Love is Friendship Set on Fire.

Congratulations, Lisa and Tyson! It was a beautiful day!

Sadie, Sadie, MARRIED Lady!!

Yup! So totally married!!! Everything went absolutely perfectly. The day was sunny and warm, but not too warm. Our families met for the first time on Friday, and hit it off right away. The rehearsal went quite smoothly, and we had a big barbecue afterward, which was lots of fun.

I was absolutely calm the whole morning. Got up, had grandma-made cinnamon buns for breakfast with a cup of tea (NO coffee--I would have been bouncing off the walls!!) Lisa got my hair done ahead of schedule, and it looked fantastic. Sarah did my makeup and it looked beautiful, and natural, but was totally bulletproof. We gathered up our stuff and went to the church where I was putting my dress on, so it wouldn't get rumpled in the car. I was totally calm...until 20 minutes before the ceremony. Suddenly I was totally nervous and excited, and was sure I would hyperventilate or throw up on Russ at the front of the church. It was ridiculous. So as I was being all nervous, the pastor came down and said it was time, so we headed up and got ready to go in. As I was coming in, my aunt handed me my awesome bouquet--that weighed about 10 pounds! I made it down the aisle, my dad didn't cry until after he sat down (if I had seen him cry, I would have absolutely lost it.) I managed to make it through the first bit, until the vows. Russ got to go first, and his vows were so unbelievably beautiful that I almost fell apart. I managed to make it through my vows, which turned out fine, and then the rest was gravy! Yay!!!


The rest of the day went by so quickly, but it was so much fun. We got to see friends and family at the reception, eat delicious food, and CAKE! The cookies that we made for the favors went over like gangbusters. Everyone has been raving about them. They were really good cookies.


I honestly couldn't have asked for a better day. Yay marriage!

Commencing Count-down, Engines On...

Okay, so whoever decided that writing our own vows would be a great idea is an idiot. Oh wait--that would be me!! What was I thinking?!!! Well, I'll tell you what I was thinking..."Oh, it would be so much more personal and wonderful to express our feelings in our own words and make our own promises to each other. How magical!" Until I realized, "Oh Crap!! I have to actually put to paper those personal and wonderful expressions of my feelings in my own words and make those promises to Russ!!! AGH!" Now I'm trying to write them and it no fun at all! I keep wanting to throw in jokes and other inappropriate things that pretty much ruin the entire sentiment of them.

Has anyone watched Friends? It's like a combination of the episode where Joey is going to officiate Monica and Chandler's wedding, and he keeps talking about having and holding and giving and receiving...over and over, and the episode where Monica and Chandler have to write their vows and their relationship doesn't fit into the mold of standard vow writing...needless to say, I wish I was watching those episodes right now instead of trying to make these vows not suck. Normally I would have Russ read them over and check them, but of course, since we decided to not share our vows beforehand, that's not possible, which, I think is adding to the stress. I guess I just have to keep trying and hope that they don't come out lamely.

Alzheimer's...

The strangest form of cold feet???

Russ has been a bit forgetful lately. Don't worry...it's not Alzheimer's, but I joke that it is his form of cold feet, because it seems that all the things forgotten are related to the wedding. Most of it is little stuff, and it's not a big deal, but right now I'm worried, because Russ has lost his ring.
Yup...hasn't even had a chance to wear it yet, and it's already missing.

When we were moving, I told him that we should either put it in the lock box, or take it to my parents' for safe keeping, but no, he had a much better place, and so he put it "somewhere safe". Well, that place turned out to be so safe that no one can find it!!


"Who am I? Who are you? Why am I in a suit? I do what?"

30 Days...

In just thirty short days, I will totally be married!! How crazy and weird is that?! Don't worry....I don't plan on going into a big long squee about bouquets and centerpieces and favors. I don't think any of that stuff really matters, and besides, it's all taken care of. I just needed to put down in words what I've been trying to wrap my brain around for the last couple of days--the wait is almost over. I just have to remind myself that all the little things will get done, and what doesn't, isn't important anyways. As long as we have a marriage license and a minister, we're good to go! So, in just thirty days, I'll be partying with friends and family, and dreaming about escaping to Hawaii with my husband.

51 Days.

Never underestimate the value of the company of good friends. It shouldn't be surprising that spending just a few minutes with a friend can completely change your mood or your day, but it still never ceases to amaze me. As I sit here, late at night, with a random episode of Friends playing in the background, I am thinking over the last few days, and all the friend face time I've been lucky enough to enjoy!

We had the pleasure of attending two beautiful weddings on Saturday--Congrats to Elizabeth & Nathan, and Shea & Jason, by the way!! As we were sitting with friends at Shea and Jason's reception, someone mentioned that the next wedding that we would all be congregating at would be ours, and it was actually surreal to think about. August 23 seems so very very far away, and yet...it will be here in a blink of an eye. I would love to just stop and enjoy every single second leading up to it, but, unfortunately, life generally does not allow that sort of thing. I'll have to be satisfied with what I AM able to savor...

Someone asked one of my sisters whether she thought I would be a bridezilla or a calm, relaxed bride, and she said it could go either way. I honestly am calm. If things don't go according to plan, we make a new plan. If the church burns down the day of the wedding, I'll have the ceremony out front. All that matters is that I marry the most amazing man on earth. That rejuvenating feeling I get when I'm with friends is multiplied many times over when I'm with him, and I want that feeling for the rest of our lives. He is totally my zen garden. He calms me down and evens me out. Even though his weird quirks drive me crazy sometimes, I do love him for them...they're what makes him, him. Fifty-one days seems like quite a long time, and there is so very much left to do, but at the same time, I kind of wish that it was fifty-two days from now....

We Survived...Barely.

It's been a while, but June has been ever-so busy!! We started the month with the move into the new apartment. We weren't able to move in until the third, but we survived, and have a fantastic new place to call home. The apartment is bigger, with a working stove, and an AMAZING view of the river valley. I still can't get over it! Now...just have to unpack...
I also had two bridal showers thrown for me at the beginning of the month, one by my mom's friends from work, and one by my aunts. I felt so incredibly spoiled--we were given so many wonderful (and useful) things, it was almost embarrassing! Now, with our working stove, we'll be able to use all those great kitchen goods and cookbooks and other delightful things. Now, on to a busy Saturday of attending not one, but TWO weddings!

The Garden Island.

Firstly, happy Mother's Day to all those mamas out there!!

Russ and I have officially booked our plane tickets (a total of four planes!) and accommodations for our trip to Kaua'i in August, and now we just have to get our butts in gear and get those passports finalized!

I bought the Lonely Planet guide to Kaua'i and have been going through it starring and circling things right and left, and am now starting to get really, totally stoked. A few must see spots for us are:

Wailua Falls

Kauai Coffee Plantation
Kalapaki Beach

We don't want to rent a car, so we went and bought a couple of expedition packs from MEC. We plan on walking from the airport to the place where we are staying, which is about 2km. Russ says that if we can't walk that, we should die...We are planning on renting bikes for the week, and taking one day to rent a pair of scooters so that we can go a bit farther, to see the coffee plantation and other sights. With the money that we will save from not renting a car, we are even considering going skydiving!! Scary, but exciting at the same time! Only three months, twelve days, and seven hours to go...

Stupid Society! (Warning: Venting to Follow...)

This weekend was a wedding planning weekend. I headed down to Olds to meet with the florist and to help my mom finish up the invites, so that we can get them in the mail. I'm very pleased with how they have turned out, but less than pleased with the fact that we ended up doing them all on our own, after having been promised help. It seems that some are so eager to offer their services, but then, when you actually need them....nothing. Oh well, I'll never be able to thank my mom enough for all the time and work she's put into everything!

I'm quite excited about the flowers. I went into the meeting with a few ideas for flowers, only to discover that every single flower I had picked out will be out of season by time August rolls around. I think we figured out some really sweet alternatives that I think will work out really well. The only issue was that I definitely don't want "wedding-y" looking arrangements, and my mom and the florist had more traditional ideas. After a bit of talking, and going through a bunch of books, we finally all came to an agreement for some really fun, unique arrangements, which won't look at all "wedding-y". :)

I knew that I would probably have to justify some of my choices regarding the wedding, as they tend to not always fit the norm, which can be exhausting sometimes. "Why don't I want a big diamond?" " Are we going to replace the ruby with a diamond when we can "afford it"?" "Are you really going to wear RED shoes?!" And so on... The thing is, that now it's to the point where I am getting all stressed out about things, because I don't want to deal with the questions about them! I know I shouldn't give a crap about what others think, and generally I don't, but sometimes it gets to me. Stupid wedding reality tv is ruining everything for real people!! I don't want to feel like I have to justify my decisions regarding our wedding. It's our day, and if people have a problem with any of the elements involved in it, that's their problem, not mine, but I would be lying if I said it didn't bother me sometimes, though...

Oh well. I know that it will be an amazing day, and none of that other stuff will matter. Plus...the invites are done, and they look awesome!!

If April Showers Bring May Flowers...

...then what the heck do April blizzards bring?! The weather has been seriously schizo these last couple of weeks. It went from being 20c last Sunday, to -12c and blizzarding this Saturday. I just don't get it. Stupid global warming...ruining everything...
All I can say is that I am absolutely sick of winter, and ready for spring!! No MORE SNOW!!
OoooOOOoo!! As I was just typing that, the sun came out! I think I shall take that as a sign of things taking a turn for the better, weather-wise. Then again...we do live in Alberta...

Maybe I will take a trek out to go to the jeweler's to see the wax of my wedding band. Oh wait...they close in 5 minutes. Crap. Oh well...more time to try to decide between a ruby accent or a moissanite one. Any opinions?

Happy Earth Day, everyone!

Could Someone Please Explain...

...the Barbie car phenomenon?? I have now seen three different vehicles around town this week with the Barbie logo in vinyl on the back window! And none of the cars were pink--one was a beat up looking army green-coloured pick up truck. I'm so confused.

I've been so exhausted these last few weeks. Moving into an assistant manager position definitely has it's perks, but it is also a LOT more work and responsibility. I feel like I'm completely starting over, and sometimes I wish that I had been with the company longer, and had a better grasp on the basics before having to learn everything else...but on the flip side, I totally dig the challenge!
I just wish I wasn't trying to plan a wedding as well...thank goodness for my family, without whom I would definitely be LOST! Whenever I get stressed thinking about work or wedding planning...I just remember that in 4 months, 6 days, and 17.5 hours, we will be married! And then, in 4 months, 7 days, and 11ish hours, we will be on our way to Hawaii!!!

A Way With Words...

Have you ever noticed that some people have a way of making the most pedestrian, everyday things seem magical and epic? I have such a hard time turning my everyday experiences into some sort of lesson or pondering, which is why I hardly ever post. I feel like things are boring for ME, so why would anyone else want to read about it?? That's not me being self-deprecating, just honest and practical. Since I'm pretty sure that no one reads this anyways, that's all fine and dandy...but if someone does happen to stumble across this little blog, I don't want to bore them to tears! So, I could post everyday, about everyday things...or I could post once in a while, when inspiration strikes. Or, I could attempt to do both. I do want to post more...perhaps I'll just start typing and hope something decent comes out of it...

On a side note, hooray for RED wedding shoes!!

Love!

http://www.mywedding.com/russandcassareawesome/

Pictures Don't Do Justice...

Today, I set my mind at ease. Today, I took a giant load off my mind. Today, I FINALLY found my dress, and I must say, I'm freakin' surprised at the one I chose!! It makes no sense, and yet, it looks fantastic on me. My mom took pictures of it, and while I thought it looked really great in the store, and in the mirror, looking at the pictures, it doesn't look as pretty. That's what I hate about pictures--no matter how magical the camera, or how skilled the person behind it is...there is some spark that is always lacking. Don't get me wrong, there are millions of photos out there that just take your breath away, that capture a magical moment in time, but I have yet to find a photo that captures a memory as vividly as my own memory...just a little thought for the day.

Here Comes the Beast...

So I've pretty much had "wedding" on the brain since the beginning of January. I think it has something to do with the fact that in December, "August 23, 2008" seemed so far away...like, in another year or something. Now that there is less than seven months left to go, I'm realizing how much work and planning there is to do, between then and now! We registered on Sunday, (in the midst of a snowstorm), at the urging of my family, but it was kind of fun. Next week is the crazy planning week, and HOPEFULLY, I'll finally find my dress. I've also realized that I really don't want to look like a snow beast in my dress, so I'm using this as motivation to get in shape. The crazy thing is that I've realized how much I love strength-training! I still hate sweating, but I suck it up, do it, and feel better for it. Now, I feel weird if I don't work out, which I never thought I'd ever say... And that is my blurb about wedding stuff. I definitely don't want to be one of those people who can ONLY talk about the wedding, yet, at the same time, it's a hard subject to avoid when everyone is asking about it. I don't mind talking about it when people ask--that's not the issue. I just don't want to come across as self-absorbed or involved like some girls, who want to do nothing but flash The Rock and squee...definitely NOT what it's all about! But I am looking forward to the next seven months...

I Blame Facebook.

Yes, I blame my lack of postage on the addiction that is facebook. That, and I'm pretty sure that no one checks this thing anymore anyways...once again, because of facebook...Lots of things have happened in...five months...wow. That's pretty bad.

Let's see...in the last five months, Russ and I have had the pleasure of watching friends get married, (thanks for inviting us, Arden + Erika, Mary + Patrick, Alvin + Fiona), and this makes me realize that we've entered into that phase of our lives...everyone is transitioning from the college phase into the falling-in-love-and-getting-married phase. It all seem so "grown-up"...

Another, much sadder event in my life has been the passing of my Grandma on my dad's side. It's strange, because I wasn't as close to her as I am with my mom's parents, because she lived in Washington, and we only saw her once a year. She was a very strong lady though. That I know for sure. I mean, she was diagnosed with brain/spinal cancer and given a few months to live...6 years ago. Last February, the doctors only gave her a few weeks to live. On October 5th, they said she wouldn't survive the weekend. She passed away in her sleep at 6am Thanksgiving Monday. In a way, I'm just glad she is no longer in pain, and take comfort in the great memories that I do have of her.

I suppose that this would be where I say something profound about the phases of life...but I just don't have it in me today...so I shall leave it at that.

Engaging News!

After about five years of togetherness, Russ and I are (finally) engaged. Pretty big news! I'm really excited, Russ is really good at hiding his excitement. I'm sure you all are thinking "it's about time!" Well...you're right. For everyone who has been asking, we went for a walk around the ledge grounds on Saturday evening, messing around with the camera. We stopped in front of the Centennial Flame, and Russ asked me to marry him. So, of course I said YES. And so it is. Now begins the next crazy phase in our crazy relationship, and I couldn't be more excited to marry the love of my life!