You Take The Good, You Take The Bad... (Tomorrow Is Another Day...)

It has been quite a week, hasn't it? It seems like such a strange week--so many great things have happened, but there's so much sadness in the world right now. Our house is finally starting to turn into a home, we've made lots of progress on our long list of house projects, Colby is home, the sun has been shining, I finally found my camera, Sanjaya finally got the boot on American Idol. And yet every day there's nothing but bad news from the rest of the world. I find myself changing the channel constantly because I just can't hear another story about one of the Virginian Tech victims, or another tale of a gun turning up in a kid's backpack, or one more break-in or DUI or hit and run.

I suppose it's a product of living near a big city. There's a lot more opportunity for bad things to happen because there are just a lot more people. I've always been afraid of having my home broken into--I don't know why for sure. It's never happened to me, and I've never lived anywhere near a high crime neighborhood, but for some reason ever creak of the house settling sends me into spasms of terror. Now I'm living in a neighborhood I don't know well, I have no campus police patrolling or gated community to give me that false sense of security, and I have dogs that go ballistic every time the neighbors leave their house. I'm guessing with time I'll get used to things, but I tell ya, I really miss hearing any sort of good news on the television at night.

I am very much enjoying myself during the day, however, when I'm not afraid of homicidal maniacs. Colby's 10 day deployment was cut short, and he was back home after only a week. I had the great pleasure of going out to lunch with some friends that I'd known for years through the internet--and now I can finally consider them "real life" friends. The books in the office have all been alphabetized, and I can see the light at the end of the filing tunnel. Although there have been many glares of death from Colby when I admit to shredding his 10 year old bank statements, and growls of frustration from me when my attempts at organization are questioned, I'm really loving finally being with the boy. And in a surreal moment of truth, I realized this morning that we are just days away from our one month anniversary of moving in together. One month. Gone, in the blink of an eye and a flurry of boxes and packing paper.

I'm trying very hard to hold on to each day and really enjoy it for what it is instead of longing for the day when we have grass in the backyard, all the rooms painted, and every box unpacked. There's always going to be something that needs doing, and I'm learning that enjoying the process is just as important as the end result. I think this is a lesson that I've been trying to learn for years now. What can I say, I'm just a very goal oriented gal.

But anyway, as I said, the camera was at long last located--just yesterday mind you--under a pile of crap. It was exactly where I thought it would be, but the trick was properly identifying the correct load of crap. So, finally, for your viewing pleasure, some random photos from the past month. Enjoy!

First a gratuitous adorable puppy photo. Two dogs, brought together by fate, forced to like each other.

The most enjoyable part of wedding planning--CAKE TASTING!! Oh my God, the cake is going to be fabulous. We decided on the traditional white almond wedding cake with 3 layers--grand marnier and Bavarian cream, chocolate doberge, and Hummingbird (raspberry, cream cheese, and pecans)--with an ivory buttercream frosting. My mouth, it is watering right now.

Show tune Karaoke: Because a post with pictures would be incomplete without my big mouth behind a microphone.

Innocent Angela, sitting on campus with her fiance, never suspecting what was to come next during the mysterious "Levee Walk: 2007"

BLING! BLING!! Okay, it was really windy, and neither one of us are terribly good photographers hence the bad hair and blurry picture. But there's a slightly better shot to come.

At the engagement party held by Colby's side. I felt like I was at a photo shoot toward the end with all of the obligatory family photos. This is the parents' shot and one with my unfairly hot sister. I think I'll make her wear a paper bag over her head on the day of the wedding...

Arriving at the Jack and Jill Shower held by close family friends on my side (oh my God, are those my hips or did the Great Wall of China sneak into my pants??) and hanging out with my maid of honor and two bridesmaids. We go waaaaaaay back. We're like sisters--except we all like each other. (Well, and one of them actually IS my sister.)

The Magnificent Table of presents--I loved this party. And on the right is the amazing collage handmade by one of the hostesses of the event. It's amazing.

And finally it was moving day, and we had to fit the entire Magnificent Table of Presents into the car with us, along with all of the stuff I'd moved home with, and Colby's luggage. For a minute there, I thought I might be riding in my rocking chair on the roof rack.

Here's how I spent most of the four driving days...

And here's my good natured chauffeur. I don't know what it is, but put me in a car and I am completely useless--it's better than Ambien.

One of the amazing sunsets we witnessed... when there was still a sun to be setting.

And here is what I discovered when I was carried across the threshold--chocolate and a mess of absolutely indescribable proportions. Note: This is BEFORE my stuff was even delivered yet. Sigh.

But we rolled up our sleeves, got to work, and got to painting... To Be Continued!

That's as up to date as I can get you for pictures right now, but since I've located the camera, as we get rooms finished I'll start working on a virtual tour for those of you who are as nosy as I am about other people's houses. This weekend we're heading out to a pig roast (!?) and Sunday we're doing engagement photos and then going the see A Light In The Piazza in Seattle. And I am so hungry right now that I just typed "pizza" instead of "piazza". I think it's time for a little of the snack that smiles back. Later dudes!

Comments

Glad you're back! I was afraid the fear of the olives had banished you forever.

Good luck with all the settling in. I still have a storage space in Atlanta and I am very fearful of the day when that stuff comes to Houston.

Posted by: sophie | April 21, 2007 at 01:11 AM

I have been WAITING for these photos! Y'all are so precious! And your sister is kind of unfairly hot, but in a it-runs-in-the-family kind of way. I'm excited to see what unfolds. Oh, also, is being engaged fun?

Posted by: Lynn | April 21, 2007 at 02:16 AM

Yay for you! Sounds like you've had quite a month physically and emotionally. And thanks for the pics, I am quite nosy and would like a virtual tour! DOes that mean no olive? ....

Posted by: Katie Ann | April 21, 2007 at 03:02 AM

Ok, Ok. It was worth the wait for the photos. You two are adorable. Just adorable! Hope you got that pizza...hold the olives on that now, of course!

Posted by: Steph. | April 21, 2007 at 08:15 AM

Wow, you must know a really good photographer!!!! Loved finally seeing you back up and running with newsy news and photos -- cause I sure do miss seeing that adorable face! Personally, I think the whole family is pretty hot!

Posted by: The Incubator | April 21, 2007 at 06:21 PM

Oh yay, you just made my night, darlin' :] The pictures are gorgeous. I absolutely love the 6th and 7th ones! The huge smile on your face is absolutely priceless. You are gorgeous! Hope you are continuing to get settled! xoxo

Posted by: Caro | April 22, 2007 at 09:04 AM

I love the pictures of you doing your navigational duties in the car... that's how I remember you on car trips ;) Well, that and flying Barbies... hee

Posted by: Brittany | April 22, 2007 at 04:52 PM

What fabulous pictures!

I'm still seething with green envy that you all got to see each other while I was in "Fatlanta" (calling it that because I ate WAY more sugar than any human should).

OK girlie girl, we need to see if at least we can get together and maybe A too?

I'll pop you an email after Italy (only 8 more days!) and we'll make that happen.

I can't believe that you're actually here. Wow. And a month even! Wow even more!

Posted by: RisibleGirl | April 22, 2007 at 06:27 PM

Dont let her fool you, there are lots more pictures of her sleeping in the car.

Posted by: where the hell is fife | April 22, 2007 at 08:23 PM

By the way, is your ring a Tacori?

Posted by: Caro | April 23, 2007 at 09:16 AM