I have heard many women say that the ideal month to have your wedding is June. That thought confuses me because the last thing I want to do in June is get dressed up and attend a wedding. I believe Summer is the worst time to have a wedding if you live in the normally warmer states.
We married in October. We chose the month based on the least amount of time needed to organize a relatively small wedding: we chose in March so 6 months to prepare was cutting it close without rushing. The fact that any guest that might have to travel by car to attend our wedding wouldn't get stuck to their seats in the scorching months in Texas was a something we thought would be the very least we could do for our guests.
We attended a family wedding this weekend; the only wedding invitation we've had this Summer. Thank goodness! I was not looking forward to the dressing up part, but I was looking forward to seeing the extended family.
This was my husband's second exposure to extended family. I didn't quite want to scare him but I believe it was interesting and a bit flattering to him. Interesting because of my very large family. The bride is my "cousin" (child to my mom's first cousin). I never know how that "once or twice removed" thing works! I just know we are related!
Anyways, I think my husband was a bit flattered because after almost 3 years of marriage he is still a novelty/"new" to the family and some of my relatives (living in Mexico) had been looking forward to meeting him.
It was great to see everyone, but I know my husband is glad he isn't required to remember every ones name. Heck, I have a hard enough time remembering the right names and I confess to having introduced most family members as an aunt, uncle or cousin but NOT mentioning their first names. I had several "deer & headlight" moments.
Anyways the wedding was nice, but the venue though lovely was mostly "outdoors" and it was a hot Texas day! My cousin apologized sheepishly for the August wedding stating it wasn't the best for a wedding, but sure was great for a honeymoon. I agree, and despite the steamy weather I am happy we were there!
Wedding Photos
Monday, August 13, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
A night out for some Texas funk!
It had been some time since my honey and I went out for some evening entertainment. A couple (friends) from Austin invited us to meet them and listen to a favorite band that was playing in a town "next door" to us. We jumped at the invite; at least I did!.
We had missed out on the last few performances in the area and I was anxious to get "my fix" of Mingo Fishtrap. These guys are great musicians, and they are never disappointing. I have been following them for several years. There aren't many bands now a days with a horn section that not only are great to see but "blow you away"! If you have a chance to check them out live I recommend them!
So the evening out went pretty well. We grabbed a few burgers and beers before the show. I am so grateful we still know folks who actually eat BEEF and haven't taken the vegetarian/vegan road. Nothing against that life style, it just makes me not enjoy having a not so healthy meal in front of them.
Anyways, there was grubbing, dancing and enough drinking to make the evening out enjoyable but by midnight we were back at home. Our friends had to pick up their son at the sitter's and I am sorry to say that at 40-something five hours of fun were enough for me. I had no problem leaving and driving us (me & the honey) home; it was my turn to drive and we always drink responsibly. 8-)
I hope your Summer nights are being well spent!
We had missed out on the last few performances in the area and I was anxious to get "my fix" of Mingo Fishtrap. These guys are great musicians, and they are never disappointing. I have been following them for several years. There aren't many bands now a days with a horn section that not only are great to see but "blow you away"! If you have a chance to check them out live I recommend them!
So the evening out went pretty well. We grabbed a few burgers and beers before the show. I am so grateful we still know folks who actually eat BEEF and haven't taken the vegetarian/vegan road. Nothing against that life style, it just makes me not enjoy having a not so healthy meal in front of them.
Anyways, there was grubbing, dancing and enough drinking to make the evening out enjoyable but by midnight we were back at home. Our friends had to pick up their son at the sitter's and I am sorry to say that at 40-something five hours of fun were enough for me. I had no problem leaving and driving us (me & the honey) home; it was my turn to drive and we always drink responsibly. 8-)
I hope your Summer nights are being well spent!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Blog's 1st anniversary
Today is this blog's first year anniversary. I can't believe I've managed to write more than the handful of initial entries, though the last couple of months there have been more distractions and less stories to share.
I am grateful for this mean of expression as well as the interest and comments from those who have read it.
I don't know how the next year will be, but evolution is a guarantee.
I am grateful for this mean of expression as well as the interest and comments from those who have read it.
I don't know how the next year will be, but evolution is a guarantee.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Sugar Daddy
I 've been feeling very weird today, you see.. After years and years of being independent and self-sufficient I can't quite feel comfortable relying on someone other than myself.
Yesterday I escaped a castastrophe. While making my long commute to work in heavy rains one of the wiper blades on my car tried to escape! The blade came out of the bracket, got tangled between the "arms" and then the arms managed to cross and hook themselves together at the worst possible time.
Call it what you will, luck or guardian angels; it happened right after I had switched to the right lane of the highway, being overly cautious and switching lanes long before my exit. I was lucky to be able to pull onto the shoulder while blinded by the heavy curtain of rain and not be one more casualty of yesterday's bad weather-induced wreckage.
Anyways, one tow truck, and two hours later I finally made it to work. What came after was a hefty bill for the repairs plus a spinning head trying to decide exactly how to pay for it My husband, less stressed (and I guess conscious that no bodily injuries, only car repairs, was a blessing) had no problem offering one of his credit cards. Cha-ching!!
Not that I won't be contributing to paying for the repair cost, but having someone to share burdens still feels strange. I've been jokingly calling my husband my Sugar Daddy (to his amusement), thankful that WE (as a couple) have the means to take care of the unexpected, but mostly because I am having a hard time accepting that my husband took responsibility for ME.
I can't help but feel like some type of a slacker, almost incapable and having to rely on others for my welfare. Despite the few years together with my husband I have stayed pretty independent. We each take care of our own debts so allowing him to step in and make the decision made this proud/self sufficient woman feel a bit off balance.
I know we are a team now, and in the spirit of it while my car was in at the shop I had them look in to another repair I've been postponing. My husband was equally quick to insist they do it all. So despite my uneasy feeling I am happy not to be all on my own any more. If calling my husband my Sugar Daddy makes him feel "manly" for taking care of me while I deal with my independent notions, then he SHOULD get a kick out of it.
Yesterday I escaped a castastrophe. While making my long commute to work in heavy rains one of the wiper blades on my car tried to escape! The blade came out of the bracket, got tangled between the "arms" and then the arms managed to cross and hook themselves together at the worst possible time.
Call it what you will, luck or guardian angels; it happened right after I had switched to the right lane of the highway, being overly cautious and switching lanes long before my exit. I was lucky to be able to pull onto the shoulder while blinded by the heavy curtain of rain and not be one more casualty of yesterday's bad weather-induced wreckage.
Anyways, one tow truck, and two hours later I finally made it to work. What came after was a hefty bill for the repairs plus a spinning head trying to decide exactly how to pay for it My husband, less stressed (and I guess conscious that no bodily injuries, only car repairs, was a blessing) had no problem offering one of his credit cards. Cha-ching!!
Not that I won't be contributing to paying for the repair cost, but having someone to share burdens still feels strange. I've been jokingly calling my husband my Sugar Daddy (to his amusement), thankful that WE (as a couple) have the means to take care of the unexpected, but mostly because I am having a hard time accepting that my husband took responsibility for ME.
I can't help but feel like some type of a slacker, almost incapable and having to rely on others for my welfare. Despite the few years together with my husband I have stayed pretty independent. We each take care of our own debts so allowing him to step in and make the decision made this proud/self sufficient woman feel a bit off balance.
I know we are a team now, and in the spirit of it while my car was in at the shop I had them look in to another repair I've been postponing. My husband was equally quick to insist they do it all. So despite my uneasy feeling I am happy not to be all on my own any more. If calling my husband my Sugar Daddy makes him feel "manly" for taking care of me while I deal with my independent notions, then he SHOULD get a kick out of it.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
One hair at a time.
One of the "joys" of marrying at a later age is dealing with the grief of having your body change before your spouse's eyes, too soon after "the honeymoon"! All the insecurities of my youth have come back strong! It took me a long time to "deal" with not being the perfect weight. Now signs of aging are coming faster than I'd imagined! Not only have I've had to live with occasional back problems (making me feel ancient) but now gray hair has come in to the picture!!
I know several people in my family who had not even reached the age of 20 before they begun to deal with gray hair. It doesn't matter that I've been spared until my forties, it's a first for me! There has been the rare stress induced gray that has made its appearance. The most memorable of them was a gray EYEBROW at 33 when I was training for my black belt in Karate.
Now the little bastards are popping out without me noticing, and of course my much younger coworker (and dear friend) is only to happy to point them out! Over the last week there have been THREE hairs fighting for the spot light, and plucking them has been difficult. For some reason vacating them has resulted on the demise of a few surrounding non-grays.
My husband has noticed the invaders, but being that he has sported some very becoming gray for a few years that appear to be highlights he didn't bother to mention mine. At my frantic reproach of his lack of; what would the word be, solidarity? We need to help each other continue to look half decent! Anyways, his response to my freak out moment was "I thought you were going blond one hair at a time!" God help me! I love a smart ass, but NOT AN ASS!!
I was not happy with his comment! So, I will be adding to my beauty budget (of makeup, haircuts &, moisturizers) hair coloring!
I know several people in my family who had not even reached the age of 20 before they begun to deal with gray hair. It doesn't matter that I've been spared until my forties, it's a first for me! There has been the rare stress induced gray that has made its appearance. The most memorable of them was a gray EYEBROW at 33 when I was training for my black belt in Karate.
Now the little bastards are popping out without me noticing, and of course my much younger coworker (and dear friend) is only to happy to point them out! Over the last week there have been THREE hairs fighting for the spot light, and plucking them has been difficult. For some reason vacating them has resulted on the demise of a few surrounding non-grays.
My husband has noticed the invaders, but being that he has sported some very becoming gray for a few years that appear to be highlights he didn't bother to mention mine. At my frantic reproach of his lack of; what would the word be, solidarity? We need to help each other continue to look half decent! Anyways, his response to my freak out moment was "I thought you were going blond one hair at a time!" God help me! I love a smart ass, but NOT AN ASS!!
I was not happy with his comment! So, I will be adding to my beauty budget (of makeup, haircuts &, moisturizers) hair coloring!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Pilgrimage West..
It's been a while since we've visited my in-laws in West Texas and I though I hate to take time off of work to drive back and forth for family visits; nice visits, but it's not my definition of VACATION!
This past year we've seen the "folks" quite a bit. With a new niece (their grandbaby) only a short distance from us, my in-laws have been making the long trip to visit my brother in-law and his family a few times this year. These visits "our way" have made it convenient for us to see everyone (at my brother in law's, a short 2-1/2 hour drive from us) and not have to make the long 5-hour trip to to visit my husband's parents. Yes, I realize for most people driving so many hours would surely place you in the the next state (or country for those across the pond), but for Texans it isn't the case.
So, at the end of the month we have a long weekend trip planned. After an entire year since we last visited (for my husband's 25th high school class reunion) we are overdue to make the pilgrimage west. It sure feels like a pilgrimage. It's a long trip with deserted roads, it's HOT, its oh so boring of a trip. Nothing interesting to see after the initial hour drive. The scenic highlights are oil rigs.
The drive is the worst part of our trips there, because truthfully I have enjoyed every visit since my honey first took me to meet the extended family and childhood friends. I usually fall asleep for part if not most of the drive.
My husband always insists on driving. The music selection is geared more to him though we trade off back and forth, but there is not much for me to do in the car. Reading usually makes me carsick so I snooze!!
I'll be scrambling this evening to pack and bracing myself Friday for the long drive in 100 plus degree (Fahrenheit) weather in the West Texas plains. I better start hydrating now to be on the safe side!
Wishing you cool Summer days.
This past year we've seen the "folks" quite a bit. With a new niece (their grandbaby) only a short distance from us, my in-laws have been making the long trip to visit my brother in-law and his family a few times this year. These visits "our way" have made it convenient for us to see everyone (at my brother in law's, a short 2-1/2 hour drive from us) and not have to make the long 5-hour trip to to visit my husband's parents. Yes, I realize for most people driving so many hours would surely place you in the the next state (or country for those across the pond), but for Texans it isn't the case.
So, at the end of the month we have a long weekend trip planned. After an entire year since we last visited (for my husband's 25th high school class reunion) we are overdue to make the pilgrimage west. It sure feels like a pilgrimage. It's a long trip with deserted roads, it's HOT, its oh so boring of a trip. Nothing interesting to see after the initial hour drive. The scenic highlights are oil rigs.
The drive is the worst part of our trips there, because truthfully I have enjoyed every visit since my honey first took me to meet the extended family and childhood friends. I usually fall asleep for part if not most of the drive.
My husband always insists on driving. The music selection is geared more to him though we trade off back and forth, but there is not much for me to do in the car. Reading usually makes me carsick so I snooze!!
I'll be scrambling this evening to pack and bracing myself Friday for the long drive in 100 plus degree (Fahrenheit) weather in the West Texas plains. I better start hydrating now to be on the safe side!
Wishing you cool Summer days.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The "Estrogen Channels" - Helpful or harmful?
Like many women I enjoy watching certain female oriented cable channels. You know, the ones where they often play dramas or romantic comedies? My husband calls them "the estrogen channels" and tuning in usually makes him scurry out of the room.
On occasion he walks in right at a pivotal moment when I find myself sobbing or sighing and he mocks me. What he fails to realize is that these movies/shows put me in a vulnerable mood. Instead of teasing he should"move in for the kill" or "sweep me off my feet". After all, the ground work has been laid for him.
My honey often thanks me for never forcing him to take me to watch "girly" movies. I won't ever force him to do that, just like I expect him not to force me to join him on some of his interest that are not "my thing".
There are times when I've realized that the "estrogen channels" can be dangerous! Yes, I admit it to YOU and have also to my husband! Watching scenes where women are showered by what is considered romantic gestures such as receiving flowers and jewelery can make the average woman envious and start to measure her mate by these standards.
I confess, I not long ago whined to my husband about not being romantic as he used to... Poor guy looked concerned. The very next day right before I left my office for the day my husband called me as he often does before heading home. This time he called to tell me he had gotten out of work early and was planning on stopping at the grocery store on his way home. He asked me to text him a short list of what we may need.
I swear, it hit me like a ton of bricks How could I accuse him of not being romantic? Isn't his constant participation in our marriage JUST THAT?? He is considerate and shares in our daily chores. He doesn't just take and take. He doesn't sit back and let me do it all though some times I have to send up a few flares when he gets lost in his hobbies! His offering to do grocery shopping without being prompted is as romantic as receiving flowers from him.
What married woman who works (more so if she's a stay at home mom), and comes home to do the usual, cooking, cleaning, laundry wouldn't prefer her husband handle one task from the mental "to do list" instead of getting flowers?
Isn't some action that spares us even 20 minutes in a day the equivalence of a gift? Twenty minutes can be converted in to time to pamper ourselves: a short soak in the tub, less stress and a more relaxed dinner conversation, a cat nap, whatever one could fit in 20 minutes!
I will continue to remind myself of the many unconventional ways my honey IS romantic in my real world and try to leave the stereo type romance on the boob tube strictly for entertainment.
On occasion he walks in right at a pivotal moment when I find myself sobbing or sighing and he mocks me. What he fails to realize is that these movies/shows put me in a vulnerable mood. Instead of teasing he should"move in for the kill" or "sweep me off my feet". After all, the ground work has been laid for him.
My honey often thanks me for never forcing him to take me to watch "girly" movies. I won't ever force him to do that, just like I expect him not to force me to join him on some of his interest that are not "my thing".
There are times when I've realized that the "estrogen channels" can be dangerous! Yes, I admit it to YOU and have also to my husband! Watching scenes where women are showered by what is considered romantic gestures such as receiving flowers and jewelery can make the average woman envious and start to measure her mate by these standards.
I confess, I not long ago whined to my husband about not being romantic as he used to... Poor guy looked concerned. The very next day right before I left my office for the day my husband called me as he often does before heading home. This time he called to tell me he had gotten out of work early and was planning on stopping at the grocery store on his way home. He asked me to text him a short list of what we may need.
I swear, it hit me like a ton of bricks How could I accuse him of not being romantic? Isn't his constant participation in our marriage JUST THAT?? He is considerate and shares in our daily chores. He doesn't just take and take. He doesn't sit back and let me do it all though some times I have to send up a few flares when he gets lost in his hobbies! His offering to do grocery shopping without being prompted is as romantic as receiving flowers from him.
What married woman who works (more so if she's a stay at home mom), and comes home to do the usual, cooking, cleaning, laundry wouldn't prefer her husband handle one task from the mental "to do list" instead of getting flowers?
Isn't some action that spares us even 20 minutes in a day the equivalence of a gift? Twenty minutes can be converted in to time to pamper ourselves: a short soak in the tub, less stress and a more relaxed dinner conversation, a cat nap, whatever one could fit in 20 minutes!
I will continue to remind myself of the many unconventional ways my honey IS romantic in my real world and try to leave the stereo type romance on the boob tube strictly for entertainment.
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