And we're makin' plans...

I must apologize, I haven't exactly been keeping a steady flow with my little blog here. My high school basketball coach once told me that I had an excuse for EVERYTHING, and he's right. I always have an excuse, and this time, it's a really good one! I haven't had a chance to write on here the past few days because I was busy buying my wedding dress. That's right, I took the plunge and we purchased the most beautiful gown I could imagine. Without giving too much away since I know my fiance reads this on occasion and he refuses to see it or hear about the dress before the wedding day, I have to say this dress is pretty much perfect. I found it at a quaint little bridal shop called Ellie's in Old Town Alexandria this past weekend. I don't want to jinx myself by praising them too much, but I have to say I had a pretty pleasant experience. They were a little scatterbrained at times, but all in all they were very helpful and very friendly.

I actually tried on MY dress 3 times before deciding it was the one for me. You see, I was in Alexandria for a bridal expo on Saturday, popped in to see what they had on our way home and it was the 2nd to last one I tried on. I knew I liked it, but seeing as I had an appointment at David's Bridal on Monday, I knew I should wait. So Monday rolls around and David's has a beautiful dress that my grandmother fell in love with. And I have to admit, I loved it too, especially when they put the veil on me. That made it all seem so real. Torn, I decided I wanted my sister and grandmother to see the one I couldn't get out of my mind that was in Alexandria. So we told David's we'd be back and headed up the road to VA. We get to the shop and there it was, MY dress. It looked so lonely just hanging on the rack. I tried it on and I instantly knew I liked it better than the one at David's. It just suited my personality better. It's hard to describe really. I didn't cry and bawl and say, "OH THIS IS IT, THIS IS THE ONE!" like all the bridal shows on TV, but I did know this is what I looked good in, felt comfortable in, and would be truly happy with. So they measured me and we put in the order. So in the next 5 months I will have a brand new wedding dress fresh and ready for small alterations.

I keep hearing everyone complain about wedding planning and how awful it is, but I'm loving it! Anyone out there trying to go into business with me?! ;)

Done with winter...

This picture doesn't do it justice, but the island (St. Clement's that is) was looking quite mysterious and beautiful this morning around 6:45am. Sometimes with that cold winter air blasting off the river I forget how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place. Colton's Point is like one of those neighborhoods out of a movie. It's like slipping back to a place where you lose all concepts of time and you just enjoy your natural surroundings by fishing, walking, gardening, cooking, etc. Basically I love it.

I also love the fact that the sun has decided to show it's face again! I've read about people who are affected by the seasons, I really believe there is truth to this. When it's cold out, everything looks grey and it's dark before you even get home from work, I'm always tired and some-what moody. But now that the sun has made an appearance the past few days, I feel completely energized and ready for spring/summer. In fact, on my way home yesterday as I made my way past Capt. Sam's ball field I got the sudden urge to get out on the diamond and play some ball. Corny, I know, but that's just how it is.

I am going to 2 bridal shows this weekend AND dress shopping on Monday...so I'm sure I'll have PLENTY of blogging to come :)

Brrr...

It's a cold one out there this morning! Well, the cold actually has been lingering around all day for the past few weeks and doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon. The only positive aspect I seem to be able to find about this frigid weather? It keeps me moving. Well running to be exact. It's so icy cold (especially with the wind) that I can't bare to walk from my car to the house, or into the store, or where ever I may be. And with my new "bride-to-be workout plan" in full effect, it's not a horrible thing. The more I move, the better I feel. I joined the gym, something I've never been too terribly interested in, but I took the plunge and I'm glad I did. After about a week and a half of experimenting and exploring the gym, I've finally gotten into a routine, and have to admit, I kind of like it.

I've never been one to go to the gym. I played sports my entire life, year round, and that kept me in shape and is the reason I find the gym somewhat mundane. I mean is running on the treadmill really as exciting as sprinting up and down a court, passing and shooting? Or is lifting weights as fun and rewarding as dribbling past the final defender and driving the ball into the goal on a field hockey field? No. Not even close. BUT when you grow up and realize that there aren't adult leagues for these things, the gym is the next best way to get in shape. So I'm going to tackle it with all my might over the next 8 months and hope to get myself back into the shape I want for what is surely to be one of the best days of my life!

The right attitude

So now that it is 2010, I'm ready to start yet another chapter in my life. Yes I know, it's very cliche since most people make resolutions that they NEVER keep, but I mean it. This is going to be a great year and I want to make sure I do everything possible to make it last.

One little moment that really helped me start 2010 off on the right foot? A simple email waiting in my inbox when I returned to work for the new year. You see, last year I coached a 7th & 8th grade girls Recreation & Parks basketball team. Due to prior commitments and a crazy schedule, I wasn't able to coach again this year even though I do miss it. Anyway, one of my players from last year is applying for a scholarship to St. Mary's Ryken next year, and asked me if I would write her a recommendation. Of course I was thrilled to write it and sent it to her as soon as I finished. Just having her ask me to do this made me feel so good, like I had actually made a difference to someone so that they remembered me and thought enough of my opinion to ask me to write such a recommendation. Little things like this are my motivation to do good in the world...even when it feels like everyone else has fallen completely off their rocker!

Another reason 2010 is going to be so grand? Oh I don't know...maybe the fact that I'm getting married this September?!?! It's going to be such a memorable time, surrounded by all of mine and Bubba's families as well as friends. And bring your dancing shoes, because this is sure to be a full out dance party! Want a sneak peak at a little bit of the inspiration for the big day? Here you go:

Yes, I am well aware that I'm obsessed with Twilight. But please note that it isn't a Twilight themed wedding, I just really like the outdoorsy, white light feel!

I am excited for this new year and all of the positive changes I want to make throughout it. I want this to be the year that I finally make the life changes that will ultimately put me is a better frame of mind. Not that I'm miserable now by any means, but I want to make a few positive changes such as exercising more often, focusing on my career and figuring out what path I need to take in order to reach my ultimate goals, and finally I want to help others. That last one is something that really means a lot to me. There are so many mean spirited people in the world, I want those less fortunate to know that there is someone out there they can turn to for help and a kind word.

So good luck to you and yours during 2010, I hope it's all it's cracked up to be!