Gaze about from where you stand. Spin in circles ’til you’re dizzy as a child exiting the best merry-go-round ride she’s ever had. Look up at the humongous sky above and wonder aloud what’s beyond the antique clouds and shimmering stars. Watch the yellow leaves fall and remember it was a hot and dry and brilliant summer that left us with more than a handful of memories. And then, in good time, when the wind blows hard down the paths that we happen upon and the warmth has dissipated, take another moment to wrap the textures of life all around you like a hundred blankets quilted from everything that’s so much bigger than any single one of us could ever imagine. Remember summer. Enjoy fall. And look forward to all that is to come.
Prime the Pump
Lindsey and I attended the early service at The Well at Central United Methodist church this morning. The music by Jeff Cobb and his band was excellent and the message by Chris Lane was clear and left both of us with something to think about for the week to come.
What I took away from today was the reminder to keep the big picture in mind and to pay our good fortune forward to make the world better for the rest. As you’ll get from the song below, it’s better to prime the pump for the next man than to drink dry the well yourself.
Here’s the song Pastor Lane referenced in his message.
Chris’ Great Ideas – #651
I said, “How about we do an African theme for the reception? I saw an African artifact the other day.”
This was actually really well received… by some people in the room. Elephants and some other animal I can’t remember right now were suggested. I was informed most women in Africa are topless. Maybe not in the cities … I don’t know as I’ve never been. But that certainly would make for a good wedding.
I guess we’ll stick with the “TC Theme”! Go Blue!!
Social Uncertainty
I am not good at remembering names, and I’m only slightly better at remembering faces. Even in a world where I’ve got social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn to help refresh my memory, I often find myself feeling somewhat awkward in group social situations because, while I may have met some of the participants before (multiple times), many of their names escape me. The result of this is a shyness in approaching a familiar face whose name I forget. Or, although more seldom, the resulting embarrassment of introducing myself to someone who knows my name (and whose name I “should” know).
There are any number of tricks to help remember names such as selecting a distinctive feature of the acquaintance and associating his/her name with it in some way. Or using his/her name frequently in conversation in hopes that it will improve your memory in the future. However, tricks only carry you so far.
The downside to being uncertain of names and faces is the resulting shyness in social situations. However, the solution is not necessarily a better memory, but, instead, increasing my risk tolerance. It’s freeing to realize that it’s impossible to go through life being certain of everything. Getting a name wrong is far better than not talking at all, hanging out by the wall, and feeling awkward.
So. Forget a name. Forget an occupation. But do it by acting.
Funny Slim Fast Ads
I found these online the other day. I will say there was one about a guy needing to lose weight… but only one. Shame on you, America! Personally, my main motivation to workout is for health and stress relief … and I keep meaning to get back to the gym now that the busy days of summer are long gone. The upcoming wedding does provided some additional motivation to hit the gym to ensure I look as sharp and dashing as possible in my Tux!
Chris’ Great Ideas – # 482
I ask, “What if we give all of the guests a Petoskey stone?”
After a short pause, Lindsey says, “Keep thinking.” and smiles.
Pumpkin Carving
Jen and Brent had Lindsey, me and Karla over to carve pumpkins in their garage tonight. Upon arrival, the tables were set with paper – the pumpkin bread was sliced, yet still warm – and Stella the pup was fully charged and ready to devour every last pumpkin seed that slipped through our hands and onto the cement floor.
L to R: Brent, Chris (Me), Karla, Jen, Lindsey … and Stella below. | More pictures here.
I really like Lindsey’s pumpkin, which displays a “C & L” crest… pretty cool with the golf clubs and ball and tee. I thought about doing something equally meaningful, but opted for the demented weirdo pumpkin scheme instead.
Video on Marriage from Pop!Tech 2010
Stephanie Coontz: PopTech 2010 from PopTech on Vimeo.
Renowned expert on the past and future of marriage, and the author of ‘Marriage, A History’
Me encanta mi vestido! (I love my dress!)
Hola!
Our trip to Chicago was a huge success! My mom and I found exactly what I was dreaming of at Macy’s. It was such a great experience! By shear luck, the designer of the dress was at Macy’s on Saturday having his first ever trunk show. I had never heard of him before, but I am sure glad he was there! The first dress I tried on was fantastic, a solid 9.5 out of 10, but dress numero dos…..WOWZA! I love it! I hope everyone else loves it as much as I do. The designer is originally from Cuba, but lives in Texas and LA and works in New York. He has designed for demitrios in the past, but this was his first collection, and let me just say, all of his designs were awesome. Each was completely different and stunning at the same time. I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but I will say that it is white, strapless, and has a sweetheart neckline. I can not wait to go back to Chicago in a few months for a fitting!
For anyone who is in the market for a wedding gown, I would definitely recommend at least checking out Macy’s! I would also recommend going to Lou Mitchell’s for breakfast and Adobo in Old Town. The food was fantastic and they made guacamole at your table – very fun place!
Chicago is great, but I am glad to be back home! Next up….finding bridesmaid dresses!
Chicago Bound!
Chris, Dan/Dad, Peg/Mom, and I will be headed to Chicago this weekend! I am hoping to find “the dress”, so send me some good vibes…..It occured to me yesterday, not only do I get to find a dress, I also get new shoes! I am not sure which I am more excited about, but I can not wait! I will report some time next week, hopefully with good news!
Fall Hiking Pictures!
It was a beautiful fall day! Chris and I took Terry, Robbi, Katy, and Steen to the exact location where Chris proposed! We had all three dogs with us, which was quite hectic, but fun nonetheless. Yogi got a little – well a lot worn out – and by the end of the hike decided to lay in the water! Ugg. Maybe hiking to “our spot” will be a yearly thing….I hope so!
Movie Review: Life As We Know It
Lindsey and I saw Life As We Know It last night, which stars Katherine Heigle and Josh Duhamel.
The basic plot is: married couple living a dream life dies suddenly leaving newborn baby. The couple had planned for their close friends (played by Heigle and Duhamel) to be named the guardians of the baby. The twist is that the close friends, while close to the deceased couple, and in a way to each other, couldn’t stand each other – fought like cats and dogs. Sadness, reality and hilarity ensue as the close friends try to sort things out with their new responsibility – and figure out how to live with one another.
The movie was slightly over-length, which may account for the bad reviews by critics, but heartwarming nonetheless. We would definitely recommend it!
More importantly, we skipped all movie snacks! Yikes! … because we had just eaten Moomers ice cream.
Bride & Groom Elect
Fall Golf & Website Update
Lindsey and I trekked over to Gaylord to use a couple of free-round coupons for The Tribute golf course at the Otsego Club. I think the rest of Northern Michigan had the same idea. It was one of the slowest rounds of golf ever. The course was nice (I holed out for eagle on one of the par 5’s on the front nine!!!). However, we called it quits after it took four hours to play 12 holes.
We had a good “old” dinner at the Suger Bowl in downtown Gaylord where we were the youngest couple in the restaurant by a good 30 years!
There was lots of wedding talk – and we’re trying to nail down the rehearsal dinner location. When it comes down to it, it’s tough to find a place to host a large group the week before the Fourth of July! One of the many “joys” of fudgie season in Traverse City.
As you can see, the engagement/wedding website is slowly taking shape. I added a countdown timer today, and we’re hoping to post profiles of the bride-elect and groom-elect this week… and then follow with the rest of the wedding party and families.
Have a great week and feel free to comment or contact us if you have any tips or just want to say hello!
Welcome to our blog!
Chris proposed on September 17, 2010 and we already have a blog going! He had no idea that you have to start planning a wedding the very next day, but guess what?! You do! We selected the perfect date for a what will surely be an amazing TC wedding – June 25, 2011.
Just wanted to say hello! We hope that you enjoy keeping up with the planning process and learning more about us as we approach the big day!