Archives for category: smile

Lately I feel like I’ve had to pinch myself. Whether it was snuggling in bed by the fireplace at the most exquisite mountainside resort in Aspen, taking an urban hike through the streets of downtown Chicago or strolling along peacefully at the St. Louis Zoo, I’ve gotten to see some incredible sights and have some amazing experiences this year. I come home to a man I love, family that cares for me and is always there and am taking it all in while feeling more comfortable in my own skin than I ever have before. Obviously it’s not always perfect- it’s hard to be away from home so much. I have to put some things on hold because of my travel schedule, which can be frustrating at times. Overall though, I feel like my life has found such an awesome groove and I couldn’t be happier.

I haven’t really done anything by way of wedding planning. I’ve pinned a few things, but really I haven’t felt the push or desire to make any solid plans yet. With the new house needing some upgrades, that is really where our budget will be going for the remainder of the year anyway. It’ll be all I can do not to just elope. Neither of us want to make a big deal of it, so we’ll see where the rest of the year takes us. I just want it to be as relaxed and stress-free as possible, and in the end just be married. The rest is all just details anyway :) This time is different- it’s about us, not pleasing anyone else or having a big showy ceremony and reception. Neither of us are tied to tradition- quite the opposite actually. If we do have a reception, I’d rather it felt like a party or a celebration where our friends and loved ones can come together, eat, drink and be happy. That’s really it (and I need to look fabulous, of course)

 

Okay, I had to post this video blog because it made me laugh. Note my significant reduction in enthusiasm after the braces are on…

The braces are on my face. After making the decision this summer, it’s been a long road of saving money and dental visits to get like seven fillings to prepare. But they’re finally here. The excitement has tapered precipitously, and it’s been an annoying 24 hours of yogurt, soup and protein shakes. So far they’re uncomfortable but not unbearable. It’s a dull ache that is increased when I bite down. The bottom row isn’t on yet, and that comes in about five weeks. I’d almost rather have them all on at once and get over it, but I took their suggestion and am waiting it out, as apparently the bottom row is a bit more uncomfortable. Yay.

Wax has been a saving grace, and oatmeal is less braces-friendly than you’d imagine.

I’ve brushed my teeth no less than 14,762 times since yesterday.

I’ve been taking advil like a crazy person, which I’m sure my gastrointernologist would be super annoyed about, and I’ll likely pay for in awful heartburn later.

More updates as this gets more interesting.

Back to reality from superbirthdayvegasextravaganza2012.

That shit was bananas. My 2st birthday was spent puking at a costume party, followed by about a week of living drinking in dive bars in Anchorage. I think I’ve set the bar a bit higher for kid sister. It was so fun walking past Disneyland-length lines of hopeful club goers, stepping right to the front and taking a private escort to a secluded area behind the DJ booth.  Ha! It was very cool meeting Morgan Page, the Stafford Brothers, Timmy Trumpet and their crews. Thanks for the endless bottles of Belvedere, limitless redbulls, good company, and the experience of a lifetime for both my sister and myself. Now I just have to convey to kid sister, that no, Vegas isn’t always like this for us non music industry common-folk. So please don’t move there.

In normal life news, I’m back to eating right/working out. Doctor says I’m a full 100% back to normal and I can resume strenuous exercise. And strenuously exercise I shall. After this month of regaining all the stamina I lost from being sedentary (ugh) I’m going to try my hand at Crossfit. I’m nervous, but actually really excited. I have three good friends who have been doing it for awhile, and whaddya know- they all look great.

I’m really trying to not think of this as a “weight loss” thing. I just want to be strong. Really strong. I want to be able to do 100 pushups without taking a break. I want to do a pullup. I’ve never even done ONE! I want to feel that strong for the first time. My running, yoga and pilates just isn’t cutting it. I’ll keep running for mental clarity and yoga for relaxation, but I want to start lifting and pushing myself to my limits. I’m prepping all my week’s foods this evening and heading to my favorite weight lifting class. I’m so looking forward to being sore tomorrow :)

Also, I’ve made an appointment with my general dentist to get an exam to see what I need to have done before I get my braces put on. I’m shooting for the end of July to get them on, but that might depend on if I have to get my wisdom teeth out (eek!). I’m getting anxious again… I felt like my ortho appointment was almost too good to be true. I feel like I’m going to go to the general dentist and it’s going to be so much more than I can afford, I’ll be back to feeling hopeless. Keep your fingers crossed that it’s somewhere between what my insurance will cover and what I have squirreled away in my savings account.

I know my little personal “transformations” wont be done by my 30th birthday like I had originally hoped, but this is progress, and I’m very proud of myself! Next step? Wrapping up my undergrad and thinking about grad school!