Some days

Do you ever have one of those days where nothing is going right? No matter how many apologies and acknowledged miscommunications, the day just needs to end to give you a fresh beginning in the morning.

The salmon that you made for dinner came out dry, and you know he’s just not in the mood for a budgeted dinner at home or the dishes that will follow. Heading to the gym while he's on a work call, you hope that the space and time will help. It's just an “off” evening. On the precipice of taking a week-long vacation, you know that you have to get through just 3 more days of emails, conference calls, meetings, and some semblance of routine.

One year today

Today, we've lapped a year since boy proposed near Eastern Market. I just can't believe how much has happened in the last year. A friend mentioned the other day that 27 is supposed to be a great year, and mine surely was. Engaged shortly before my 27th celebration, a trip to Ethiopia, a wedding and honeymoon ;), our first apartment, falling more in love with my in-laws (yes, you heard me right),  and so much more.

How We Met (2)

(the first photo of us that I ever publicly promoted*)

 . . . so I'm in Boston, and boy is here in D.C.** We continued a -for the most part- amicable relationship, talking every few months that usually ended in tragic goodbyes of "well, I miss you." He finished his undergrad, and I found myself at a job in Boston for nearly two years, and I really grew to cherish my life there. We both dated other people, not really seeing a way we could ever make it work unless one of us moved.

On a whim, I applied for a few jobs in different cites as I knew my time in Boston was coming to an end. And, one summer afternoon an organization in D.C. rang me for an interview. Two months later I was packing up my little Kia for my big move to Washington.

How We Met

Valentine’s Day is upon us, and whether I was single, senselessly dating, or happily dating boy in the past, I have always enjoyed Valentine’s Day. I know, I know . . . I’d like to say that I was the girl wreaking of cynicism and burning love notes in an x-boyfriend effigy; but I'm just not.

Perhaps, it’s because I love the Christmas season and the red and glittery grandeur seems to flow right into Valentine’s Day, happily taking us through the wintry season. I give into the Hallmark holiday with all its swooning traditions, and I can’t help myself.

It's my first Valentine's Day as a married woman, and I couldn't be more grateful to be wed to boy. On that note, I’d love to tell you how Philip and I met . . .

A Lifetime

(source unknown, but originally from here)

I have to tell you, friends  . . .

Since getting married, I am, in a very odd way, more emotional. It’s not a “crying for no reason” emotional, but rather a sweet moment in a film, moving lyrics to a song, a kind word from a friend will bring me to sentiment. This comes as a shock to me as I’m sure it does to my friends. They joke that I will never let myself cry with others present, and I’m the friend that slaps others urging, “pull yourself together.” I’m sure boy would say other things about my emotional habits ;)

Counting my Blessings

Boy and I have been married a month (from yesterday- Nov 18). I ashamedly did not realize this until a friend informed me- thanks Ash. Gosh, it doesn't seem like a month, and I'm not even sure that "marriage" has hit us yet. Sure, we've had out little squabbles, and instead of one of us driving to our respective apartment for some space, we've had to stay right in that room to duke it out. Let's just say that long-term grudges are not a factor in our relationship; one of us usually melts down in the first few minutes . . . I won't say who is more likely :)

Wedding: Gifts (boy)

(photo via Firefly Imageworks) 

For boy’s wedding gifts from me . . . 

 

*he received monogrammed cuff-links of my initials C (Caitlyn) and N (Nicole), and of course, he wore them to the wedding (via Forever Urban).  

Wedding: Gifts

(photo via Firefly Imageworks, our amazing photographer)

Oddly enough, I want to share some of the presents we gave to friends and family that joined us on our wedding day. I found this task particularly difficult. I wanted the gifts to be ceremonial and symbolic, but with my minimalist tendencies, I tried to find a balance of practicality as well.

Safe and Sound

I do hope Hurricane Sandy didn't prove too adventurous for you, East Coasters. We hunkered down all day with kettle popcorn, episodes of Mad Men, Little Women and Cloud Atlas by candlelight, Manhattans, wedding planning and interwoven naps. Luckily, we only lost power in the wee hours of the night. Hope all were safe and enjoyed the quiet hours at home.

The Tenenbaums

So, tell me, what were you for Halloween? I finally persuaded boy to try out a costume, and let me just tell you, he was utterly uncomfortable and out of spirits. I resolved to promise him that this would be the first and last of his dressing up days. He just looked so pitiful; you should have seen it.

Wedding: 2 things

I just finished updating our wedding website, using The Knot. I wish I had time to make all the changes and additions I'd want up there, but alas this will have to do . . . what do you think?

Who/what will you be for Halloween?

Halloween is approaching, and I have no idea what I'm going to be. How about you?

Philip hates, I mean ABHORS with a passion, Halloween. He's planning on wearing a suit, so when you ask him what he is, he replies "a man in a suit." He lends this attitude to the thinking that only children or parents of children should wear costumes; otherwise, you're just absurd.

oh hello Friday

(girl crush, photo source unknown)

I am one of those people who become annoyed with others who post 'TGIF' on the inter-webs; I'm not one to wish my life away. But, I have to tell you that I'm so delighted it's Friday. Boy and I are finally spending an evening together, and our only crucial decision is the dinner destination. Tomorrow and Sunday will bustle about as we complete our Save the Dates (more on that later) and celebrate a birthday and a wedding. 

How about a Five Things Friday? Bloggers love those, I think. 

* a 'how to help your husband get ahead' ad. It's pretty bad; brace yourself. 

*oh I love these boots, but nuptial bills come first, I suppose. 

*did I tell you reader that this is where I'm getting married? 

*beautiful trailer of Wuthering Heights. 

*last week I sent these sweet little notes to my bridesmaids. Luckily, they all said yes! 

Guys in Suits

Please excuse me for a minute . . .

Usually, I swoon over Philip when he's wearing a simple white tee or a big, cozy sweater with jeans and his laced-up boots, but a friend passed this Tumblr along to me today. Oh my heavens. These men in suits are too much to handle; you know what I'm saying ladies. Now, I'm anxiously awaiting boy's threads on the big day.

The setting

Well, I am still trying to make this wedding happen this fall, possibly November. I can do it, right? Luckily, I have reinforcements coming in this weekend. Two of my very good college girlfriends are joining me on Saturday for a ridiculous amount of venue visits. Since a few places are wineries, I plan on entertaining the ladies with wine sipping. As I'm sure you have noticed, I really want a rustic, ethereal and natural setting for the big day, and I think a farm or vineyard is just the ticket! Light strands, wild flowers, exposed wooden beams with open fields and mountainscape in the background . . .

On forgiveness

Oh to be back at the lake again, where my most pressing decision was red or white wine? What a week it has been, and I know the next five weeks will be just as demanding with  the approaching  two weddings, family visits, friend's complicated lives that beckon me to listen and encourage, Many Hopes retreat extravaganza, work projects and oh, trying to plan my own wedding, if possible.

To the Lake Photos (4)

To the Lake Photos (3)

To the Lake Photos (2)

Before heading to Lake Winnipesaukee, Philip and I spent some time in Boston. Between residing in Virginia and Washington D.C., I spent some time living in Boston, and I adored it. It was an achy two years of questioning my next career move and pointless romantic incidents, but the time was surely filled with fond memories and friendships. 

To the Lake Photos (1)

Oh dear, I have been so quiet these last several days. I had hoped to blog some while at the lake, but the reading, the basking in the sun, the numerous familial meals and the lovely times of conversations kept me away from finding a computer screen. And I have to tell you, I really loved it. I sure did miss blogging, but the disconnect from this world of updates, statuses, feeds and tweets was nice and necessary for a moment.