Thursday, September 27, 2012

the difference a year can make

Last week I had the pleasure of catching my first return bar! It was a thrilling experience and one I look forward to enjoying over and over again. While I did not catch the return bar last night, as I reviewed my video, I was surprised to see some clips from the days when I was learning my backend split. Since this is my current go-to trick it was really enlightening to compare myself from where I am now to where I was a year ago. My growth at the rig never ceases to amaze me. But it's certainly not a lone journey; my instructors provide consistent support and helpful feedback and my classmates are the best cheerleaders out there!

This first video was captured on October 4, 2011. I wasn't even catching my backend split yet!

This video is from last night, September 26, 2012. I threw the trick with a forceout, caught my trick, did a forceout in hands (for the first time!), and tried to catch the return bar! It is so remarkable what a difference a year can make.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

efficiency for effectiveness

Efficiency is the key to effective wedding planning. For months I have known that I was had this Friday to dedicate towards planning activities up in New Jersey. As a result, Mom and I have a very full weekend ahead!

Our Friday itinerary includes:

  • {Florist and Designer} This is our first consultation with the preferred florist of our wedding venue. I'm looking forward to talking to him about the options that are available! I absolutely adore flowers and wish that I could learn how to design bouquets and arrangements. 
  • {Limousines} The limo company we scouted out requested that we stop by to take a look at their fleet. Fingers crossed we can book the vintage Rolls Royce! Two benefits of having an RR at the wedding: the sheet joy of riding in the Rolls with my Dad as I get transported from my childhood home to the place where I become a wife and a Mrs. Secondly, it will make for some really fantastic pictures!
  • {Mother of the Bride Dresses} My Mom seems to have made more headway in her dress shopping than me, but that's okay! She found a great dress that she wants me opinion on. I have no doubt it will look great, she has the keenest sense of fashion.
  • {Lunch} Need lots of energy for a full itinerary like this one.
  • {Invitations, Printing, and Calligraphy} I haven't even purchased save the dates yet because I am waiting to see what this lady has in store. I will admit, I am a stationery snob. Every time I receive an invitation I will run my fingers over the paper to see if the ink is raised or if the paper is pressed. I'm willing to splurge on invitations because it is important to me - such a shame most people will throw them away the next day.
  • {Eyebrows at Anastasia} I have heard wonderful tales about the ladies at Anastasia and their eyebrow-taming-mastery. I rarely get my eyebrows professionally done, so I figured that taking a few trips to Anastasia while I'm in NJ between now and the wedding couldn't hurt to give some real shape to what has been referred to as the "monsters" and "furry caterpillars" on my face ;-)
  • {Century 21} It is an absolutely necessity to take advantage of the tax-free, reduced-priced shopping that is available in NJ. While at Century I plan to thoroughly expand my collection of mismatched, brightly colored socks. (That will make sense to my fellow flyers out there!)
Phew, I'm exhausted just thinking about what's in store for us tomorrow! OH, who am I kidding? I can't wait!! I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve. This is going to be a very productive weekend and I can't wait to get it started...

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

living the busy life

Not only has work work been outrageously busy lately, but wedding planning is going into full swing! I'm headed home this weekend for a FULL itinerary of to-do's but since I'm taking the train right from the office tomorrow evening, I have to do all my preparation today and this evening. I'm headed to trapeze class tonight after work and hopefully I'll catch the return bar. Last week, as you can see in the video below, I tapped the bar for the first time! It was a very exciting milestone and I'm thoroughly enjoying the recent growths I've experienced on the rig.

When I get home around 8:30 tonight I'll throw some dinner together and get to packing my weekend bag. I've had a hard time trying to decide what I should wear. I want something simple that won't take up too much room in my suitcase. Especially on Saturday, when I am dress shopping in New York City, I want to look polished and presentable. The ensemble needs to be easy to put on and take off because I'll be visiting three bridal salons and trying on TONS of dresses. Plus, this outfit has to transition to a steak dinner that night! Not that I'm complaining, for I have been looking forward to wedding dress shopping in New York City since I was 15 when I went into NYC with my Mom during her fittings!

After packing my bag, I'll be painting my fingers and toes. On my fingers I'm planning to use a neutral nail polish, I've got a Deborah Lipmann pink-beige that will work great. I'm going to add a glitter accent on my ring finger as well! No harm in calling attention to my favorite finger and favorite accessory (my engagement ring!) while wedding planning :) Since my toenails haven't completely healed from my running regiment, I'm leaning towards Wicked by Essie.

Something tells me I won't be getting to sleep until after 11 o'clock tonight... Better put some eye cream on. No bride wants circles under her eyes!