One Month.

Today marks our first full month of being fully fledged married people. What do I have to say about it?

It's relaxing and full of just being plain happy.

My advice for all couples? Don't get engaged, just get married. :)

Totes Married.

Wow. That is all I can say about our wedding day. From the very start of the ceremony to the very end (and past that), it was perfect, it was fun, and it was EMOTIONAL. I apologize to everybody who told us (which was pretty much every guest we had) that they've never cried so much at a wedding.

Oops.

I can't help but keep on re-living that day. Getting ready in the morning, having my "team" work on me and my mom. Getting to see the brothers come into the room looking all spiffy. Bridesmaids looking all cute. Waiting in the car with Kuya before I made my big entrance. Standing at the end of the aisle staring at Ryan. Ryan crying. Me crying. Everybody crying. Vows. The look on Ryan's face as he slid that ring on my finger. Squeezing Ryan's hand as the minister pronounced us husband and wife. Signing the certificate. AWESOME choir. Walking up the aisle as husband and wife. Tons of picture flashes. Hopping into the limo.

Break. Mini celebration in the limo. WOOO MARRIED LIFE!

Reception. Running around, getting dress fixed in bridal room. Greeting/meeting all the guests. Pictures up and around the corner from the reception site. Introductions. Kisses 3x in a row (thanks guys). MOH speech, BM speech. Cry cry cry. Oh Norms, you ugly crier you. Barely eating, running around talking to guests, taking pictures, super entertaining program. Surprise number from my husband?! *sigh. This is why I love him so much. Speeches from my brothers. Cry cry cry. Speeches from Castro parents. Cry cry cry. Cake cutting. Ryan's speech. Cry cry cry. My speech. Cry cry cry. The end.

I couldn't thank all of the guests enough for their support, presence but most of all love. I haven't felt that much love in a room in a long time. It's true what I said, there's no comparing the two coasts, the best people really do live on both coasts. As much as I've grown up with the best kind of people around, I'm really glad to have met and will live the rest of my life with another group of the best people ever. So a big cheers to that.

Big big thanks to my family who flew all this way (and a few who went bankrupt just to get here) to spend time with me before and after the wedding. I'm sorry I couldn't spend more time with you. I really really miss you guys and I hope you visit me soon. Kuya + Jed, take care of Mom.

And on one last note. Someone asked me which part (aside from the ceremony) was my favourite part, I have to say it was the surprise number of my new husband. As a lot of you know, I don't like receiving compliments, and I don't really think too highly of myself (unlike a few of my friends.. hahah). However, Ryan always compliments me, and he always goes out of his way to make me feel good about myself (despite my protests and blushing out of embarassment). So when he sang that song, it literally is about us, and it couldn't have been more perfect.

So as I sit here and eat my gyozas (that I made!!), I couldn't be more content, and more in love. That couldn't have been a more perfect start to married life.

Final Stretch.

One more week; 7 more days. What can I say? I'm stressed.

On top of getting the apartment ready, running around for the little details, trying to get people to message me back about their itineraries, figure out plans/pick up at the airports, figuring out rental cars, trying to make sure everything goes well AND finish planning a wedding, AND make sure that Ryan doesn't fall apart at the seams... I have to stay healthy. Not happening.

I don't know what it is about having to plan a wedding, but I just get annoyed with everybody. I just want to tell everybody that I'm not here to babysit. Stop asking me stupid questions, stop asking me about things that don't matter to me. What matters to me is this wedding, and I swear if I get asked about accommodations or plans for going out, I am going to hit someone. I don't have the time, patience or energy to think about anything else but the wedding, so please. JUST LEAVE ME ALONE. Gosh.


Let's hope I make it to next week... healthy...ish. Wish me luck.

The Big Move.

Hello from New Jersey!

I finally have a moment to breathe (and type) since I get here, so I figured, let's update people on what's been happening.

So one big thing, I moved away from home! As the day drew nearer, it got more bittersweet for me. I noticed the things I took for granted, my family (like how Mom totally babies all her children with cleaning, laundry, cooking etc etc, not to mention the stupidness of my daily existence with my brothers), my friends (and how awesome they are), and just the city itself. Yes, I was born in Winnipeg (Peg city STAND UP! - haha, I know I'm the farthest thing from ghetto there is), but I was raised in Vancouver. I'm a BC/Vancouver girl at heart, and forever I will be a Vancouver girl at heart. This may be my new home, but I'll never forget where I'm from.

The last few days in Vancouver were crazy! Fiankee + brother in law showed up, the engagement party with the most love I've seen in a while, the craziest night with my girls, and finally the funnest day with my family in Victoria (I LOVE SCOOTERING!! WAH!). As the seconds counted down to my departure, the more I felt blessed and lucky to have such great people around me (in spirit and physically).

Departure day. I had such a great (and unexpected) send off, it just got so difficult to leave. I love everybody to called/texted/showed up, I definitely felt the love.

And now I'm here in New Jersey, adjusting, being homesick, wedding planning and tackling the monster, also known as New York - which brings me to a funny/scary story that I will tell at a later time. Ever since I arrived here, it's been non-stop wedding planning. Definitely stressful, but it'll be worth it in the end. (But seriously, do I really look like a person that cares about which SHADE of white the flowers will be? Seriously?)

Which brings me to my last point before I get off this thing and try to pass out (adjusting to East Coast time has been so difficult! I know it's only 3 hours, but it really does make a difference). The huge difference from being long distance to seeing Ryan every day totally makes my day and life. I may see him every day, but I still get excited (and anxious) to see him when he gets home from work. If that doesn't tell me how awesome married life will be, I don't know what else to tell you.

And cue barfing.

Make it count.

Yesterday was my last Sports Fest for church. As I stood there and took it all in, it finally hit me that I was leaving. I obviously cried, and I obviously got other people to cry too. What can I say, I'm a crying machine nowadays.

I have 2 more weeks at home, let's make it count.

In other news, 10 more days until I get to see Ryan. It's been a very long 2.5 months since I've last seen him. I may just knock him over with enthusiasm when I see him at the airport. Should I apologize in advance? Naaahh.

Progress.

8 more weeks to go! Here's just a quick update on what's happening...

1. 3/5 bridesmaids/maid of honour dresses are complete, ordered and sized! 3/5 shoes are complete too!
2. Honeymoon completely booked. HAWAI HERE WE COME! My dream honeymoon really is happening! :p
3. Invitations = ORDERED! To be mailed out/handed out in the next two weeks. No RSVP, NO SEAT.
4. Two weeks notice resignation letter written! TWO MORE WEEKS SUCKAS.
5. 4 weeks til the big move! 2 weeks until my yard sale! Hoping for money and items gone!
6. Meetings with florists are booked, my first week in NJ is going to be BUSY.

And my mosssst favourite:
7. As of today, 18 lbs lost! I still have more to go, but for 3 weeks, that's pretty good! Feeling good, looking good.. all thanks to Ryan's encouragement. Not to mention my own motivation to look rocking in the wedding dress and of course hawaii bikini times!

To be honest, I always try dieting and it only lasts a week, exercising as well, but this time, Ryan keeps pushing me to do what makes me feel good, and sure I may die everyday (the Insanity workout is NO JOKE), but it makes me feel really good about myself. Even when Ryan says that he loves me the way I am, I still want to be better. For me, for us. Please don't barf, I'm running on 3 hours of sleep, gushy moments will happen. :p

Bucket List

Since I only have about a month left until I leave, I want to be able to do all of the following before I do so.
I need to enjoy Vancouver while I can. =(

1. Watch a show at Bard on the Beach.
2. PNE/Playland
3. Canoe/kayak at Burnaby Lake
4. Granville Island
5. Grouse Grind
6. Bike ride around Stanley Park
7. Victoria
8. Beach volleyball on any of the beaches
9. Ambleside Park
10. Fireworks

I'm sure there's more, and I'll keep adding/crossing off things here.

Let's get to it!

5 weeks.

5 more weeks til I get outta here. I'm freakin' excited.

The next few weeks are going to be awesome. Thanksgiving, Anni GEM, Edmonton, Engagement Party, last minute hang outs with friends, and Victoria with the fam. Also, not to mention that I FINALLY get to see Ryan in a month. UGH, the wait is killing me.

Let's get on with it!


PS. Many thanks to Alexis, Annie & Missy. Your advice is greatly appreciated! :)

Fashionista.

First of all, special thanks to Annie! Those blogs are awesome. I love you already, and I haven't met you yet. :p

Secondly, I want to talk about this big move to NJ. This is totally unrelated to the wedding and kind of not related to moving, but one of the coolest things about moving over there is that I get to be fashionable! Woo! Sometimes it's hard to find good cheap items here in Vancouver. A lot of the local stuff is super expensive, and everything else is overly priced/taxed. A lot of my close friends usually cross the border to grab steals and cute items (and not to mention the cute stores that only USA has). Crossing the border I will have to do no longer! Target, uniqlo, top shop and whatever else, HERE I COME.
As estatic as I am, I doubt Ryan would be happy with me spending all of his money. Though, what's his is mine, right? Just kidding.

Speaking of which, does anyone have online suggestions to cute but CHEAP clothing websites? ... and also thanks again to Annie for Gilt Groupe!! (More and more reasons to love you girl!)

Interior Decorating.

So I have been looking at websites for a while, and I'm just wondering if any of you know of house decorating blogs? Ryan showed me the awesomeness of RSS feeds and google reader. (Yes I know, I'm so waaaay behind on times)

So another phase of wedding planning? HONEYMOON PLANNING. How friggen awesome is Hawaii? I'm so excited to just lay down on the beach, relax in hammocks and ride around in vespas in and around the island. I can't wait to go back home all burnt toast. Woo.

Hrm.

I am officially tired.

Who wants to take a mini vacation with me?

Less than 2.

...months until I'm out of here.

Despite my deep deep sadness that I'll be leaving my family, I won't be having my friends around, and the familiarity of Vancouver.. I have to say that I'm freaking excited to get the eff outta here.

For starters, after the wedding, I won't EVER have to look at theknot.com's checklist again, I won't have to see another flashing alarm clock telling me that an item is due, I don't have to work two jobs, and lastly.... I don't have to stay up late crying because I miss Ryan.

Oh, and after I move, I'm no longer going to be the people pleaser Mae, I'm going to take after Ryan and just hate on everybody.
Haha, just kidding.
Sorta.

Dumb questions, outrageous requests and trying to not stress out is actually killing me little by little. Maybe I'm being dramatic now, but people are starting to comment on how tired I am. Not that I already know that I am tired.

I just have to say that I'm looking forward for a little peace and quiet, and to hang out with Vic. I miss Vic. (The Castro's doggie)

R is for Registry.

Whooooo, my favourite thing about this wedding. GIFTS! (Just kidding)
We're finally looking at the registries, and I must say.. I'm as excited as a dog waiting for the owners to come home. I'm so ready to pounce and claw at this thing.

.. figuratively speaking of course.

So I sit here, and I wonder what kind of theme our future home will be, will it be eclectic, kind of an Alice in Wonderland theme, or will it all match and look all pretty? Hahah.. I wish. What I do know is that both Ryan and I have the same kind of style. We are both currently rocking the pigsty look for our bedrooms at home. That will most likely be the theme for our future home...

Anyway, with all of this going on, I've got to say.. I'm quite excited to get on with the wedding and play house for real with Ryan. I can already imagine it, hospital visit after hospital visit because he tries to eat whatever I try to cook. Poor guy.

Hectic-ism. (Random blog to just type and let out the stress)

2 months until I move.
3 months until we get married.
No time to do anything productive.

... or at least that's how I feel!
We have big things out of the way... Church time, venue, the guest list, immigration, attire (his and mine :p), bridal party, sponsors, engagement party, tickets (one way tickets included).. but it seems like a million other things need to be done in a short amount of time. Well, that's what theknot.com's checklist is blinking at me with... those little alarm clocks scare me a little (a lot).

Next cool thing on the checklist, invitations. We're going to be ordering them in the next few days, and it's making this thing more real. I think I say that a lot, but it's true. Everything is slowly (but surely, I hope) coming together, and with the ordering of the invitations, save the dates are going to be emailed out. *sigh of relief*

On to the next thing, one way tickets. Can you say BIG DEAL? BIG DEAL!
It's official people, I'm outta here on August 17, 2010 at 12:40pm. Who wants to come to the airport to watch me go? (Only to fly out a month later to see me again?)
And on the other side, who will be at EWR at 9:00pm to welcome me to my new home?
And who also wants to hear how I totally yelled at everyone at work the day I quit?
(It's going to happen, and I might want someone to videotape it)

Oh, and we are starting to put things in our registries!
... can I list a car on one of those?

Double Digits.

Wow, our wedding is officially now in the double digit range for the countdown.

Phase 3 - Freak out mode starts now.

PS. The biggest reason why I'm looking forward to leaving? 1. Quitting this job. 2. Sending said job place a F*** You cake (thank you Aeson for the suggestion) 3. Sending one of the clients a F*** You cake. 4. This stupid rain. And 5. Not having to pretend I like people anymore. Just kidding. Not really.

PPS. Just two more months, let's make it HAPPEN.

Check!

Another huge thing off of our list. One step closer to finishing everything, and another phase in wedding planning. Let's do this!

For the past few days, Ryan and I have been looking at tickets, his for coming here for the engagement party + picking me up, and mine for that one way ticket. At first I was really scared, and a little nervous.. a one way ticket is a big deal.

But now, I'm kind of really excited. Moving, getting married, new friends, it's definitely going to be an adventure. I'm ready to move forward and just get on with it. Of course I'll miss my family, friends etc, but I'm ready to just go and do new things and just go.

(And of course I'll burn a few bridges on the way out :p Just kidding.. sort of..)

Assumptions

Okay, I really have to ask. Why do people assume they're invited to your wedding, when 1. they're really old and I don't even know their name, 2. they're friends with my mom but not me, and 3. they have relatives in the area, so they assume they're invited?

Where did all the tact go? Where?!

Random Acts of Kindness

Someone offered to help me out with my wedding planning, and it wasn't someone I typically thought would help. I haven't hung out with her in a long time, and we'd only really see each other at church (though, she always makes the effort to come upstairs to say hello), but yet she's really involved with trying to help a stressed out girl out. Especially when it comes to flowers... that I have no idea about.

Goes to show who's totally there for you in times of need. Thanks CA, much love. :)

Doing work.

Getting stuff done, booking certain services, contacting the right people.
I say we're getting our asses into shape for a pretty cool wedding. Woo.


PS. For all of you people flying over to Jersey/New York, I'm waiting for a few emails to come back for some discounts! Stay tuned people, stay tuned!

Short but sweet.

This was one CRAAAAZY weekend. A brunch wedding (CONGRATS MY LOVES ADONNA & ALDRICK!), a surprise birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGANSKI!), and a random "family" dinner at a very creepy house (YAY FOR AUSSIES AND AMERICANS AND BC PEOPLE). And finally.. a sad goodbye. =(

Yesterday, I said goodbye to Ryan one last time. This was his last visit before he picks me up in August.
For all of you LDR's out there, it always seems that weekend trips are always such a tease, yeah? You start getting used to having your loved one there, and then BAM, they have to go. As I was standing there at the entrance of the cross-over point in the airport, not only was I crying my eyes out and clawing at Ryan, (yes I know, I am a very attractive person)I had a little tiny tiny tiny smile on my face, knowing that I don't ever have to do that ever again.


Thank freaking goodness. I think my eyes could never forgive me for the puffiness they had to endure over the last 2 years. If I was rich and had a beautician, I think I would have had a black eye from her. She would have thrown all the creams and makeup at me and said, "EFF YOU, you don't even care!" and then would have punched me in the face.
... I don't even know where that came from. I think I may still be sleeping.. I know that I am definitely sleep deprived.

Anyway, what was I driving at? Oh yeah. No more goodbyes. Woo.