I have been absent for a number of days, swamped with training every day and other such responsibilities, but I love it! I might be a little less cheerful after the next four days, haha, because I will be shadowing the 8-4 tomorrow, the 4-12 the next, and the mid Wed-8 Thurs. Then a day off (I think) and a barrage of shifts until the 15th!
After my extensive time of unemployment, it is a great feeling to be working again, although I am going to have to think of a new term, because I never think of spending time with children as "work." Contrary to immediate familial belief, I do love working, and it makes me feel so much more energetic and purposeful. I hope that this new position will be everything I imagined and more, since I have envisioned helping at a child shelter for a very long time.
The people I work with are very nice, and the kids'--from what I have been told--are a good bunch, although they are especially watchful of two of them. The bosses are a bit intimidating, but have been kind to me, and I hope it stays that way! By far, I believe Monday will be my busiest day because not only do I work, I also have to get the TB test, a doctor's physical, and then celebrate with my cousin and her boyfriend (it's her birthday). I am looking forward to it, though. What I am not looking forward to is the great deal of post-spring cleaning I have to do today...My room looks a fright, which I must say has been a sadly consistent thing with the crazy semester I just pulled through. I was busy focusing on my course-load and not so much where my things were ending up, I'm afraid. I might as well get started...I highly doubt the cleaning fairy is going to wave her wand on my behalf, although that would be very nice...
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
I got a job!!!
The economy has not been my friend in the last eleven months that I have been job hunting, but then a former classmate offered to get me an interview where he worked, an at-risk children shelter. My dream job since I plan to go into Social Work, and psychology. I have wanted to help at-risk children, and someday adopt, since I went on mission week as a kid, helping at soup kitchens and children shelters. It was there that my group leader commented on how good I was with the kids, and told me that the social worker had spoken to him about how the girl I had been paired with had not talked to anyone, or even smiled, until I came.
Later, I worked at Boy Scout/Girl Scout camp for several summers, mainly as counselor to children of all ages. The camp also served as an outreach to at-risk and poverty stricken children. We washed their clothes, shod them, fed them, etc. One in my charge had never had a birthday cake and was the sole provider for his family at just nine years old. He mowed lawns for money to feed his family. From that time on I dreamed of working at, or starting, a shelter someday. I have plenty of dreams and aspirations, but this has been paramount.
I got the job, and on Monday will go in for manual reading and shift shadowing, already having completed First Aid and CPR training. I cannot wait, and hope that it will be as fulfilling as I have always dreamed it would be...
Later, I worked at Boy Scout/Girl Scout camp for several summers, mainly as counselor to children of all ages. The camp also served as an outreach to at-risk and poverty stricken children. We washed their clothes, shod them, fed them, etc. One in my charge had never had a birthday cake and was the sole provider for his family at just nine years old. He mowed lawns for money to feed his family. From that time on I dreamed of working at, or starting, a shelter someday. I have plenty of dreams and aspirations, but this has been paramount.
I got the job, and on Monday will go in for manual reading and shift shadowing, already having completed First Aid and CPR training. I cannot wait, and hope that it will be as fulfilling as I have always dreamed it would be...
How I Met Your Mother: My Newest Addiction
"How I Met Your Mother" is, as they say, a love story in reverse. It begins with Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) in the year 2030 sitting his son and daughter down to tell the the story of how he met their mother (narration by Bob Saget).At first, his children are irritated to be bothered, after all they have important teenage things to do, but slowly as he shared his life experiences--good, bad, and hilarious--they get immersed in the story of a man desperate to find someone he can love and make a family with.
The story also follows the exploits of his friends Barney Stinson (skillfully played by Neil Patrick Harris) a hilarious womanizer and writer of the "Bro Code," Marshall Erikesen (Jason Segal) a lovable giant and college roommate of Ted's, Lily Aldrin (Alyson Hannigan) the sweet and quirky artist girlfriend of Marshall, and Robin Scherbatsky (Cobie Smulders) the Canadian newscaster who is friend to all and occasional love interest of Ted.
Much of the sitcom's comedy comes from the roommatehood of Ted, Marshall and Lily and many of Ted's life lessons can also be related to this as well. I have never be a lover of television, and nor have I been able to find a show I loved more than "The Twilight Zone" or "Tour of Duty," then "How I Met Your Mother" came along. It is a solid, heartwarming, laugh-your-ass off show that I'd give ten thumbs up if I had so many thumbs...
My Family and Revelations
Disclaimer: I will never in this blog talk about or reveal personal problems in my relationship. However, if it is relevant to a lesson, I will touch on the surface of it, and provide what was learned. I would feel anything more than that would be a betrayal to him, and to us both.
I won’t lie…Fox and I have been having serious problems lately, so serious that we have come very close to ending things more than once (and that is something that has never occurred in 3 years we have been together), and are taking things slow with the wedding that is just under four months away. Our central issue is that he worries he won’t be able to make me happy, and while he has his insensitive side, and we have our differences, I have never met a more thoughtful person, or anyone who suits me nearly so well. He genuinely makes my happiness and wellbeing paramount, and looks out for me before anyone else, including himself. While his doubts have planted seeds, I have been working on things with him. I have known him since I was 14, been friends with him since I was 15, in love with him since I was 16, dating him since I was 17, and engaged to him since I was 18 so he has always been a part of my life, an integral part of my life.
I have never believed in “the one,” or “one true love.” There may be just one person for some, but the human heart is capable of loving more than one person, even at the same time because there is not one kind of love. So sure maybe he’s right and there is someone else out there for me, but I chose him. I never used to believe this, the eternal romantic I was, but the more you live the more you learn. Fox is my first deep, abiding love, and while there are elements to our relationship that aren’t perfect, we aren’t perfect either, and have many more positive elements.
The starter on my car went out, so I had to take it to the shop. His mom set it up with her mechanic and since Fox is the primary on the insurance, the key tag had both our surnames on it. I have to admit, I haven’t taken it off. I like looking at it, seeing both of our names…Then, today I was spending time with him at his parents’ house, and his brother, sister-in-law, sister, paternal grandmother, and great aunt came over for a cook out. I love his family-- well, maybe not his sister and sister-in-law so much, but they aren’t the easiest to get along with. His brother was talking about the “original P{insert family name}s” and everyone was laughing because the originals are, of course, dead. And then they started ticking off the Ps.
His Aunt Julia looked at me and smiled, “Kaitlin’s the ninth P.”
Everyone agreed.
I cannot put into words just how much that meant to me. They have always made me feel as part of the family since the beginning, and here they were openly counting me as part of the P family…I told Fox that while we’re still taking things slow, that it was then that I realized that I still wanted that, to be a part of his family. All the things have combined in the last few days to give me the answer I have been searching for: I don’t want to end things with him. While it’s true that he won’t always make me happy, it’s also true that I won’t always make him happy, and it really isn’t his responsibility to make sure I am incandescently happy every second of every hour of every day.
I won’t lie…Fox and I have been having serious problems lately, so serious that we have come very close to ending things more than once (and that is something that has never occurred in 3 years we have been together), and are taking things slow with the wedding that is just under four months away. Our central issue is that he worries he won’t be able to make me happy, and while he has his insensitive side, and we have our differences, I have never met a more thoughtful person, or anyone who suits me nearly so well. He genuinely makes my happiness and wellbeing paramount, and looks out for me before anyone else, including himself. While his doubts have planted seeds, I have been working on things with him. I have known him since I was 14, been friends with him since I was 15, in love with him since I was 16, dating him since I was 17, and engaged to him since I was 18 so he has always been a part of my life, an integral part of my life.
I have never believed in “the one,” or “one true love.” There may be just one person for some, but the human heart is capable of loving more than one person, even at the same time because there is not one kind of love. So sure maybe he’s right and there is someone else out there for me, but I chose him. I never used to believe this, the eternal romantic I was, but the more you live the more you learn. Fox is my first deep, abiding love, and while there are elements to our relationship that aren’t perfect, we aren’t perfect either, and have many more positive elements.
The starter on my car went out, so I had to take it to the shop. His mom set it up with her mechanic and since Fox is the primary on the insurance, the key tag had both our surnames on it. I have to admit, I haven’t taken it off. I like looking at it, seeing both of our names…Then, today I was spending time with him at his parents’ house, and his brother, sister-in-law, sister, paternal grandmother, and great aunt came over for a cook out. I love his family-- well, maybe not his sister and sister-in-law so much, but they aren’t the easiest to get along with. His brother was talking about the “original P{insert family name}s” and everyone was laughing because the originals are, of course, dead. And then they started ticking off the Ps.
His Aunt Julia looked at me and smiled, “Kaitlin’s the ninth P.”
Everyone agreed.
I cannot put into words just how much that meant to me. They have always made me feel as part of the family since the beginning, and here they were openly counting me as part of the P family…I told Fox that while we’re still taking things slow, that it was then that I realized that I still wanted that, to be a part of his family. All the things have combined in the last few days to give me the answer I have been searching for: I don’t want to end things with him. While it’s true that he won’t always make me happy, it’s also true that I won’t always make him happy, and it really isn’t his responsibility to make sure I am incandescently happy every second of every hour of every day.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Great News!
I am finished with finals, registered for the next semester, and found out that I could graduate this December if I so wish! That's great news, but one science class would be difficult enough, so I think am going to hold off on the remaining science credit and graduate in the Spring.
Now I just need to survive math and science (the three other courses shouldn't be too bad). I'll have my first degree, and be able to start on my next (psychology) from the university of my choice.
I got home to find out that I have a job interview with a children's shelter. That would be perfect for me since I want to go into troubled youth counseling, and even more perfect since I have been job hunting for nearly a year.
Things seem to be looking up =] Well, besides some issues I need to work out with a certain someone.
Now I just need to survive math and science (the three other courses shouldn't be too bad). I'll have my first degree, and be able to start on my next (psychology) from the university of my choice.
I got home to find out that I have a job interview with a children's shelter. That would be perfect for me since I want to go into troubled youth counseling, and even more perfect since I have been job hunting for nearly a year.
Things seem to be looking up =] Well, besides some issues I need to work out with a certain someone.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
My Art Final...
Tomorrow morning is my art final: a sketch of our choice, based on a famous work of art, displaying what we have learned in class. I learned something alright...I do better when I am drawing people than when I am trying to capture someone else's inspiration. YET, it turned out to be quite good (in my opinion) as a stand alone, but perhaps not so much as a tribute to Picasso, haha =]
I at first hated the sepia crayon. Blending was not easy, and you pretty much had to rub your fingers raw to get anywhere with it, but the more you work with it, the better it becomes.
I am going to continue with art, and in the next blog, perhaps I will post my sketches, one of a friend, another of my sister, and my first oil painting...Can you tell that I love art?
Oh, and this is copyrighted. You snatch it, I hunt you down and gut you like a fish, in the words of the Grinch.
I am so excited (and nervous)! Tomorrow I have my last two finals, and then I will finally be able to take a much-needed break. Between familial and friend troubles, job hunting, and a myriad of other stressors, I am relieved to have a chance to take a proverbial deep breath...Wish me luck!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
My 5th Deathiversary!
Today, May 9, is my 5th Deathiversary! I am so happy to be alive, enjoying life, facing its adversity, becoming a better person, living my dreams, and accomplishing my goals. Five years ago , I suffered from “spells”--instances when my vision would blur then go white, my hearing would fail, I would become weak, feel ill and as if I had eaten in days. They were horrible and terrifying because I never knew when they would occur.
Then Mother’s Day morning arrived. I woke early to ready for the special church service, and greeted my dad before heading to the bathroom. As I began to undress, I started to have a spell. Frustrated, I tried to fight it off (at times I was successful in fending them off), and sat down on the close toilet. Things went black, and my last thought before collapsing was “This is wrong! It never goes black.” Then I was lost with no sight, no sound, no thoughts.
After some time, I found I was walking down a shadowed path cut between two towering mountains. The foliage was barely discernable in the faded light, and I had perfect peace. I was practically skipping with excitement, and I had one circular thought, “I am going home! I am finally going home!” Then behind me, I could hear my parents calling for me, begging me to come back, but I did not wish to. I wanted to go home so very badly., so I kept walking .
A voice I can only describe as crashing thunder and the softest caress said, “Kaitlin, it’s not your time. Turn back.”
I wanted to disobey the voice more than anything, but I found I had no choice, and witnessed myself--all shadow--walking back into the light. I saw my parents standing over me, shaking me , and then with a jolt, I was back in my body. I wanted to tell them to stop shaking me, tapping my face, but I couldn’t speak, let alone hold my head up or open my eyes. After a few more moments, I managed to get out a few words, and they helped me to bed where they helped me redress before rushing my to the hospital.
Tests for everything,, from cancer to seizures, were run but nothing showed up and the doctor’s could come up with no explanation for why a healthy, active, young girl would drop dead at fifteen years of age. It was at the hospital I learned the full story. Apparently after I had left dad to shower, twelve minutes passed and he did not hear the water running so he had gone to check on me, thinking I had returned to bed.
He saw me slumped against the sink, colorless, blue-lipped, without a pulse or heartbeat, and not breathing. I was cold to the touch and no responsive. He panicked, and that is when I heard them begging me to come back. When the details of my experience trickled back, I told my family doctor. He was stunned at all I had witnessed, and in a reverent tone, he said to my parents, “Your daughter is a living miracle.”
After this, I was terrified of living, tried to plan every detail, risked nothing, and cheated myself of living.
It was not until I fell in love with my best friend, Fox, and risked it all by telling him how I felt at seventeen that I truly started on my journey. He returned my feelings, and taught me so many lessons, like the best moments are those unplanned.
I let go of trying to plan on an uncertain future, started experiencing, stepping outside my comfort zone, and truly began to live! I became more outgoing, accomplished some of my goals, lived some of my dreams, made new friends, and achieved happiness despite the chaos of the last few years. I can never thank God for the second chance He has given me, and I hope that when I leave again, I will have left a mark on this world, changed at least one person for the better, and that all who know me can say “She truly lived.”
Then Mother’s Day morning arrived. I woke early to ready for the special church service, and greeted my dad before heading to the bathroom. As I began to undress, I started to have a spell. Frustrated, I tried to fight it off (at times I was successful in fending them off), and sat down on the close toilet. Things went black, and my last thought before collapsing was “This is wrong! It never goes black.” Then I was lost with no sight, no sound, no thoughts.
After some time, I found I was walking down a shadowed path cut between two towering mountains. The foliage was barely discernable in the faded light, and I had perfect peace. I was practically skipping with excitement, and I had one circular thought, “I am going home! I am finally going home!” Then behind me, I could hear my parents calling for me, begging me to come back, but I did not wish to. I wanted to go home so very badly., so I kept walking .
A voice I can only describe as crashing thunder and the softest caress said, “Kaitlin, it’s not your time. Turn back.”
I wanted to disobey the voice more than anything, but I found I had no choice, and witnessed myself--all shadow--walking back into the light. I saw my parents standing over me, shaking me , and then with a jolt, I was back in my body. I wanted to tell them to stop shaking me, tapping my face, but I couldn’t speak, let alone hold my head up or open my eyes. After a few more moments, I managed to get out a few words, and they helped me to bed where they helped me redress before rushing my to the hospital.
Tests for everything,, from cancer to seizures, were run but nothing showed up and the doctor’s could come up with no explanation for why a healthy, active, young girl would drop dead at fifteen years of age. It was at the hospital I learned the full story. Apparently after I had left dad to shower, twelve minutes passed and he did not hear the water running so he had gone to check on me, thinking I had returned to bed.
He saw me slumped against the sink, colorless, blue-lipped, without a pulse or heartbeat, and not breathing. I was cold to the touch and no responsive. He panicked, and that is when I heard them begging me to come back. When the details of my experience trickled back, I told my family doctor. He was stunned at all I had witnessed, and in a reverent tone, he said to my parents, “Your daughter is a living miracle.”
After this, I was terrified of living, tried to plan every detail, risked nothing, and cheated myself of living.
It was not until I fell in love with my best friend, Fox, and risked it all by telling him how I felt at seventeen that I truly started on my journey. He returned my feelings, and taught me so many lessons, like the best moments are those unplanned.
I let go of trying to plan on an uncertain future, started experiencing, stepping outside my comfort zone, and truly began to live! I became more outgoing, accomplished some of my goals, lived some of my dreams, made new friends, and achieved happiness despite the chaos of the last few years. I can never thank God for the second chance He has given me, and I hope that when I leave again, I will have left a mark on this world, changed at least one person for the better, and that all who know me can say “She truly lived.”
Thursday, May 7, 2009
135 Days to Go: Wedding Planning Progress Report With PHOTOS!
Engagement Photo:
One of many versions of the same photo by me...
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2009
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: The State Park
Wedding Theme: Old English/Offbeat Pride & Prejudice
Wedding Inspiration Boards:
Wedding Colors: Midnight, platinum, pale pink, light green, and white.
kaicolorscheme by jmmiller8
This may change a little since our new outdoor venue, and intimate ceremony style will make it more informal.
Formality: Semi-formal.
Wedsite: http://www.mywedding.com/foxnkai
Save-the-Dates: For $5.45 I got 250 save-the-dates thanks to Vista Print’s free business card deal:
Invitations: I am making our own from over-a-century-old and one-of-a-kind postcards. Each in keeping with our theme with swirl handwriting, and covers with flowers or romance themes.
RSVP cards:
Officiants: Instead of having our goth rev friend officiate, we're having our preacher and his aunt (also a preacher) co-officiate.
Flowers: We're using beaded flowers instead of real flowers in the wedding colors. In fact, my flower girl will walk down the aisle with six beaded flowers to present to each mother and grandmother instead of casting petals.
I’ll be carrying a bouquet of six pink beaded roses, and the bridesmaids will carry an antique volume of their favorite book.
We’ll have no other flowers, and none that are fresh.
Engagement Ring: Gershom unknowingly chose the very ring I wanted: 1/5 Marquise-cut diamond solitaire in a 2mm white gold band.
Wedding Rings: My mister and I originally tried to design our own wedding bands via Etsy, but the seller seriously screwed up my ring. We then went on the ring hunt. He isn’t too picky since he doesn’t generally like jewelry (the wedding band being the one concession), so he left the choosing to me.
I had this ring made…
The seller gfox88 was fantastic, and made it in just a day, but I wanted something a bit more sturdy, so I am going to get my mister this thick titanium ring with an inner-engraving of something poignant to us…
I had considered it all for my ring, from a plain and very thing band to something blingy, then I found this on eBay and fell instantly in love…
Our ring nest for the ringwarming…
Bridal Jewelry: I handmade my bridal jewelery, which doubles as my "something old, something new," from freshwater pearls, crystal accents, silver clasps, and a 1,900 year old Roman leaf pendant.
I decided earring crafting wasn’t quite my skill, so I had Oklahoma Mama (LOVE her!) make a custom pair with blue accents and pearls, which takes care of my “something blue”!
I'll also wear my great grandmother's ring in memory of her, as I was her main caregiver leading up to her death, and we became very close during our time together...
I’ll be wearing this pin and Gershom will be wearing the matching, “I would rather be smooching my nerdy wife” courtesy of ButtonsEmpire.
Bride:
The Headpiece:
My Wedding Headpiece by AlwaysKai
Hems ‘N’ Bustles did a smashing job.
The Dress: This blog has photos of me wearing the dress, but here are the images from Camilla La Vie’s site:
Self-taken detail, full-length, and detachable train shots (forgive the black undergarments)…
The only alteration I’ll need is a modesty panel, as it is a bit too revealing.
The Garter: We’re on the fence about this particular tradition…I think it’s tradition’s way of trying to cop a feel pre-wedding night, haha. IF I do go this route, I want something like this:
My mister and I have, and are working to, include bits of our heritage into the wedding. I am just about everything, but predominantly Cherokee and Irish. This garter would be the perfect combinations. One of my known Cherokee ancestors was my full-blooded great-great grandmother and her middle name was Green (Native Americans often chose color names when acclimating to “white life”) and the claddagh charm for my Scot-Irish/Irish ancestry.
The Bouquet:
Six French beaded pink roses…The photo really doesn’t do them justice.
Bride's Wedding Night Lingerie:
It will definitely surprise him =]
Groom:
The Attendants:
The bridesmaids' dress is in Midnight with a Platinum sash. This board shows some of our gift ideas. We're working on the guys' gifts, and I'm nearly finished with the girls' gifts. We're keeping their personalities in mind, and so far we've found great alternatives to the generic board items. The girls will each receive freshwater pearl bracelets and a pocket mirror from Madison Craft (I custom ordered all of them).
Our Shoes:
Mine (in silver)…
His…
The bridesmaids and I will wear silver heels of our choosing for the ceremony, and Gershom and his groomsmen will wear the converse throughout.
Wedding Party: We each started off with seven, but I am experiencing some attendant issues…
Couple Slideshow Photos for the Reception (still working on the infancy to childhood photo collection):
Pre-Ceremony Music:
"Fade to Black" by Apocalyptica (5:03)
"Black Bird" by The Beatles--Across the Universe cover (3:05)
"Irish Whistle + Tin Whistle & Guitar" by Tinwhistler (2:07)
"The Butterfly" by Ulli and Tinwhistler (1:55)
"Hip Agus Hop / The Roaring Barmaid" by Tinwhistler (3:26)
"Promentory (Last of the Mohicans)" (6:13)
"You Raise Me Up" by Celtic Women (4:39)
"Brown-Eyed Girl" by Weezer (3:29)
"Still the One" by FMIL Sherri P. (3:28)
Processional Music:
"Polska" by Ulli and Tinwhistler (3:05)
Bride's Walk:
"Can't Help Falling In Love" by Lick the Tins (3:23)
Recessional Music:
"Our Farewell" by Within Temptation (2:11)
The pre-ceremony music will be axed since we’re not going to have everyone standing around for that long, and we’ll see about the rest.
Ceremony Draft:
Is probably my favorite part of the wedding...It's beautiful, and we wrote it together a year or so ago. I'll post it later =]
First Dance Song: We still haven't decided, but it will be performed by friends by our Rock Band “wedding band.” What can I say? I’m marrying a gamer, and I’m a mild one myself.
Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dances: Still haven't decided. I always dread these kinds of dances…
Reception Site: Our church's new Life Center.
Reception Decor: We're hoping to do something like this...
Seating Chart: Here is the full-sized image, and description of the set up.
Guest Book: We have considered a signable photo mat, a photo guest book, and the like, but opted to not do any of them. I will make one of my metal books with a framed photo of us on the cover and beading in our wedding colors. I make these books for everyone I know who gets married to be filled with memories, advice, drawings, etc. We will also have permanent markers, and beautiful stones for everyone to sign then place in a glass vase as a beautiful display for our new home.
Activities: This is still in the works, but we will have Rock Band and video game stations =] A tribute to my gamer boy. We'll also have a DIY photo booth using a gilt frame, a basket of goodies for them (costume jewelry, feather boas, masks, etc), and foam sword duels. I'm making a handmade metal book with beading a framed cover photo of my mister and I together for our guests to fill with memories and advice (see Guest Book).
Kid's Section: A paper-covered table cloth with crayons at each place setting, games, babysitters, etc.
Centerpieces: I have long collected antique books, so they'll be our centerpieces, like so:
Reception Music: We're playing the music in a progressive fashion starting with a few songs form the era from which we've taken our theme, and moving on to more modern music. Our list is still being compiled.
Photo Account Wreath: Since we are having free seating, I decided an awesome seating chart I found would be perfect for Flickr account info. That way the guests can snatch a leaf, and upload their visual goodies:
Wedding Cupcakes (instead of wedding cake):
We’ll have a cupcake like this…
And self-decorate cupcake stand for everyone else…
Groom's Super Mario Cupcakes: I need to find someone in our area willing to work with fondant, so that I can surprise my mister with a special version of groom’s cake…
If we can’t have them, we’ll definitely have Super Mario and Princess Peach as our giant cupcake’s topper. Ellethecoconut is trying her hand at making the topper for us =]
Reception Food: We're serving food trays, a few dishes prepared by a chef friend, crashers, desert, wedding cupcakes, and a candy buffet.
Reception Sweets for the candy buffet:
Reception Inspiration Board:
Photographer: Offbeat Bride Laura. I found her through my group Talent Trade. She posted some awesome pics, and I am quite impressed, and excited.
Videographer: Still need to find one or two of those =] His uncle is the head of the electronics dept of Ohio Univeristy, and he may be able to do it.
DJ: Gershom's older brother, a DJ, will perform this service for free as a wedding gift.
Groom's Gifts: Okay, I admit it. I'm going to spoil the boy. I'm making him a metal book containing the offbeat fairy tale he wrote for me the day before we got together, our story, and favorite memories. The "I would rather be smooching my nerdy wife" button. I am also getting him a kickass watch that is a modern take on the locket. The face lifts to reveal a picture, and the inside can be engraved with a three-line message of your choice:
Officiants’ and parents’ Gifts: We’ll likely get them gift cards to their favorite restaurants. We don’t have an officiants’ fee for either one, so we definitely want to do something nice for his aunt and our minister.
Gifts for Those Lending Talent: We haven't decided on those yet...
Not to mention I found these great gift card holders in our wedding colors…
There's still so much more to do! My To-Do List keeps growing, though I have scratched off a lot of items...
So what do you lovely ladies think?
So much has changed since the last time I made a progress report...The last month I have had so much going on that I haven't really done much planning-wise (an oddity to be sure), and I feel so behind...We still need to do so much. I need to find a job, we need a videographer, and we need to check out the new venue to see how many people can attend then cut or guest list accordingly...Not to mention 1 million other tasks...
One of many versions of the same photo by me...
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2009
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: The State Park
Wedding Theme: Old English/Offbeat Pride & Prejudice
Wedding Inspiration Boards:
Wedding Colors: Midnight, platinum, pale pink, light green, and white.
kaicolorscheme by jmmiller8
This may change a little since our new outdoor venue, and intimate ceremony style will make it more informal.
Formality: Semi-formal.
Wedsite: http://www.mywedding.com/foxnkai
Save-the-Dates: For $5.45 I got 250 save-the-dates thanks to Vista Print’s free business card deal:
Invitations: I am making our own from over-a-century-old and one-of-a-kind postcards. Each in keeping with our theme with swirl handwriting, and covers with flowers or romance themes.
RSVP cards:
Officiants: Instead of having our goth rev friend officiate, we're having our preacher and his aunt (also a preacher) co-officiate.
Flowers: We're using beaded flowers instead of real flowers in the wedding colors. In fact, my flower girl will walk down the aisle with six beaded flowers to present to each mother and grandmother instead of casting petals.
I’ll be carrying a bouquet of six pink beaded roses, and the bridesmaids will carry an antique volume of their favorite book.
We’ll have no other flowers, and none that are fresh.
Engagement Ring: Gershom unknowingly chose the very ring I wanted: 1/5 Marquise-cut diamond solitaire in a 2mm white gold band.
Wedding Rings: My mister and I originally tried to design our own wedding bands via Etsy, but the seller seriously screwed up my ring. We then went on the ring hunt. He isn’t too picky since he doesn’t generally like jewelry (the wedding band being the one concession), so he left the choosing to me.
I had this ring made…
The seller gfox88 was fantastic, and made it in just a day, but I wanted something a bit more sturdy, so I am going to get my mister this thick titanium ring with an inner-engraving of something poignant to us…
I had considered it all for my ring, from a plain and very thing band to something blingy, then I found this on eBay and fell instantly in love…
Our ring nest for the ringwarming…
Bridal Jewelry: I handmade my bridal jewelery, which doubles as my "something old, something new," from freshwater pearls, crystal accents, silver clasps, and a 1,900 year old Roman leaf pendant.
I decided earring crafting wasn’t quite my skill, so I had Oklahoma Mama (LOVE her!) make a custom pair with blue accents and pearls, which takes care of my “something blue”!
I'll also wear my great grandmother's ring in memory of her, as I was her main caregiver leading up to her death, and we became very close during our time together...
I’ll be wearing this pin and Gershom will be wearing the matching, “I would rather be smooching my nerdy wife” courtesy of ButtonsEmpire.
Bride:
The Headpiece:
My Wedding Headpiece by AlwaysKai
Hems ‘N’ Bustles did a smashing job.
The Dress: This blog has photos of me wearing the dress, but here are the images from Camilla La Vie’s site:
Self-taken detail, full-length, and detachable train shots (forgive the black undergarments)…
The only alteration I’ll need is a modesty panel, as it is a bit too revealing.
The Garter: We’re on the fence about this particular tradition…I think it’s tradition’s way of trying to cop a feel pre-wedding night, haha. IF I do go this route, I want something like this:
My mister and I have, and are working to, include bits of our heritage into the wedding. I am just about everything, but predominantly Cherokee and Irish. This garter would be the perfect combinations. One of my known Cherokee ancestors was my full-blooded great-great grandmother and her middle name was Green (Native Americans often chose color names when acclimating to “white life”) and the claddagh charm for my Scot-Irish/Irish ancestry.
The Bouquet:
Six French beaded pink roses…The photo really doesn’t do them justice.
Bride's Wedding Night Lingerie:
It will definitely surprise him =]
Groom:
The Attendants:
The bridesmaids' dress is in Midnight with a Platinum sash. This board shows some of our gift ideas. We're working on the guys' gifts, and I'm nearly finished with the girls' gifts. We're keeping their personalities in mind, and so far we've found great alternatives to the generic board items. The girls will each receive freshwater pearl bracelets and a pocket mirror from Madison Craft (I custom ordered all of them).
Our Shoes:
Mine (in silver)…
His…
The bridesmaids and I will wear silver heels of our choosing for the ceremony, and Gershom and his groomsmen will wear the converse throughout.
Wedding Party: We each started off with seven, but I am experiencing some attendant issues…
Couple Slideshow Photos for the Reception (still working on the infancy to childhood photo collection):
Pre-Ceremony Music:
"Fade to Black" by Apocalyptica (5:03)
"Black Bird" by The Beatles--Across the Universe cover (3:05)
"Irish Whistle + Tin Whistle & Guitar" by Tinwhistler (2:07)
"The Butterfly" by Ulli and Tinwhistler (1:55)
"Hip Agus Hop / The Roaring Barmaid" by Tinwhistler (3:26)
"Promentory (Last of the Mohicans)" (6:13)
"You Raise Me Up" by Celtic Women (4:39)
"Brown-Eyed Girl" by Weezer (3:29)
"Still the One" by FMIL Sherri P. (3:28)
Processional Music:
"Polska" by Ulli and Tinwhistler (3:05)
Bride's Walk:
"Can't Help Falling In Love" by Lick the Tins (3:23)
Recessional Music:
"Our Farewell" by Within Temptation (2:11)
The pre-ceremony music will be axed since we’re not going to have everyone standing around for that long, and we’ll see about the rest.
Ceremony Draft:
Is probably my favorite part of the wedding...It's beautiful, and we wrote it together a year or so ago. I'll post it later =]
First Dance Song: We still haven't decided, but it will be performed by friends by our Rock Band “wedding band.” What can I say? I’m marrying a gamer, and I’m a mild one myself.
Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dances: Still haven't decided. I always dread these kinds of dances…
Reception Site: Our church's new Life Center.
Reception Decor: We're hoping to do something like this...
Seating Chart: Here is the full-sized image, and description of the set up.
Guest Book: We have considered a signable photo mat, a photo guest book, and the like, but opted to not do any of them. I will make one of my metal books with a framed photo of us on the cover and beading in our wedding colors. I make these books for everyone I know who gets married to be filled with memories, advice, drawings, etc. We will also have permanent markers, and beautiful stones for everyone to sign then place in a glass vase as a beautiful display for our new home.
Activities: This is still in the works, but we will have Rock Band and video game stations =] A tribute to my gamer boy. We'll also have a DIY photo booth using a gilt frame, a basket of goodies for them (costume jewelry, feather boas, masks, etc), and foam sword duels. I'm making a handmade metal book with beading a framed cover photo of my mister and I together for our guests to fill with memories and advice (see Guest Book).
Kid's Section: A paper-covered table cloth with crayons at each place setting, games, babysitters, etc.
Centerpieces: I have long collected antique books, so they'll be our centerpieces, like so:
Reception Music: We're playing the music in a progressive fashion starting with a few songs form the era from which we've taken our theme, and moving on to more modern music. Our list is still being compiled.
Photo Account Wreath: Since we are having free seating, I decided an awesome seating chart I found would be perfect for Flickr account info. That way the guests can snatch a leaf, and upload their visual goodies:
Wedding Cupcakes (instead of wedding cake):
We’ll have a cupcake like this…
And self-decorate cupcake stand for everyone else…
Groom's Super Mario Cupcakes: I need to find someone in our area willing to work with fondant, so that I can surprise my mister with a special version of groom’s cake…
If we can’t have them, we’ll definitely have Super Mario and Princess Peach as our giant cupcake’s topper. Ellethecoconut is trying her hand at making the topper for us =]
Reception Food: We're serving food trays, a few dishes prepared by a chef friend, crashers, desert, wedding cupcakes, and a candy buffet.
Reception Sweets for the candy buffet:
Reception Inspiration Board:
Photographer: Offbeat Bride Laura. I found her through my group Talent Trade. She posted some awesome pics, and I am quite impressed, and excited.
Videographer: Still need to find one or two of those =] His uncle is the head of the electronics dept of Ohio Univeristy, and he may be able to do it.
DJ: Gershom's older brother, a DJ, will perform this service for free as a wedding gift.
Groom's Gifts: Okay, I admit it. I'm going to spoil the boy. I'm making him a metal book containing the offbeat fairy tale he wrote for me the day before we got together, our story, and favorite memories. The "I would rather be smooching my nerdy wife" button. I am also getting him a kickass watch that is a modern take on the locket. The face lifts to reveal a picture, and the inside can be engraved with a three-line message of your choice:
Officiants’ and parents’ Gifts: We’ll likely get them gift cards to their favorite restaurants. We don’t have an officiants’ fee for either one, so we definitely want to do something nice for his aunt and our minister.
Gifts for Those Lending Talent: We haven't decided on those yet...
Not to mention I found these great gift card holders in our wedding colors…
There's still so much more to do! My To-Do List keeps growing, though I have scratched off a lot of items...
So what do you lovely ladies think?
So much has changed since the last time I made a progress report...The last month I have had so much going on that I haven't really done much planning-wise (an oddity to be sure), and I feel so behind...We still need to do so much. I need to find a job, we need a videographer, and we need to check out the new venue to see how many people can attend then cut or guest list accordingly...Not to mention 1 million other tasks...
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
3 Years: Our Journey
May 6, 2009 marks three incredible years in which my fiance' and I have been together, but it also highlights the best years of my life (so far). In these years, not only have I shared some highly treasured moments with my mister from kissing in the rain to dancing in the moonlight, but I have truly lived, something I had been afraid of until Fox and our friends broke down the Great Wall of Kai.
I had a lot of baggage, familial, middle childhood, and most especially from my death at fifteen (a story for another time). I have accomplished many of my life goals, some I never thought possible. I also learned a great deal about myself, life and those I share it with. My mister has been among my most proficient instructors, teaching me such important lessons as "The best moments are those unplanned," and more vital ones such as the importance of accepting who you are.
We have had beautiful moments together, and we've had our share of ugly times as well. Even so, and even as painful as they can be, I see the latter as a chance to learn something new about ourselves about us. I love us as much as I love him. I love that we strengthen ourselves rather than weaken, build each other up instead of tear each other down, care about and for each other, and hold each others' dreams as our own. I love how he is willing to put me first, even at the cost of himself, and that I would do the same. I love that we cherish each others' happiness. So here's to the future!
1 Month Together:
6 Months Together:
1 Year Together:
1 Year, 5 Months (and nearly 6 years of friendship) Together: Engaged!
2 Years Together:
2 Years, 6 Months Together:
3 Years Together:
TO BE UPDATED =]
I had a lot of baggage, familial, middle childhood, and most especially from my death at fifteen (a story for another time). I have accomplished many of my life goals, some I never thought possible. I also learned a great deal about myself, life and those I share it with. My mister has been among my most proficient instructors, teaching me such important lessons as "The best moments are those unplanned," and more vital ones such as the importance of accepting who you are.
We have had beautiful moments together, and we've had our share of ugly times as well. Even so, and even as painful as they can be, I see the latter as a chance to learn something new about ourselves about us. I love us as much as I love him. I love that we strengthen ourselves rather than weaken, build each other up instead of tear each other down, care about and for each other, and hold each others' dreams as our own. I love how he is willing to put me first, even at the cost of himself, and that I would do the same. I love that we cherish each others' happiness. So here's to the future!
1 Month Together:
6 Months Together:
1 Year Together:
1 Year, 5 Months (and nearly 6 years of friendship) Together: Engaged!
2 Years Together:
2 Years, 6 Months Together:
3 Years Together:
TO BE UPDATED =]
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