The Weight

image: Mike Earthy via Peonies and Polaroids

I don't want to go on forever about how much I've been struggling with my weight lately. I'll just say that since the bar (last week of July) I've gained. And I'm struggling. I just joined Weight Watchers online. Total whim. I really don't have the money for it, but something has gotta give and I think the per month fee is worth it.

I called B at work and told him all about it. He was so encouraging and said he really wants to do it too. This is really horrible to say but we saw some engagement pics recently of a couple we barely know. They are both significantly overweight and the photos, while beautiful, were awkward. I think it finally hit both of us. We have to get healthy! I think B looks great, but I've seen pictures of him in better shape and I know he aspires to get back to where he was about five years ago.

I've been incredibly motivated by Cyd from The Sweetest Occasion. She looks absolutely amazing and is continuing with her journey toward a healthy body. Her pictures blow me away and her commitment is out of control. I also know there are several bloggers out there who are succeeding on WW. I just saw that Abbie has lost another 2 ell-bees! So awesome! I can't wait to post about an actual loss!

Ok. Deep breaths. I know I can get a grip on this. I didn't think it'd be this hard, but so be it. Ready. Set!

The Story of A&B Part V: Life isn't always a Fairytale

Part I

Part II

Part III
Part IV

Make a Wish image: here

After our first date weekend we continued to talk every day. We were both pretty giddy with excitement and we each commented on how it felt as if we'd known each other for years. We made each other laugh, we had similar core values and beliefs and there was definitely chemistry. But after a few more weeks had gone by and we had concluded we were official and exclusive I started to feel as though we had moved way too fast. I was finding myself holding back from saying the L word only because it just seemed too soon. We both had almost said it quite a few times and by the one month mark I started to worry that we were assuming we knew everything about one another, even though it was impossible. I started to feel scared.

Of course I realize now that part of the reason our relationship does work so well is because I can tell B anything. Absolutely anything. And so I told him. I told him I was scared. I told him it was too soon for us to be settling in. I wanted to be wined and dined. I wanted some mystery. I wanted him to court me. "You want games, " he stated. My contorted facial response insisted I was confused, "of course I don't want games! I love that you don't play games!" But (as usual) he was right. I was used to the guy who didn't call back. I was used to the guy who didn't want to call me his girlfriend. I was used to the guy who told me he liked me but never treated me like it. I wasn't used to this perfect companionship. I wasn't used to his honesty and sincerity. I wasn't used to being so loved. Especially at this rate!

"Look, " he told me in a pretty serious tone, "I'm over the games. I like you. I'm pretty sure that I love you. I'm pretty sure that I would marry you right now, today. I'm not going to pretend that I'm someone else, because this is me. I work hard, I like the simple life and I don't want to pretend that I don't. I don't want to set you, and myself up for a big surprise when life does get back to normal. Life isn't always a fairytale. This is me." He should have added, 'take it or leave it' but he didn't.

Let's just say I loved this movie!

Enchanted Image: here

We were in his truck during this conversation, on our way to lunch with a "pit stop" to get his oil changed. Since this was only our third official date I had sort of turned my nose up to his plan for the day. I wanted him to take me somewhere fun, I wanted him to have a picnic set up or some sort of excursion planned. The real deal was that I wanted something really exciting to report back to my girlfriends! I wasn't thrilled with this response, but again, I was incredibly grateful for his honesty. So as he kissed and held me outside Jiffy Lube my cares for what others would think of him drifted away. I was at peace despite my ridiculous law school schedule. I felt so at home and so enamored with the way he made me feel. And then, once we got back into his truck he took me for a long drive and finished off the day with a very romantic tour of a town I'd never visited.
As we made the trip back to his house late that night, holding hands in silence, I closed my eyes and started to realized that his could be the only hand I'd ever need. I made a wish and sent a prayer. The next morning as we made breakfast together, I told him I loved him.

There Will be Food!

We have a caterer! I'm sending off the deposit today so we can reserve our date! Once it all goes through I will add their link to our dream team list, but for now I'll tell you about our wonderful tasting.

We always knew that we wanted a more casual, homespun wedding and of course wanted the food to match. This particular restaurant is a favorite among friends. It's known for great steaks and a great atmosphere. I had heard that this restaurant did catering and I also knew that they had worked with our venue before. After seeing detail shots of their presentation and emailing their catering department, I knew we needn't look any further. I love that they do fabulous Santa Maria style BBQ (a favorite in my family) with a Northern California Twist. Their presenation and finishing touches really add elegance to a casual meal.Cream Cheese Torta, post devouring.

We arrived at the catering building on a very rainy Saturday. The catering manager was there to greet us and show us to our table set for two. She brought us a mini-version of their cream cheese torta appetizer. It was full of flavor with layers of pesto and sun dried tomatoes. We immediately began munching. B later told me that it wasn't his favorite, but given the fact that he ate about half of it himself, I think he liked it just fine. I, of course loved it.

Next was an apple-slaw that I had wanted to try. I had heard that it was really good but when it came out it was just your run of the mill coleslaw with granny smith apples thrown in. B and I barely touched it. I knew that we would go with a traditional house-type salad, but wanted to see what all the fuss was about. No harm done.

Our plate full of yum.

Then, we were met with two huge plates full of goodness. Tri-tip cooked to perfection, oven-roasted to-die-for chicken, gorgeous roasted veggies and the best au-gratin potatoes either of us had ever had. I think we looked at each other between every single bite with a smile. It.Was.Heaven! It couldn't have been more along the lines of what I was hoping for. I had originally thought we'd do BBQ chicken, but the catering manager convinced me into trying their oven baked chicken. I'm SO glad she did because it was awesome. It went really well with the potatoes. Neither of us could finish our entire plate. We changed the salad option, B approved of the bread selection and we were sold.

Honestly, I couldn't have felt more at home chowing town on tri-tip and chicken and we both agreed that it will fit in with our venue perfectly. The catering manager agreed and let us know that she LOVES our venue and has an event there at least once a month. Our venue coordinator had equally great things to say about this caterer, so I couldn't be more confident that all will run smoothly. By the time we made it home the catering manager had emailed me the proposal. We are renting our china and linens from them so she added it all up and I was pleasantly surprised with the total. Not amazingly cheap, but a pretty fabulous deal for the quality of the food.

Check!

A First

I just got home from my first ever NBA game. Kings v. Warriors. B got 4th row seats from his company and they were amazing! Right behind the Warriors bench. Friends and family were calling/texting throught the game to tell us they could see us! My brother and his buddy drove down from school to join us. Kings won 115-98. It was a fun game, I can't wait to go to more!

The Good Life

I'm so happy to be done with school. I've had some minor anxiety about the bar, but for the most part I've been enjoying life for the past three months. I love being able to work, come home, make dinner, play with the dog, and basically do what I want without constantly feeling as though I need to study. B and I are able to have entire weekends together! No running off to the library or ending a movie early so I could get back to my work. I can't describe how nice it feels. image

Today we took our time grocery shopping for the week. I walked with Mav and looked up new recipes on Food network. We each did our chores around the house and in the yard and I made paninis for dinner. B went to bed pretty early so I got caught up on all of the laundry that needed folding.

I feel very fortunate that B helps out with almost all of the cooking and cleaning in some capacity. But he never folds the laundry. He claims he doesn't know how. For the most part I find it relaxing to put a movie on while I put his work pants together and stack our towels. It can be overwhelming, since it's generally a task I save for one day a week, but luckily our guest room serves as our second laundry room as well.

Last week I came home from a dinner meeting to find my jeans stacked strangely on the kitchen table. I stopped in my tracks, trying to remember if I had left them there. Then I saw his pants nearby, folded the same way. "You folded the laundry?!" I screamed! Maverick was nearby, "Did you do this?" I asked him (yes, I talk to him as though he can talk back), "because surely B couldn't have folded laundry!" I heard B laugh from the other room. "I tried!" he said. Of course I ran in the room and attacked him with thank you kisses. I love when he does stuff out of nowhere. Alas, he hasn't tried again, and tonight the loads of darks were left to me. I never thought I'd enjoy doing laundry on a Saturday night, but somehow it was the perfect end to a very good day.

Ready to Mingle

I love when couples meet at weddings. Just something romantic about meeting at someone else's most romantic day. But is there a more direct way to get the sparks to fly? I've heard a few different ideas. A friend had a bowl of pukka-shell bracelets that were offered to those who were "single and ready to mingle" it was a semi-subtle hint that certain guests may be looking for a dance etc.

I saw these buttons on the Simply Stated Blog and thought it was a cute idea. The buttons aren't exactly budget friendly, but I like the idea nonetheless. I'm not sure how I'd feel advertising my singledom. Some might find it a little forward and desperate, but maybe after a couple drinks...

These buttons are from Make'm Mingle (great name). They have a button for every type of relationship and it looks like they can customize. I think these would be a great idea for a shower or engagement party. You could spruce them up with naughty nicknames for the bachelorette party too!

I'm the second of my friends to marry but most of B's friends are already married with children. I can't quite see my girls wanted to brandish the single button, but for a bigger crowd of singles I think they'd be a great tool to facilitate some lovin'.

Little Lovelies

More beautiful Curtains! I also really love that garland. I think it's Eucalyptus. Gorgeous!

photo: inStyle

What a clever way to turn your centerpieces into favors. An even better way to avoid throwing away those precious florals.

photo: Martha Stewart

These are so gorgeous and look relatively easy to recreate. I also love that these can be reused.

photo: Sweet Paul

So happy it's Friday! I'm also happy that B and I don't have any big plans. I hope it rains!