Freshly Bathed

Some days you visit beautiful homes that belong to interesting people. The kind of people that inspire you to do something great with your life, to follow your dreams.  The kind of people that make you think that maybe one day you and your husband will retire to that bungalow on the beach. And sometimes those days end with you coming home and discovering that your puppy has diarrhea’d all over his crate. That’s life.

Not much happened.

Well, that might not be true. My job is new and exciting. The people that I work with are smart and funny. I knew I was in good hands when I saw the Ron Swanson Pyramid of Greatness on the fridge at work.

Josh visited me for his birthday, so I surprised him with a trip to Wilmington. I rented a boat for the evening. We stayed on the Jubilee Snooze ‘N Cruise.

Look at how much fun these people are having! I was terrible at taking pictures on this trip, mostly because we drank two bottles of wine and ate yummy food. The owners of the boat served us dinner, and we sat and talked with the old man while we ate. He informed us that Samuel L. Jackson will film a movie on his boat this month. Also, while sitting in the lounge area of the boat, we saw Virginia Madsen making out with some young guy. We experience the most random celebrity sightings.

Then Josh went back to Arizona and I went back to taking care of things in Raleigh-Durham. I found us a place to live at the end of November, a super-cute townhouse with a 1-year lease until we decide where we want to live (or buy!).  Blah blah blah new furniture blah blah blah move-in inspections blah blah blah.

On December 22nd I headed back to Arizona with a tickle in my throat. Aside from a couple of nights out with friends, the rest of my time was spent in bed. I am still resentful of my third coldlflu in six months for stealing my final desert days from me. That cold did not steal my ability to make three delicious pies with my baby sister: Apple with Crumb Topping, Pecan, and S’mores (yeah, S’mores). Christmas was wonderful, as always. Blah blah blah I got more than I deserve blah blah blah I liked giving gifts more this year. I love my family.

On December 27th, Josh, Jackson, Alex (there’s a reason he was Josh’s best man, he came all the way to help us move!) and I embarked on Day 1 of our three-day cross-country voyage. Again. It was not as fun the second time around, but at least it’s our last time for a long while.

New Year’s was uneventful, due to exhaustion from moving in and being sick. Blah blah blah resolutions blah exercise more blah blah eat better blah blah.

So, I guess a lot happened in December. And a lot is happening in January. We have more to do before our house feels like a home. I start grad school soon. Work is going to be insane. I need to update this thing more so that I stop having gargantuan updates. I have lots of posts in mind, but I never manage to sit down to write them. I still need to write my year-end recap. Crap.

Anyway. We are almost completely unpacked. We are here. We are stressed out. We are happy.

Happy New Year, friends.

Let’s break it down:

Groom’s and Wedding Party Entrance: “Make It Wit Chu” by Queens of the Stone Age

This song just has a great beat and guitar riff to strut to. Josh knew it was his song when he heard it. The lyrics are pretty sexy, too. Because of this sexiness, Josh used his audio editing skills to turn it into an instrumental. It was perfect. And we still knew it was sexy.

Bridal Processional: “Hoppipolla (Instrumental)” by Sigur Ros

I was not going to walk down the aisle to “Here Comes the Bride” or “Canon in D.” Those are fine and well, but way too vanilla for me. Sigur Ros has been one of my favorite bands for a long time. After I realized that “Hoppipolla” was my entrance song, I couldn’t listen to it without tearing up. It’s dramatic, it’s soft, it evokes beauty. It was everything I wanted.

Next I had to figure out how to acquire the instrumental version – enter our DJ – who found it rather quickly and sent it to me for verification. This in turn created more tears. I don’t think anything about our wedding made me as emotional as this song. I was too happy to cry. But as soon as that song started playing before they parted the gates, my mom and I had to collect ourselves.

Recessional: “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

This was a no-brainer. It was an often played song right before our engagement, we included it on our invitation (I will post about that soon too!), and it is a perfectly perfect song. It captures exactly how Josh and I feel about each other. With our impending move, the lyrics spoke to us even more. Home is wherever we are with each other. Again, Josh did a little editing so that after we were pronounced husband and wife, the chorus and trumpet part kicked it. It looped after that. It was awesome.

Grand Entrance: “Riot Rhythm” by Sleigh Bells

Yep. You weren’t going to catch us walking out to “Celebrate.” This song is rockin’, super fun, and loud. You might recognize it from the photobooth video. When I was listening to the Sleigh Bells record and found this song, I thought it was a great entrance song because it exemplifies what the reception entrance should be: FUN. The heavy stuff is over. Now it’s time to party. I wasn’t sure if Josh would think it was too hipster-fied, but every.single.time I played the intro and asked what he thought, he responded with a huge smile. Winner!

First Dance: “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star

We both love this song. The lyrics have a lot of different meanings for a lot of different people, but when I hear “Fade into you….I think it’s strange you never knew” I think of how long Josh and I knew each other before we fell in love. If you’d told 18-year-old me that I would be married to Josh in eight years, I wouldn’t have believed you. Sometimes, I still look at Josh and think: “Wow I am married to JOSH. THAT JOSH! FROM HIGH SCHOOL” and it makes me so happy.

Father-Daughter Dance: “Sleepwalk” by Santo & Johnny

When you grow up with a Mexican dad and a white-girl mama from El Paso there are certain things that are guaranteed. One of those things is that you will spend a huge chunk of your childhood watching Lou Diamond Phillips portray Ritchie Valens in “La Bamba.” My dad and I went back and forth on a few potential father-daughter dance songs, but when I told him how much this song meant to me, he agreed to this one. This song doesn’t just remind me of my dad, it IS my dad. I remember sitting in the living room watching “La Bamba,” incapable of fully comprehending all of the content (seriously, what is WITH Bob?) but loving it anyway. This song is played at the end of the film, when everyone is reacting to Ritchie’s death and going to his funeral. This sounds really horrible, but it is a beautiful song. Thankfully, no one screamed “RITCHIEEEEEEEEEEE” while my dad and I were dancing.

Mother-Son Dance: “Simple Man” by Josh (cover of Lynrd Skynyrd)

I was so proud of Josh for this. His mom suggested the original for their first dance. The lyrics made sense for them, and Lynyrd Skynyrd was Josh’s first concert (that she took him to). The pace was weird for a slow dance, however, and since we couldn’t find a cover version that Josh liked, he took it into his own hands. With a little bit of me pretending to play producer, he actually recorded himself singing for public consumption. I’ve heard him sing before, but he is pretty secretive about it. It turned out great, and everyone wanted to know who it was after they were finished. His mom was extremely happy to announce that it was her son.

Cake cutting: “Love You Madly” by Cake

We found this song independently and sent it to each other. But really, how could you not?

Bouquet Toss: “No Scrubs” by TLC

We had reservations about doing any of this stuff. We didn’t even do the garter toss. There’s just something icky to me about the bouquet toss, I guess the fact that it (maybe harmlessly) reinforces that a woman’s happiness is gained through marriage. You shove all the single ladies on the floor, making them confess their tragic unmarried state, and force them to fight for a bouquet of flowers that lets them know that one day, they too will have a ring put on it. Still, I recognize that it’s a fun part of the wedding and that not everyone has such a cerebral approach when it comes to tradition. When I told my friend Megan about my concerns, she said that if I did it, I had to do it to “No Scrubs.” That was that.

There you have it. Our wedding songs. Picking music for our wedding was one of my favorite parts of the planning process. We really saw it as an opportunity to set the tone for the evening, rather than one to coalesce to the norm. Sorry, Pachelbel.

Have a happy Thanksgiving, friends.

Skypesgiving

Enjoy the highlight reel below…

The plan was for me to quit my job and pack up my things. I was to stay with Josh’s mom in Cary until he finished school (so that I could hopefully land a job and find us a good place to live), at which point I would go back home for Christmas and we would bring everything back. Josh and I loaded up my car, dropped off the pooch with my parents, and set off on a three-day drive to North Carolina. We left last Friday. We listened to music, talked, took turns driving, I read a terribly written crime mystery to him from my Kindle. The first day, we drove for 11 hours before settling in Abilene. The first day was the worst drive. West Texas is brutal.

Day Two was prettier as we ventured into East Texas and made our way to Birmingham for the night. We abandoned music for audiobooks until we decided to start listening to artists who were regionally appropriate. Jay Reatard was a hit in Mississippi and Britney Spears was the artist of choice for a brief jaunt through Louisiana. I ditched the terrible crime drama and began reading from a tawdry erotic fiction book which provided us with some good laughs.

The first night on the road was hard. I am so so so close to my family, and I don’t think that I’d allowed the gravity of the situation to hit me until that moment. I was moving 2,000 miles away. I wouldn’t be able to visit every Sunday for dinner. The days of wasting summer days by the pool were gone. I was scared and – honestly – devastated.

But we pushed on. And magically, as the climate improved, as the yellow flat-land turned into rolling hills of green and yellow and red trees, I started feeling better. By day 3 on the road, my excitement about this new chapter returned. We rolled into Cary on Sunday, and Josh left Monday afternoon.

Since arriving, things have been okay. I am going to meet with someone who works with Josh’s mom and is about my age. I had Phase 4 of the application process with a really great job yesterday and it went really well – on to Phase 5 next week. I have an interview with a different company on Monday. I got to go shopping for fancy new interview clothes which is always fun. I’ve gone exploring through neighborhoods. I now understand why tourists in Arizona take pictures of cacti as I am in complete awe of the landscape here.

I miss my family and friends terribly, but I talked to my mom for awhile on the phone yesterday and I talk to Josh everyday. We started Skype-ing, which makes a world of difference. I even get to see my puppy on Skype, although I only keep his attention for a few moments before he goes to sleep (he is a lazy bum).

I’m not entirely sure what the future holds now, and I am entirely okay with that. For the first time in my life, I feel fine not having a solid plan in place. I am filled with an overwhelming sense of everything-is-going-to-be-okay.

Leading up to the day, I was constantly told what a calm and collected bride I was. The week of the wedding was filled with confirmation phone calls, centerpiece assembly, and getting our nails did. That’s the small stuff, right? No need to freak. Even during the rehearsal, my moments of stress were caused by silly things, like family dynamics, not the wedding itself. Everything was coming together perfectly and even if it didn’t it was too late to worry about it. The day-of coordinator was huffy and puffy and pushy but knew what she was doing; all I could do was giggle when she was beside herself over the fact that I didn’t have a bouquet of ribbons to rehearse with (I opted out of a bridal shower).

Walking with my parents and imaginary bouquet.

The rehearsal dinner was a-mazing. Josh’s mom, Debbie, hosted it at Wildflower. We gave our VIPs gifts (Moms – necklaces with their children’s birthstones, Dads – Cufflinks and bill clip, Amanda and Amy, Sisters and Maids of Honor – Jewelry, Alex, Best Man – Knives, Megan, Officiant – Geode ring). We ate the best salad that ever existed, the entrees were ON POINT and then they surprised Josh and I with a dessert FEAST. At the end of the evening, they gave us a complimentary bottle of Rose champagne.

After dinner, Josh and I picked up our pooch, Jackson, and he took me down to my parents’ house. Yes, we spent the night apart. No, not for any real reason other than it was easier to get to my hair and makeup appointment that way. We gave each other a big hug and kiss before parting; it felt special. It was fun talking to my baby sister until we fell asleep, even if she swift-kicked me a few times in her sleep. I wish I could say I slept like a baby the night before the wedding, but I felt like a child trying to sleep until Christmas morning. The swift-kicks didn’t help, either.

The next morning we got me some iced coffee and headed to Circa 79 Salon. They did a phenomenal job on everyone’s hair and makeup. It was great to have some relaxation (and mimosas) before the wedding.

Our photographer (the amazing and talented Kelly Rashka!) met us at the salon and then joined us for lunch before we checked into the Arizona Inn. We had some time to kill before we could go to the venue, so Kelly asked me to tell her the story of Josh and me. I was glad to have that time, it made me even more excited to marry the guy.

My dad met us at the Stillwell House with my gown, which my mom and sister helped get me into for about 30 minutes. This was definitely the most stressful part of the day for me: making sure my boobs were properly aligned and that we got maximum hip-to-waist ratio. It looked pretty funny, though.

After we put the dress on and my sister Amanda fixed my make-up, I met Josh for the “first look.” He was adamant about not seeing anything before the wedding day, even when I wanted to show him SO BAD. Now I know why. Totally worth it. It was wonderful seeing each before the ceremony, too. All of my nerves were calmed and we got some alone time (plus photographers).

And then we stood behind the gates with our families and waited for Queens of the Stone Age’s “Make It Wit Chu” to start playing, the cue for Josh, his mom and the wedding party. And then there were three. Just me and my parents. Sigur Ros’s instrumental “Hoppipolla” begins and my mom starts to cry, and then I start to cry, and then all of my nerves disappear and they open the gates and I’m smiling…

We were married by one of my best friends, Megan, in a beautiful ceremony. We worked together to create a ceremony that was a true reflection of who we are as people, one that showcased what was important to us in our marriage. Instead of traditional vows, we read a poem to each other, “Love” by Roy Croft, and exchanged the following promises.

JOSH: I promise to love you more every day, and to never go a day without telling you that I love you.
ME: I promise to listen to your thoughts, feelings, and opinions without judgment or criticism, but instead with an open mind and open heart.
JOSH: I promise to be open to you, and to let you know me more than anyone else
ME: I promise to treat you as my best friend and equal.
JOSH: I promise to be patient, and to always let you help me find calm and peace when I am tested by life
ME: I promise to support your dreams and to work beside you to make them a reality.
JOSH: I promise to watch the lifetime channel with you sometimes.
ME: I promise to let you choose the radio station sometimes.
JOSH: I promise to be the best man that I can, and always try to be everything you could want in a partner.
ME: I promise to live in truth with you and to communicate fully and fearlessly.
JOSH: I promise to stand behind you when you’re challenged, in front of you when you’re scared, and next to you for the rest of our lives.
ME: I promise to love you through happiness and sadness, good days and bad days, always and forever. I am a better person because you are in my life and I can’t wait to see what the future holds with you by my side.

The dinner and reception were wonderful. Alex and Amanda made beautiful speeches, the food was tasty, and the open bar flowed. Everyone got on the dance floor when my mom’s request of “Back Dat Ass Up” came on. Our dream of having a small wedding made it possible for us to spend time with everyone and our friends became friends (as evidenced by my Facebook Feed). The biggest hit of the night, however, was the Photobooth.

The entire day flew by, as everyone told me it would, but I made sure to enjoy every moment. I enjoyed my time with Josh. I enjoyed my time with family and friends. I enjoyed a cupcake. Everyone also told me to expect things to go wrong, and maybe I’m just lucky, or maybe I’ve got killer organizational skills, but I thought that everything was perfect. Sure, some things had to be adjusted at the last minute, but all in all, everything went the way we wanted it to, right down to my waist-to-hip ratio. I can’t wait until the professional photos and video come in!

Megan told me that she loved that our wedding was not about the wedding itself, but about our marriage and love for each other. That’s what we’ve always focused on, from the beginning. I married my best friend on October 14, 2011. We just happened to have an amazing party to celebrate it.

Up Next: The Honeymoon, which may be written from Raleigh-Durham, NC. Oh yeah, we’re moving. I’ll update on that soon too. Big, exciting changes up ahead for this girl.

xoxox

Gifts are not the most important thing to me anymore, but that doesn’t stop Josh from spoiling me. All I asked for was a cute apron that I can wear while I bake. He bought me one from an Etsy store and I love it. He then totally surprised me by getting me a kindle! I am a convert. It really does look like a book too, guys. Then he totally surprised me AGAIN by taking me to Fleming’s for a second round of the best salmon I’ve ever had in my entire life.

My mom gave me the choice between a Coach bag and two new tires for my car and I, quite easily, chose tires. Growing up is weird. But it wasn’t all about Sylvia the Saturn, because I was also the recipient of Naked palette from Urban Decay. I’ve been really into more natural makeup lately so this was amazing. SO GOOD!

The next morning after Josh’s birthday surprises, I woke up to a smashed car window and some stolen stuff from my car. Just my luck. Surprisingly, aside from my immediate freak-out, the whole thing has been a non-issue. A small bump in the road. It’s not going to ruin my life, and it certainly isn’t going to ruin 26 for me.

Pre-birthday dinner, in my birthday present to myself from Pinupgirlclothing.com!

]]> http://alexiscatherine.com/2011/09/19/26/feed/ 1 alexiscatherine 110912-171349 http://alexiscatherine.com/2011/09/06/4044/ http://alexiscatherine.com/2011/09/06/4044/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:00:54 +0000 alexiscatherine http://alexiscatherine.com/?p=4044 Continue reading →]]> Today, I am sick. I came down with a good for nothing, nasty, man-voice causing summer head cold. Today I was quarantined, working from home as to not spread my pestilence. I can’t sleep, I am forced to know the shame of mouth-breathing, and I cannot wait until this passes.

But yesterday, I ran a 5k. Josh and I finished Couch to 5k on Saturday and on Sunday we did it at the Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run. It wasn’t perfect. There were hiccups. My shoe came untied right after I started. I went slow, like just under a 15 minute mile slow, over the hills that I wasn’t prepared for. I even had to walk for a small portion. But I finished. I finished 183rd out of 253, but I finished. WE finished. I am so proud of how far we’ve come in terms of health and fitness.

But for now, I am going to sulk on the couch, loaded up on Dayquil with a bowl of ice cream and the Sons of Anarchy premiere.