A Year Frozen in Time

It's been a year and yet it seems like only yesterday I was slipping into that creation of strapless cream lace, adjusting makeup and hair, and preparing to bind myself to this man for all time.

The top tier of a cake I never got to taste has been in my freezer for a year. It has been wrapped in layers of plastic and foil in an effort to preserve it. It as moved across a state line with us. It has symbolized a joining of two people for a year, inside my freezer. Now this foil wrapped mystery delight is thawing on my counter top; waiting to be eaten. Does the magic of that breathless giddy day still reside inside this top tier? Will it be there waiting for us when we bite into the first piece?

The tradition of keeping the top tier of cake is supposed to remind you of your wedding day, or if we were still in the early 19th century, it would be saved for the christening of our child...apparently weddings and christenings were very close together for most couples. For us the tradition would be to remind us of the happy occasion.

Although, it still really does feel like just yesterday that we were up on a beautiful cliff overlooking downtown saying our "I dos" in front of friends and family. So maybe there is something to be said for keeping the top tier. If nothing else, each time I've reached into the freezer it has served a purpose in reminding me of my wedding day; of putting a little smile on my lips as I remember how nervous he looked.

On the other hand, when you choose to marry your very best friend you don't really need another reminder of the happiest day of your life. You will always have the best reminder right next to you, in the car, at the grocery store, on the couch, in the kitchen, hogging the bathroom sink...

Oh How Time Flies

Time really does fly when you're having fun. It's been about a year since my last post. I'm married, living in Lowertown, and very content with the path I've taken. The "I" has most definitely become an "Us," leading me on an adventure of a lifetime to be sure.

In the past year we've found ourselves in a few canoes, in a tent in the middle of nowhere, listening to what we think was a chainsaw all night, in a foreign country eating Kraut and Wurst, in a tiny but comfy apartment, in a new car, on a road trip to the east coast, lots of give and take moments, and the most important of all is that we really did become and "Us" and it was easy.

If it's really that easy to enjoy spending time together why are there people who hate their spouse? I couldn't imagine that; he's my very best friend. The one who's seem me at my best and my worst, seen me on top of the world and watched my life fall to pieces. Not once has he judged me, unless of course I ask to be judged.

Any way you cut it, this last year has been one hell of a growing experience for me. I am part of a team, but I am still me.

Journey into the Unknown

In less than 2 months there will be no more "I" but instead an "Us." It seems that after 3 years of planning and dreaming and waiting the day is closing on faster than I can even begin to comprehend.

The thought of sharing my everything with another human being is a little scary; also a little exciting. Who knows what married life will bring? Definitly a change of scenary-maybe a cross country move or maybe just a jaunt to uptown. Either way the prospect of starting out on our own brings a little flutter of excitement to my chest.

Here's to the many changes and exciting upcoming events!

Rainbow Blessings

I was walking browny the other day, just watching her enjoy herself and thinking about how I was missing Brad.

Browny was running through the tall grass, sniffing every little blade. Despite a sunny day, a few dark clouds were rollong in. Suddenly, it was like the sky was a perfect mix of light and darkness;the sun was smiling while rain was starting to fall.

Browns and I were walking on country roads so envision green fields all around while the rain is starting.

I looked up and this huge rainbow, larger than life, appeared in the sky. Half of it went through the clouds while the other half spanned the blue. I kept thinking how amazing this looked-so surreal-and wishing that Brad was there to share it with.

Moments like that make you think, make you stop and realize what you have, what you should be thankful for, and what really matters in life.

the little things

since i graduated, i have noticed all tje little things i've missed. i missed waking up with b every morning, watching shows that irritate the crap out of him, and vice versa. i missed sitting in bed reading until all hours of the night while he sleeps-listening to his subtle snore and getting a rare sleepy smile. today, im thankful for all the little things im no longer missing.

b and i did some more landscaping at the house. we had so much fun picking out shrubs, flowers, and bark. we spent an entire day digging, weeding, and planting. now waiting to see what grows-see our handiwork-is kind of exciting. i never thought i would find so much pleasure in such a small task. again, just another little experience im no longer missing.

my life has taken an amazing turn in the last few months. sometimes it catches me off guard and i have to stop and blink, waiting to see if it disappears. thus far ive been blessed. all the little things in my life are something to be grateful for.

dont get me wrong, its not always sunshine and daisys, but for the most part ive been able to handle the bad stuff. i just keep reminding myself of the good.

"i myself always strive to live within the light." ~professor slughorn

Pain in the...nose

My nose is stuffed, my head feels like a balloon. And yet I'm sitting here watching Brad play "wheelbarrow" with poor little browns. She howls-so does my head...

We're going to try round 2 for Motion City this April. Last month didn't go so well. Poor Brad got drugged. So, this time I will pretend to be him and he will pretend to be me and hopefully nothing bad will happen and no one will mistake his glass for mine.

My musing for the day is quite hilarious. A man came into work today...he walked all around the juniors section of clothing; chose two pairs of pants (womens) and asked for a dressing room. Naturally I was suspicious. I assumed he was stealing.

Now, i forgot to tell you that this man looked like he just stepped off a yacht-he was gorgeous-not feminine gorgeous-rugby playing, all american kind of gorgeous.

So, when he asked for a fitting room, I called security. After a while he popped out of the fitting room...wearing the black leather (womens) pants...and forst asked if we hard any other styles of this particular pant, and then asked what type of shoe I thought went best with this type of pant. (WTF?)

Naturally I was quite taken aback. I tried my hardest to keep eye contact...the whole time screaming in my mind-I can see your package!!! It's hanging to the left!!! AAAAAWWWWWW!!! GROSSSS!!

He didn't buy either pair of (womens) pants he tried on, and left the store shortly thereafter. So, my little lesson in all of this is that looks can be deceiving and that is what I get for assuming this man was up to no good. I need to stop judging people based on their looks, the way they act, and all of the other things about people that we as humans automatically judge other humans on.

Signs

I believe that there are little signs all around us. I believe in Karma, and that everything happens for a reason. I believe in the saying 'what goes around comes around' and that hate can be a curved blade-hurting others like you want it to, but hurting you as well.

It's funny that there are so many little signs all around us and we hardly acknowledge them; don't give them a second thought. Today I had somewhere to be, somewhere that I was second guessing for personal reasons, the terrible weather, and just not wanting to settle for less than what I deserve. The answer to my worries was all around me in the form of little signs.

The first sign was not being able to sleep last night. Despite a full day yesterday as well as an athletic evening, I was awake all night. This morning, on my way home from the gym I took a corner a little fast and careened into a snowbank. (Sign number 2)Some rather nice gentlemen helped me and I was on my way home in no time. After rushing to get ready and be out the door, (sign number 3 approaching) my car yet again became lodged in the snow, tires spinning on the glare ice.

So, with all signs pointing to making my day a total disaster, I listened...finally. And after much crying (because of frustration I assure you) here I am at home playing real housewife of Wisconsin.

Ok God, Ok Signs, OK Karma, I hear all of you-I understand-I'm listening. Finally.