Welcome to the Ware House (and so the puns begin)

I have never, ever, EVER experienced so much love before! Walking into the rehearsal dinner, walking into the church, walking into the reception hall--the LOVE just bursted forth from the corners of the room, pouring over me like a waterfall and filling me up. I was bouyant, present and yet somewhere else entirely--heaven. Days later and I'm still floating somewhere above the earth, hand-in-hand with my new husband :)

Thank you to all my family and friends for giving me the experience of a lifetime. While the weekend flew by, I will remember everything about everything, and my heart will smile at the memories. SO MUCH love to you all, and may my love lift you up like your love lifted me. <3 <3 <3

Here's a link to Tom K's photos. Ooogle at your own risk. http://www.tomkphoto.com/photocart/

P.S. I'll write again as soon as my brain comes back to me.

Wedding WHOAS, not WOES.

Less than two weeks till the wedding,

and good God, I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off.

I know my name is Erin, but I ain't down with errands.

"Pick up this, meet with so-and-so, sign off on this, be here at such-and-such time..."

Where are all my bridesmaids when I need em?

"You know what though?" (<--for you, B)

As pooped as I am, I know what these to-do lists mean--

A and I are getting married NEXT WEEK! (Insert loud, obnoxious, girly screaming).

And for that,

for something like THAT

(you know, saying "I love you!" and "I'm totally obsessed with you!"

and "I can't live without you, so hows abouts we stay together forever?"

to the person you love, are obsessed with, and can't live without

 in front of EVERYONE)

well, for THAT

I wouldn't begrudge a SECOND of my running around.

Exhausted, spent, wiped, no matter...

I'll be trotting down that aisle la-dee-da-ing,

bright-eyed and goonishly smiling.

See you all there :)

The next time we meet, say hello to Mrs. Ware. She's a real dish.

*Image from our wedding photographer's sample album.

Check tom K out @ http://www.tomkphoto.com/

A little wine, a little Punkin' Chunkin, a little dirt, and the gloriousness that is Michael Buble's Christmas album.

Does anyone else have a hell of a time getting pumped to clean house?

Last night was D-Day for A and I. There were fuzzy sweater hairballs lining the floorboards, stacks of mail strewn across the kitchen table, and general thingamajigs and whatnots cluttering up the place. It was time to clean. But not right away. Oh not yet. Not until A and I turned on the fireplace, cracked open a bottle of wine, swaddled ourselves in blankets on the couch, and watched the hour-long finales of both Punkin' Chunkin' and Fast Forward (Which, by the way, I was not 100% impressed with. Since when did Olivia Benford warm up to Lloyd Simcoe? Boo). But even 2 hours later, full on TV and booze, A and I couldn't bring ourselves to clean. We scoped out the filth from our toasty perch on the couch. From where I was sitting, I could see the heater blowing fallen sparklies from our Christmas ornaments across the floor. A pointed out how he couldn't put his feet on the coffee table as it was covered with his school books, notebooks, newspapers, markers, and MORE mail. We moaned and BEMOANED, as our situation was really dreadful, you see. It was too much! Our dirty house was too much to clean. It'd be too hard! We couldn't do it all! No way we could possibly...And then it hit me! Michael Buble's Christmas album Let It Snow! Maybe, just maybe if we put on some fabulous Christmas tunes, we could do this thing! Maybe if we sang along to his rendition of Amy Grant's "Grown-Up Christmas List," we could make something pretty of our place again. And so I got up from the couch, tip-toed across the lint-littered floor, and popped the CD in the stereo. Ba-da-BA tooted the horns! "The weather outside is frightful! But the fire is so delightful!" sang Michael Buble! And so the vacuum came out of the closet! The broom came out of the pantry! The 409 danced itself across the counters, the tiles, the toilets! It was a scene out of Beauty and the Beast, I tell you what. Both beautiful AND beastly. But we did it! Our house is officially PRESENTable again! And that's our Christmas gift to YOU!

Daily Dose of Dillies: Banana Nut Cheerios

I suppose you have to like bananas to like these (Bananas are my favoritest fruit EVER! Num, num, nummy), but they are FABULOUS! Darker, crunchier, and more perfectly round than their Cheerio counterparts, these bad boys are flavorful enough that their banana, nutty sweetness shines through when mixed with other cereals. A breakfast delight, I tell you! Like my Mama done gone and baked me a banana bread in a bowl for breakfast! Try them, please. And love them dearly like I do. Tangent--I still can't figure this out. So, a single Cheerio is a Cheerio, but is a single Kix a Kix? Or a Kick? A Smack is a singular Smacks, but is a Chex a singular Chex? Or a Check? I'm so confused. The cereal companies should really take to explaining their namesakes on the backs of the boxes, don't you think? Maybe I'd read them then. Riveting reading, for sure. Cause the little "Find all the hidden marshmallows" on the back of the Marshmallow Treasures box ain't cutting it these days. Even if I was half-blind, I could find all 7. That's beside the point though...BANANA CHEERIOS ARE THE POINT! Go get em. "Go on! Git!" (<--If you can name that movie, I'll send you a box of em, myself).

P.S. HAVE THE HAPPIEST WEEKEND, READERS! I <3 YOU.

* image from http://summamamas.stblogs.org/ Let's pretend there's a man in those pics, shall we?

Hodge Podge

Words, words, my magical fruit! The more that's said, the more I hoot!

While it's not a rarity for me to linger on the wordings of things (I've already come clean about my compulsive eavesdropping habits), I feel the need to discuss the words that've been swirling around me lately. Like music lyrics! Now, A tells me he can love a song without even knowing the lyrics. He claims the beat, the tune, and the instruments being played are enough for him. I don't deny that a song is more than its lyrics, but I'm speaking for myself when I say that I can't love a song without loving its lyrics, too. So, I'm gonna reveal a couple of my recent favorites...lyrics, beats, tunes, and all!

How bout that Owl City, huh?

Cave In

Swallow a drop of gravel and blacktop
cause the road tastes like wintergreen.
The wind and the rain smell of oil and octane
mixed with stale gasoline.
I'll soak up the sound,
trying to sleep on the wet ground.
I'll get ten minutes give-or-take
cause I just don't foresee myself getting drowsy
when cold integrity keeps me wide awake.
Get me out of this cavern,
or I'll cave in.
I'll keep my helmet on
just in case my head caves in.

Cause if my thoughts collapse
or my framework snaps,
it'll make a mess like you wouldn't believe.
Tie my handlebars to the stars so I stay on track.
And if my intentions stray, I'll wrench them away.
Then I'll take my leave, and I won't even look back.

If My Heart Was a House

You're the sky that I fell through,
and I remember the view whenever I'm holding you.
The sun hung from a string,
looking down on the world as it warmed over everything.

Chills run down my spine
as our fingers entwine
and your sides harmonize with mine.
Unmistakably, I can still feel your heart beat fast when you dance with me.

Circle me and the needle moves gracefully back and forth.
If my heart was a compass, you'd be North.
Risk it all cause I'll catch you if you fall.
Wherever you go,
if my heart was a house, you'd be home.


And have you heard Train's new song Hey, Soul Sister? I wasn't convinced of its fabulousness until I figured out its lyrics :)

Your lipstick stains on the front lobe of my left-side brains,
I knew I wouldn't forget you,
and so I went and let you blow my mind.
Your sweet moonbeam,
the smell of you in every single dream I dream,
I knew when we collided—you’re the one I have decided
who's one of my kind.
Hey Soul Sister, ain't that Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo?

The way you move ain't fair you know.
Hey Soul Sister, I don't wanna miss a single thing you do tonight.
Just in time,
I'm so glad you have a one track mind like me.
You gave my life direction,
a game show love connection.
We can't deny I'm so obsessed.
My heart is bound to beat right out my untrimmed chest.
I believe in you. Like a virgin, you're Madonna,
and I'm always gonna wanna blow your mind.

Well you can cut a rug!
Watching you is the only drug I need.
So gangster, I'm so thug,
you're the only one I'm dreaming of.
You see, I can be myself now finally.
In fact there's nothing I can’t be.
I want the world to see you'll be with me.


There are obviously way more talented lyricists than these two groups, so pray share your favorites with me! Spread the word-love. Spread the Word, love. Spread the word "love."
 
I'll end with my most recent poetry attempt. The prompt was to write about a sacred place, though not a place typically thought of as grand or majestic. Here goes:

He didn’t say he was comfortable.
And he didn’t say he wasn’t.
It was his sunken cheeks and purple lips,
his waxy hands and cold gold rings,
the reflection of white roses in his glasses,
his best suit too big for his body,
the lacquered box, his satin-lined bed...
It was him lying there, still, quiet
that said he was gone.
Only the passing of white tissues
—sorry white flags—
spoke for him.
He wasn’t there.
And he was.
He was talking, talking, talking,
surrendering,
before they put him in the ground.

* images from gettyimages.com, redbubble.com, fbuk.deviantart.com, and flikr.com

Decemberama, Mama! The Season of Light!

NOTE: It's my greedy and gripey friend A's fault that I wrote today :-P
ASIDE-NOTE: A's actually a very giving and happy person (And I'm happy to have readers who are up-to-date with my blog and want more! As Britney would say (and no, not "It's Britney, bitch.")--Gimme gimme more! Gimme more! Gimme gimme more! What more could I wish for?).

It's the 1st of December, people! Am I the only one who's left standing back dumbfoundedly like "Whaaaaaaaa?" I am flabbergasted it's the last month of 2009! Tangent--Isn't flabbergasted maybe one of the best words in this world? Urbandictionary.com claims some variances of the word are: flabbergas--"the piece of skin hanging down from someone's throat;" to flabbergas--"the motion your ass cheeks make when you rip a huge one;" and flabber--"a person who is such a boob at something that they should not do it at all." I'm not sure if the variances make me like the word more or less. Granted, I will replace my standard "dunce" or "dope" with "boob," which should be funny :) Back FROM the tangent--How does everyone else feel about the end of yet another year? Does anyone else get introspective about the whole thing? Seriously, it's like the minute December hits, I start reminiscing, going over events and emotions in my head, trying to form a solid picture of the past year. Back TO the tangent--Has anyone checked out the blog "L'Image Quotidienne"? This woman, Mercedes McAndrew, has taken a portrait picture of a stranger every day for the past year (Incredibly brilliant, I know). Here's the link to her project's blog: http://limagequotidienne.blogspot.com/2009/11/portraits-365-234.html  Not only do her diverse and stunning pictures make me see and really appreciate the beauty of humanity, but I love the little quip she asks each stranger to fill in--"2009 is __________." As if it's possible to sum up an entire year in a sentence! Though I'll admit I've been doing nothing BUT summing lately. My best attempts are: 2009 is a passage from one phase to another--a growth, a becoming, perhaps even a becoming growth! (<--I know, I know, I cheated on that one...that was technically 4 sentences). 2009 is a year of blessings and personal prosperity! 2009 is a whirlwind of happenings and happiness :)

What do you have to say about your 2009?

STUFFING! (and other stomach-related matters)

First of all, what do you think of my blog's fancy-shmanciness?! Like a new hair-cut for my blog. I'm in love...

But on to less fanciful matters! (As if).

Woohoo for this 3 day work week! Come Wednesay, I'm gonna skip out of the office building, screaming, "Sayonara UCC, I've got some eatin to do!" Well, I'll probably just say it under my breath and be done with it, but still! At exactly 5PM on Wednesday, I'll be giddy with the gobs of grub to come! (How brilliant was that "gobs of grub" bit? Thank you, thank you...) I'm gonna stuff myself with stuffing, people! (Sounds painful, doesn't it? It might be :-/ ). What is everyone's favorite dish at Thanksgiving? Mine is obviously stuffing, though it's not the stuffing you're thinking of (though that stuff IS deliciousness in a dish). I take some cranberry sauce, some buttered roll, some green bean casserole, some mashed potatoes, some corn, some salad, and some stuffing and whip it all up nice and good until I've created an entire Thanksgiving dinner in one bite. (For all those out there who don't let their food groups touch...this isn't for you). I tell you what, my concoction brings new meaning to the word "stuffing." Try it for yourselves this year (but make sure someone bigger and stronger than you is nearby in case the Heimlich is in order).

Oh, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, how I love thee. Is it not one of the better holidays? Getting together with our closest friends and family, saying what we're thankful for, and sharing a FEAST (after which we take a nap, wake up only to eat seconds, and then nap again, dreaming of all the blessings in our bellies). I am beside myself just thinking about it! (So what if Thanksgiving makes me weepy?) I have so much to be thankful for this year! Don't you? I say we take this saying what we're thankful for bit beyond the dinner table. Let's make this a Thanksgiving week of sorts. I'm gonna make sure the people who I'm thankful for know I'm thankful for them (my smart, goofy, and thoughtful fiance; my generous and supportive parents; my funny and outgoing brother; my  fiercely loyal and riotous friends...), and I'm gonna make sure the things I'm thankful for don't get taken for granted (our warm and comfortable house that has lots of natural light and smells like laundry; my job that not only pays the bills, but also allows me to see my dad and brother every day...) There's so much to say thank you for, I say we get after it!

But right after the Daily Dose of Dillies, of course, that being WINE!

As many of you know, A and I are going to Napa Valley for our honeymoon, so it's no surprise we like wine. However, this Daily Dose of Dillies ain't just about how wine gets my tastebuds in a flavor-tastic frenzy or how wine buzzes are sleepy and slow and so perfect for wintry evenings in front of the fire. No, this is about the statement that wine makes! As if its presence dubs the day "an occasion." This is about the fact that one bottle of wine is not just begging to be, but it's meant to be shared! It's a bringer-together-beverage...er. And it's a sipper (not meant for Flip Cup and Beer Pong), which means it should be imbibed slowly (not exactly binge-appropriate), which means it provides room for conversation (which I can vouch is true time time and again! Or bottle for bottle, rather). I've really come to appreciate it, the adult of the alcohol family. Maybe set up shop with that special person (Or a group of friends, for that matter. It's the holidays, ain't it? Have some people over!) and pop a bottle, huh? Tell me where I'm wrong...

*image from http://media.photobucket.com/

Tree Tidings

So, I may have volunteered myself to decorate the company Christmas tree this year. All of my excessive excitement about this holiday season (which has basically been the focus of my last 3 or 4 entries) got the best of me. And you know what? I'm going all out. I'm gonna insert a little public art flair to the tree this year...make some cards, write good tidings inside them, and hang them on the tree. What do you think of that? Holiday cheer at its finest? I'd agree. And I'm thinking I'll do the same on my tree at home. Why not spread the good news, right? I'm gonna make a card a day and hang it on the tree for A to find; make him fall in love with my sweet, sweet Santa self. I'm gonna get something fabulous for Christmas this year, I'm sure of it ;)

*image from http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/