Well, hello there! I am fine... Thanks for asking. Right now, I am curled up in bed, trying to decide if I have stayed inside these blankets long enough and if it is time to start my day. That's the thing about vacation - knowing just the right balance of doing fun things and truly resting, since rest seldom happens at home.
We traveled all day Friday, getting to our Ohio airport around 1 p.m. and finally arriving in Phoenix close to midnight. We woke early on Saturday to pack the car for a gorgeous drive to Vegas. We did not push ourselves like we normally would and were instead happy to stay on "our end" of the Strip. Steinvic and I gambled a little, won a little, shopped a little and had several fabulous meals thanks to our generous hosts (Aunt & Uncle) who have enough comps to entertain a small village! We shared an apartment-sized suite with them (not kidding... It had three bathrooms!) and got to dine at the hotel's exclusive steakhouse. What does a pescaterian eat at a steakhouse, you ask? Lovely crabcakes and a tableside-made Caeser salad. Yum!
We drove back to Phoenix Monday and just relaxed yesterday, doing a little grocery shopping and laundry, and enjoying a stop at a favorite pub for a drink and a sandwich...
Guess I will get up and start our day...even being lazy, you can't beat these Arizona skies...especially with snow on the ground back home!
Showing posts with label happy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label happy. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Christmas Recovery
We had a great Holiday. Steinvic and I celebrated on Christmas Eve – just us. We had cocktails at our local, a fabulous cheese & cracker and homemade soup feast at home, and then exchanged gifts and fell asleep on the couch during “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
We were lazy on Christmas Day until time to go to my folks, and Young Man and Girlfriend met us there. One of my (distant by logistics only) older cousins (she’s English, and 80 going on 50-something) was also there, and her love of music and sparkly personality kept the kids smiling. Young Man and my Mom bonded over their love for jazz records and made a date to get together to compare and share vinyl soon.
The kids, Steinvic and I all headed home and had our own Christmas there, sharing stories and joking in the kitchen while I made appetizers for the day after celebration at Steinvic’s sister’s home. Suddenly, we realized it was 1 a.m. and that would have been fine, save for the kids needing to get up and head for Columbus REALLY early (6 a.m.!) so everyone was off to bed.
I woke up early to make strong coffee in travel mugs and pack up some blueberry muffins for the kids' long, dark commute home, then slept a wee bit more and then we were up to get ready and drive to Columbus. A full house – all siblings and their kids – gathered around big, beautiful tables for an Italian feast, which was fantastic. Then lots of drinking and visiting and finally sleep.
Then back home yesterday…and we’re worn out, and both back to work today. I’ve managed to get some kind of goofy sore throat, watery eyes funk, probably from all the running around I’ve been doing. Seems like my body has a cut off for how long I am permitted to burn the candle at both ends, and then BOOM – hello, cold! Just need to shake it before next week…we’re headed out West for a belated honeymoon!
It’s time to load up on the B12, B6 and Vitamin C…and relax!
We were lazy on Christmas Day until time to go to my folks, and Young Man and Girlfriend met us there. One of my (distant by logistics only) older cousins (she’s English, and 80 going on 50-something) was also there, and her love of music and sparkly personality kept the kids smiling. Young Man and my Mom bonded over their love for jazz records and made a date to get together to compare and share vinyl soon.
The kids, Steinvic and I all headed home and had our own Christmas there, sharing stories and joking in the kitchen while I made appetizers for the day after celebration at Steinvic’s sister’s home. Suddenly, we realized it was 1 a.m. and that would have been fine, save for the kids needing to get up and head for Columbus REALLY early (6 a.m.!) so everyone was off to bed.
I woke up early to make strong coffee in travel mugs and pack up some blueberry muffins for the kids' long, dark commute home, then slept a wee bit more and then we were up to get ready and drive to Columbus. A full house – all siblings and their kids – gathered around big, beautiful tables for an Italian feast, which was fantastic. Then lots of drinking and visiting and finally sleep.
Then back home yesterday…and we’re worn out, and both back to work today. I’ve managed to get some kind of goofy sore throat, watery eyes funk, probably from all the running around I’ve been doing. Seems like my body has a cut off for how long I am permitted to burn the candle at both ends, and then BOOM – hello, cold! Just need to shake it before next week…we’re headed out West for a belated honeymoon!
It’s time to load up on the B12, B6 and Vitamin C…and relax!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The Party of Our Lives
Last night, about 120 people gathered in a party room in Columbus - a little cozy back room of a restaurant/bar that Steinvic frequents- to celebrate our marriage.
I'm going to come clean and say that when Steinvic recommended this place as a possible spot for our party, I had reservations. Actually, I was kind of a big jerk about it and said I didn't want to have our party in a bar.
But you know, after we went and checked out the back room together, I saw what he was visualizing. I saw that I was wrong. And I'm so glad that we had it there - it was perfect.
The room had a giant bar on one side, tables on the other, enough room to move comfortably, and a big projector so we could run a slide show of photos the whole time.
There were a few people who Steinvic worked with to coordinate - Toni and Meghan and the Bar manager - and they made sure that people had food and drinks and were comfortable. They were amazingly kind and generous.
(We had a small snag...when we arrived, we unloaded everything and began decorating. Steinvic's cousin came to give us a hand and when Steinvic went to pick up our balloon order, our car wouldn't start. We decided not to worry for the moment...our cuz loaned us her car and Steinvic got the balloons, and the next thing I know, Toni says, "You two just have fun...I'll feed the meter until it's 8:00," which is when the meter service ends there. I mean, how lovely is that?)
Ivory table cloths, candles (the flameless one's I've raved about), tiny green organza bags of treats, petite fours, hoers de oeuvres, snacks, a giant veggie tray, pizza, wings, open bar... it was just right. I felt proud...proud to be Steinvic's wife, proud of our family and friends, proud of our party...just bursting with pride.
And while our ceremony was a few weeks ago, this gathering made it feel official.
I'm on Cloud Nine. We had our friends and family all in one place, all celebrating and enjoying and we feel really, really fortunate. We had family from all over - Chilicothe, West Palm Beach, Wisconsin - and lots of friends who drove the 90 miles from Cincinnati to be with us. Blown away at how much people care. I had no idea...
Oh, and our cousin's husband? He got the car going...we were so thankful he figured out the problem (corrosion on our new battery) so that we could come home!
I've had a foot soak, we've had some drinks, some salad and now I'm curled up with Steinvic. We're catching up on shows and relaxing. Happy Wedding Party Weekend...
I'm going to come clean and say that when Steinvic recommended this place as a possible spot for our party, I had reservations. Actually, I was kind of a big jerk about it and said I didn't want to have our party in a bar.
But you know, after we went and checked out the back room together, I saw what he was visualizing. I saw that I was wrong. And I'm so glad that we had it there - it was perfect.
The room had a giant bar on one side, tables on the other, enough room to move comfortably, and a big projector so we could run a slide show of photos the whole time.
There were a few people who Steinvic worked with to coordinate - Toni and Meghan and the Bar manager - and they made sure that people had food and drinks and were comfortable. They were amazingly kind and generous.
(We had a small snag...when we arrived, we unloaded everything and began decorating. Steinvic's cousin came to give us a hand and when Steinvic went to pick up our balloon order, our car wouldn't start. We decided not to worry for the moment...our cuz loaned us her car and Steinvic got the balloons, and the next thing I know, Toni says, "You two just have fun...I'll feed the meter until it's 8:00," which is when the meter service ends there. I mean, how lovely is that?)
Ivory table cloths, candles (the flameless one's I've raved about), tiny green organza bags of treats, petite fours, hoers de oeuvres, snacks, a giant veggie tray, pizza, wings, open bar... it was just right. I felt proud...proud to be Steinvic's wife, proud of our family and friends, proud of our party...just bursting with pride.
And while our ceremony was a few weeks ago, this gathering made it feel official.
I'm on Cloud Nine. We had our friends and family all in one place, all celebrating and enjoying and we feel really, really fortunate. We had family from all over - Chilicothe, West Palm Beach, Wisconsin - and lots of friends who drove the 90 miles from Cincinnati to be with us. Blown away at how much people care. I had no idea...
Oh, and our cousin's husband? He got the car going...we were so thankful he figured out the problem (corrosion on our new battery) so that we could come home!
I've had a foot soak, we've had some drinks, some salad and now I'm curled up with Steinvic. We're catching up on shows and relaxing. Happy Wedding Party Weekend...
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
It's Really Happening...
I'm off work today, and tomorrow, Steinvic and I will be married.
Yesterday was a flurry of wonderful things. Work threw a shower for Steinvic and I...he came over for what we thought was just going to be a little lunch with the rest of my team. But instead, they decorated with gorgeous flowers, balloons, confetti, custom cupcakes, pizza, bread sticks and I'd offered to bring a big salad, which I did...(we knew about the pizza part and I really wanted to chip in somehow!) And gifts, which they didn't have to do but they wanted to - Wedgewood champagne flutes, champagne to take with us tomorrow, a gift certificate to an art gallery to have one of our wedding photos framed, and designer chocolates. We seriously felt like royalty... it was so touching. They really went all out and it was the perfect way to kick off our wedding week!
I got my nails done by a friend of ours last night which was relaxing, came home and made a quick dinner, then settled in for a little TV. We turned in early, which I think we both needed.
I managed to get all my work to a point where I could actually take the day off, which is great. I'd requested off and was approved for the extra time, but I had so much going on that I didn't think it was going to happen. I also thought it wouldn't matter if I worked or not, but I'm really glad I was able to take the day, because it's not even 10 a.m. yet and I'm on a cleaning frenzy. So much to do today!
So, enough posting and back to the LIST, which includes some errands and flower decorating and chores and more...but it's all exciting. Here's to tomorrow!
Yesterday was a flurry of wonderful things. Work threw a shower for Steinvic and I...he came over for what we thought was just going to be a little lunch with the rest of my team. But instead, they decorated with gorgeous flowers, balloons, confetti, custom cupcakes, pizza, bread sticks and I'd offered to bring a big salad, which I did...(we knew about the pizza part and I really wanted to chip in somehow!) And gifts, which they didn't have to do but they wanted to - Wedgewood champagne flutes, champagne to take with us tomorrow, a gift certificate to an art gallery to have one of our wedding photos framed, and designer chocolates. We seriously felt like royalty... it was so touching. They really went all out and it was the perfect way to kick off our wedding week!
I got my nails done by a friend of ours last night which was relaxing, came home and made a quick dinner, then settled in for a little TV. We turned in early, which I think we both needed.
I managed to get all my work to a point where I could actually take the day off, which is great. I'd requested off and was approved for the extra time, but I had so much going on that I didn't think it was going to happen. I also thought it wouldn't matter if I worked or not, but I'm really glad I was able to take the day, because it's not even 10 a.m. yet and I'm on a cleaning frenzy. So much to do today!
So, enough posting and back to the LIST, which includes some errands and flower decorating and chores and more...but it's all exciting. Here's to tomorrow!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Being Busy
What does getting ready for a wedding ceremony and party mean?
It means being elated. It means finding just the right things to delight ourselves and our family and friends. It means getting set for a fresh start and loving the thought and feeling of all that...
It also means making lists, freaking out when you realize that the street number on the invites somehow isn't correct (!), hoping and praying.
It means that when the dryer buzzes, I am actually relieved that the clothes aren't dry yet and that I can put them on another light dry cycle instead of folding. (This gives me the time to write here...)
I thought all the invites were out, but a conversation with Steinvic's Mom prompted me to send out a dozen more tonight.
Of course, I didn't have any more envelopes, so I headed up to Michaels to buy up what they had - two packets of our envelopes - just enough!
An hour later, I can check one more thing off the list.
But you know what? I'm so excited and happy...I hope that everyone we've invited can come and celebrate with us.
Six years of commuting, a big move to combine our homes, learning to live together - Steinvic's constant calm and my waves of spaz - it's all coming to a gorgeous place...our marriage.
Meanwhile, work is relentless. Man, I am GRATEFUL for my job, but I can't even take lunch these days. I used to keep trucking through lunch semi-voluntarily, but now it's a have-to...lunchtime isn't about reading a little junk online and then working more. It's all about the hustle and using that extra hour to try to get caught up.
So...right now, I'm having a glass of wine, listening to the dryer tumble sounds behind the television sounds, missing Steinvic (it's a Columbus night) and thanking my stars for the very wonderful busy life I have.
We have.
It means being elated. It means finding just the right things to delight ourselves and our family and friends. It means getting set for a fresh start and loving the thought and feeling of all that...
It also means making lists, freaking out when you realize that the street number on the invites somehow isn't correct (!), hoping and praying.
It means that when the dryer buzzes, I am actually relieved that the clothes aren't dry yet and that I can put them on another light dry cycle instead of folding. (This gives me the time to write here...)
I thought all the invites were out, but a conversation with Steinvic's Mom prompted me to send out a dozen more tonight.
Of course, I didn't have any more envelopes, so I headed up to Michaels to buy up what they had - two packets of our envelopes - just enough!
An hour later, I can check one more thing off the list.
But you know what? I'm so excited and happy...I hope that everyone we've invited can come and celebrate with us.
Six years of commuting, a big move to combine our homes, learning to live together - Steinvic's constant calm and my waves of spaz - it's all coming to a gorgeous place...our marriage.
Meanwhile, work is relentless. Man, I am GRATEFUL for my job, but I can't even take lunch these days. I used to keep trucking through lunch semi-voluntarily, but now it's a have-to...lunchtime isn't about reading a little junk online and then working more. It's all about the hustle and using that extra hour to try to get caught up.
So...right now, I'm having a glass of wine, listening to the dryer tumble sounds behind the television sounds, missing Steinvic (it's a Columbus night) and thanking my stars for the very wonderful busy life I have.
We have.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
The Very Happy Post
Steinvic met with his boss.
His review went great...he's been working extra hard on some really key projects for the company.
His boss thinks he's doing an awesome job.
And he told her his thoughts on commuting for work.
And she is going to research some possibilities for him, but overall, she supports it! She likes the idea and thinks it will work.
Finally, we are going to get to be in the same place, building the life that we've wanted for so very long...
I am thankful, hopeful, and very, very happy...
His review went great...he's been working extra hard on some really key projects for the company.
His boss thinks he's doing an awesome job.
And he told her his thoughts on commuting for work.
And she is going to research some possibilities for him, but overall, she supports it! She likes the idea and thinks it will work.
Finally, we are going to get to be in the same place, building the life that we've wanted for so very long...
I am thankful, hopeful, and very, very happy...
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
We're Home!
Whew...we're back! What a long and wonderful and eventful vacation! Let me break it down for you...
Tuesday the 2oth was the first of our two U2 shows. We met up with Steinvic's brother (who was in town on business) and all went over to the Westgate Center together for some pre-show drinks and snacks. His brother didn't have seats with us, so we split up and got our seats. If you like the Black Eyed Peas, you'd be so very happy...I am not a fan but they were HOT. Lots of energy, and you could tell they were totally enjoying being on U2's big ol' fancy stage.
Fast forward to a third into the show...I was completely into "Beautiful Day." That song is my devotional...read the words. I listen to it every morning when I get into the car, before anything else. It means so much to me...lifts my heart. So, all of the sudden, at the end of the song, Steinvic takes my hand. My LEFT hand.
"It's a beautiful day...I don't want you to get away..." he begins, playing off the lyrics. The look on his face...locked in my mind forever. "Will you marry me?" he asked, beginning to put the most wonderful ring on my finger.
"YES!!!! Yes, I will! Will you marry me????" I don't even know why I said that! I think I must have just been so excited and wanted him to know how much I wanted this. But he didn't hear me anyway, because he was hugging and kissing me. We were so happy.
It didn't take too long for the people behind us to figure out what was going on and pat us on the back, give the thumbs up...I showed them my ring and exclaimed, "We're engaged!!" and the joy just flowed. I will never, ever forget that moment as long as I live.
People keep asking me about that concert and I can't tell anyone anything about it after The Ring. I kept thinking about how lucky I am, how wonderful it is to have Real Love, to be able to celebrate it and talk about it and the future without hesitation... I don't remember the concert. Just calling a few of our precious people, like my Mom and Step Dad, and our friend Em, and looking through that open venue to the skies and thinking how my Grandma got to see the whole thing...how happy she must be. Blessed. I am blessed.
We met with Seinvic's brother after and the traffic was dense, so we stopped for celebratory drinks. Thanks to the lovely bartender at Shout Out's for the round of Jaeger Bombs...that was so kind.
Then home...and that is all for part one...
Tuesday the 2oth was the first of our two U2 shows. We met up with Steinvic's brother (who was in town on business) and all went over to the Westgate Center together for some pre-show drinks and snacks. His brother didn't have seats with us, so we split up and got our seats. If you like the Black Eyed Peas, you'd be so very happy...I am not a fan but they were HOT. Lots of energy, and you could tell they were totally enjoying being on U2's big ol' fancy stage.
Fast forward to a third into the show...I was completely into "Beautiful Day." That song is my devotional...read the words. I listen to it every morning when I get into the car, before anything else. It means so much to me...lifts my heart. So, all of the sudden, at the end of the song, Steinvic takes my hand. My LEFT hand.
"It's a beautiful day...I don't want you to get away..." he begins, playing off the lyrics. The look on his face...locked in my mind forever. "Will you marry me?" he asked, beginning to put the most wonderful ring on my finger.
"YES!!!! Yes, I will! Will you marry me????" I don't even know why I said that! I think I must have just been so excited and wanted him to know how much I wanted this. But he didn't hear me anyway, because he was hugging and kissing me. We were so happy.
It didn't take too long for the people behind us to figure out what was going on and pat us on the back, give the thumbs up...I showed them my ring and exclaimed, "We're engaged!!" and the joy just flowed. I will never, ever forget that moment as long as I live.
People keep asking me about that concert and I can't tell anyone anything about it after The Ring. I kept thinking about how lucky I am, how wonderful it is to have Real Love, to be able to celebrate it and talk about it and the future without hesitation... I don't remember the concert. Just calling a few of our precious people, like my Mom and Step Dad, and our friend Em, and looking through that open venue to the skies and thinking how my Grandma got to see the whole thing...how happy she must be. Blessed. I am blessed.
We met with Seinvic's brother after and the traffic was dense, so we stopped for celebratory drinks. Thanks to the lovely bartender at Shout Out's for the round of Jaeger Bombs...that was so kind.
Then home...and that is all for part one...
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