A LOOOOOOOOOONG overdue update

So it’s been ages since I’ve posted, between a new job, wedding planning, the actual wedding, and the honeymoon… it’s been hectic to say the least.

But, that being said, I got a new job back in June, it’s a million times better than working at Massage Envy. Chiropractor’s office was a great choice and has given me so much insight.

The wedding planning went well overall. Only few mishaps here and there. The wedding itself went wonderfully overall. There are definitely things that I would for sure change if we could do it all over again. The DJ, photographer, and bagpiper ( I’d find a better one) for starters. But here are a few photos. 

Jon, Neeka, and I. So glad she was able to attend. 

As for the honeymoon, it was AMAZING. We went to Scotland. It was glorious. We saw and did so much. Lots of castles, whisky, haggis, and rain. xD And here are some photos from the honeymoon. 

Larry goes to Scotland

Doune Castle

Scott Monument

Heart of Midlothian

St. Andrews

Thistle

Dunnottar Castle

Selfie at Dunnottar Castle

Culloden Moor

Clava Cairn

Loch Ness

Skye 

Selfie at Eilean Donan

Another selfie at Eilean Donan

Final sunset of the honeymoon, mountain view included. :) 

We are now officially saving for our next trip to Scotland and plan to move there in the future. But for the time being we are hoping to start a family, and I'm going back to university in the fall. I can't express how excited I am to be going back finally. Not for what I thought I wanted to do, turns out I don't want to be a nurse, the job market is overly flooded right now... and the price for it is ridiculous. I've decided to go back for anthropology and archaeology. I will probably focus on forensic anthropology for the time being. But I'm hoping to take the degree and have it help get us to our goal of Scotland eventually. :) Feel free to follow my blog about the experiences I have while going to school for anthropology.  http://journeyingthroughanthropology.blogspot.com/

Where did October go?!?! o.o

So, I have been accepted into two schools for nursing. Chamberlain, which was my first choice, and Columbus State Community College. Both good schools, one so much more expensive than the other. Even as an independent student, I'd have to pay over $2000 out of pocket. Give you a hint, I don't make enough to afford that. And of course, the financial aid advisor has continued to try and push me to take out a VERY expensive private loan. Give you a hint, I don't have high enough credit score, nor a co-signer to take out a private loan. So, that's where the other school comes into play. It’s a community college, which there is nothing wrong with, a 2 yr ADN program. After scholarships and grants are accounted for, I’d only need about $1500 covered, and student loans would be more than able to cover that. So, I’m going to a seminar to get the official nursing school application process started, and hopefully, I’ll be able to start there as soon as possible. :)

Hm, I've started the long and arduous journey of looking for a new job. I love what I do, most of the clients, and the people I work with. However, I cannot stand being underpaid, under-appreciated, and working for people that do not care about their clients, or their therapists. The only thing they care about is making money. It's pathetic, and I can't stand it. I need a place that's not so spa-like, not my kind of setting to be quite honest. So, here's hoping I can find something more up my alley soon. ^.^

Other than that, Jon and I got new tattoos the other day. They turned out amazing, as you can see in the pics below. Yay tattoos! xD

And to finish things up here, I shall be seeing my beautiful partner in crime later in the month. It is going to be a glorious 4 day weekend for me. It's going to be awesomely fun. It's been a while since we've truly been able to spend a good length of time together. I miss her desperately, and this is seriously needed. I need a girl's day... several days. xD Shopping and such.  ^.^  

And so, with that lovelies, I bid you adieu. Toodles. :3 

Updatey fun

So, I have come to terms with the fact that no one really reads this blog anymore. Doesn't surprise me. It's nothing great. I don't even have time to update it regularly. My bad. It's called a busy, and very hectic schedule. But I'm still going to post on occasion, at least updates. I may start another section/ blog that is focused on my wedding planning adventures, body positivity, and maybe even one that is focused on massage therapy and my adventures in that along with my upcoming adventures in nursing school. Maybe. Big maybes.

But, as mentioned above, I'm getting ready to go back to school to get my ADN. It should only take about 2 years. Which means, I can continue to do what I do now, and then once I'm done, get a nursing job, and then go back , possibly, for my BSN.. maybe later on down the road if need be. It's all gonna depend on when Jon and I plan to start a family, which I won't lie, we both want to as soon as possible. ( He swears we're going to have twins the very first go around. o.o)  We're hoping to wait until after the wedding, I say hoping because anything can happen. xD

Emm, news on the wedding, as of right now, there is actually quite a bit. Our first choice for the ceremony venue fell through. They were requiring us to have BOTH the ceremony and the reception at their site. However, we've had the reception venue picked out since day one more or less. But, that's ok, we found this wonderful little church in Maumee, and it's half the price that our first choice was. Score. We have our officiant, the wonderful family friend, Mr. Woods. I have my dress, which I'm currently holding off paying for, simply so that I can get another 6 months of them holding on to it. Because the girl apparently screwed up and it was ordered WAY too early. Moron. xD Hmm, other than that, we have some decoration ideas, not nothing really set in stone other than purple, blue, and peacock feathers. Otherwise, it's kinda whatever I find on Pinterest that I find well, interesting. ^.^

Jon and I went and saw my favorite movie on the big screen this past Sunday. Gone with the Wind. It has been my absolute favorite movie and probably book for that matter, for as long as I can remember. Meant a lot to me to have him willingly sit through an almost 4 hour movie ( we'll call it 4, since it's only shy by 2 mins. xD ) and not complain about it.

Umm, other than that. I've just been really busy with work, and such. Added more hours to my schedule, you know because that goes well with school. xD Anywho. I think that's enough for now. Yep. ^.^

Proposal related wonders...

As promised a much happier post this time around. As anyone who reads this blog knows, Jon and I got engaged back in March. However, at the time, we didn't have a ring. Well, we finally found one we loved. So when it came last week, he couldn't wait to re-propose and get the damn thing on my finger. So we went out to one of our favorite restaurants and he re-proposed to me. It was really sweet. We both ended up crying and being all sappy. On the way home, we couldn't figure out why we were such saps about it. The only thing we could come up with is that it was that it was an actual proposal this time around. He actually got on one knee, had a ring, and asked me. Which makes sense. It makes it more real.




Now this story has a slight bitter bit to it. The proposal happened last week, on Friday. So, I've had the ring for a little over a week. We noticed that the Rhodium plating of the black gold was coming off already. Now, after doing some research we found that it was pretty common, especially if the plating process was faulty. So it was very likely that was the problem. I had made sure specifically not to wash my hands with it on, use heavy cleaners, or anything like that. Anything that might destroy the integrity of the ring. Yet, the plating was coming off in less than a week. We had to call the jeweler and see what could be done. They offered to completely re-plate it again and see if it would help. But we ultimately opted to exchange it for the white gold version of the same style ring. So now it's a waiting game of them getting the old ring back, and them sending the new one to us. It feels so weird to not be able to wear my ring. I know its only been a week since I got it, but my finger feels so naked now.

The original ring

What the new ring shall be

Here's hoping that it is sent to us with great haste, and we have no problems with the new one. So overall, there is a happy ending to the whole story overall. ^.^   Well, dearies. I shall be off. Toodles for now.

Mishaps and ramblings of finding a wedding gown

So this happened... a while ago. But I thought that maybe those who read this, might enjoy this little slide show of the gowns I tried on with my bridesmaids and mum present, that didn't quite make the cut. ^.^



FYI, for those who are going to ask, I am not posting a photo of the gown I did chose. Not here, not on Facebook, or on Instagram. Sorry. You'll have to wait until the wedding, or until I post wedding pictures on here to see it. Sorry about your luck. Lol.

I will say though that experience of finding a wedding gown is not something I want to go through again. Most of the gowns come in sizes 8-12... and they already run small. So basically 90% of the gowns were either too small and I couldn't really get a feel for them, or I couldn't even try them on. the gowns that I did get to try on were generally much too big on me. And sadly, I've noticed that a lot of the gowns for larger women are quite frumpy, and it's actually almost hurtful. Like why can't I feel and look as beautiful as a thinner/ fitter woman? Thank you society for being stupid.

I thought I'd at least give you guys a glimpse into what my adventures in finding a wedding gown were like. So there you go. My mishaps and ramblings about the whole ordeal. ^.^

Sorry, but not sorry...

So I have a small rant to deal with here. I'm planning a wedding, I assume my readers know this. I got engaged, so the next logical thing is to start planning a wedding. Right? ...Right.

That being said, I have to keep in mind that my parents want to pay for this event, minus the wedding gown, I flat out told them I would be paying for that, so that I get the complete and final say in that. So like I said, keeping in mind that my parents are paying for it, I want to keep the cost as low as possible. One way to do this is to have a very small wedding, and by small, I mean less than 100 people. Jon and I just want close friends and family, that is all. No people we barely know, no people who are for lack of a better term, Facebook friends. I can't do it, I can't invite every person we know, it would cost a fortune.

I don't want my parents to break the bank on this event. Yes, I know that it's supposed to be a grand affair, it's supposed to be beautiful, it's supposed to be about Jon and I, but I would feel horrible to make my family pay a fortune for it. I'm not that materialistic as that.

What Jon and I decided, please read that again, it distinctly says Jon AND I . We made the decision to only invite our close family, and closest friends. That being said, that means that there are a few people who will  be invited, but not their significant other. Mostly because Jon and I don't know said significant other, and guess what? A wedding is so not the time or place to get to know your friend's significant other, it's just not. No amount or arguing, complaining, or whining about it is going to change that. I'd say that I'm sorry that these particular people are not and will not be invited, but I'm not and neither is Jon. Because, again, it is OUR wedding. If you want to invite 300 people to YOUR wedding, then you do that; however, I will not be guilt tripped into inviting these people that we don't know to a wedding.

I think that people assume that we are singling them out and being "mean" to them and their significant other. And to be honest, it is nothing of the sort. It all boils down to the cost and the lack of a true connection/ friendship with these people. I'm not going to feel sorry for that, I'm just not. If you're going to take this as a personal vendetta against you and your significant other, that's your prerogative. To each, his own, as it were.

What I love even more about this, is that people who were so set on being there, because they are so happy for us, because they are a close friend and wanted to share in such an important day in my life have since changed their tune. Now that it is known that only very close friends and family will be invited, they no longer want to come. I'm the bad guy for planning the wedding of Jon's and my dreams. Is that so wrong? Apparently the answer must be yes, I mean if I'm offending these people so much. Last I checked, I never told anyone else how to plan their wedding, and never once complained if my significant other was not invited, and neither did Jon. we understand with the economy it just not frugal to invite everyone and their mother to your wedding, especially not for a budget wedding.

And please note, we aren't just inviting our friends and not their significant other, I can tell you right now, my younger brother is invited, however his little girlfriend is not. Granted, yes there are reasons that she is not invited. Mostly because there is some serious tension and dislike between my family and her's, but that is neither here nor there. I'm just stating there we're not just doing it to friend's, we're doing it to family too. It's not anything against anyone, we have a budget and we HAVE to stick to it. End of story. No ifs, ands, or buts. Not sorry. Get over it.  I'll be hurt, not gonna lie, I want my close friends and family there, but if you decide not to come to our wedding, your loss, not mine. I will have a wonderful wedding with the people who truly care about us and that is all I have to say about it. The end. 

Yay for more questions....

1. Would you have sex with the last person you text messaged? Yes, yes I would.
2. You talked to an ex today, correct? Pfffthaha, no.
3. Have you taken someones virginity? Nope
4. Is trust a big issue for you? It can be
5. Did you hang out with the person you like recently? We live together, so yes.
6. What are you excited for? Next Autumn
7. What happened tonight? I did laundry, cleaned the house some, ran errands, and had lunch with Jon
8. Do you think it’s disgusting when girls get really wasted? Yep
9. Is confidence cute? Yep
10. What is the last beverage you had? Sparkling water and mango-orange juice
11. How many people of the opposite sex do you fully trust? Jon and Adam
12. Do you own a pair of skinny jeans? I own two or three pairs
13. What are you gonna do Saturday night? Em, probably yard work
14. What are you going to spend money on next? Fuel
15. Are you going out with the last person you kissed? I'm going to marry him, so yes. xD
16. Do you think you’ll change in the next 3 months? Maybe a little.
17. Who do you feel most comfortable talking to about anything? Jon, Marti, Jess, and Adam
18. The last time you felt broken? Summer 2012
19. Have you had sex today? Technically.. yeah :3
20. Are you starting to realize anything? How some of my "good" friend's are actually not so great of friends
21. Are you in a good mood? I am. Woke up in a fantastic mood.
22. Would you ever want to swim with sharks? Kinda did in Florida, but really don't want to again.
23. Are your eyes the same color as your dad’s? Nope. Neither of my biological parents have brown eyes.
24. What do you want right this second? Sushi, and for Jon to be home from work
25. What would you say if the person you love/like kissed another girl/boy? I'd be utterly heartbroken.
26. Is your current hair color your natural hair color? Ayup
27. Would you be able to date someone who doesn’t make you laugh? Eh, probably not. I need that in a relationship.
28. What was the last thing that made you laugh? Jon, just something he said.
29. Do you really, truly miss someone right now? A few people.
30. Does everyone deserve a second chance? Depends on the situation
31. Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to? Good god, no. I love him with all my heart.
32. Does the person you have feelings for right now, know you do? Um, I certainly hope so. We're getting married.
33. Are you one of those people who never drinks soda? Nope. I like soda, but I'm cutting back.
34. Listening to? American Dad playing in the background.
35. Do you ever write in pencil anymore? On occasion.
36. Do you know where the last person you kissed is? At work :/
37. Do you believe in love at first sight? Nope.
38. Who did you last call? My father
39. Who was the last person you danced with? Jon
40. Why did you kiss the last person you kissed? Because I love him and he was leaving for work.
41. When was the last time you ate a cupcake? Em, Jon's birthday.
42. Did you hug/kiss one of your parents today? No :(
43. Ever embarrass yourself in front of a crush? Every freakin' day
44. Do you tan in the nude? I don't tan
45. If you could, would you take back your last kiss? Nope
46. Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night? Every night
47. Who was the last person to call you? My father
48. Do you sing in the shower? Ayup
49. Do you dance in the car? Mhm
50. Ever used a bow and arrow? I have, and I love it
51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? High School graduation
52. Do you think musicals are cheesy? Nope, I LOVE them
53. Is Christmas stressful? Yes
54. Ever eat a pierogi? I eat them and know how to make them. So take that survey! In your face! xD
55. Favorite type of fruit pie? Peach
56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?  Doctor, violinist, ballerina, among other things.
57. Do you believe in ghosts? Yes
58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? Many, many times
59. Take a vitamin daily? Nope
60. Wear slippers? Mhm
61. Wear a bath robe? Nope
62. What do you wear to bed? Emm, nothing...
63. First concert? Eddie Money
64. Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart? Target
65. Nike or Adidas? Neither
66. Cheetos Or Fritos? Both
67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? Peanuts
68. Favorite Taylor Swift song? ... I don't have one...
69. Ever take dance lessons? Does dance class in high school count? xD
70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? Whatever Jon wants to do
71. Can you curl your tongue? I can
72. Ever won a spelling bee? Once, in grade school
73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy? Yep
74. What is your favorite book? I have many...
75. Do you study better with or without music? With music
76. Regularly burn incense? All the time.
77. Ever been in love? I am now.
78. Who would you like to see in concert? Ironmaiden, Kamelot,  Dream Theater, Rammstein, Boston, among a list of many
79. What was the last concert you saw? Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd tribute band
80. Hot tea or cold tea? Both
81. Tea or coffee? Again, both
82. Favorite type of cookie? Double chocolate chip with caramel chunks. xD
83. Can you swim well? Mhm
84. Can you hold your breath without holding your nose? Yep
85. Are you patient? I can be
86. DJ or band, at a wedding? I'd love a band, but DJ is the way to go
87. Ever won a contest? A few actually
88. Ever have plastic surgery? Nope
89. Which are better black or green olives? I love both
90. Opinions on sex before marriage? Emm, it's fun...  xD
91. Best room for a fireplace? My living room... Oh wait, I have one there...
92. Do you want to get married? I do and I am... next Autumn.

Engagement Ramblings...

It's not so much time to update, but more so to elaborate.

Two weeks ago, I announced that Jon and I were officially engaged. And yes, it is true, I shall be marrying the love of my life, my soulmate, my goof next Autumn.

Jon did things a little backwards. He asked me to marry him before he talked to my parents about getting their blessing/ permission. Fecking Polack. xD But he did talk to them, and they were more than ecstatic about it.  My father actually told Jon that he didn't need to ask, but I know my father and I know he really did appreciate Jon asking.

As for a ring, we don't have one...yet. Jon decided he wanted to go through that process together. Instead of risking getting me a ring that I'm in love with. It's actually really sweet. It means we can go together to pick out our rings and such. I like that idea, and so does he. We actually have rings ideas already, but I won't post any pictures here, mostly because we're not dead set on anything yet.

But we're going for an Autumn wedding, it suits us. The weather is not too hot and not too cold, just right. Plus, I love the Autumn season, it's suits my coloring and the general theme. Much to my Aunt Diana's distaste, I have no intention of going to the Justice of the Peace and spending a fortune of a honeymoon. I will have the wedding that Jon and I want, and still have a fantastic honeymoon. Basically the 70,000 tons of Metal cruise is our goal for the honeymoon. It'll be awesome, I'm sure I'll keep the blog updated with some wedding/honeymoon related things.

You're probably wondering how he asked. And I shall tell you. I actually thought that he was joking when he asked. We had been talking about getting married, the things we wanted and how far in the future we wanted children and that sort of thing. And then nonchalantly, Jon just stopped me and asked me to marry him. No ring, no big surprise, nothing like that. Just a simple proposal. And that is why I thought he was joking at first. But after making sure he wasn't I gave him my answer and the rest is history. ^.^

As I get more details figured out, I shall post more about that, and such. But for now, this is enough about the matter. 

Biggest news ever!!

So there had been news, important news. I mentioned it before, but I can officially announce it to the world.

Jon proposed back in March, we were waiting to say anything until he got the chance to talk to my parents. But now that that's done, we're officially telling everyone who cares. But that being said, I shall post more about it later. Hopefully the link can be seen in the blog. If not, someone let me know. ^.^

Post by Rachael Bond.