We have...

So, we finally caved in. 
After some minimal discussion at several different points in this planning process we have signed up for a wedding registry.  We mostly did not feel we needed a registry as in combining our lives we have quite a few things we need, plus I was given some great items from my mom.  
What we do not have are some minor items that I just realized we need or have put on the back burner to buy later.  
We have been asked quite a few times about it and knowing that some people might be stuck on what our needs are maybe it would not be such a bad idea.
Darren did enjoy the scanning process, and after going through an entire kitchen area, tools, and bathroom-we found several items. 
I cannot imagine going to several stores and setting up a registry. They make it pretty easy but I am sure it can become time consuming. 
Hopefully this helps us out our families & friends.

And counting...

As of today we are 95 days until July 23rd and the wedding.  Scary enough I have not been paying attention to the calendar and completely missed the mark on 100 days.  
I think that planning the wedding can only be as stressful as I make it.  With so many big things to finish up the small have taken a backseat but are slowly showing up on my to do list.  
I have lost all excitement about the wedding and maybe it will be revived.  It's nice to check things as done and to get Darren to make decisions but it has lost it's fun appeal for me.  As a high stress person I rarely feel the excitement of things until they are completed.  
I like having control of tasks and seeing them through.  Having a vision.  My vision of this wedding is, in short, a mess.  Too much.  Too crazy.  Cannot wait to be done.  Vegas, please!!!!

New me

My latest hobby has been working out.  I was at first preparing for the 5k in Florida and was getting in a workout 6 days a week.  Alternating between cardio and weights.  I have since florida focused more on weights with easy cardio to reduce the possibility of messing up my back again.  The more I have worked out and made the time, the more I have noticed the results in a much more toned body.  
I have for the longest time noticed some muscle tone but now my muscles are tight and larger.  I think I should become a body builder... But seriously I want to take care of my body and the additional muscle tone, tight rear and legs make me feel great.
My next goal is to increase  protein and  in my diet.  By diet I mean meals, I watch what I eat and try to control food portions- I hardly ever pass up a sweet treat.  I do NOT skip meals, do snack in-between meals and most importantly I stop eating when I feel full.  Food babies can be uncomfortable and mostly unnecessary.
I am looking forward to showcasing my fit body this summer in shorts, sleeveless tops and the wedding dress.  Watch out for my guns and legs of steel.  Soon my abs will get more attention.

President

As of recently I was elected to president of my local alumni chapter. A huge honor & responsibility.  Something I have had my eye on since I joined a couple years ago.  I want to be busy, give my all, make a difference and gain great relationships.  And of course I like to plan events and putting my talents to great use.

It is still new feeling, "wow I get to do this", I am being entrusted by these accomplished women to grow and reach common goals.  

I think the part I am most looking forward to is having a great reason to fill up my time, organizing/planning events, conferences and national convention next year.  This opportunity will open doors and allow me to create relationships as an adult and a foundation as a leader outside of college.  Being a leader is very important to me, being able to take on new tasks excites me and makes me nervous but thrilled when all my goals are met, everyone is happy and have enjoyed themselves.  

I have found great support from the alumnae.  And soon the planning process for fall events will begin.

Shine!

A new favorite on the radio, Shine by David Crowder Band.  I have heard so much about the process to make the video but to actually see it makes my idea of what it would look like irrelevant.  Either way it is still great!

Sunshine

A week ago today we made it back to the nasty/topsy turvy weather of Indy after a wonder 4 days in wonderful Florida.  I love the sun, having color on my skin, wearing less summer clothes and just feeling good because the weather and the shopping make it that much better.

Of course we spent a lot of time on the track, about 2 days.

 

Darren in line for autographs.

Looking onto the street course and the museums.  IF there are palme trees its usually a good sign.

Darren bribed me to run the 5K, and I did it in about 35 minutes.  My reward for funning the 5K was a nice dinner downtown St Pete- I am still waiting for this dinner. 

The last time I ran a 5K, was I believe 8 years ago, in 2003, I was definitely not in shape then and even more about 15lbs heavier possibly.  Being in shape was definately the key to finishing this race as well as some great tunes on my ipod.

This is us after grabbing a beer at a local spot dowtown- otherwise I would NOT be wearing workout gear in public. Its a MAJOR no, No.

We spent a few hours at the beach, it was not too hot which made it easy to lay around. 

We got to see the Budweiser Clydesdales get prepped in their ribbons and flowers.

From atop the Ferris wheel, Definately can live here.

This is why I get to travel, so Darren can see his races and get as many autographs as possibly.

This is Simona DeSilvestro's car this year

And here come the fireworks and cars...

With a wreck on the first lap.

One of our favorite spots, Daves Dockside Grill.  I caught a lobster and as the claw was taking it back to the bin it slithered right out.  Next time.

Darren looking rough after wearing a ball cap all day.

This was our second stop at Daves, the first time we had black grouper sandwiches.  But the second time I opted for tremendous tomatoes,

shared fries with Darren while he had a chicken sandwich- and plenty of soda.

We decided to go for a walk on the beach, Darren was looking for shells for my babies.

Writing in the sand, possibly the most readable handwriting from Darren.

Then some ice cream, if you ask me 66 flavors may be too many.

We went with the classic chocolate and vanilla twist.

But Monday came around, and it poured.  I had some time to shop but mostly wanted to lay on the beach before our flight home.

Some day I may not come back, fair warning.

this made me happy

A couple days ago I went outside for a run and this song lifted my spirits and also reminded me of being with my cousins.

Pure Happiness

Some things that bring me pure happiness...

Sweets, as Rachel is-and the delicious cupcake she displays.

Silly friends, time with friends. Best idea ever! Our monthly get together is coming a long way.

Seeing my niece walk, even if its through a video that my sister emailed to me and to hear her laugh in another video clip.

Other things:

Family time

conversations with loved ones: today I spoke with Gina and it felt SOOO great

letters

me time

workouts

countdowns to special events: currently Florida trip 11 days to go

Fridays

Wine & food

little conversations with my dad & hearing everything and more from my mom

photographs & memories

clean home

and more will come to me in the next few hours

What brings you pure happiness?

Cake

Today I finished making these...

Malissa found the recipe for me awhile back and after much procrastination I finally made them and they are easy and Delicious!  Thanks Bakerella.  All it takes is a box of cake, frosting, and chocolate of choice to melt.  I still have a lot to learn about melting chocolate and how to apply the melted chocolate, getting it down to a science and maybe I can get far enough to learn all the little details for the wedding couple pops.  This is my test batch that I will get to share with my fellow Phi Mu Indy Alumnae at dinner tomorrow night.  I hope they are a hit and maybe I can get some pointers since many can bake and probably have more experience with chocolate.  Going to make more, possibly this weekend.  A couple things I realized is that I need to purchase a melon scoop for a consistent shape- and then MAYBE I can make 4 dozen out of a box of cake instead of just 2 dozen.  And of course Darren and I taste tested them.  He thought he could take some to work, but he was denied, the girls can get a taste after my next batch.  Any suggestions on how to better execute this recipe?

A start

So a few weeks ago, Valentines day to be exact, I joined a gym.  This happens to be the same gym that Darren goes to and considering my lack of researching gyms I gave and signed on.  Since V-Day we have gone a few times together and mostly on our own.  This past week we went before work on Tuesday and Friday due to evening schedules and having someone committed to going so early makes it slightly easier to get out bed.  I LOVE my sleep.  But its also nice to get it done with and not have to squeeze it in after a long day at the office.  I have been changing it up, slowly becoming familiar with all the weight lifting equipment and trying to have a goal on what I want to make the primary focus, with workouts alternating between weights and cardio- one day I even did both. Watch Out!  I am supposed to be getting back into running condition as Darren has bribed me to run a 5K in Florida in 20days, I think.  Quite frankly running as an adult has become a way to escape and since I do not have a pool at my disposal it makes for a great way to just be alone with my thoughts and the wonderful music on my IPod.  I am not sure just how great of a time I will make or even how I will feel after the 5K but it will be a start to whatever it is that Darren is up to.  Mind you, this is the second time I have been persuaded to run a 5k but at least this time I do not have the excess college weight.  And my prize will be a dinner at one of the restaurants around St. Pete.  Although my feet already need some attention with a pedicure, I have been denying myself this pleasure due to the large amount of time in my running shoes.  But maybe before  our trip. 

In other news, we finally have a picture to start off 2011, it was at a local bar with Simona DeSilvestro.

 

The kitchen is almost finished!  Exciting because that means it will be more efficient to use and even more it will be updated and presentable.  Darren will be working on my wine rack that will be above the microwave and sometime in the near future the pantry will be updated.  Check it out! It all matches now.

Today I also made our first pancake lunch.  It was my breakfast but only after I went to the gym and Darren had gone to church.  I have been craving some for a few weeks now, I need to make breakfast more often.  My pancakes had white and semi-sweet chips while Darren just had semi sweet- I did not know how he would feel about white chocolate.  They were delicious.  Some night we will have breakfast for dinner.

Bridesmaid dresses have been picked and they have begun the ordering process.  I found the dresses through Etsy, which I love.  I can get lost in their site, viewing page after page of creativeness.  Shoes yet to be decided upon.

We have one more private session of pre-marriage counseling.  I definately expected something else but it is eye opening.  We watch film, talk about it and also about the previous meetings homework.  We do not seem to have many questions which is scary but also puts me at ease.  If that makes any sense.

We have 3 more group sessions.  This is a group that we joined through Darren's church, it is very interesting.  To see how each couple has different interests, concerns and altogether different.  Our last session we talked about in-laws, Darren and I have it pretty great.  Next session will be somewhere along the lines of parenting, possibly, as it was suggested at the end of our last meeting.  This one can get interesting, I can imagine myself not saying a word.  If you KNOW me, I do not like kids, I LOVE my family but I can give those kids back.  My family brings me joy but if I hear a kid screaming while I am trying to run errands my immediate reaction is to want the parent to take them home, asap.  We should find out our topic questions in the next couple of days.  We will see what happens.

Friday I will also be seeing my loovah, Chad, as he is in town for work. Getting together with the ladies for our monthly get together and to celebrate Sarah's Birthday.

This should be a great weekend to come, and hopefully lots of photos.