tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79536752024-03-14T02:44:38.355-04:00Thoughts From a MindKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.comBlogger884125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-64618294713052160962011-12-06T11:23:00.001-05:002011-12-06T11:24:55.872-05:00MovingI'm officially moving and hope you will come with me! I'm sharing my stories over at Newlywed Tales!<br /><br />Stop by and say hi!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.newlywedtales.com/">http://www.newlywedtales.com/</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-87358810692669211532011-05-24T10:30:00.002-04:002011-05-24T10:33:01.260-04:00New!I decided I needed a new blog for a new chapter! Visit me<div> at <a href="http://www.sneakyseconds.blogspot.com/">http://www.sneakyseconds.blogspot.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'll likely still post here a bit, but I felt like I needed a new blog as I embark on the crazy journey of marriage, (hopefully someday) parenting and life in Jersey!</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-65904237987923700362011-05-23T09:50:00.001-04:002011-05-23T09:50:33.648-04:00Brokeback DiamondR and I recently went back to the jeweler who designed my engagement ring to choose a wedding band design. We settled on a lovely thin princess cut infinity band and placed our order. The jeweler then asked if I wanted him to clean and tighten up my engagement ring, so I handed it to him for a quick tune up. He immediately sits down and says, I hate to tell you this, but you broke a diamond.<div> <br></div><div>I WHAT????</div><div><br></div><div>I have a 3 stone princess cut engagement ring and somehow one of the side stones got a crack on it inside. I had noticed it had turned cloudy, but I assumed it was just dirty. Apparently when you break a diamond, that's what happens, it doesn't necessarily chip, but it loses its clarity. THANKFULLY my ring is 100% insured so we were able to get it fixed immediately. Unfortunately it means I have to be ring-less for a week. </div> <div><br></div><div>Anyone else have a traumatic wedding or engagement ring story to share?</div><div><br></div><div><br></div> <div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><br></div></div> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-64844735853909335222011-05-19T10:00:00.001-04:002011-05-19T10:00:58.265-04:00Hi there. Remember me?I took a little unplanned hiatus, but I'm feeling the bloggy itch again so here I am. <div><br></div><div>What have I been up to? A LOT of wedding planning, cooking, couponing and weight GAINING. Also I got an iphone.</div><div><br></div><div>Ok I think you are all caught up now! </div><div><br></div><div> Next up: why I'm not wearing my engagement ring this week. </div> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-2327752636286913322011-03-04T17:47:00.001-05:002011-03-04T17:47:44.732-05:00Wedding UpdateWedding plans continue!! Let's see so far we have:<div><br></div><div>-Booked the venue and the church</div><div>-Found a wedding weekend coordinator (who I LOVE, but wish she was slightly more responsive to emails...it's my SINGLE (I swear!) bridezilla thing.</div> <div>- I've purchased my dress, shoes, jewelry and hair accessories</div><div>- We have an invitation mock-up and bought most of the elements for them (I'm designing them myself) and found a calligrapher</div><div> - Booked a photographer and hair/make-up artist</div><div>-Purchased the bridesmaid gifts</div><div>- The little things: unity candle done, blingy hoodie done, save the dates sent, card box made, escort cards bought, table number holders bought, candlesticks for centerpieces bought</div> <div>- Flowers designed and florist booked</div><div>- Band booked (was a gift from his family)</div><div>-Day after brunch booked and menu planned</div><div><br></div><div> Still to go:</div><div>- Wedding bands. I've purchased his (THREE TIMES NOW since we can't get the size right. Fingers crossed (so to speak) that the one that came today fits his finger so this can get crossed off)</div> <div>- Cake</div><div>- Choose menu</div><div>- Rehearsal dinner location</div><div>- The guys attire</div><div>-The guys gifts</div><div>- Painting the aisle runner (our wedding has a monogram theme and I'm painting our monogram on the aisle runner)</div> <div>-Origami flowers to decorate the church...half are done, but we took a folding break. Need to get back on that. </div><div>-Design the ceremony (readings, music, etc.)</div><div>-Rent chairs for reception (theirs are ugly)</div> <div>-Favors</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>8 months to go! Hope the time DOESN'T fly! I have so much left to do!!!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>As always you can visit us at <a href="http://trippingdowntheaisle.weebly.com/">http://trippingdowntheaisle.weebly.com/</a> to stalk our plans!</div> <div><br></div> <div><br></div><div><br></div> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-14063912100369409612011-02-24T13:25:00.001-05:002011-02-24T13:25:54.597-05:00Taxes FailI've always done my taxes on my own. Old school style: pencil, forms and calculator. I loathed the idea of paying someone to do something I could figure out on my own (my taxes have always been ridiculously straightforward, no deductions or anything). Last year I changed jobs and changed states and it's just been too hard to figure out, so today I sucked it up and dropped my papers off at H&R Block. I stupidly feel a sense of failure/defeat and am annoyed they don't make it so a normal person can figure this stuff out! I even tried doing it in Turbo Tax but couldn't figure it out. Ah well, it's my one solace that this year is the LAST YEAR I'll be filing on my own. Next year I'll be a married girl and taxes fall under R's domain! <div> <br></div><div>Speaking of R's domain....we had a possum fall into our backyard garbage can and get stuck! Apparently he was a happy camper in there because even when R tipped the can over so he could run out, he stayed in there! R tapped on the can, turned it all the way over even tried putting food in front of the can, but that little guy would NOT come out! Finally he wandered out without a care in the world and kind of looked at us like "what?". He didn't even run away or anything! The nerve!</div> <div><br></div><div><br></div> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-50731430515640804112011-02-14T14:29:00.001-05:002011-02-14T14:29:26.008-05:00Sore<div class="gmail_quote">I finally was able to hit the gym again post-MRSA flare and BOY am I sore! Mostly just in the arms, but I discovered an ab machine I like and while at the time it seems easy! What a nice way to stretch my back! The day after is BRUTAL. <div> <br></div><div>Wedding plans continue though I'm at a lovely time right now where I've done everything that NEEDS to be done before 9 months out, plus caught up on some of the other misc. things that need to be done, so I have nothing to stress out about getting done and nothing really looming for awhile that NEEDS immediate attention so I've just been relaxing and not really thinking too much about it. I think they key to non-stress planning for me is going to be to do a big chunk, then take a break,enjoy just being with Raf and spending time together, then do a chunk, relax and reconnect. </div> <div><br></div><div>Our superbowl/engagement party was SO much fun. None of us cared too much about the game (sorry SeekingSolace!) so it was pretty relaxed. I made some GOOD food (homemade (turkey) bagel dogs...YUM FREAKING YUM), a veggie stocked pasta salad, wings and everyone ate drank and had a good time. </div> </div><br> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-35191527890350066612011-02-08T10:04:00.001-05:002011-02-08T10:05:00.299-05:00A monthIt's been over a month since I last wrote. How can that be?!<div><br></div><div>Let's do a bit of a catchup. Wedding plans are in full swing....I can not believe how much time and research it takes! Thankfully Raf is 100% involved and helps out a ton or else I think elopement would have to be under advisement. We also hired a "wedding weekend" coordinator who will help with a lot of the last minute stuff, as well as the rehearsal dinner and day after brunch. </div> <div><br></div><div>There are still times when I can't believe I'm getting married. I do my taxes and think "woah this is the last year I'm checking the "single" box". I 100% love him and know in my heart this is who I am supposed to be with, but I honestly still struggle sometimes with relinquishing my independence and selfishness. I was comfortable in my come and go as I please, travel to my hearts content and leave dishes in the sink if I wanted to life and the difference now is jarring. I am still finding the balance of self vs. "wife", but I think to some extent no matter what roles people have, there is always a tug of war between them and an ever tilting scale. </div> <div><br></div><div>In other news I had another staph/MRSA flare and I'm still recovering from that. I hadn't had one in almost a year so it was frustrating for it to pop up again. Hopefully I can keep it at bay for awhile. I had joined a gym and was pretty good about going 3 times a week, but got derailed when I got sick. I think I can start up again in another week or so. </div> <div><br></div><div>I have been a cooking disaster lately. I keep burning nearly everything I make and my cooking confidence has taken quite a hit. Our oven is fairly new, so I don't think it's a problem with the unit, but it seems like EVERY thing I make burns on the outside while still being raw on the inside. VERY frustrating. I may try cleaning our oven...it could use a good scrub. Maybe that will help. </div> <div><br></div><div>The new job is going well. It's still strange to be in an office of only 6 people, but it's definitely less stress than where I was previously and a MUCH more positive environment. It was definitely a good move on my part despite the slight paycut. </div> <div><br></div><div>Hope you guys have all been well!!!! I've missed you!</div> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-85095519368131594362011-01-01T12:30:00.001-05:002011-01-01T12:30:52.188-05:002011I KNOW it's cliche, but I have some goals for 2011, besides you know, the big one of getting married LOL.<div><br></div><div>-I resolve to use my reusable grocery bags more and not forget them in the trunk of my car as often.</div> <div>-I resolve to get healthier this year. I will moisturize more, drink more water and do my wii workouts more days than not.</div><div>-I resolve to take on one "giving back" project and do something for my community.</div> <div><br></div><div>A very happy 2011 to you all!</div> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-53799267360632908372010-12-31T12:54:00.001-05:002010-12-31T12:54:44.732-05:00What a Difference a Year MakesLast Christmas I spent in a snowy Illinois, doing the same yearly traditions of the past 30 years. Christmas Eve dinner and church, opening presents with cocktails until we all passed out, then waking up on Christmas Day to open our stockings and santa presents (yes we still do this even though we are 24 and 31) and off to my Aunt and Uncles for Christmas Dinner. I didn't know then, it would be the last year for such tradition. <div> <br></div><div>This year was different. My sister got married this year. My uncle passed away unexpectedly. My parents left Illinois. I got a fiance! The old traditions were out and hopefully some new ones started.</div> <div> <br></div><div>This year my fiance and his mother were off to my parents new house in Arizona for the holidays. I got on the plane in NJ, it was 27 degrees. I got off the plane in Phoenix, it was 70! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were spent in my parents pool! We still had Christmas Eve dinner, church and cocktail-opening present hour (some traditions just can NOT be replaced), in the backyard, but there was no Christmas Day dinner with the extended family. Santa still came despite there being no fireplace in the Arizona house (apparently an outdoor firepit suffices for him).</div> <div><br></div><div>I'm thankful for MANY of the changes of this year. I still go to sleep every day wondering how I got so lucky to have found R, who makes it his daily priority to love and cherish me. I'm thankful that in her 13th year, my dog Ginger is still healthy and has her (brief) moments of playfulness. I'm happy I took a risk and changed jobs this year, getting me away from a toxic environment and in a new, more positive workplace. I bought a car, moved to New Jersey, got engaged, and though still battling the anxiety, made a lot of good strides and started being able to get out of the house more and do more things. </div> <div><br></div><div>A few things I could do without......severely cutting my hand while cooking Christmas Day dinner and nearly passing out. Gaining 25 pounds this year!! Getting MRSA/a staph infection...TWICE! and this whole 24" snow/blizzard thing I came home to!</div> <div><br></div><div>I'm curious to see what 2011 will bring to us all! </div> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-25288536109075411592010-11-22T13:01:00.001-05:002010-11-22T13:01:45.444-05:00I Interrupt the Wedding Posting for a Thanksgiving Post*though remind me to tell you the story of how my mom wants me to wear a LONG SLEEVE WEDDING DRESS.<div><br></div><div>This will be my first Thanksgiving cooking. I'm only cooking for R, myself and his mom, but I'm still excited about making my first holiday meal.</div> <div><br></div><div>I'm making just a turkey breast (I have made <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001923876">this crockpot turkey and stuffing meal</a> before, so I'm just doing that again)</div> <div><br></div><div>I've never made a cranberry sauce before, so I'm going to go out on a limb and try <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/11/cranberry-pomegranate-sauce/">Pioneer Woman's cranberry/pomegranate sauce</a>. </div> <div><br></div><div>For our veggie I'm going with Real Simple's Orange broccoli. This has been on my "to make" list for awhile so I figured Thanksgiving would be the perfect opportunity. </div><div><br></div> <div>For rolls I'm making a recipe that caught my eye in the free trial issue of Food and Wine magazine we got last month. </div><div><br></div><div>Desserts: I'm going with <a href="http://theopenpantry.blogspot.com/2008/11/apple-crisp-cups-with-caramel-sauce.html">caramel apple crisp cups from the Open Pantry </a>site. I couldn't pass up the apple/caramel combo and R also requested I re-make cranberry <a href="http://annies-eats.com/2009/10/05/cranberry-apple-harvest-muffins/">apple spice muffins</a> that I made after we went apple picking last month that we both are in LOVE with. </div> <div><br></div><div>Anyone else trying out any good recipes this year?</div> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-5990649475916395832010-11-09T10:06:00.001-05:002010-11-09T10:06:08.069-05:00HE PUT A RING ON IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_t4k6BDPSfPA/TNljYJhY2SI/AAAAAAAAAKc/jsRq83-HUR8/s1600/bling-768070.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_t4k6BDPSfPA/TNljYJhY2SI/AAAAAAAAAKc/jsRq83-HUR8/s320/bling-768070.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537566483352705314" /></a></p>Finally! Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-39850922794726817402010-11-08T17:59:00.000-05:002010-11-08T18:00:00.542-05:00Stay Tuned for Breaking News.....I MAY have some interesting news to share tomorrow.......<div><br></div><div>let's just say it involves jewelry and today being an anniversary for R and I.....and going back to the place we met for dinner........</div> <div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Fingers crossed he FINALLY puts a ring on it. I mean we have a wedding date already for Pete's sake!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-22622819893223490182010-11-03T14:52:00.002-04:002010-11-03T14:54:18.368-04:00SHOES!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="mobile-photo">I had something very specific in mind for my wedding shoes and despite a lengthy search, I couldn't find exactly what I wanted. I happen to come across a London-based website that lets you design your own shoes! I designed exactly what I wanted and now I just have to wait 2 months while they make them. SO EXCITED!</p><div><br /></div><div>I am keeping ALL things attire-related a secret from R (at his request) so I can't post them on my wedding site, but I can post them here! So here is a sneak peak at my shoes!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_t4k6BDPSfPA/TNGvyofhakI/AAAAAAAAAKU/gFTrTa-obbs/s320/shoes.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 253px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535398701413001794" /></div><div><br /></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-76173370676452626712010-11-02T13:08:00.000-04:002010-11-02T13:09:01.113-04:00Project PhotosI updated our wedding DIY site with some photos of our projects! Take a look!<div><br></div><div><a href="http://trippingdowntheaisle.weebly.com/diy.html">http://trippingdowntheaisle.weebly.com/diy.html</a></div> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-76869975658628267002010-10-29T14:49:00.000-04:002010-10-29T14:50:00.610-04:00InvitesI'm doing the printing of our invites myself, but R and I took TOTAL advantage of the 20% off sale Cards and Pockets was having and bought the pocketfolds and mats for our invitations. According to the tracking, the box arrived on our doorstep today. I can NOT wait to go home and rip that baby open!<div> <br></div><div>For those of you who want to TOTALLY stalk our wedding process, I am working on a website that tracks our projects. </div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://trippingdowntheaisle.weebly.com/">http://trippingdowntheaisle.weebly.com/</a></div> <div><br></div><div>Stop by!</div> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-38359181084257726612010-10-27T10:19:00.002-04:002010-10-27T10:20:48.588-04:00The Learning Process....R has been INCREDIBLY involved and willing to help out in every way with the wedding plans and design. It's been fun to do things together, especially since we are doing a lot of the work ourselves. His first project was to make a SIMPLE photo card box for the gift table for people to put cards in, like the one below (from the road to the aisle DIY website). I had seen these around and loved the idea so I asked him to make it.<div><br /></div><div>His response: Can I make it light up? Or maybe even motorize it so it turns.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sigh. Men.<br /></div><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_t4k6BDPSfPA/TMg1B_fiBqI/AAAAAAAAAJs/7euDMmOdnBU/s1600/box1-790720.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_t4k6BDPSfPA/TMg1B_fiBqI/AAAAAAAAAJs/7euDMmOdnBU/s320/box1-790720.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532730450564482722" /></a></p><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-51036646284100146142010-10-26T16:22:00.001-04:002010-10-26T16:22:07.713-04:00Ok so.....I'm not TECHNICALLY engaged, but the commitment has been made to eachother , he's just waiting for "the moment" to surprise me with the ring....and we've set a date and the wedding planning has begun. Which means...this is probably going to turn into the wedding planning/venting blog. <div> <br></div><div>So far we have set the date (11/12/11), bought a cake topper, a monogram stamp and have narrowed down our church and reception choices to 2! I'll be posting my DIY projects and my ups and downs along the way so stay tuned if that is your sort of thing. If it's not then check back in a year when it will all be over!</div> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-29125082209342344222010-10-12T21:38:00.001-04:002010-10-12T21:38:29.522-04:00ScareI have never been so happy to be on solid ground as I was last night. Upon approaching the runway to land, our plane was struck by lightning and we had major turbulence and the cabin filled with a strange smell. We circled around the airport a few times so the "controls could re-set" and we finally landed safely. They closed the tarmac after that and we were unable to get our checked bags for awhile, but we didn't care AT ALL, we were just happy to be safe! Don't be annoyed at weather delays. They are SO for your own safety! Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-19023674933895483242010-10-07T00:25:00.001-04:002010-10-07T00:25:31.347-04:00Off...I am off to Chicago this week for my sister's wedding! It's a mix of emotions..uncertainty at her choice/young age, impatience for my own impending engagement (we've ring shopped, we talk details, we talk date...but WHERE IS MY RING ALREADY??!), being able to see my family, and stress at the travel and obligation of it all. THANKFULLY Weight Watchers (and spanx) helped me lose those extra pounds I had gained since my dress fitting and the dress fit perfectly today when I picked it up. <div> <br></div><div>Wish me luck!!!! </div> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-9302890055903853562010-09-28T14:55:00.003-04:002010-09-28T15:02:06.975-04:00GoalsI've gained some major weight this year. Some of it is attributed to living with a boy with a mega-metabolism, some of it is from being sick most of January and February and some of it just plain laziness. It's time to grab the scale with both hands and get it together. I don't have a clear plan yet. I've been doing weight watchers for a few weeks and like it, but haven't had consistent results so it's hard to tell if its working. I've not been working out at all, but am slowly starting to schedule it into my days. I know keeping the motivation is my #1 problem, so I'm on the lookout for things that keep my goal fresh in my mind. If you have any tricks PLEASE do share!<br /><br />My goal is to lose 46 pounds by November of next year. Ready. Set. GO!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-34923314149530292702010-09-20T15:44:00.001-04:002010-09-20T15:44:25.815-04:00Bad BloggerI keep meaning to blog, but yet I don't! I want to keep up, but I just haven't been able to! My new years...ok well My September resolution is to be a better blogger! <br><br>Let's see...while I was gone, I changed jobs (lateral move, same job, working for an old boss at a new company a block away from where I am now...same distance to Starbucks....same salary), re-joined Netflix and am making my way through more Lost and some Weeds along with some movies, been cooking a lot, organizing boxes of my childhood stuff my dad brought on his visit....trying to lose weight so I will fit into my bridesmaid dress in a few weeks...and that's pretty much it! A friend did get me hooked on the Hunger Games series of books and I'm in the midst of #2. Anyone else read it?<br> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-85609922770835435252010-08-27T15:19:00.000-04:002010-08-27T15:20:06.406-04:00Cakes and LostI have NO idea why it took me so long to get on the Lost bandwagon, but I am SO loving this show. I recently discovered that all the episodes are on Hulu and am up to season 3 so far. It confuses me and sometimes is frustrating, but I am HOOKED!<br> <br>The Boy's mom's birthday is this weekend and I told him I would make a cake for her. I chose a complicated Tiramisu recipe, and it was somewhat labor intensive, but it turned out SO pretty. We haven't tasted it yet, but if it tastes as good as it smelled, someone is going to have to hold me back from eating the entire thing!<br> <br>Heading out for my first solo road trip in my new car. I am heading upstate to visit my cousin. <br><br>Speaking of getting on old bandwagons, I just started reading The Help. I am LOVING it! Anyone reading anything good these days?<br> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-19583163227746522842010-08-05T10:20:00.001-04:002010-08-05T10:20:38.667-04:00What's been going on...<div><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="897380414-05082010">The Boy and I have settled into a nice pattern of living together and have worked out most of our kinks. Our inherent differences in social nature will always be present, but we are learning to find a balance. </span></font></div> <div><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="897380414-05082010"></span></font> </div> <div><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="897380414-05082010">My photo business has slowed lately and I have desperately been trying to drum up new clients. I had a GREAT lead on a new client and they confirmed with me that I had the job, but then they disappeared and I haven't heard from them, so I'm kind of bummed. My day job has been presenting me with some...challenges (i.e., subpoenas, drama and other unbloggable things) and I am looking to exit by the end of the year if possible. </span></font></div> <div><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="897380414-05082010"></span></font> </div> <div><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="897380414-05082010">Med weaning has been....interesting. Lowering my dose made the anxiety come back more than I was comfortable with, but not on a daily basis, only in certain situations, so we are trying something new. I have a "situational" med that I take when I feel an attack coming on and we will continue weaning VERY slowly off the daily med. It's a good compromise I think so fingers crossed it works out for me. </span></font></div> <div><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="897380414-05082010"></span></font> </div> <div><font face="Arial" size="2"><span class="897380414-05082010">Not much else to report really. Have been cooking a lot this summer and just adjusting to life with Boy. I kind of feel like summer flew by and I didn't have enough time to enjoy it, so I am hoping to spend these next few weekends just relaxing with no obligations. Wish me luck!</span></font></div> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953675.post-58506697447901144602010-07-15T11:38:00.001-04:002010-07-15T11:38:38.771-04:00DisconnectThe Boy and I have been officially living together for a month now. The moving, integrating our stuff together and finding of a new routine all went seamlessly, but we seem to have now hit our first hiccup.<br><br>We are struggling right now with the balance of together time/alone time/time individually with friends/time together with friends etc. He would be perfectly happy if we just spent every minute together and never went anywhere without the other. I, on the other hand, like my time to wander the grocery store aisles aimlessly, sit and read in a Starbucks or to take a walk along the waterfront alone with my thoughts. We've had good conversations about our differences, but there never seems to be any resolution. As an only child of a single parent, he hated being alone all the time and would rather be surrounded by people at all times. My needs are different and finding the balance has been difficult. Our conversations are good, we communicate SO WELL and there is never any arguing or yelling, it's just a deep conversation, but at the end I can't help but feel disconnected from him a bit. I know that I need to just have faith that the balance will find itself. The nature of having 2 different jobs and sets of friends will mean that alone time will be had, and our date night tradition will continue so together time will also be had, but for now there is a fear that exists for me. A fear of what I am not exactly sure....we have both acknowledged that this difference is in NO way a dealbreaker and we are both still 100% committed to eachother so I don't think it is a fear of him leaving me...a fear of making him (or myself) unhappy? an unrealistic expectation of relationship perfection? I wish I could figure it out so I could get rid of this feeling. For now I am holding on to the fact that we are communicating openly and respectfully about the issue and knowing that a man who leaves a smiley face spelled out in m&ms and a gin & tonic with freshly squeezed lime on the kitchen table for me to find while he is out running errands is someone who clearly loves me and isn't going anywhere. <br> Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285435533909554039noreply@blogger.com1