Beautiful white dress.
I had three dreams this weekend about it. They went like this:
Dream 1:
I was trying the dress on in the store with my Dad there. He is buying it for me, so I want him to see it before he does.
Dream 2:
I was twice the size I am now and at one of the last fittings. It still fit and looked great. I felt plump and happy. (well, plump for me...)
Dream 3:
I am walking up the aisle, with the dress bustled (why? no idea). The ceremony was a nightmare, but I looked great!
It's a sign.
I need to call my parents and set up a time for them to come down and see the dress again. Hopefully by that point I'll have put on a little weight and won't feel as grossly skinny as I do.
We have also picked a DJ. I know I never posted any other meetings and for good reason. There weren't any. I did some internet research on some other options and just judging by their packages the other DJ's offer, the guy we met with is the best. When we met with him, he was very professional, and gave us what we wanted without having to ask.
Now... onto the caterers....
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Therapy Tuesday: On the Pole
Best class in a while!
One of the girls from the class right before mine asked to see a shoulder mount. "C" didn't want to do it, so I showed her. While I was there, I decided I'd try rolling it up into a basic invert again. Every time I've done this in the past, I've bashed my collarbone on the pole and end up with a wicked bruise. (It unfortunately looks like a hickey, so thank goodness it's still winter...) I thought about what I had to do to NOT hit the bone and it worked! I hooked my legs first and then sort of bounced my shoulder off to be facing the pole again. Hooray for a success and before class even began!
Our class was focused on getting a lazy-one-up into an extended butterfly. Before class I was unable to do the extended butterfly. During class I just did it and realized I was over-thinking it's difficulty.
I love that there is success. They may be few and far between, but all the trials get you there. All the falls and bumps and bruises are toughening the skin, making me learn what I shouldn't do and teaching me how to do something properly. Everyone's body is different and we all do moves differently. It's finding what works for yourself that matters.
Oh life lessons from a 2" piece of steel ;)
One of the girls from the class right before mine asked to see a shoulder mount. "C" didn't want to do it, so I showed her. While I was there, I decided I'd try rolling it up into a basic invert again. Every time I've done this in the past, I've bashed my collarbone on the pole and end up with a wicked bruise. (It unfortunately looks like a hickey, so thank goodness it's still winter...) I thought about what I had to do to NOT hit the bone and it worked! I hooked my legs first and then sort of bounced my shoulder off to be facing the pole again. Hooray for a success and before class even began!
Our class was focused on getting a lazy-one-up into an extended butterfly. Before class I was unable to do the extended butterfly. During class I just did it and realized I was over-thinking it's difficulty.
I love that there is success. They may be few and far between, but all the trials get you there. All the falls and bumps and bruises are toughening the skin, making me learn what I shouldn't do and teaching me how to do something properly. Everyone's body is different and we all do moves differently. It's finding what works for yourself that matters.
Oh life lessons from a 2" piece of steel ;)
Therapy Tuesday: Off the Pole
This week has just started and already, it's horrible. Let's start with the bad and then end with the good.
In the past two weeks I have had two panic attacks. Last night bumped that up to four. I had one on my way to Mass last night, and one after being there for 1.5 hours. I had a wicked headache as soon as the processional started because they were using incense. I can't handle incense. So the majority of the mass was spent rubbing my temples, deep breathing and trying to relax (unsuccessfully I might add). After an hour the scent lightened and I felt like I could breathe again. Until they lit all the incense again. I lost it. I was trying very hard to breathe through it, but there was no way. All I could think about was rushing outside for fresh air. I told my sponsor I would see her on Wednesday and I left in a hurry. I cried all the way to my car and then told myself no driving until I was more stable. That took about 10 minutes. Then I drove home, sobbing the majority of the way. I had a mantra going "I just have to make it home"
I'm so tired. These things are exhausting! I have 5 more days until Easter is over. 5 more days... 5 more days... I truly hope that I can make it through. I have a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach that there will be more than one attack this week.
As much as I have friends and family here, I feel very alone without my fiance. He is my main support. I lean on him probably more than I should. His wide shoulders take a burden they probably shouldn't. Without him, I not only feel alone in the sense of company, but I feel alone in that I have no rock. I'm floating around with nothing to ground me. He is still available to talk/email/skype. That's not the same. When I freak out, he hugs me and makes me calm down. He changes my focus. I must learn to do that myself, or find someone else to help me.
I feel there is a light at the end of five days, but it's very dim and not getting any brighter even as time moves closer to it.
The good? My family is coming this weekend. I have dance tonight. I have clean clothes now that I did laundry. I have a great meal planned for myself tonight since I have the time.
In the past two weeks I have had two panic attacks. Last night bumped that up to four. I had one on my way to Mass last night, and one after being there for 1.5 hours. I had a wicked headache as soon as the processional started because they were using incense. I can't handle incense. So the majority of the mass was spent rubbing my temples, deep breathing and trying to relax (unsuccessfully I might add). After an hour the scent lightened and I felt like I could breathe again. Until they lit all the incense again. I lost it. I was trying very hard to breathe through it, but there was no way. All I could think about was rushing outside for fresh air. I told my sponsor I would see her on Wednesday and I left in a hurry. I cried all the way to my car and then told myself no driving until I was more stable. That took about 10 minutes. Then I drove home, sobbing the majority of the way. I had a mantra going "I just have to make it home"
I'm so tired. These things are exhausting! I have 5 more days until Easter is over. 5 more days... 5 more days... I truly hope that I can make it through. I have a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach that there will be more than one attack this week.
As much as I have friends and family here, I feel very alone without my fiance. He is my main support. I lean on him probably more than I should. His wide shoulders take a burden they probably shouldn't. Without him, I not only feel alone in the sense of company, but I feel alone in that I have no rock. I'm floating around with nothing to ground me. He is still available to talk/email/skype. That's not the same. When I freak out, he hugs me and makes me calm down. He changes my focus. I must learn to do that myself, or find someone else to help me.
I feel there is a light at the end of five days, but it's very dim and not getting any brighter even as time moves closer to it.
The good? My family is coming this weekend. I have dance tonight. I have clean clothes now that I did laundry. I have a great meal planned for myself tonight since I have the time.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Manic Monday: Confession, Cake, Massage, Vet
Cake:
My fiance was home this weekend. It was also his birthday the night he flew in.
I got up and made a cake Friday morning and iced it that evening. We finally got around to eating it on Saturday night. I now have 8 pieces of cake that with all the stress of this week, I intend to eat.
Confession:
See my blog posting of the experience here. Faithful Friday: Sacrament of Reconciliation
Massage:
Every couple months, my fiance and I go for a couples massage. We've been a little disappointed with our current spa in that we book a 1.5 hour massage and they tell us it's only an hour when we get there. We went to Spa Europa. It was very European in the sense that there was one change room (suits us fine), they gave a different type of massage (don't know what it's called), and when we used the jacuzzi, we didn't need bathing suits! (private room, but still not the regular American standard)
It was a wonderful experience. I'm going back next week to get waxed (that will be a story in itself since I've never done it...)
Vet:
We took Beta to the vet and she has DOUBLED in size. I hope that doesn't continue or we'll have a very large dog when she is full gown. By an equation I found on the internet, her estimated size is 60lbs. That's not taking into account that her mom was only 35lbs. She could be smaller than the estimate.
All in all it was a great weekend. Nice and relaxing. I love it when my fiance is home. We try and spend as much time together as we can.
My fiance was home this weekend. It was also his birthday the night he flew in.
I got up and made a cake Friday morning and iced it that evening. We finally got around to eating it on Saturday night. I now have 8 pieces of cake that with all the stress of this week, I intend to eat.
Confession:
See my blog posting of the experience here. Faithful Friday: Sacrament of Reconciliation
Massage:
Every couple months, my fiance and I go for a couples massage. We've been a little disappointed with our current spa in that we book a 1.5 hour massage and they tell us it's only an hour when we get there. We went to Spa Europa. It was very European in the sense that there was one change room (suits us fine), they gave a different type of massage (don't know what it's called), and when we used the jacuzzi, we didn't need bathing suits! (private room, but still not the regular American standard)
It was a wonderful experience. I'm going back next week to get waxed (that will be a story in itself since I've never done it...)
Vet:
We took Beta to the vet and she has DOUBLED in size. I hope that doesn't continue or we'll have a very large dog when she is full gown. By an equation I found on the internet, her estimated size is 60lbs. That's not taking into account that her mom was only 35lbs. She could be smaller than the estimate.
All in all it was a great weekend. Nice and relaxing. I love it when my fiance is home. We try and spend as much time together as we can.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
15/25: Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief
A coworker lent me this book. I devoured it in a couple of days. Very easy read, very entertaining. It was mindless, but I enjoyed the break from the more in depth seriousness of the books I have been reading lately.
I won't write too much about it, as I don't want to ruin it for anyone who plans on reading it. The basic idea is that the Greek God Zues has his Lightning Bolt stolen. Percy is sent to find it. He travels through Hell and back (literally, meeting Hades is not something everyone gets to do) and is an amazing hero. He has ADHD and dislexia. A fantastic book for those kids that think they are different. It really gets you to believe that being different is a good thing! Something a lot of kids could use these days to tell them it's ok not to be perfect, just be who you are.
I don't know if I'll read the rest of the books. It didn't pull me in enough to make me want to grab the other 4 books. Perhaps on a day when I don't have 12 sitting on my desk waiting to be read.
I used this book in the WBC for the task of "main cahracter goes through a major life change". I'd say it's a pretty big change to find out you're a demi-god.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Hello my name is...
These are the books I have picked out (so far) to read over the next 3 months. I am 75% sure more will be added.
There is a new Challenge starting for the next three months on April 1st. Spring Book Challenge (SBC)
I'm going to take a different approach this time. Focus on the 15 point tasks, then the 10, then the 5's. I will try and get to at least 1 of the 25 point tasks.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Faithful Friday: The Sacrament of Reconciliation
I just got home from my very first confession.
Being in the RCIA program, and already being baptised in another religion, I won't be baptised again at Easter. In order to be Confirmed and receive Holy Communion, I need to be free of sin and in a state of grace. To be in that state, I went to Reconciliation.
I prepared before going a list of sins. I got a handy little pamphlet from the Priest at my Wednesday class on "How to Make a Good Confession". It was very helpful.
The Priest on Wednesday gave some very good advice that I utilized. Sin breaks us from God. It puts a tear in our relationship that we heal with confession. To start, he recommended we go through the 10 Commandments and judge our life thus far (since our last confession, which for me has been never...). I found I have broke several of those.
Next, he recommended that we look at the different ways our life relationships have been injured. I can tell you for sure I have injured every relationship listed below.
I had written everything down, so the actual act of confession wasn't difficult. Remembering what to say was, but I had that trusty "How to" and made use of it.
It was liberating to say a lot of the things outloud. Somethings came up that I didn't even know I was holding on it. I can honestly say I will be going again (we are all sinners, get over it). The more often I go, the better person I will become.
I'm a talker, so the more people I talk to about an issue, the better I feel. I have God forgive me, even if I don't forgive myself at that moment, is very comforting.
Being in the RCIA program, and already being baptised in another religion, I won't be baptised again at Easter. In order to be Confirmed and receive Holy Communion, I need to be free of sin and in a state of grace. To be in that state, I went to Reconciliation.
I prepared before going a list of sins. I got a handy little pamphlet from the Priest at my Wednesday class on "How to Make a Good Confession". It was very helpful.
The Priest on Wednesday gave some very good advice that I utilized. Sin breaks us from God. It puts a tear in our relationship that we heal with confession. To start, he recommended we go through the 10 Commandments and judge our life thus far (since our last confession, which for me has been never...). I found I have broke several of those.
Next, he recommended that we look at the different ways our life relationships have been injured. I can tell you for sure I have injured every relationship listed below.
- Relationship with God
- Relationship with Community
- Relationship with Self
I had written everything down, so the actual act of confession wasn't difficult. Remembering what to say was, but I had that trusty "How to" and made use of it.
It was liberating to say a lot of the things outloud. Somethings came up that I didn't even know I was holding on it. I can honestly say I will be going again (we are all sinners, get over it). The more often I go, the better person I will become.
I'm a talker, so the more people I talk to about an issue, the better I feel. I have God forgive me, even if I don't forgive myself at that moment, is very comforting.
Faithful Friday: My decorated Candle
As promised, last week I decorated my candle with my sponsor. The candle will be used at my confirmation at the Easter Vigil. After two years of hard work and classes I will finally become a Catholic. Everyone thinks I am doing the conversion for my fiance, but that's not the case. I had decided before I met him that I wanted to have a religion. I was baptised as a child in the United church, but never went to church ever. I attended a Luthern University, but not until my last year did I start attending chapel.
Now, in a week's time, I will enter the Catholic church. I'm very excited. More for the whole process to be complete. It's been a long time coming.
I finally got aroud to loading up the pictures. I'll post a picture and explain the meaning for all of you.
The Dove:
This represents my past. It is to represent the Spirit of Jesus. For me, I was lost and searching for something but knew there was someone larger than this world looking out for me.
It also represents the Gifts of the Spirit. I was given the gift to enter into the RCIA. It was my choice, but I somehow felt called to it.
It also represents the Gifts of the Spirit. I was given the gift to enter into the RCIA. It was my choice, but I somehow felt called to it.On the corresponding side of the candle, the words Hope, Search and Believe are true to where I was in the past when I began this journey.
Fire:The symbol of fire represents Confirmation.
This is where I am in my present. I will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Easter Vigil. when I am confirmed, I will be Sealed With the Spirit.
The words corresponding are Seek, Faith and Pray. I have been seeking through this whole journey. I found faith, and have begun to pray.
Marriage:
Next year, I will be married. This symbol represents my future. It's very hard to tell, but the symbol is a Cross, with interlocking rings at the bottom. Marriage is a three person commitment. Myself, my Husband and God. It represents faithfulness to both, and equality.
The corresponding words are Joy, Love and Grow. These are all things I will have in my future.
I will take my candle to my RCIA class on Wednesday and tell my fellow Elect the meaning of my candle. I am very excited to have it lit.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Blog Award
Rules:
1. Post where you want to be in 10 years
2. Pass it on to 10 of your BF (Blog Friends)
In 10 years....
I hope to have 2 - 3 kids. I hope to be a stay-at-home-mom and teaching dance classes either at the studio I am at now, a franchise of it, or my own. As for the where, that doesn't matter much as long as I am near family, with my hubby-to-be and happy.Blog Friends I nominate:
Izzy on EAW
Amanda on Amanda's Life Commentary
Ashley on That's Life...
Julie on Booked Hooked
Seeker of Inner Peace on Cogitation on Meditation and Yoga
Kate on Whimsical, Whamsical, Whumsical
Ms. Manda on Ms. Manda's Madness
(yes I know there isn't 10. These are the blogs I follow all the time.)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wedding Wednesday: The Hair
I think I found my hairstyle!
I bought a magazine this afternoon and was flipping through it. There are a lot of hairstyles I love, but one caught my eye.
Hayden Panettiere at the 2009 Emmy Awards.
Here's another view
I wear my hair up a lot to keep it out of my face while I'm working, and on the weekeneds if we're just chilling out, I'm too lazy to actual do it.
I imagine I could put any sort of veil with this style as well.
I bought a magazine this afternoon and was flipping through it. There are a lot of hairstyles I love, but one caught my eye.
Hayden Panettiere at the 2009 Emmy Awards.
Here's another view
I wear my hair up a lot to keep it out of my face while I'm working, and on the weekeneds if we're just chilling out, I'm too lazy to actual do it.
I imagine I could put any sort of veil with this style as well.
The Golden Egg
I opened up the packaging of the Turtles Egg and found a golden egg! I immediately thought of the childhood fable by Aesop - The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs. If you don't remember the story, check here
.
.I got into conversation with a coworker after I showed off the giant golden egg I was so proud of. I thought it was humourous more than anything. We got to talking about how according to Cadbury, Easter eggs come from the clucking bunny we've all seen on TV.
Here's the conversation.
Coworker: Cadbury Easter Eggs come from the clucking bunny. The Golden Egg came from a goose. Does the golden Turtle Egg come from a goose too?
Me: Nope, since it's a Turtle egg, it must come from the "Mmmm I Love Turtles!" dude.
Coworker: Isn't that turtle a guy? (pause for thought) That would mean your Easter "egg" isn't an egg...
Me: Thanks for that... I'm going to go eat now.
Upon review, the Turtle Egg sucks. It doesn't even taste like Turtle's chocolate.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Therapy Tuesday: On the Pole
I am bruised and battered. I have a charley-horse in my left bicep and a bruise on my collar-bone. My back feels like someone punched me in the kidney. It was a great class!
Marks of success. Pole Trophies. Call them what you will, but I am proud of myself.
I know most of you reading that will think I'm crazy. Pole is my release and passion. I love it. I am sore from attempting a new move. Our instructor was showing us a move she herself was working on, and I couldn't help but try. I did it barely. I managed to lift my foot off the floor about an inch, which counts. I swear it counts.
Marks of success. Pole Trophies. Call them what you will, but I am proud of myself.
I know most of you reading that will think I'm crazy. Pole is my release and passion. I love it. I am sore from attempting a new move. Our instructor was showing us a move she herself was working on, and I couldn't help but try. I did it barely. I managed to lift my foot off the floor about an inch, which counts. I swear it counts.
Therapy Tuesday: Off the pole
Last Week
I completed two out of 4 of my homework assignments consistently.
I have taken to walking/jogging as I explained in a previous post. I get out at least 30 - 40 minutes a day now just by walking Beta. I feel more awake in the mornings and it certainly perks me up after I get home. I've also been sleeping better, but I'm not sure if that's from the fresh air, or from pure exhaustion.
I got the pole more than once! Hooray for workshops.
As for the other two tasks...
I looked in the mirror this morning and did tell myself I looked good. I don't get a chance to look in the mirror often, but I will make a point this week to do so and make sure the woman staring back at me knows how beautiful she is and how much she means to me.
"It doesn't matter"... Somethings do, somethings don't. I took to using this phrase only once last week with regards to something at work. I felt better, and there was a weight lifted. I also had support from my supervisor on this and that felt great.
This week:My sponsor gave me a quote last Friday that I didn't really think of until I was in conversation with my sister. We both kept talking about what we should be doing. That our to-do lists are so long, and we should be doing something on them rather than chatting.
I completed two out of 4 of my homework assignments consistently.
I have taken to walking/jogging as I explained in a previous post. I get out at least 30 - 40 minutes a day now just by walking Beta. I feel more awake in the mornings and it certainly perks me up after I get home. I've also been sleeping better, but I'm not sure if that's from the fresh air, or from pure exhaustion.
I got the pole more than once! Hooray for workshops.
As for the other two tasks...
I looked in the mirror this morning and did tell myself I looked good. I don't get a chance to look in the mirror often, but I will make a point this week to do so and make sure the woman staring back at me knows how beautiful she is and how much she means to me.
"It doesn't matter"... Somethings do, somethings don't. I took to using this phrase only once last week with regards to something at work. I felt better, and there was a weight lifted. I also had support from my supervisor on this and that felt great.
This week:My sponsor gave me a quote last Friday that I didn't really think of until I was in conversation with my sister. We both kept talking about what we should be doing. That our to-do lists are so long, and we should be doing something on them rather than chatting.
"Don't should all over yourself"That phrase that my sponsor told me came to mind. It's true! Should doesn't get us anywhere, just makes us feel bad. Do it or Don't, but stop with the should. I think both of us needed to hear that.
14/25: Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
This book gets 4.5 stars.
I did not want to finish this book because it was so good. I didn't want it to end! Kvothe is a character you really get into and feel for. Everything he feels, you feel. I kept forgetting he is only 15 years old. The amount of life experience that he went through over the course of the novel was incredible. The only thing that kept me thinking he was young was his continuing conflict with Ambrose and how naive he was around women.The story pulled me in again and again. I would breath fast at the climatic parts, I would laugh at the humourous parts, and I would feel sorrow at the sad parts.
Praise for Patrick Rothfuss writing Name of The Wind.His writing style describes in detail the scenery and the characters. He leaves little cliff-hangers within the book and gives you a break as you read the next chapter, only to pull you back in after the break is over. I found this mildly annoying yet it was such a good thing. I was constantly reading 'one more chapter' just to find out what happens!
This book counted for 15 points for the task of "Read a book over 600 pages"
Monday, March 22, 2010
Manic Monday: Jogging, Poling, Baking
I had a lot of time to myself to sit and comtemplate and read. I finally curled up on the couch and read!!
Friday Night:
Decorated my Confirmation candle with my RCIA sponsor. It was so fun to have her over for dinner, wine and crafting. I finished my candle finally after she had left. I will post some pictures of it on Friday with a description of what all the symbols mean to me.
Saturday: Beta is an early riser. 8am early. I normally am not up that early on the weekend, but I anticpate it being the norm until she's older. To combat all the energy she seems to wake up with, I have taken up jogging... kind of. I'm not a runner, I don't do cardio. I think that may change with having a dog. She seems to like walks if she's in a familiar area and will run along side me for the brief moment that I jog.I anticipate myself becomming a morning and evening jogger just to expend her energy and get some time to myself.
Haircut day! I love getting my hair cut. My hair dresser rocks. She always has a smile, and makes me feel beautiful. We discussed wedding hair, and the design I posted on Wednesday she thinks will work great. I only have 7 more cuts before the wedding!! Time to start growing out the fringe.
Sunday:
Repeat beginning of Saturday. Yes, I went jogging again. It felt good to get outside. I keep telling myself that I'm only doing it for Beta, but I can see myself starting to enjoy getting outside in the quiet morning.
Dance workshop day! Two hours of online workshops that focused on the pole on spin mode. To explain, there is a small pin in the base of the pole you can remove to make the actual pole itself will spin. Using spin mode requires your body to be in a different position, and using your momentum differently. My forearms, and entire upper body is stiff and in pain. Lifting my arms above my head may prove to be difficult today.
After the fun of the two workshops, I decided I should bake. My best friend had brought this amazing pumpkin loaf the last time she visited us. I found the cook book and made two loaves for myself. They turned out pretty good and I'm excited to snack on them. I froze one so my fiance could take it with him to work and have a little piece of home in the cold north.
I hope everyone's weekend went great! Anything new and exciting?
Friday Night:
Decorated my Confirmation candle with my RCIA sponsor. It was so fun to have her over for dinner, wine and crafting. I finished my candle finally after she had left. I will post some pictures of it on Friday with a description of what all the symbols mean to me.
Saturday: Beta is an early riser. 8am early. I normally am not up that early on the weekend, but I anticpate it being the norm until she's older. To combat all the energy she seems to wake up with, I have taken up jogging... kind of. I'm not a runner, I don't do cardio. I think that may change with having a dog. She seems to like walks if she's in a familiar area and will run along side me for the brief moment that I jog.I anticipate myself becomming a morning and evening jogger just to expend her energy and get some time to myself.
Haircut day! I love getting my hair cut. My hair dresser rocks. She always has a smile, and makes me feel beautiful. We discussed wedding hair, and the design I posted on Wednesday she thinks will work great. I only have 7 more cuts before the wedding!! Time to start growing out the fringe.
Sunday:
Repeat beginning of Saturday. Yes, I went jogging again. It felt good to get outside. I keep telling myself that I'm only doing it for Beta, but I can see myself starting to enjoy getting outside in the quiet morning.
Dance workshop day! Two hours of online workshops that focused on the pole on spin mode. To explain, there is a small pin in the base of the pole you can remove to make the actual pole itself will spin. Using spin mode requires your body to be in a different position, and using your momentum differently. My forearms, and entire upper body is stiff and in pain. Lifting my arms above my head may prove to be difficult today.
After the fun of the two workshops, I decided I should bake. My best friend had brought this amazing pumpkin loaf the last time she visited us. I found the cook book and made two loaves for myself. They turned out pretty good and I'm excited to snack on them. I froze one so my fiance could take it with him to work and have a little piece of home in the cold north.
I hope everyone's weekend went great! Anything new and exciting?
Friday, March 19, 2010
Faithful Friday: Candle Decorating
I hadn't really thought about my plan to decorate my confirmation candle would occur on the same day that I said I would blog about my faith. Coincidence? or meant to be?
Tonight I am having my sponsor come over for dinner. It's been long overdue. Since we are still in the season of lent, we are having a simple dinner of Potatoes, Carrots and Salmon. Once we finish dinner, we'll start work on my candle. Jesus referred to himself as "Light of the World" (John 8:12). Although they have not fully explained the meaning of the candle to us, I am very excited to have it lit to represent me reaching this point in my journey and becoming closer to Jesus.
I went to Michaels and bought a bunch of scrapbooking stickers. I couldn't think of anything else on limited time to get. On top of the stickers, my sponsor had the idea of etching into the candle certain meaningful symbols. Once they are etched in, we will melt another candle into the grooves. What a brilliant idea!
It should be a fun arts&crafts session. I'm not very crafty, so it will be interesting.
I'm very excited to spend some time with my sponsor and have her share in the creation of something to meaningful for me. I will post pics next week!
Tonight I am having my sponsor come over for dinner. It's been long overdue. Since we are still in the season of lent, we are having a simple dinner of Potatoes, Carrots and Salmon. Once we finish dinner, we'll start work on my candle. Jesus referred to himself as "Light of the World" (John 8:12). Although they have not fully explained the meaning of the candle to us, I am very excited to have it lit to represent me reaching this point in my journey and becoming closer to Jesus.
I went to Michaels and bought a bunch of scrapbooking stickers. I couldn't think of anything else on limited time to get. On top of the stickers, my sponsor had the idea of etching into the candle certain meaningful symbols. Once they are etched in, we will melt another candle into the grooves. What a brilliant idea!
It should be a fun arts&crafts session. I'm not very crafty, so it will be interesting.
I'm very excited to spend some time with my sponsor and have her share in the creation of something to meaningful for me. I will post pics next week!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Pinch Me!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I am not wearing green today. I forgot :(
Pinch me.
I will be at St. Patrick's Parish for RCIA class tonight. How fitting!
I am not wearing green today. I forgot :(
Pinch me.
I will be at St. Patrick's Parish for RCIA class tonight. How fitting!
Wedding Update: Dress
As I said in a previous post, this weekend was wedding dress shopping. My two sisters, my best friend and my mom all came down to do the trek to 3 stores with me. I had originally planned to go to 4, but after going to the first one, I cancelled the last appointment.
(Sorry, no pictures on the blog. I don't want it out there for all to see before the big day.)
I now have two dresses that I love. I'll refer to them as dress 1 (which I found in the very first store) and dress 2 (which I found in the last store). They are very similar in style, but have quite different accents. They have different necklines, different skirting and different material. The bodice is almost the same on both. Dress 1 is not your typical dress. Yes it is strapless, but the neckline isn't one you can characterize. It's not sweetheart or straight. Dress 2 has beautiful sparkles that shine in the lights.
I will have to go back and try on the two dresses once more and bring my dad with me so he can see them. There is only $100 difference in price between the two, so that isn't a factor. Sometime early June or July I'll have him come down so we can make a deposit and get me fitted!!
One thing that surprised me about shopping was the addition of the veil. I was sure that I would never want a long veil. Turns out, the only kind of veil I want is a cathedral length. I tried one on and fell in love with it. The way it drapes down the back and over the train is gorgeous. I tried this length of veil with both dresses and it works with both.
Since I had my bridesmaids with me, I also had them try on dresses. I found my color (Sharmrock) in a dress and had them try it on. Hideous! We are definitely not having shamrock as the color. Just based on the dresses, I believe it is going to be clover or olive colored instead. Still in the green family, just not as bright.
It was a good wedding weekend. I managed to find 2 dresses, decide against my original color and discovered I want a cathedral length veil.
(Sorry, no pictures on the blog. I don't want it out there for all to see before the big day.)
I now have two dresses that I love. I'll refer to them as dress 1 (which I found in the very first store) and dress 2 (which I found in the last store). They are very similar in style, but have quite different accents. They have different necklines, different skirting and different material. The bodice is almost the same on both. Dress 1 is not your typical dress. Yes it is strapless, but the neckline isn't one you can characterize. It's not sweetheart or straight. Dress 2 has beautiful sparkles that shine in the lights.
I will have to go back and try on the two dresses once more and bring my dad with me so he can see them. There is only $100 difference in price between the two, so that isn't a factor. Sometime early June or July I'll have him come down so we can make a deposit and get me fitted!!
One thing that surprised me about shopping was the addition of the veil. I was sure that I would never want a long veil. Turns out, the only kind of veil I want is a cathedral length. I tried one on and fell in love with it. The way it drapes down the back and over the train is gorgeous. I tried this length of veil with both dresses and it works with both.
Since I had my bridesmaids with me, I also had them try on dresses. I found my color (Sharmrock) in a dress and had them try it on. Hideous! We are definitely not having shamrock as the color. Just based on the dresses, I believe it is going to be clover or olive colored instead. Still in the green family, just not as bright.
It was a good wedding weekend. I managed to find 2 dresses, decide against my original color and discovered I want a cathedral length veil.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Therapy Tuesday: On the Pole
One-armed spin combos. Hooray!!
I need to work on conditioning my body so they are easier. I can manage to do a 3 spin combo with one arm. Only one though. I'll have to come up with a few more combinations in order to build the strength.
Lazy-one-up into a butterfly. Didn't think I could do that. I tried it and voila! No problem at all. I had to do it a couple more times just to be sure it wasn't a fluke.
Also go the catepillar push 3 times. My record before was doing the move twice in a row. Now I can do three! Next is working on four. When I can successful do the move five times in a row, I will push myself to start doing the catepillar crawl. This is when you climb up the pole backwards.
All in all, it was a great class. I accomplished something, I had a great workout, and great conversation with the girls.
I heart pole!
I need to work on conditioning my body so they are easier. I can manage to do a 3 spin combo with one arm. Only one though. I'll have to come up with a few more combinations in order to build the strength.
Lazy-one-up into a butterfly. Didn't think I could do that. I tried it and voila! No problem at all. I had to do it a couple more times just to be sure it wasn't a fluke.
Also go the catepillar push 3 times. My record before was doing the move twice in a row. Now I can do three! Next is working on four. When I can successful do the move five times in a row, I will push myself to start doing the catepillar crawl. This is when you climb up the pole backwards.
All in all, it was a great class. I accomplished something, I had a great workout, and great conversation with the girls.
I heart pole!
Therapy Tuesday: Off the Pole
I've started going to therapy to try and reduce my stress levels. I've gone before a number of years ago to help me get through a rough time in my life, so I know it works.
I went for one meeting over a month ago, and I felt peaceful afterwards. It didn't last long. the day continued and I felt overwhelmed, and everything went back to "normal".
I had some homework assignments from Session 1.
- Complete an autobiography - This was very humbling and brought up a lot of memories, some that I had forgetten, some that I wish I had. I loved this assignment.
- Start going through a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) workbook for anxiety
- Track my moods and what triggers any changes
I have new homework assignments:
- Increase doing things I love - I will pole more than just once this week. I will sit and read my book.
- Take walks and get some fresh air. The exercise will help. I can certainly do this and at the same time train Beta! Two birds with one stone.
- Focus on telling myself I'm beautiful, not too thin, and it doesn't matter what people say.
- Learn that "it doesn't matter"
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Movie Review (2): Shutter Island
My fiance, my best friend and I all went to the this movie on Saturday night. I loved it! Here's why:
It got you thinking. There was that feeling of "somethings not right" through the whole thing. I would love to see it again and look for the subtle clues that I know are in there, I just missed. The story was interesting, touched on a few different aspects and was a different from what I thought it was supposed to be.
DiCaprio did an awesome job. He was believable as the character. You really felt what he felt and for me, I was shocked and in disbelief when his character was.
The music made me giggle a few times. It was very "Alfred Hitchcock". It was creepy and certainly added to the forboding feel the movie had. My best friend said she would probably have trouble sleeping that night.
I would recommend this movie for sure. I would also recommend that go when you are awake. It's a little slow, but not in a bad way. The character and story development is essential and the thought process to understand the little messages will have you thinking even after the show.
It got you thinking. There was that feeling of "somethings not right" through the whole thing. I would love to see it again and look for the subtle clues that I know are in there, I just missed. The story was interesting, touched on a few different aspects and was a different from what I thought it was supposed to be.
DiCaprio did an awesome job. He was believable as the character. You really felt what he felt and for me, I was shocked and in disbelief when his character was.
The music made me giggle a few times. It was very "Alfred Hitchcock". It was creepy and certainly added to the forboding feel the movie had. My best friend said she would probably have trouble sleeping that night.
I would recommend this movie for sure. I would also recommend that go when you are awake. It's a little slow, but not in a bad way. The character and story development is essential and the thought process to understand the little messages will have you thinking even after the show.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
New week... where's the bad stuff?
I thought after the work week things would start to look up. They did sort of.
I decided it would be best for me to pack up Beta and go home to my parents. They have a dog, so we could throw her in the garage and she could play and play and I could get a break. That portion of the weekend was great. The getting there wasn't.
Saturday 8:30 pm, on the busy highway, I got a flat tire. We're talking "holes in the side of the rubber" type flat. I didn't wreck my rim since I pulled over soon enough. I was in a bad spot though. Just acrossed a bridge, thankfully it was at the bottom of a hill so people could see the hazard lights from a long way coming. I immediately called my parents. They were leaving as soon as I hung up. Then I called AMA and they sent a tow-truck to change the tire. (It finally paid for itself to have the membership.) By 9:15 I was on my way to my parents house with a scared puppy who'd gotten sick, a donut for a tire and the impending doom of having to buy a new tire the next day. I ended up with 2 shiney new tires. Apparently the ones on the back I was driving with were pretty well bare of any tread.
So given that it's Tuesday, the only bad thing that has happened is a migraine (expected with the weather change) and some colder weather. Only 2 more sleeps until my fiance comes home. I think I can survive that. I just hope that's the worst of it.
I decided it would be best for me to pack up Beta and go home to my parents. They have a dog, so we could throw her in the garage and she could play and play and I could get a break. That portion of the weekend was great. The getting there wasn't.
Saturday 8:30 pm, on the busy highway, I got a flat tire. We're talking "holes in the side of the rubber" type flat. I didn't wreck my rim since I pulled over soon enough. I was in a bad spot though. Just acrossed a bridge, thankfully it was at the bottom of a hill so people could see the hazard lights from a long way coming. I immediately called my parents. They were leaving as soon as I hung up. Then I called AMA and they sent a tow-truck to change the tire. (It finally paid for itself to have the membership.) By 9:15 I was on my way to my parents house with a scared puppy who'd gotten sick, a donut for a tire and the impending doom of having to buy a new tire the next day. I ended up with 2 shiney new tires. Apparently the ones on the back I was driving with were pretty well bare of any tread.
So given that it's Tuesday, the only bad thing that has happened is a migraine (expected with the weather change) and some colder weather. Only 2 more sleeps until my fiance comes home. I think I can survive that. I just hope that's the worst of it.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Wedding Update
With everything that's been going on in my life, the wedding has been the last thing on my mind. In the midst of all the chaos, we have managed to do a little bit.
DJ
At the wedding fair, I won a gift certificate for $150 off to this one particular DJ. The guy I talked with seemed to have his head on straight and was very personable. I found he knew what he was talking about and seemed to have a grasp on what a wedding DJ should be like. In order to keep the gift certificate, I had to book a free consultation.
Last weekend we met with these guys. Fabulous! They are offering no overtime charges, manned cocktail/dinner music, and were very clear that whatever we don't want played, they won't play. I thought the meeting went great. I thought what they offered surpassed that of what I've seen offered on others websites. They are the cheapest (thanks to the gift cert.) and I really don't feel like meeting with any other DJ's. I'll have to compile a list of our other potentials and see if there is a huge advantage to going with another company. I can't see that there is, but my fiance likes to look at all the options.
Dress
Next week I have several appointments booked at various bridal shops. My 3 bridesmaids and my mom are all going to be in town. A while ago, I went through a bunch of magazines and dog-eared a lot of pages for dresses that I liked. Keep in mind that I did this mostly on my commute at 6am and wasn't quite coherent. I've been going back through several of the pages and taking out the ones that I really don't like anymore. There seems to be a theme for those that I like so that will help narrow it down a little.
It will be nice to go. I know it's still early, however, things in the city take longer than most places. This was one weekend where everyone could come down all at once. Hopefully I can find a dress, get the bridesmaids to try on a few dresses and see what happens from there!
DJ
At the wedding fair, I won a gift certificate for $150 off to this one particular DJ. The guy I talked with seemed to have his head on straight and was very personable. I found he knew what he was talking about and seemed to have a grasp on what a wedding DJ should be like. In order to keep the gift certificate, I had to book a free consultation.
Last weekend we met with these guys. Fabulous! They are offering no overtime charges, manned cocktail/dinner music, and were very clear that whatever we don't want played, they won't play. I thought the meeting went great. I thought what they offered surpassed that of what I've seen offered on others websites. They are the cheapest (thanks to the gift cert.) and I really don't feel like meeting with any other DJ's. I'll have to compile a list of our other potentials and see if there is a huge advantage to going with another company. I can't see that there is, but my fiance likes to look at all the options.
Dress
Next week I have several appointments booked at various bridal shops. My 3 bridesmaids and my mom are all going to be in town. A while ago, I went through a bunch of magazines and dog-eared a lot of pages for dresses that I liked. Keep in mind that I did this mostly on my commute at 6am and wasn't quite coherent. I've been going back through several of the pages and taking out the ones that I really don't like anymore. There seems to be a theme for those that I like so that will help narrow it down a little.
It will be nice to go. I know it's still early, however, things in the city take longer than most places. This was one weekend where everyone could come down all at once. Hopefully I can find a dress, get the bridesmaids to try on a few dresses and see what happens from there!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Pole Therapy
I went to pole class last night after debating whether or not to go. It's a late class and I wasn't sure how Beta was going to do with it being almost bed time and me leaving the house. She was fine. Moving on....
I wanted my last class of level 8 to be a good one. I needed something good to happen this week, and I figured physical accomplishment would be the avenue to take. I hurt today, but it was all worth it. I managed to do a shoulder mount v. All three of us who were in class last night got this one. It was high fives all around.I feel so much better today after having something good happen. Last night was a better night all around, but nailing a new move took the cake. It wasn't a one time thing either. I did the shoulder mount v several times.
Thanks for taking the picture Ashlee!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Things have to go up from here... right?
Yesterday my fiance left for his site job. He'll be gone for 10 days then back for 4. Since he left in the afternoon, our puppy was only home for a few hours by herself in her pen. Shouldn't have been that bad right? Here's how my evening went. As my friend told me yesterday, things can only get better...
It took me 45 minutes to clean up the mess that she left. Beta has a parasite that causes her to have lower stomach problems. Smelly and hard to clean up. She was only alone for 4 hours and it took me 45 to somewhat clean up. It's not fully clean, but there's not much else I could have done other than taking a sponge and bucket to the floor, somehow keeping her away from the area long enough for me to clean up.
I took Beta outside to tire her out and get her some exercise since she was inside most of the day. All was good until she missed a step and hurt her foot. She yelped for a bit, but after a while she was ok and didn't seem to be injured. I think she caught her foot on a step on her rush to get down them.
I decided pasta and leftover chicken would be the easiest and quickest meal. After filling a pot with water, I noticed the handle on the kitchen tap wasn't quite sitting correctly. It seemed loose. I moved it a little to see if there was a screw I could tighten when the handle came off in my hand. I am now using a pair of pliers to turn my kitchen tap on and off. My neighbour said he would fix it saturday for me if I went and bought a new tap to put in. After heating up my leftover chicken in the microwave, the fan continued to run for a good 30 - 45 minutes. I've now unplugged the microwave and will only use it when I absolutely need to.
I went to puppy class without Beta since she's sick and I'm a responsible dog owner, not wanting to get other puppies sick too. I arrived on time with 3 other people. We sat there for 30 minutes before the instructor came and apologized saying there were 3 more people to come. One wasn't coming, one she couldn't get a hold of, and one was so lost the instructor couldn't direct her to the building. We all went home after sitting there and we will start our session next week. That was sort of a blessing since I was home earlier than I had expected.
On top of all this, work was horrible and I didn't get any sleep. Beta of course slept through the night, which was great. I did not. I have trouble sleeping the first night I'm alone.
It took me 45 minutes to clean up the mess that she left. Beta has a parasite that causes her to have lower stomach problems. Smelly and hard to clean up. She was only alone for 4 hours and it took me 45 to somewhat clean up. It's not fully clean, but there's not much else I could have done other than taking a sponge and bucket to the floor, somehow keeping her away from the area long enough for me to clean up.
I took Beta outside to tire her out and get her some exercise since she was inside most of the day. All was good until she missed a step and hurt her foot. She yelped for a bit, but after a while she was ok and didn't seem to be injured. I think she caught her foot on a step on her rush to get down them.
I decided pasta and leftover chicken would be the easiest and quickest meal. After filling a pot with water, I noticed the handle on the kitchen tap wasn't quite sitting correctly. It seemed loose. I moved it a little to see if there was a screw I could tighten when the handle came off in my hand. I am now using a pair of pliers to turn my kitchen tap on and off. My neighbour said he would fix it saturday for me if I went and bought a new tap to put in. After heating up my leftover chicken in the microwave, the fan continued to run for a good 30 - 45 minutes. I've now unplugged the microwave and will only use it when I absolutely need to.
I went to puppy class without Beta since she's sick and I'm a responsible dog owner, not wanting to get other puppies sick too. I arrived on time with 3 other people. We sat there for 30 minutes before the instructor came and apologized saying there were 3 more people to come. One wasn't coming, one she couldn't get a hold of, and one was so lost the instructor couldn't direct her to the building. We all went home after sitting there and we will start our session next week. That was sort of a blessing since I was home earlier than I had expected.
On top of all this, work was horrible and I didn't get any sleep. Beta of course slept through the night, which was great. I did not. I have trouble sleeping the first night I'm alone.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Autobigraphy... what a hard thing to do
I am currently in counselling to help manage my stress. In an effort to cut through all the 'get-to-know-me' parts of the sessions, my therapist has asked me to write a short one pager autobiography bringing out significant events that have occured over my quarter-century life.
So far, I have a page worth of bullets from age 1 - 18. I haven't even started writting of the years I was in University, let alone the past 3 years which has changed my life profoundly.
I'm trying to narrow down what is significant and what is not. Obviously life events such as deaths, births, marriages are all in there. Significant relationships.. check. First broken bone? Probably not significant, although it did impact my life and show me that I can bounce back and do something amazing. Or I was just foolish. First after school job? Probably not something to include. It made me some extra cash for the movies, but that's about it.
Should I include people that have impacted me? My calculas teacher, english teacher, comsci prof and pastor all hold dear places in my heart. Friends? There are certainly some friends that I would die without in my life.
If you were to categorize 'significant events' in your life, what would be included? Make a list sometime and see what is truly important to you. What really impacted your life to the point where you remember it to this day and will never forget?
So far, I have a page worth of bullets from age 1 - 18. I haven't even started writting of the years I was in University, let alone the past 3 years which has changed my life profoundly.
I'm trying to narrow down what is significant and what is not. Obviously life events such as deaths, births, marriages are all in there. Significant relationships.. check. First broken bone? Probably not significant, although it did impact my life and show me that I can bounce back and do something amazing. Or I was just foolish. First after school job? Probably not something to include. It made me some extra cash for the movies, but that's about it.
Should I include people that have impacted me? My calculas teacher, english teacher, comsci prof and pastor all hold dear places in my heart. Friends? There are certainly some friends that I would die without in my life.
If you were to categorize 'significant events' in your life, what would be included? Make a list sometime and see what is truly important to you. What really impacted your life to the point where you remember it to this day and will never forget?
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