Haven’t been getting much sleep this week. No, its not because I stay up too late playing the Wii; I am usually off around 10 or 10:30.

I just haven’t been able to fall asleep early enough to get a good night of rest.

I am so sleepy right now that I am tempted to take advantage of being on my cycle and blame severe cramps and go home for the rest of the day (at least there is some partial truth; I am experiencing some cramps, though not severe). Except, I always feel guilty for calling out sick or having to leave work early.

I have a little time to debate with myself about what to do.

In other news…

Greg gave me an early Mother’s day present: Guitar Hero: Legands of Rock! I played the game for nearly two hours last night; I love the game. Greg informed me, this morning, that he has to stop at the mall tonight to pick up my other Mother’s day gift; I’m hoping he took my hints and suggestions and is going to get me a pair or diamond earrings; we’ll see come Sunday. So, while Greg goes to his mall, I am going to go to Bed, Bath, & Beyond, use the 20% off coupon and buy my Mom her Mother’s day gift: a stick blender thingy.

…

I am such a sucker. I asked to leave early and they pleaded with me to stay because there isn’t anyone here after 5pm to handle the webchats. If I were in more pain, I would have said tough, but … fine… I’ll save a half day… for now.

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I’ve been having a shit-tacular week. IT’S ONLY TUESDAY!!

God, I want this week to be over.

Of course, some of my emotional non-well being could be hormone induced as I am off the active pills, but I don’t give a fuck; I am having a bad week.

I believe I’ve spoken to the biggest assholes, twats, and dicks, there are in the past two days. The worst was yesterday; after dealing with him I felt the need for a cigg and something with a lot of strong alcohol. And I dont smoke nor drink. He was that much of a prick.

Not too much going. Counting down the days until we fly off to Michigan. Greg and I are loving the Wii; those games really give you a work out!

Nothing new going on with the eloping plans. I am still planning on going to a few bridal places to look for a dress, and hopefuly Greg and I will be able to find, and buy, our wedding bands. We’ll probably talk more about our plans this weekend while we’re visiting my Mom for Mother’s Day.

Amelia, out of the blue, starting singing parts of the alphabet song today!

She’s too freaking smart!

What a busy weekend we had; but so much fun too!

Saturday started off a little challenging due to Amelia and her ‘crabby alice’ mood, so we didn’t go anywhere until she had a nap; which she fought off for as long as possible.

Eventually, around 3pm, we make it out. First stop: find an air compressor for my slowly leaking tire. Second stop: lunch at chick-fil-a. Third stop, and spontaneous: Lowes. The whole purpose of going to Lowes was to get a gift card for Greg’s Mom for Mothers Day. We didn’t get one. Instead we bought plants to decorate our balcony. Plus, and Orchid for me since I’ve been asking Greg to buy me one for over a year. We decided to get two pots and to decorate our own. I picked out a red Gerbera daisy and four yellow marigolds. Greg picked out two orange marigolds and 2 purple pansies.

During the entire trip through the garden section, I was calling my Mom asking her questions about which plants should we use; plant food, soil, etc. My Mom was excited that we were finallydoing something with the balcony (Greg and I were/are a little hesitant to buy patio furniture and decorate because we aren’t sure if we’re going to able to renew and we didn’t want to spend the money on such items and not be able to enjoy it; so we’re kinda hoping that buying the plants and such will be good vibes for renewal). After Lowes we headed over to Wal-mart (because their cost of yogurt is so much better, even with a sale, than Giant) and picked up our grocery needs plus the items for Sundays RSC.

We were home around 5pm, put the plants together, and tended to baby - who was just cranky all day. I believe her mood was due to her most recent tooth that broke through. Once Amelia was asleep, Greg ran out to Game Stop and bought 3 games for the Wii (because they were having an awesome sale of buy two get one free), traded in a few of the DS games that I don’t play anymore (and got $19 for them, more than we were expecting) and picked up another Wii numchuck. The games Greg picked were Super Mario Galaxy; Super Smash Bros.; and Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games. We played all three, and the Mario and Sonic game wore us out! Both of us are so sore from playing (mostly our arms and shoulders)! I can’t believe how physically involved this game is; but it’s so addictive! Greg was working up a sweat!

The Wii is more fun than I was expecting it to be, which is a good thing because rather than sitting on the couch playing, I am standing up and moving all over the place! Nintendo is coming out with WiiFit, a “combination of fitness and fun” where you have four training modes: Balance Games, Yoga, Strength Training, and Aerobics. Greg and I are curious about WiiFit and are considering buying it as soon as it’s available (could beat signing up for the gym, as we’ve been discussing).

Needless to say, Greg and I are paying for it today, because we stayed up too late playing last night. Both my upper arms and shoulders and a bit of the upper bum muscles are screaming at me, and Greg says his legs, in addition to his forearms and upper arms, are hurtin’. But, it’s a good hurt; it means we’re using the muscles more than they are used to, and in due time we won’t hurt this much after playing video games for a few hours!

Today, Greg let me sleep in (since I let him sleep in on Saturday) and when I did wake up (at 8:30) I was feeling so exhausted. I started the day as I usually do on Sundays, with the laundry and then straightening up the living/dining area. Worked on the bedroom as well. Then, around 12:30 - 1:00pm, I was still exhausted and Greg suggested I take a nap (I think my crankiness was starting to show more than Amelia’s); Amelia joined me on the bed and we both pretty much fell asleep together (though she fought off sleep more than I did). Greg didn’t wake me up until 2:30 (just after Amelia woke up) and I was still tired. I just can’t shake the fatigue today.

Around 3pm we headed up to Tim and Brookes to attend the first RSC of 2008. Greg made this amazing Southwestern-esk marinade for the chiken that Tim cooked on the grill. I can not express how much I love meat cooked over a charcoal grill. Brooke tried the Luther Burger, a hamburger between a Krispy Kreme donut; a taste for the exotic and adventurous! Otherwise, the day was fun and relaxing. We were there until sometime after 6; Amelia was becoming sleepy and increadibly cranky (and I was pretty tired as well), so we called it a day; here are a few pictures from the day (the rest can be found here):

Yep. We are now the proud ‘parents’ of a Nintendo Wii.

I honestly didn’t think we’d find one, but since we were at Target we decided to see if they had any in stock and they sure did! Tonight’s Target trip was the most expensive we’ve ever had ($318 for the Wii and Wii Sports; $110 for prescriptions; $85 for odds and ends; and $44 for pretzels and soda {but I got some cash back too}). At least I am able to reclaim the $110 due to FSA.

We didn’t set up, nor play, the Wii until Amelia was in bed; which was within 20 minutes of coming home. Amelia, from what I was told, was a very cranky baby today and boy was she! She did well in Target and seemed to have a huge burst of energy when we let her run-a-muck, which she did with such glee… shrieking down the isles with laughter… so cute.

As we were paying for the prescriptions (Greg has some pretty wicked allergies, apparently, and his doc rx’d a three month supply for the meds), Greg was calling his friends telling them that we found a Wii on our first try (and we weren’t really trying. Our intentions of going to Target was for a wine bottle popper). It was so cute seeing Greg’s face light up as he got to tell his friends. We’re considering bringing the Wii with us to Sundays RSC, especially since the weather people are predicting a rainy day.

Wii Sports: Love bowling! I did pretty well with Tennis too (I used to take lessons). My arm is pretty sore though, and so is Gregs. But, we played the hell out of the games for nearly 3 hours.

I received my stimulus bonus today, so that’s why we bought the Wii. I am considering buying Guitar Hero, but I don’t want to go out and spend all our money just yet. But, we’re probably going to be in Best Buy tomorrow checking out a few items.

Well, it’s nearly midnight. Time for bed.

**I am so sleepy tired right now. I seriously debated about posting tonight. Somehow, I talked myself into posting**

After Greg and I came home from our spontaneous dinner at T.G.I. Friday’s, and put Amelia to bed, I began an more extensive searching for a dress. I’m not looking for a ‘traditional’ wedding dress; therefore I’ve done most, if not all, of my searching though bridesmaid dresses. It helps that bridesmaid dresses are a hell of a lot cheaper - sometimes.

I was/am slightly bummed that the dress I was so excited about earlier this week is a bust. I was hoping that finding the perfect dress was going to be simple and easy. Ha! Learned my lession.

Anyway, here is a new list/group of dresses (mostly the style, though I do like some of the colors). Looking for a dress, especially since I’m not looking for an actual wedding dress, but more of a really nice - this doesn’t look like a prom dress, but a dress for a special occassion - dress; and it’s tough!

I like the color and style. Not sure how I feel about the print (more long the size of the print), but something to consider.

This dress is more appropriate for the location/feel (except for the color, of course), and it seems adjustable, like a sarong. Another dress to consider.

I like the layers and different lengths of the dress; color isn’t too bad either.

I like the length of the dress, and it looks like there is an overlay

I like this one a lot (somewhat of the color too); it look fun, flirty, and comfortable

I feel the same about this dress as the dress before it (except for the colors, but at least I have the option of a two tone dress)

I like the length, mostly. I think the models face, though, isn’t helping sell the dress

Trying to remember why I grabbed this dress… I think it was because of the pull around the waist.

I’m liking this dress a lot. I like the different length hem, the sash around the waist, and (somewhat) the color.

I am liking the flare, and I believe there is some detail on the bodice (crappy quality of the photo - zoom didn’t help).

 

Ok, so there are the 10 newest dress styles for the list. Personally, I am like (in no particular order) dresses 2, 4, 5, 9, & 10.

What about ya’ll?

Not wedding decision, at least for the moment.

I stopped by David’s Bridal after work (since the babysitter was in the area running an errand se we met in the parking lot) and tried on the dress that I was totally digging. Well, I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the color nor the cut/style. I didn’t look good, in my opinion, in it; it made me look wider than I am. I know I have broad shoulders, but not that broad. So, the search continues. I will say that I was … somewhat… pleased with the service I had for the 10 minutes I was there. I was relieved to see that they carried a lot of different sizes for the same model (I was curious about that). I tried on a size 24 and it zipped up! We know dresses run smaller than the ‘average’ size, so I was rather surprised. Although, it was a bit tight; I was able to breath and move comfortably in the dress (I was chasing after Amelia) and I like how it felt it was holding… everything… in place (I still had my bra on) but… it wasn’t right for me. I don’t think I am a pastel/light color kinda gal. I like rich colors, especially red, but that isn’t a color that would match where we’re eloping. So, the search continues…

I’ve decided not to plan the Disney Cruise for my Mom next summer. I searched hard for a good week and a half and I wasn’t happy with what I found/learned. I will say the Disney Cruise forum is very friendly and resourceful, but Disney itself isn’t. From what I understand, by talking to two different travel agencies and from the responces I received on their message boards, Disney doesn’t offer incentives for booking early, or (small) group discounts. NorwegianCruise Line (NCL) will discount a cabin, by more than half sometimes, if you book in advance - that is a significant savings, in my opinion, and gives you the ability to book a nicer cabin, such as one with a balcony as Greg and I did. Plus, they do provide group discounts. And, if Greg and I put a deposit of $250 for another cruise while we’re on the current cruise, we receive a $100 on-board credit instantly - so basically, we’re puttingdown $150 for a future cruise (that you don’t have to plan at that exact moment and, you have up to a year to plan the other cruise- if you don’t plan the cruise, after a year, you get your deposit back, or carry it over.) Also, with NCL, there isn’t a dinner schedule; while I was researchingon the Disney Cruise, you had to select an early dinner (6:30) or late dinner (8:30) and I didn’t like that. Personally, I think Disney takes advantage of their name and are able to charge the prices they do, and not offer all the different incentives as other cruise lines because, not matter what, they know people will still travel to/with Disney because… it’s Disney! Now, that’s not to say that I don’t plan on going sometime within my lifetime. I think I should give it a chance, plus I am curious about the Tower of Terror ride, so I’ll go at least once, just not anytime soon. Note:this is just an observation - I’m not diss-ing Disney or anything of that sort, I’m just writing my opinion of my experience of planning a cruise with NCL vs. planning a cruise with Disney.

Another decision that I am debating over is my summer plans to go to Ocean City in July. At this moment I am not feeling the trip. Basically, I’m afraid to spend the money. With the our elopement plans in the near future, and the time I had to take off of work due to the surgery, I feel like hoarding my vacation days and any extra money. I mean, we’re leaving for Michigan in 3 weeks (gosh, I remember when it was more than 3 months until the trip!) and we will be using 2 vacation days (Thurs and Fri) and I don’t know how much money we’re going to spend, especially since we haven’t talked about a budget. Fortunately, we’re going to be saving a lot of money since we’re going to be staying with Greg’s parents, use their car, and eat their food. But, there are going to be things we want to do that require money, such as go to a baseball game, visit some touristy places, maybe take everyone out to dinner - things of that sort. I guess Greg and I should start talking about that…

…

As I was trying on the dress at David’s I realized something: I wasn’t prepared for this; I haven’t shaved my under arms in about a week… two weeks… fuck it, a month! I hate shaving my underarms because the skin is so sensitive. That’s one reason why I didn’t stay around longer to try on any of the other dresses; well that and Greg didn’t know where I was and I had Amelia with me. Needless to say, I shaved when I took my shower earlier this evening and now I am prepared for anything.

Anway, Top Chef has begun - time to watch. I’m rooting for Richard and Mark to make it to the top 5. Who are you rooting for?

One of us received our stimulus ‘bonus’! W00t!! We dont know which one of us it was, but since it was for only $600 we assume it was Greg’s since I should be receiving $900.

Work is going well; just slow. I don’t remember it being this slow last year.

There is about three weeks until we fly out to Michigan! I am getting nervous and excited; I am so shy at first meetings. I am already starting to get butterflies in my stomach!

Greg and I were talking last night, and this morning, about what to buy/do with the bonus (work and government) money. Greg and I have different plans, and or priorities. Greg wants me to spend at least $300 on new clothing; I can’t spend that much on myself, its not my character. I do plan on replacing some articles of clothing, but not $300 worth. Then Greg asked me ‘goodies’, as in fun, un-needed things, I want but I couldn’t come up with anything, other than some jewelery but I told him that he’s suppose to buy that for me anyway. Greg, on the other hand, has a lot of things he wants to buy and finds it weird that there isn’t anything that I want.

Although, there is something that I want to do now, while we have the money, but Greg wants to wait a few more months. Plus, I want to save for our wedding bands (which we’re having a slight disagreement on the style of band I want) and any little extras for our ‘wedding’. And, then there is the part of me that just wants to hide (out of sight, out of mind) the money for an emergency.

We are considering buying a Wii. Even more so since Greg has seen the Mario Kart commercials and now wants to play. If anything, I just want to play Guitar Hero and we could buy a PS2, cheaper, and play Guitar Hero on that, but I doubt that’s going to happen.

This weekend start the second season of RSC! Greg and I are looking forward to Sundays gathering. It will be nice to hang out with everyone again. Oh, and cooking yummy foods on the (charcoal) barbie.

It was a slow, yet wedding related productive day!

I wish I could spend all my time at work searching the Internet for wedding related things. In hindsight, I guess it’s a good thing I can’t because I’d probably obsess over everything and spend too much money on little things.

In Amelia news: We still had problems getting her to bed last night, though not as difficult as Sunday night, but difficult enough. She doesn’t want us to leave the room, so we think she’s going through a phase of separation anxiety… again. And, she was up sometime between 5-5:30 am … again! This time I tended to her so Greg could sleep (as I mentioned, he had a very bad Monday). When I dropped Amelia off at the babysitters I asked that she be woken around 1.5 hours into her nap (she took a 3 hr nap yesterday - gee, I wonder why), which the babysitter complied and sure enough, after her bath, Amelia was too tired to complain… somewhat. She did fight, for about 30 seconds and that was it; I’m crossing my fingers that she’ll wake up around 6:30-7:00 tomorrow morning.

In eloping news: Greg and I have our new wedding date! And, I get the date/month number to match without even trying! So exciting. These next few months are going to be so long… the date can’t get here fast enough!

In baseball news: Wow! The O’s are, by far, exceeding my expectations on performance! Greg and I watched the game tonight and… Wow! For being a ‘new’ team, they are playing pretty damn well. I can’t wait to see a game this year!

Short post tonight, sorry. It’s after 10, again, and I am ready for bed.

Here’s to Wednesday!