With the sun coming up so early, it seems to be less difficult to wake up in time to run before work. The loud birds help too. They play games, mocking each other's tweets and chirps.
I just got back from running the same route I did on Tuesday. Since I'm still walking a lot, it took me about 40 minutes. This includes tiptoeing around the dredging of the pond that part of the trail surrounds. What a mess. I'm glad I don't live in one of the townhouses that overlook the pond. The trucks were already doing their thing shortly after 7 a.m. That's worse than the annoying birds.
Since Tuesday's run, I've had general soreness in my legs, but I think that's just because I haven't run in a while. I was still kind of tired when I headed out so I took more walk breaks. I have to keep reminding myself that the half marathon isn't until October and I don't have to push too hard yet. I'd just be happy with increasing the actual running portion of my 'outings,' which I guess is quite necessary if I'm going to cover 13.1 miles in one piece.
In sewing news, I attempted to adjust the fit of one of the dresses I made. There seemed to be a lot of extra fabric at the underarm portion of the top, which made the sides flare out. Since the amount of extra fabric decreased as I went down that side seam, I just put in what amounts to a dart. It looks OK, although I think this adjustment has affected how the dress hangs. There seems to be some ripply-ness now at the sides, but I can't remember if it was like that anyway, before the adjustment.
Wedding things are progressing too. We're meeting with the wedding coordinator on Saturday. The florist should be sending over the official contract this week, so we can get that payment out of the way. I'd really prefer to have everything paid for before the wedding so we have one less thing to worry about.
I can't remember if I've ranted about the future mother in law yet. But basically, she has made it clear that she doesn't want to be anything more than a guest at the wedding. Which I guess is fine, despite that fact that this is her only child getting married. But lately, she's been calling with annoying questions that I'd rather not deal with. I guess I'm turning into a tiny bridezilla at this point. But now she's trying to invite relatives who are coming in early to the rehearsal dinner, which is really not her decision.
She called yesterday, first going down the list of friends of my fiance's late stepfather, asking if they've sent checks. She said since she's given their children money at their weddings (I'm sure it was her husband's money at the time), they *better* be sending money to us now; she laughed at this. I tried to join in but threw up a little in my mouth since I can't believe how she's so petty about these things. And she again sent the message that she wants my fiance's aunt and uncle to come to the rehearsal dinner, to which I said that many people are coming in early (not her though, she's coming in on Saturday morning - the day of the wedding) and we're trying to keep costs down by inviting just the bridal party.
Well, I'm getting all riled up again and I'm probably just repeating an earlier post. I need to be at work in 45 minutes and I have yet to shower and try to tone down the beet redness of my face.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
First run in forever
Today I went on my first run since going to the doctor about my various running ailments a few weeks ago.
I have no idea how far my runs are since I usually do them on trails and don't have any 'equipment' to measure the distance. I think the walks my fiance and I have been going on are between 2 and 2.5 miles, and I did one of those routes today.
I walked the first half and then ran back. Along the way I could feel my legs 'waking' up in the form of little aches and pains, first starting with the outside of my right foot and then going up to my knee. I guess that doesn't sound so great, but they all wore off within a couple minutes of appearing.
Right now I'm rolling my feet along a frozen water bottle as the doctor suggested doing immediately after I get back from a run. I also polished off a popsicle since I didn't go out until 9 and it's already pretty warm and humid out. I tried to drink plenty o' water before going out but I find that hard to do first thing in the morning. Maybe I'll take a partially filled water bottle with me next time. I'm not dying or anything, but I know it's going to take a long time for me to cool down, espeically with not having AC in either my apartment or car.
I'll probably make another attempt to do a yoga or pilates DVD tomorrow and then run again on Thursday if everything feels OK.
In wedding news, we started on favors yesterday. We went to JoAnn's and I think I went in the non-fabric section of the store for the first time yesterday despite my many visits. We were looking for containers to put candy in (and not the tiny little ones that fit one or two mints or coated almonds). Conveniently, they had all their summer picnicware on sale and we found plastic ice cream bowls in tropical colors, which fit the beach theme and also, some of the colors match the bridesmaids' dresses.
We also bought the obligatory tulle to cover them with after we fill them with (fun, not old lady) candy. I'll have to do some measuring to figure out how big to cut them. We're using colored rubber bands to secure the tulle, which will probably look a little tacky, but it's also the most convenient method we could think of (I just know ribbon won't hold and I don't want to go through that frustration).
I think the ice cream bowls are a good idea because most of the people coming know that's my weakness. And candy is just fun, although my dad said he wants to make sure he gets a room away from my young cousins, who no doubt will make use of their favors immediately.
That's all for now. I need to shower because I am dripping with sweat. I'll also probably try to send out a few more job applications before I go to work.
I have no idea how far my runs are since I usually do them on trails and don't have any 'equipment' to measure the distance. I think the walks my fiance and I have been going on are between 2 and 2.5 miles, and I did one of those routes today.
I walked the first half and then ran back. Along the way I could feel my legs 'waking' up in the form of little aches and pains, first starting with the outside of my right foot and then going up to my knee. I guess that doesn't sound so great, but they all wore off within a couple minutes of appearing.
Right now I'm rolling my feet along a frozen water bottle as the doctor suggested doing immediately after I get back from a run. I also polished off a popsicle since I didn't go out until 9 and it's already pretty warm and humid out. I tried to drink plenty o' water before going out but I find that hard to do first thing in the morning. Maybe I'll take a partially filled water bottle with me next time. I'm not dying or anything, but I know it's going to take a long time for me to cool down, espeically with not having AC in either my apartment or car.
I'll probably make another attempt to do a yoga or pilates DVD tomorrow and then run again on Thursday if everything feels OK.
In wedding news, we started on favors yesterday. We went to JoAnn's and I think I went in the non-fabric section of the store for the first time yesterday despite my many visits. We were looking for containers to put candy in (and not the tiny little ones that fit one or two mints or coated almonds). Conveniently, they had all their summer picnicware on sale and we found plastic ice cream bowls in tropical colors, which fit the beach theme and also, some of the colors match the bridesmaids' dresses.
We also bought the obligatory tulle to cover them with after we fill them with (fun, not old lady) candy. I'll have to do some measuring to figure out how big to cut them. We're using colored rubber bands to secure the tulle, which will probably look a little tacky, but it's also the most convenient method we could think of (I just know ribbon won't hold and I don't want to go through that frustration).
I think the ice cream bowls are a good idea because most of the people coming know that's my weakness. And candy is just fun, although my dad said he wants to make sure he gets a room away from my young cousins, who no doubt will make use of their favors immediately.
That's all for now. I need to shower because I am dripping with sweat. I'll also probably try to send out a few more job applications before I go to work.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
A nice day at the pool
Today my fiance and I went to his uncle's house and used his pool. Even though it isn't deathly hot outside (yet), it was still refreshing. Since I haven't run in a while, I tried doing so in the water, which many running injury articles seem to recommend. I did a few laps around the small-ish pool, but even that got my heart rate up for a few minutes.
We also went for a 2-mile walk the other day, so I don't feel like a complete slob right now. I just need to get out more during the week.
In sewing news, I have nearly finished almost everything on my list. I leave the annoying/difficult parts for last, so there's just zippers and buttons to sew on. Overall though I feel like I got a lot done this weekend.
We also had our appointment with florist #2 this weekend. Everything around here is expensive so I wasn't too surprised during our meeting when she said they usually don't do weddings that order less than $1,500 worth of flowers. However, she must have felt bad for us or something because early on we told her our price range, as well as the not so great experience for the other florist, and she's going to do small bouquets and other personal flowers for a total of $300, about $472 less than the other florist was going to charge. So that's a big weight off my shoulders.
Money aside, my fiance said I need to stop worrying about the little details. However, I've been the one scouting locations, making phone calls and signing contracts, so I feel like someone has to be responsible for all those little things. I'm just trying to make sure we're not spending too much $$$, even though most of our prices are set at this point.
That's all for this weekend. Back to the grind tomorrow. I guess I can use all my free time to start getting ahead since I'm taking about a week and a half off for the wedding and honeymoon.
We also went for a 2-mile walk the other day, so I don't feel like a complete slob right now. I just need to get out more during the week.
In sewing news, I have nearly finished almost everything on my list. I leave the annoying/difficult parts for last, so there's just zippers and buttons to sew on. Overall though I feel like I got a lot done this weekend.
We also had our appointment with florist #2 this weekend. Everything around here is expensive so I wasn't too surprised during our meeting when she said they usually don't do weddings that order less than $1,500 worth of flowers. However, she must have felt bad for us or something because early on we told her our price range, as well as the not so great experience for the other florist, and she's going to do small bouquets and other personal flowers for a total of $300, about $472 less than the other florist was going to charge. So that's a big weight off my shoulders.
Money aside, my fiance said I need to stop worrying about the little details. However, I've been the one scouting locations, making phone calls and signing contracts, so I feel like someone has to be responsible for all those little things. I'm just trying to make sure we're not spending too much $$$, even though most of our prices are set at this point.
That's all for this weekend. Back to the grind tomorrow. I guess I can use all my free time to start getting ahead since I'm taking about a week and a half off for the wedding and honeymoon.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Making progress
Between last night and this morning (stupid birds outside wake me up earlier than I'd like) I have nearly finished my rehearsal dinner dress (I wish I had a better name for it). All I have to do is sew the zipper (my least favorite thing about sewing) and hem it.
I attempted to try it on this morning and it seems like it will fit really well. It's hard to tell exactly how it will lie since I had to hold the back together with one hand while modeling in the mirror. I don't look as chunky in it as I thought I would, which is good news for the wedding dress since it is cut very similarly (my mom is sewing it and is just getting started ... I gave her the option of using a Simplicity pattern instead of a Vogue one since I know my size in Simplicity and they're a little less fussy to put together. I'm not looking for anything too fancy, so I'm not worried yet about it not getting done in time). However, when my sisters are standing around me, I might rethink that not-so-chunky thing. They're all in much better shape than I am. Maybe my radiant bridal glow will even things out.
The only thing that worries me about the dress is that the bodice and skirt are lined but not the midriff piece that separates those two areas. Since the 'fashion fabric' is on the thin side, it makes the unlined part look like it's a slightly different color since my skin is not quite as white as the lining (pretty close though ... I'm pasty). When I tried the dress on I understood why it isn't lined in the midriff, since that's not a place you want to add bulk. Hopefully I'm the only one who notices this. I had to get pretty close to the mirror to definitely see the difference and make sure my eyes weren't playing tricks on me. I'm not too worried though. It's very fresh and summery and I think I look like a blushing bride in it.
In other news, my fiance's interview went well yesterday. The people he talked to (and it sounded like there were several 'rounds' of interviews) said they're currently hiring for jobs in Virginia, but they will look into what is available closer to where we lived.
However, as I said before, if the 'price is right' (and we decided last night what an acceptable 'price' is) he said he would still consider moving out there. Since I'm not really busy at work today, I looked at apartments in VA, and they seem to be on par with what we're paying now, but alot of them have income 'maximums' that we would surpass (although I don't understand how $1,000+ rent is considered 'affordable' for the relatively low maximums). Apartment hunting seems fun in theory, but then all those little annoyances resurface and it just becomes work.
Back to the interview. I always tell my fiance how cool it must be to write his resume because since he works with computers, he just has lines and lines of alphabet soup representing all the programs he knows how to use. I am limited to words like 'write' and 'edit.' There's not much more to it than that. And I don't feel comfortable using words like 'implement' and 'leverage' since that makes writing fluffy pieces for a community newspaper sound like so much more than it actually is.
So my fiance will probably hear back soon. I, on the other hand, will continue the job and apartment search.
I attempted to try it on this morning and it seems like it will fit really well. It's hard to tell exactly how it will lie since I had to hold the back together with one hand while modeling in the mirror. I don't look as chunky in it as I thought I would, which is good news for the wedding dress since it is cut very similarly (my mom is sewing it and is just getting started ... I gave her the option of using a Simplicity pattern instead of a Vogue one since I know my size in Simplicity and they're a little less fussy to put together. I'm not looking for anything too fancy, so I'm not worried yet about it not getting done in time). However, when my sisters are standing around me, I might rethink that not-so-chunky thing. They're all in much better shape than I am. Maybe my radiant bridal glow will even things out.
The only thing that worries me about the dress is that the bodice and skirt are lined but not the midriff piece that separates those two areas. Since the 'fashion fabric' is on the thin side, it makes the unlined part look like it's a slightly different color since my skin is not quite as white as the lining (pretty close though ... I'm pasty). When I tried the dress on I understood why it isn't lined in the midriff, since that's not a place you want to add bulk. Hopefully I'm the only one who notices this. I had to get pretty close to the mirror to definitely see the difference and make sure my eyes weren't playing tricks on me. I'm not too worried though. It's very fresh and summery and I think I look like a blushing bride in it.
In other news, my fiance's interview went well yesterday. The people he talked to (and it sounded like there were several 'rounds' of interviews) said they're currently hiring for jobs in Virginia, but they will look into what is available closer to where we lived.
However, as I said before, if the 'price is right' (and we decided last night what an acceptable 'price' is) he said he would still consider moving out there. Since I'm not really busy at work today, I looked at apartments in VA, and they seem to be on par with what we're paying now, but alot of them have income 'maximums' that we would surpass (although I don't understand how $1,000+ rent is considered 'affordable' for the relatively low maximums). Apartment hunting seems fun in theory, but then all those little annoyances resurface and it just becomes work.
Back to the interview. I always tell my fiance how cool it must be to write his resume because since he works with computers, he just has lines and lines of alphabet soup representing all the programs he knows how to use. I am limited to words like 'write' and 'edit.' There's not much more to it than that. And I don't feel comfortable using words like 'implement' and 'leverage' since that makes writing fluffy pieces for a community newspaper sound like so much more than it actually is.
So my fiance will probably hear back soon. I, on the other hand, will continue the job and apartment search.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
One month to go!
So today marks the one-month countdown to the wedding!
My tummy is in knots because I feel like there's still so much to do, but there's really not. I figured out a way this morning to save about $300 on flowers by giving the bridesmaids corsages to pin on their dresses instead of bouquets. Even though it's not as traditional, at least they'll have the flowers on them all night instead of wilting on the table. We're also going to keep our appointment Saturday with the other florist, so I think I'll start this time by telling them our budget and then working around that. I just know that I'm not spending almost $800 on perishable items.
We also have to order favors soon. Monday is our 'deadline' date for RSVPs. We have to have a minimum of 50 people for the reception and we're up to 42 right now (it would have been 43 but my grandma 'dropped out' the other day for whatever reason.) There's still a few people I'm expecting to come who haven't officially RSVPd, so I think we'll just about meet our minimum. I think if we order 55 or 60 'units' of favors, we should be OK.
There still is the issue of groomsmen gifts (I'm not good at buying guy gifts and my fiance has no idea what to get them either) and finishing my sewing for the rehearsal and honeymoon, but those can be taken care of up until the last week or so, so they're not worrying me too much.
The last two dresses I'm making are from the same pattern, so I'm trying to cut out both of them at the same time, although some of the pieces differ. I cut out the lining for both of them this morning. That took me about an hour; I can't believe how long cutting still takes me. But I thinks it's probably good to take that part slow because it seems like the little mistakes at the beginning really add up by the time you're finished.
I made a 'date' with my fiance to go for a walk tonight. I know all those fitness articles say to put it in your planner, but I'm likely to just cross that off and pretend it never was there if I don't feel like working out. My fiance, on the other hand, is always looking for something (free) to do, so I think it works better to make a date with him.
In other news, I've been looking for a new job (it seems like I've been doing that for the past two years) and I've posted my resume on a bunch of the job search Web sites. Lately I've been getting a lot of scam e-mails from employers who at first sound legit, but then when you go to their Web site, it's really sparse and offers little info about the company itself. So now I've taken to looking up these places first before taking any more action. How annoying.
On the other hand, my fiance has a job interview today. If the 'price is right,' as he says, and he gets the job, we might move so he won't have to drive 45 min.-1 hour each way to get there. That might be an exciting change of pace. Since I am obviously not tied down to my job (or where we live, for that matter), I'm pretty much willing to move anywhere, and it might open up some new opportunities that I've overlooked due to the location.
My tummy is in knots because I feel like there's still so much to do, but there's really not. I figured out a way this morning to save about $300 on flowers by giving the bridesmaids corsages to pin on their dresses instead of bouquets. Even though it's not as traditional, at least they'll have the flowers on them all night instead of wilting on the table. We're also going to keep our appointment Saturday with the other florist, so I think I'll start this time by telling them our budget and then working around that. I just know that I'm not spending almost $800 on perishable items.
We also have to order favors soon. Monday is our 'deadline' date for RSVPs. We have to have a minimum of 50 people for the reception and we're up to 42 right now (it would have been 43 but my grandma 'dropped out' the other day for whatever reason.) There's still a few people I'm expecting to come who haven't officially RSVPd, so I think we'll just about meet our minimum. I think if we order 55 or 60 'units' of favors, we should be OK.
There still is the issue of groomsmen gifts (I'm not good at buying guy gifts and my fiance has no idea what to get them either) and finishing my sewing for the rehearsal and honeymoon, but those can be taken care of up until the last week or so, so they're not worrying me too much.
The last two dresses I'm making are from the same pattern, so I'm trying to cut out both of them at the same time, although some of the pieces differ. I cut out the lining for both of them this morning. That took me about an hour; I can't believe how long cutting still takes me. But I thinks it's probably good to take that part slow because it seems like the little mistakes at the beginning really add up by the time you're finished.
I made a 'date' with my fiance to go for a walk tonight. I know all those fitness articles say to put it in your planner, but I'm likely to just cross that off and pretend it never was there if I don't feel like working out. My fiance, on the other hand, is always looking for something (free) to do, so I think it works better to make a date with him.
In other news, I've been looking for a new job (it seems like I've been doing that for the past two years) and I've posted my resume on a bunch of the job search Web sites. Lately I've been getting a lot of scam e-mails from employers who at first sound legit, but then when you go to their Web site, it's really sparse and offers little info about the company itself. So now I've taken to looking up these places first before taking any more action. How annoying.
On the other hand, my fiance has a job interview today. If the 'price is right,' as he says, and he gets the job, we might move so he won't have to drive 45 min.-1 hour each way to get there. That might be an exciting change of pace. Since I am obviously not tied down to my job (or where we live, for that matter), I'm pretty much willing to move anywhere, and it might open up some new opportunities that I've overlooked due to the location.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Making lists
This morning was another one without any form of exercise. I know I shouldn't run since I still feel like a creaky old lady with with feet and hip issues. I keep meaning to do one of my 'cross training' DVDs but I just can't work up the motivation. Maybe my fiance will convince me to go for a walk with him tonight. We've been walking at a faster pace than usual lately and the other day he asked when we were going to start running. That's a first from him. Of course, he didn't want to hear anything about new shoes. I told him his old Wal-Mart sneakers are going to make him as feeble as I am right now. But he said since he's a Man, he'll push through it. We'll see ...
I'm considering going to a yoga class this Saturday. I'm a little worried since although its a beginner class, it's part of a seven or nine week-session, and they're wrapping that session up this week or next. I'm not sure if they'll be past explaining basic techniques at this point.
Exercise (or lack thereof) aside, I went through my sewing to-do list this morning and it wasn't as bad as it used to seem, even though I still feel like I haven't gotten anything done. I'm going to go to JoAnn's after work today to get the zipper I needed for my skirt yesterday and some lining fabric for one of the dresses I'm making. (I'm slowly figuring out how to work this blog, and I've added some lists).
Since this is the one week per month that I give into all my cravings (I need to work on that too) I'm considering stopping by the store to get ingredients for my heart attack-inducing ravioli alfredo, which features several forms of fat. It's so delicious though. Mmmm.
Speaking of heart attack, we got the estimate from the florist yesterday and its way more than I expected. Of course, roses aren't the cheapest flowers, so everything kind of added up. We have an appointment with another florist on Saturday (that happened when this first florist had no idea about our appointment and asked us to come back an hour later). I guess I can ask if there's places we can cut back or do something less traditional (corsages for the bridesmaids instead of bouquets?) or use less expensive flowers. I just don't want to pay hundreds for flowers that are going to be used for a half hour and then left on the table to wilt the rest of the night.
I'm considering going to a yoga class this Saturday. I'm a little worried since although its a beginner class, it's part of a seven or nine week-session, and they're wrapping that session up this week or next. I'm not sure if they'll be past explaining basic techniques at this point.
Exercise (or lack thereof) aside, I went through my sewing to-do list this morning and it wasn't as bad as it used to seem, even though I still feel like I haven't gotten anything done. I'm going to go to JoAnn's after work today to get the zipper I needed for my skirt yesterday and some lining fabric for one of the dresses I'm making. (I'm slowly figuring out how to work this blog, and I've added some lists).
Since this is the one week per month that I give into all my cravings (I need to work on that too) I'm considering stopping by the store to get ingredients for my heart attack-inducing ravioli alfredo, which features several forms of fat. It's so delicious though. Mmmm.
Speaking of heart attack, we got the estimate from the florist yesterday and its way more than I expected. Of course, roses aren't the cheapest flowers, so everything kind of added up. We have an appointment with another florist on Saturday (that happened when this first florist had no idea about our appointment and asked us to come back an hour later). I guess I can ask if there's places we can cut back or do something less traditional (corsages for the bridesmaids instead of bouquets?) or use less expensive flowers. I just don't want to pay hundreds for flowers that are going to be used for a half hour and then left on the table to wilt the rest of the night.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Sewing while sweating = not a good idea
On Tuesdays I go into work at either 11 a.m. or noon, and every week, I tell myself I'm going to do something useful during that extra time in the morning.
Today was one of those few times I've actually come through on that promise. I almost finished sewing my 'Route 66' skirt (you'll see what that means when I post a picture later - or when I figure out how to post one, whichever comes first). I had to stop when I realized I didn't have the necessary 7" zipper to finish things up.
So I decided to start on my next project (throwing the skirt into the pile of 'almost finisheds' that's quickly growing). I'm making a dress from a pattern I've already sewn three times before. However, I had the exact amount of fabric the pattern called for, which took me out of the comfortable extra half yard buffer zone I usually try to afford myself. So it took some time trying to figure out how to lay out all the pattern pieces in a way that fit (and since this fabric also had random appliques on it, there was some extra strategic positioning involved).
All this activity was done in my 80-degree apartment. My fiance had one bad experience with the electric bill the first time we used the AC two years ago and now he prefers not to use it (since I'm too poor to help him out with that, he gets to call the shots). Now that summer is officially here in Maryland, I drive home from work (in a car that recently lost its AC capabilities) and just sweat all night.
As for running, I told myself I would only sew for a couple of hours and then go for a run or do one of my pilates/yoga DVDs, but that didn't happen. I finished cutting out my pattern and had two pieces of carrot cake for breakfast and was out the door (after a cold shower, of course).
In two days, it will be one month until the wedding. How I'm going to be able to lose 10 pounds and finish my sewing before that date is beyond me. Especially with all the yummy treats I can now make since a KitchenAid mixer has recently come into my possession (bridal shower gift).
Today was one of those few times I've actually come through on that promise. I almost finished sewing my 'Route 66' skirt (you'll see what that means when I post a picture later - or when I figure out how to post one, whichever comes first). I had to stop when I realized I didn't have the necessary 7" zipper to finish things up.
So I decided to start on my next project (throwing the skirt into the pile of 'almost finisheds' that's quickly growing). I'm making a dress from a pattern I've already sewn three times before. However, I had the exact amount of fabric the pattern called for, which took me out of the comfortable extra half yard buffer zone I usually try to afford myself. So it took some time trying to figure out how to lay out all the pattern pieces in a way that fit (and since this fabric also had random appliques on it, there was some extra strategic positioning involved).
All this activity was done in my 80-degree apartment. My fiance had one bad experience with the electric bill the first time we used the AC two years ago and now he prefers not to use it (since I'm too poor to help him out with that, he gets to call the shots). Now that summer is officially here in Maryland, I drive home from work (in a car that recently lost its AC capabilities) and just sweat all night.
As for running, I told myself I would only sew for a couple of hours and then go for a run or do one of my pilates/yoga DVDs, but that didn't happen. I finished cutting out my pattern and had two pieces of carrot cake for breakfast and was out the door (after a cold shower, of course).
In two days, it will be one month until the wedding. How I'm going to be able to lose 10 pounds and finish my sewing before that date is beyond me. Especially with all the yummy treats I can now make since a KitchenAid mixer has recently come into my possession (bridal shower gift).
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