2010 in Review Part 1

We barely put up any photos from 2010, so this post is dedicated to catching everyone up on 2010.

The first image we have is from Steph and Nathan's Wedding in January. It was a beautiful, frigid day. The wedding was very romantic...I love winter weddings!

This is where we were on January 7th last year, the National Championship!

We were pretty happy after winning!

My first grade class on Field Day making silly faces!

The dogs braving the little amount of snow we had in Huntsville in February. Don't you love their outfits? Marlowe says, "Roll Tide!"

Fast Forward to April: Sarah and Matt got married!!

Then on May 16, 2010, we celebrated our first anniversary! The cake still looked and tasted really good!

To celebrate our anniversary, we took a trip to Seattle and Canada in June. We checked into the Hotel 1000 in Seattle and had this waiting for us in our room.

Beautiful view of the city from the Space Needle!

This photo is taken from the Space Needle.

Another view of the city that we now live in.

May

So it's been a little busy for us. May has been absolutely crazy but very memorable. So, we graduated on May 9th. Christopher graduated with his bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering, while I graduated with my master of arts in elementary education. We went home the following week to prepare for our wedding. 

Our wedding was May 16, 2009. Our photographers were amazing, and we can't wait to see the proofs! There was a little rain during the ceremony. I decided that it probably wouldn't rain during the ceremony, so we began outside. The key word is began. Before we took our vows, we moved inside due to the monsoon affecting 1/3 of the guests. We didn't notice because we were covered by a humongous oak tree. We went to Boston that night for our honeymoon.

When we arrived at Hotel Marlowe, complimentary truffles and champagne was awaiting us. It's an awesome hotel that's very service oriented! They have free kayak rentals as well. We named our puppy after this hotel, so our Boston Terrier has a Boston related name.

We went whale watching and were so close to Humpback whales. I love pictures of whale tails.

We ate at Larsen's Seafood Market in Menemsha, and the owner of the market offered to take a picture of us. We had wonderful lobster rolls, lobster bisque, and clam chowder!

He wore his groom hat the whole time in hopes of getting a free upgrade, but only got some congrats and a, "Why'd you do it?!" Notice how happy he is. It's not because he's on his honeymoon, but because he's driving a Mini Cooper convertible.

At Fenway Park. Of course his eyes are shut!

We had so much fun in Boston and Martha's Vineyard! We would love to go back sometime soon. The highlights of the trip were the food, whale watching, historical sights and sightseeing, kayaking, shopping, my massage, and Fenway Park. We stayed in Boston for two days before going to Martha's Vineyard. We didn't see much while we were there, but we did eat in the North End and go kayaking. Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge is so nice! We loved Martha's Vineyard! We stayed in Edgartown, but had time to see the whole island while we were there for two days. We went back to Boston for our final two days and were able to travel on the Freedom Trail and go to a game at Fenway Park. We wish we had more time, but we had to come back for Blake & Kristine's wedding.

Their wedding was so sweet and fun! I know they had a wonderful honeymoon, as long as they didn't get the swine flu...haha. They did go to Mexico though...

The Tuesday after their wedding (the day after Memorial Day), we packed and moved out of the house. It was a two day process. And we got Marlowe, our Boston Terrier, on wednesday as well. 

Marlowe didn't want us to sleep for two days straight, so she whined and attempted to bark throughout the night. She is now sleeping through the night, but unfortunately, Kona does not like Marlowe at all. She is now much sweeter to her. She hasn't bit her in three days, so everything is getting better.

We also put an offer on a house this week and has the house inspected yesterday. There were a couple problems, so we're not sure what we're doing at this point. Please pray for us as we make so many huge life decisions in such a short time. We definitely need prayer and guidance. I'm also looking for a job. I'm still interviewing, but I know that God will put me where I need to be. 

Well, Christopher is about to come home (to the hotel) from work. He started work last week as well. We're pretty busy, but we're enjoying our new lives. 

-Christie Elm

Free Time

I now have free time...a lot of it. The only thing I have left regarding school is a presentation and a final exam. We still have wedding stuff that probably needs to be completed this week, and hopefully it will get done. It usually doesn't. We'll see. I can't believe we have less than 3 weeks before we're married. Last weekend, I had a shower. We received some great gifts! Hopefully we'll be able to store them all. 

We're in the process of finding a place to live. This Saturday we're finally going to Huntsville. Guess who's coming with us?? Kona is coming (well, she is moving too)! She's actually coming because she can't stay in the laundry room for 10 hours without peeing all over the place. Plus, she would be so hungry. The funny thing is that the apartments we're looking at are excited that we're bringing her. We're looking at at least 3 apartments, and since we're going that way, I convinced Chris that we need to meet our new puppy. If you know me at all, you'll know that I'm almost more excited about the puppy than I am about finding a place to live. It will be a long, fun day!

-Christie

3 1/2 Weeks!

There are only 3 1/2 weeks until our wedding! How crazy is that?! Time really does go by quickly. I really can't believe we are both about to be done with school, get married, get another puppy, move, start working, and eventually buy a house. So much is about to change, but it will be great. Something that I have been sort of sad about is not being able to buy a house. I know it sounds silly, since most newlyweds and recent graduates don't buy a house immediately, but I really want to take advantage of the low house prices. If we wait a year or more, we may not be able to afford a house. Hopefully, I will find a job, and we will be able to buy a house in 6 months or so. I know everything will work out, and I just need to be patient (which is pretty hard for me). 

On another note, Marlowe opened her eyes this past week, so (of course), here are some pictures...

I can't wait to pick her up and hug her, and I know Kona can't wait to play with her!

-Christie

God Is Good!

God is good...again! It may not be surprising, but it's definitely true. Today I met with my professor about my issue with tutoring, and she was very understanding. So I'm able to get everything done in a timely manner. 

On another note, I can't believe how quickly time is passing! Tomorrow is April! This means that we have lots of wedding and school stuff to complete. It also means we have only a month until the wedding and school is over! Time really moves so quickly. I know, I sound like an old person, "___ will be here before you know it," but it's so true.'

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge dog lover. All dogs, all ages. Well Christopher and I are planning on getting a Boston Terrier in the next few months. We are currently on a few waiting lists for a puppy. We're looking for a black and white female (they can be red/white, seal/white, or black/white). I've been receiving a lot of e-mails about puppies being born. I am so excited about our future puppy and can't wait to see pictures of it! I love being a dog mommy! I will definitely post pictures when everything is finalized. 

I realize that I don't take enough pictures, and that is definitely something I need to change, especially since Christopher bought such a wonderful camera. Last night I was craving something sweet and chocolaty, so I looked around in my refrigerator to see what I could create. I found strawberries and semi-sweet chocolate, so I made some chocolate covered strawberries. They look great but taste better. Though I am not a photographer, I am learning how to take pictures that look photographer worthy.

I hope everyone who reads this has a wonderful day!

-Christie

Love

Christopher is on his way to Gulf Shores with a friend and his friend's groomsmen. I guess it's kind of like a bachelor party get-away. It sounds like a lot of fun. I think Chris brought the most stuff out of any of those guys. I'm surprised they had room for everything. He brought a suitcase, my backpack, golf clubs, cranium, his camera, and cookies. There could have been more, but I don't remember. They went in an Expedition, which I know doesn't have a lot of trunk space. We haven't really been apart from each other for long periods of time since we've been engaged. I'm not saying a weekend is a long period of time, but it's weird that I miss him even though he's only been gone for 3 1/2 hours. I think it's just the thought of him being hours away from me. I think absence does make the heart grow fonder. Missing him teaches me how much I love him and want to marry him. 

I'm really excited about our future! Chris received a job offer from Boeing in Huntsville, AL, so I'm 99% sure that is where we'll begin our life together as husband and wife. I know God put us there. After all, He didn't give us too many choices to make...job or no job. I am concerned about myself finding a job, but I know more jobs will open up in the next couple of months, and hopefully I will be able to get one of those. I have applied for jobs already though. 

Our wedding is offically 79 days away. It sounds further away than it is, 2 months and a couple of weeks. I know it will be here before we know it, and I can't wait. I hope I am relaxed so I can truly cherish that day. 

P.S. I took bridal portraits, and if you want to look, go to our photographer's blog. They're pretty amazing!

25 Things About Christie!

1.) I like to cook, but I'm usually stressed out when I cook. 

2.) I love to bake because I've never messed up a baked item...one of my greatest accomplishments.

3.) I am sarcastic, but I wish I weren't. I guess that means I'm negative.

4.) I hate to admit it and rarely do, but I love girly tv shows like The Bachelor, The Hills, etc.

5.) I'm very sensitive to smells. I can't stand stinky things, but I love smells like clean laundry and some floral perfume. I like to smell people that smell good.

6.) I hate wedding planning, but I'm so excited about the wedding and the marriage!

7.) I love to eat...a lot!

8.) I have a passion for muffins. I am on a lifelong quest to perfect the triple berry muffin. The best muffin I have ever had is from the Bougeois Pig Cafe in Chicago. It's amazing...really! I've made some good muffins, but none that can compare to theirs.

9.) I really really want Guitar Hero World Edition, Band Edition for my Wii! It's so much fun, but it's so expensive.

10.) I love my dog so much! I am allergic to her, but I get allergy shots once a week and take medicine daily so I can have her. 

11.) I don't just love my dog, but I love all dogs so much that I get a dog magazine monthly. Yes, I receive Dog Fancy. Go ahead and make fun of me. My schnauzer can take you.

12.) I want to have a big family. This is probably because I had such a small family and had always longed for a sibling. 

13.) I love coffee, mostly lattes. I have an espresso machine and make myself a latte with 2% milk daily. Lately my favorite espresso is Jittery Joe's, though I have many favorites.

14.) I was born and raised in Houston, TX.

15.) I love the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! I haven't been to the rodeo since 6th grade, which makes me really sad...I can't wait until I can go again.

16.) When I was in elementary and middle school, I was obsessed with basketball. I went to many Houston Rockets games and knew every player.

17.) I've always had an obsession with Charles Barkley. I think he is hilarious and says the most random things. He calls everyone a knucklehead and does some great commercials. Look them up if you don't believe me. I also thought his temper was funny...not a normal comment, I know.

18.) I love big cities and always want to live in one, though I would learn to be happy anywhere I end up.

19.) I want to live in Chicago at some point in my life, probably earlier rather than later. It's a great city with so much to do and see!

20.) I never thought I would say this, but I love my Wii.

21.) My favorite flowers are gardenias, tuberose, hydrangeas, and roses. Smell has a lot to do with it, of course.

22.) I would rather buy something for my dog than I would for myself.

23.) I have never been camping. The closest I've been was sleeping in a tent in Shannon's living room because we were too scared to sleep in her backyard. 

24.) I am a travel wannabe. I really long to travel, but it's expensive and I don't do it much. When Christopher and I retire, there's no stopping us!

25.) I love Oreo Blizzards from Dairy Queen. I also love surprises!

Crazy Love

It's been a while since I have written on here. I wanted to share a book that is transforming my thinking and hopefully, my life. Crazy Love by Francis Chan is so relevant to life today. God has this crazy love that is unconditional, everlasting, unchanging, etc. There is not way I can accurately describe God's love for us in words. I highly encourage everyone to go to this website and watch the videos (everything but the chapter ones first unless you're reading the book). After reading this book, you will never be the same again. You will go from a "lukewarm Christian" (if that is even possible) to a passionate Christ follower. I want people to think I act at least a little like Jesus, and I have to transform my life to do that. I can't wait to finish the book! And if you ever get a chance to see him speak, go! God shines right through him.

On another note, the break was good. Christmas time is always really busy and stressful. Next year, I'm going to be prepared and will learn to enjoy Christmas. We also went to Houston to visit family and friends, which was really fun! I saw some old friends, and Christopher was able to meet them along with my family. We also ate lots of great barbecue, Tex-Mex, and Shipley's! Then we went to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl...enough said.

I'm glad to be back, but a lot of going on. The final touches to the wedding must be made. I have to make lots of appointments and decisions, which as many close to me know, is really difficult for me. I really don't enjoy planning, but I am beginning to get excited since a lot is coming together. I can't wait for the day to come, but I'm not looking forward from now until May 16th because of the planning and school work. I have to take the COMPS on February 16th, and I just found out two days ago, so that was scary news. I've got lots of studying, traveling, planning, and celebrating to do, so I better go do some work so I won't fall behind.

-Christie

Be Careful

I just got back from a walk at the river with Kona. I thought I was being followed. I know I'm paranoid anyway, but I think other people may have been too. There was a guy staring at me, so I walked the other way. I look behind me, and he is behind me. I proceeded to walk down the steps to the river. He followed me there too. After that, I walked up the steps and continued to walk in the area where there are lots of people and where cars are parked. I didn't want to actually walk down the pathway because then I would be stuck. I didn't know if anyone was on the other side or what, so I went home. I was bummed out because the weather was nice, in the low 50s, and I wanted to exercise. It was even daylight. It was kind of a letdown, but I guess it would have been worse if I were followed home or something worse. My dad decided to scare me saying a woman in Cumming, GA was running with her dog in a park, more like a forest, and she was raped and killed. So, I hope Christopher will begin to like walking Kona with me because right now, I'm too scared to do it on my own in certain places. Kona liked it though because she is a wimp. She likes to walk for maybe 10 to 15 minutes, and then she's done. 

On a lighter note, I'm almost done with everything, but I don't know if I like it. I like having something to do, and I know I will be bored over Christmas break. I'll have to plan a lot daily so I won't be bored. I guess we'll have to plan for the wedding, which is hard for us to do. We're bad at making decisions, and we have no opinions or ideas about a lot of things. But it will all come together, and hopefully, everything will be beautiful!

-Christie

It's Christmas Month!

It's finally December! It always goes by way too quickly though. I put the Christmas tree up really early (on Halloween...before I had finished carving the pumpkins), but there are still no ornaments on it. And I have a Christmas party at my house tomorrow! Too much to do...I guess I should also clean, but I need to finish my research proposal first since that's due this friday. I only have two classes left...I've finished two already. 

Next Christmas, I want to have some kind of amazing Christmas party, where I go crazy decorating. Maybe a cookie swap, ornament party, potluck dinner, secret santa, dirty santa, or something else. I've got a year to figure it out. This year I'm having a tennis party because I've wanted to for 3 years, and this is the first year I've done it. I had to since I won't be here next year, and one person is graduating, so I had no other choice. I'm excited though. This post is really scattered, but so are my thoughts. 

We've done one thing for the wedding...we have decided on a ceremony musician, a harpist. That's about it. We need to decide what to do for the reception. I need to print some engagement pictures to send Christmas/Save the Date cards. I'm excited about that. I guess that's what I'll be doing next week since I won't have anything else to do. Well, nothing else is really going on. I am looking for a new Christmas movie to see. I saw Four Christmases last Friday, and it was okay. 

I thought of something, I'm going to the SEC Championship game thanks to Christopher's parents! Merry Christmas to me. I hope they can find one ticket and my dad can find one or else I will feel bad that I'm going and they're not. I also hope we win that game so we can go to Miami! Roll Tide!

-Christie

Over the Hill

Last weekend my dad turned the big 50! Mom attempted to throw a surprise party. By that I mean, the only surprise was who would show up other than the family members. Then Mom let some things slip, like some people that were invited. Oh well, she tried, and she made a lot of enchiladas. The biggest surprise was Christopher! He said he originally was not able to come due to a huge project due on Monday (today). He said that he woke up Saturday morning and decided to come. I received a phone call around 11:15 am on Saturday asking what he should do for lunch. I told him to eat chili since I made it the previous week (and he hadn't even tried it yet). Then he asked what I was doing. I told him, and then asked what state he was in. He finally admitted he was in Georgia. I saw him after lunch. It was a great surprise for me and my dad! Dad found out when Chris walked in the door after me. Dad received some good gifts, but my wrapping was the best. I wanted to buy Depends, but they cost $15, so I noticed Poise pads. I think they're for women, but they serve the same purpose. Well then I was thinking that pantiliners are cheaper, so that's what I bought. I just stuck them all over the gift. It was very easy too! 

On another note, Mindy and I went to David's Bridal yesterday, and I made more decisions. I had already decided on the dress and color, but she helped me decide on the shoes. Bronze shoes look great with the dress, and they're in style, so it should be easy to find them (hopefully on sale too). I wish I were a bridesmaid so I could buy the dress and shoes. I would actually wear the dress (even multiple times), which was something I really thought about when picking the dress out. 

Also, our engagement pictures are finally here! They look great! We're still waiting on the CD, but we do have some actual prints, including an 8 x 10. I'm really excited about everything...now if only we could decide on the music. I would be relieved if that were chosen!

-Christie

Avoiding School

I'm writing now to avoid school work because it is the most pointless and boring assignment I've ever had to do. Thanks Dr. Shwery for teaching me how to procrastinate.

I have made a collage (if you want to call it that) of hairstyles that are similar to something I would want for the wedding. This is one thing I've done today. I don't think I can post it because I put it in a word document, so too bad.

Another thing I've done is researched miniature schnauzer and westie breeders. Yes, I want another dog, and it's not because I miss Kona. I do miss her, but she needs a playmate and a sibling. In my opinion, everyone needs a playmate and a sibling. I'm not writing a persuasive paper or anything, but there are two people in particular who do not want me to get another dog, and those people just don't like to take care of dogs, but I don't mind. They also have siblings. I don't, so I know how Kona feels. It sounds like an 8 year old is writing this, so I'm going to stop...

I probably need to start working again or else I'm going to do it during class tonight, which doesn't sound too bad...But I don't want to be stressed tomorrow and the next day because I hadn't done an assignment that is past due. 

-Christie

Life is Busy. I miss Kona.

Today I have been thinking how drastically Christopher's and my life are going to change. In the next seven months, we will be married, graduated, and (hopefully) working. We will most likely be living in a new city, maybe in a new state making new friends. It's exciting but scary at the same time. I'm really not very scared because I am excited for change. I like being comfortable but I think it's time for a change. It makes it easier knowing that I won't be alone; Christopher (and Kona and maybe even another baby...by baby, I mean dog) will be with me. I know God will provide us with everything we need, whether it be money, shelter, food, etc. I'm really now worried about money because I'm pretty certain that we will both have jobs and will make plenty to survive. Even with the bad economy, teachers and engineers are always needed. 

I have been trying to live my life according to Isaiah 26:8--"Our desire is for Your name and renown." God is most glorified when He is able to show his great power and glory. If we have pride and are too busy talking about how great we are, then how can He show his glory? It's simple--we have to get rid of our pride and look to God who is able to do" immeasurably more than all we can ask for or imagine (Ephesians 3:20)." Even during football games, I pray that the team and/or fans that glorify God the most will win (Alabama fans, don't try to kill me for that). It's not that I want to lost the game, but I want God to win more. I want to make God's name famous, but to do that, I need to act more like Him. I try but am often not successful. I will strive to do this for the rest of my life, with the help of God, Christopher, and my friends and family. I will continue to pray that the journey that Christopher and I will be taking soon will allow us to make God famous, and I know that God will take care of that because He is in control. 

P.S. I miss Baby Kona! It's way too quiet here, and I have no one to walk or cuddle with at night...except my turtle, but that would be nasty.

-Christie

Sushi Tonight??

I got out of class early, so Christopher and I are going to go to Chuck's to get sushi! 

So, since fall break not too much has happened. We accomplished all that I had planned during the break, which was amazing and busy! It was a great break! 

Now that I'm back, it's time for work. It's not too busy yet. Everything is going really well...God is good, and life is good. (We set a date for our engagement session--November 2nd. Hopefully the campus isn't too trashy the day after the homecoming game. Look at the Gresham's blog...they're amazing!) The only thing that's not too great is my car. It smelled like something was burning, but then it went away. And the air conditioning is out. At least it's cool outside. I wish it got dark earlier in the summer and was dark later in the winter, but I don't think I have any control over that. 

My thoughts are always really scattered. With that said, I want a puppy, not only for my sake, but for Kona's sake. She is so sad now that Chloe is in Alpharetta. She just sleeps and mopes around all day long...poor little girl! 

I'm so proud of Christopher and me for all that we have done for the wedding, so I'm going to list everything we've completed. We have the date and venue for the ceremony and reception, the food, the dress, shoes, photographer, bridal hair appointment, bridesmaid dress colors, and registries for Macy's and Target. That's all I can think of now, but it's a lot to me.

Happy (79th) Birthday Grandma and Happy Birthday to Mimi (tomorrow and it's the 80th)!

P.S. Here's the wedding website. It has pictures, wedding info, and other important stuff.

-Christie

Bridesmaid Dress??

Okay, so I think this is going to be the bridesmaid dress colors...

And this is the actual style of the dress (it wasn't in the latte color--it was cornflower, but it does have the watermelon sash on)...

I actually liked this color, but it seemed like it may be too flashy, and the last thing I want is a tacky wedding.

P.S. My wedding shoes came in yesterday. They were supposed to be dyed ivory, and I guess they were (I haven't seen them yet). My mom opened the box to look at them and said they were kind of a champagne color...awesome. And it is obvious that they are darker than my dress. Well, I can't return the shoes, so I hope my dress will cover them up. I have to defend myself quickly...I went to a wedding boutique and tried on the same brand of the shoe that I ordered in ivory. I told them what brand my dress was and the color, which they had in the store. The ivory matched that, therefore, I wasn't too worried ordering my shoes online since I had seen the ivory color before. So it's not really my fault that they don't match.

-Christie

2 days...

It's only Monday. I can't wait to go to Atlanta on Wednesday or Thursday (should I skip class or not??) for fall break! We have so much exciting stuff planned! 

On Thursday, Christopher and I are going to register at Macy's and Target. Those are the only places we're going to register at for now. We really don't need much stuff. We need furniture, but obviously, that's expensive, and the average person cannot afford that. We wouldn't want anyone buying us furniture anyway...too much money. Hopefully we can afford it because the only thing we have is everything that I have in my current house, which is plenty to start off with. I really want a king bed because I like my space, but we may have to wait for that. I think a house should come first. 

Wow did I get sidetracked...after registering (and who knows how long that will take), we really don't have any plans. I did make a list of things that I wanted to register for, so that should make everything go quicker, but I'll probably want to shop afterwards...poor Christopher. I'll probably visit with all of the family that will be in town due to Mimi's surprise 80th birthday party. 

On Friday (what a big day), we have to take the dogs to the vet to get groomed. After that, Christopher and I are going to Burt's Pumpkin Farm and Amicalola Falls! We will each get a pumpkin to carve on Halloween (aka our 5 year anniversary), then we will go hiking at the park. We have to be back by 5:00 so I can get my bridal makeover. I know it's early, but I'm worried that I will not be able to recreate the look, so it may take a lot of practice. But the savings of doing my own makeup is amazing, therefore, I'm doing my own makeup even if it looks like poop. Good news though, I got some sun this weekend, so I won't get pasty makeup (which I've currently been using thanks to the pastiness of my skin)!! 

On Saturday, I'm going to finally see Lauren!! We're going to have brunch/lunch. Then I have to bake a cake for Mimi's party. I really have the whole afternoon free until 6:00--I have to pick up food from Primrose Cottage so I will know what it tastes like (I really hope it's good!). Then, I have to rush home for Mimi's party. I know I'll miss the surprise thanks to Primrose...thanks Primrose Cottage for being so accommodating. 

Sunday is church, and then Christopher and I are coming back to Tuscaloosa with Sandra, and that will be the end of our break. It's going to be really really busy, but it should also be lots of fun. 

For today, I've only accomplished drinking a latte and eating a sticky bun. Now I must exercise and do work before the busy afternoon. I have allergy shots at 3:45, but I'm also supposed to meet Rebekah at David's Bridal at 4:00. I'll get to the SHC early, and hopefully they will give me my shots early so I can meet Rebekah. I'm so excited to finally be looking at colors and the bridesmaid dresses!! We'll be there for about an hour, and then I am meeting Natalie for dinner somewhere of my choice--wherever that may be. Then I'm done for the day. Maybe I'll pack or clean. I just learned that vacuuming and dusting burns about 300 calories, so fire that maid, and start cleaning/exercising!

-Christie

Weekly Post??

Apparently I only post weekly, and only on Wednesdays. I don't plan this--it just happens. That would be an interesting thing to research (I have a research class on Wednesdays...how ironic).

Last weekend was amazing! Athens was fun--the game and seeing old friends. We went to a pub, Trappeze. I was kind of bummed out considering I don't like beer, and then I saw that a coffee bar was attached, so of course, I got a latte. It reminded me of a latte I had in Chicago at Intelligentsia. Oh how I miss Chicago. One day I would love to live there for a little while...maybe longer. I get sidetracked so easily. After the bar, Christopher and I went to find friends. He saw Steven, and I saw Mindy. We got to hang out for a little while, then it was time for the amazing game. 

I left out an exciting detail about the weekend--my dress came in!! I now officially have my wedding dress. The next thing I need to find are shoes. We have also picked our wedding photographer. We just have to pay and sign the contract...yay! I'm getting really excited about the wedding since it actually feels like it's happening. We're also planning the honeymoon. It's going to be in Cape Cod/Nantucket/Martha's Vineyard and Boston. It's going to be so much fun! I've never been to any of those places, but Christopher has been to Boston. They have great coffee shops there...already done the research. 

Another exciting thing is that today is the first day of October!! The weather is amazing, with a high of 75 today. And next weekend is fall break. That means Burt's Pumpkin Farm, Amicalola Falls, shopping, and Mimi's party! Hopefully I'll post again before that, but we'll see...

-Christie

It's Finally Fall!

This week has been great so far! Fall began on Monday, so I celebrated by baking pumpkin bread. Then I ate too much, so I have been furiously exercising. Today I ran (I haven't been running in at least 2 years)...it was not good. I felt so sick for about half of an hour. I'm okay now, and I wish I could run pain free. Walking just takes so long. I need an exercise plan. Anyway, so I got a phone call today from Bravura, the dress shop, and...my dress is in!! The only problem is that it needs to be picked up. My mom is going out of town this week, and I don't have time to start getting the dress altered yet. I was definitely glad that I've been exercising lately considering that the dress is in. Now I am getting so excited about everything! Also, my dad was supposed to tell the photographers that we chose them today (www.simple-color.com). Everything is smoothly coming together. We even have cake tasting, wedding planning, and design appointments the week that Christmas break begins. I am so on the ball...so far. I don't have colors picked out yet though. That needs to be done kind of soon. Oh yeah, and Christopher hasn't told the person who will be officiating the wedding that they will be doing it. But I guess I'm still on the ball. Fall makes me giddy. I feel like a high school girl who had a crush on some studly guy who just talked to me when I feel a fall breeze. Actually, it's better than that! Imagine that...I know, it's hard to. The only bad thing about today is that I have class tonight and have to get up early to sub tomorrow. Substituting is not too much fun (neither is class), but maybe I'll enjoy it tomorrow. 

-Christie

It's Pumpkin Spice Latte time!

Of course I sign up on blogger.com and never even blog. I love starting new things, but I never go through with them (that's one of my faults). So, honestly, nothing has been going on since the last post. When school is going on, life seems to be dull. I can't wait until school is no more, and I'm teaching. So football is great so far. I'm excited to have a free weekend since the game is in Arkansas...way too far away. Atlanta (shopping), here I come! So my new goal is to eat healthy and exercise often. So far, so good, though I only started yesterday. 

About the wedding, nothing else has been planned so far. I am aware of how weird that must sound. Most girls have planned their wedding day from the time they were little girls...well, not me. I wanted to get married and all, but I didn't plan my color scheme when I was five...sorry! I still don't have one, so don't ask me what it is. I think we have chosen a photographer, but I'll let you know when it's final. So, I still have only booked the venue, catering, and I have a dress. Tomorrow I should be more productive.

Good news! It feels like fall outside, and it's pumpkin spice latte time again! Go get one while they're in season. And you should make and eat lots of pumpkin bread now!! I feel inspired to make some except for the fact that it's late...maybe tomorrow.

-Christie

Rainy Days and Mondays

It's been raining for 3 days straight...thanks Faye. 

So yesterday, my mom, Christopher, and I went to a bridal show. I know...poor Christopher. He got to eat a lot of cake, though. I saw some great ideas for color schemes, photographers, videographers, DJs, etc. There is a whole lot of planning for this grand event. We found the perfect photographer, but there's a chance they could be booked. They're such giving people. They are going to photograph a deserving couple's wedding for free, and May 16, 2009 is one of the three finalists wedding date. It will be great if they choose another couple, but if they choose the couple that is getting married in May...well, they deserve it more than us. I have now completed one assignment this semester for graduate school. The wedding planning is a much higher priority than school, though maybe it shouldn't be. 

I guess it's time to get moving. I have to go mail some Clemson/Alabama tickets to the person who bought Christopher's tickets. Saturday is going to be a great day! I'm so excited! 

-Christie