Invitations: Words...lot's of them

Apparently I really care about invitation wording. Initially I didn't think I would have much of an opinion about it. I figured our wording would look something like this:

With joyful hearts

Bride's Dad and Bride's Mom

together with

Groom's Parents

invite you to the marriage ceremony uniting

Bride

and

Groom

Saturday, May twenty-second, two thousand ten

at half past 4 in the afternoon

Cocktails, dinner and dancing to follow

It's nice, and please feel free to steal it if you love it, but I was looking for something with a bit more...*something.* Something with a bit of literary interest but still fairly formal. I don't want any guests showing up in jeans!

So I did what any psycho, type-A bride with too much time on her hands would do. I spent a conservative ridiculous amount of time Googling and Weddingbee-ing to find the "perfect" invitation wording. My journey brought me to the Kvetch section of Indie Bride and this epic thread. If you click the link and scroll to the bottom you'll notice there are 16 (sixteen!) pages. I'd love to tell you that I found exactly what I was looking for by page 2, but unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) I cannot. It was not until page 12 (twelve!?) that I finally found wording that made me sit up in my seat and put butterflies in my tummy.

Wanna see? Here is the original wording* (with some modification to suit our needs):

In the city of San Fracisco

where the ocean meets the bay

Bride and Groom

will pledge their commitment to each other

before the people who have filled their lives

with happiness, love, and laughter

Bride's Dad and Bride's Mom
together with
Groom's parents
invite you to witness this ceremony
in the City View Room of Windows on the River
at half past four, the twenty-second of May

A celebration with dinner, drinks, and dancing
will follow immediately!

Now, I know it's nothing earth-shattering, but  I really really love it. When I first read it I immediately knew I had to modify it to our wedding and use it. However, there is a bit of a problem. We're not getting married in San Francisco. We're getting married in Cleveland, Ohio. We can't use the fancy "ocean meets the bay" wording because uh...we have neither an ocean nor a bay within a few hundred miles. BUT! We do have a river. A once-burning river, in fact. The river that gave this blog it's name, actually. And our ceremony/reception site is on the banks of this river. Take a look:

(Source. Awesome Paint job done by me.)

I know you can't really tell from that picture, but believe me, it's there. So I tried and tried and hemmed and hawed and agonized over how to make this wording fit our event. And I just couldn't do it. I couldn't think of anything I liked. *Humph*

BUT! I knew I could, nay, WOULD somehow make it work. And I did. So it is with a happy heart that I present to you our invitation wording!

In the city of Cleveland

before the people who have filled their loves

with happiness, love and laughter

Emily MyLastName

and

Joshua HisLastName

will pledge their commitment to each other.

MyMom and MyDad

together with

HisParents

invite you to witness this ceremony

in the City View Room of Windows on the River

Saturday, May 22, 2010

at 4:30 in the afternoon

A celebration with dinner, drinks and dancing will follow immediately

Evening attire requested.

Weeeee!!! I love it. I love it SO MUCH. I basically just rearranged the first few lines (a stroke of pure genius, in my opinion). My mom thought I should put something about the attire and I didn't really want to battle her on it. We're not asking for Black Tie, but we also don't want anyone to think this is a casual affair. I think this is a nice was of suggesting people dress up.

So what do you think? Actually, if you hate it please don't tell me. Did you give yourself an ulcer trying to figure out what to write on your invitations?

*This is the part where I try to give credit to the original author. I know nothing about her, but her user-name on Indie Bride is ladyluck. So, ladyluck, if you ever happen to come across this blog post, thank you SO much for sharing your lovely wording with the Internet. I hope you don't mind that I'm completely stealing it. You rock!

Invitations: Inspiration and a sneaky peeky!

Ok, on to happier things...

Yesterday my dear friend Sophie came over to talk about invitations! She's an amazing artist and I was thrilled when she agreed to design our invitations. (She just started a blog, too. Go give her some lovin'!) I knew I wanted have a hand in designing them because then I would get *exactly* what I wanted. I'm...picky, to say the least. Maybe "particular" is a better word. Any way you say it, I have very strong ideas of what I like and what I don't like.

At the same time, I like A LOT of different styles. Let's take a quick browse through a few of the pictures in my "Wedding Inspiration" folder. Please note that a lot of these images were saved a long time ago. I'll do my best to credit the appropriate source.

Flourishes!

(From Etsy seller arippke)

Large, scripty writing!

(Source...no idea)

Damask-type stamping things!

(Unknown source)

Pocket folds (and monograms)!

(Again, I got nothin')

Sort of all over the place, right? Well, I finally settled on the idea of flourishes. I know they're all over the place right now, yet I can't help but love them.

Here is a sneaky peaky of what we worked on last night.

There are not at all final, but it will give you an idea of where things are headed. I'm SO EXICITED! Oh, and I can't wait to tell ya'll about my quest for the perfect invitation wording.

Did you know exactly what you wanted for invitations or were you all over the place?

Gimme a break

*I've had this post half-written since Monday but I just haven't been able to post it. I finally feel like I can.

I really wanted to log in to Blogger today and write a post about how awesome our tasting went. And it did go awesomely. Great food, lots of laughs (and lots of wine.) But there is something else on my mind that I have to talk about instead.

Why is it that brides are not allowed to make mistakes?

Growing up we're told that it's OK to make mistakes. That it's a part of life that should be embraced because mistakes teach you lessons. But once you have that ring on your finger and are declared "Bride", God forbid you do something wrong.

For most of us, this is our first time doing this (raises hand.) Some of us have probably only been to a handful of weddings (raises arm and hand.) I'd even be willing to bet that a good number of us have never been a bridesmaid (raises both arms and hands.) Yet we're expected to get everything right. And when we don't (notice I said "when" not "if" because inevitably we *will* get something wrong) we're called out and made to feel like shit.

At least that's my experience.

And if I can get real for a hot second, let me just say I think it's bullshit.

So from now on I'm pledging to stop feeling guilty when I make a mistake while planning my wedding. Own up to it? Yes. Apologize? Yes, when necessary. But I'm not going to feel bad. Because guess what? I really don't know what the hell I'm doing. I can read all the blogs I want, I can ask the advice of any number of brides who've gone before me, but I'm navigating unknown territory, here. Go give me, give US, a damn break.

Anyone else feel like this? Please tell me I'm not alone.

It just got real

I'm getting married in 4 months. From today. FOUR MONTHS! And I think it *just* hit me. Like...right now. Because I definitely just had a moment. A moment during which I cried and couldn't stop. A moment I think could be repeated at the drop of a hat.

I'm not even sure how I feel right now, but if I had to guess I'd say I'm pretty damn excited. We've been engaged for almost 19 months. That is a long damn time. So to finally be in the "home stretch", so to speak, is really exciting. I'm not nervous or worried or anxious (ask me at the 2 or 1 month mark, though, and I might have a different answer), I'm just so incredibly happy. These are happy tears that are streaming down my face :)

We're having our tasting tomorrow night at Windows on the River. All of our parents will be in attendance and I'm actually doing pretty well. (If you're new to my blog, click here to get an idea of what I'm talking about.) I'm excited to taste and decide the food we'll serve our guests. I've heard nothing but great things about the food at our venue and that makes me very happy. Do you think if I take pictures of the food I'll blow my cover? (Only my mom knows I blog.)

Well, this post certainly has been a bit all over the place. I was going to write a progress report of sorts or something, but I think I'm going to leave that for another day.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend :) Any fun plans, wedding related or not?

A happy ending

So yesterday I told you about how the hotel I wanted to book for my guests thought that a basketball game was more important than my wedding. Thanks so much for reading and commenting because it really felt sooo good to get all of that off my chest.

Now on to happier things! The hotel we ended up booking is ten thousand times nicer and VERY cool. First of all, it is located in the tallest building in Cleveland. Now I know that's not saying much compared to the Empire State Building or anything, but it's still interesting. Here is a picture of the Cleveland skyline.

(Source)

Our hotel is the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center. Their customer service was excellent and the rate they were able to offer our guests ($114/night) was perfect. It's in the heart of downtown, close to our venue and many other attractions. Here are a few more photos.*

Entrance of the hotel. I can't wait to take pictures in front of that fountain!

Chic hotel lobby. Maybe we can take some bridal portraits here?

Guest room. I hope my guests get a nice view of Lake Erie (which you can see in this photo.)

Nice roomy bathroom. Very important for getting ready.

Hotel bar...maybe for some post-reception drinkies?

Or maybe we'll decide to get a 'lil wet-n-wild after the reception!

I'm really excited! Many of our guests are from Josh's hometown, about an hour south of Cleveland. I can't wait to show off MY hometown and spoil them with a really nice hotel (for a pretty decent price!)

We also reserved a suite for Friday and Saturday nights. I'll stay there alone on Friday night and get ready with the girls on Saturday morning. Then Josh will join me for some grown folk business on Saturday night ;) Bow chicka wow woooowwww!! Oh who am I kidding, my ass will probably be asleep on the ride back to the hotel.

I'm so glad we have all of this squared away. It was definitely a stressful few days for Josh and me (let's be serious, mostly me.)

*All photos courtesy of the Marriott website.

Room blocking roadblock

Hotel blocking. I wasn't going to write about it because I had kind of a crappy experience. But the lovely Laura of Lucky in Love recently wrote a post about it and inspired me to write my own. Amy from Little Miss Wedding Planner also wrote a fantastic guide to blocking rooms. Definitely check that out. Anyway...here we go.

Originally I figured that booking rooms for our guests would be a relatively painless and easy process. Find a hotel, confirm the date, negotiate a rate, and book it. Done and done! I even knew what hotel we wanted to use and we planned on it serving as our Plan B picture location if the weather was crappy. HA. Right. If only it were that easy.

In early December we set up a meeting with the sales coordinator to discuss logistics. She was a lovely person and the hotel rooms were lovely as well, but there was a problem. Our wedding is at the end of May. The end of May is not only a very busy time for weddings, but also the middle of the NBA playoffs. Here in Cleveland we have a little team called the Cleveland Cavaliers. On the team are a few players you may or may not have heard of: LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal. The playoffs (and winning a championship) are a pretty big deal here in C-town.

The sales coordinator told us in no uncertain terms that they could only give us X number of rooms for X dollar amount (a RIDICULOUS dollar amount, to be exact) because they're anticipating the Cavs being in the playoffs. So let me get this straight: how much you're charging my guests is based on 1.) the possibility of the Cavs being in the playoffs and b.) the possibility that there will be a playoff game in Cleveland on those exact nights. Mmmmkay. Let me just add that there is no way of actually knowing ANY of this because the schedule for these things cannot be made until the NBA knows exactly who will be in the playoffs.

Obviously, we chose to look elsewhere. I didn't appreciate that they were putting a hypothetical event above my set-in-stone wedding. Do I think that the world should stop for my wedding? Of course not. But I do think that my wedding should get the same amount of respect as a basketball game. Their lack of customer service lost the sale. If you'd like to know what hotel I'm talking about feel free to ask and I'd be happy to let you know :)

Next up...the fabulous hotel where we blocked our rooms!

Did you have a hard time blocking rooms for your wedding? Also, have you had fairly decent customer service experiences throughout your wedding planning or have there been difficulties in that area?

Beaches and tanning and sun, oh my!

Wanna know what's on my mind right now?

(Source)

Honeymoon.

See, I live in Cleveland. If you know anything about Cleveland, you know that it's friggin' COLD here pretty much 7 months out of the year. It's snowy and icey and all-around miserable. So right now I'm fantasizing about the trip we'll begin the morning after our wedding. Our first trip as husband and wife. OMGIMSOEXCITED!!!

Now, I'd love nothing more than to tell you where we're going. It would give me so much pleasure to rattle off the name of the resort and tell you what activities we're planning on doing while we're there. But I can't.

WAIT! Before you head for the comments and call me a meany-face, let me explain: I don't actually know where we're going. Not because it's not planned. Oh no, it's planned, alright. The thing is, I had nothing to do with the planning. Josh did it all by himself and he's keeping it a surprise until we leave!!

At first this made me a little, um, nervous? Anxious? Sick to my stomach? Panic attack-y? I couldn't believe I agreed to let him plan the whole thing alone. But once I started thinking about it, it made sense. Planning vacations is my crack. Reading reviews and researching the best deals can occupy me for hours days weeks. Because I know this about myself (I'm incredibly self-aware. It's a gift.) I knew that I could very well go crazy planning this honeymoon. And honestly, I don't need to add "honeymoon planning" to the list of sh*t I have to do for this wedding. So he planned it all and has kept me almost completely in the dark. All I have to do is pack and say "I do!"

Here are the things I do know:

Location: Carribbean

Climate: Hot (duh)

Resort Type: All-inclusive (Actually, I know it's a Sandal's resort.)

Possible Islands: Antigua, Jamaica, St. Lucia

Ok, so maybe I know a liiiitle bit. But not enough for my taste. I want to know what the room looks like. I want to know what restaurants we get to choose from. And damn it, I want to know how close we are to the pool!

Therein lies the problem: I'm a peeker. I know where he keeps all the info about our honeymoon. I WANNA PEEEEEEK!! And I need you all to stop me.

So in the comments please tell me how disappointed Josh would be if he knew that I found out. Make me feel guilty for even thinking such thoughts. And please, tell me where you're going so I can be excited with you!!

Struttin' their stuff

It's awards season, ladies!! I really really REALLY love awards shows and red carpet coverage. It's no secret that I'm a bit of an attention whore and I've always wanted to walk a red carpet in a fantastic dress and ham it up for the cameras. Seriously, if I could do it just once I'd be in heaven. Alas, I don't think that is in the cards for me, so I'm stuck swooning over amazing dresses worn by amazing women.

As a bride, I look for inspiration everywhere. The 2010 Golden Globes were last night and there were many ladies rockin' amazing white dresses. Let's take a look!

(Source)

Kate Hudson looking flawless as always. I just wish she hadn't carried her train the whole night! I know it was raining but come on!

(Source)

Calista Flockhart (and her main squeeze Harrison Ford). Very vintage-y.

(Source)

Loving Jenna Fisher's beaded boho-chic dress.

(Source)

Kristin Bell is the cutest lil thing in the WORLD. Wouldn't this make the best reception dress?

(Source)

Eva La Rue is on CSI: Miami (I guess...I don't watch the show.) I really love this dress (especially the neckline) and I'd love to see what the back looks like.

And now a dress that I really wouldn't recommend for your wedding day:

(Source)

Sorry, Annalynne McCord. I adore your hair but this is just NOT working for me.

Next up: The SAG Awards on January 23!

Where do you look for inspiration?

G-L-A-M...

O-R-O-U-S yeaahhhh...

A lil Fergie to start off your day :)

Thanks to Miss Pug for this fabulous award!

I'm passing this award on to my 6 newest followers. Thanks for following, ladies!!

Our Day by Design

A & Aa <3 {to be wed}

Couture Bowl

Bicoastal Bride

Mateya (I'm sorry, I can't figure out how the heck to get to your blog! Let me know in the comments.)

Charis (Also can't see your blog! If you see this please let me know.)

It only took me 11 months

Looking back through my old posts I noticed something: I've NEVER blogged about my colors. That is like, a cardinal sin of wedding planning. Am I serious? I've blogged about our flower ideas, what the Maids and Men are wearing, even our cake ideas that included colors...but never our actual colors? Although I'm sure you can figure out from those posts what our colors are, I still feel like a bad blogger.



Since I'm terrible at making inspiration boards (I've tried...it's sad) I'm just going to post a few I've found around the web. These were all saved to my computer before I started blogging so I don't have sources for any pictures. I can say, however, that Snippet & Ink and Style Me Pretty were huge sources of inspiration when I first started planning. It's safe to say a great deal of my pictures are from those sites.

So without further ado...my wedding colors!

Black, white, and green!! Apparently it's a pretty popular combination these days. I'm not worried, though. I know that no two weddings are the same. And really, are there any completely original ideas these days? Ummm no. 

Deciding on these colors wasn't too difficult. I have fairly masculine tastes (despite the fact that I'm definitely a very feminine person) so I wasn't attracted to any "girly" colors. Don't get me wrong, I *love* weddings with pinks and purples, I just didn't want those colors in my wedding. Plus, it's Josh's wedding, too. I knew he'd be less-than-thrilled if Barbie threw up on our wedding. Green is my favorite color so we made that our starting point. Then I decided that I really loved the idea of black bridesmaid dresses and our GBW color scheme was born. Our colors are the one thing I have never doubted (except my choice of spouse) during this whole process. I loooove them and cannot wait to see everything come together in just over 4 months.

So there you have it! Finally a post about our colors. 

Look at me!

There are some things you just don't know about before becoming a bride. For example, escort card versus place card. Not the same thing. Also, STD is not just an acronym for something you get after a regrettable decision (or two...or three). Likewise, before getting engaged and thus entering the world of "wedding" I always thought that the first time a Groom sees his Bride is when she is walking down the aisle. "Not so!" says wedding blog-land.

Josh and I talked a lot about whether to do a "First Look" before our ceremony. Ever since I first heard of the idea I was on board. Josh? Not so much. His biggest reservation about doing a First Look was that it wouldn't feel as special. I assured him that uh, yeah it would. I actually think it will be *more* special because it will be just the two of us (and our photographers). Plus, we'll get to spend a few hours taking pictures and hanging out before we say our vows. Hopefully that will ease some of our nerves so I'm not a blubbering idiot as I walk down the aisle.

After a few serious talks and confirmation from his dad that it was a good idea, he hopped on board, too. Yay! I love when I get my way :)

Our photographers, the amazing Ted and Rachel Linczak of Linczak Photography, love when couples choose to do a "First Look" and they are just so darn good at photographing them. Take a look!

 

 

 

 

(All images courtesy of Linczak Photography)

Sigh...I can't wait. Logistically, it just makes sense for us to do a First Look and take pictures before the ceremony. There is only an hour between our ceremony and reception, and that hour is actually our Cocktail Hour (or as Josh likes to call it, "Happy Hour"). By doing the majority of our pictures before the ceremony we'll actually get to spend cocktail hour with our guests! I can't even begin to tell you how happy this makes me!

Are you doing a First Look on your wedding day? Why or why not? Did you have to convince your fiance...or maybe it was the other way around? 

A dress fit for the MOB

(Source)

Nooo, not THAT mob! This MOB:

That's right, this weekend my mom finally bought her dress for the wedding! Finding a dress for her was probably more difficult than finding MY dress. After months of searching (she started trying on dresses in September), the dress was ordered this weekend. Wanna see?

(Source)

Not your typical Mother-of-the-Bride dress, huh? My mom's main goal was to look and feel amazing, not matronly. The woman has an amazing body and works incredibly hard for it. The unfortunate reality is that many MOB dresses are, well, ugly. A boxy jacket and long skirt were not going to cut it for this MOBILF (hahaha I slay me).

So we decided to take a different route and started looking at bridesmaid dresses. We took a trip to the fabulous Leonardo's Bridal and Formal Boutique and tried on a thousand dresses. Ok, maybe it was more like 8-10 dresses, but it seemed like more. This was the first one she put on and from then on I *knew* it was the one. Mom wasn't convinced, so we left the store empty handed. After another shopping trip where we hit Nordstrom, Saks, and Dillards that also left her dress-less, the search halted for a bit. This weekend we decided to go back to Leonardo's to try on a few more dresses and hopefully seal the deal. With a joyful heart I can now say that the search is over!

Want the details? Here ya go!

Designer: Wtoo Bridesmaids

Color: Black (Yes, my BMs will also be in black. No, my mother is not mourning the loss of her daughter, she just doesn't like to wear color.)

Price: I want to say around $250? I wasn't at the counter when she paid, but I think that's what I overheard.

Fabric: Chiffon

My mom is going to look amazing!! Now begins the search for the MOG dress. I have to do this all over again? Lord help me! (Disclaimer: I love my FMIL and I can't wait to go shopping for a dress with her. She's going to look beautiful!)

Was the search for your mom's dress long and drawn out or wham, bam, thank ya ma'am?

Lookie what Santa brought!

A shiny new Nikon D5000!!! I took probably 15 or so pictures that look exactly (or almost exactly) like this one. Upon showing them to Josh and asking him which he liked best he said to me, "You're so freaking weird." Yes, I know this. That's why you're marrying me!

Anyway, I have no clue how to use this very intimidating piece of equipment. I plan on using this post by Jenna (That Wife) to help me out. It may take some time, but I'd really like to learn how to take a decent picture for once. So *hopefully* this means you'll be seeing more pictures of...stuff on the blog! Wish me luck!

Did Santa bring you anything brag-worthy (or not-so-brag-worthy) this Christmas?

Guess who's back...

MEEEE!!! The past 2 weeks were a whirlwind, to say the very least. If you need a refresher just go back to this post where I explain my absence. Of course, with all of that craziness this little bride got SICK! For the 3rd NYE in a row I was sick with a cold. I'm finally getting over the sickness and am now just a bit congested. Believe me, you do not want to know what is coming out of my body right now.

So to start off the 2010 right, I'm going to leave you with a little 2009 retrospective. I found this on the blog of Born to be Mrs. Beever. Feel free to take it as well!

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
-Worked a Temp job.
-Adopted cats.

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
-Didn't make any and probably won't this year either.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
-Our good friends Ryan and MJ gave birth to Ethan in January! He is A.Dorable!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
-Thankfully, no. Let's keep it that way in 2010, too, please!

5. What countries did you visit?
-None! But in 2010 we'll be going somewhere tropical for our honeymoon!


6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you didn't have in 2009?
-I will have a husband! Hopefully I'll get out of Ohio and have a new home/job, as well.

7. What dates from 2009 will be etched upon your memory, and why?
-Hmm...none that I can think of.

8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?
-Becoming a mom to my fur babies and not killing them! We've had some bumps along the way, but I love my boys and can't imagine life without them.
-Living full-time with Josh in our very own apartment.
-Starting this blog.

9. What was your biggest failure?
-Not finding a full-time job in my field. I was really down on myself for the first half of 2009. Finding that temp job saved my sanity.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
-Had a pretty yucky tummy thing in early February. Other than that, just a few colds sprinkled throughout the year. Hopefully I have a healthy 2010!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
-Oh, definitely anything wedding day outfit-related. The Dress! The Shoes! The Accessories! So excited to see it all come together.


12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
-Josh, definitely. I'm probably not the easiest person to live with so for him to put up with me AND still want to marry me? I've hit the man-jackpot :)

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
-Ohhh...I'd rather not talk about that. There have definitely been some people whose behavior has disappointed me. I'm not going to dwell on that, though!

14. Where did most your money go?
-RENT. General living expenses. Being grown up sort of sucks.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
-Our wedding, of course!

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
-SINGLE LADIES!!!! And I LOVE it. That song will always be a favorite and will always get my booty on the dance floor!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

a.) About the same.
b.) Fatter...ew I hate admitting that!
c.) About the same.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
-Exercising. I've gained an embarrassing 15 or so pounds since I finished college in November 2008. I can't believe I just admitted that.
-I wish I'd called my friends more. I need to get better at that. Maybe that will be a resolution?

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
-Wasting away on the Internet. Maybe that will be another resolution?

20. How did you spend Christmas?
-Three words: In the car. We spent Christmas Eve day with Josh's parents, Christmas Eve night with my family, then went to a Christmas Eve party with close family friends. Christmas Day consisted of a few hours with my Dad, a few hours with Josh's parents, and a dinner with my family. Oh, and our parent's live an hour apart. Fun, right? Not really. Needless to say, I was not filled with much Christmas Cheer this year.

21. Did you fall in love with 2009?
-Nope, not really. 2010 is going to be amazing, though.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
-Either Idol or LOST. LOST comes back in a little less than a month and OMG I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
-I don't think I hate anyone, actually.

24. What was the best book you read?
-I read three book by Jen Lancaster that were hilarious and awesome. They are: Bitter is the New Black; Bright Lights, Big Ass; Such a Pretty Fat. Seriously, if you like witty, snarky, sassy, sarcastic females, she is the perfect author for you. Love.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
-Ooooh I don't even know. I love music and I love having the newest songs before anyone else. I'd have to say Lady GaGa. She's amazing. I know a lot of people don't really "get" her. I was one of those people. But man, get past the clothes and the on-stage theatrics, and her voice is really something special.

26. What did you want and get?
-Didn't really want anything special. Everything I got was much appreciated but completely unnecessary.

27. What did you want and not get?
-Well, I would looooove a new computer. But I'll probably just buy that for myself in the next few months.

28. What was your favorite film of 2009?
-Taken. I've seen it probably 3-4 times (in and out of the theater) which is pretty much unheard of for me.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
-I was 23 and I honestly do not remember what I did! I know Josh's mom made my favorite meal (ribs and pasta salad...in the middle of winter!) Ohhh now I remember. Josh took me out to dinner but unfortunately the food was sort of gross. Oh well, there's always this year!! And there are *BIG* plans for this year...more details to come ;)

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
-Working more.


31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2009?
-Well, for the first 6 months it was lounge clothes. Then for the final 6 months it was casual work clothes. Throw in a few nights out with some pretty cute clothes and we're done! I really want to overhaul my wardrobe this year, though. Hmmm...another resolution?

32. What kept you sane?
-Joshie Poo and my cats (Hi, I'm Emily and I'm officially a crazy cat lady.)


33. What political issue stirred you the most?
-Anything having to do with gay rights and women's rights. I'd love for our president to follow through with his promise of getting rid of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. You've avoided this issue long enough, Mr. Obama. Time for action.

34. Who did you miss?
-Tyrone, one of my very best friends.
-BM Bree, who moved to MD in March.
-All of my other friends who live out of state.

35. Who was the best new person you met in 2009?
-Hmm...I'm going to say my old co-worker Ashley. Such a sweet person :)

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
-It's not personal, it's the economy. Meaning when I was rejected for all of the jobs I applied for, it wasn't personal. With so many people applying for jobs, my odds were not good. It's ok, though. I'm stronger for it.

I have TONS to share with you fabulous gals. Happy 2010!! It's going to be an amazing year!