Lately// Wedding Drama.

So I havent posted in WEEKS. But it hasnt been for lack of things going on in our lives. Its been so busy I've barely had time to think/study/function much less blog. Heres a little glimpse of what's been going on.

My first shower!

Kickball:

*By the way, in the game pictured above, I was the MVP. First time ever. It was a special moment. haha

Celebrated Social Work Month!

Had an AMAZING Craw fish boil!

Mobley went boating & kayaking

Finally picked a first dance song...

...well we've narrowed it down to two... "Crazy Love" or "Everything"  both by Michael Buble.

Booked our rehearsal dinner...

BIKE SHOP here we come!!! Seriously, what could be more perfect for Chris & I? Thats like OUR spot!

Planned our whole honeymoon!

...Check out our wedding website, here, for details!

Booked my bachelorette party!3 days & 2 nights at Three Gables cabin over looking Little River Canyon! I am SO EXCITED to go on this little get-away with some of my best friends.

& lastly, we got a preview of the art that will be displayed at Space 301 during the wedding...

I thought it was going to be the Holocaust. It was not. Thank God. But it wasnt much better... At all. i mean its the second worst thing I can think of. (Holocaust being the first.) ITS THE F***ING KKK! NOT JOKING.

This particular piece takes up one whole wall...

I stressed about it all day yesterday. I mean, Im not going to have a fucking KKK rally wedding. We havent quite decided what to do, yet. But we are either going to have to pay to have it taken down $$, or have it covered $$$. Or move the wedding $$$$. Mom has suggested Cathedral Square. But we've already sent out invitations. So stay tuned. If you show up at the wedding and theres a note on the door- you know whats up.
If anybody has any suggestions other than me FREAKING OUT on the people at Space 301, Id love to hear them. Im at a loss.
I know at the end of the day all that matters is that Chris & I are husband and wife. & while that is so true & I keep reminding myself of it, I also cant help stress the art. Our wedding is a CELEBRATION of our LOVE. KKK should never be celebrated. All I can think about when I see that painting is hate, racism & closed mindedness. Not the ideal setting for our wedding.
SHIIIITTTTT. </end rant>

Wedding Stress// Spinach Smoothies

The first 6 or 7 months we were engaged, I was like OHMYGOD IM GETTING MARRIED TO MY BEST FRIEND AND I LOVEE WEDDING PLANNING!! I was so confused as to why others were stressed about the planning.... but Now I understand. Something about hitting that "5 months to go" flipped a switch inside me. These last few weeks I have been STRESSED OUT.
I have had nightmares almost every night related to the wedding. In one dream, Chris was walking into the ceremony space in his Mardi Gras costume. <-- NIGHTMARE.

Its been more than just bad dreams though. Lets take Friday for example...
I talked to Chris around 10:00 in the morning and his day was going well. I tried to call him at lunch, but I it his phone went straight to voicemail. No big deal. I tried to call him when I was running errands. Voicemail. I called him on my way back to work. Voicemail. Called the station. No answer. By this time its like 3:30. Im panicking because I have convinced myself that something terrible has happened to him. I just KNEW that he had been in a terrible wreck and his phone was broken.
Well, I was wrong. Chris is fine. His phone is just a piece of shit. I finally talked to him around 4:15. & I was glad he was okay. But I COULD NOT stop thinking about what would happen if something happend to Chris. I became obsessed with it for a hot minute. I probably turned into a clingly crazy too... (By probably I mean I most certainly did)

Then Saturday morning we were watching TV and the Allstate commercial about life insurance came on. It leads you to believe that the woman's husband is dead. I BAWLED my eyes out. Chris was like "WHAT just happened? Did I miss something?" I was crying so hard I couldnt talk. I finally told him that the damn Allstate commercial upset me and that I was overly concerned about his safety.

Well, we are upping the life insurance ((effective commercial, Allstate- Well played)) & Chris got a new phone. All is well in the Newman-Russell household again.

But besides my crazy episode, it was a great week. I learned how to make spinach smoothies!

1. First you take two big handfuls of baby spinach and put it in the blender.

2. Add some orange juice. Enough to fill the bottom of the blender.

 3. Blend. It should look something like this...

4. Add a cup of frozen fruit. Any kind will do but I especially like the Berries. 





 5. Blend. & Add a tsp of honey. (If you want it to be sweeter)

 6. Enjoy! ((The blackberries make the smoothie purple. I used strawberry banana for another smoothie and it came out lime green))

I added two big tbsp of plain yogurt to mine this morning and it was a little bit creamier. Im going to keep experimenting, but so far I really enjoy getting a few servings of fruit and veggies in one glass in the mornings. Plus the smoothie is only about 150 cal. ((Basically nothing for spinach, 70 for fruit, ~30 for orange juice, ~40 for yogurt))

Also this week I spent some time with my family playing Mexican Train Dominoes. ((Unexpectedly fun)) So much fun that I bought the game and made Chris and Suzanne play with me too.

The rest of the week I just chilled with Mobley! & Bought my Mardi Gras dress!!

I Just Wanna Marry You

OHMYSHIT. The wedding is like 6 months away. I am slightly (completely) overwhelmed. But, I am also excited beyond belief. I've been excited from the moment Chris got on one knee, but I am getting more and more and MORE excited every day. I cant wait to be his wife ;)

Plus, Im knocking shit off the 'to-do' list almost daily. For example, I ordered wedding napkins! I realize that this is trivial, but it still had to be done. I also decided, FINALLY, on wedding invitation wording. & Im planning on ordering invites SOON.

My mom and I went to the florist last week & ordered our flowers! I was slightly stressed about the flowers, but Belle Bouquet made it easy. & Im getting exactly what I want: Simple, Modern & Classy.

But I have to say I am most excited on finally deciding on our Honeymoon!! We will be leaving the Thursday after our wedding to fly to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. We are going to be staying (somewhere) for 4 nights. While we are there we are going to be doing a bunch of activities through Iguana Mama. Our first full day we are going to go white water rafting. The second day we are scheduled to go mountain biking all day, even though Im trying to get that changed to deep sea fishing. & The 3rd and last full day we are doing something called "The Big Bastard" (its the canyoning supremacy tour if you are looking on the website under "Waterfall Tours"). Its a canyoning/waterfall/climbing/rappelling/donkey ride tour that lasts all day. ISERIOUSLYCANNOTWAIT! That tour is the reason we are going to Puerto Plata at all.
After Puerto Plata we are going to fly to Punta Cana & stay at the Hard Rock Punta Cana for 5 nights. If you have talked to me in the last week, chances are you know how PUMPED I am about staying there. Its like my dream resort. We havent decided exactly how we will be spending time in Punta Cana, but after our stay in Puerto Plata I can guarantee that it will include relaxing by the pool, and a massage or two.

Ive said it before & Ill say it again and again- I know its not about the wedding, its about the marriage. But I am thankful for my parents, grandparents, and friends who are all helping to make the most special day of our lives as perfect as it can be. Love you guys! <3

30 Things Im Thankful For

Every year there is a movement on Facebook starting November 1st to list something everyday that you are thankful for. I would try this, but I know that I would either get annoyed with it, or forget after day 5... or maybe day 8. So I thought I would just list 30 things that I am thankful for in one giant blog. Enjoy.

People.

1. Chris

      I am so thankful that I met Chris (almost) 4 years ago. It was a completely random meeting. We had no friends in common, we didnt go to the same school, or play common sports. It was a chance meeting that changed my life forever. I am so grateful that I am going to marry the greatest man I have ever met. He is so kind and caring; he is ambitious and goal oriented; he loves his family and values each and every friend he has. I could not imagine my life without him. I love him with every ounce of my being.

2. Mobley

(If even one person comments that Mobley is not, in fact, a person, I will punch them in the throat). I cannot remember what life was like before I had Mobley. I do remember rolling over at 4 am one morning, waking Chris up and saying "Baby, I just had a dream that we are going to get him a dog and name him Molbey or Neil" Chris grunted "Im not naming my dog Neil" and went back to sleep. A few months later, Mobley came into our lives.
I am so lucky & thankful that I get to curl up to my furry baby every night & am woken up by his kisses every morning. I am one proud mama.

3. Mom

I am so lucky that I have such a sweet mom. I am thankful for the amazing relationship that we have & all she does for me. I also feel especially thankful for her chatting with me on my drive home almost every afternoon.
4. Dad

I have the best dad in the world. I am truly grateful for everything you do for me. ((Paying for my gas gets you super bonus points, Dad)) My dad is laid back, hard working, and has a great sense of humor. Thank you, Dad, for everything, especially not freaking out and or killing me or Chris when you found out how old he really was...

5. Lauren

I am also incredibly thankful for my sister. I am excited about having the opportunity to grow closer with Lauren this year as she helps plan & participate in my wedding. I am so proud of her & cant WAIT to come visit at Alabama next year!!

6. Joshie

Ohhh Joshie. I am thankful for you because you make me laugh every time I talk to you. Shit, I laugh just hearing stories about you. I also love the fact that you stress Mom out about as much as I do. Youre my favorite brother (and Im sure Im your favorite sister... sorry Lauren).

7. Mimi, Nana, Pappy & Maybe Elton.
   I was given 3 wonderful grandparents (and one sub par grandparent) that I love very much. The three that are reading this, you are the great ones. :) I am thankful everyday that I have such an amazing family.

8. Suzy

Oh dear god, WHERE would my life be without Suzanne. ((Ill give you a hint, its probably in the shitter somewhere)) Suzanne is the most kind, loyal friend I could ever ask for. She is honest, and HILARIOUS and as weird as I am. I wouldnt have her any other way. I feel like my life is better because she is my friend.

9. Alisa

I am so glad I have found a friend in you, Alisa. Im glad we got over both of us being such strong willed individuals and decided to become friends. I truly value our friendship & cannot wait to have you support me and stand by me on my wedding day. I know we will be friends forever.

10. My Happy Life
Everyone has their days, but Im certainly glad that Im able to see the glass half full most of the time. It must be miserable to live life always being negative.
11. All of my Friends
I am thankful for all of my friends and the joy that each one of you brings to my life.

Traits

12. Education

You can tease me all you want about going to a stuck up high school, but I am extremely thankful for my education. I OFTEN look around my college class rooms & think that I was much more prepared for college that some of my peers. I am thankful for not only the foundation I got through high school, but also for my college education.

Thank you Mom & Dad for sacrificing & working your asses off to give me the best education possible.

13. Open-mindedness

I am thankful for the vast array of people that showed me somewhere along the way that it is okay to be different. I am eternally grateful for all of those who showed me what it was to be open minded & accepting of people who are different from myself.

14. Being Silly

Im thankful for silly days & silly friends. I cant imagine what my life would be like if I was serious all of the time.

15. Health

Even though I have some fertility & PCOS problems, I consider myself to be in great health, and for that, I consider myself very lucky. When I am tempted to throw a pity party for myself, I have to remind myself that it could always be worse.

Essentials

16. Home

I feel extremely blessed to have such a beautiful home to provide shelter, warmth, AIR CONDITIONING & a place to lay my head at night.

17. Food & Clean Water

I am also grateful to live in a place, and be in a place in my life that I am able to access nutritious food, and clean water. There are so many people all over the world that do without these essentials.

18. Good Sheets

Say what you will, but good sheets are essential. Im thankful for my comfy bed, my memory foam pillow & nice sheets.

19. Clothes... Well, mostly Spandex

Not only am I thankful for clothes to physically protect my body, but I also enjoy fashion. Im grateful for the heals that make my legs look killer, the spandex shorts that make my butt look awesome, the jeans that make me feel pretty & the Spanx that make me look thin.

20. Job

I am lucky I have a job, especially a job that works so great with my school and personal schedule. I know most people dont have it as good as I do at work, and for that I am so thankful.

Frivolous Things

21. Make Up

Maybe there are other things that are way more important things, but that does not mean that I am not extremely grateful for good make up. I would be a walking crisis every single day without red lipstick, eyeliner & a good tube of black mascara.

22. Music

It would be a boring world without music. Music is a part of every aspect of my life. I listen to it getting dressed, driving in the car, working out, doing homework, during work, while Im cleaning. I cant think of much I do without a little music to inspire me.

23. Facebook

Whether I am thankful for Facebook because I like keeping up with my friends, or because some people's statuses make me feel good about myself is debatable. But regardless, I am thankful for facebook, and all the drama that comes along with it. I cant help it. I love that shit.

Randoms

24. Kickball

I love kickball. But more than actually loving kickball, I love meeting new people, having a blast, taking a break from school and work, and having a hobby that Chris & I share together. I love my kickball team & am thankful for them

25. Books

Maybe this should be listed under essentials, but I am so grateful for good books. There is something about being surrounded by books & knowledge that is empowering & somehow overwhelming. I just want to absorb all the knowledge and life lessons from each and every one.

26. Laughing

 Today, I am grateful for this article. & This...

But mostly I am grateful for laughing every day.

27. Photos

I am always thankful for photos. I love looking back at old pictures and remembering experiences and being able to vividly remember when they were taken and what was going on. 

28. Internet

My life would be miserable if I had to call Pizza Hut and actually ASK what their specials were every time I wanted to order a pizza instead of just googling it. I would not do well in a society that I had to wait 7-10 days for a response in the mail instead of waiting 4 or 5 hours for an email. & HOW did people stalk before facebook? & GOD forbid I actually step foot inside a library to do RESEARCH. Needless to say, I am thankful for the Internet

29. The impending wedding of my dreams

While I am MOST thankful that I am marrying Chris & I FULLY realize that its not the WEDDING but the MARRIAGE that matters, I am still thankful for my parents, and grandparents helping to make the biggest day of my life one that I will never forget. There isnt going to be a detail that has been overlooked, and I cannot wait to see it all come together. (212 days to go, just in case you were curious)

30. My Planner

Again, maybe this should have gone under essentials, but I dont know what I would do without my planner. I love being on time and scheduling out my days. I like planning to make the most of every bit of time I have. I know it makes me slightly anal retentive, but I love my organized life.

Cow Says Moo. SlutSaysWhat.

Thursday: Worst Day Ever
     Jesus Christ. I had another HORRIBLE day on Thursday due to my lovely PCOS. I was in my French class with about 25 minutes to go when I tried to leave. (I was dieing) & My professor decided that, not only could I NOT leave, but she was going to embarrass me in front of the whole class. Sorry French Class for giving you every detail of my life, but apparently thats what our Prof. wanted...  I will spare YOU the details, but when I left I was so IN PAIN, pissed off & humiliated that I cried all the way to the doctors office. Thankfully my sweet mama met me, picked me up, and took me to her house so I could take a pain pill & a nap.
     Also, I found out today that my Professor told the whole class after I left that I could be out killing someone and that I would try to use her as an alibi.... Well, lady, you have a pretty wild imagination. Im pretty sure Ive never killed any one. And just in case I got accused of it, I would certainly use the nurse at the doctors office to cover my ass. So fuck you. Bitch.
    
Friday: Best Day Ever?
I am thankful that Friday made up for my shitty day Thursday. Chris was off work & we had a perfect day. I cant really think of anything specific that made the day THAT good, but we were both in good moods & we had no other distractions. No school work, No work work, No meetings. Nothing but quality time together.
We did go to the mall & I got an early birthday present! New Versace Sunglasses!! &&& I got my watch fixed!!

While we were still at the mall, I started having pain again. & I carry my pain meds with me, but that usually doesnt do me any good because I cant take them and function. I certainly cant drive, or work or think, or speak in logical sentences. But I decided to take a pain pill anyway and just ride in the car while Chris picked up his check and ran a few errands. I attempted to have a conversation with Alisa at some point in time, but I was kind of out of it. Im not really sure what we talked about.
When we got home, Chris and I played Yahtzee to determine which wedding invitations we would order. In our house, thats how we make any important decision that we cant agree on. We play a game. Winner gets to make the final decision.
It was actually pretty nice because during Yahtzee Chris "won" a 30 minute back massage for rolling 2 Yahtzees, and got to plan the rest of the night for having a higher over all score. I got to pick our wedding invitations because I won 2 games out of 3. (Well technically I only won 1 out of 3, but we tied on 1. And according to Chris all ties default to Mobleys Mama.)

Saturday: Wedding Planning
Saturday morning I met Alisa, Lindsay & Mom at David's Bridal to check out bridesmaids dresses. I was pleasantly surprised that it was a very painless shopping experience & both girls found something that they loved!
This is exactly what Lindsay's dress will look like! LOVE IT!!

& Alisa's will look like this except Navy. It looks SO good on her!!



After DB we went to lunch,  & DSW, and Mom and I went to the mall to get my birthday presents. Wheee new make up! I spent the rest of the day scrap booking with Mimi & going over wedding details & budget with Mom & Dad. Im pretty close to almost not going over budget ;)

Sunday Funday
I spent all day Sunday cleaning, doing homework & working out. P.S- 5 Hour Energy works, but its super nasty & if you drink it at say, oh 4:00, you will not be able to sleep. Period.

Monday: Best Day Ever, Again!

Warning: Not appropriate for work, children or anyone else.
But really, Monday was AMAZING. First of all, I spent the best $17 of somebody elses money that Ive ever spent! (Thanks, Chris) I mean really THIS was a great investment....

Its theme week for Go Kickball & our team's theme is Super Heroes!! Im literally in love with my costume. I kind of want to wear in it public more than once.
I went to class, and then WE WENT TO THE FAIR! I LOVE the fair. Like more than is normal for a person to love a trashfest. I cant help it.
My favorite part was probably the petting zoo... or maybe the corndog... or the Fireball... Ill stick with petting zoo...



After we did the petting zoo twice, Suzanne & Drew met up with us. We rode a bunch of unsafe rides & ate a bunch of fattening food. But we had SUCH a good time. Here we are on the CRAZY MOUSE. It was actually kind of craaazzzayyyy.

It was a good day. :)

Now counting down until Thursday when Chris is off again & we get to play kickball in costumes!!

A Few of My Favorite Things

I feel like A) its been forever since I've updated my blog & B) I have been super productive & busy the last few weeks. So heres a little catch up blog- with lots & lots of pictures!!

Engagement Pictures

A few weeks after we got engaged, my aunt Nichelle offered to take our engagement pictures for us & we couldnt have been more excited! The only problem is that she lives in Huntsville... But after 4 months we finally found a day that worked for all of us to take some pictures.

So last Thursday morning, Chris & I hit up Starbucks & headed to the Ben May Library downtown. Here are a few of my favorites from the library!

I was legitimately laughing in this picture. Chris was reading me the sappy love story.

I think I love this picture because you can tell that my legs are toned and that Ive worked my butt off for nice legs! :) Plus, its sweet!

If you cant tell- we are reading "A Hopeless Romantic" & "The Love of Her Life"

We should have checked out this book....

& this one too!

This might be my favorite! (outside of the library)

After a little over an hour of pictures in the library, we went to Three Georges candy shop off Dauphin Street. The people there were so nice about us taking pictures there. Plus their chocolates & shakes are amazing- go visit them!!

If this picture doesnt sum up our relationship, I dont know what does. I look like Im getting in trouble & Chris looks like he is being sweet. (Looks are deceiving though!)

<3

& after Three Georges just walked around downtown near Bienville Square.

Im going to go with second favorite here.

I wish my bra strap wasnt hanging out :( but I love this picture

I think this is cute. I was having a blasty blast.

Okay I know that was a lot of pictures & youve probably seen most of them on facebook, but I couldnt help it. I was so excited about these. I cant wait to have a few printed to hang in our house!

Wedding Dress Shopping

On Saturday morning at 10:00 My mom, Lauren, Suzanne & Alisa met me at I Do Bridal to look at wedding dresses!! At first it was very very stressful. My bridal consultant told me to pick 5 dresses & she was going to pick 2 & we would go from there. This should have been the most fun part, but it was terrible. I couldnt really tell what the dresses looked like because the racks were SO FULL of stuff. But eventually we made it to the dressing room with 7 dresses in hand. -Also just as a side note, I have NO idea how shy/modest people wedding dress shop. Because my bridal consultant totally saw errrrrythang. Sorry chick.- Okay so back to trying on dresses. When I put on the 5th or 6th dress, I was DONE I knew that I had found my dress. I didnt cry, but it was gorgeous. I did end up trying on a few more dresses but really I couldnt wait to put my favorite back on again. It was everyones favorite, very easy experience. In fact, Mom said it was "too easy". But hey, when you know you know I guess!! I am going back Friday to officially 'order' the dress & try it on for my grandmothers.

The hard part starts now when I have to keep a secret for the next 9 months. Yall, I am a terrible secret keeper. Especially when its my own secrets. I mean, really, Im an open book. I keep trying to tell Chris about it and he has to cut me off and tell me that he doesnt want to know, but ITS HARD. All he knows is the designer is San Patrick.

But all in all it was a great experience. Im glad I had my mom & bridesmaids (except Linds, we missed you!)there to help me.

Upcoming Things

I have so much going on right now I dont know how Im finding time to even blog about it. Like Chris turns 30 next week!! 30!! Im excited for him, I dont think he really cares. & His birthday party is next Saturday. WHEE SLIP N SLIDE! Its going to be a blast!

& Kickball! It starts next week & Im super excited!!

&& School. Im trying really hard to bring my GPA up to graduate with honors so Im busting my ass to make A's but GAH its exhausting. Especially because I have 2(TWO) 15-20 page papers due within a week of each other later this semester. & One of them is on a Social Welfare Policy (Read: Federal Law). Killmenow. Reading any kind of federal document makes me want to have a drink then take a nap.

&&&Wedding planning. Next on the agenda is to reserve Portier House for all of the ladies to get dressed before the wedding & go look at florists.

Ill try to keep you all updated!