Exhaustion.. trying to keep up!

It has been awhile since I actually blogged. After wedding madness and honeymoon fun, I headed back to work. I missed the first 4 days with the student- Thank God I have Kelly! I came back on 9/14 tired and jet lagged but I made it through the day! I need to vent. It is NOT the students this year. They are pretty good with the exception of the 4 or 5 knuckleheads. The staff at my school is awesome, with the exception of some knuckleheads. It is the paperwork that I am tired of! I feel like it never, never stops and get worse every year!! I have no problem doing lesson plans or paperwork for students that are struggling in grade level work. Working in an Inclusion classroom, there is a lot of paperwork and it get to be more and more every year! I have no idea which end is up when it somes to the school district and their paperwork... I think I need a secretary... help.

back on track

Hello All! I am now finally getting back into the swing of things. Soon, I am going to post the daily entries of the fantastic honeymoon we went on! I am really excited to do this! I am also excited to see the professional wedding pictures from our fantastic photographer!!! Iw ill uploading them when I get the CD-ROM of all of them so be on the lookout!

maybe a meltdown

First I have to thank Alice for calling me at 7am after I sent her a text saying that I NEEDED her to call me. After a mini meltdown, I got my ass together, counted up the number of each entree to take to Celebrations. 21 Capon, 80 filet, and 16 Veggie Pyramids. I was all good! Sure there was a lump in my throat that we were going to pay the remaining balance for the wedding BUT I sucked it up. I picked Dan up from work and we were on our way to Celebrations to tie up all the loose ends.
Now, a few months ago, I called Celebrations and asked them to fax me a copy of their floor plan when I was getting replies back in the mail. Everything was fine! Now, when I get to look at the seating chart they have for the CORRECT ballroom, they only have 10 tables. The other one half double that amount, mainly b/c it hold like 300 people. I understood the mistake but was kinda fuming inside.
I am not sitting here and have no effing idea where to put some people. I know people do not sit a lot at weddings but this is killing me! I am trying to be nice and sit people with other people they know. I am about to close my eyes and shuffle this shit up. Friends are no issue. They all get along BUT family... c'mon! One will not sit with the other. Let some one bitch... I might kick someone's ass...

these dreams...

As I get closer to the wedding, I keep having very strange dreams and sometimes nightmares. The other night, it was a pretty awesome dream. Let me let you in on one thing- I am rereading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. In the dream, we are at the ceremony outside and everything is beautiful! I look outside of the limo and my ushers were the Dementors from Harry Potter...
In the dream, they are not the soul sucking, sadness bringing figures you read in the books. They are pretty pleasant but end up freaking the guests out that have never ready the book (or saw the movie). Overall, the dream was not bad! Much better than the nightmares I have been having!!

Honeymoon Insanity....

If you didn't know, Dan and I are heading to Europe for our honeymoon. When we first booked everything, we were going to be leaving the day after the wedding (aug. 30) and coming back on 9/11 (nice day to fly, right?). A few months ago, a lady from the travel agency called. She informed us that our Travel Agent, Christine, was out due to an illness in that family. She gave us news that b/c of the "economy" our tour got axed and we were getting moved to the next tour, which leaves on 9/2. That would get us back on 9/13, which meant we were missing Dan's cousin, Melissa's, wedding. After talking to Mel and knowing she was fine with it, we decided to go along with this tour. I was overly angry b/c I have to go back to work the next day (9/14) but would suck it up anyway. The great thing about the change was we would have non-stop flights both ways!! A few weeks ago, I get a notice from the travel agent that our returning flight had been changed. US Air does not fly from one of the airports straight to Phila anymore... GREAT! This gave us a layover for 2 hours and would not get home until like 8pm that night. I was livid. Dan called and spoke to Christine, because she was back at work. He basically told her how unhappy we both were and she expressed how she felt bad about the whole tour getting switched and flight craziness. She told Dan to give her a few days to see what she can do. Fast forward til Tuesday- she called and said that we now have a non-stop from Hethrow to Phila! We leave there at 1:05 and get home at 4:20 (our time)...
To make a long story short, it was not Christine's fault all this happened. It was the tour people and the damn airlines! All I am saying is that after all this madness, the honeymoon better be worth it!!!

thoughts...

So.... 24 days left until the BIG day! The countdown is really kicking in. I have been trying to work out and eat right. I have to go pick up my dress next week! I got myself a new pair of Spanx for under the dress to suck in all the "stuff". I spoke to the DJ yesterday and I plan to meet with him to make sure everything is ready to go. Dan and I have to go to Celebrations on the 17th to hand over all our money, finalize the dinners, appetizers, and find out who will be the "captain" of our wedding. We also have to go and check with the bakery for the cake. It is getting there!! I am so excited to see the girls in their dresses and the guys in their tuxs!!

32 days BUT who is counting?

Me.. that is who is counting. I am ready to go to Ovations for a crazy day of fun! Color, cut, brow wax, AND my wedding hair and makeup trial. I have no idea why I am getting a hair trial. I trust Richard, and only Richard, with my hair. I have for the past 10 years and will continue for a long time! He is the best. My salon is a home away from home. They are so warm and friendly! I owe Lisa, the receptionist, my left arm since she has been amazing! I have my contacts in because I am a pro now so I can really see what is going on! I will be posting pictures later so I will be waiting for some feedback!! I hate to plug BUT if you are looking for a good salon... Ovations (215-923-4747) is AMAZING!!!! Everyone there is amazing and does a kick ass job!
I love my Richard and cannot wait to see how it all goes today!

losing my mind....

It is getting close... I can feel it. I can smell it. I am having nightmares about it. 39 days is what I keep telling myself this morning. The wedding will be here before I know it! One thing is done and over with- all the guys are done getting fitted for the tuxs... that is no one less thing I have to worry about (THANKS, ALICE!!). Tomorrow, Dan is taking the day off and we are heading to Doylestown to get the marriage license! There is a 3 day waiting period... I guess in can you are so close to your wedding date that you want to change your mind! Next week I have to pick up my dress. I have been so good with not doing the booze/dessert thing! Last night I was so hungry around 9 p.m. BUT I drank some water and relaxed.. funny but it did help.
The nightmares are pretty crazy. The most over the top scenarios... Alice told me that they might get worse as we get closer to the day... her advice? Breathe.

dress fitting #1

Today I took my dress in to get hemmed. Last time I tried it on, it fit perfect and I was super excited. Today I had to put the dress on so the lady could see how much she had to take up the hem. When I went into the dressing room to try it on, the damn dress did not fucking zip... I was on the verge of tears. My mom being there was not a help AT ALL. SHe tells me that I must be getting fat becasue the dress does not zip... just what I needed to hear. I was able to finally get it zipped and the hem was done. I took it off and have made a decision- NO BOOZE OR JUNK and I MUST work out!!! I detest working out and am not a fan BUT I have to do it. I have 40 some days.. i will look awesome!!!

time for contacts!

So today I went to the eye doctor. I decided to use my OTHER insurance to cover the eye exam. I actually went to get a prescription for contact lenses. I got the whole comprehensive eye exam and all is well! The eye doctor was wonderful and very patient. I did not want to try to get the contacts in while I was at the store BUT the doctor talked me into it. After a while I did get the contacts in and could not believe how awesome I could see! I am still wearing them and am really excited. I actually went and got a pair of sunglasses when I was done with the eye doctor. I am wearing disposable contacts BUT I am not going to sleep in them. I have to go back in a week to get my eyes checked b/c of the whole allergy thing.
I do not plan on wearing the contacts everyday. I do love my glasses but i do plan on wearing them when I go out places. It is strange to look in the mirror and not see glasses!
I am not stoked to not wear glasses for the wedding. I do not like the way the reflection catches on the flash and, because I have Transition Lenses, they make the area around my eyes where the glasses are look dark.
It will be nice to walk up the aisle, exchange my vows, and dance the night away with out squinting the whole time!

motivation is key!

It is a lovely Sunday today! I am gearing up to get my ass into shape. I am going to hit the floor and do some pilates. I am going to the gym tomorrow when I get home. I am not looking to lose a ton of weight but I want to be comfortable in my own skin. I figure that I am going to be off to a good start, especially with having the summer off. Getting started is the hardest part but i am feeling motivated so I better go and take care of it now... LATER!

getting ready!

So it is getting close! I am a little over 2 months!! I mailed out the invites last weekend and have received a good amount back. Dan created a website that helps me manage the invites. I have all the guests listed. I put in the number that is coming and what they are going to be eating. After we get everyone's response back, there is going to be an on-line seating chart. This way I can drag and drop the wedding guests and move them around as I feel fit. I work better on paper but I am going to try to use it and see how it goes! I am super excited because it makes life easier. It was funny because Dan though I was actually throwing out the response cards AFTER I had put them into the planner. He went fishing in the trash can for the cards only to realize that I was tossing the envelopes only! I had a good laugh!
I already have a pretty good idea of where I am going to be seating people. Hopefully, it will not be as hard as some people make it out to be! I figure that I am going to do it, look over it with Dan, and people will have to suck it up! Who sits at a wedding except to eat? People better be drinking and dancing their asses off!
I decided to join Bally's. I got a good deal. I am ready to go on Monday to get my membership card and get a workout in. I think I am not motivated when I am at home. I think it will be good for me. I am going to be going a lot over the summer. I am going to drop Dan off at work then go get a workout in! Get all buff and sex-ay for the wedding and honeymoon!

best show ever...

seriously... the BEST show. Flight of the Conchords. Watch it. Love it.

Ready for Rehearsal

Last night, Dan, my mom, and I went to La Cena Restaurant to look over the menu for the Rehearsal Dinner on 8/26/09. After meeting Massimo, the crazy Italian manager, we looked over the menu and decided on this place. It is in the same place as Celebrations so we can walk to La Cena right after the Rehearsal. Since my mom is paying for the shin-dig, she has the final say. After Massimo bought her coffee and Tiramisu, she was sold. Check out the Menu below-

• Course One- bread/butter/bruschetta along with a house salad.
• Course Two- Appetizers- Appetizer 1- Calamari e Insalata Caprise- fried calamari served with fresh tomato and mozzarella salad, basil, olive oil. Appetizer 2- Penne alla Puttanesca- penne pasta with black olives, capers, and fresh totato-basil sauce.
• Course Three- Entree- the guests get to choice one out of the three following choices- Entree 1- Pollo alla Sorrentina-boneless chicken breast topped with fresh tomato, melted mozzarella and mushrooms. Entree 2- Costoletta di Maiale alla Milanese- breaded pork chop thinly pounded, deep fried served with arugola and chopped tomato, oil, and lemon. Entree 3- Trancio di Salmone con Salsa Mediterranea- grilled salmon servbed with sun dried tomatoes, olive oil, capers, olives, and scallions. All the entrees come with fresh veggies and potatoes of some kind.
  
• Course Four- Dessert- the guests get to choose one of the following choices- Dessert 1- Tiramisu- tried it and it was AWESOME!!! Dessert 2- Gelato or Ice Cream

My mom decided to pay for the dinner while Dan and I are going to pay the bar bill. I am excited. Not only am I excited for the dinner but for the big day as well! I have been working out and getting into shape! I know it will all go well and the wedding will be wonderful!

Good food, good music, and good company... and crappy news.

Last night I had the honor of escorting Dan's Grandmom, Bernice, to her first Bad Plus show. Dan and I took her to Chris's Jazz Cafe down on Samson Street. When we finally got seated, we decided to get some food. Since I am still on my no booze kick, I indulged in a bottle of still water. We then decided to get some dinner. I got the short ribs over the mac-and-cheese with truffle oil. Dan got the steak, with the truffle mac-and-cheese, and asparagus. It was pretty damn good! The music was excellent, as the Bad Plus always is. It was different to see them with a singer but Wendy was wonderful (and adorable too!). The company was great as well! Along with Dan and Gram, I got to see Sarah, Ethan and other members of the band. It was a nice relaxing night that I enjoyed with my future family (5 months)! We got Gram home at a decent time and then Dan and I went home and went to bed.

This morning, Dan was doing some work outside but forgot his phone. It rang 3 different times when I finally got up to see whom was calling. Sadly, we discovered that his dad had died earlier that morning of a cardiac arrest. He was only 62 years old. It was a shocked and totally not expected, since he seemed okay the last time Dan spoke to him. We are awaiting news on when the funeral will be since we have to book tickets and hotel rooms.

Keep you posted!

a little over 6 months to go!

Today I had the day off so I decided to get some wedding work done!

I called Celebrations and spoke to the owner, since my wedding guy- James- was not available. He is the owner and a nice guy. He was able to answer all my questions and I got super excited knowing everything is coming along! I am really glad that I got going on this wedding stuff way before. This is when everyone called me crazy... crazy but NOT stressing!

I am super excited about the food at the wedding! After the ceremony, we have a cocktail hour. Open bar and appetizers! We are having-
* Coney Island Cocktail Franks
* Mushroom Florentine
* Assorted Knishes
* Risotto Croquettes
* Tempura Veggies
* Fried Shrimp
* Scallops and Bacon
* Mini Monte Cristo
We are also having Cold Buffet Hors D'Oeuvres that has all kinds of cheeses, veggies, fresh bruschetta, canapes, spinach in croute, and caviar. We have 2 hot Hors D'Oeuvres stations as well- Tenderloin tips in Burgandy sauce and Mozzarella En Corozza. I am not a caviar fan BUT it does come with the package so I am all for it!

After the cocktail hour, dinner will be in the ballroom. First there will be a fresh fruit plate (palate cleaner). Then there will be a spring mix salad with a raspberry vinagrette. The main course is next! Choice of Stuffed Capon, Filet Mignon, or Veggie Pyramids. The first 2 choices come with bundled asparagus and red bliss potatoes with rosemary. Dessert will be wedding cake and/or ice cream with fresh berries!!!

I FINALLY got the limo guy in his office, instead of on his cell phone while he was on 95. For those of you that know, him and I have been playing phone tag for some time. I just wrote the check for the deposit and I am good to go. I will call him back to ensure that he is giving us a big-ish limo- Me, Dad, Sarah, Sara, Alice, Mom. I think Dan is going to get a ride by Steve b/c I believe the guys will be getting ready at Steve's while we are getting ready at the house!

Final decisions are coming such as the songs and other things! NOW I am ready to work out and get into the dress!! PILATES! PILATES! PILATES!!!

Blank's Day Out

After having a shitastic day at work, I came home to take my stress out on the snow lying on the ground. Then, to make myself feel better I attempted to take Nudge out in the snow. No dice. He was not feeling it. When Nudge resists, there is always the Grey furred- green eyed lover. Blank is a sucker for the outside. I took him out and threw him in the snow. He was enthralled by it. He ran around making his Blank sounds, meowing, clucking, and yelling. I love looking out the front window to see him little paw prints in the snow.

Leave it to Blank to make my day.

Honeymoon here we come!

On Thursday night, Dan and I went and booked our honeymoon!!! I am so excited about all the places we are going to be going and all the sights we will be seeing! Let me give you some info-

• Day One- 8/30- Leave Phila. and fly into Rome, Italy
• Day Two- rest and relax on our own!
• Day Four- Rome, Italy- Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Square, Basilica, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum
• Day Five- Rome to Florence- Academy of Fine Arts (Michelangelo's DAVID), the Cathedral, and Signoria Square
• Day Six- Florence to Venice- arrive in the city by private boat to St. Mark's Square- clock tower and the Bridge of Sighs- gondola ride
• Day Seven- Venice to Lucerne, Switzerland-
  
• Day Eight- Lucerne, Switzerland- Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge. Shopping afterwards. Maybe I will buy Dan a Swiss watch fora wedding gift!
• Day Nine- Lucerne to Paris- vineyards of Burgandy and spend the night in Paris
• Day Ten- Paris- Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral, Effiel Tower. Maybe a caberet show to close the night out
• Day Eleven- Paris to London- take the Eurostar Train into London and arrive in the later afternoon.
• Day Twelve- London- House of Parliment, Big Ben, Westminster Abby, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral. The rest of the afternoon is up to us!
  
• Day Thirteen- Leave! The honeymoon is over!

We are so excited and the above are only highlights of what we will be seeing! We decided to go the tour route b/c they pretty much take care of everything you need that you might not think about! Super excited!!!

bittersweet.. but in a good way.

I had originally started this post on Wednesday night but needed a few days to get my thoughts together, due to how upset I was.

It is official. Sean and Alice are on the road! I spoke to Sean yesterday afternoon and they were on their way to Hot Springs, AR. Today is going to be a non-driving day for them so they can relax and get a break. We have been texting back and forth but it was a great thing to hear my brother's voice and catch up. If interested their blog is- http://seanandalice.blogspot.com/2009/01/troutville-or-bust.html

The reason I needed a few days was I was an emotional wreck. They were here Wednesday night to say good-bye. I was so good at controlling my emotions until they drove away. Then I was a mess. I am not going to lie because my brother is one of my best friends and now he is so far away. Thursday morning I was a bit emotional but became overwhelmed with emotion when Alice sent me a text that they were leaving Philly. I KNOW this is what they need to do to make things work. I KNOW they will be happy out in California. It is the distance. NYC- train ride away. California- a bit of a ride away. It will all work out... for sure!

I am feeling better and I am so excited for them to make this move in life! I know, and have come to terms with, that I will not see them until right before the wedding. As long as they are here on August 29, 2009- if not before- it will make my day!

2009 already!

2009 is upon us! Most of our guest just left after spending the night in our Cape Cod home. It was great to see everyone, especially one person from my past. I had not see my old friend, Kevin, in sometime. Initially, he was my brother's friend but he was more like a brother to me. It was kinda sad when my brother and him lost touch for a long time. He was married young and had kids young too. He is divorced now but is happy with his life and 3 kids. If he is happy, then I am happy for him! It was really great that he dropped by and hung out for a little while. I missed him a lot. Now my brother and him are getting back on track, despite Sean moving to the West Coast.

I find it amazing that you are able to track people down via the Internet. Amazingly, Facebook has re-introduced me to so many people I have lost touch with! I am one person that loves pictures and I love seeing them from the past and the present.

Anywho, I am excited for 2009. I am going to try to eat right and work out as much as I can, without killing myself! I have pulled out my Low-Carb Cookbook and plan on blowing the dust of the South Beach Diet Cookbook too! I will keep you all posted!

I hope you all have a great New Year!!