falling for fall

When thinking of a favorite season, most would be quick to jump to spring, or most often summer. I, un-surprisingly, would have usually said winter, given Christmas falls in the winter.  Last year, though, an unexpected season captured my heart, swayed my attention....

We had the most incredible fall last year.  We were living together in Virginia Beach.  Not far from mom & dad.  The two of us, with a now well behaved Addie, a happy Zues, and a Gracie that loved having the room to run around and get away from the dogs.

We spent time outside on brisk walks with the dog, exploring pumpkin patches, indulging in festive Starbucks drinks, family dinners with the folks, fun nights of bowling and movies, weekend drives thru the mountains to visit with the Dovel's, falling in love with great fall television and a great new little life for our fam.

Last year, I fell in love with this season, one that I had appreciated before, but not fully understanding how wonderful this time truly was.

Looking forward to a fall just as wonderful... more fall festivals, pumpkin picking & carving, making endless batches of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies (mark's fav), goody bags for loved ones, Starbucks delights, and lots of scarves and boots. <3

images of our fall 09:

Why yes, Fall, I'm so glad you're here. 

xoxo

head pain & love

Struggling with headaches for months at a time seems horrible.  And let me tell you, there's nothing fun about it.  I feel as if most days I come home wanting to just lay around.  The headaches have stripped me of my energy and my motivation.  They make me tired and sad half the time.

The one pleasant part of this whole awful ordeal has been living with my best friend.  He constantly surprises me, always willing to do whatever I may need.  He's there at my good times, but also there when I'm a bit crazy from the pain.  He's sweet, he's true, and he reminds me every single day why we chose each other to spend our lives with.

After coming home with a headache tonight, my sweet man cleaned out the bathtub, lit some candles, and drew me a lavendar bath... occupying the puppies for awhile so I could have a few quiet moments to myself.  All his idea.  So generous.

So I just wanted to take a minute to write my appreciation.  I'm grateful every morning.  I'm grateful every night.  You make me happy, you see me through the pain.  A lifetime of love just for you.

xoxo

(our very first picture together... 02.2009) 

revisions

Change blog name. Import previous entries. Change blog name. Import previous entries. And repeat. Again.

Why have I had such trouble keeping up here when I know how badly I want to?  I devote so much time to other’s blogs. So much time reading funny musings, hearing about people’s days, getting lost in beautiful pictures.  Yet every day, I feel as if I have so much to share. So much I’d like to see in the semi-permanence that is a blog. 

Maybe I’ve had trouble deciding what it is I want to share. Recipes? Stories? Everyday worries/frustrations/happy moments? Wedding details? Pictures?  I’ve done all so far on here.  Yet I’m left with a feeling of my blog space being a little ‘scatter brained’ if you will. No clear path. No direct purpose.

Perhaps, that’s all right. This is my space. One I haven’t shared with anyone yet, except for my sweet fiancé.  So why shouldn’t I share just what I want?  Like: We had a great weekend, and I wanted to share a few pictures and recap; There are so many beautiful clothes I’m lusting after, and here’s some shots of them; or our puppies did the funniest things, please let me share….

None of my other blog names have stuck.  And this one isn’t intended to either.  But it completely describes where I am right now, and what I’m most excited about. 

Dovel-to-be.  In just shy of 6 months.

And this future Mrs. couldn’t possibly be more excited.

xoxo

save that date

We stayed up late Sunday night peicing together our save the date card.  Though mom pushed for magnets, we decided to go in a different direction as my fridge is adorned with 5+ wedding magnets already.  Though all beautiful and special, we wanted something that we hadn't seen, something that would be uniquely ours. 

I spent the last few weeks really searching and deciding what I wanted to use.  Finally stumbled upon some really sweet, simple postcards.  I thought it was such a great idea.  And not expensive either!  Most places, etsy or otherwise, would have a design, and let you upload your picture.  All would be printed for about $1.29 per card?  So all we had to do was find a design we wanted, choose the picture (turning out to be incredibly difficult), upload, and order!  I had grand illusions of printing them ourselves, which proved to be a headache on top of the headache I already have.

My husband to be, being the technologically ambitious (and oh-so-handsome) man that he is, really had faith that we could design the card ourselves.  After a lot of googling, and a lot of mistakes, we did!  And we found fantastic business website, Vistaprint, that offered easy upload of your design and printing services at a seriously reduced rate.  In fact, we found that we were saving so much money, that we were able to expedite the shipping, so that they would arrive at our doorstep before the holiday weekend.  So Labor Day, we'll be laboring away, addressing our Save the Date postcards, with lots and lots of love.  To send to those we love lots and lots.

I can't wait to get home tomorrow and see that package at my doorstep.  And can't wait to see the final product!

(three days later they came....! 

lit some candles, poured a glass of wine, and took two nights to address them all. so fun)

my week

If we start the new week on Sunday, then I'd say it's been a pretty eventful and productive week so far. woke up at a reasonable time, jumped out of bed, and straight into laundry and ironing.  I knew if I kept my pjs on for too long I'd be lounging all day long.  Cleaning, organizing, and errands followed.  Looked for new furniture and decor inspiration for the new study.  Was planning on an arm chair for the corner for reading, while the fiancee thought we should get a pullout couch for the room. The price and the fact that they take up so much more room, and aren't as comfortable as an arm chair continually had me swinging back my way.  At World Market yesterday, I seemed to stumble upon a happy combination of the two.  A chair of sorts that can convert to a chaise lounge or even a bed (roughly twin sized).  Loved it.  And got me inspired to find some great material and enlist the help of mom to create some bright and cheery slip covers for the fabric.  It's white as is, not quite the best for our slew of animals in house.  Starting thinking more of room colors and getting very excited with ideas.  Perhaps an accent wall??

with one of these fabrics from Tonic Living:

Very excited about the possibilities, and having someplace pretty and cheerful to to my work.

<3 k

School

So last night I began on my official journey of Graduate School.  Thursday nights until December from 7-9:45 pm, I'll be spending my time at the Virginia Tech satellite campus on Prince Street in Old Town.  It's in a really charming block, of course it's Old Town Alexandria, and so close to the house.  I had Mark drive me last night so that I didn't have to worry about parking on the first day.  Parking shouldn't be the issue, rather traffic.  Wasn't expecting traffic like that on King St.  Reminder to self:  will take Duke next week.


To say I'm looking forward to the class would be a bit of an understatement.  It's International Political Economy, a topic I found myself incredibly interested and passionate about in undergrad.  I mean with professors like Weisband and Yanni teaching parts one and two, it's hard not to find yourself passionate on any given topic of world debate or thought.  Anyways, there are nine or ten of us in class, so it will really be a seminar rather than a class.  Which I'll love.  Sitting around discussing what we think, believe, questions we have, insights from the reading.  Right up my alley.  As expected, the reading assignments are somewhat intimidating.  So much material to cover in a week between class.  And it's important that I cover it not only to be able to have intelligible conversation with my classmates (several of which are PhD students, might I add), but also because each student is responsible for leading the class discussion on a particular assigned reading about 5 times over the semester.  Dr. Datz is going to let us volunteer the class before, so that we're able to choose based on our time constraints and particular interests.  I, of course, will be leading discussions next week.  On a chapter in a book called Rethinking World Politics.  I not so much volunteered, but was asked to, as Dr. Datz knew that my background and interest was more the political science and international relational school of thought, rather than a pure economical one.  She thought I would be particularly interested and wanted to know if I would take a chapter.  Well, of course, Dr. Datz.  Love to.


Today I'm home from work with a migraine.  Still in pain, but just sitting around.  With no textbooks yet.  Tried calling multiple stores in the area, none of which carry the book.  So I had to do the unfortunate, and order online with next day delivery, aka massive delivery charges.  The one thing my dear finacee was most excited about what that all my required books were just that, books.  Not textbooks (the case with most of my degree specific courses).  In turn, that means they're so much cheaper.  I think the additional 4-5 books I can get for about 50 dollars, so long as I can get free shipping and don't need them right away.  Perhaps I'll beg for his help when he gets home so we can get the process rolling.


Our plan this weekend, and next, is to turn that tiny cluster of a spare bedroom into an office for me.  I'm so excited to open that room up and create a space for me to work.  Either selling that furniture, or moving it to the lake next weekend.  Really looking forward to getting a larger desk, sweet arm chair and lamp where I can spend hours reading, and hopefully a cute accent rug.  I've been dying to find a place for one in our house, and I think that would be the perfect place.


My sweet, wonderful fiancee couldn't be more supportive of me taking on this current goal and responsibility.  He's proud of the initiative, and looking forward to how the next few months pan out.  I keep reminding him to have some patience, as I know I'll be stressing at some point along the way.


Alison wrote on my wall this morning:

1. LOVE the wedding page, the stories, the pictures, the wedding plans. Just LOVE. 2. Grad school rules, because hey, you're only planning a wedding to your best friend and love of your life, why not through some more schooling in there as well. 3. I ♥ my seester.

 

What great words from an amazing sister.  Who knows if this is the right time to start school?  Yes, it seems as though I have a lot of planning to do for the wedding, and full time job on top of that.  But really, when is it ever a perfect time to take on something like this?  I'm probably not going to find it.  So I'm going to dedicate myself, be excited about the journey, and jump right in.

and make sure to take the time to spend with my family and those I love.  They're the ones that will always keep me going :)

Motivation

Have I written about this before? Surely I’ve thought about it. The last few months have passed so incredibly fast. In some respects, I feel like so much has been done and taken care of.


Rewind a bit… June 1 Mark proposed. We went from being a happy living together boyfriend and girlfriend, to being engaged. The most incredible feeling. Somewhat unbelievable at times. I often catch myself looking down at my ring to remind myself that, yes, this is real. Yes, I get to marry my best friend. So incredibly lucky.

With this excitement comes a lot of stress and wedding must do’s (good stress, might I add). Somehow along the way, the migraines have come back. More often than not , I’m so exhausted after the work day that all I long to do when we’re home is to lay on the couch with our little family, dogs included of course, to talk about our day and relax in front of whatever show we’re involved with at the time. (currently it’s last season of Grey’s)

At times it feels necessary to relax and do nothing, at others it feels as if I’m making my situation worse. Maybe it’s time to force myself to feel better. Get out, stay busy, enjoy life while there’s so much to enjoy.

Time for change. I’ve done lots of the big to-dos as far as the wedding goes. But have since put the planning on hold with my poor health. Done. I’m going to set a wedding goal every week and feel great about things as I see myself get it done. I’m going back to school. I’ve been thinking on this for some time. And somewhat out of nowhere two weeks ago, I decided I was doing it (the same way I’ve made all important decisions in my life). One class this semester. Excited, proud, and nervous.

I’m going to get motivated, and stay motivated. Three doctor’s appointments tomorrow. And likely, similar to my dozens of appointments of the past, nothing will be found. So I’m going to keep myself busy, spend time with those I love, attempt to keep up with blogging, dedicate myself to learning, and make attainable goals.

Motivation.

Here I come.

Weekend

Life has quickly become comfortable. I know that many use the word comfortable with a negative connotation. I do not. What a better way to feel than comfortable?

We are quickly settling into our new lives living together in Alexandria.  Things are better, things are happier.  Consistently, every day.  Not that there were ever any serious problems with the distance.  I actually think we handled a long distance really well.  But you start to hit a point where the distance wears on you, where you can think of nothing more than wishing you were together.

But now we're here. Happy. Comfortable.

This past weekend was absolutely perfect.  Took Addie to the Shirlington Dog Park on Saturday afternoon.  I've been waiting for Mark to get here for our first trip over.  We couldn't have been more amazed.  Addie has really grown up in the last few months, but I certainly wasn't expecting this.  Our little girl had such an amazing time and she was SO GOOD.  To start with, the park is just fantastic.  A long stretch of fenced in land along the river.  Dogs all around.  Running, playing, barking.  Really enjoying themselves.  I figured it all might be a little too intimidating for Addie.  I thought she'd stay close and be a bit timid.  To my complete surprise, she was thrilled.  She ran ahead of us, explored the area, played with other dogs, and would always, always, come when we called her.  Mark and I loved it maybe almost as much as Addie.  I predict much of our free time this summer will be spent there.

We walked across the street to 'downtown' Shirlington to sit outside with some coffee.  I'm truly in love.  And I'm pretty sure Mark is too.  Shirlington is quiet, peaceful, local, and fantastic.  Spending time in the pretty downtown area (even going back Saturday night for dinner and drinks at Capitol City Brewing Co.) and more time Sunday at the dog park (with Zues this time!) sparked more than a little interest in me.  Unfortunately, it's gotten me thinking of how amazing it would be to live right in the midst of that area.  We are so close now, about a 5 minute drive.  But I'll definitely be keeping an eye on the area's property. (Have I mentioned here yet my love of townhomes?  I think that will be our next step, hopefully.  More room, more like a house for our little family.)

Amy and Randy's wedding this weekend!  This date has completely snuck up on me.  We went out shopping last night for a dress and gifts.  No dresses were to be found by me, and a big big sorry to you babe for the bad mood it put me in.  Can't wait to spend Saturday with a room full of favorites, dancing, and what's sure to be lots of drinks and laughter!

Happy (belated) Mother's Day

Found a note mysteriously placed on the counter behind me as I was cooking dinner last night. It read:

Dear Mommy,

We hope you are having a terrific Mother's Day! You deserve it! You are the best mommy that two dogs and a cat could ever possibly wish to have. We love you Mommy.

Addie, Gracie, & Zues

P.S. If you find this late in the day, you shouldn't blame Daddy. We love you Mommy.


Did I mention Mark's here now? Maybe that had something to do with how the animals were able to get the note on the counter for me to see...

:)

Here's to...

Spent a beautiful weekend in Virginia's Northern Neck for Amy's bachelorette weekend. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, the company couldn't have been more enjoyable, and the time with good friends couldn't have felt more wonderful. Fun games, great wine, and great conversation filled the weekend. Exactly what I needed. So looking forward to Amy and Randy's wedding in 3 weeks. She's going to be the most beautiful bride!!

I'm finding it hard to believe that tomorrow is the day. I've been thinking, and hoping, and praying about this day for months upon months and it's almost surreal that it's actually here. Mark moves up tomorrow. He begins his new job on Monday, and we finally get to start the rest of our lives together. I'll get to go to sleep and wake up every single day next to the person I love more than anything in this world. To say I'm blessed and grateful would be an unfortunate understatement. So just let me say this: I'm blissfully happy and couldn't ask for more.

So here's to the next chapter. My love and me, in the same city and same home, permanently. To time with our precious puppies and kitten. And to everything I've ever dreamed of beginning to come true.