Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Happy Candy Corporation Support Day!

OK - so I don't like the corporate thing that Halloween has become. I like what it was; I especially love the Dia De Los Muertos that the Hispanics celebrate (there's something about a lot of skeletons dancing around that amuse me greatly). I like what Halloween was when I was growing up: it was homemade costumes, home-made candy, bobbing for apples, and a fun party at the house with all your friends.


Now, there's warnings everywhere, heavens forbid you should even *think* of serving or passing out home-made goodies, and your children will beg you unmercilessly for a store-bought costume appropriate to their style of thinking... *sigh*


I will say that I love dressing up for halloween. I love the holiday for what I remember it as... I'm just not in love with what corporate fearmongers have turned it into...


~M

Monday, October 30, 2006

New schedule, and lots of fun this last weekend...

So, today marks the start of my new schedule. I have Monday, Friday and Sunday off now. I have to write it that way to remind myself that our weeks start on Monday and end on Sundays. I do get two days off in a row, which is nice, and I get to have Saturday nights now to do what I wanna do, instead of going to bed early and going back to work on Sundays - late.


Saturday, Fred's new fire troupe, Pyrophelia, made its debut at a party up in Klatskanie, OR. It was at an old friend of mine's house so I got to see him. I hadn't seen him or his family in... well, lessee... Not since the end of the nasty divorce I went through. I'd heard some really mean and nasty things said about him and his new girlfriend - specifically about their treatment of his son (my godson). Turns out, it was pretty much completely rumor and made-up crap by his ex-wife and her friends. My godson is fine, adjusting quite well to his situation, very happy, much more grown-up and well-mannered than he had been, and is very helpful and interested in the world around him. I can only attribute that to a combination of the ADHD medication they have him on and a good, stress-free, stable homelife where he gets the right kind of attention and immediate discipline when he needs it.


It was a great show, and I got to guest with them. I played around with Fred's fire fans, as well as my sword and my palm torches. We got video of the whole shebang, and I have to say that, other than not necessarily liking my outfit currently, I did pretty well. The rest of the troupe did really well for only having 3 weeks to practice, tops, and the audience, being mostly the local townsfolk, were extremely impressed and excited about having fire there in the first place. All and all, a good way to give the troupe its first teething session.


Afterwards we socialized with everyone. My old friend and I caught up a bit, and shared a few good hugs and some laughs. His brother, Donut, and I chatted for a good hour or so about travel outside the US and food. Donut just came back from yet another trip to China, and is headed out to Mexico today for another trip. He's a computer programmer, and makes really good money - so can afford to head out and stay at hostels for a week, wandering through countries and generally learning about the area and its culture. I envy that. I'd love to be able to head out and travel. On the other hand, I'd also be really glad to head home and spend some quality time with family and friends, too.


We made it back home around 3 am, and I was unable to make it to work yesterday from being exhausted and not getting enough sleep. That was ok, as it was a sort of "we realize you may or may not be able to make it here on Sunday - just call us and let us know" type of deal at work. Which was fine. Tomorrow is Halloween, and I will be getting to wear my Sari to work. Yay me! I'm actually quite excited, as I love it and haven't gotten to wear it very often. I'll hopefully get some good piccies of me and post them up.


The wedding stuff is proceeding. Currently my plate is more full of trying to get my coat done so I won't freeze in the mornings or evenings. I really want to get it done by the end of this week, at the latest. It's getting overly foggy and cold in the mornings and I don't enjoy it one bit. One of the downsides of living here in the Pac NW. I love the fall colors, but I hate the cold, and the lack of sunshine. *sigh*


Other than that, there's not much to report. I have been updating on my wedding info page, so if you're curious, please feel free to look and see what's going on there...


~M

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Oh Random! Oh Chance!

Had to put that in today, since it's a great punchline to one of my favorite taglines, and the Luscious Lil sent me OODLES of them today. Yay me!


Today is supposed to be filled with creativeness. I'd like to say that I'm looking forward to it, but I'm not - mostly because I don't have a table to set things on in order to cut the pieces out. I'm working on a winter coat. It's getting to that seasonably cool time of the year wherein, if I have to be outside waiting for the bus at 5:30 am, I need to have something warmer than a hoodie on.


The fabric is stuff that I picked up a few years ago at Pendleton Woolen Mills Outlet. It's a lovely black, white, and bright royal blue random weave, about medium weight. I'm lining it with a powder blue rayon/nylon fabric, machine embroidered into having flowers and vines everywhere on it. Anxiety may remember it, as I gave her some of the same fabric for her birthday two years ago, along with some trim. The torso portion will also have a 3rd inner lining set between the two, of lightweight polar fleece, in order to make sure that I'm actually WARM. It's going to be really pretty - it's also a pain in the ASS, as I'm modifying a cassock pattern to make the damned thing, and there's a lot of pinning, sewing and modification to fit my body type. *sigh* I swear, I need to have my head examined when I decide to do such things.


Before I do that, though, I have to get dressed and head down to the bank to deposit money into Fred's account, then pick him up his November bus pass. And it's raining. Perfect.


~M

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Oh joy!

So, Speedboy is currently suspended from school for punching another student in the face while they were in line for the bus. Since there's no school either today or tomorrow, this means he'll be home through Monday.


I ranted to his mother yesterday about it while I was at work because I was at my wits end with his actions and attitude. Supposedly the school was to get him started with counselling and special ed classes, but he's not in them, from what I can tell. He's in his normal 8th grade curriculum, with no counselling, no special classes, and no help - which means that he's just as bad off as he was last year. His mom (GothickAngel) and I chatted back and forth for a few hours about it, and she's going to be joining in on the parent-teacher conference tonight via phone (she lives in another state).


She, Fred and I will be kicking some major Boo-Tay about this whole situation, and if they refuse to do anything about it, or worse, promise that it's going to change and it doesn't, she and I are going to be taking this to the State BOE and see what THEY say about it. I'm tired of it. I'm tired of the unfulfilled promises, the condescending attitudes, the platitudes, and the overall uninterested-ness of the school to help Speedboy. Fred and I are doing everything we can, and it's not helping - since THEY have him 40 hours a week, THEY should be doing more to assist him, dammit!


GAH!


GothickAngel has offered to pay for counselling outside of school for him, should we end up needing to take him there. I'm thinking this would be a Good Thing, regardless of whether the school starts him in counselling or not. William Temple House does counselling for $5 / session, so I can take him down there on my day off during the week, and have him go through everything. Perhaps even get into a family counselling session or something, if necessary (or possible), so that all 3 of us are on the same page.


So, on to other things at this point - It's too early to get all worked up about this right now, and until this evening at 7:30, there's nothing further I can really DO about it, anyway.


Wedding preparations are proceeding well. I got the design down for the wedding invites, including the insert and the RSVP cards. Now I need to have the RSVP's and the outside of the main invitation copied onto card stock, paint all the base coats, and then have them copied in color en mass. Then I'll go back and highlight them all with white-lining. If you have NO idea what I'm talking about, you can go here and enjoy the basic lessons of illumination... These are some incredible designs that have been created - by hand - and painted - by hand... It's breathtaking.


I also need to head to The Paper Zone (or equivalent) and get some nice paper stock for the invitation insert, as well as the information regarding how to get there, etc... I'm hoping for some vellum-like or really light-weight substance with a light design on it, in a really subtle blue color.


I'm getting beads and charms for the favors. I have an idea - I just need to impliment it. LOL... We'll see how cool it looks once I create one. I'm also getting a tiara for the wedding. I don't just want to feel like a princess, I want to LOOK like one, too. *chuckle*


Other than that, I do need to go to work tomorrow and work on some decorations for the Halloween thing - I won't be there for it (that's my day off) but I would like to help out. Besides, I have to go in tomorrow to pick up my paycheck. Yay. And talk with my boss about what's going to happen with Sundays, since she hasn't gotten back to me on it. Yay.


~M

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Bwa ha ha ha ha! My Great Grand Uncle would be proud!

Ursula Vernon was featured the other day on Eros Blog - I was SO amused that I had to place the info here as well...





She explains it all here. The funniest thing about it is that she chose one of my ancestors to place on said poster... Hey, does that mean that I'm gonna get royalties? Nah. Probably not. *chuckle*


~M

Sunday, October 15, 2006

updating...

So, today I updated my page here on the left side... You'll see there's nifty linkage to the wedding info and stuff. It'll be easier for everyone interested to go there and see what's going on, than worry about sliding back through the archives trying to find out information the night before. LOL.


The venue has been tentatively set - you can check out said nifty linkage for pictures of the site. The cost is going to be really reasonable. It'll mean that we will have to move across town from one spot to the other for the wedding vs the reception - BUT - that's ok. I think that's totally workable, not to mention reasonable, as most people will be coming from all over, and the reception can be held in a fairly centrally located spot.


I need to start working on updating the dress. I'm not going to wear my original Elizabethan. First, I was married in it the first time - bad juju. Second, while it's really pretty, it was a show-piece, and not really... well... me. So, I'll be wearing my blue Elizabethan, updated with pearls and seed beads all over the bodice, and some extra fabric over the skirt. I'll end up looking something like Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty or something.


I'm also going to splurge and get my hair profesionally styled for the day. I think I'm worth it, since last time I just left it down and didn't do anything with it. It was lovely, but hot.


I will say that I need help from everyone who can in making favors for the guests: ideas, creations, whatnot. Our colors are blue and cream, with touches of black. So - anyone who is living near me who would like to help a giddy bride-to-be out, please reach out and sma-- er, I mean, drop me a line. *chuckle*


I have 2.5 hours left and I will be able to leave here and head to Lil's house. She's been gracious enough to agree to run me over to Slasher's place for the birthday party they're having for his one-year-old. I got him a pirate ship... It's a Fisher Price Little People model (the ship only - this pic includes the rest of the packs you can get, too), and is adorable. It comes with a parrot that, when pressed, sings, squawks, and makes sounds like a cannon booming and splashing into the water. It also comes with a cannon that can launch it's cannonball out across the room. Bwa ha ha ha ha. Totally perfect, and it should last him several years of playing. Really reasonable price for it, too.


I am still enjoying my job, though I'll be glad when I get my new schedule. I won't have to work Sundays or Mondays, and won't have to work Fridays, either. Will be MUCH better on my sanity, as well as my attendance adherance, since Sundays will be getting me here at least 45 minutes late, no matter what I do. *sigh* Other nice thing: Fred and I will have Fridays off together, and I'll be able to go to Pirate Karaoke without having to ditch early like I did last night.


Other than that, nothing much is really happening. I'm trying to get as much planned as possible for now for the wedding, so I won't have to stress about it later on. I learned the last time that it's easier to just get what we can done, and worry about the rest of it as it comes up. Speaking of which - I need to start working on invitations, too... whee!


~M

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Petty annoyances...

I have now been awake for over 24 hours, and I'm not happy about it... Insomnia is really not a good thing for people when they have to work. I'm not sure exactly WHY I had it last night, but I did. Could have been due to the excitement of officially learning how to eat fire, could have been hormones... Not sure - whatever it was, I think I got a total of 2 hours sleep last night, and had to be up at 5 this morning to head in to work...


Only to find that once I got here, the outside badge plate wouldn't recognize my badge. Thankfully I arrived early enough that I could sit on hold for the toll free number into my work (because I didn't want to be late - nor did I know who would be scheduled to be here today) so that I could be let in said front door, since there's no security guards here.


Oh, and tomorrow being Sunday, I will be arriving at work one hour LATE, thanks to our beloved transit system, who insists that no one apparently needs my particular bus prior to 7:35 in the morning - and I live about an hour's bus ride away from work (give or take about 15 minutes for traffic). Nice.


Whilst updating the information for our wedding registries (we have LOTS now), I found that KMart SUCKS ASS for what they have available. Yes, I've been registering at KMart - also WalMart - because we have friends who are not financially stable, but who may want to give us affordable gifts. SO - we're attempting to cover everyone's options. In any case - not everything available at KMart is available at their "wedding section". It's making me totally agro - I'd love to get some bath sheets, but we can't put them on our list unless I take time and go INTO the store. Bleh. What good is online shopping if you're not going to allow ordering for everything you have available?


All sorts of petty things annoying me today - MySpace saying people are on when they're not... reps calling me for information on how to do something, then stating after the fact that they don't know the steps on how to do said something prior to getting to the point that they want to be at. argh, argh, argh...


Oh - and I won't be able to spend more than an hour or so at PK tonight because I have to wake up in the morning and go to work. I can't wait for my new schedule to start. Will be MUCH better, with Friday, Sun and Mon off... Yay me. I can deal with working during the days on Saturday, and by next tourney season, I should have enough seniority to request a different schedule with Friday/Sat/Sun off. Yay me again.


Bleh - I really just want to crawl back into bed and sleep for a good 12 hours...


~M

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Let's say I break into your house...

I'm not normally political here - I believe that people have a right to believing in whatever they choose to, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else. I also believe that people have the right to believe those things without having to hear others rant on about their own beliefs (the old "if you don't like it, don't read it / look at it / consider it" thing is OH so right at times).


But every so often it comes to my attention via friends who are like-minded (or those who love to play devil's advocate - which I *LOVE* to play), and it just strikes me as totally, directly right on... The following gem, for example, was sent to me via Mum...


A lady wrote the best letter to the Editorials in ages!! It explains things better than all the baloney you hear on TV.


"Recently large demonstrations have taken place across the country protesting the fact that Congress is finally addressing the issue of illegal immigration. Certain people are angry that the US might protect its own borders, might make it harder to sneak into this country and, once here, to stay indefinitely. Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these protests.


"Let's say I break into your house. Let's say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave. But I say, "I've made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors; I've done all the things you don't like to do. I'm hard-working and honest (except for when I broke into your house).


"According to the protesters, not only must you let me stay, you must add me to your family's insurance plan, educate my kids, and provide other benefits to me and to my family (my husband will do your yard work because he too is hard-working and honest, except for that breaking in part). If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my right to be there. It's only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself. I'm hard-working and honest, um, except for, well, you know.


"And what a deal it is for me!! I live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of selfishness, prejudice and being an anti-housebreaker. Oh yeah, and I want you to learn my language so you can communicate with me."


Why can't people see how ridiculous this is?!



It's been one of those issues where I've hemmed and hawed about how I felt - but this particular analogy really put it into perspective... Is it the right perspective? Well, I don't know about that. I am not going to say whether it's right or wrong. But I will say that for every country I've ever **VISITED**, I've attempted at least a modicum of their language to show them that I am willing to learn. I have never ONCE assumed that someone knew my language if I wasn't in a predominantly English-speaking country. I also have never asked for anyone in another country to pay for my way, or my board or room, in return for doing their menial jobs.


I don't mind learning other languages, I actually rather enjoy it. I don't mind learning about other cultures - each one is rich in history (moreso than my own country, comparitively), and I love to learn about what it takes to make, say, a cup of tea. When you're in my country, however, just as those who helped me in France, Germany, Hungary, the Czech republic and Ukraine, I expect you to learn to speak my language. And if you're going to stay here, then you do so legally.


This is NOT a nazi-ism - it is a truth-ism. I don't believe that America is the end-all, be-all of societies (just ask my friends - they'll tell you EXACTLY what I think of political policies here at times). I do believe, however, that if I were to go live in Ukraine, I'd learn to speak Russian and Ukrainian. I'd go through what it would take to live there legally, and would never expect them to learn my language to make it easier for me to live there. That's just not the way the world works.


If you are here illegally, then you need to go back home and try for LEGAL citizenship for you and your family. When I get my paycheck at the end of two weeks, I don't enjoy knowing that part of my taxes go to paying for a war I don't believe in - neither do I like knowing that part of it goes to shelter your ass because you couldn't get here legally. I'm sorry that your country is in turmoil. I'm sorry that you feel you need to leave. There are other, better ways than sneaking across the border to live off other people's earnings.


~M

I scored a 39...

Below is Dr. Phil's test. (Dr. Phil scored 55; he did this test on Oprah - she got a 38.) Some folks pay a lot of money to find this stuff out!


Yes, it's time for a rather mindless, but interesting, quiz - as found on "Life in the Mundane". Read on, this is actually pretty interesting!


Don 't be overly sensitive! The following is pretty accurate and it only takes 2 minutes. Take this test for yourself and send it to your friends.


The person who sent it placed their score in the e-mail subject box. Please do the same before forwarding to your friends (send it back to the person who sent it to you.) Don 't peek, but begin the test as you scroll down and answer.


Answers are for who you are now --- not who you were in the past. Have pen or pencil and paper ready.


This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and prospective employees. It's only 10 Simple questions, so grab a pencil and paper, keeping track of your letter answers to each question.


Make sure to change the subject of the e-mail to read YOUR total. When you are finished, forward this to friends/family, and also send it to the person who sent this to you. Make sure to put YOUR score in the subject box.


Ready??


Begin.


1. When do you feel your best?
a) in the morning
b) during the afternoon / early evening
c) late at night


2. You usually walk...
a) fairly fast, with long steps
b) fairly fast, with little steps
c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) less fast, head down
e) very slowly


3. When talking to people you...
a) stand with your arms folded
b) have your hands clasped
c) have one or both your hands on your hips
d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair


4. When relaxing, you sit with...
a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) your legs crossed
c) your legs stretched out or straight
d) one leg curled under you


5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
a) big appreciated laugh
b) a laugh, but not a loud one
c) a quiet chuckle
d) a sheepish smile


6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...
a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed


7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted...
a) welcome the break
b) feel extremely irritated
c) vary between these two extremes


8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a) Red or orange
b) black
c) yellow or light blue
d) green
e) dark blue or purple
f) white
g) brown or gray


9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are...
a) stretched out on your back
b) stretched out face down on your stomach
c) on your side, slightly curled
d) with your head on one arm
e) with your head under the covers


10. You often dream that you are...
a) falling
b) fighting or struggling
c) searching for something or somebody
d) flying or floating
e) you usually have dreamless sleep
f) your dreams are always pleasant


POINTS:
1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1
10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1


Now add up the total number of points.


OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.


51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.


41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.


31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.


21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.


UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.


~M

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Insane in the Membrane!

So, the whole summer, Fred's fire troupe has been working their ASSES off in trying to get up money and toy donations for the Portland Transitional School. They got quite a bit of money, as well as a beautifully illustrated book, about 12 stuffed animals, some other toys, art supplies, and a pledge for more money.


HOWEVER - due to rumors and suggestive ads on Tribe.net, and people calling the school about them, the school decided to shut the entire thing down... This, from the email Fred received yesterday:


As Sara explained to you a few months ago the school does not feel comfortable with you fundraising or collecting items for CTS as we have received several calls with concerns about this.

As for the money you raised you may send it to the school. All other items should be donated elsewhere. The school supplies we suggest your local school district and the toys could be donated to Toys for Tots or a local social service agency.

Please respect this request.

Cheryl Bickle
Principal



I find it interesting that they won't take the toys, but they'll take the money... Since this school supposedly gets so little in donations for their students, one would think that they would be willing to take ALL the donations - and publicity - that they could get. But no... Due to some people not wanting this to succeed at all, the kids will get pretty much nothing.


Fred is devastated, to say the least. He's angry, sure, but mostly he's just upset that all that hard work for these kids will amount to nothing. And now there's the fear that if the money is handed over, it won't go to the kids or to help support the school...


Personally, I'd LOVE to ream the school a new asshole. I can understand concern about where money or donations might come from, and I can understand having concerns about having a new group giving charity donations. But there's such a thing as giving people a chance to prove themselves. Honestly.


As far as the ads were concerned, they weren't anything that Fire and Steel were able to control - it was a 'bot, created by Google, to put in what it thought would be pertinant based on word searches within the text of posts. It saw the words "single" and "adult" and decided that it would be a great idea to post up an ad about swinging singles in Portland.


As far as the rumours about Fire and Steel not accepting checks, that was just bullshit - no one ever approached them to ask whether checks would be accepted or not. It was simply assumed that they wouldn't, and thus a rumour was born. Nice.


So, apparently, the lesson that everyone was supposed to learn here is: Don't do anything nice for a group of people. They won't appreciate it, and you'll just get kicked in the teeth.


~M

As a dog!

I'm pretty well sick as one. So's Fred. We're both hacking at one another, sneezing, sniffling, generally feeling miserable - and I've lost my voice. Yippee.


I took today off (since I have the next two days off as well) in order to recouperate and get my voice back to being somewhat normal. However, this PK is going to suck for me and Fred - neither of us are going to be up for singing. *sigh*


Had to go through Speedboy's school bag last night. As per the usual, both Fred and I found LOTS of things that either he "lost" or was supposed to turn into us for signing but didn't because he couldn't find them. He has a binder, and folders, but doesn't use them. Just stuffs everything into the bag and then says "I lost it" when the teacher (or Fred or I) asks where things were. He's already doing horribly in math, literature and science - all because he can't seem to turn things in because he "lost" them. Horribly frustrating.


Last night I made Zuppa Tuscanna for dinner (just like Olive Garden - I swear!). I set up the crock pot for tonight's dinner of 4 bean soup with ham and veggies. Should be really, REALLY tasty. If it's good, I'll post up the recipe for everyone. :-)


I've found that it's difficult to get things together for dinner with the new job, unless I make use of the crock pot for those days when I'm working. I don't get home until 7:30 or so in the evening, so it's pretty difficult to get dinner on the table in a reasonable amount of time. Fred helps when he can, but he's home by 6, and is exhausted, so I'm learning more crock pot recipes for Mondays and Wednesdays - I figure he can do dinner on the weekends. LOL.


Other than that, not much else going on. I'm registering us for gifties at WalMart, too - so that people can actually AFFORD to get us some of the things that we really need (some of them are literally falling apart and need to be replaced).


~M

Monday, October 09, 2006

It's a wedding!!!

The date has been set for the wedding... June 23, 2007. It was decided on based mostly due to weather conditions for the past 3 years, and the fact that there are no SCA events (that we know of) on that date that we're going to - I checked the handy-dandy An Tir calendar. For those who are interested in getting us stuff and things, here we are:

Target Club Wedd Gift Registry #: 010003993196702

Bed Bath and Beyond Registry#: 2523630

Sears Registry Number: 093008020002101306

Wal-Mart Registry Number: 26774658876

JC Penny - no registry number, look up by our names...

What we really *need* so far:

- stoneware bowls, in cobalt blue, preferably
- closet organizers for both our walk-in closet and Josh's closet
- frames (or gift certificates for framing stores) for artwork

I found The Memory Gardens as the venue for the wedding... It's all set, and the place is beautiful. Fred and I walked through it a few weeks ago, and it'll be perfect for a small, intimate wedding.

We'll be having the potluck reception at The Oregon Zoo, immediately following the wedding. Should be LOTS of fun for everyone. Not enough people got back to me with $$ for the tickets, so everyone will have to pay their own way in.

Lil has honored us with accepting to be our officiator at the wedding. I'm so happy to be married by my bestest friend - especially when she's so happy for both Fred and me. Yay us!

Mishu has honored me by agreeing to be my Best Bitch. LOL. I'm not having a huge grouping of Maid of Honor and bridesmaids... I'm bunching it all together into one, and that would be her. LOL. She and I both like the title Best Bitch, so I think it'll stick. I do have one bridesmaid/flowergirl - Anxiety insisted, and I decided I couldn't have my wedding without her...

The dreamcatchers are done. We have 60 or so of them - possibly more... I think we'll have PLENTY for everyone... LOL.

I *DO* need help with a few other things... If you're willing and able to help, please let me know and we'll get together and talk about it / work on it together:

- sewing the dresses and the kilts
- keeping me generally sane throughout this

There's about 14 days until the wedding at this update (6/8/07)... I'm going slightly insane...

~M

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Happy Anniversary, Love!

One year ago today, Fred opened his heart and home to me. We've spent the last year revelling in the most amazing relationship that either of us has ever had. Yes, we disagree on some things, but we don't yell, scream, rant or rave about it to one another - if we have an issue, we discuss it - and we can agree to disagree.


Our relationship has grown so strong, and so well - it's incredible. I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of his and Speedboy's life, every day - even when they're driving me nuts because they're boys. LOL.


We have a tentative date set for a wedding, as he's proposed to me (see the last entry). We're looking at mid-April, which should give enough time for us to get everything ready, but not wait forever, either. ;-)


Thanks to everyone for all your love, support, and congrats to us.


I love you, Fred!


~M

Monday, October 02, 2006

I do...

It started out like most mornings... I woke up around 4 am to Fred kissing me goodbye and wishing me a good day at work. We said we loved one another, and he took off for work. I then promptly fell back asleep into a really odd dream (been having a lot of those lately - have no clue why).


I woke up at 5am, noting that the lights were on - but they had been off at 4. I was confused... Then looked over and found Fred surfing on the computer. Wha....? I thought.


Turns out, the back wheel of his bicycle decided to freeze in its tracks about a mile from home, causing him to have to carry it all the way back here... at 4am... So, he decided that it would be a good idea to fix the bike today, so as to be able to head to work tomorrow...


Whilst getting ready for work, I mentioned that I would pick up the money for the rent, and he took out his debit card. He handed it to me with his pin number, and then said to deposit all but $20, since that's what he owed the gut truck (otherwise known in my circles as the roach coach). And then he told me to keep a hold of it for a while and not give it back...


I looked at him quizzically, and he said "I'm no good to you dead... Unless I miss my count, I have no cigarettes left. So, don't give it back for a while." He's been trying to quit smoking for a while now, and he decided that he was ready.


And we hugged, and I said thank you - at which point his eyes teared up, and he said to me...


"I know it's not our anniversary yet, and I don't have a ring to give you - hell, I don't have much of anything - but I would be honored if you would consent to marry me and be my wife..."


I, of course, said...


"I will," and we both proceeded to cry on (and at) one another for a few minutes, telling one another we loved one another dearly.


I was so sappy and out of it that I wore two different color socks to work today...


So, yes, it's official - we're engaged. No, we haven't set a date yet, and no, we probably won't have a huge wedding. We may have a pretty good-sized reception, but no big wedding.


~M