"I do this...to remind myself that I am strong"

This is going to be one of the most emotional entries of my entire blog.

I started back at Lifetime Fitness in Chanhassen on Halloween 2011. I hadn't been to the gym in almost 2 years, and I really wanted to get back in shape before our wedding. And I wanted to give myself about a year or more to do it. I joined a Team Fitness group with the encouragement of my good friend Carrie. The class was one hour, 3 days a week. It was fun because I met a few new friends. Shout outs also to: Aubrey, Jess & Sabra! ;)
I did the class for about 2 months I think. When it was over, I knew I could push myself harder, so I joined  the Bootcamp Class. This was the class we used to watch in fear. "Those people are crazy!!" That's what I used to think. So crazy me......I joined it. Welcome to serious military workouts.
During my first class (in the summer, we went outside for class a lot), I nearly threw up/fainted/I don't know what - and I had to stop and sit down for a few minutes until I could recover.
But slowly, I learned what to eat before class to help keep up my energy. As it was, over the coming months I drastically changed my diet. I met a few more friends, and I really started to enjoy the class.
From there I did Spin classes, Yoga, and Boxing. Little did I know, this was my saving grace.

Let's back up a little. Two winters or more ago, I joined an Alanon support group. I was in an emotional state of defeat and loss. I was probably at my worst in years, and I didn't know what to do. I felt like I had no one. I needed to know I wasn't the enemy, I needed to know it wasn't all my fault. So I went to Alanon at a local church in town for a few months, the people were amazing, but it just didn't give me all that I needed.

Let's go back to the present:

I met these three ladies in Bootcamp Class, and we started to run a few 5K's over the Spring/Summer. One race just led to the next. I became addicted. We just signed up for everything that sounded fun, and we did it together. I named us "the quad".

THE QUAD....and so it begins. Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure: May 5th, 2012

The Color Run: July 15th, 2012

What was first just a couple gym gals getting together for a fun AM race, and then hitting up the bar afterwards for mimosas, bloody's, & breakfast - turned into friendships I won't loose for anything, and a mutual understanding that fitness CAN HELP YOU. Not just to tone up, loose weight, or eat better. But it can save you.

Lifetime Fitness Torchlight Race: July 18th, 2012

I noticed as I ate better, went to the gym, and did these races - I just FELT BETTER about my life. If I had a bad day, I just went and ran it out. It's a feeling of draining yourself of all energy. Negative energy. Afterwards, you feel self-worth and strength. This is what I needed.

Dirty Girl Mud Run: August 4th, 2012

The Glo Run: Sept 1st, 2012

After a few fun 5K's, I wanted to step it up, double the distance. So, I signed up for my first 10K. Even though in the last 2 miles, I hobbled in pain as one leg cramped and then I got some sort of horrible pelvic pain, and then I was sore for almost 2 days afterwards - I did it! I got my very first medal. I loved it.

My first 10K - TC Medtronic Race, October 6th, 2012

I remember thinking after the 10K, that I could possibly, probably run 10 miles. And I wanted to do it, to challenge myself. There was something in my head that said, "I bet you could go longer, farther, you could do it!!" 

So I did. 

This was my first 10 miler!!! Monster Dash: October 27th, 2012

Tina ("T") and I at the Diva Dash 10k: November 10th, 2012

Diva Dash: 6.2 miles!!

Sometimes it's a song that gets me through a challenging mile, other times I thought of my family, my anger, and all the negative things I've been through and been told. Of all the things I couldn't change, I could only change myself. I would think, "Look at me now. I am strong. I am better then all of that."

On one particular race, they had chalk messages written along the pavement. I remember looking down at one that said, "Who do you run for?" and I thought of my brother Kyle. I do it for him to. He's a runner, and he's a huge inspiration to me. He may just be the only family member that gets it. Gets me. Respects me. Understands why I did what I did. And I want him to be proud of me, if anyone can be.

With Witte & "T" on Thanksgiving Morning: November 22nd, 2012

I really want to thank my three new friends that I made over the past year. Witte, Alli, and "T". They are the ones who did it all with me, and who know exactly why we do what we do. Sure it's a blast, sure it's fun. But everyone has a personal reason to drive themselves. I know theirs, and they know mine.

"You are more then my friends, you helped get me through."

D.I.Y Centerpieces!!!

Sweet Peas Floral - highly recommended!!
http://www.sweetpeasfloral.com/

This cutie 'lil place was the preferred floral company that our hotel works with for weddings in their "reception packages". So I brought Katelyn with me that day for my appt. We went on August 8th.

Look at Katelyn's pretty hairdo that day :)

Katelyn & I were seated in a room at a large wooden table surrounded by different glass bowls and vases. While we waited, we flipped through books to get some ideas for the centerpieces. We met with employee Tara. Tara was super sweet and very nice. She was just as excited and creative as we were!!! She listened to my ideas, sketched things out, and quoted me for what the options would cost.



Here were the pictures for my inspiration:

These photos are from one of many Martha Stewart inspired wedding "themed receptions" that you can choose to have at our resort. But it was out of Erik & I's budget. That, and we are having our reception back home in MN anyway. At the bahamas, our themed wedding CEREMONY was included with our stay, and free to us. So, we wanted to stick with free :)

But I loved, loved, loved this idea sooooo much, that I wanted to re-create it back home in MN. Our hotel reception package gives you a certain amount of money towards your "cost per table" for centerpieces. So with Tara's help, we agreed to basically create this look together, and we could keep it within our budget if I provided the branches, shells, and sand. Sweet Pea Floral would set up, provide all glasswear, and some tropical flowers, etc.

So, what do I do? Head straight to Michael's and buy crazy amounts of shells!!! I also found a wholesale website where I was able to find the other - more specific kinds of shells (like in the above photos).
The only trouble I am STILL HAVING is finding GREY sand! Nearly impossible, unless you want to pay big time for smaller bags. So, it looks like it will be Home Depot that supplies regular bags of sand! But hey - I can't complain at $3 a bag.

http://www.etsy.com/ is one of my top favorite websites, and I was able to find the exact kind of branches I needed....but they weren't red of course! So with Erik's help + Home Depot spray paint =

Your +1

• Some invites went out to married couples, and some invites were addressed to a person and a +1. Either way, when you book in, your total fee is for any two people.
• So, this post is just to let you know that you CAN bring anyone/someone else on the trip.

If your significant other doesn't want to go/can't go, you can choose a family member, a friend, or even someone else who got an invite that needs to pair up. A friend of mine that has already booked in is bringing her aunt.

• But keep in mind that Sandals only has king size beds in ALL rooms (strange but true). It is a "couple's resort"....but many people do go with their friends or family. It's normal.

Travel Agent (updated again 2/16/12)

I spoke with our travel agent Amber over the phone today. The good news is: most people who are interested in coming to the Bahamas are wanting/thinking about about a 5 day stay. Right now the down payment to book in for that is right around $200/per person. (Not too bad!) There's no deadline, you have until this fall to decide if you still want to go! :)
Once you pay your down payment, "you're booked"!!
From here on out you can pay on the trip as you want, when you want, how much you want--as long as it's ALL PAID IN FULL about 45 days before we leave.

The travel agent also said that they will *match prices* if you happen to find any cheaper way to get to the Bahamas. Again, just call Amber! She wants you to, she will answer all your questions!!

I found "The One" !!!!

Sooooo, last night I took three important people with me to David's Bridal in Richfield. :)

I was actually thinking of going dress shopping alone this summer (only because I knew I wasn't going to have the "traditional people" come with me) but the urge to look for a dress just kinda snuck up on me. So I got to thinking of who I should ask to come with me, and I chose...
1. Someone I'd like to be closer to and spend more time with
2. Someone from my family who's opinion I trusted
3. Someone who would have as much (if not more) fun then me!

I have heard a lot of ladies say that they didn't really want to go look for a dress at David's Bridal. Maybe because they felt like it was cheap there or too well known as the "generic place to go". Or maybe they thought they wouldn't find something of good quality or something unique.
But IT IS the easiest place to try first: they have a huge selection (including well known designers) that is always changing, and their prices are very reasonable. Besides, *no one will have any idea what you paid or what the brand name is on a dress.*

Anyway, my consultant was awesome, and she had only been working there for two months! I was actually relieved that she was about my age to. She was very nice, patient, and really easy to work with. I can tell anyone right now, that your consultant is a HUGE part of your experience.

I had printed off three dresses from the David's Bridal website that I wanted to try on, but they only had 1 of them in the store which happened to be "Choice #3", so I was kinda bummed right off the bat. I didn't even end up liking that one when I tried it on (dresses are totally different ON and in person).
So my consultant just kept bringing me dresses to try on in rotations of 2-3 at a time. I was really looking for something unique and non-traditional, something even I hadn't seen anywhere before.
I knew each dress I tried on wasn't "it" almost right away when I would see myself.
The best thing that happened all night was when I stepped out in this one particular dress. I looked at the girls, and my
sister-in-law's eyes went wide, she literally broke out in a rash on her neck, and her face went crimson. There was a pause, and then......"that's MY dress."
OMG. ACKWARD. How embarrasing!!! It was literally the same dress that she had picked out and ordered already for her wedding! But it was so halarious after the ackwardness passed!!!!

Then I remember the moment when I tried on another dress. I recognized it from the website, but I had disregarded it as "not my style". But what the heck, I'd give it a try! It was a smaller size then I thought I could fit in, but after some wiggling, we got it to zipper up! I just remember I had this strange feeling come over me before I even stepped out of the dressing room to see what I looked like. This feeling of, "mmmmm, this could be.....???"
So I stepped out, and I just didn't say "no" right away. I left the dress on, I gave it some time and kept checking it out. I asked to try a full length veil, and then a sash, and then we tried on a few different sashes - until I found what seriously seemed to be THE matching sash, it was so perfect, it just had to be meant for this dress!!
The dress was very appropriate for the Bahamas, it was light weight, it was different & unique, it was......beautiful.
And it was anonymous! :) :)

It was scary though as I stood there. I knew I was going to get it, but it's still very nerve racking making such a big purchase (always) no matter what the purchase.
At David's Bridal when you find your dress and you tell the staff that "this is the one", they have a tradition where they come over to congradulate you, you make a wish, and you ring this gold bell.
I told them that I wanted to make a wish not for myself, but for my brother & my future sister-in-law instead. So I made a wish, and rang the bell in the air. Kind of embarrasing, but kind of liberating.

I went to change out of the dress, and felt my throat tighten like I might cry when I came back out of the dressing room, but I caught myself.

I was so proud to order the dress and the sash, and pay for it in full. NO CHARGING!! :)
I asked my consultant if I could hug her after we had checked out, and I told her manager that she was great to us!
So now in April I will be the proud new owner of a Vera Wang. That's all I will tell you.

I teared up right when we walked out of the store as I hugged the family member I chose, telling her how much it meant to me that she had come, because I didn't have "the traditional people" there that night to witness this huge moment.

But the sadness was quickly forgotten, because I realized that this night and this experience couldn't have been more fun or more perfect....well that, and we were walking across the parking lot to Don Pablos for Taco Tuesday and Margaritas!! ;)

B.W.F. (best work friend)

I only work with two other full time people, and I absolutely love, love, love, them both!! But the one I have worked with my entire time at http://mckeevervetderm.com/ since 2006, is "the other Amy". (Insert: I pretty much built and maintain this website thank Q!)

Cab ride home from downtown Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, many years ago!! 

UGH! What a rocky first year together. It used to be just us running that place during the week, alone a lot, around eachother 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Two alpha females, you can imagine.

But seriously, since 2006 that relationship is one that I need, I treasure, and I hold to a very high standard. That relationship has been through a lot. And I say a lot because she knows EVERYTHING about my life, and about EVERYONE in it (so beware hahaha).

At a co-worker's birthday party 2007

My birthday, summer of 2007

I think a lot of the time people don't think too much of "co-workers" as close friends. But when you sit back and think about it...these people see us and spend more time with us then anyone. ANYONE. (well, except a spouse)
Does anyone else think about this?
So anyway, as the years went by, and the fights became less and less ;) I feel like we became like close sisters. Really. Like a love/hate. Like italian sisters. What I mean is, we can fight big, but we love big: Quoted from the reality show The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
When you're around someone SO MUCH like this, you get to know eachother so precisely, that you know exactly what will set them off, and what will rub them the wrong way. But on the flip side, we think and then say out loud the exact same thing sometimes, it's scary. Bizarre really. Is she my soulmate..? Haha!

Cell phone pic: Out at Friday's happy hour! 2011 

Another cell phone pic: At a bacherette party 2011

We do hang out outside of work to, but not too often. I mean, we see enough of eachother right?! I even call her Grandma my grandma (both of our Grandmas are named Carole/Carol.) I also call her aunts my aunts....they are the FUNNIEST aunts ever!! I wish I WAS truely related! haha!

Amy knows me at my worst, and at my best. She knows the true person that I am, because she's seen my many Gemini sides :)

At my Engagement Party, 2011

We are so close that if I'm hurting, she hurts. If I tear up, she tears up. She's fun, immature, and crazy loud like I can be!  Sometimes we scare people that we've just met.

She makes me laugh so hard I can't breathe, and she makes me so angry sometimes that I'm shaking. She would give me $200 bucks if I needed it today, and she calls me out if I'm wrong about something. That's the way close friends, your best friends, should be. We are POLAR opposites...but we are exactly the same. Funny, but it's true.

brother

It took this whole week, but I finally came to find some inner peace...
In knowing that I can't change your mind.
And so I'm giving up and letting go, you're just not the listening kind.

No friendly advances or softness will coaxe you,
Nothing can get through your thick barriers to break you.
I understand you can't force someone to care for or love you,
But I am feeling this loss, this emptiness... which is you.

I read these words you write, and they burn into me like fire.
Please believe I'm not this person that you think I am,
I'm not selfish, out of my mind, or a liar.

It's so easy for you to say things without even thinking,
Of this dark and bottomless hole in which I am sinking...
You're not here to see the hurt inflicted by your words,
And my memories won't erase what I've now read and heard.

How can you thrive and gain strength from all my fallen tears?
I wonder if I loose luster and slowly die over the worsening years...

I really don't live "the perfect little life" that you think that I do.
How can I prove how much I really need you...?
But I can't change what is, and I can't change what was,
I can only choose my own way, not what anyone else does.

I guess time is not only my enemy, it also is my friend...
Because I choose how I deal with it's passing,
A heart continuing to break / or a heart on the mend.

I'll have a Bahama Mama please!!!

Well, all of our invites went out. Invites were just for the "unofficial" wedding party (closest friends) and immediate family. The destination of our wedding ceremony is in Nassau, Bahamas!! There will be a reception back home in MN in January of 2013, so don't worry, we didn't forget about anyone!
We are super excited!! I cannot wait to see who actually books in and will be joining us in the dead of this coming winter for a vacation getaway! Haha! I call it a vacation, so more people will consider going.

Anyway, this post does contain some important info:

I have gotten some feedback from people checking the Sandals website to get an idea of pricing for booking their stay. This is a HUGE NO NO NO. These prices are not what you will pay! It's no wonder some people are getting sticker shock, it seems really expensive. But it's really not! You have to book through our agent that we've provided. You tell her how many nights you'd like to stay, and she quotes you a price for 2 people (all inclusive) airfare/hotel, everything...and she will also apply a discount code for booking into our group. You only have to put down a deposit to book in, and then you can make payments (how much you want and when you want) over the course of 2012.
*The biggest reason the invites went out a year ahead of time, so there's realistic/adequate time to save.*

Feel free to check out the website for pictures of the resort, and activities of course...don't forget ATLANTIS is like 5 mins away, AMAZING!! A MUST DO!!
*But again, DO NOT refer to the Sandals website for any kind of pricing for booking your trip!

http://www.sandals.com/main/bahamian/ba-home.cfm         ^Sandals Website

http://www.atlantis.com/kids/kidactivities/dolphincay.aspx   ^Atlantis Website

"Happy" New Year!

I look behind me, and reminiscing, I wave goodbye to 2011.

New life came into my world, some lives were also taken,

Bless their souls now shining from heaven…

Many days I felt as though I walked the beach, one set of footprints in the sand.

But I learned those were the times that I was carried,

When the trials and tribulations would not let me stand.

Even though I haven’t seen this friend, I still hear her voice ring true,

Reassuring, when she once told me… “the only way out is through.”

I gaze at photographs that I’ve printed into black and white,

These captured moments get me through, when you’re out of sight.

The burden of my broken family, or the loss of our good friend.

A new sunrise now promises a chance to start again…

I vow to lose the anger, the fear, the disappointment and the pain.

2012 is the year I become a godmother, and the year I change my name.

So my resolution for January 1st, and every day to follow…

Is to accept the things I cannot change, and not be overcome by sorrow.

Three hundred & sixty five days behind us, many new days pending ahead.

Never forget that every new beginning, comes from some other beginning’s end.

Engagement Pictures

We weren't even going to do engagement pictures, I guess we weren't even really thinking about it....until our friends were getting their newborn session done and mentioned that their photographer was promoting a special deal, and she was really good. So I researched and then contacted the photographer to set up our session. Unfortunately it rained on the scheduled day and I was super bummed, but we rescheduled and it worked out perfectly (though it was SUPER windy that day!!)
We got our pictures taken on September 29th, at the Minnesota Arboretum and then at another location which was just this random field on the way home. Funny how the "random spots" are the best, right?

Anyway, enough about us!! I really wanted to share our photographer's website because she is just amazing: http://www.courtneypenningtonphotography.com/
She (Courtney Pennington) can also be found on Facebook. She was really easy going and made us feel very comfortable (as we hadn't taken professional pictures since our senior pictures haha!) Courtney is so so so sweet, and it was fun to meet up with her to get our CD of images, and then our enlargements because we always just got to chatting!! :)
She's very personable, and I love to hear her stories because when she talks about her clients, you can tell she truely loves what she does and treasures the people she gets to meet. I really enjoyed our experience with her and would HIGHLY recommend her! Now I couldn't have imagined NOT capturing this special time in our lives (as it goes by soooo fast) leading up to getting married.

Here's a few of our favorites from the session:

savings account

Last night I was driving home from being out with my co-workers and my cell phone went off in the car and "Dad's Cell" lit up on the screen. I just watched it ring in the darkness as I drove down the freeway, waiting for yet another empty voicemail, which never says what it should. This is only the second or third call in over a year and a half.

I remember going to lay in bed shortly after I got home and playing the message on speakerphone for Erik. Hot tears rolled down my cheeks listening to my dad's emotionless voice talking through pretty emotion filled subjects if you know what I mean....
My dad always leaves the same message: condescending, belittling, degrading, and always accusatory.

So anyway, today was payday, and it was time. After work, I went straight to Wells Fargo and opened a savings account to start saving for our wedding. I haven't had a savings account since I was about 15 years old...so yeah, whatever, it felt like a big deal. As broke as Erik and I have been (as WE ALL have been LOL) I put $180 in there and felt really proud of myself as I drove home. I wanted so badly just to tell someone, but no one would understand why something so small would mean so much to me.
My pride is just in the fact that I don't need any help. I'm used to not getting it, I was raised without it. I was kicked out of my house at 17 years old, and I've made it on my own ever since. I paid my own bills, got my own place, and paid my own way through college, never receiving so much as a nickel from my parents.
And even though I have sometimes felt frustrated and hopeless already in this wedding process, I know I can do this to. Where there's a will, there's a way.
I can plan this wedding, I will make it work...just like I've always had to make it work...without them.

the dream dress...

Monique Lhuillier Starlight_gown.jpg

Fall 2011 Collection

keep the past in the past....

I have had a few bad experiences with Facebook in the past, but never like the story I am about to share.  Facebook can convey the "wrong message", things can become misconstrued in what you were trying to say, certain opinons or "feeds" of conversations can go too far, etc. It all kind of makes me start to see the harm that Facebook can inflict. The wrong means of communication through social networking can really hurt someone. It's no wonder we have high school suicides over it.

Anyway, Erik has an ex, as we all do...only this particular ex was his high school sweetheart. They had dated for a few years, but the relationship ended abruptly when Erik caught her red handed cheating on him!!!

When I met Erik, our very first conversations were about the disasterous relationships that we had just come out of and how we were looking for someone who would be mature, drama free, trustworthy, and possibly even "that person". I still remember sitting at the Green Mill in Eden Prairie and listening to him vent the painful story of his ex and how he gave her EVERYTHING, and she ended up cheating on him. I could tell he was still hurt, but ready to grow up, move on to something real, and away from such "juvenile relationships."

Then to my discomfort, I had to actually see his ex here and there when she would turn up at bars we were at with our friends, and she would behave and act as though she was still apart of the group. Back then, I was the "new girlfriend", and maybe we were intimidated by each other, but I didn't her see her all that much, and so didn't give her much thought.

But then this girl would still mail hand written letters to Erik's mom's house when he and I were first seeing each other. And over Facebook she would tag Erik in old high school prom pictures....slowly but surely, she really started to irritate me, as it seemed she clearly wasn't over him, and she wouldn't back off.

More recently, in the past year or more, this girl has sent Erik numerous private messages over Facebook, and we've had to see her more often as she is always creeping her way into our group functions.

But last night was the last and final straw.
I came across yet another (very long) message from this girl to Erik. The message spoke of a conversation that they had at Carver County Steamboat Days. The message revealed a dark secret which I had never, and was never, suppost to know about - as well as her own false perceptions of Erik being very "unhappy" with me, and his and my relationship having problems - which supposively showed whenever he and I are "in public". This message spoke of her feelings for Erik, memories they had shared, and her wanting to re-connect and talk more with him, as she thinks about him so often. She stated her "forever love", her regrets with him, etc. But the most disturbing part was hints that Erik should be thinking twice about marrying me.

I have now "blocked" her on the internet, and the next time I see her, she will know exactly how I feel about ALL OF THIS, I promise. I've kept it civil for seven years, nnnoooooo longer! Under no circumstance is it ever appropriate to write to your ex, mettle in their current relationship, let alone if they are about to get married!! I for one know where almost all my exes are, I feel like I can be friendly with them if I were to run into them, but that's it.
To my own exes: Thank you. Good or bad, you were apart of my youth, *but you are in the past*
You will always be apart of the woman I became, and because of you I came to find out exactly what I have always wanted in a relationship...and now I have it.

So in conclusion, if Erik's ex ever happens to read this, "I got the ring baybay"-in the words of my friend Christina :)
YOU blew it way back then, but Erik's long over it, and long over you. He's living his happily ever after...(sorry if you're not.)

http://www.courtneypenningtonphotography.com/

8/15/11.....the news I have been waiting for

BIG NEWS!!!! My brother just got engaged!! I am so happy! I think his girlfriend is perfect for him, I've always loved her and I can't imagine him with anyone better. Now that he and I are both engaged, I am really excited to see how it all unfolds in 2012! Congratulations!! <3

Duluth bound!!

This past weekend we went up for a fun 2 night trip that Erik planned and booked for us at the Sheraton in Duluth, to celebrate our 7 year anniversary.

DAY 1: We arrived in Duluth around 4pm and checked into our hotel. What an awesome room! The bathroom was what I would desire in my own home, with these small french doors, what Erik described as "Ralph Lauren" style wallpaper, little octagon floor tile, and a huge glass shower!

Once we settled in, we ventured downstairs to the main lobby and out onto the street. We walked down to Pizza Luce to have a few happy hour drinks at their bar. Then we walked directly across the street to this really cool store called Electric Fetus. It's a hippie/record/incence/glass/jewelry type of place that I loved wandering around in. Erik bought me this super cutie hat that I can wear this fall!! I can't believe how much one can truly love an accessory, but I do!!

Next, we walked downtown into the streets of Canal Park, went in and out of a couple shops, hung out by this really unique fountain feature, and visited the Chocolate Factory of course - where I got some chocolate covered strawberries and Erik got a mint chocolate covered Oreo.

Cool water fountain feature downtown

The Chocolate Factory window of candy covered apples :)

We then wandered down by the banks of Lake Superior, walking out onto the well known pier to the lighthouse, and back. We also went along the docks to look at sailboats and other VERY large boats! :)

Later on for dinner, we ate at Timberlodge, which we were super excited about because it's one of our favorite places, but they have closed a few of their restaurants back home, so we can't go anymore. I tried a new interesting drink called a 1919 Bullfrog, which reminded me of a White Russian or Colorado Bulldog...man was it strong, but delicious!
We used the hotel shuttle mostly all weekend so we wouldn't have to keep retrieving our car in the parking ramp. They came to pick us up at Timberlodge, took us to Walgreens so we could grab a few things we'd forgot at home, then took us back to the hotel. We went to our room and changed and then came back down to the hotel lobby to sit in their comfy, formal lounge and sip on some drinks. It was pretty entertaining to "people watch" there for the rest of the evening!!

DAY 2: In the morning we showered and then went down to the hotel's 301 Restaurant to enjoy a really good & cheap breakfast! Then we took the hotel shuttle to see the recommended "Rose Gardens" that were in full bloom, and walked around there.

At the "Rose Gardens"

We made our own way back to the hotel after wandering around the park - and then got shuttled quickly back downtown to board the Vista Fleet for the 1pm two hour cruise. The weather couldn't have been any more perfect for a boat ride!!

On the Vista Fleet Cruise!

After we got picked back up by the shuttle when the cruise was over, we went back to the hotel and got our car from the parking ramp. We headed out to Spirit Mountain to ride their famous alpine coaster, the "Timber Twister". That was so so so fun!! The first time we went down, the people in front of us weren't going fast enough, so the coaster operators gave us a free pass to budge in line and go down again. This second time Erik didn't use any breaks and it was amazing!! I felt like I was going to fly off the track on some of those turns!! Being that Erik is such a "racing fan", it was no surprise that he actually laughed the entire time going down that hill. :)
We did wait in line for the new zip line that had just opened that month. But after over a half an hour and only moving a few feet in line, calculating that only 2 people could go at a time for a total of 48 seconds, and the line was 30 people long and maybe 4 people wide...we dropped out (along with many other people) and used our tickets to go back on the Timber Twister for a third and final time!! I would love to go on the zip line some day, but be warned... the wait doesn't seem worth it.

About to go down The Timber Twister!

Later that night, after we got back to the hotel and changed, Erik took me to this really posh lounge called the Black Water Restaurant. It was really unique, all the tables were low knee height, and each table had different leather and plush chairs, or larger round couches for seating.
Erik picked this place because I could eat sushi there, how thoughtful!! :)

Crunchy Roll, my personal favorite!

Godiva Chocolate Fondue, AMAZING!!!!

DAY 3: The last day. We slept in, got up and showered before check out at noon, then headed to Pizza Luce for lunch. I had the best breakfast pizza and fruit covered waffle EVER!! I literally ate everything, and downed 2 mimosas, while Erik didn't even finish his personal sausage pizza. :)

This was for sure one of the best weekends we've had together, LOVED IT!
Note: another awesome thing that happened was when Erik went to pay the hotel bill, they ended up taking off over $150 because we didn't get the "full on lake view" that Erik had asked for...WIN!

it's the people that show up for you that matter...

After Erik & I announced our Engagement, his 2 best friends were over at our house one night and offered to throw us an Engagement Party. I was a little taken back because we hadn't even thought of doing anything. Immediately I also had hesitations because of some serious family issues going on, and I didn't think certain family members of mine would even attend, but I told Erik's friends to let us think about it. 

A day or so later, we decided to just have a "friends only dinner". This way, we could have a fun, stress free evening and wouldn't have to worry about the "darker corners" of our lives.

They knew our wedding theme was all about nature and the outdoors, but I never expected it to be set up so beautifully. I was literally at a loss for words when we walked into the restaurant area we had reserved that night to see the table centerpieces, cupcakes, treats, and little plaques with sayings. I couldn't have set it up better myself. Erik's friends that were hosting also bought a round of appetizers for everyone, and we all just sat back to eat and talk for a couple hours.

I wanted to showcase pictures of "Erik's friends" because there's a deeper meaning to this particular blog entry.

In my mind, my friends and his friends would mix and mingle that night...but in fact, they stayed separate. That's ok though, I happily went from table to table, just thankful to those that had made it.

The difference is, I don't have one big tight knit "group" of friends that all grew up together. My friends are an eclectic group of past co-workers, high school, and college friends. And I haven't personally kept a *best friend* since I was in high school - back when girls were backstabbing, catty, mean, clicky, and gossipy. LOL, what's changed really? I'm damaged goods, I've hurt and have been hurt.
I guess the reason I don't give someone the title of a best friend anymore is because in my experience it's a lot of up-keep, like having a second boyfriend or something. I don't like to be smothered, I don't like answering to someone, and I have always hated those really big fights. :) I also give what I get, and I like to keep friendships very equal and fair. If you're close with me, you know I'm a HUGE advocate for "doing the right thing", and there's very few women that follow this motto.

But no really, I like my friends in different zip codes, I like them all different...and when they don't all know each other, it's almost gossip/drama free every time you get together!! I like to keep my friends at an arms length, but they know that I'm only a phone call away.
And is it just me that thinks you get a long better with certain people when you don't see them as often?????? Think what you will of me, but I'm perfectly happy this way.

Erik's group of friends either all grew up together, or have known each other for years and years. But when I met them, I never quite felt like I could give them my all because I knew I was an outsider, not an "original". When you're dating someone, they always feel like "his friends", not yours. And yeah, sometimes you feel left out if they reminisce of old times when they were all 16 years old. There's always been the hesitant, cautious feeling in the back of my mind not to get too attached, because I never knew what would happen with Erik and I, and if something did, these people would no longer be my friends. I mean, let's be serious, they were never mine to begin with, they were his.

But now that I am marrying into this group, I finally feel 100% apart of this dysfunctional family ;)
We ARE a family. I have known this group of people for 7 years and I am officially attached. The group expands and shrinks and changes, but if you have something important planned, they will be there. And it's the people that show up for you that matter.
Erik says QUOTE, "Life long friends lift you up, let you down, pass away, grow up and have kids, but at the end of the day they're still you're friends no matter what. We rise and fall as one. I can pick up the phone if I need help and they won't blink an eye. I've been friends with them for so long that I can't imagine anything separating us. It will be that way forever."

Happy Saturday!!!!

First and foremost, it's my younger brother's 26th birthday today!!!

Also, Erik and I are long overdue, but finally going boating today with one of my bridesmaids and her boyfriend! Yay! Super excited, and posting pictures for sure later on!!! Almost two years ago I remember Erik asking me: should we stay in our lake town of Excelsior, MN and live in apartments forever and just buy a boat instead of a house?? ......It was a tough call. :)

I hope everyone has a beautiful and fun day!!! I am so thankful that people are actually reading about our life, and seem interested in returning, as we have over 700 views today! WOW! And I only started this blog about a week and a half ago!

there's no milk...

Food Wars (previous entry) is a battle that rages on!! Even until 9:40pm at night!! :)
Our fridge is empty as we wait for me to get paid tomorrow for the much needed grocery shopping that is weeks overdue. Erik is outside, blaring music in our garage and swearing at the 1970 Challenger he is working on for our good friends.
He tells me to just make him a bag of "Pasta Sides" for dinner. So I go fill a pot of water, pull out some supplies.........there's no milk. I go down to tell him. "I told you that we literally have NO FOOD in the house," I say, "what am I suppost to make?" Erik has no response.
Funny how it seems easy to just run up to the gas station and grab some milk, but it's too late. We're both tired and the day is nearing the end, and we're just not in the mood.

Haha, it's kind of amusing, but it will be resolved tomorrow.

Our options for dinner...