a tease for jennie

I had a wonderful time with my Beta Iota besties at Jennie’s wedding on Saturday and took tons of pictures. It was nice and bright in the room so my camera was happy, and so was I (you know I hate using that flash!). Sadly though, my photoshop trial ended (I’m awaiting a new copy) but I did process a few before PS cut me off.  

So, here’s a little sum’n sum’n for Jennie (how do you spell that!!??).  :)  You were glowing sweetie, you looked so in love…thank you from the bottom of my heart for including me on your special day.

More to come…!

a trip to the grocery store

We do not remember days, we remember moments.

-Cesare Pavese

Tonight when I got home from a very long day at work, my hubby greeted me with arms wide open, a big smile, and lots of kisses.  I know I love him, but there are random moments where I am reminded of the depth of my love for him.  He’s so generous.  Sweet.  And warm.  I love him.  

We took a trip to Trader Joe’s on an empty stomach (bad idea) and while he pushed the cart and I tossed things in, he smiled at me with that “I’m so happy to be with you” smile.  We laughed at how full our cart was when our intention was to just go pick up some lunchmeat.  Before I knew it, our impromptu trip to the grocery store became one of my favorite memories.  And tonight, I felt something new.   It was one of those special moments that as lame as it sounds to anyone else, will never be completely recreated.  

I felt married.  :)  Loved. Optimistic. Safe. Carefree. Happy.  

I can’t wait to go to Trader Joe’s with him when I’m 60. I will fall asleep with a smile on my face just after I pray to my God that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, will be able to share in my joy.

Image Credit: The Image is Found

Progress is progress

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves – if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

-President-elect Barack Obama

Yesterday, we elected Senator Barack Obama into the Presidency by an electoral college landslide.  When I heard the news, I felt I could breathe easier, not solely because I got what I wanted, but because America did what was right.  We showed up, we left no room for error, no room for recounts, no room for doubt.  America didn’t speak, America shouted.  When Obama appeared on stage to deliver his acceptance speech, I was in tears. My whole life, I have been embarrassed that our country has allowed only one demographic to hold the Presidency.  I am thankful that my children, our children – will be born into a different country.  I felt our history change.  I was very proud for 30 minutes.

If you live in California, you might know why my joy was cut short.  The vote on Proposition 8 – The Elimination of the Right for Same-Sex couples to marry

For the past few months, after the California Supreme Court ruled a gay marriage ban unconstitutional in May 2008, gay marriages have been legally granted in California.  Yesterday, we voted to overturn that ruling, banning gay marriage once again.  Come on California.   The margin was much slimmer than in 2000 when we voted on this issue, so there has been some progress (probably in thanks to the positioning) but the fact that our state, a leader in equality and tolerance, has voted to remove equal rights, embarrases me a great deal.

Over the last few weeks, I have had extensive discussion with many people regarding Prop 8, some who agree with the measure and those who don’t.  What has always gotten to me is that people who disagree with gay marriage, do so because their religion tells them so.  This frustrates me for obvious reasons but I heard a better argument this year.  One of my good friends, who I respect a great deal, argued that it’s not fair for California to redefine marriage when the church was the one to create it.  She is right.  A public popular vote should not re-define anyones private religious principles.  But that’s not what we were voting on.  We were voting to re-define the State of California’s definition of marriage.  The bible doesn’t outline the State of California’s marriage tax benefits, health care laws, and inheritance rights.  We are voting on equal rights under the law. 

Because ”marriage” is a religious institution, perhaps the only answer is to eliminate the term from public legislation and move forward with one term that defines the state’s acknowledgement of the union of two people.  We cannot continue to have two definitions, one will always be superior, leaving those relationships without the title with an inferior regard.  It’s time to think outside the box.  This back and forth is not doing the job.

So to answer Obama’s question above…”What change will they see? What progress will we have made?”

I hope our children will experience freedom.  Real freedom.  Freedom to achieve a dream not only regardless of race, but regardless of gender, disability, religion, and sexual preference.  We are only one step closer than we were yesterday.  I have always felt discriminated against because I am a woman, I know those who feel the same because of a disability.  Prop 8 made it clear I am confined to live under the rules of another’s religion….and I can only imagine the devastation that must be felt waking up today in a gay family. 

President-elect Barack Obama said, “The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America – I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you – we as a people will get there.”  I believe him.

I am hopeful we can figure this out.  Progress is progress, and I am thankful to have at least something to be proud of.

 Image Cred: San Francisco Sentinial

The Rehearsal

Practice makes perfect.

-Who Knows?

Wedding rehearsals are often eclipsed by the grandeur of the wedding day.  Sadly, the memories are merely swept under the rug the minute you wake up the following morning.  

It’s too bad, really…Some of my most precious memories were spent with my friends the evening before our weddings.  Childhood stories, chick flicks, and last minute wedding day preparations, combined with drinks and laughter with good friends create a recipe that can rarely be equaled; we should pay the rehearsal a little more respect.  

Random post, you say??? Well, it just so happens, this post was inspired by a few candids from Rebekah and Josh’s Rehearsal/Wedding Day Eve.  It was an awesome evening with great food, great drinks and lots of love.

And, of course, I’m in the mood to share…  Here you go!

Good times.  :)

 

lindsay + brandon

Friday night I was lucky enough to join the girls in the sharing of Lind’s special day.  The venue and flowers were beautiful with Lindsay even more so…

I was again, just a crasher, but Katie and I lucked out at the last minute when Lindsay found she had two extra seats. Wedding reception seat filling is my favorite!  

Lindsay & Brandon, CONGRATULATIONS and enjoy Paris!!  I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get home.  ::hugs::

Maid of Honor

Lovely

Daddy’s Girl

Let them eat cake

Speech

Congrats again…we heart you both!!

to remind myself

I will take each year as it comes, but I will never take you for granted.

-Wedding Vow #15

Things could be much worse.  Many people have lost their jobs, lost their homes, lost their businesses and their pride.  Luckily, this hasn’t yet happened to us.  However, since we’ve returned from our honeymoon it feels as though we’ve been hit from every direction.  Problems with the car, job stress, moving woes, changing tax laws, etc.  I’ve been trying to keep a happy face.  I do believe it will get better.

Last night Dalin told me that he wishes it wasn’t hitting us all at once.  I told him – maybe it’s not that bad…I said, “It’s kind of like getting a nose job and a boob job at the same time.  Double the pain, shorter time period.”  :)  I was happy to make him smile.

For me, times like these always shed light on the important things.    We have a big support system.  We have our health.  We have we each other.  We should never take those things for granted.  If I had a few giant houses, 18 new cars, and no taxes to pay (I’d be John McCain – hhahahaa)…j/k….I’ll start over….If I had a few giant houses, 18 new cars, and no taxes to pay – but was alone, without the love of my husband, our family, or our friends, it would be worthless.

So – today‘s post is just to remind myself of my wedding vow #15: 

I will take each year as it comes, but I will never take you for granted.

Photo Credit:  The Image is Found

Romantic much?

Our second to last day in Paris was spent running around from monuments to museums – I felt like my feet were going to fall off but it couldn’t have been more worth it.  We went to a cute little street called Rue Cler in the morning with markets and cafes and in the afternoon we hit up the Catacombs (from my last post), the Army Museum, Napoleon’s Tomb, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower.  It was SUCH a long day and I was TIRED but it’s pretty easy to take your mind of that when you are staring up at the Eiffel Tower in the arms of your new hubby.  :)

I’d write more but I’m getting in trouble, I’m supposed to be getting ready right now.  hehe  Here are a few pics though:

L’Arc de Triomphe – It’s GIGANTIC in person, and so beautiful

View of the Champs-Elysees from atop the Arc

The base of Le Tour Eiffel – Surreal

J’aime Paris….