I met Sara for a quick glass of wine after the rehearsal dinner. I missed her and wanted to hang out with her in spite of the fact that I should have been smart and went to sleep. I opted for fun.
The next morning, we stopped for coffee before she dropped me off for my ten a.m. hair appointment. While at the coffee shop, again, I was presented with the choice of being good or bad. I could do the smart thing and snack on yogurt or a bran muffin, even. Instead, I saw a breakfast burrito and felt--yippie, exactly what I want.
I inhale the deliciousness and Sara dropped me off for my appointment. I told the guy to do whatever he felt like. I had not decided on whether or not my hair would look better up or down. And, there was the tattoo on my neck that I love, but, didn't think that Rob's parents would appreciate. The stylist opted for up and to the side. In all fairness, it actually, looked quite nice. Lovely, in fact. He straightened it and then made ringlets. Hair finished and so I checked into my room at the hotel. I knew, according to the itinerary, that I would need to grab my shoes and be ready to head to the wedding by noon.
The limo was late due to traffic. We had cava to drink which would help us relax. The wedding ceremony went by quick. They were sweet to each other. As Rob choked up while reciting his vows, Jenn wiped away his tears. I almost cried.
The wedding party assembled into the limo to head back to Denver. We had some bubbly. The a/c did not work and the stereo had turrets. It was a comedy of errors and we were the captive audience. We all scrambled to exit the limo and breathe in fresh air. A few tang shots later and we arrived at the reception. There was an hour to relax before the rest of the guests were scheduled to arrive. I found Jimmy in the tavern. I wanted to make sure that he would be attending the festivities. Sometimes, he can be a flake. I wanted him to accompany me to the wedding since he knew my friends and I knew he would dance.
We were introduced to the guests before being seated at the head table. They served us salad, sorbet and then the main course. I had chosen chicken as opposed to the surf and turf option. All through dinner, I was preoccupied knowing that my speech was around the corner. I wrote my MOH speech while sitting at a wine bar in Denver. I felt okay about it but I had some anxiety. I am not the most comfortable person in public speaking type of environments.
After my duties were completed, I felt relief. I drank wine and danced. I remember watching the cutting of the cake but I did not go near the cake after that point. Instead, I frequented the photo booth with the the bridesmaids, Jimmy and a few other characters. I danced and enjoyed myself. The wedding was hugely successful. When it started to wind down, I convinced Jimmy that we should go see Steve at his bar. We cab over and I don't know the door guy. Typically, this wouldn't be an issue but I didn't have my i.d. with me. I pull the whole--I know the owner bit and knew how foolish it sounded. This door guy is doing his job and I was the idiot who forgot my i.d.
Still, I tried it. I didn't have my phone either to rectify the situation. Thankfully, one of the servers walked up and said, let her in, she's one of Steve's good friends....thank goodness for that.
One or two chimays later and the night concluded. Jimmy was ready to go and I wanted to catch a ride in the cab. He dropped me off and I considered having one last glass of wine. Nothing was open. I really did appreciate that the next morning. I woke up feeling much better having made that decision.
I forgot to mention how wonderful the hotel room was. Beautiful room, king sized bed and a keurig coffee maker. That was amazing! I was sad that I had to check out of my room and head to the brunch. I definitely could have enjoyed a few more hours in the room. The coffee maker, alone, was worth it.
I arrived at the brunch site and made my way to the open table. It was open seating and several people had arrived. As much as I had wanted to linger in the hotel room, I was glad to have arrived early. I was able to say goodbye to David and his wife, Angela. I tried to avoid drinking a mimosa or a shot and was able to delay it for about an hour. There were many people moving in and out of the venue. I could avoid the obligatory shot if I didn't stay in one place too long.
I ended up staying way longer than I had anticipated. I like several of Jen and Rob's friends and had not been able to catch up with them. Or, even, really talk to Jenn or Rob. They had a lot of stuff to contend with as well. Eventually, I disengaged and walked back to the hotel to collect my luggage. I am glad that I made an effort to be part of their special day. I was thankful to have planned on seeing some other friends while in Denver, too. 5 days in Denver inflicted some damage on my health. As such, tonight is a low key evening. Grateful for that~
Enjoy your night~
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Recap of wedding weekend
Five days in Denver...my liver barely survived. I am exaggerating, a little, to create more drama than occurred. I arrived on Wednesday and met up with a dear friend, Brie. I had a bachelorette party to attend to later in the evening but some freedom before the itinerary kicked in. My friend who was getting married had a wedding planner and an itinerary that he was determined to stick to. I am all for schedules but wanted some free time too.
It was lovely to spend time with Brie and catch up on what is going on her life. I have known her since 2003. We used to work together and of course there is always that to reflect on in addition to all of the other times we met up for drinks and/or food. I felt fortunate that she had time to see me before the wedding agenda kicked in. We had a few glasses of wine and some appetizers before I headed to the wine dinner/bachelorette party. The wine flowed and the other bridesmaids and I listened to Jenn discuss the next few days. We sampled calamari, crab cakes, pork, fish and a few other courses. Basically, we were lavished with food. I had arranged the dinner by contacting a friend and telling him what we would need. Essentially, I said--food and wine, and he took it from there. It was delicious and I felt it was appreciated by all.
Thursday morning, I arrived at the hotel to have a manicure and pedicure. Jenn took care of those services and drinks. I chose a peach drink and shrimp cocktail. I thought we would share the appetizers with everyone and so I didn't order another crab cake. That seemed to be the chose of everyone that attended. I was a little surprised when we didn't share. Oh well, the shrimp was fantastic. I felt healthier, too.
I considered choosing a deep shade of red for my nails but nixed it when I realized that I would look like a christmas tree. Instead, I went with brown. For some reason, it made sense to me and I was happy with the results. Sticking to the itinerary, post spa session, we hurried off to Boettcher Mansion for the rehearsal. There was some confusion as to how to get to the rehearsal space. One guy had a mini cooper that he claimed would take four passengers. We did try this, briefly. I knew that being bunched up in the back seat would be uncomfortable for me quickly. I returned to the car pick up area and asked Jenn who else was driving to the space. She said there is a minivan or you can take the car that shuttles guests to and from destinations that the hotel has. I was uninterested in that option and as I looked around I noticed one of the other groomsmen about to head west. I rush up, knock on his window, and ask if I can drive with him. He agreed and it was one of the best decisions I made of the weekend. This guy, David, is from Omaha. We began the awkward conversation of how do you know Jenn and Rob and discovered that we both had grandmothers in small towns in Iowa that were near each other. David looked at me and said, I knew there was a reason that I liked you. From that point on, we were friends.
At dinner that night, I met his wife and immediately liked her too. She reminded me of one of my cousin's wives. Gorgeous, gracious and kind. I so enjoyed meeting David and Angela.
Dinner that night was coursed. Salad, fish, dessert with wine choices. I knew that bartender and so our food was served, first, from the start. Plus, my glass was full the entire rehearsal dinner. I so enjoy having connections from previous jobs. I sat with two of the other bridesmaids and their spouses. I enjoyed it. I wanted to know more about them. Each of the girls represented a different time of Jenn's life. In some ways we were all similar--kind, gracious, somewhat quiet--it seemed. We all were outspoken, fun and crazy, too. Over the course of three days, I discovered it. I must conclude this for now. Working, finally. Yesterday, I went to a trade show and poured wine for one of my suppliers. It was great. I met many people in the industry. The only downside is that my liver could use a break from the wedding weekend. I plan on relaxing and getting a great night of sleep tonight. I need it. My body requires it~
It was lovely to spend time with Brie and catch up on what is going on her life. I have known her since 2003. We used to work together and of course there is always that to reflect on in addition to all of the other times we met up for drinks and/or food. I felt fortunate that she had time to see me before the wedding agenda kicked in. We had a few glasses of wine and some appetizers before I headed to the wine dinner/bachelorette party. The wine flowed and the other bridesmaids and I listened to Jenn discuss the next few days. We sampled calamari, crab cakes, pork, fish and a few other courses. Basically, we were lavished with food. I had arranged the dinner by contacting a friend and telling him what we would need. Essentially, I said--food and wine, and he took it from there. It was delicious and I felt it was appreciated by all.
Thursday morning, I arrived at the hotel to have a manicure and pedicure. Jenn took care of those services and drinks. I chose a peach drink and shrimp cocktail. I thought we would share the appetizers with everyone and so I didn't order another crab cake. That seemed to be the chose of everyone that attended. I was a little surprised when we didn't share. Oh well, the shrimp was fantastic. I felt healthier, too.
I considered choosing a deep shade of red for my nails but nixed it when I realized that I would look like a christmas tree. Instead, I went with brown. For some reason, it made sense to me and I was happy with the results. Sticking to the itinerary, post spa session, we hurried off to Boettcher Mansion for the rehearsal. There was some confusion as to how to get to the rehearsal space. One guy had a mini cooper that he claimed would take four passengers. We did try this, briefly. I knew that being bunched up in the back seat would be uncomfortable for me quickly. I returned to the car pick up area and asked Jenn who else was driving to the space. She said there is a minivan or you can take the car that shuttles guests to and from destinations that the hotel has. I was uninterested in that option and as I looked around I noticed one of the other groomsmen about to head west. I rush up, knock on his window, and ask if I can drive with him. He agreed and it was one of the best decisions I made of the weekend. This guy, David, is from Omaha. We began the awkward conversation of how do you know Jenn and Rob and discovered that we both had grandmothers in small towns in Iowa that were near each other. David looked at me and said, I knew there was a reason that I liked you. From that point on, we were friends.
At dinner that night, I met his wife and immediately liked her too. She reminded me of one of my cousin's wives. Gorgeous, gracious and kind. I so enjoyed meeting David and Angela.
Dinner that night was coursed. Salad, fish, dessert with wine choices. I knew that bartender and so our food was served, first, from the start. Plus, my glass was full the entire rehearsal dinner. I so enjoy having connections from previous jobs. I sat with two of the other bridesmaids and their spouses. I enjoyed it. I wanted to know more about them. Each of the girls represented a different time of Jenn's life. In some ways we were all similar--kind, gracious, somewhat quiet--it seemed. We all were outspoken, fun and crazy, too. Over the course of three days, I discovered it. I must conclude this for now. Working, finally. Yesterday, I went to a trade show and poured wine for one of my suppliers. It was great. I met many people in the industry. The only downside is that my liver could use a break from the wedding weekend. I plan on relaxing and getting a great night of sleep tonight. I need it. My body requires it~
Monday, September 17, 2012
Monday Memory
I am thankful to be heading to Denver to share in her special day. I also look forward to seeing friends, favorite restaurants and the city of Denver. Perfect time of year to visit, too. The weather will be amazing.
I hope to go running or do yoga while in the city. I believe it will keep me centered. I don't want to only drink wine and eat rich foods. I want to enjoy the city in the physical sense. I miss running and that is where I found my love for it. It was while living in Denver. The weather is easing up, some, in Phoenix. Soon, I will be able to run here, too.
Until the, enjoy your Monday. I believe this was right before I headed to the airport. Typically, how I conclude my trips to Denver. Lunch with Jenn and then return to reality...
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Beauty is all around us
Today is a day that will always be stamped in my mind that we should live in the present and always be patient with ourselves and others.
I remember the day I found the isla de corazon. I had signed up for a day trip in Bariloche and was the only American on the tour. The group leader spoke spanish (obviously, as it was Argentina) but was kind in my regard. She offered to translate what she could in English. I did understand most of it. What parts I didn't I was able to see. This photo reflects true beauty in my mind.
Last, but not least, there is something about this photo that captivates me. I suppose it is that I could be peaceful in the clouds. The view from Table Mountain of Cape Town was phenomenal, too.
I send peace to all today. Remember the tragedy of this day and project kindness, love and sunshine. Take time to go to a place, visually, that brings you joy.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Monday Memory
I love the idea of spending it in San Diego. It is extremely welcoming and a quick trip from Phoenix. Or, there is somewhere in Arizona that would enable more time spent in the town than in the car. Possibly Santa Fe, too. I haven't visited this year, yet. That is definitely one of my favorite rejuvenating spots.
Or, should I suck it up and stay here? There are restaurants, hiking, wine bars. I am sure that I can find a suitable place to enjoy carrot cake. I suppose I have this yearning since this is what I typically do for personal celebrations. I go out of town to experience something new, meet people and toast life. It's a hard habit to break.
I am happy just considering the possibilities of a birthday celebration. How do you celebrate yours?
Friday, September 7, 2012
Upcoming tasks and fears associated with them....
In two weeks, I will be part of this epic wedding ceremony for a great friend of mine. Of course, I was honored to be considered to be part of the people standing up for them on their special day. I kept thinking--I have oodles of time to write the perfect toast. Yet, I have no clue what I am going to say. I should have learned to not procrastinate by this point in my life. I am not an off the cuff type of person. Public speaking terrifies me. Most of the time I able to weasel out of it. But, when I cannot, wow, do I experience anxiety. I know I can do it and that I have to. I also recognize that I should figure out what I want to say. Otherwise, I am going to sound like a moron on their day. I think Jenn can forgive most things, but that, would be a stretch. Especially since I have had months to prepare for the wedding.
Little did I know how quickly I would lose track of time. Other trips, some medical b.s. that is still following me around and other trips to Denver just because I wanted to visit. I miss my friends, the food factor and oh, yeah, the weather. Currently, I miss the weather. In a few months that will change. I will love being in Arizona like I did last year.
I remember in January, thinking, I have so much time to get in shape, be creative with invitations to the bachelorette party that I get to host and write a toast. Of the three, I think the yoga has kepe me somewhat in shape. I want my back to be sculpted. That is the ultimate goal of the yoga venture. That, and being competent at pushups. Quick tangent...it drives me crazy when I am next to several people that collapse while doing the upper to lower pushup, fondly called the chataranga. (I know this is misspelled). I think they should be corrected so that they do it right and do not hurt themselves. I enjoy the chataranga in the vinyasa flow. I realize the benefits of them, too. I think the instructors should adjust people in this practice.
Regardless, I am on track with the fitness goal while the creativity has not been flowing in invitation making or speech writing. It'll come. I am not concerned about the bach party. I know that it is handled. Just thought I would try to make it special by sending homemade invitations to the girls attending the wine dinner. There is still some time. I should start working on it tomorrow.
I am more capable at writing. The creativity bone is a challenge. I have a friend, Hailey, that makes beautiful memorable notecards. I still have the one from her wedding that she made for me. It's gorgeous, heartfelt and has retained its quality after being shuffled from move to move.
I wish I had that ability. I just find it challenging. I prefer writing cards to making them. I think of all of the efforts of the other bridesmaids and feel inferior, too. However, two of them live in Denver and are able to attend the various showers, parties, engagements. I would have had I been in the area. I do know that. The wine dinner is my way of contributing to Jenn's celebration. And, thankfully, she loves wine and calamari. I had the perfect place to make that happen and it just happens to be one of my favorite spots in Denver, too.
Since I will be in Denver I hope to frequent a few spots. With the wedding and the concrete itinerary, I am somewhat limited in my playtime. That is the only downside to this. That and the fact that I must return to Phoenix for work sooner than I would like too. I have to. I cannot play in Denver at the beginning of the season. Plus, there are tastings that I plan on attending in Phoenix. Why wouldn't I enjoy that aspect of the job?
Til then, I must get serious about the toast, the invitations and continue to practice yoga.
Little did I know how quickly I would lose track of time. Other trips, some medical b.s. that is still following me around and other trips to Denver just because I wanted to visit. I miss my friends, the food factor and oh, yeah, the weather. Currently, I miss the weather. In a few months that will change. I will love being in Arizona like I did last year.
I remember in January, thinking, I have so much time to get in shape, be creative with invitations to the bachelorette party that I get to host and write a toast. Of the three, I think the yoga has kepe me somewhat in shape. I want my back to be sculpted. That is the ultimate goal of the yoga venture. That, and being competent at pushups. Quick tangent...it drives me crazy when I am next to several people that collapse while doing the upper to lower pushup, fondly called the chataranga. (I know this is misspelled). I think they should be corrected so that they do it right and do not hurt themselves. I enjoy the chataranga in the vinyasa flow. I realize the benefits of them, too. I think the instructors should adjust people in this practice.
Regardless, I am on track with the fitness goal while the creativity has not been flowing in invitation making or speech writing. It'll come. I am not concerned about the bach party. I know that it is handled. Just thought I would try to make it special by sending homemade invitations to the girls attending the wine dinner. There is still some time. I should start working on it tomorrow.
I am more capable at writing. The creativity bone is a challenge. I have a friend, Hailey, that makes beautiful memorable notecards. I still have the one from her wedding that she made for me. It's gorgeous, heartfelt and has retained its quality after being shuffled from move to move.
I wish I had that ability. I just find it challenging. I prefer writing cards to making them. I think of all of the efforts of the other bridesmaids and feel inferior, too. However, two of them live in Denver and are able to attend the various showers, parties, engagements. I would have had I been in the area. I do know that. The wine dinner is my way of contributing to Jenn's celebration. And, thankfully, she loves wine and calamari. I had the perfect place to make that happen and it just happens to be one of my favorite spots in Denver, too.
Since I will be in Denver I hope to frequent a few spots. With the wedding and the concrete itinerary, I am somewhat limited in my playtime. That is the only downside to this. That and the fact that I must return to Phoenix for work sooner than I would like too. I have to. I cannot play in Denver at the beginning of the season. Plus, there are tastings that I plan on attending in Phoenix. Why wouldn't I enjoy that aspect of the job?
Til then, I must get serious about the toast, the invitations and continue to practice yoga.
My sort of Friday~
Raining today. What a lovely change to the bright shining weather of Arizona. I do love the sun but wow, do I love a pure rain storm. It feels clean, rejuvenating and inspires me to enjoy my day in a completely different way than normal.
I see yoga--of course--and it is more in the spiritual sense. It would be inspirational instead of only physical. Lately, it seems, everywhere I go--restaurants, bars, grocery store--I am talking to people about yoga and realizing that many people also attend the studio that I frequent. This opens up a discussion of teachers, which class is best and how often I do or do not go. I love it.
I do have a/c in my car which functions in the morning and at night. Middle of the day, though, well, the other day this couple looked at me at a bar and said, you work at that restaurant, right? We saw you yesterday. We remember because we thought you were crazy for riding your bike to work in the heat.
Nope. No bike. Car ride that does not circulate enough air to offset the sweat factor. Yuck!
So, yes, I do appreciate the rain factor today. Lovely. I have a massage lined up and then hope to head to Phoenix to check out the downtown restaurant scene. It's something that I have been wanting to do for some time but unable to execute the plan. Tonight, it's going to happen.
Yoga was splendid and I ran into a friend of mine which made it even better. Inspite of the instructor's ability to figure out my name, I did stay through the entire class. It felt awesome to do the practice and we did finish with a collective om from the room. Also, something that I feel is positive about the practice.
Post yoga, I drove home, inhaled my leftover fish tacos and showered. I had a massage at 2:30 that I had been looking forward to all week. Delightful. I had told the therapist that my quads were tight and so repeatedly, she worked on my legs. I am sleepy, lazy and dehydrated.
I figure I can relax til the adventure to the downtown area. My friend, the wine rep, said, let's go out after dark. Typical response from him, In the midst of summer, sure, I get it. Today, though, is an anomaly. Much cooler and begging to go out and enjoy the happy hour life in Phoenix. Oh well, the additional rest/relaxation will probably be more beneficial than proceeding directly to happy hour. I did consider stopping at a wine bar in route to mi casa. Tempted, but remained true to the course.
I intend to check out the first Friday scene. With me, sometimes, one glass of wine leads to another, possibly two. I want to enjoy tonight not be boozy.
Alright. Feel a mini siesta in my near future. Enjoy the rest of your Friday!
I see yoga--of course--and it is more in the spiritual sense. It would be inspirational instead of only physical. Lately, it seems, everywhere I go--restaurants, bars, grocery store--I am talking to people about yoga and realizing that many people also attend the studio that I frequent. This opens up a discussion of teachers, which class is best and how often I do or do not go. I love it.
I do have a/c in my car which functions in the morning and at night. Middle of the day, though, well, the other day this couple looked at me at a bar and said, you work at that restaurant, right? We saw you yesterday. We remember because we thought you were crazy for riding your bike to work in the heat.
Nope. No bike. Car ride that does not circulate enough air to offset the sweat factor. Yuck!
So, yes, I do appreciate the rain factor today. Lovely. I have a massage lined up and then hope to head to Phoenix to check out the downtown restaurant scene. It's something that I have been wanting to do for some time but unable to execute the plan. Tonight, it's going to happen.
Yoga was splendid and I ran into a friend of mine which made it even better. Inspite of the instructor's ability to figure out my name, I did stay through the entire class. It felt awesome to do the practice and we did finish with a collective om from the room. Also, something that I feel is positive about the practice.
Post yoga, I drove home, inhaled my leftover fish tacos and showered. I had a massage at 2:30 that I had been looking forward to all week. Delightful. I had told the therapist that my quads were tight and so repeatedly, she worked on my legs. I am sleepy, lazy and dehydrated.
I figure I can relax til the adventure to the downtown area. My friend, the wine rep, said, let's go out after dark. Typical response from him, In the midst of summer, sure, I get it. Today, though, is an anomaly. Much cooler and begging to go out and enjoy the happy hour life in Phoenix. Oh well, the additional rest/relaxation will probably be more beneficial than proceeding directly to happy hour. I did consider stopping at a wine bar in route to mi casa. Tempted, but remained true to the course.
I intend to check out the first Friday scene. With me, sometimes, one glass of wine leads to another, possibly two. I want to enjoy tonight not be boozy.
Alright. Feel a mini siesta in my near future. Enjoy the rest of your Friday!
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