I had grand intentions of writing during my mini-vacation last week... but then I survived traversing the state of Indiana a couple of times (and didn't die of flatness-induced boredom) and figured that was enough.
There has been a LOT going on a Casa de Fabulous so, naturally, as I sit down to write about it I don't have much to say. Isn't that how it always goes?
I attended a shower for a college friend, traveled to Chicago with Mr. RH, and have been going nonstop since before my vacation. I would be excited to go back to work.... you know, minus the actually working part.
And because my brain is clearly misfiring this morning... I give you an OOTD Chicago post. I told Mr. RH I needed a picture of my new outfit to show the blog... and Mr. RH remarked that "oh, those OOTD posts. The girls on twitter LOVE them."
My man, he's hip with the ladies on twitter. And I love it.
Unfortunately, this is more like a U-OOTD - as in an ugly outfit of the day. The dress is so pretty patterned but the fit of the top makes one look like a mack truck up top since the shoulders aren't tailored and are way exaggerated.
Anyway, I was thinking of you all from the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. Anybody do anything exciting while I was gone?
Happy Monday!
30 Eylül 2012 Pazar
She's Baack!
Help a Sister Out!!
Let's say, hypothetically, that you had a wedding on Friday night. And, hypothetically speaking, you didn't have a gift or really didn't even realize that the wedding is, oh, tomorrow. And since shopping for a new outfit in the next 24 hours is way too mentally taxing to comprehend (although a quick stop at TJ Maxx isn't out of the question... hmm)... you shop your closet. And in your closet, you realize that you've done attended a LOT of weddings, hot damn.
(In my head, that last paragraph was much smoother.)
Anyways, we've got 5 contenders for a 7:30 pm outdoor, golf course wedding tomorrow night. It will be at least 80 degrees, if not closer to 90.
(Editor's Note: I may or may not have snapped these pics with the blinds half closed... hence the awesome strip of sunlight "enhancing" every other picture. Sorry about that, but I am definitely far to lazy to fix it.)
- Dress #1 is one of my fav dresses but it probably looks like it could go to work in an office. But cute!
- Dress #2 was purchased from a fellow blogger and this is the first time I've squeezed myself into it. Let's not pay attention to my bra in that picture, ok?
- Dress #3 is probably a bit much for a wedding on a golf course on a Friday... not that that would stop me.
- I swore dress #4 would always be in style but I think it may be going out of style. GO FIGURE!
- And dress #5 was worn for a wedding last August, and I feel like a hot tamale in it. Of course, I also hate strapless dresses cause zomg boobs everywhere!
Or I will spend 3 hours in front of a mirror tomorrow and ain't nobody got time for that.
Many thanks in advance...
Happy Thursday!
Shouting from the Rooftops
A couple of weeks ago, Mr. RH and I went to Chicago for the weekend. Ever since we went to Chicago in March, I was ready to come back. I had grand visions of going up the Sears Tower (no, I won't call it Willis), going to the Shedd Aquarium (Mr. RH's favorite), and doing everything Chicago had to offer.
And then June happened. And July. And the start of August. I was pretty darn exhausted - and, looking ahead at the calendar, I knew it wasn't going to get any better. Mr. RH starts student teaching this week, and I'm going to be working most weekends - so I knew our long, quality time together was coming to a very quick end.
Up to Chicago we went, without a plan in the world. We wandered for restaurants (and argued about it). We shopped and walked and talked, mostly talked. It was quite heavenly.
But because I'm me.... I tried to take a million pictures so I could remember every minute.
We walked to the Ohio Street beach, which, in hindsight, least favorite Chicago beach I've been to. However, very convenient if you're staying near the Magnificent Mile. Tradeoffs, I suppose.
On the first day, I'm pretty sure we just walked all around. To the beach and Navy Pier and hit all the big sights. No matter how many times I go to Chicago, I feel that I must see most of the big hits every visit. I don't want to miss anything!
I could tell you everything we did (and I probably will) - but I think my favorite moments were the ones where we were just walking and talking. And talking and talking.
After debating every dinner place in the tri-state area, we ended up at a cute Italian place called Rosebud on Rush. And my terrible ordering choices failed us for the first time this trip.
On a cuter note, however, I wore the exact same outfit as I did on our first date. I had lost the dress for months.... and then I found it in the bottom of a garment bag in the bottom of my closet - it had fallen off the hanger.
I couldn't wait to bust it out again.
This is the only pic I got of my cute self.... way too late past my bedtime. 
After dinner, we walked back to the hotel and grabbed a camera and proceeded to something I had been looking forward to for AGES. We went to Buckingham Fountain to watch the nightly lights/water show. I have been to Chicago so many times but I'd never seen the show before. I was so excited.
I took a million photos with my point and shoot camera and wished I'd had my big one... but I was pretty impressed with myself.
We watched the lights and water show and it was everything I hoped it would be - patriotic and fun and wonderful.
As for Mr. RH... I think he enjoyed the show but I doubt he could focus because he had a lot on his mind.
And a very important question to ask.
And now you know what I've been wanting to shout from the rooftops...
The Goods
Twitter has told me that you all are here for only one thing today... but if you think you're getting off that easily, you are sadly mistaken.
Thing is... I still can't really believe that this is my life.
That this guy who appeared out of nowhere loves me enough that he doesn't want to lose me. Not that he ever could. 
That this guy who entertains me SO much that he can't get me to stop talking, even after days and hours together.
I've got all the goods I'll ever need, that's for darn sure. But I guess you already knew that.
I guess I should give you what you come here for?
Women and sparkly things. Can't keep them apart.
I guess you'll just have to come back tomorrow for a better money shot... fits tomorrow's post better, sorry folks.
Happy Tuesday!
Post-Engagement Surprise
I'm pretty sure I promised you a few more engagement madness photos. And then I dropped off the planet like all the awesome bloggers cause that's how I roll.
So, we got engaged at Buckingham Fountain. Late at night. Walked about a mile (in wedges! in the dark!) to get to the hotel. Passed out immediately (after staring at the ring for an hour, duh, don't be foolish).
As for the big tah-dah, Mr. RH had something else up his sleeve. The next night, we actually made dinner reservations with two of my best college friends. We got to dinner early and I was panicked - how could I tell them casually and yet awesome-ly?!
We sat at the bar waiting for my friends to arrive - and one of them did. I had stashed the ring safely in Mr. RH's pocket for more excitement. As soon as she walked in, her eyes went to my hand. We barely made eye contact as we all hugged.
So she makes small talk. Blah blah blah. Mr. RH walks away to ask the hostess a question... and she whisper-yells "omg, are you engaged? is it going to happen tonight? what is going on?" And, like the cat that ate the canary, I spill immediately.
We had a little fun putting the ring on my friend's hand to see the 2nd friend's reaction. It was hilarious.
After dinner, Mr. RH had cooked up a little surprise ahead of time: a carriage ride around Chicago.
We showed up near the Hancock tower and there was a carriage waiting for the two of us. Noodles the horse brought me roses.
At first, I was a little embarrassed. I mean, who rides a carriage around the busy streets of Chicago? On a Thursday night?!
We do.
(Thank you, Chicago bus for completing the only non-blurry picture of the two of us from the ride!)
We went all up and down Michigan Avenue. Past Buckingham Fountain (good memories!), over the river, through the woods, etc etc etc.
After I got over my fear of getting run over by a bus and/or of having the wooden cart come apart... it was really fun. It's weird because I don't remember talking to Mr. RH all that much... we mostly just held hands and enjoyed the beautiful night. 
(Just Me and Noodles the Horse. Don't mind my cheesing-neck... Noodles was trying to eat my flowers and dude, horses are LARGE.)
I'm sorry if some of these details are boring... it's just that I've already forgotten so much in 2 weeks and I can't bear to let any more of the details slip away.
There was one interesting moment on our ride though. We were down south on Michigan Avenue by Buckingham Fountain. Stopped at a red light. A little SUV pulls up next to us with a pit bull in the back seat. He is instantly interested in the situation and Noodles is distinctly uninterested and JUMPS (ok, more of a hop, but honestly, might as well have been the high jump) a foot to the right.
I grab Mr. RH's hand/entire body and hold on for dear life. Thankfully the driver of the car shut the car (on the poor dog's face.... but he was kind of being an ass and deserved it and moved before he was hurt, obviously).
Fortunately, nobody was killed this night on a evening carriage ride through Chicago. 
I'd never been on a carriage ride before, let alone through Chicago, so all in all I'd say it was a pretty fantastic way to celebrate our engagement.
And plus, the roses that Noodles brought were pretty darn gorgeous. If I do say so myself....
Nobody's even reading the words any more so I'm just gonna call it quits here.
Have a fantastic weekend!! Be grateful you are not stuck at work like I am!
29 Eylül 2012 Cumartesi
LOST: My Mojo
Why hello there, I dropped off the planet. Makes no sense, honestly, because as the tweets point out, there is a WEALTH of wedding-palooza related things I could talk about.
I could blame it on work (swamped, exhausted there) but it's been going fairly well. When I'm there, I go 24/7 without stopping. By the time I get home, I've got a sick Mr. RH and myself and we've made a fairly pathetic duo as of late.
Our Hunger Games DVD date has been postponed twice due to goodness knows what. Our last two hot dates have been grocery shopping... which is quite exciting when you're shopping for two different households. (OMG, I sound lame even to me.)
So, I think we need to cut off this blogger's block right here and end this post. Remember when I begged y'all for help in dressing myself?
Turns out that I wasn't even on the right page with my options... lo and behold, a $20 impulse buy at Forever21.com became quite chic with the right magical accessories.
My coworker and I were dates and we had a blast at the outdoor wedding. So much, in fact, that it's given me quite the pause in my big-Catholic-wedding plans.
If only for a second.
Anyway, maybe I'll find my way out of this funk soon. If not... send booze and wedding magazines.
What have MCWB players been doing this summer?
Jasmine Johnson: I have been having a fabulous summer working the Loras all sports camp in Dubuque, Iowa. I have met some amazing people and have had the opportunity to teach superstar kids play all kinds of sports as well as working along side my very best friend and fellow teammate Kim Coleman! Kim Coleman: I spent my summer working at Loras All Sports Camp where i had a blast training for basketball, meeting tons of people, hanging out with Kerry Kost and of course playing with kids. I also worked at Ace Hardware and had the privilege of coaching an AAU travel team. Summer has been great, but I'm extremely excited for the season!
Kaley Corban: Today was the first day in my life that I tried a peanut butter AND JELLY sandwich! Growing up, I only ate peanut butter sandwiches cut down the middle..such a picky eater!
Where are they now? Lisa (Curry) Cooley
I am currently living in Libertyville, IL with my husband and two dogs. I recently changed roles from executive account manager to purchasing agent. I am also celebrating my 6th year at CDW.
2. How has a Monmouth College degree helped your career pursuits?
It's allowed me to stand out from my peers because of the diversity of classes that I took while in school. Not all colleges encourage their students to branch out and discover other interests.
3. Favorite on or off the court basketball memory?
There are so many memories, it's hard to narrow it down without exposing someone! I will say one of my favorites was playing hide and seek in Fulton and sliding down the staircase on mattresses over Christmas break .
4. What do you miss most about playing basketball at Monmouth College?
I miss listening to the national anthem after warmups right before the start of the game, knowing it was time to get to work and go after the WIN!
Where are they now? Tanesha Hughes
I live in the St. Louis, Missouri area with my 1 year old son Khyeer :). Since I've left Monmouth I completed my Master's in Information Systems degree from University of Phoenix. I just started my own business, Tanesha's Creations, where I make creative and unique items for special events and also help plan parties, receptions, etc. My website is www.taneshascreations.com and I'm also on Facebook. www.facebook.com/taneshascreations (Go like my business page). This is in addition to my full-time job as a software specialist.
2. How has a Monmouth College degree helped your career pursuits?
At Monmouth I was able to participate in different groups, activities and sports all year long and still focus on my studies as a computer science major. When I went in for my interview my interviewer, now supervisor, explained to me how the multiple activites along with the GPA and degree, has put me at the top of the list because it shows I'm able to be a team member and work with others, among other things. Along the journey to get my degree we covered many different topics and different aspects of computer science, so when it came to the real world job I knew some of everything.
3. Favorite on or off the court basketball memory?
It's IMPOSSIBLE to only name one memory. There's Los Angeles, Barbados, Bingo nights, Coach Martin and his trivia, the skit Lynsey, Mitt and I made, Sports formal...the list goes on. I miss all the girls and still remain best friends with some of them.
4. What do you miss most about playing basketball at Monmouth College?
Honestly, I miss just being able to put on my jersey and play. Monmouth College and all of the extra that came along with it, those were the best years of my life. :')
What Are MCWB Players Doing This Summer?
Kyli Anderson: My summer has been filled with hanging out with myfriends (who will be heading off to college soon), getting ready for my ownjourney to college (Monmouth), and working for my uncle. He owns Woodley AerialSpray. I help out in the office getting the maps of the fields that need cropdusted to the pilots. It hasn't been a very busy season this year! Can't waitfor school to start and the basketball season!
28 Eylül 2012 Cuma
Big Red Interview: Chelsea Gross
Big Red: What is your major/year are you at Monmouth College?
Chelsea Gross: Physical Education- Non-teaching. I am a seniorat Monmouth College
Big Red: What is your summer internship?
Big Red: How did you learn about this internship?
Big Red: Why did you take this internship?
Big Red: Your primary job duties/responsibilities are?
Big Red: Whatis the best part of your internship?
Big Red: What is the most challenging part of yourinternship?
Big Red: What is one thing your team/teammates/coaches atMonmouth College taught you that helped you with your internship?
Big Red: What's one thing you've learned that youare taking back to your team/teammates/coaches at Monmouth College?
Chelsea Gross: To be a good and constructive leader. I am asenior now and after working for the Chiefs this summer I have developed betterleadership skills that I plan to carry out through my last season as a memberof the Monmouth College Women’s Basketball team.
Big Red: How is this internship going to prepare you foryour future?
Assistant Coach: Allison Dynes
Meet the Coaching Staff 2012-13: Allison Dynes
COLLEGE: Allisonplayed a year at Carl Sandburg College, a member of the NJCAA D2 basketballassociation where her team finished 5th in the nation in herfreshman campaign. She then took her talents to Briar Cliff University in SiouxCity, IA where she played post for the JV team and back-up point guard forvarsity. She became JV assistant for BCU in her final two years of college. Inher junior year of college, she also coached the Sioux City HOOPLA 7thgrade AAU team. That summer she took her coaching talents to Lake Como, PAwhere she was a basketball and volleyball coach to kids ages 6-15 as well as acounselor to over 15 fifteen year old girls. Her senior year of college shefounded Sioux City CHAOS, a 14U AAU girls basketball team and traveledthroughout South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri.
After college graduation she worked for Paddle Diva, astand-up paddle boarding company on Long Island, NY, whose main focus isempowering women through sport. She then coached for Columbus Crossover, an AAUorganization based out of Columbus, OH before ultimately coming back toIllinois. She is currently attending Western Illinois University where she is agraduate student studying sports management.
Assistant Coach: Haley Jones
Haley Jones
Monmouth College Graduate '12
Knoxville High School-3 time team MVP, all-time leading scorer (basketball)
National Honor Society, Illinois State Scholar
College- ICC: All-Region, Academic All-American, President's List
Monmouth College:All-Conference (2 years), Free throw record (career and season), Dean's List
Track: 2nd place in 400 hurdles at conference :)
Currently attending Western Illinois University for her master'sin sport management and volunteering in the compliance department.
According to Jasmine Johnson...
If our coaching staff were replaced by your parents…whowould be the best to fill the following roles & why J
Please answer the following questions with a team member’sparent & why you think they are best suited for this role:
1. Tie ball game & we need a great set to winthe game. Who should draw up the play?
2. There is a conflict amongst the team, who shouldstep in and be the mediator to resolve the issue?
3. You ladies can get huuuungry! Who would puttogether the best pre-game spread?
4. Bonding time! Who would put together a funactivity & what would it be?
5. It’s preseason & we’ve got to get you ladiesin shape! Who would be the best strength & condition coach & why?
6. Who would be the best academic tutor to help uskeep our grades up?
Where are they now? Mallory (Mulvihill) Green
I live in Wauconda, IL right on the lake and it's amazing. I just got married to my high school sweetheart (as lame as that sounds) in July, finished my Masters from Roosevelt University in Integrated Marketing and Communications, started a new job and I can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings me.
2. How has a Monmouth College degree helped your career pursuits?
I think right out of college, I was a little lost. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to, and I honestly wished I had done a lot of things differently while in college. I think I was too busy enjoying my youth!! But, I really, really loved all my English classes and by writing for the college newspaper, I kind of realized that I enjoyed to creatively write. Those English classes were tough and the professors expected perfection, and I think that mindset (even though I may have found it obnoxious at the time) helped me throughout grad school and in my current job.
3. Favorite on or off the court basketball memory?
Tough to say. On the court, I think I'd have to go with hitting a 3-pointer as a freshman to put us up against Knox. It was right at the end of the game so the gym was PACKED. The experience of that Knox rivalry as a freshman was awesome and to hit what ended up being a game winner, was amazing. Ms. Lisa Curry set the screen to free me up. Off the court, living with Laura Hurckes (Jahn), Cassie Jensen and of course, Becky Wakeland (Dixon). Some of the best times of my life. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard.
4. What do you miss most about playing basketball at Monmouth College?
I miss the competitiveness of it all. I struggled a little bit with myself during college, but the one thing I always brought every day to practice was my competitiveness. Even now, I hate to lose. I miss just playing for fun because I loved the game. Oh and defense, I miss playing defense. I loved when the girl I was defending would cuss at me. Best feeling ever.
27 Eylül 2012 Perşembe
Blahsville, Day Infinity
I would like to state, for the record, that the dreaded late-summer cold sucks. And sucks even harder when the cold is joined by his friend a-hole seasonal allergies.
Needless to say, I'm a real peach today.
I spent most of the day yesterday cleaning and dusting (yes, I am stunned at that development). Followed by a very brief, disappointing watch of the VMAs.
Followed by a rather cool showing in the night sky..JPG)
Not to whine about having a four-day-workweek (oh, that's right, mine was a regular five-day)... but gosh, this week packed a whole lot of blah into four days. Let's do better next week, eh??
Monday Funday
I have been, and always will be - a planner by nature. Although I may suck at chores and leave the kitchen in shambles when I bake - there is nothing like having an event turn out flawlessly to bring out my inner OCD.
So, this wedding planning business... I should be all over it, right?
Wrong.
I'm not sure if it's fear or internal panic or WHAT that has got me so worked up, but I have not done a single productive thing wedding-related since I got my rock.
Which makes absolutely no sense.
You see, I was dying for my little piece of bling. Begged for it. Told Mr. RH he should just slip it on my hand and call it a day.
So I'm not entirely sure why I have mentally gone on a wedding-strike.
Before we got engaged - I had details mentally planned. Now? I've got nothing.
So - this week, I take the first step: The Bridal Binder.
I am such a hot mess on a daily basis that I know I need a central location for all the 'big stuff.' It'll be nice to have it all in one, easy-to-use place.
I also plan on reading the crap out of my bridal magazine collection. That Mr. RH has provided to me. 
My boss bought me a "Bride's Year Ahead" set of a bridal planner... but she also said she bought and returned many versions and that I should go peek at the selection before I start using this one. 
Anybody used the Bride's Year Ahead? 
I know the book looks a little dated to me... but I also know that the entire wedding section seems to be stuck in 1995 - so that's weird.
My friend getting married in June is using The Knot's wedding book that her maid of honor purchased for her... but I haven't really asked her about it and she's on an overseas vacation for the next couple weeks.
Must be nice!
I informed my boss (who is returning from her honeymoon today!) that I'm going to need to use some vacation days ASAP to get my life in order. And by life, I obviously mean wedding.
So... if all goes well, I'm planning to have a wedding binder by Friday. ARE YOU WITH ME?!
Thanks in advance for all the tips and tricks.
(YOU DO HAVE TRICKS, RIGHT?)
Teach me your ways, wise brides-before-me.
I Remember
I visited Ground Zero in October 2002. It was still very much an active disaster/construction site. I have never been in such a busy area of NYC that was so silent. 
"The human spirit is not measured by the size of the act, but by the size of the heart." 
I will never forget.
On September 11th, 2007, I read every single solitary entry this site. It took me about 3 days. I hardly ate, slept, or did any homework (I was a junior in college).
I want to click that link, but I just can't.
This year, I am going to pray and remember.
Pray and remember.
Wedding Wednesday: Real Talk
I kind of alluded to this on my post on Monday, but I thought today I'd really lay it out for you.
Thus far, being engaged has been a bit of a rough road. I would say that 85% of the time I'm all....
(RIP, my determination to not post someecards on my blog.)
And the other 15% of the time? I'm doubting everything I ever knew about everything.
As in... Catholic wedding or not?
Hometown wedding or not?
Wedding photographer of my dreams AND life at the poorhouse?
Forcing my dad to sit down with me and actually talk about the budget cause I'm not just playin and I am actually planning on getting married?
However, I plan to figure out a few of these things in the next week. My goal is to book a church and reception venue asap.... however - what if my photographer is booked? Can I then call back and move the wedding and reception?
Since I don't know the answers... I guess the only thing to do is jump, right? Bite the bullet??
I'm hoping that by next Wednesday, I can answer allll these questions no problem. Cause I totally have enough time to become an expert in one week, right?
Exactly.
The Classy Bookshelf
So, I've still been on quite the reading kick lately. The drop in temps has me forgoing wedding planning (shocker!) to cozying up in bed (at 5 pm, no less) to read, read, read.
Maybe if I got a teenage fiction novel about wedding planning? Put it on the to-do list.
Green Heart by Alice Hoffman is a short trilogy in the Hunger Games-type style. It was good and I read them in just a couple days.
I've always been a huge Sophie Kinsella fan (Shopaholic books, anyone?) and I've Got Your Number is exactly what you'd expect. I really enjoyed this one - even with the predictable ending. And, bonus!, the main character in this book is engaged. So, lots of wedding-planning advice there. (Spoiler: not really).
When I heard Andy Cohen was penning a memoir of his life, I know it will surprise you all that I was first in line. (Not really, but I love me a good Housewife reunion.) So, I was excited when Mr. RH snagged me a copy to devour.
And I did totally devour Most Talkative - it's a great look at Andy's life and how he worked his way to Bravo-super-stardom. And I like him 200% more now than I did before, which is saying something. His life ain't all weave-pulling and Housewives! 
See You at Harry's by Jo Knowles was, I'm not even gonna lie, a pretty sad book. The book itself was good, but the content matter was actually a little heartbreaking.
I totally enjoyed it in the moment (when I wasn't crying)... but needless to say - it should come with a warning and a box of tissues.
Are you reading anything good lately? And is it just me or is fall THE perfect time for book-reading? Somebody get me a mug of warm cider, mmmm.