4u1Bgf1oJOtK7YJr1LZLhU/s1600/giving+the+kids+a+ride.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606388702934642866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Qe1Qu6rJwxvHFXbBnH7_wz4Sdwnh09_RoSbig4pbw_ReJK_BXuEjef2Uf7Ph6NJRVARxYBvy1BtJUj0nFA-QJ8_bdmmooCeMmA0Isogrl-T5yJdwDcZUS4u1Bgf1oJOtK7YJr1LZLhU/s320/giving+the+kids+a+ride.jpg" /></a> <em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span> giving his siblings a ride on the little horse cart.</em><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxf7Y6_sAbNjCXI8VS6CRW_aBiOncrYA8V1c7wWlc0dM3KYOthQ9mrvNBNhgy01TRyAtTsEZh6qF58-7Z2ldz19kYNPJfcu2EjX5gIgBe5J8ijx4w00ta7Xn69xPseCGVoPiahovW-2Us/s1600/Ahren+6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606388688865383026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxf7Y6_sAbNjCXI8VS6CRW_aBiOncrYA8V1c7wWlc0dM3KYOthQ9mrvNBNhgy01TRyAtTsEZh6qF58-7Z2ldz19kYNPJfcu2EjX5gIgBe5J8ijx4w00ta7Xn69xPseCGVoPiahovW-2Us/s320/Ahren+6.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCm8ymxor1fARpCEVdmvzhZuq_MyPjDbwAxpnh-vA7U-pLhpB8N-vGr2E88a8MUXjB18vkrdpaDVKwCMM9hhyphenhyphenvFvNCP4UB8x3wqX6gixMTFAhcD4pmKfNEIMy8elL4bPxMbYo9hK2670/s1600/Ahren+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606388682929054994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCm8ymxor1fARpCEVdmvzhZuq_MyPjDbwAxpnh-vA7U-pLhpB8N-vGr2E88a8MUXjB18vkrdpaDVKwCMM9hhyphenhyphenvFvNCP4UB8x3wqX6gixMTFAhcD4pmKfNEIMy8elL4bPxMbYo9hK2670/s320/Ahren+1.jpg" /></a> <em>A couple pictures of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahren</span> on one of our walks together.</em></div><br /><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><br /><div>I love him so much.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-67542105086433119282011-05-07T10:46:00.004-06:002011-05-07T13:28:09.051-06:00Updates, reviews, and more ... oh my!Oh, where to begin? I know it has been awhile. (You know, it seems like I start almost every blog with that lately ... or not so lately, as it goes.)<br /><br />Here's what you missed on Teej's Life:<br /><br />Teresa's living in Bemidji, Mn, at her friend Sarah's house (for now) and working at Lueken's Villiage Foods North as a Cashier/Bagger/Service Counter/Bookkeeper, or as she likes to call it FESA (Front End Super Associate). She's making fair money, but with all the bills she has to pay, she's not actually making much ... oh well, that's life. In February, a boy that she kinda liked at work got her some flowers, and they started dating soon after. She met his family, and he's met hers, and no one got hurt, so that's good. For as little actual time as they have been together, they're pretty serious about each other, and it's a for sure that sometime down the line there will be wedding bells. Speaking of wedding bells - they are pealing, but they're for Teresa's sister, Stephanie, who will be marrying Christopher Manikowski on May 28th. Teresa is a bridesmaid, and she was asked to make a speech at the reception. She's crazy nervous about that, and has no idea what to say - suggestions, anyone?? Coming up soon, Teresa will be starting work at the Paul Bunyan Playhouse for the summer (which she has done for the last 6 years), but this might be her final year, and she's starting off the summer more than a little disappointed at taking a step backward in her job as she won't be able to Stage Manage a show this time. Major bummer, but what can you do? Despite that, the summer looks like it is going to be amazing.<br /><br />And now you are caught up. At least, I think you are.<br /><br />Here is where I insert a review of sorts - something to deflect from me for a little while:<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604024216406341762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz_3yuT4LOCT1bafAiF_CRASyJhXOGTgSV6BspaJmU2zO6a9VQP6IG9yTS1OtzoHPqLKyPtxo3Yuh9jseY94DgKa908O8ruKYXA1u1YEir3F_AALLZtFVwjngU_pumLGIBCt_5oo7T20/s320/The%252520Fast%252520And%252520The%252520Furious-01.jpg" /></p><br /><p>The Fast and the Furious (all 5 ... yes, all 5!) So, I didn't think I was going to like these at all. Really. I am not all that into cars (mostly because I know NOTHING about what makes a car awesome. I mean it, when it comes to cars, all I know is how good the body looks :S) But, Ahren is really into cars and these movies, so I thought: what the hell, why not? Well, they aren't all that bad, actually. There is a story there. Nothing drastic or dramatic, but entertaining. Design is pretty great, considering most everything is about the cars. Although I will say this: the type of people they portray as being into cars are almost all alike: sluts and gangstas. At least, all but the actual main characters themselves. I was more than a little turned off by that kind of thing. But, it's a guy movie, so what did I expect? Booty shorts, cleavage, cars, muscles, and money. Anything I miss? Hmm - don't think so. That aside, I did enjoy the movies. I wouldn't watch them everyday, but once in a while. Acting wise: it's okay. Least Favorite: I would have to go with ... okay that one is actually tricky. I don't think I have a least favorite. They all kinda fall into a : 'meh' catagory. Just there, okay, but nothing amazing. However my Favorite: by far, number 5. No kidding, this movie is GREAT (as far as these movies go). It's like 'Ocean's 11' meets street racing, add a little bit of 'The Untouchables' and some of 'The Fugitive' combined with 'Rambo'. Seriously, I know that is a lot to take in, but trust me, when you see it, you'll get what I mean. #5 is by far the best. I loved it! And if you go to see it in the theatres, stick around - don't leave as soon as the actual movie is over, you'll miss a little bomb they drop on you. Totally caught me and Ahren off guard. Overall, the collection gets about a 3 1/2, but the last movie alone gets a 5 star salute from me.</p><br /><p>On to other things: How about this: Ahren. Yeah, things are GREAT. I can't even begin to describe how good things are between us. After the summer is over we are going to be moving in together somewhere. Probably an apartment in town (for work sake). We've grown so close so quickly. I am completely in love with him. And, although sometimes I have to pinch myself over this, he is in love with me. I can not believe my luck. I don't deserve this, I know it. But I know that love is a gift from God, and I am treasuring it, and doing my best to deserve it. We're completely devoted to each other, without being overwhelming. We've gotten past the overtly giddy stage (almost. I mean, there are still times when he walks into the room and I get this ridiculous smile on my face), and now we're just utterly comfortable with each other. We've gotten approval from both our immediate families. Come Steph's wedding, he is going to be meeting a lot of my elongated family, and I couldn't be more excited about that. We're just waiting for the summer to begin. Just being able to get out more, and we both get to introduce each other to our passions: Cars for him, and theatre for me - and what is even better: we're both excited for that. I can not wait for him to take me to our first dirt track race, and he actually wants to jump right in and help out at the playhouse. I'm so lucky. He is the greatest thing to happen to me. He's always there when I need him, and most of the time, he is always there when I just want him to be there - and he doesn't mind that. Last night, I was feeling terrible, and he stopped over after work. He just came in, gave me a kiss and a hug and stayed with me. We cuddled together - something he actually doesn't mind at all - and there we were, just in each other's arms. It was bliss. Pretty much every day with him is.</p><br /><p>Okay, okay, enough gushing, I guess. Just so you know, I could say so much more. :D</p><br /><p>Other thing: health. Going through some problems again. Same thing as before: some gallbladder problems. Can't eat after a certain time, can't eat a lot, lost a lot of my appetite. But this time, I had Ahren. No, I am not back to gushing, I'm serious. His dad went through problems with his gallbladder, and Ahren shared some suggestions. Papya. Apparently it is great for your digestive system. Enzyme tablets after every meal, and juice occassionally. It's not a miracle worker, but it certain helps A LOT! I'll look forward to when this starts to go away again. It's more under control than it was before. but it's still there. Another small thing Ahren introduced me to: the hot towel. No kidding, I didn't think about this before. I don't have a heating pad, and I needed one the other night, so Ahren grabbed my towel and threw it in the dryer for a little while. Oh My Gosh, it was AMAZING! So soothing,. Eased my tense muscles and the pain. Didn't end it, but certainly allowed me to relax a lot more. So, word to the wise: hot towels do wonders.</p><br /><p>Shoot ... I had a lot more to say. But time is running out and I have to get ready for work. More on that later, I am sure.</p><br /><p>Sorry to leave you so soon! But, hopefully I will come back soon with a better post that is less update, and more current substance.</p><br /><p>Love and Hugs!</p><br /><p>Teej</p><br /><br /><p><br /><br /><br /></p>Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-49381157390362303612011-04-07T20:38:00.002-06:002011-04-07T21:05:36.090-06:00review: The Uninvited (1944)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jh6AlDDzyRJy8Es3NRggMGyemqijjJ3lMYegTQaNIwbNmhqJytTPbFSIsyHczkTe2imhi8D7iaOetvGFSWJyR6BMoLMF3yfcq-Wf-hlaqRab7cEZyViq04tHWor42khme5Q3imYbGqg/s1600/Uninvited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593036950068320850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 209px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jh6AlDDzyRJy8Es3NRggMGyemqijjJ3lMYegTQaNIwbNmhqJytTPbFSIsyHczkTe2imhi8D7iaOetvGFSWJyR6BMoLMF3yfcq-Wf-hlaqRab7cEZyViq04tHWor42khme5Q3imYbGqg/s320/Uninvited.jpg" border="0" /></a> I was just flipping through the channels before starting a movie I was decidedly not all that interested in viewing when I stumbled accross TCM and something about this movie description caught my attention. So, I figured, why not? and settled in for a Black & White classic. Always a good choice. It was nominated for an Oscar for B&W Cineamatography - so if nothing else, it would be a gorgeous film. On top of that, it was a B&W classic scary movie. Can't go wrong with that. And I didn't. This movie did not disappoint at all. Let me tell you: this is how good horror movies are to be made. Not blood and gore, just good old fashioned freaky! The story centers around a brother (Ray Milland) and sister (Ruth Hussey) who stumble accross an old abandoned home on vacation. They fall in love with it, and decide to buy it. After some initial thwarting from the owner's granddaughter (Gail Russell), they indeed become the new owners. Little did they know that they got more house than they bargained for. Something is not right about the house - and after the obligatory refusal of belief, they discover the secrets of the past and the reason why the animals won't go upstairs. First let's say this: it is a gorgeous film. Beautiful shots, and some pretty cool special effects for the time. The design of the entire film is wonderful. What impressed me most was the ability of the set and costume/make-up designers to tell you something with their work. When you watch the movie, pay close attention to the studio the first time you see it. There indeed is something chilling about the room. It's just an empty room, but there is something about it. You know there is something about it without knowing why. THAT is amazing design. As far as costuming/make-up goes, they did a fantastic job with the Mrs. Holloway character. As soon as you see her, you know there is something about her. Something not quite ... well, you'll understand. Despite a little corniness in the very beginning, you quickly get into the story and enjoy the subtle comedy as much as the thrills and romance of this film. There are only two not so great things about this film: #1 - the Broadway Musicalesque type ending where everyone is paired off. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Broadway Musicals - oh boy, do I ever. But in a movie like this, throwing a couple together at the end of the movie for happiness sake is just ... odd. Said couple is only shown alone together once before, and while they do hint at a possible romance, the sudden pronounced marriage is a little ... odd. It doesn't REALLY bother me, but it just doesn't fit quite right with the tone of the film. #2 - the not so flattering hints at homosexuality. Let's just say that one of the characters is not so pointedly lesbian. And also kinda crazy. They make her look psychotic in her affection for her friend. Maybe I was just reading too much into it. All in all, this was a WONDERFUL film. I would definately add it to my permaneant collection. 4 and 1/2 out of 5 starsTeejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-22449289348525976822011-03-26T18:32:00.002-06:002011-03-26T18:53:05.990-06:00Jimminy Crickets ... its been a whileWell, maybe not a very long while; still it feels like I haven't blogged in forever. Which isn't that surprising because not much has been going on. At least, not much that I want to report.<br /><br />Things are amazing. Ahren is ... I love him. I love us. I love what our future holds, and I love knowing that I have met the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. Yes, I said it; and Yes, I mean it. We've talked about it, and we know that someday he will put a ring on my finger. But there is no rush to do that.<br /><br />I've been sick - again. I thought the cold was done and over with. Well, then it came back with a new friend: Strep Throat. I was trying to deal with it on my own, but it got to the point where I couldn't eat anything at all. If I tried even the smallest bites of food, I would start choking because I couldn't swallow! Finally I broke down and had Ahren drive me into the hospital. (Remember, I have no insurance!) Less than a half an hour later and maybe 5 minutes with the Doctor, I left with a diagnosis and a package of 6 pills. I can't help but feel like all of that was for nothing, but I will say this: those pills worked AMAZINGLY! In 24 hours I was able to eat again! Food never tasted so good! The only good thing about being sick is having proof that Ahren will be with me "in sickness and in health" I can't tell you how comforting his presence is. Not to mention, it is always nice to have someone there for you when you're not feeling 100%.<br /><br />Work is work. One of the bookkeepers is gone on a month long vacation, so I've been doing Books more and more. I don't like it, but I can't complain too much. It's hours, I guess. Although, I am getting better at it, so technically, I am making less money because I am done quicker. I just don't like the job that much. Just me in the little room doing math in the wee morning hours. Not exactly a wonderful combination. I like people too much. I almost need interaction. If I didn't get to have my music, I would go insane!<br /><br />Finances aren't the best. It doesn't matter, it seems, how much I work, I still get too close to falling too short each week. I hate living paycheck to paycheck like this. But I am still making ends meet, so I can't complain.<br /><br />That is about it. Nothing at all on the theatre aspect except for this summer. I don't like it, but I can't afford the time to do it anyways, so I guess it is all for the best.<br /><br />I know I haven't been keeping up with reviews and such. Sorry about that. I haven't really been watching anything new recently. I'll try to be a little better about that.<br /><br />Hope this finds everyone well and happy, and I will see you at the next update or writing session!Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-91947534092751325382011-03-03T12:22:00.003-07:002011-03-03T13:30:44.502-07:00The Oscars, a Pasta dish review, and How much I love himWell, the weekend didn't start well. I could feel myself coming down with something. I used to be able to simply will my way out of being sick, but I was not so lucky. By Saturday's workshift, I was in the throes of a cold/flue bug. As much as I needed to suffer through, I just had to call in sick to work on Sunday.<br />Ahren and I had plans to get together after I was done with work for the Oscars. He, hearing of my illness, decided to come early, so we could spend the day together and he could take care of me. Isn't he sweet?<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJANW-ZylHsFvqaKhRIRDXXUbL7kaLpJRpV4XUKh2aO7-yR-TnuBtGetywqMTy-D96OlAURztk8zlzwrT8eY5pLOYjL8EzbGSUcx4qZsp44eJ10WY8h_6napn-Lk8oGUy4eoOKLRMRGc/s1600/Oscars+2011+-+looking+good.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579937204818402002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJANW-ZylHsFvqaKhRIRDXXUbL7kaLpJRpV4XUKh2aO7-yR-TnuBtGetywqMTy-D96OlAURztk8zlzwrT8eY5pLOYjL8EzbGSUcx4qZsp44eJ10WY8h_6napn-Lk8oGUy4eoOKLRMRGc/s320/Oscars+2011+-+looking+good.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>My man - looking all nice for our Dinner and Movies night.</em></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Well, the Oscars were fun. As always, I had a bet going with Ashley (for those who don't know her, she was my roommate during most of college). She has carried the Oscars Winners bragging rights for the last couple of years - I don't know how she does it. I was sure this year I would finally break her record. So, Ahren and I settled in to watch, and we had our own little bragging rights bet between the two of us. Well - I didn't do as well as I would have liked - Ashely won with 10 accurate predictions. I had 7 - but I did beat Ahren, who had 5. There were a lot of upsets though, where none of us were right.</div><div align="left">I must say, I really am looking forward to being able to see some of the movies featured this year ... maybe one year I will be able to see most of them BEFORE the Oscars, but I doubt it. Besides half the fun is pure luck of your complete guesses being right.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">About the pasta dish - Ahren took charge of dinner and brought a recipe from his mom, simply called Pasta Cheese Dish. It was kinda like Pasta bake, only with a cheese gravy. Sorry, no picture available, we ate it too quickly :D</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Pasta of your choice (bowtie is recommended - we had spirals) - cook, drain, & set aside.</div><div align="left">3/8 cup butter, </div><div align="left">1/2 cup flour, </div><div align="left">1 and 3/4 cup milk, </div><div align="left">1/2 tsp salt, </div><div align="left">1 tsp dry mustard (opt), </div><div align="left">1/2 tsp black pepper, </div><div align="left">1 and 1/2 cup (8oz) Jack cheese; shredded<br />Melt butter. Stir in flour. Gradually stir in milk & spices. Cook on med/low heat, stirring constantly until sauce thickens. Remove from heat, add half of cheese, and stir. Pour over pasta and toss/stir until pasta is coated. Pur mixture into a greased 13x9 dish. Top w/ remaining cheese, then Bake @ 350 degrees for 20 minutes.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">What comes out is the most amazing, cheesy thing EVERY! We added a lot of extra cheese, so I was pretty happy. Although, since we didn't have the dry mustard, I think the taste might have been a tad on the bland side, but it was still delish! Highly reccomended!!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I was feeling pretty good for a bit there, and then, sometime during the night, I got hit with the full force of the bug, and come Monday morning, I could barely make the call in to work. I still feel bad about taking the time off, but man, everything was so fuzzy, and my stomache was messing with me, and the congestion was raking my lungs. UG!! But, Ahren had the day off of work, so we again spent the day together. A lot of it was resting for me. It was kinda nice to just be together. He was the greatest caretaker ever! He really made me smile with his antics. See below:</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwO6favg9SEUkBLp8t0HnUsh9pyEGnXUXnTZG11MqcelfHkdx52uzXq4REeQUy7Xv4K3n_ah5VS28Z7QCTR9WwfY2th2TT4sPlSWfI37dC90GltDhur2XJtLbWxpx7lOQwTu15BbhZjw0/s1600/feb+2011+-+have+no+fear,+Ahren+is+here.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579937190085017234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwO6favg9SEUkBLp8t0HnUsh9pyEGnXUXnTZG11MqcelfHkdx52uzXq4REeQUy7Xv4K3n_ah5VS28Z7QCTR9WwfY2th2TT4sPlSWfI37dC90GltDhur2XJtLbWxpx7lOQwTu15BbhZjw0/s320/feb+2011+-+have+no+fear%252C+Ahren+is+here.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>Have no Fear, Ahren is here to care for you! My hero ;)</em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579937198913598914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66UyOr8kg63qYSUw80tJHxgKSRTOmL7RtdeIsJTznphZPirQJx8de6XRUl_k7fYSPczyEqhp-dEFMYptgN3jbd9G6pRTkRisL5brmLNLQgAt5q1ZABdSQjjVZXfHr_OOS199704HTQpk/s320/feb+2011+from+below.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="left">But he also took care of me. Again, during the day I recovered, but by the evening, I was feeling fuzzy again, and on top of everything else, I started getting a sore throat. We sat and watched a movie together and some tv, but I was mostly drifting in and out of conciousness. He put a pillow down and let my lie with my head in his lap, and he just sat there, stroking my hair - he even massaged my temples for a little while. Even though I was sick and I felt terrible, I was in Bliss. It was so nice to be taken care of like that.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">He went to work the next day and came back afterwards. I had my room lit with candles and had some soft music playing when he came back. It was one of the best evenings ever. We sat and just talked for a couple hours together - listened to some music, swapped stories. It was all just so natural. I got a picture of him while he was looking something up on the computer. I just love this shot:</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBSwH7kVSXT7sr1ITuhc7rRQ3mGiCBcBKJeNqwZMevHNmvI3qFaPjh_VD8WXK_yF6wrmJiuxudIRuq2BxdjYXdlxhZ5quOBwPyyOa2HwPADTyPTVq-DHiMga1xSxjbo9OANe8hW4J29A/s1600/feb+2011+-+ahren+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579937187262671778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBSwH7kVSXT7sr1ITuhc7rRQ3mGiCBcBKJeNqwZMevHNmvI3qFaPjh_VD8WXK_yF6wrmJiuxudIRuq2BxdjYXdlxhZ5quOBwPyyOa2HwPADTyPTVq-DHiMga1xSxjbo9OANe8hW4J29A/s320/feb+2011+-+ahren+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Doesn't he just look so cool?!</em><br /></div><div align="left">This really made me think: about how much I really do love this boy. It's only been a little less than 2 months, and I am head over heels in love with him. I am normally the practical person who would say "There's no way you could possibly love someone you've only been with for a month!" But I'm eating my words on that. Ahren and I have connected completely in such a short time. I know him so well, and vice versa. We've even already moved almost completely out of the "Utterly Twitterpaited" stage, and into a less crazy level of comfort. Oh, I still break into smiles whenever I see him, but as one of my friends puts it "you two are so natural together, you would think you've been together at least 6 months" Ahren attributes that with how much time we just spend talking. We can't afford to go out a lot, so when we're together we just make dinner, watch a movie and talk. </div><div align="left">The last couple of days has served as a reminder of how much I do love him. At first, I held back from saying that to him. I let the practical side do the talking, but the more time we spent together, the louder my heart shouted at me :"YOU LOVE HIM!" He's so good; so kind; so sweet. He's so fun to be around, but he has a serious/practical side that does me a lot of good. I want to be a better person because of him, and I begin to see all the better aspects of myself shining when he is around, and all the less than good aspects start to work toward something better.</div><div align="left">Yes, we've talked about the future a lot. It doesn't scare either of us at all. We're very comfortable admitting that we're both in this relationship for the long haul and even our talk of the future has become very casual. There is no question that we're going to be together for (at least) a long time. We've started making plans together. I've already got a fund started up for a road trip for the two of us to take together to see him family in Indiana via Illinois to see my family.</div><div align="left">Here's the other thing: we've talked about life ideas. We both know where the other stands on things like life dreams, careers, sex, marriage, kids, religion, etc. We fit into each other's plans nicely, if not perfectly. While we're not giving up any of our own dreams, we've grown fond of the idea of helping the other find their dreams, and compromises don't seem like an inconvienience. We're far from action, but theoretically, we fit together well.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I never thought I would be here, writing or thinking these things - but I've come to realize that anything is possible - and it's all because of him :D </div><div align="center"> </div></div>Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-82885390955318611452011-02-14T21:10:00.008-07:002011-02-14T23:13:36.365-07:00One Month... :D<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCkdyUcypedit3OZtqrYvsKAF87NraGifiKhsXabO1_0VH2tUmO7_x6DPwXfjUxAd8zySiEh8_l9tQiGRlBF9twcZyPHfiAbNxyjLWMc0EOMtiwyBgQ3fX-OfR9YdlKigYfWau8wu8kE/s1600/ahren+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573792243741766258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCkdyUcypedit3OZtqrYvsKAF87NraGifiKhsXabO1_0VH2tUmO7_x6DPwXfjUxAd8zySiEh8_l9tQiGRlBF9twcZyPHfiAbNxyjLWMc0EOMtiwyBgQ3fX-OfR9YdlKigYfWau8wu8kE/s320/ahren+015.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Just so you know: A goofy grin will be on my face the entire time I am writing this blog entry. Like the one above.</em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7XUFcIDXep2GF3ND7KnrWJzYvqCz7Zjb_jZ0mIhpmppFPbAk2vDZTBdDG-NKDQY3e6DBvk0_R7JYVBjLesRgEs72SAhNf2m1ARMLQTzjSdb5kz7rEMPWzMYCwLp8ntaLoY-9CC3y-kM/s1600/Me+and+Ahren+-+1st+picture.jpg"> </a><br /><br /><br /><div>I thought it was a good time for an update - but not much is going on in my life except for one thing: Ahren. So, this is really about him and I. </div><br /><div>I hardly need say it: I am happy. And it is all because of him.<br /></div><div>So, it's Valentine's Day - and it is also our one month ... Anniversary, for lack of a better expression. Yes, I've been teased about calling it that - but hey: fact is that we have been together one month today. And it has been the happiest month of my life. One one hand, this month has flown by, but on the other hand, I can hardly believe it has only been a month! It's just that we have come so far in such a short time! We keep talking about things we want to do together in the future together. We're trying not to assume anything, but there doesn't seem to be a question of whether or not we are going to be together for a long time. We both are in this relationship for the long run. </div><br /><div>It's just natural. We just click.</div><br /><div>I still can't believe my luck sometimes, when I think about it. He blows me away sometimes. He is such a good person. An honest to God, country boy gentleman. His instincts are so considerate, so gracious, so kind. I almost feel bad sometimes because he just doesn't seem to understand how good he is. I've tried to tell him that he is too good for me, but he won't hear it. I know that sounds like a wierd thing for me to tell him, but I would feel bad if I didn't at least try to tell him that, because he deserves to know exactly what he ... deserves. But, in a way, it's good for me to feel that way, because it makes me want to really work hard to earn his love and affection. Despite how I feel about that, he doesn't make me feel like I'm not good enough. I know, it sounds wierd, but this is what I mean: I feel that way, but he doesn't <em>make me</em> feel that way. There is a very great distinction there.</div><br /><div>He sees me just the way I am: flaws and all, but even as I write that, I don't know if that is true because sometimes I swear that he just doesn't see them at all. He doesn't ignore the flaws - it's like he doesn't even register the fact that they exist. Still, despite that, he still seems to see me completely. He sees what I am afraid of in myself, what I don't like about myself - but also, what I want to be, what I want others to see in me for themselves, but most important: what I <em>am</em>.</div><br /><div>Normal good days are not great now that I am with him, and even Life's bad days aren't that bad anymore because I have this love. It's like that song: 'Pocketful of Sunshine' It's true. I've got something that makes it all bearable, a kind of secret comfort. I have someone to talk to - a happy voice, a distraction. I can cry on his shoulder, come to him for advice, bend his ear, everything. I have someone to ask: "how was your day?" He's my celebration partner, my last call, my first thought, my partner in crime, ... my best friend.</div><br /><div>I'm looking forward to this weekend. We're going to my parent's for a family get-together. Officially, it is for the Daytona 500, but really, it is just an excuse for us all to get together so that they can meet him. Everyone is going to be there, and I am SO EXCITED! He's a little nervous, and to be honest, I am a little too. Which makes no sense, because I know they are going to like him a lot. And they will be able to see how much <em>I</em> like him - so we will be good. I hope he will like them. One thing I want to make sure of: I don't want him to just be this guy that I'm seeing to my family. I know this sounds like it is looking into the future a bit, but I really want him to be part of the family: one of us.</div><br /><div>So yeah... things are going very well.</div><br /><div>Before I finish this, I wanted to relate what he did for Valentine's Day. Just 'cause. Also, this shows how well he knows me. We had just spent the weekend together, so when I went into work, I did not imagine I would see him that day. (He lives out of town, and only comes in for work) Then, as I am checking out a customer, I look up and there he is holding a single white rose. :D I was struck speechless (as I very often am with him) All my co-workers were just "awwww" One of my managers even made sure to display the rose on my till so that everyone could see it. It was quite nice to have that constant reminder there all day: someone loves me :D It's funny: all day, men were coming in getting flowers for their ladies, but no arrangement, no bouquet, no stuffed animal and candy combination could hold a candle to my beautiful white rose. So simple, so sweet, so honest. That's Ahren for you: Classic. </div><div> </div><div>Here are some pictures from the past month. Sadly, there are not many. I'm a little distracted when I am with him, so I have a hard time recording it, and there is no one else around to record us together. Oh well.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7XUFcIDXep2GF3ND7KnrWJzYvqCz7Zjb_jZ0mIhpmppFPbAk2vDZTBdDG-NKDQY3e6DBvk0_R7JYVBjLesRgEs72SAhNf2m1ARMLQTzjSdb5kz7rEMPWzMYCwLp8ntaLoY-9CC3y-kM/s1600/Me+and+Ahren+-+1st+picture.jpg"></a><br /><p> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573792913873351762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pnXgGseLkI8r4Ai9XVFPR6DwF3YUeIgvEhvFuGx_K5IWw64gR-sQn5rtNwsHRPG_SrA1e2FC89aiOTdYlvbsKWrxvSKMEic25HcvNS-Xoc_PAxLY-LJHt7FuC6Uzfv1dts03CC6pzDE/s320/Me+and+Ahren+-+1st+picture.jpg" border="0" /></p><p><em>This is our first picture together: he joined me at a friend's birthday party.</em></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFT0dtut0EnQAXS44-tafgrGal4bl9Yl6uT-z4Lqd3boE4GBR42Y3zznaoUfuaO4k8XgIGsc7AgPGmVMaG2LJfG0yhDlpGVLSaKUEFXoMd8A8gM1Vi65Gqj49xUy8851QHuSuKwWaalA/s1600/Ahren+with+Paul+and+Babe.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573792906730205922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFT0dtut0EnQAXS44-tafgrGal4bl9Yl6uT-z4Lqd3boE4GBR42Y3zznaoUfuaO4k8XgIGsc7AgPGmVMaG2LJfG0yhDlpGVLSaKUEFXoMd8A8gM1Vi65Gqj49xUy8851QHuSuKwWaalA/s320/Ahren+with+Paul+and+Babe.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Our first "date day" Ahren had never had his picture taken with Paul and Babe, so we had to rectify that situation quickly.</em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573792890310439890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hGP5MVlzmpJCmeuPaydzqnW0rBDBqX08cpDL2vZXj7gLbpk9uATgTNdZErKsioLKGObySpAm2ARXPgZmnT7-8UK6Eym2xff_0SWa3mZMSZNUXndpTTz72eT0Oypzjx4nG3QE9z59VHg/s320/ahren+004.jpg" border="0" /><em> One month together - I was trying to use the mirror to finally get a picture of us - this is the only one that turned out half-way decently.</em></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQibi-9vLzwr24y0aXvQLBVkMah-_lwpX8uhXMBq5YZ3vIKSqhZ2caBOdTC8apcfwofOs41HZSD3dqD93tlYmThr-1AJZnqtHp-5rXX3iMepdncKC0bwBreOUJ1tTw2mCH6cqInydb0is/s1600/ahren+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573792898701943122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQibi-9vLzwr24y0aXvQLBVkMah-_lwpX8uhXMBq5YZ3vIKSqhZ2caBOdTC8apcfwofOs41HZSD3dqD93tlYmThr-1AJZnqtHp-5rXX3iMepdncKC0bwBreOUJ1tTw2mCH6cqInydb0is/s320/ahren+014.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Me with my Valentine's Day rose - pretty isn't it?</em></p>Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-84701145678986753782011-01-19T19:22:00.003-07:002011-01-19T20:25:55.731-07:00AhrenI'll try and keep this short because I need to get some sleep before work at 5AM tomorrow.<br /><br />So yeah - Ahren (the boy who got me flowers) is going to be around for a while, and a major part of my life. We're together now. Boyfriend/girlfriend like. *Majorly blushing right now* <br /><br />We're kind of cute together. We're both pretty cautious and new to this whole relationship thing, so we take everything pretty slow. But this also means that we're comfortable being completely blunt with each other. We're not scared to admit our shortcomings to each other, which, in turn, endears us to one another. We're slowly exploring each other ... that is the best way I can describe it. It's like we've set off on this new adventure together. Holding hands, we're taking baby steps down the path. It's so very sweet. It's strange, but even with this incredible caution, we completely trust each other. I mean, I know, somehow, that he would never intentionally do anything to hurt me. I feel so safe and secure when I am with him. <br /><br />This is a big thing for me: You all know how much I say "I'm Sorry" and I get a lot of grief about it from a lot of people. So much so, that sometimes I just get so mad about it. But when I say "I'm sorry" to Ahren, he just looks at me and says "It's okay" And get this: I believe him. When I am with him, I don't feel like I'm constantly making mistakes, or in the way. I feel apart of the world, not just an observer of it. And when he compliments me, (which he does ... a lot), I actually find myself believing him. He says I'm pretty and while I don't understand it, I believe it. I have so many physical, mental, and emotional flaws, and all this time I felt like that was going to keep me from ever finding someone. But there is Ahren, right next to me, in spite of all of that. And he is almost the same way. He posted a song on Facebook - Rascal Flatt's 'God Bless the Broken Road.' It's kind of perfect.<br /><br />What is even better: it is not a one-sided relationship. Not to bloat my ego or anything, but I do things for him as well. I make him happy. Again: I don't understand it, I can't imagine how, but he tells me this is true, and I believe him.<br /><br />We talk about family a lot, because they're very important to each of us. And apparently, from what I can tell, they are very similar. We can't wait to introduce each other to our parents and siblings. I know he will fit in perfectly with Mom & Dad, Steph & Chris, and Nick & Amy. Yes, even Nick will like him - I am sure :D While we were talking about seeing family, he said that we should see my folks before his because, while we're already seeing each other, he wants to ask my Dad if he can continue to "court" me. I about melted on the very spot. It's nice to find someone who likes the old fashioned ideas of a relationship.<br /><br />He's also incredibly supportive my of theatre/crazy side. He doesn't seem to mind how much of my life has become ingrained in that. When I laugh at something and tell him it's a theatre thing, he doesn't mind at all. And I can explain to him all the private jokes and experiences in my life, and he gets them. Even with nicknames - we talked about that and I can tease him about something he was called when he was younger, even though I wasn't apart of that. His personal passions are becoming my interests, and I can't wait until we can go to a drag race or something together. I also can't wait to take him to see a show. When I go to see his family, I'm going to learn how to milk a cow :D I'm excited for it all. I want to learn new things together and try all our individual interests with each other.<br /><br />The past couple of days have been the happiest of my life thus far. There are time when I swear, I'm floating above the ground. When I was younger we sang a song in Chorus called "All Around the World Tonight" and I always pictures a man a woman dancing through the stars when I heard it. That is what he makes me feel like: waltzing in the star speckled sky. I've been so perky and giddy at work that even the costumers have started noticing. I prance (yes, prance), I bounce, I dance through each hour of the day.<br /><br />Well, I better end it here, for now. More will come, I promise, but I'm so comforted talking about Ahren that I'm completely relaxing and the music I am listening to as I write this is rocking me to sleep.Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-20192099222488093742011-01-13T15:56:00.002-07:002011-01-13T16:48:39.604-07:00Start of something good??So ... I had a good day yesterday.<br /><br />Started out like any other. Got to work at 9:00, it's Dollar Days so we were pretty busy. Before I knew it, it was time for my hour break. I go back to my locker to get some change for a soda and there is a Post*It on my locker. First thought was that Karla (HR Director) had to see me about something. I look at it, and it says "There is something for you in the Break Room"<br /><br />Okay...?<br /><br />So, I go in there, and I see a vase with some flowers in it. On the vase is another Post*It that says "For Teresa" I thought for sure there was some mistake. There were a couple of my co-workers in the room too, and they all asked who the flowers were from. While I still was sure there was some mistake (there is another Teresa at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Luekens</span> as well), I went ahead and looked at the card. It said "To the girl who is always on my heart" <br /><br />Now there HAS to be some mistake ... I am not that lucky.<br /><br />But - the note was on my locker, not anyone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">else's</span>. I didn't recognize the handwriting so a staff (eventually about 5 or so people) looked at the note and most of them were convinced they knew who it was from. But they were not going to tell me, because they weren't sure. One of my managers was nice enough to offer to tell me if I didn't figure it out by the time I was done with work.<br /><br />So, I come off the break and head up to Service Counter. On my way, I pass one of my co-workers - this boy named <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ahren</span>. Ever since I started working at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Luekens</span> this boy has been incredibly nice and friendly to me. He always makes me smile and we like to talk. When I thought about it, I realized this could be a possibility. I mean, he was actually the only slight possible choice. But as I passed he asked how my break was in such a casual way, I was sure I was wrong.<br /><br />Still, as the night went on, I couldn't figure out who it might have been. I almost asked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ahren</span> as he came up to pay for his break food, but I quickly decided not to. I mean, if he said 'no' I would be back at square one and look like a fool. Not too long later I was sent on my 15 min break. So I went back there and in the break room was just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ahren</span>. After a little small talk, I tried to ask him in a round about way. He looked at me like I was crazy and said "no" At that point, I wanted to sink into the floor because by then I had convinced myself that I really wanted it to be him. There was a two-second god-awful silence and then he said "to the girl who is always on my heart"<br /><br />And mine stopped.<br /><br />After that is kinda blurry, but there was a lot of blushing, stammering, and a surprising lack of words. I didn't know what to say! Except "thank you" and I'm pretty sure after the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> time saying it, that got old. I gave him a hug and miraculously got up the courage to ask him if he wanted to get coffee or something sometime. He said yes, but the problem is finding a time when we are both available. (He also works on his family farm, so he's pretty busy) He agreed to meet me after he was done with work.<br /><br />So, fast-forward a couple hours. We meet up in the closed Deli and proceed to spend the next 2 hours talking. It was wonderful! Surprisingly, it was pretty easy. You all know how awkward I am - especially with conversations - but there was a shockingly small amount of not-so-awkward pauses. It was very comfortable. Eventually, the managers notify us that it is time for them to leave, and therefore, we should to.<br /><br />We talked a little more in the parking lot and finally said good-bye. We hugged again, and not to go off on a tangent, but I have to say that it was very comfortable - hugging him, I mean. I didn't want to let go :) *blushing*<br /><br />So - that's my story. I haven't really stopped smiling since then - even through working Books this morning! I have found myself singing a lot today and really enjoying those "it's great to be alive" kind of songs. So yeah, I'm giddy. The roses smell so beautiful and are perfectly in bloom (see below:)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzou2VhH-g5i9LyMDrVZbGkBIvOV63STrwprWqJRa60oks2MOQPLo57gV9PoTVqPtLxmUEO71Kdtq30yS7PxA0UVjpF95aZzB71EltogPfea-_vwynO3j3Oh4_i1mFzZTsCEBMuF2gy-o/s1600/flowers+from+Ahren+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561810201275744690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzou2VhH-g5i9LyMDrVZbGkBIvOV63STrwprWqJRa60oks2MOQPLo57gV9PoTVqPtLxmUEO71Kdtq30yS7PxA0UVjpF95aZzB71EltogPfea-_vwynO3j3Oh4_i1mFzZTsCEBMuF2gy-o/s320/flowers+from+Ahren+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvx8rgp5GqdjkoJb215CmiIbhlS4jDPWk7hGcoUgPciwziVrB8QKiiu93pCcYyGgr1J1Nay-EIqt1QGIQMr55i_3SXacXiG5rvw34nEIUGUZTJ9lCCwMP_BMKpPccxlcLHhSLmfTKOQA/s1600/flowers+from+Ahren+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561810197087373634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvx8rgp5GqdjkoJb215CmiIbhlS4jDPWk7hGcoUgPciwziVrB8QKiiu93pCcYyGgr1J1Nay-EIqt1QGIQMr55i_3SXacXiG5rvw34nEIUGUZTJ9lCCwMP_BMKpPccxlcLHhSLmfTKOQA/s320/flowers+from+Ahren+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> No official plans yet. I can't imagine that we're going to make any kind of anything quickly. We're still kind of feeling each other out - which, if I were an outsider, I would think is adorable. We both seem to be a little guarded, and we're easing into this new thing. Which, I can't define right now. I don't like to assume anything, so as of right now, I just got some flowers from a very good friend. There may or may not be more, I don't know. I can't read him at all - not that that has ever been a strong point of mine. My natural tendency towards caution and self-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">deprecation</span> tells me that is all it is: friend - there is no way that there is more; people don't think of me in that way. Remember: I am a confirmed hopeless case - I have given up on the idea of that kind of relationship in my life. But my other tendency towards hope tells me that there might be something. When I think about it, I tend to drive myself a little crazy, BUT I don't think about it too much.</div><div> </div><div>So, I'm just a girl who got flowers for a very sweet guy :D</div>Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-91967757656550785302011-01-07T13:46:00.004-07:002011-01-07T13:53:28.740-07:00Check out these theaters ... so sad.I'm a sucker for the stage. Even empty, deserted, decaying ones. There's a strange beauty to these places. <br />Mostly I like the idea of what these places were before they were abandoned. What plays they housed, what performances they sheltered - and also what led them to the state they are in now.<br />When I look through the photos, I keep picturing in my mind a solitary ghost in greasepaint standing in a faint spotlight, with echos of the past surrounding them, forever playing to an audience that isn't there anymore.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.abandonedtheaters.com/">http://www.abandonedtheaters.com/</a>Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501240874651882288.post-79321556211506511162010-12-31T23:02:00.003-07:002010-12-31T23:33:36.168-07:002011 - New Year's WishesI've almost given up on resolutions. I never keep them, most of the time I forget them, and if I do remember them, I feel bad about them. So, I have a different list.<br />Here are some things I wish for with this New Year:<br /><br />Actually I guess most of these can be summed up in one word: Create. I want to Create things.<br /><br />* create a new me: a modern day Lady. First, I need to get further along with my understanding of what it is to be a modern day Lady, and then pursue it and make it happen. I will find my poise, tact, grace, confidence, compassion, love, and use those things to make myself into someone people love, respect, admire, and are comfortable with.<br /><br />* create a better financial situation for myself; a smarter situation. I'm okay with paving my way and paying off debts, and working a job other than my dream one. That's fine with me, as long as I am making my way.<br /><br />* Create. just that - create song, stories, and theatre. I miss writing and singing. I was never that good, but those things brought me pleasure. And theatre... oh theatre. I want to create Theatre. Work hard on shows and at the end of them be able to hold my head up and recognize that I did something worthwhile. Theatre is the only medium I really have that I can touch people with. I want to educate and entertain and inspire.<br /><br />But the most impotant thing on this year's list has little to do with creating, so much as discovering: in the new year I would like to find a new friend. Not a significant other, or a mate, but (at least) a good friend that I can share things with. Someone who is willing to explore my interests with me, as I want to explore their interests with them - a person willing to discover things together. Someone to call when I have good or bad news, and sometimes no news at all. A person to meet and have coffee with and go on "adventures" together. Someone to go through the times with and be a friend to.<br /><br />It's not an impressive list - maybe not even a good one, but as I begin 2011 - these are my ambitions. Create and discover.<br /><br />Happy New Year, everyone, and I hope 2011 brings you everything that you hope it will!Teejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793384677237076009noreply@blogger.com1