Traditional and Not So Traditional

My mom is so witty. She gave Chris these farm animals as my dowry.
How many heads of cattle is standard? 

Sorry for the delay...there is still a post coming about the time I got stuck in an elevator. But for now, this...

In the few weeks since Chris and I announced our engagement, I have had a lot of people comment on how untraditional that we are are. Truth. We have lived together for quite some time. We did not have a traditional proposal. More of the "let's open our calendars and pick a date to get married."

I have a friend who said many times, pre-engagement, that I would be the one who called, not to say I was engaged, but rather that I was married. That might be more my style. I am significantly more excited about the being married part than the getting married part. Many people I talk to expect the opposite since I plan events for work. I must love this stuff. It's like planning formal recruitment but all for me! Any of my former students can tell you just how I felt about formal recruitment. Really, the thought of planning a wedding is more anxiety-inducing than anything else. I am excited, just not necessarily about the little details.

But celebrating with family and friends is important to us and outweighs the parts I don't like. So we are going to plan something small. Something special. Something that represents us.

What I need most from my friends and family as we plan: Be patient. Limit unsolicited advice. Don't worry - I'm not afraid to ask for help when I need it. Let us do this our way, even if it isn't your way. Don't freak out if I'm not overly enthusiastic about favors or a candy bar or bachelorette parties. Not my thing.

So if this blog doesn't turn into a conversation about which flower arrangements I have picked, or all of the wedding crafts I am making, please forgive me. I'll share an update or two when it matters.

Right now, all that matters is that we'll be getting married. Just over a year from now.

: )

An Announcement

One of my favorite drawings that hangs on our wall. From here.

In the major announcements category....

Chris and I are getting married! Woo hoo!

We are very excited and are enjoying all of the wonderful, kind words that friends have shared. In our four years (and eight days) of dating, we have been through so many adventures. It's exciting to plan for this big step in our future together.

If you are one of our Facebook friends, this is probably old news by now, but I have been getting lots of questions and felt like a short post would still get a read or two. Am I right?

The first question that I get asked is, "so what's the story?" It's a pretty simple one. We talked about getting married and spending our lives together. Chris talked to my mom. We made it official in a quick minute after walking into our apartment when we got back from family dinner. Pretty perfect. At least for us. I think when you are making the decision to spend the rest of your lives together, not much else is needed for it to be perfect. A big grand story just wouldn't be Chris and I.

The second question that I get asked is "Show me (Send me a picture of) your ring!" Don't have one yet. Not too concerned about it. We'll figure that one out eventually. I disagree with Beyonce that you have to put a ring on it to make it official.

As for any other questions as to date, location, etc., the answers will come with time. For right now, we are doing what we do every night. Watching eps of The West Wing. Sounds good to me.

To 30 and Beyond!

So here it is. The long-awaited "wrapping up my twenties" post. It's been swell. Blog done. (drop the mic)

Kidding, of course. Let's chat.

I've been getting lots of questions about the blog lately since I just dropped off the face of the earth, and thought they'd make a good post.

My 30B430 Project - How did it turn out? What are you going to do about the things you didn't finish? Are you going to do a 30 in 30 list?

Welp, didn't finish the list. But I am totally okay with that. What I liked about the list is that it gave me some public accountability for trying new things and putting myself out there. I also made the decision along the way that I couldn't live and die by the list, and that some priorities were more important than others. Writing my dissertation outweighs a Man vs. Food Challenge. Maybe not in actual pounds (food weighs a lot), but, you know.

I am very proud to say that I checked off 16 of the things. Just over half. That may not be how you measure success, but I am so excited about the adventures that I had and what I learned about myself along the way.

As for another list, I do have one and you can see it under the tab. I decided not to attach a specific time frame to this one (clearly I am not following the whole SMART goal philosophy here), but rather continue to add to it and grow my list of things I want to do in my life. It will be an inspiration, but not necessarily with a ton of structure.  I'll keep you posted on what I check off though!

Your Blog - Are you changing the name now that you aren't in your twenties?

Yes. Just not quite yet. I have the new name picked out, and have some other more exciting changes to come. It's just going to take a minute. I will attempt to get everything sorted out before I turn 31.

Your Birthday - How did you celebrate?

I had a wonderful, but low key birthday celebration. Chris and I drove to St. Louis to visit with friends and do some of my favorite things. Most of which involved eating. My favorite thing of all. We also visited the arch, did the AB Brewery Tour, and hung out with the best people of all. A huge shout out to Janelle for hosting us, and to Kelly, Lucy, Shiloh, Susan, and Shelley for sharing in the celebrations. I have some of the greatest friends.

I also got to have a bonus family celebration with Chris, my mom, and my sister. Any birthday that involves jambalaya, bread pudding, and key lime pie from Maxie's Southern Comfort is a win in my book. Yes, two desserts is ALWAYS the way to go.

What's next? 

Enjoying every minute of 30! I'm over a month in and I haven't fallen apart yet.

: )