Ok - short post as I'm off to bed for the evening. But I am soo excited! I've done it. I'm under 200lbs! All that hard work paid off! And I've been there for over week now so it is definitely not a fluke!
It feels so fantastic!
Good night!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Picture Perfect?
Is there a point in time that you get frustrated with wedding blogs? Particularly the ones that post "good advice" or the staged weddings? For the past 2 weeks when I read one of these posts I just want to SCREAM!
I'm sure that a part of it is knowing that I will never have a wedding that photographs as well as the ones that are shown. Hell to be honest I'm not a very photogenic person (I blink every freaking time). My poor photographer doesn't know - we're in for a long engagement shoot. But outside of that tangent - or even including it - how the hell am I going to come up with a beautiful, creative engagement photo shoot?!?! I mean have you seen the gorgeous stuff out there? My brain just goes to mush when I think about what we should do for ours! Seriously - who the hell comes up with this creative stuff, particularly on a budget, and still affords a fantastic photographer? We ended up going with a fantastic photographer and will have to skimp on all the rest.
And then there is the "picture-perfect" advice. I mean, no offense to sites like theKnot, WeddingWire, and AisleDash but I want real advice. I want to know what you do if you and your fiancee start to bicker. Or if your families have issues. And I love getting ideas and inspirations, but what about sticking to a cheaper budget? I mean I'm not going to spend money on a calligrapher or videographer. I don't have the funds. And I'd love to give my bridesmaids absolutely gorgeous gifts, but I really cannot look at giving $100 gifts to each of them. I don't have $500 extra floating around.
I love the inspiration, I love the thoughts - but let's make it REAL! Show me an amazing picture and then give me a similar price alternative. Put a "how to" video on calligraphy. Give me a facial tip or work out move of the week. But enough already with trying to be "picture perfect" and let just work on getting it to feel like you.
I'm sure that a part of it is knowing that I will never have a wedding that photographs as well as the ones that are shown. Hell to be honest I'm not a very photogenic person (I blink every freaking time). My poor photographer doesn't know - we're in for a long engagement shoot. But outside of that tangent - or even including it - how the hell am I going to come up with a beautiful, creative engagement photo shoot?!?! I mean have you seen the gorgeous stuff out there? My brain just goes to mush when I think about what we should do for ours! Seriously - who the hell comes up with this creative stuff, particularly on a budget, and still affords a fantastic photographer? We ended up going with a fantastic photographer and will have to skimp on all the rest.
And then there is the "picture-perfect" advice. I mean, no offense to sites like theKnot, WeddingWire, and AisleDash but I want real advice. I want to know what you do if you and your fiancee start to bicker. Or if your families have issues. And I love getting ideas and inspirations, but what about sticking to a cheaper budget? I mean I'm not going to spend money on a calligrapher or videographer. I don't have the funds. And I'd love to give my bridesmaids absolutely gorgeous gifts, but I really cannot look at giving $100 gifts to each of them. I don't have $500 extra floating around.
I love the inspiration, I love the thoughts - but let's make it REAL! Show me an amazing picture and then give me a similar price alternative. Put a "how to" video on calligraphy. Give me a facial tip or work out move of the week. But enough already with trying to be "picture perfect" and let just work on getting it to feel like you.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
A Weighty Issue
And I'm back... a quick alert to current status - both wedding and otherwise:
Okay, that didn't take too long. Now that we are caught up to date we can get to the subject at hand. Or the one on my brain.
Image Here
Just like every woman out there, I've struggled with weight and body image. My struggle didn't really start during adolescence - mostly because I got lucky and could eat what I wanted when I did. But shortly into my twenties I had C and then it became a frustration. I went from being 148 as a senior in high school to 165 as a sophomore in college. And at nine months pregnant I was 232! While I was relieved when a lot of that went away shortly after leaving the hospital, I kept looking at my body and freaking out over what happened: my chest was not happy, I still looked somewhat pregnant and felt miserable. It took me almost a year to bring my weight down to 168!
When I entered the work force I gave up a lot of the time that I normally would have devoted to eating right. And I paid for that. Between eating poorly and sitting at a computer all day I put on quite a bit of weight. And I was unsatisfied. It didn't take me very long to break the 200lb. mark again. And this time I wasn't even pregnant. Right before discovering I was pregnant with O I weighed in at 217. It was such a disappointment for me to see all my hard work just disappear. So I determined that during my pregnancy I would be careful not to pack on the weight. I worked out and ate well and this time I only gained 17lbs - not the 50 or so I gained the first time. I decided that after O was born I would jump right into a work out regimen and get myself fit for my wedding day! But it doesn't work out that easily.
Today I am just 20oz. shy of reaching a weight that I haven't seen in 2 years. It is a big number for me - this 200. I have not been below 200 in over 24 months. And I am not going to make any excuses for myself. It sucked. But today I'm hovering over this edge with some major anticipation and fears. I'm excited (of course!) but very frightened. Fear does hold me back - particularly the fear of failure or even the fear of ballooning back. What if questions roll around in my brain.
Now, don't get on your high horse or see me as just another bride freaking out over her weight. I didn't spill my guts just to have you trample on them. As I've struggled with my weight I've learned something about myself. I've learned that it really is just another number. That there are many of us out there who deal with this issue. That more girls have also mourned not being able to fit into their GAP jeans or pull on a cute top from JCrew. And that shopping at Lane Bryant isn't a bad thing - and that Lane Bryant isn't a "fat" store (it rocks my socks that I'm a size 2 there!).
This debate/struggle/crisis/obstacle has crowded my mind with my wedding dress hunt. You feel like you are supposed to LOVE dress shopping. That trying on dress after dress with your gals is the most fun! But when you are a "plus" size you worry about the dress fitting you. About whether the store will have any in your size or if they can even order it in your size. You don't want the salesperson to judge you for your size. And of course your own personal issues of will this make my butt look too big or show the jiggle in my arms or the fat by my chest. It is enough to give anyone an ulcer! So imagine my surprise when I actually succeed in finding a dress - THE DRESS! Not in my size, but with a wonderful saleswoman who made me feel confident and comfortable trying stuff on.
But the biggest reason that I enjoyed myself - and this works even if you don't have any body issues - I went in with an OPEN MIND. I decided when I woke up that morning that I would try on pretty much everything. That I would embrace the day! I took only 2 people with me and hit store after store and looked at the entire day as an adventure. And at the second store of the day I found it! It looks nothing like I pictured - I wouldn't have even tried it on if I stuck to my old attitude. I have pictures, but you are going to have to wait. I don't know if J reads this or not, but just in case he does - well I'd like to have some secrets before our wedding day!
Just do yourself a favor: keep an open mind - you never know what can slip into your heart.
Our little O is almost 10 months and keeping EVERYBODY busy! We are still not quite sleeping through the night, but he is at baby bootcamp (aka Nana's) right now and we have high hopes for him. C is almost done with the school year and we are waiting to see if she got into the Kindergarten that I work at/near (a school librarian). J and I are muddling our way through marriage prep and our wedding checklist. As it stands today we have our ceremony site, reception site, photographer, florist, and my wedding dress *sigh* but we still need to do so much. And we are almost 6 months away!
Okay, that didn't take too long. Now that we are caught up to date we can get to the subject at hand. Or the one on my brain.
Image Here
Just like every woman out there, I've struggled with weight and body image. My struggle didn't really start during adolescence - mostly because I got lucky and could eat what I wanted when I did. But shortly into my twenties I had C and then it became a frustration. I went from being 148 as a senior in high school to 165 as a sophomore in college. And at nine months pregnant I was 232! While I was relieved when a lot of that went away shortly after leaving the hospital, I kept looking at my body and freaking out over what happened: my chest was not happy, I still looked somewhat pregnant and felt miserable. It took me almost a year to bring my weight down to 168!
When I entered the work force I gave up a lot of the time that I normally would have devoted to eating right. And I paid for that. Between eating poorly and sitting at a computer all day I put on quite a bit of weight. And I was unsatisfied. It didn't take me very long to break the 200lb. mark again. And this time I wasn't even pregnant. Right before discovering I was pregnant with O I weighed in at 217. It was such a disappointment for me to see all my hard work just disappear. So I determined that during my pregnancy I would be careful not to pack on the weight. I worked out and ate well and this time I only gained 17lbs - not the 50 or so I gained the first time. I decided that after O was born I would jump right into a work out regimen and get myself fit for my wedding day! But it doesn't work out that easily.
Today I am just 20oz. shy of reaching a weight that I haven't seen in 2 years. It is a big number for me - this 200. I have not been below 200 in over 24 months. And I am not going to make any excuses for myself. It sucked. But today I'm hovering over this edge with some major anticipation and fears. I'm excited (of course!) but very frightened. Fear does hold me back - particularly the fear of failure or even the fear of ballooning back. What if questions roll around in my brain.
Now, don't get on your high horse or see me as just another bride freaking out over her weight. I didn't spill my guts just to have you trample on them. As I've struggled with my weight I've learned something about myself. I've learned that it really is just another number. That there are many of us out there who deal with this issue. That more girls have also mourned not being able to fit into their GAP jeans or pull on a cute top from JCrew. And that shopping at Lane Bryant isn't a bad thing - and that Lane Bryant isn't a "fat" store (it rocks my socks that I'm a size 2 there!).
This debate/struggle/crisis/obstacle has crowded my mind with my wedding dress hunt. You feel like you are supposed to LOVE dress shopping. That trying on dress after dress with your gals is the most fun! But when you are a "plus" size you worry about the dress fitting you. About whether the store will have any in your size or if they can even order it in your size. You don't want the salesperson to judge you for your size. And of course your own personal issues of will this make my butt look too big or show the jiggle in my arms or the fat by my chest. It is enough to give anyone an ulcer! So imagine my surprise when I actually succeed in finding a dress - THE DRESS! Not in my size, but with a wonderful saleswoman who made me feel confident and comfortable trying stuff on.
But the biggest reason that I enjoyed myself - and this works even if you don't have any body issues - I went in with an OPEN MIND. I decided when I woke up that morning that I would try on pretty much everything. That I would embrace the day! I took only 2 people with me and hit store after store and looked at the entire day as an adventure. And at the second store of the day I found it! It looks nothing like I pictured - I wouldn't have even tried it on if I stuck to my old attitude. I have pictures, but you are going to have to wait. I don't know if J reads this or not, but just in case he does - well I'd like to have some secrets before our wedding day!
Just do yourself a favor: keep an open mind - you never know what can slip into your heart.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Study Hall
So when we last left off, I had the perfect wedding that mom just might not be able to attend. (I haven't given up on my dream choice yet, just trying to be smart.) So it was time to go shopping for a reception hall!
Today I drove over to Thornberry Creek on my way back from work. I had heard from a number of people that it has a large ballroom, quite pretty, decent food, and a big bar (that blurb was from my fiancee). I didn't get very far in as I had not set up an appointment and their event coordinator was busy setting up the banquet hall, but from what I saw Thornberry has a very unique layout. The walls are brick and wood panels (elegant, dark stain). Lots and lots of windows. The pro shop is in a room that looks like a ballroom from the outside (slightly confusing). But the thing that catches your eye immediately is the ridiculously large bar at the entrance (it is as big as, if not bigger than my college dorm room was).
To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about that: it is more casual than the other country clubs in the area (a plus), but seems to send a message that drinking is the main event. Don't get me wrong, I've definitely enjoyed my share of drinking parties or parties that involve drinking. But lets just say that my family isn't all that keen on drinking.
To be fair, I still haven't been inside of the banquet hall and I am sure that it is simply beautiful. The pictures seem to indicate as much.
What I like about their website is that they include blueprints of their rooms, rates,and menus. I haven't seen too many places do this and I wish that more would: it cuts down on time spent searching when you have a pretty decent understanding of what will work or won't and what it will cost you. Wish more places did it! But they definitely need a better website and photos.
Have to tell J about it - potential customer?
So a little bit of K-Math for you then:
And until then, continue to check out other possibilities...
Today I drove over to Thornberry Creek on my way back from work. I had heard from a number of people that it has a large ballroom, quite pretty, decent food, and a big bar (that blurb was from my fiancee). I didn't get very far in as I had not set up an appointment and their event coordinator was busy setting up the banquet hall, but from what I saw Thornberry has a very unique layout. The walls are brick and wood panels (elegant, dark stain). Lots and lots of windows. The pro shop is in a room that looks like a ballroom from the outside (slightly confusing). But the thing that catches your eye immediately is the ridiculously large bar at the entrance (it is as big as, if not bigger than my college dorm room was).
To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about that: it is more casual than the other country clubs in the area (a plus), but seems to send a message that drinking is the main event. Don't get me wrong, I've definitely enjoyed my share of drinking parties or parties that involve drinking. But lets just say that my family isn't all that keen on drinking. To be fair, I still haven't been inside of the banquet hall and I am sure that it is simply beautiful. The pictures seem to indicate as much.
What I like about their website is that they include blueprints of their rooms, rates,and menus. I haven't seen too many places do this and I wish that more would: it cuts down on time spent searching when you have a pretty decent understanding of what will work or won't and what it will cost you. Wish more places did it! But they definitely need a better website and photos.
Have to tell J about it - potential customer?
So a little bit of K-Math for you then:
+ Facility size
+ online information
- freakishly large bar
~ haven't seen it all
______________________
Not enough information to make a valid decision (I hated proofs in College)...
And until then, continue to check out other possibilities...
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Green Bay, WI Bride needs HELP!
(Good Lord, I'm terrible at this!)
Okay so I have a dilemma for you!
J and I have been envisioning our wedding now for quite sometime and between the two of us I think we came up with the perfect concept.
Picture this:
The ceremony would take place at J's folks with a pretty field behind us. We all stand on mowed lawn. My bridesmaids are in a mixture of dresses, all from JCrew and all some style of blue in cocktail length. His groomsmen are in charcoal gray and black suits. I come down the isle in the Sophia style JCrew dress to a single violin playing bluegrass - preferably an Allison Krauss song. I'm carrying a posy of baby's breath. My hair is wavy with a headbanded birdcage. Our daughter, son, and goddaughter walk down the isle as flower girls and ring bearers. A friend of ours is the officiant. Several friends read a mixture of poetry and prose that J and I feel talk about us.
The reception begins almost immediately following, starting with cocktails and games: bocce ball, croquet, horseshoes, badminton, etc. Dinner is grilled choice: servings of chicken, steak, vegetables, or other. There isn't one cake, but several small cakes and pies - a true variety. Guests dine under strings of lights and eventually stars. There isn't a table perched on a stage, but instead the wedding party sits with their guests and are spread out throughout the room. J and I and our little ones share a table in the center. There isn't a bouquet toss or grand march. We still have a first dance and father/daughter mother/son dances, and an anniversary dance. As the night progresses and the people head out (we would bus them back to their hotel) we'd have a late night snack of s'mores and hot chocolate by the campfire, gazing at the stars.
The following morning everyone heads over to my folks' place for brunch and gift opening. It is held on the walk-out level and guests roam inside and out taking in their beautiful landscaping. Gifts are opened as the gift giver brings to create a more private, personal, meaningful moment (and less embarrassing for me). Guests come and go as desired with no real deadline established, just a relaxed environment for everyone involved.
Sounds perfect...at least to us!
So as we sat down with our parents to discuss this beautiful idea, my mom points out something rather reluctantly: her allergies/asthma. My mom takes Claritan on a regular basis and has seen several doctors about her allergies. But if the pollen count is too high or the air quality is bad she is trapped indoors. This wonderful wedding plan is great, but only if the day permits for my mom to join us.
Do we continue planning the above glorious wedding? Or do we come up with a brand new vision that includes an indoor ceremony and indoor reception? And if so, I could use insight on where to hold it in the greater Green Bay,WI area!
Okay so I have a dilemma for you!
J and I have been envisioning our wedding now for quite sometime and between the two of us I think we came up with the perfect concept.
Picture this:
The ceremony would take place at J's folks with a pretty field behind us. We all stand on mowed lawn. My bridesmaids are in a mixture of dresses, all from JCrew and all some style of blue in cocktail length. His groomsmen are in charcoal gray and black suits. I come down the isle in the Sophia style JCrew dress to a single violin playing bluegrass - preferably an Allison Krauss song. I'm carrying a posy of baby's breath. My hair is wavy with a headbanded birdcage. Our daughter, son, and goddaughter walk down the isle as flower girls and ring bearers. A friend of ours is the officiant. Several friends read a mixture of poetry and prose that J and I feel talk about us.
The reception begins almost immediately following, starting with cocktails and games: bocce ball, croquet, horseshoes, badminton, etc. Dinner is grilled choice: servings of chicken, steak, vegetables, or other. There isn't one cake, but several small cakes and pies - a true variety. Guests dine under strings of lights and eventually stars. There isn't a table perched on a stage, but instead the wedding party sits with their guests and are spread out throughout the room. J and I and our little ones share a table in the center. There isn't a bouquet toss or grand march. We still have a first dance and father/daughter mother/son dances, and an anniversary dance. As the night progresses and the people head out (we would bus them back to their hotel) we'd have a late night snack of s'mores and hot chocolate by the campfire, gazing at the stars.
The following morning everyone heads over to my folks' place for brunch and gift opening. It is held on the walk-out level and guests roam inside and out taking in their beautiful landscaping. Gifts are opened as the gift giver brings to create a more private, personal, meaningful moment (and less embarrassing for me). Guests come and go as desired with no real deadline established, just a relaxed environment for everyone involved.
Sounds perfect...at least to us!
So as we sat down with our parents to discuss this beautiful idea, my mom points out something rather reluctantly: her allergies/asthma. My mom takes Claritan on a regular basis and has seen several doctors about her allergies. But if the pollen count is too high or the air quality is bad she is trapped indoors. This wonderful wedding plan is great, but only if the day permits for my mom to join us.
Do we continue planning the above glorious wedding? Or do we come up with a brand new vision that includes an indoor ceremony and indoor reception? And if so, I could use insight on where to hold it in the greater Green Bay,WI area!
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