Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Things I hate to love and those I love to hate!

Awhile back I had compiled a list of "tid bits" about me... things that many of you may have known or some that may you have not been familiar with. After watching my usual showing of Bridezillas on Sunday nights... I've come to the conclusion that brides "change a bit" as it comes closer and closer to the "I Do's!" I'm not sure if it is sheer mental exhaustion or just some new light has come over me... but I've decided that I'd love to include another list...So now I would like to include things that I am into right now, fear, obsess about, and love... and believe me... they are not all about wedding details or even the big day. It should be a funny test and something laughable to look back on after the wedding:)

There will be no exact order as many of my thoughts are completely random in nature so please expect nothing less:)

1. I am OCD at the thought that I might burn down the apartment: Do let me explain. As every other individual, after I use the straightener or oven I have to make sure the item is unplugged or turned off...but I sort of take it to the next level. I have to physically watch myself do it so I make a mental note... or I go back and check several times to ensure that it has been done.

2. I love the smell of coffee but HATE the taste... or so I tell myself. When I was younger I was convinced that I hated the smell of all that was coffee. Who could love a cup of dark liquid that used to just smell gross. Now... they have the most amazing flavors including German chocolate cake, vanilla muse, pecan pie... seriously things that make me hungry just thinking of it. Now I'm the weird person that would seriously stand next to someone just to smell the coffee (I don't actually do this... but would if it came down to it) Now Ray is even thinking that he might start trying it for its healthful qualities.

3. I am not a fan that I repeat myself 1000s times to people. Poor Ray. I'm sure he gets the most of it. And the sad thing is it's not because I don't think people will do it or that I have forgotten I've told the individual... it is simply as a reminder to myself.... since it usually involves the scheduling of something (Ray thank you for putting up with me :)

4. I am in love with watching wedding shows! Anything from the typical Bridezillas, Say Yes to the Dress, and sadly a few that I skip between so I never really picked up on the name. I've decided that I'm not that crazy b/c some of these people totally take the cake! I am so excited about our wedding though. Even though its been a lot of crazy planning, interesting mix ups and what not, I've really been blessed with such an amazing fiance, friends, and family to support us through everything! I know it will be so beautiful. I'm really just getting anxious and can't wait for it to be here!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :)

5. I'm sad that I have not turned into a workout-aholic. I read an article that almost 80-90% of brides work out before the big day. Now I'm sure the actual number of those that wanted to and those that did probably would alter the percentage a little bit... but regardless the majority of brides have been hitting the gym. After getting engaged, I definitely put the gym on my to do list... but sadly its only happened a few times over the course of these past months. I've been so anxious and nervous though I've actually been losing weight that way. Probably not the best but I'm not really worried. I seriously ordered a larger dress at the request of the bridal shop since I was definitely in between! Yay for more Taco Bell?!?!?! But seriously I feel it is coming on. After the Triathlon this weekend and seeing so many fit bodies... I definitely feel the work on stage coming on. Hopefully its not too little too late;) J/K

6. I love all desserts... and I mean ALL desserts. I've always been a big sugar fan but now I try to find any "national food holiday" and turn it into an event at work. While this has been extremely successful I now question if this was a good idea. Having access to ice cream and other delicious treats on a daily basis is not a good idea

7. I dislike my poor Pontiac with a passion. That poor vehicle has been through it all. We've been together since high school 2002. As of last year it seemed like every month it was finding some way to break down on me. Several times you could catch me on the side of 75 with the hood popped and smoke coming out or stuck in the center lane. Yes... I was 'that" person. Poor thing had a wiring issue, been hit 3 times in one year, radio occasionally works, clock is broken, both back windows are broken and continue to fall daily... it's not looking good for her... but we'll try to make it through a couple more years.... fingers crossed and knock on wood... PLEASE!

8. I am currently obsessed with the idea of spending more days at the apartment in my pj's with my boys and girl (Ray and the pups:). I think that we've been so busy that it will be nice to find some time to just spend with each other doing nothing at all. Maybe after the wedding. Ha!


Mattie and her play toy.


My boys: Ray and Toby:)

9. I absolutely love my DVR and all my favorite shows it records. Sitting down to watch some of our favorite shows together makes me feel normal and not crazy busy. Ray and I enjoy watching The Biggest Loser, The Office, How I met Your Mother, Survivor, and Chuck when it returns (10 years from now ... it feels like) But we've also added a few more shows to our list including The Food Network, Flash Forward, and anything random that I'm too lazy to change... mainly talking about random MTV reality shows. They are just addicting. Hehe

Well I am actually going to stop at 9 for now. I'd love to have something really interesting for number 10... so I'm going to make you wait until I can think of a good one. Hope you've enjoyed!

Love,
Alicia

Monday, September 28, 2009

TRI HARD!

Our guys are Triathletes!
September 27, 2009: Ray, Michael, and Dustin participated in the Stonebridge Ranch Triathlon put on by Playtri in McKinney, TX.

I am so proud of them! This is such an amazing accomplishment and I am so thankful that I could be there to be a part of it! CONGRATS GUYS!

Swim. Bik
e. Ride!
Sprint: Ray and Michael
750 meter swim
12 mile bike ride
5K= 3.1 mile run

Olympic
: Dustin
Double that!

At 7:20AM the whistle blew and the first group of participants were in the water.


It was so difficult to try to make out any faces. They all looked the same. Ray and Michael were both in the purple group.
Watch them go!

The water was a chilly 74 degrees!


Kristin and I cheering on our boys! Goodness it was windy!
(Re-Cycle... means keeps cycling and hints at Ray for being "Green!")


More signs for the day!

As the boys made the 750 meter swim around the length of the lake, they then darted out of the water and to their next event... the bike. These pictures are of Michael and Ray as they made their way out of the water... down this huge hill... and onto the bike!


Michael was so fast we barely caught him coming out of the water. Now he's heading down to the bike area.


Ray out of the water and down the hill toward his bike.




Out of the water and onto the bike! Ray at the mount line. 12 miles of biking ahead of him!


Michael... one loop down and one to go!


Ray... loop one and one more to go!


5K Run!


After over 3 miles of running, here is Michael's last few feet before he finishes his Triathlon! I am so proud:)


A very Happy Fant Family! Congrats!


Ray finishing his last few feet of the Triathlon! I am so happy for you baby! You AMAZE me:)
Congrats! You are my Triathlete!


Ray at the finish line!


Cheeseburgers and Beer? I guess fruit will do!
(Someone had yelled this while he was on the course... so the continuous comment about Cheeseburgers and hungry tummies led us to later enjoying some AMAZING cheeseburgers after the race)


Our Triathletes!


466 & 206!


I am so proud of my fiance!

Then it was Dustin's turn... Hoes knows Triathlons



Dustin finishing his Olympic Triathlon! Way to go!



To my fiance: I am so proud of you! You continue to amaze me daily!
Congrats love!

To all the participants: Michael and Dustin! You guys rock! I absolutely am so proud of you and can't wait for the next big competition!

Love,
Alicia

Afraid of Bubbles?!?!

While in the mist of putting together bows on the wedding bubbles, I noticed Toby's fascination with what I was doing. He seemed completely enamored with these seemingly harmless soap bubbles and of course thought they would be his new play toy...

And as many pictures that follow you will notice that Toby loved bubbles.

He chased them on the carpet and then followed them to the floor... until the unthinkable happened.... One popped on his poor nose. After that the bubbles were no longer a play toy but were out to get him. So he did what any sweet puppy would do...

He hid!


This was Toby before the bubble tried to "bite" him.


Chasing them on the floor...

So now... every time I get out the bubbles to finish my project... our poor puppy hides. No more bubbles for Toby:)

Love,
Alicia

Friday, September 25, 2009

Funday Friday!

Today officially marks 50 days until the big "I do's!" I absolutely cannot wait and get more and more excited as each day passes. Sometimes I seriously have to remind myself that this is true and while 50 days seems to be a lot... I know it'll be here before we know it.

So today is my Funday Friday blog. I've decided that each week on my "Funday Friday" I will give my weeks funtivities and updates. Plus it just has a nice ring to it!!!

This week was definitely as busy as the last. Each week has absolutely flown by and is filled with daily to dos, meetings, and events. This week was just that.

Monday: September 21: Work as usual. I prepared myself for Tuesday's funtivity of National Ice Cream Cone Day at Checkpast. Monday was supposed to be the day that wedding invitations were out the door, but after Sundays small mishap of "misplacing" the previous purchased stamps we had to shift it all down a day. At lunch I went to Weirs Furniture Store and bought my favorite wedding ring stamps. A furniture store with stamps? Sounds odd I know... but it sure isn't. There is a small country store and post office inside the Weirs off of Knox. I absolutely love this place. I wish I could take the time to look at all of the nick nacks, gifts, and of course furniture but sadly today's visit was just for stamps. Maybe next time. But anywho... stamps were bought and that night Ray and I finished the invites which would be sent out Tuesday.


Also... Happy 26th Birthday to Michael:)

Tuesday: September 22: National Ice Cream Cone Day!
Today marked the national holiday for ice cream cones. What kind of HR Director would I be if I had not participated in such a momentous occasion. Employees brought their ice cream: flavor of choice, cones, and toppings


Read blog below to give further details of this festivity.

Tuesday Night I met up with Kristin for an event that will be described at a later date. It is currently a surprise and I do not want to ruin it. While we "crafted" we ate pizza and of course watched the Biggest Loser! That doesn't exactly sound like the two would go together... but oh it was amazing and again all about portion control!

Wednesday: September 23: Ray and I had lunch at Freebirds! Yum! Oh how I miss the easy access of this amazing burrito place in College Station. All restaurants seemed closer there! Ok now I'm thinking of the bread sticks from Fazolis... I must cut that conversation short...
Wednesday night, Ray and I had a visitor! Owen, Ray's dad, came in from Sugar Land for a quick visit. We went to dinner at Buca di Beppo and had such amazing food. Read previous blog for details: Tasting and Tours!

Thursday: September 24: Ray and I had an official date night. With all the wedding planning and busy schedules, it's been hard to sit down and find time together. I love spending time with my fiance! *Also... he got to officially pick up his wedding ring! It's all too exciting:)

We also received a few gifts from family that were unable to attend our shower. Thank you to Nana and Sally! We absolutely loved them and can't wait to officially use our new wedding gifts!

Here is a picture of Ray and I hinting at the "don't break a ribbon/bow" tradition b/c that is the number of babies you are supposed to have. Mainly I've received beautiful bows... I'm sure in the end I'll break just a few;)

Friday: September 25: Today is a relaxing day at work. I'm finishing up a few things. Tonight Ray will be participating in Flag Football for the Richardson Corporate Challenge through work. He is QB. He will play Friday and Saturday. I'll keep you posted on how it goes! I know he's super excited.

Saturday: September 26: Flag Football for Corporate Challenge

Flag Football: PFS Web!



Sunday: September 27: Ray, Michael, and Dustin will be participating in a Triathlon in McKinney. Both Ray and Michael will be doing the Sprint and Dustin will participate in an Olympic Triathlon. I am so proud of the boys! I know they've been working for this all year. GOOD LUCK GUYS!

More pictures to follow.

Love,
Alicia

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Taste Testing and Tours!

On Wednesday, Sept 23, Ray and I had a visitor in town. Owen, Ray's father, was able to come visit us at our new home in Richardson! After a small tour of the new space, we decided to answer the calls of our hungry tummies and made our way to Bucca di Beppo... the site for our rehearsal dinner. It was absolutely AMAZING! I love the food and the service was so great. Laura May our server who we are definitely requesting for the night in mention did such a great job showing us the official room we will be staying in. A small change was made... but everything had been taken care of. We will be hosting our Dinner and a movie themed Rehearsal Dinner on November 13, 2009 or better yet... FRIDAY THE 13th! I am so excited. For dinner we ate an appetizer trio including calamari, mozzarella sticks, and stuffed mushrooms and then a small pasta dish. It was too good. Even though I was stuffed, she brought out cheesecake and Tiramisu to taste, I definitely had to try some.


This is the half size portion of the tiramisu and a small portion of the rasberry/hazelnut Cheesecake. Again both were absolutely amazing.


Ray and I eating CHEESECAKE! YUM!


Owen and his first bite EVER of Tiramisu!

After being absolutely stuffed... we took a tour of our space
while taking tons of pictures of course.


Welcome to Bucca!


Ray & I in the Cardinal Room... I absolutely love the nuns on the bumper cars!
They are awesome:)


The Cardinal Room!




Elegant Woman: Spaghetti Eating Contest!


More Booths and Rooms!

Both Ray and I are absolutely excited about our rehearsal dinner and for what all will come. I had my realization moment that night... I looked at Ray and said... guess what... "We are getting married!" He looked at me and smiled. I could not be happier!

Love,
Alicia
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