Happy 2010. It started out with the best of intentions on the last night of 2009, but quickly 2010 decided to kick us in the ass. I won't dwell on the negative, but simply state that 2010 can only get better!
I have high hopes for this year. I have accomplished many things since 2000; this first decade of adulthood has flown by, and I have learned so many lessons (some the easy way, but most the hard way). I have many things left unaccomplished, but that's irrelevant in the new year. I'm thankful for my family, my friends, my jobs, and my life. I have all of those things, so I must be doing something right.
In honor of being a grown up (hehe) for 10 years, I present my 10 resolutions for 2010:
1. Decide what I want to be when I grow up. (possibly continue in the teaching field full-time?
possibly become a famous author? possibly revert to waiting tables until my true calling
comes along?)
2. Join Facebook and the 21st century. (I can scratch this one off my list, but if Myspace
becomes cool again, I'm gonna be pissed)
3. Pay off all of my credit card debt before I get married in August. (Matthew, if you read this
please don't roll your eyes)
4. Be the best fiance and new wife ever! (or at least the best Matthew will ever have)
5. Accept all the things I cannot change. (then bitch about them in my blog)
6. Give more of myself to my friends because they give so much of themselves to me.
7. Run a half marathon without stopping. (you should always have an expendable resolution--
this may be that one)
8. Make all the other new husbands on my honeymoon wish they had married me. (a.k.a.
accomplish my fitness goals before August 7)
9. Read the original translation of Dante's Inferno on my Kindle.
10. Successfully teach all of my students subject-verb agreement (this may also be an
expendable resolution based on previous experience)
Bonus Resolution: Find out what the hell is going on on that Lost island! (this can take the place
of either #7 or #10)
For those of you who like being spontaneous, lazy, or just think resolutions are stupid, you need to check out http://moninavelarde.com/newyears/.
Happy New Year Everybody!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Once in a Lifetime
As previously posted, I had a day of wedding dress shopping this past Saturday. It began well enough, but I quickly became discouraged at the first couple of shops. I didn't like anything they brought me to try on. Nothing was "the one" and I began to think that maybe "the one" is an 'old bride's tale.' I mean, will I really feel special when I put on a certain dress? Can I not imagine getting married in anything else but this special dress? I truly thought I would have to settle for an ok only wedding gown. However, I still had one place left to shop. I had been there previously on my own and loved everything I tried on. If I had to buy a dress, it would probably come from this one store. We ventured to our last destination of the day.
I worked with the same bridal consultant as before (p.s. Pam, you're fabulous!). We pulled the "yes" dresses from my last visit so my mom could see them, and I also walked around pointing out other dresses I'd like to try on. They once again had a trunk show, so I looked through the brand-new, never-tried-on dresses. One in particular caught my eye. It was the most beautiful dress I've ever seen. I pointed it to Momma, and told her even though it wasn't remotely close to the style I was looking for that I thought I wanted to try it on. She just smiled and told me I would probably fall in love with it.
As usual, Momma was right. The instant I put it on, it just felt right. It fit like a glove and made me feel like the most beautiful, perfect bride in the whole world! All of the cheezy cliches can be applied to that moment. It's not at all the style I thought I wanted. But it's not too "bridey" either. It has so many unique elements that I've never seen before on a wedding dress. I was the first person to try it on, and am the only person in Tennessee to own that dress. The price was even under my maximum budget. Who could ask for more? I'm so glad my mother loves it as much as I do. She can't imagine me in another dress, so I know it's the right choice. I'm positive I'll feel the same way about it in eight months.
I know it's just a dress, but I really feel that it represents so much more. When you feel this good about something, it's got to mean you've made the right choice. That applies to the person you've chosen and been chosen by.
I want to post a picture of the dress, but I can't in case Matthew remembers that I have this blog and chooses to look at it. But, I'll post a picture of the hairpiece I've picked out. It's handmade with Swarovski crytals and the flower mimics the detail on my dress. Think of it as a little sneak peek. If you are truly curious, I have tons of pictures of the dress that I look at daily until my dress comes in.
After the wedding, I'll probably wear my dress to clean the house, shop for groceries, etc. I'm determined to find some occasion that I can re-wear the fabulousness that is "the dress!"
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Favorite Traditions . . .
Tomorrow I will partake of my favorite holiday tradition! Let me rephrase that, ONE of my favorite holiday traditions. I don't think I could possibly choose.
Momma is making the drive up tomorrow through the cold and sleet (the cold has already arrived and the sleet is on its way) to visit me in Nashville for the weekend. I'm mostly excited because it means I don't have to drive, but also because I love having her come spend a little time in "my world." I hope to be a perfect hostess, so I'm going to buy a pack of Diet Coke on my lunch break. I'm even scrubbing the tub and (gasp!) mopping tonight after work. Matthew will be away on a boys-only excursion this weekend, so it will be just the girls. Momma and I have a jam packed weekend that will hopefully result in some fabulous photos for me to post in my next blog entry.
As for the tradition . . . NUTCRACKER time! I fell in love with this ballet as a little girl and a little ballerina. I've never tired of seeing the story danced on stage by the talented dancers over the years. I admire the effort it takes to put on such a spectacular show. There is just something magical about the performance. While I love all ballet, this one in particular holds a special place. It is the quintessential holiday experience. This will be my first time to see the Nashville Ballet perform and my first time to see a show at the Tennesseee Performing Arts Center (TPAC). I'm quite excited to take my mother to our annual mother-daughter outing. The performance is at 7 p.m., so I'm looking for a great place to go afterward for a light bite and maybe a cocktail. But we can't stay out too late because Saturday will be spent . . .
DRESS SHOPPING! Wedding dress shopping, that is. Once again (and hopefully for the last time), I will be donning white gowns (and ivory, diamond white, white with ivory overlay, etc.). This time we'll remember to take some pictures. I can't believe I have zero pictures of me in a wedding dress. Especially since they all look fabulous (hey, it's my wedding, I can be a little vain). We have three appointments throughout the day, and hopefully we'll be able to squeeze in a nice lunch somewhere. The last place is where I went a few weeks ago to try on dresses alone. I picked out half a dozen or more to try on again when Momma is here to see them. I think "the dress" may be among them, but I'm going to look at the other two stores first. Matthew and I decided to have as casual a wedding as possible, but keep it classic. However, all the dresses I love are a little fancier than I originally had hoped to purchase. However, I've been told that it's our wedding and we can wear what we want, regardless of the rest of the theme/style/tone. I hope that's true and nobody will gossip negatively behind my back. I'm sure they will, but once again--it's my wedding! I think the wedding dress should stand on its own and not cater to the whims of the rest of the decorations. It will all come together beautifully! If we can only pick a venue!
So that's my weekend. A tradition and a once-in-a-lifetime shopping trip. I can't think of a better way to spend time with the greatest mother in the world.
Momma is making the drive up tomorrow through the cold and sleet (the cold has already arrived and the sleet is on its way) to visit me in Nashville for the weekend. I'm mostly excited because it means I don't have to drive, but also because I love having her come spend a little time in "my world." I hope to be a perfect hostess, so I'm going to buy a pack of Diet Coke on my lunch break. I'm even scrubbing the tub and (gasp!) mopping tonight after work. Matthew will be away on a boys-only excursion this weekend, so it will be just the girls. Momma and I have a jam packed weekend that will hopefully result in some fabulous photos for me to post in my next blog entry.
As for the tradition . . . NUTCRACKER time! I fell in love with this ballet as a little girl and a little ballerina. I've never tired of seeing the story danced on stage by the talented dancers over the years. I admire the effort it takes to put on such a spectacular show. There is just something magical about the performance. While I love all ballet, this one in particular holds a special place. It is the quintessential holiday experience. This will be my first time to see the Nashville Ballet perform and my first time to see a show at the Tennesseee Performing Arts Center (TPAC). I'm quite excited to take my mother to our annual mother-daughter outing. The performance is at 7 p.m., so I'm looking for a great place to go afterward for a light bite and maybe a cocktail. But we can't stay out too late because Saturday will be spent . . .
DRESS SHOPPING! Wedding dress shopping, that is. Once again (and hopefully for the last time), I will be donning white gowns (and ivory, diamond white, white with ivory overlay, etc.). This time we'll remember to take some pictures. I can't believe I have zero pictures of me in a wedding dress. Especially since they all look fabulous (hey, it's my wedding, I can be a little vain). We have three appointments throughout the day, and hopefully we'll be able to squeeze in a nice lunch somewhere. The last place is where I went a few weeks ago to try on dresses alone. I picked out half a dozen or more to try on again when Momma is here to see them. I think "the dress" may be among them, but I'm going to look at the other two stores first. Matthew and I decided to have as casual a wedding as possible, but keep it classic. However, all the dresses I love are a little fancier than I originally had hoped to purchase. However, I've been told that it's our wedding and we can wear what we want, regardless of the rest of the theme/style/tone. I hope that's true and nobody will gossip negatively behind my back. I'm sure they will, but once again--it's my wedding! I think the wedding dress should stand on its own and not cater to the whims of the rest of the decorations. It will all come together beautifully! If we can only pick a venue!
So that's my weekend. A tradition and a once-in-a-lifetime shopping trip. I can't think of a better way to spend time with the greatest mother in the world.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Tis the Season to be Thankful
I think I've finally recovered from my Thanksgiving weekend. It was unusually busy and hectic for me. This Thanksgiving was extra special . . . I celebrated with my soon to be in-laws in addition to my usual family festivities. I'm so thankful that I have such a large family now! In years past, I've spent the holidays with just my mom. Those are some of the best memories I have; however, I've always hoped for a big family of my own. The noise, chaos, and fun that go along with a "Griswold" style holiday is something that I've always prayed to have. Now I believe I got my wish. Robert, the greatest step-father in the world, has been a part of our family traditions for a few years now, and I'm so happy to have him. My step-brother and his wife gave me a niece eighteen months ago. And now I have a fiance and future in-laws to include in the mix. I dream of the day when we own our own beautiful, old (but remodeled) home with room for the entire family. I'll invite everyone up for a long Thanksgiving weekend. Football out in the yard, cooking good smelling food all day, and sipping cocktails by the fire chatting about our lives . . . that's what Thanksgiving and the holidays are all about. Remember who and what you have in your life and be thankful. It could all be gone in an instant.
On a lighter note, my apartment is getting more and more festive! Matthew says it's "too Christmasy," but I don't think that can be possible. My little tree is precious, and I even have stockings for Santa to fill (but not too much, since he'll visit me again in Jacksonville). We even have lights outside. I wanted pretty twinkly lights, but Matthew requested the old-fashioned tacky giant colored bulbs, circa 1982. They, in their special way, are fabulous, too. I'm goingt to spruce it up out there a bit and enter our patio in the apartment complex decoration contest. Can't wait to
win!In a couple of weeks, I'll be continuing one of my favorite holiday traditions--seeing the Nutcracker ballet. Momma is coming to visit and we'll be doing it together, like always. The Nashville Ballet and Nashville Symphony are performing the classic, and I know it will be beautiful and inspiring as always. We'll also be going to look at wedding dresses, so hopefully I'll have that to blog about later!
Happy Holidays to All!
Monday, November 16, 2009
2010: The Year to Wed
As previously posted, I am a soon-to-be-married gal. About a week or so after announcing my own engagement, I had a fabulous phone call from one of my very bestest friends. She, too, is engaged! In addition to that announcement, another mutual friend of ours just received a ring of her own. Plus, two good friends from college will be tying the knot in April. Whew...just thinking about it all is stressful! All those showers and gifts and planning! But it will totally be worth it knowing all these people are embarking upon the greatest journey. I'm happy to be among them.
In preparation for my own big day (ahem, August 7, 2010), my mother and I went "preliminary gown browsing," as I like to call it. It was the most fun thing I've done so far in planning. Every dress looked amazing. I don't know what it its about wedding dresses, but it's hard to find one I didn't like. At least I've narrowed down the selection a bit, and I discovered that lace can be really beautiful. Even if your wedding day is months away, like mine, you need to go try on dresses! It's the greatest feeling.
I'm perusing the blogs for color and theme inspirations. I've found quite a few bloggers who put together amazing "inspiration boards." I'm printing out all the ones I like and storing them in my idea binder. Right now I'm stuck on using yellow. I keep thinking of awesome (and cheap) ways to use lemons as decorations. Navy, gray, and yellow is my favorite color scheme of the moment, but it will surely change as soon as I come across something else fabulous.
p.s. if you have any great ideas, send them my way!
Oh, and I already have my something blue and something old! I'll be carrying a handkerchief my great-grandmother made that my mother carried in her wedding. I teared up when she showed it to me. I can't believe I'll have something so special to carry. I got a great deal on the "Something Blue" Manolo Blahnik heels. I'm thrilled that they will be my wedding shoes! I think that's just a little something special that nobody will really see, but I'll be loving!
I have my bridesmaids--and they are all fabulous! I hope to incorporate each in a special way since they all mean so much to me. I found the cutest way of asking them (well, I've already asked, but I'm still sending a little fun something extra!).
2010 is looking good. I've had a blast so far, and I hope the fun and enjoyment continues as I plan my big day and help my friend plan hers.
In preparation for my own big day (ahem, August 7, 2010), my mother and I went "preliminary gown browsing," as I like to call it. It was the most fun thing I've done so far in planning. Every dress looked amazing. I don't know what it its about wedding dresses, but it's hard to find one I didn't like. At least I've narrowed down the selection a bit, and I discovered that lace can be really beautiful. Even if your wedding day is months away, like mine, you need to go try on dresses! It's the greatest feeling.
I'm perusing the blogs for color and theme inspirations. I've found quite a few bloggers who put together amazing "inspiration boards." I'm printing out all the ones I like and storing them in my idea binder. Right now I'm stuck on using yellow. I keep thinking of awesome (and cheap) ways to use lemons as decorations. Navy, gray, and yellow is my favorite color scheme of the moment, but it will surely change as soon as I come across something else fabulous.
p.s. if you have any great ideas, send them my way!
Oh, and I already have my something blue and something old! I'll be carrying a handkerchief my great-grandmother made that my mother carried in her wedding. I teared up when she showed it to me. I can't believe I'll have something so special to carry. I got a great deal on the "Something Blue" Manolo Blahnik heels. I'm thrilled that they will be my wedding shoes! I think that's just a little something special that nobody will really see, but I'll be loving!
I have my bridesmaids--and they are all fabulous! I hope to incorporate each in a special way since they all mean so much to me. I found the cutest way of asking them (well, I've already asked, but I'm still sending a little fun something extra!).
2010 is looking good. I've had a blast so far, and I hope the fun and enjoyment continues as I plan my big day and help my friend plan hers.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Going to the Chapel . . .
It's November; I can't belive October has already flown by! It has been quite the busy Fall season, and I do believe it's getting busier. In my previous posts, I lamented my Halloween plans (or lack thereof). Fortunately for me, Las Vegas was the answer! Matthew and I rushed to get our costumes, boarded a plane, and spent four fabulous days in the fabulous Sin City. It turns out that Halloween wasn't all we'd be celebrating.
I have never seen the Bellagio fountain lights show at night, so it was on my to-do list for the trip. We made reservations at Olives which has a beautiful terrace overlooking the water with front row views of the fountain show. The host led us to a table by the terrace rail (how lucky, I thought!). Little did I know that it was all prearranged. We perused the menu, but our waiter seemed to have dissapeared (and I was hungry!). The fountains came on again and Matthew got down on one knee and popped THE question! I don't really remember all the details since I went into shock. I was truly surprised! But it was beautiful! The funny thing was that the music that plays during the fountains is Frank Sinatra or something romantic; however, for Matthew's proposal Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA was being belted in the background. It still makes me giggle. Needless to say, I was no longer hungry. We finished our drinks and appetizers and left the Bellagio to celebrate! (On a side note, the steak I had planned to order sounded amazing, so we'll definitley be back.)
Halloween turned out to be interesting. Clubs in Las Vegas aren't nearly as stylish and exclusive as they appear on E!, but it was definitely an experience. Our costumes were great--I'll have to post one of Deputy Dangle from Reno 911 (a.k.a. Matt Duncan). I was a disco fairy (my dress lit up with fiber optics). All in all, not a bad night, but I'll stick to my Irish pubs!
Now I dread the planning. I know it will be fun once I get started, but picking all the initial stuff like dates, locations, colors, etc. is exhausting, and I haven't really even started! My vote is to head back to Vegas in a few months and finish what we started! Of course, all are welcome to join us! I guess I'll just keep you posted.
I have never seen the Bellagio fountain lights show at night, so it was on my to-do list for the trip. We made reservations at Olives which has a beautiful terrace overlooking the water with front row views of the fountain show. The host led us to a table by the terrace rail (how lucky, I thought!). Little did I know that it was all prearranged. We perused the menu, but our waiter seemed to have dissapeared (and I was hungry!). The fountains came on again and Matthew got down on one knee and popped THE question! I don't really remember all the details since I went into shock. I was truly surprised! But it was beautiful! The funny thing was that the music that plays during the fountains is Frank Sinatra or something romantic; however, for Matthew's proposal Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA was being belted in the background. It still makes me giggle. Needless to say, I was no longer hungry. We finished our drinks and appetizers and left the Bellagio to celebrate! (On a side note, the steak I had planned to order sounded amazing, so we'll definitley be back.)
Halloween turned out to be interesting. Clubs in Las Vegas aren't nearly as stylish and exclusive as they appear on E!, but it was definitely an experience. Our costumes were great--I'll have to post one of Deputy Dangle from Reno 911 (a.k.a. Matt Duncan). I was a disco fairy (my dress lit up with fiber optics). All in all, not a bad night, but I'll stick to my Irish pubs!
Now I dread the planning. I know it will be fun once I get started, but picking all the initial stuff like dates, locations, colors, etc. is exhausting, and I haven't really even started! My vote is to head back to Vegas in a few months and finish what we started! Of course, all are welcome to join us! I guess I'll just keep you posted.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
A Little Update on Lacey's Life
Life has been extra busy this fall. I'm absolutely loving the season in Nashville. We have perfect the best fall fun and foliage--I must reitterate my belief that the South is absolutely beautiful!
Anyway . . . October is jam packed with activities. Two weekends ago was Whitney's wedding. I must say, it was the most beautiful event. The weather barely cooperated, but by the time the vows were said, the sun peeked out in time to provide a gorgeous sunset in the background. My dress is awesome (now a work dress, thank you very much Whit!). I so enjoyed seeing my friends who I rarely get to spend time with these days (please come visit!). I've included a picture that illustrates my enjoyment of the festivities.
This weekend is JSU Homecoming. Wow, it seems like only yesterday was homecoming '08. It's crazy how time flies. I can't wait to see my girls! I really just want to say hello to Baby Byrd (and of course see you Allison). I'll also get to see my niece, Grace, who is growing up way too fast. I can't believe how grown up she already looks at just 15 months.
The pinnacle of my October is Halloween weekend. Drum rol . . . . Las Vegas, baby! The good times will be here soon. My costume is ready (it has fiber optic lights) and I already bought tickets to Cirque du Soleil and Madame Tussaud's wax museum (don't laugh, it has interactive exhibits!). I checked the dimensions for carry on luggage (can't lose my costume!). I'm definitely ready. I love to people watch and observe people who love to be care free, so I should get an eyeful over the weekend. We'll be there for four full days! I'll definitely be reporting on the Halloween party, so stay tuned!
As for all my followers (the few, the proud . . .), I hope you take advantage of all that fall has to offer. Enjoy your weekends and don't forget to have fun!
p.s. check out my pumpkin! it's my best yet
Anyway . . . October is jam packed with activities. Two weekends ago was Whitney's wedding. I must say, it was the most beautiful event. The weather barely cooperated, but by the time the vows were said, the sun peeked out in time to provide a gorgeous sunset in the background. My dress is awesome (now a work dress, thank you very much Whit!). I so enjoyed seeing my friends who I rarely get to spend time with these days (please come visit!). I've included a picture that illustrates my enjoyment of the festivities.
This weekend is JSU Homecoming. Wow, it seems like only yesterday was homecoming '08. It's crazy how time flies. I can't wait to see my girls! I really just want to say hello to Baby Byrd (and of course see you Allison). I'll also get to see my niece, Grace, who is growing up way too fast. I can't believe how grown up she already looks at just 15 months.
The pinnacle of my October is Halloween weekend. Drum rol . . . . Las Vegas, baby! The good times will be here soon. My costume is ready (it has fiber optic lights) and I already bought tickets to Cirque du Soleil and Madame Tussaud's wax museum (don't laugh, it has interactive exhibits!). I checked the dimensions for carry on luggage (can't lose my costume!). I'm definitely ready. I love to people watch and observe people who love to be care free, so I should get an eyeful over the weekend. We'll be there for four full days! I'll definitely be reporting on the Halloween party, so stay tuned!
As for all my followers (the few, the proud . . .), I hope you take advantage of all that fall has to offer. Enjoy your weekends and don't forget to have fun!
p.s. check out my pumpkin! it's my best yet
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