Yesterday morning the dog I had had since I was 12 was euthanized.

 

I tried making a post about it, but I really just can't.

 

I might not post for a few days, and I just wanted to tell y'all why.

Gavin Degraw recap

So, I LOVE Gavin Degraw, guys.  It's no secret.  Last night I went to see him in concert with my mom.  THe concert was a small one, at an amusement park near here, and I was able to get fantastic seats (2nd row, center) for one of my favorite artists.  I almost peed my pants when i realized where our seats were.

I spent the entire night on my feet, dancing, singing along, taking pictures, and maybe JUST MAYBE one "illegal" video of him dancing.

The concert itself was fantastic.  and yes.  I swooned.

some pictures, mayhaps?

 

  

  

  

This last one turned out horrible, but i still wanted to include it.  After the show, he came back out and waved at each person individually who looked at them.  It was nice.  I like that he make a point to make his fans feel appreciated.

meep meep.

So, I have made, important, official, wedding related decisions and purchses today.

 

Last night after getting my paper source (www.paper-source.com) swatch book in the mail, I decided I could officially settle on my colors.

 

Pink, and Orange.  And I'm going pretty bold with the shades.  But I love it.  It's the only color combo that I have thought could be perfect for longer than 24 hours.  I have seen inspiration in tons of magazines, and it constantly craws me in.  Is it as classy as my earlier likes (red black and red, tiffany blue and khaki, or blush pewter and black)?  No, it probably isn't.  But that doesn't matter.  What matters is that it is definitley more "me" than any of the earlier likes.  It's my two favorite colors, it's loud, it's cheerful, and it's fun.  I am not a subdued, quiet person.  I think these colors will set the tone that this is going to be a fun party, and not a formal affair.

 

I've been thinking about the colors for a little over a week now.  and last night when I saw the paperscource swatches, it was love.

 

This morning, I ordered A2 flat cards in strawberry, and A2 envelopes in papaya.  I also ordered several tubes of Gocco ink (in varying pink shades), and round labels (which will go through the printer fabulously) for adressing the front of the envelopes. 

 

So, there's no turning back now (though technically, I could turn away from these colors, since save the dates son't really need to match the theme).

 

I also made another important decicion, that i will probably get some flack for... I've decided that no one under 13 can come to the wedding or reception.  There are about 25 children I would have to feed, if all familys with children brought their kids along, which equates to about 1300 in food+bar.  So, instead, I'm going to throw a pizza party for the kids with some hired sitters, the party I was thinking could start around 2 or 3, and parents could stay for the begining (my wedding will not start until 7pm), then have time to go home and get ready.  The reception will go until 11:30, so I doubt many parents will want to have to deal with tired and cranky kids at that hour anyway.  There are kids that I know could handle it, and could behave, but there are more kids that I know could not.  And it would be incredibly rude of me to tell one parents they can't brings kids, while another they can.

 

I'm just not sure how to break it to parents at this point.  I was going to say something along the lines of "This is a night to enjoy yourself too!  Leave the children in the care of our capable sitters for a pizza party of their very own."  but i feel like that isn't firm enough... it feels like a suggestion instead of a "decree", but I can't exactly say "seriously guys, if something is screaming when i say 'I do' i will cut you" 

 

Any suggestions?  all of the books are telling me to do it ASAP, so I want to get the word out.

Oh yea, and PS, Macy's - You know that wedding I'm having with over 200 guests invited?  Well, you can forget about me registering in your store.  I'm sure that Williams Sonomoa and Pottery Barn will appreciate your douche-baggery.

Credit card Companies are shady, shady business.

So, I have a Macy's Store Credit Account.

 

When I opened the account, the limit on it was $800.  They didn't tell me the limit.  It wasn't on the bill, it wasn't in any liturature.  The only reason I know it was this high for the start: I check my credit report frequently.

 

Then they quiety lowered the limit to $200.  For me and for a friend.  Neither of us were notified.  She was caught with her pants down and in an embarassing situation when she couldn't pay for a hair appointment in store.  So, I checked my credit account, and sure enough they had lowered my limit too.

 

Now, they've lowered it to $100.  ARE YOU EFFING SERIOUS?  First of all, 90% of the time I go in that store, I spend over $100.  So, now I can only put a purchase on this card if it's that 10% of the time that I'm buying $50 worth of clinique products so I can get the free gift.  But everytime I'm in the store I hear "do you want to put this on your Macy's card today?"

 

Well, Macy's.  This is the last straw.  I'm breaking up with your credit department.  What if I had planned to put a purchase on there, and had no other way to pay for it?  Seriously, Macy's!  YOU ARE GOING TO LOOSE MONEY.  Because, without that store account, I'm going to be shopping there a lot less (because I can buy clinique in Sephora, and avoid those pretentious bitches in "lab coats" all together). 

 

This is how they reward me?  I have spent so much money in that freakin store (and through the card, so they know it's me), and now, I can hardly make a purchase without risking a fee. 

 

Anyway ladies, be forewarned.  If you are a cardholder at Macy's, check your balance before your next shopping endeavor.

 

I have been wooed.

So, once i decided to make my own wedding invites, I stumbled upon something special.

The Print Gocco.

I have flip-flopped all over the place on weither or not I want to use one.  But then I decided, OH HELL, they're awesome.  I bid on one on ebay.  If I can't get one for under $100 I'm not going to get one at all.  Currently my ebay auction is at 30 bucks (yay).  But, there are still 6 days, so I expect that to change.

In other news, yesterday I booked a venue!  Oak Lodge.  It was a little bit over what I had budgeted.  But, it's a fantastic place, and the food is spectacular (I had been to one party there before).  we added on extras that I wasn't expecting (but that my mom wanted), like having frozen drinks with the open bar (Mom's justification: "Papa just LOVES Margaritas!"). 

Six Unimportant things that make me happy:

My bestest friend over at A Blonde Bride & Her Boo tagged me for this.
The Rules:
* List Six Unimportant Things That Make You Happy
* Mention and link to the person who tagged you
* Tag six of your favorite bloggers to play along{and comment on their blog to let them know they’ve been tagged}

This was tough for me, I think that all of these things are important in their own way for me.

1. Organizing the hell out of things. I like everything to have a place, and most importantly, BE IN that place. Brett does not get this, he is just as happy with empty beer bottles all around him as he is with the place clean. Having a clean, tidy home makes me feel centered and happy. What can I say?

2. Just like Amber - Cold Rooms, Warm Blankets. I love it. It makes me feel like I'm in a happy little cocoon. When I lived in Ohio my roomates would crank the heat up so high that I felt like I was in a sweat box sometimes, so I opened my window to the snowy night to cool the room down. Throw in some Hot Chocolate, and you've got one happy Rachel Ann.

3. Stamps. I love stamps. I love stamping things. It's weird, but it's my affliction. It's probably why I ultimatley decided to make all of my own wedding stationary (Just think of all the fun stamping!)

4. Morning Doctor Apointments. I go to the doctor a ton. Usually 8-10 times per year. This is because my medications are contstantly being adjusted, and my blood work checked. I usually am at work by 7am, but AM Doctors visits usually don't happen until 8:30. So I get an excuse to sleep in for an hour or so, and still get to work early enough that I can get in 8 hours (I normally work 10), and take 2 hours of vacation. it's like a mini vacation.

5. www.icanhascheezburger.com and its sister sites. without fail, one of these will always make me smile.

6. Big Bug-eyed Sunglasses. This is a weird one. I wanted to wear these ultra-hip glasses for so long, but my face was too fat. Well, NOT ANYMORE. I may be struggling to loose in my waistline, but I'm losing weight in my face like nobody's business, and now, I can totally rock these shades. let me tell you, it feels great. I went out and bought a pair of the bug-eyed/80's grandma frames even! Until the recent weekend, I had ONE pair of sunglasses that I liked, and they are about 4 years old at this point, so it's about freakin' time.

okay, so, I'm not going to tag anyone directly, because I'm lame. But if this looks fun to you, consider yourself tagged.

Weekend Update.

So, this weekend was eventful for me.

 

Friday morning, i woke up bright and early, and headed to the Furniture store to shop for a kitchen table.  I figure, since Brett and I have lived in that apartment for a year (and just re-upped our lease for another year), I might as well actually buy some furniture.  Previously, we owned a 10 year old love seat, a cheap bed we bought when we first moved in, a coffee table, and two computer desks (and only one chair). 

 

I found a great deal on a solid wood table, but decided to keep shopping around.  I eventually went back to the original store and bought the table i was looking at there.  Then I headed to Target where I picked up the supplies to make night stands.  Like hell I'm gunna spend 70 bucks on one night stand when i can easily make one out of shelving units, and fabric cubes for under 25 bucks.  So, I think that was a job well done. 

 

Saturday, I officially kicked off studying for my EIT Exam.  The EIT exam is a test that makes me (kind of) officially an engineer.  Chemical Engineers are not required to take this test, but once i get my PE licence it means higher salaries, and I could then privately consult if I so desire, plus, I get to stamp things.  The downside:  this test is long, and hard.  it's two 4 hour sessions, a morning session on general engineering, and then an afternoon session of Chemical questions. 

 

I started by taking a practice exam of the AM session.  what I learned:

 

1.  I forgot everything.  Out of 120 questions, I got 50 right.

2.  I do not know ANYTHING about Electical Engineering (i got EVERY one of those questions wrong)

3.  I need to study.  A LOT. 

4.  Basic Algebra counts for a bunch.

5.  I am screwed.

6.  I should probably pick up a refil on my valium.

 

So, anyway, I have to start studying like crazy.  The exam is in October, and I really do not want to re-take this test.  Any advise from my readers who have already taken it? 

Ah, the feelings of accomplishment!

So, last night after work, I headed to Michael's and picked up all the supplies I would need to do a "test run" of some of the ideas I have for save the dates.  I picked up the stuff for stamp embossing: powder, the heat tool, an inking pad, and some cheap cardstock.

 

After 2 or 3 test runs, i think I have the technique mastered (it's not nearly as hard as i thought it could be.), and it looks like it's going to turn out wonderfuly.

 

I'm going to order the paper materials from paper-source (because, they have all the prettyest papers).  I ordered a swatch book, and will make some color decisions as soon as it gets here.  I'm so excited.  Plus I priced invitations similar to the ones that I'm planing and I'm going to save a BUTTLOAD of money (100 save the dates letterpressed I'm finding around 600 bucks!  for ONE color!) and I honestly like the ideas I have better than anything i'm seeing out there.  I'm excited about this, and I know that I have a ton of great maids, who will be willing to help me stamp, stamp, and stamp when they're in town.

 

I'm starting to piece together some ideas for invitations too.  I'm so glad that at least something seems to be coming together in this vortex of planning. 

 

 

Ah, I feel so much better.

So, I meant to blog about how much better I felt about the work situation yesterday, but I forgot.

Then last night I went to the gym and Muscles showed me the boxing equipment.

So now I feel even better!

I also FINALLY made a decision regarding the wedding planning.  Not a huge one, but my first decision none-the-less.  I am going to make my own invitations, save the dates, and programs.  I'm not sure how much money it will actually save, because I'm looking at papersource for materials (I LOVE papersource).  But I didn't come to this conclusion as a cost-cutting measure, I WANT to make these.  I've been making my own cards for a while now for birthdays and thank yous.  I figure this is just taking my card making hobby up a level, and will give me a nice calming outlet on the weekends.  Plus this way, I can get EXACTLY what I want out of my paper goods for the wedding.

And I have tons of ideas, and I'm excited to sit down, and plan out my invitations and save the dates.   

Actually, i already have kind of a neat plan for my save the dates, I just need to make it cohesive, and then get a firm date set. 

What's the proper time to send out save the dates?  we have probably half the guest list coming from Ohio, so probably pretty early right?  at least a year in advance for planning?  does that sound right?

Ugh

Some events have gone down recently at work.  I normally try to leave my working environment out of the blog, but I'm so upset with the way things have come down, I have to write about it.

First of all, it's important to note that i am a contract employee.  This means that I work for an engineering firm that makes a percentage of what I earn working on site at a plant.  We'll call the firm i work for Company A, and the plant I'm located on site at Company B.

Well, about a month ago, my boss at Company B pulled aside me and another contractor (who also works for Company A) and told us that our jobs were in danger, and that he needed us to work faster so that he could justify keeping us on staff.  Or rather, if we were already working as fast as we can, to charge less time than we worked... essentially he asked us to work free overtime.  I wont do that, for starters I'm already working for an amount that is lower than the average pay level for my Job, Experience, and GPA.  Secondly, I think that this is unethical of me, providing free labor for Company B, all while taking money out of Company A's pocket.  So, instead, I stressed.  I worked my ass off, and stressed like crazy while I was doing it. 

Meanwhile, Company B is undergoing structure changes.  Company B Boss chooses to not tell his contract employees about this, and we are shut out from all meetings on the topic.  As the direct employees are learning their new assignments, we are left to wait, and wait, and wait. 

The contractors, though talking with other employees, find out that company B Boss is being removed from his position, and being demoted from manager to engineer.  Then we find out that no lay-offs or staff cuts (including contractors) was ever planned (i.e. Our Jobs were NEVER in danger).  Last week, we had a staff meeting, and found out that starting today The contractors have a new boss, and we learn who he is.  He's on vacation this week (and last), and no one is able to introduce themselves at this point.

Then I found out something else.  Company B Boss... he knew where we were headed the whole time.  While he was making us feel like our jobs were in danger, and that he was trying to help us.  He knew BEFORE new boss left for vacation.  He knew when he okayed two and a half weeks of vacation for my friend (vacation that starts this week).  He waited until we were in a meeting with everyone, and told us where we were going, and not only that, That he was taking all of the projects both of us were working on except for the two that we individually liked the least.  From now on my ONLY task involves being outside (which I loved in March and April, but now it's hot and humid and rains twice a week), so if the weather doesn't cooperate, I have NOTHING to occupy my time.  If the weather does cooperate, I also lose out, because going outside mid day here feels like standing on the freaking sun, and it's only June.  My friend was given sole responsibility for a project that Her, Me and ANOTHER engineer were working on up until now.  She had expressed to Company B Boss that she didn't enjoy the project and would like to work on other things.

In short, He screwed us over.

And just when I thought he couldn't possibly be any bigger of a jerk, he pulled aside my friend again, and told her AGAIN that her job is still in danger because of the "upcoming layoffs" (which by the way, we talked to our friends in HR... no layoffs coming).  And that she should be getting even more done now that she's not "distracted" by other projects.

Not only that, but I could've been preparing for my transition to my new area while my new boss was here, but instead I had to leave my office (my big pretty office with a window) to share a cubicle with another person to make room for someone moving to this area. 

I cried a lot about this on Wednesday.  I went to Vegas, pushed it out of my head for the weekend, but now I'm back, and I keep getting more furious about how this all went down.. 

I feel like this whole month has been some kind of mind game, or last minute grasps for power.  I went on the vacation of a lifetime (Mexico) all the while stressing about whether or not my job would be there when I got back.  All I can say now is that I'm glad to be moving out of this environment and into a new phase of my Career here at company B.  I already know most of my new co-workers, and they're nice, they're fun, and I like them.  I haven't had a chance to meet my new boss yet, but from what I understand he's super nice, and much more personable than my old one. 

I just keep trying to focus on the positives.  I get to move out to a fun building that is in the heart of the plant.  I get a new boss who doesn't intimidate me and try to scare me into working for free.  I GET TO WEAR JEANS, and will be allowed to wear my steel toed boots as my normal footwear (instead of changing in and out of them because they do not match my "professional attire"), i wont be sent an e-mail about the dress code if it's a cold morning, and the only thing warm I have in my car is a hoodie and I wear it into the building then immediately take it off (even though the pipe designers who work across the hall from me get to wear jeans, tennies and hoodies every day).  I still actually have a Job, when so many people don't.  The work I've done for that area in the past has always ended with me being told "I really appreciate that you did this for us, Thank you so much" when everything else I've done here has been met with "not fast enough", "you forgot this ONE TINY thing, but I'm going to yell about it anyway" and worst of all: plain silence.  At least, in my new capacity i stand a chance at feeling appreciated, comfortable, and happy.  All in all the move is a good thing, I just wish it didn't all come down like this.  What a jerk.

Aquarium... Out.

So I spoke with the people at the aquarium, and was not happy with the results.  First off, if we want to include an exhibit in the ceremony, the cost is nearly 8,000 for the rental, and then a 20k food minimum.

 

So. No.

 

That's ridiculous for what they're offering: 30 minutes with fish, followed by no aquarium access, and a reception in a rinky dinky room, with no tanks, few windows, and exposed HVAC systems.  No. Thanks.

 

I'm looking into a few sites nearby that I hadn't considered before, but will be meeting with the events girl (they're owned by the same company) in about 2 weeks.

 

In the meantime, I'm seriously considering having the wedding at my uncle's house.

 

Now, this is not exactly a regular house.  I have to tell you how the men in my family work.

 

When I was a baby, my Grandparents' house flooded.  For the third time.  Papa, being fed up with these antics went out and BOUGHT a land mover and built his own levee.  The men in this family do nothing "by halves" it's very all or nothing.  Back to my Uncle, he wanted to build an outdoor kitchen for cleaning fish after fishing trips.  This thing quickly became an entire RESTAURANT that he built behind his house.  It has three indrustial refrigerators, and two freezers.  Industrial grade stoves and ovens, not to mention a seperate flat grill (kinda like at waffle house).  Outside, he has a buffet station.  He has a fully stocked bar.  He calls this the "man room"

 

Oh, did I mention that he also owns one of the largest plumbing companies in the area?  Because he does.  That's where he gets all of this money that he has no clue what to do with.

 

Last fall, we had a family reunion that was hosted there.  Uncle R did all of the cooking (oh yea, that's another thing about my family, we LOVE to cook, and my Great Grandparents owned a restauraunt for a long time), the food was phenomenal.  He hired a bartender, and overstocked the bar.  He rented a "hot dog cart" for the kids, and even set up a whole "kids area" on the other side of the property with a bounce house.  He had a cigar bar.  And it was FUN.  We all had a fantastic time.

 

There are so many upshots to this set up:

1) I wouldn't need a "head count" for a caterer, and would be free to invite last minute geusts.

2) CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP, I could allot more funds for different things (Photographer, Cake, Flowers, DRESS, SHOES, etc.)

3) I know that the food would be fantastic, and that I wouldn't have to worry about a thing, also, we could put together a menu of whatever we wanted without . (True story, anytime you ask my Papa how a wedding was his answer always starts with "the food was horrible" or "the food was great" and he judges the rest of the event based on that)

4) We could stock the bar with whatever wines, liqour, beer we wanted without having to pay premiums "per person" if we know we're only stocking things 25% of the people will take advantage of (let's face it, why would I pay "per person" for an open bar when several of the people don't even drink, and several more will only have one glass of wine?)

 

The only downsides so far:

1) The dance floor would have to be set up where the "kid area" was for the reunion, meaning it would be totally seperate from the bar, food, and some people.

2) setting up/cleaning up would be our job.

3) we're already having the bridal shower there, and probably other parties as well.

 

I'm going to keep looking at venues, but right now, this is kind of the "front-runner."  We shall see.

 

Unusual Idea

I am toying with an unusual idea. 

 

I think it would be really neat to have my wedding at the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans.

 

Thoughts?

Re: Amber's Comment about friday weddings.

My friend Amber made a comment on my last post.  One of the questions was about having a Friday night wedding to eliminate football drama.

 

The problem with that is that on Friday nights, we tailgate.  Yep.  My family sets up shop to tailgate more than 24 hours before the game starts.  We're hardcore like that.  RV's, grills, 3-4 coolers filled with beer, the whole 9 yards.  We don't do ANYTHING by halves around here.  And we're not the only family like this in town, so I really wasn't surprized to hear that the date was booked already. 

 

But anyway here's the other problem with Friday night weddings at the venue I like.  They are actually MORE expensive there, and they wont start the ceremony until 7pm.  Half of my family goes to bed at 8.  I'd like them to be able to enjoy the reception at least a little bit.  and I was thinking more like having it all run from about 5:30-10:30ish.  I would be alowed to do that on Saturday, but not on Sunday.

 

However, The more I think about the woman who I talked to on the phone (who is the woman who would become my wedding planner should I book the joint) the more I think that's not the place for me.  She was VERY pushy about me coming in as soon as possible so she could draw up a contract, and even wanted me to come in without my mom (who needs to be there, because she's paying, so ultimatley this is her decision too).  I don't like feeling rushed into anything with a contract, and I was less than pleased that she was giving me the "I don't know how long I can hold the 15th for you" bit when I already told here I wasn't sure about having it on a Friday.  I'm not signing contracts unless i'm 100% lady.  And that's that.

 

Anyway, i'm going to take it as a sign that it's not the place for me, and God has something else in mind.  To be honest, I wasn't very sure about the venue to begin with, it's owned by a somewhat famous chef (for the area) who I'm not going to name.  I have several friends who know him well, and he's not a very great guy.  He doesn't pay half of the people who do work for him, and assumes that if he gives you a meal ont he house, that's as good as payment (regardless of how much the payment was supposed to be for).  And I'm not sure I want to give him my bussiness. 

 

So, at least now it's settled that i know where my wedding wont be. 

 

I did happen upon another venue, it's outdoors, surrounded by trees, and has a gazebo on site for ceremonies.  It's cheaper.  The event staff (as far as i've seen) is very nice, and got back to me very quickly yesterday.  So, we'll see how that works out.

Stupid awesome football...

I'm having trouble with finding a workable wedding date.  I would love to have my wedding in March or April, because that's when Louisiana is at it's best.  I mean, top notch secnery perfect for an outdoor wedding.

But I want Amber to be able to comedown and enjoy herself, and have a mini-vacation.  I want her to be able to come down for long weekends and go dress shopping and help me with this crazy process.  And I know that unless I give her some time to re-up her vacation bank, and not to mention bank account She can't do those things. 

So, I thought maybe early October.  That's when it's starting to cool off, and things are still pretty great around here.  Temperatures in the 70s mostly, and fall leaves are pretty great too.  Well, My family is a football loving group.  So much so, that i have a gripping fear I will be planning a wedding for 25 people should I have it on the day of an LSU football game.  There is ONE weekend, in October when there is no game at all (the only free weekend for the whole season), so, a date of October 16, 2010 was set.  I called my dream venue this morning (which also happens to be one of the cheaper venues in town), and they're already booked for my date.  I don't want to move it to a Friday, and Sunday's are out of the question (what kind of party could i have the night before Monday? The answer is not a fun one.)

The next football-game-less weekend isn't until December.  I suppose I could have it during an away game, but then I pretty much have to have the game projected onto the wall of my recpetion if I want anyone to stay for the whole thing.  This would be easier if any of the games were ever during the day, then I could just have the wedding after the game (but risk sad guests if the Tigers lose).  But the SEC is nuts, and has all the games start at 7pm.

I'm looking around for other venues(I may have found a cheaper one that I might like better than the plantation!), and I hope I find one with that weekend open, but it's not looking pretty.  Now that I already set my mind on a Fall wedding, I don't want to move it up to the spring, because that extra 6 months would be really nice for the weight loss and the dress fittings, and the having time to plan.

 

So I guess the problem isn't so much finding the date, it's finding the place available FOR the date.