Post Honeymoon Post

I’m really slacking, aren’t I? Man.
Just can’t seem to get everything caught up.

Todd already got his post honeymoon post up, which was a great day by day account of our time there. But you know me. I always like to throw my $.02 in.

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Kauai was beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, that by the time our last day rolled around, Todd and I were sick of the beauty. Too much beauty! No more beauty!

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We started out in Waimea, on the south coast, and stayed there Tuesday through Sunday. We became very familiar with the south shore. Then we checked into the Hilton, on the east coast, and drove around the east and north shores. You can’t really get to the west shore. But we saw that when we took the infamous sunset dinner cruise.

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The sights during the sunset cruise to the Na Pali coast were absolutely incredible, and the ride was a blast. Bouncing on the waves, getting splashed and soaked from head to toe. Thrilling! The return, however, was hell. Period.

I’ve never gotten seasick. Never. But coming back, the water was rough, the wind was painful and I just felt queasy. So I did the worst thing you can possibly do; I went down below. Which of course, just made it worse. It could have also been the buffet food on the cruise. And thank goodness Todd and I didn’t partake in the alcoholic beverages during the cruise (I KNOW, right?) I can’t imagine how bad it would have been. At one point, right before we docked, I actually made a mad dash (as “mad” as you can make on a rocking, wet boat) to the head. But, thankfully, was spared the actual sickness.

Until we got back to the hotel. Oh, it was not a good night. But afterwards, all was right with the world and I was ready for a mai tai.

I bounce back like that.

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November is the beginning of the rainy season, so there were showers every day. No big woop. We’d just hang out inside until it was done, the go back out to the pool, or down to the beach (Salt Pond was our beautiful beach of choice). The rain didn’t make the temperature drop at all. The only rain grrrr was that it hindered our pool plans at the Hilton. Such lovely pools and spas. But on those days, the rain was more fierce and the temperature did drop, so it was just too icky to be out in it.

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The rain also prevented us from seeing the beautiful, clear blue beaches, which was probably my biggest regret. But during one rainy day drive, while following the guide book, we found Anini Beach. It had clear water, even while it was raining. We decided that’s where we will buy our summer home one day.

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I am curious about the animal situation over there. The dogs and horses we saw tied up did not look good at all. Too short of leashes or too small of pens. And there were lots of stray cats, some of which were not healthy at all. And the chickens! My gawd, the chickens. Apparently, during Hurricane Iniki, the chickens all got loose and started reproducing like no one’s business. Now, they’re running amuck.

At one point I was sitting on the patio at the Hilton, reading, when a rooster came up to me. Then another one. Then another. Then three chickens. I tried to ignore them or politely shoo them away, without freaking them out, but they were very comfortable just staring at me. I ended up going inside. Too close for me.

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Trying to see the Queen's Bath was an adventure. I don't know if we ever really saw it. We hiked (inadvertently, in mud, mere hours before we were supposed to fly home), we found the edge of the earth, we found signs that warned us the sea would sweep us away, but now I'm thinking the actually swimming hole was a bit farther down. Regardless, it was amazing. And scary. And boy howdy, did our legs hurt the next day. Oy.

Afterwards, we cleaned up and changed in public beach restroom, then headed off for the airport. Good times.

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Another interesting thing in Kauai is the speed limits. You go from 50, down to 45, to 35 to 25, then you come to an intersection. Once you’re past the intersection, WHAM! Back up to 50. It made driving the length of the island a little longer than expected.
Oh, there so much more I could babble about, but we need to get back to random posts about shoes and birds. I’ll just sum up with it was wonderful to be able to bond with my new husband without any distractions from real life. I totally understand the meaning of a honeymoon now. And am so sad that we can’t do it once a month.

Sigh.

You can see all of the pics (including multiple self portraits because we are picture hogs) here.

(Please pardon the photo of me licking Todd’s face. There were cocktails involved. Cause it was our honeymoon!)

They've Got Weapons Now!

Because their pointy little beaks and sharp talons just aren't enough!

Ack.

Post Wedding Post

Well, what can I say?

I can say my husband has done a fine job out laying out the events of the wedding and honeymoon for you. Which makes my job a little easier.

I can say I didn’t get completely trashed at my own wedding, which believe it or not, was a great fear for a long time. I had a glass of champagne as I was getting dressed, a glass of champagne during the toasts, then a couple of sips of whatever was poured for me (oh, and some nips of Gentleman Jack from Michael's flask....gawd bless him). I was too busy looking around and just being completely in awe that this was MY WEDDING. Or I was dancing my ass off.

I can say I remember everything, except the verbage of the speeches, which is a shame, because they were beautiful. All of them.

I can say I was really worried about Todd having to tear me away at 9:30pm, when the party was in full swing. But people started filtering out around 9:00, after a few hours of very enthusiastic dancing, so after that I was constantly asking the time because I didn’t want to keep the limo driver waiting.

And I can say everything was perfect. Yes, my dad stepped on my dress while walking me down the aisle and then he didn’t know when to sit down, so I had to tell him “You sit now!” And yes, the bustle ripped on my dress during the first dance conga line, which led to many pictures of me (and other people) holding it up while trying to get down.

But really? It was an incredible time. Just incredible. There just aren't enough words or enough time to post everything, so here are some of my favorite photos, so far:

(Afterwards, at the hotel, high on bliss)

(My Best Lady (under the dress), workin' on the bustle)

(Me and my new daughter)

(Me and Isabella, dancing)

You can see the rehearsal, wedding (some, not all, from Randy) and post wedding pictures here.

Where To Start?

How about, I got in a car wreck on my way to work, the first day back after a wonderful wedding and honeymoon? How’s that? Fantastic, right?

It was a stupid five car fender bender during rush hour traffic on our viaduct. I’m sore and a bit scared of driving now, but otherwise, I think I’m okay. Time will tell. Ruby, however, has a jammed rear end and will require some body work (hopefully JUST body work) which can’t even start until December 2. Sigh.

Does the Universe think I need a project? Is he afraid that I will be too bored now that the move and wedding are over? Was he worried that I would no longer have something to Facebook or blog about? Thanks, Universe. I appreciate it.

I was very much looking forward to things being back to normal. No massive stress inducers, no deadlines, and working regular ol’ 8 hour days. I was an hour and a half late yesterday and I had to leave early for a doctor’s appointment. My boss just kept saying, “You said things would settle down after the honeymoon!”

Guess someone out there has a different plan.

Wedding and honeymoon update to come…

Just Married

Yesterday, TBFE (The Best Fiance Ever) became the TBHE (The Best Husband Ever).

But that looks too much like THC to me, and that makes me think of pot and well, that's not good. So, let's just call him my husband.

My Husband.

Life is good.

Pre-Wedding Poem

Wrapping up at work
Gathering updates
Making notes for co-workers
Must Swiffer desk
And wash dishes

Out for 13 days
Already dread coming back
Mounds of email
Hope my new rule works

Emailing vendors
Confirmations, final payments, itineraries
Headcount is wacky
Maybe I’ll just stand at the reception
Who doesn’t want to eat?

Feeling much better
Antibiotics are awesome
Think I might be okay
Really want a glass of wine
Can wait until Friday
I guess

Still have some shopping to do
And tomorrow is pedicure
And massage
Because that’s what you do
The week of your wedding

OMG
I’m getting married
MARRIED
Five days
Five days

B R E A T H E......

WWRD?

We have a question!

So I saw you're online and remembered I need to ask, now: Exactly where did you get your food-waste-suitable bags and bin? Our solution has become... honestly we have no solution. Help.

- Anonymous
(the twit wouldn’t email back when I asked for permission to use his name)

We use the BioBags.

At first, we had a countertop/under the sink composter like you get at Bed, Bath & Beyond. But just FYI, the white ceramic one sucks (it’s not even offered anymore). The neck is smaller than the rest of it, so when it's full, it's too difficult to get the bag out. And we discovered it wasn't big enough for a family of 4, since we can now compost napkins, paper plates, cardboard food containers, etc.

So we got a kitchen trash can, one that you step on the pedal and it lifts the lid. We use the tall kitchen BioBags in that and probably change it out twice a week. The lid keeps the fruit flies out and the smell down, but you still have to take the bag well before the can fills up.

An excellent question this week.
Thanks…man.

We’ve Got Another Foot!

A while back, I told you about a weird phenomenon up here in the Pacific Northwest. Feet, in running shoes, are washing up on the beaches in British Columbia. It’s quite mystery. Why are they all in running shoes? Why do some of the feet belong to same person, but some do not?

Well, another foot has washed ashore (the article says seventh, but it’s the eighth. I keep track of these things). It’s in a running shoe. Size 8.5.

The mystery continues…

A Little Wisdom About Marriage

From Shit My Dad Says, on Twitter:

"If mom calls, tell her I'm shitting... Son, marriage is about not having to lie about taking a shit."

Ah, it all makes sense now.
I can't wait to be married.

Bachelorette Smut Extravaganza

No, there was no pole dancing. Promise.

But let me begin by saying that 1) I made it home in one piece, thanks to Rachelle who personally drove me home and 2) I was a very good girl, in the fact that I did not flirt with any cowboys at all. Go me!

My bachelorette party on Saturday started with dinner at Rosita’s, in Greenlake. This has been a favorite place of mine since I’ve moved here. Low key, casual, and great food. Seven of my very favorite gals were there.

There were your typical bachelorette party accoutrements – penis straws, blinking penis drink stirrers, a candy penis necklace, naughty playing cards and game, as well as a tiara and a blond wig. How can one not have a good time with a blond wig?

After dinner, we toodled across the street to the Little Red Hen, a county bar with a live band and lots o’ dancing. I’m sure the group wasn’t wild about the country part, but they’re good sports and sucked it up for me.

Like my buttons?

Nom, nom, nom...

Me-n-Stephanie

The girls can't get enough of the candy...

My Best Lady REALLY wants the candy...

There were many jack-n-cokes, and toward the end of the night, a rogue tequila shot, instigated by my “Buy Me A Shot” button. The group had left by then, and only Rachelle remained. She’s a trooper. And she’s been out with me before and knows how these things go, so once she heard about the tequila shot, she very politely told me it was time to call it a night. And I actually listened to her.

It only took most of Sunday for me to recover, to the point to where I still felt icky, but could think about other things. Which I couldn’t do until about 3pm. Damn tequila shot. Todd was a saint and took very good care of me while I laid in bed and whimpered.

Rumor has it, I apologized profusely when I got home about my drunken state, and Todd merely replied, “It was your bachelorette party! If you’d come home sober, I would have wondered what was wrong!” Reason 14 why I love him.

Sunday, needless to say, was a bit rough, but I was fine by the time we went to bed.

Now Todd's bachelor party is this Friday. But Todd's not into tequila shots, so he should be okay.