On Saturday, Dan's sister Leslie and her new husband Jeremiah got married- it was beautiful! the ceremony was very nice in the church, the music was very pretty, and the reception was held at the New Lafayette Club- it was so pretty inside. Dim lighting with lots of white christmas lights and candles. Congratulations to them =)
Here are some thoughts that I've accumulated about weddings...
Engagement ring: I like them big and sparkly =) The man should be able to afford a nice one on his own..if he can't, then what does that say about the life you are going to start together? Saving up for the ring, choosing one that she will like, any customization to it, and of course the actual proposal, takes planning, thought, effort, and patience...just like the marriage.
Engagement: Personally, I wouldn't want to get engaged if I couldn't start planning the wedding immediately. As a typical female, I look forward to planning a big, beautiful wedding ... but also want to be prepared for life afterward. No more dependence on parents- at ALL. Rent, food, cell phone bills, health/car/life insurance...after they pay for (hopefully) a huge chunk of the wedding, that should be IT for them. If the couple isn't ready to be solely dependent on each other, it's not the right time.
Time of year: It would be a dream to have a spring/summertime outdoor wedding and reception... but it was be such a bummer to build up all that anticipation and put so much into planning...and then have it be too hot/cold/windy/RAINING. So, I just say, plan a winter wedding so it will be inside NO MATTER what. Also, a tropical honeymoon would be that much more fantastic!
...a personal preference as well would be have the wedding the week after a huge event like an Ironman...the bachelorette party would take place the weekend before (no super hard training required during a taper, so staying out late/drinkin too much won't be bad lol) then during the honeymoon, there's only one workout where F.I.T.T. matters =)
Ceremony and Reception: I HATE cheesy/traditional wedding music. No here comes the bride, canon in d, electric slide, twist, ymca, macarena, dancing queen, brick house, etc. "sweet caroline" will be required however, I think Vince Vaughn every time I hear that song lol. I'm not really too concerned with the ceremony. Except that it should be short, and the flower girl and ring bearer have to be cute. And guests should be ordered to take screaming children outside immediately.
...now the reception should take place at a hotel with cheap rates for wedding guests- they'll need to book a room so they can take full advantage of the *required* open bar! Also, so all guests can in fact take advantage of this, there ideally wouldn't be any children allowed at the reception...Maybe pay some responsible teenagers for a baby-sitting service.
... I am going to want all my guests and bridal party to celebrate and having an amazing time in honor of a marriage...not get FAT because of it =) You better believe that the food will be amazingly delicious and gourmet and healthy!! and a cake...haha. that's $400 i'd be pissed if someone paid for that !! now, gourmet coffee/tea on the other hand is worth the investment =) angel food cake with fresh fruit wouldn't be so bad though
I also like the idea of the bride and groom spending the night in the nicest suite of the hotel that night, then leaving for the honeymoon the next morning after a send-off brunch...that would be awesome with a bunch of hungover wedding guests =)
Yeah I don't know anything, these are just some opinions I've formed after the first few rounds of friends/family my age getting hitched! But everyone's wedding is unique and most importantly, suits THEM =)
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
the long run
workout: 17 mile run
http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/il/normal/432768590
weather: 65/overcast/10-15 mph winds/slight drizzle
result: 2:30
hr: avg. 161
time of day:1-3:30 pm
notes: achilles hurtin.
grade: eeeeh.
The long run...what an emotional rollercoaster. The week leading up to it you anticipate or look forward to "running easy"...just chillin to your ipod and thinking about stuff ...remembering an awesome race or long run (like qualifying for boston at chicago 06...still gives me chills!!, or the marathon during IM florida...easiest run EVER!) you have previously experienced, thinking that this run will be just like that. Since it's a week away it's easy to be optimistic.
The days leading up to it, you start...checking the temp./weather/wind speed. mapping your course. planning your day since it's gonna take up a chunk of time. Then the dread kicks in. Yes, you are gonna have to run for a looong time. Then the doubts kick in...even if you have done it a million times before (4 marathons, 2 ironman, and all the training leading up to it), you question yourself.
Even worse, you start thinking about BAD runs you've had in the past. Like the time during my first chicago marathon when my quads were cramping and quivering soooo bad at 21 mi....or my 14miler in the HEAT two weeks ago where I, not acclimated to the heat yet, was slowing down to 10:30-11 mpm, and yes, even took a walk break. The worst, my failure at the Boston marathon, the marathon I worked my ass off to qualify for, and I screwed it up. Yes, I finished, but what a disgrace! Combination of bad preparation and not enough training...
These thoughts, along with the fact that at this time last year I was much faster, and disappointment in myself that my training is not where it should be, made it tough to get out the door and enjoy this run.
But here's the beauty of it: the first hour is easy (as long as you keep the heart rate down) and after that, you feel kind of badass just for being out there. It makes you WANT to keep going even when you are having a rough time...you're a badass because you can DEAL with it. Then, I find it enjoyable to plan your favorite place to run as the homestretch...you'll finish up a good note. For me, it's the trail. From Kerrick Rd., I know I'm close and can fly home. Plus you might see people you know and you have to look like you are fast =) I planned running out in the country right before that...Northtown, Ziebarth, uuuuugggghhh nothing but cornfields and wind! Then...aaaaah the trail!! (and a water fountain)
Compared to last year, this run was too slow for my liking. But I gotta forget that, and see where I'm at NOW, progress from HERE, and be happy with the improvements I make.
That's a wrap for now, time for me to start daydreaming about my 18mi. run next week =)
http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/il/normal/432768590
weather: 65/overcast/10-15 mph winds/slight drizzle
result: 2:30
hr: avg. 161
time of day:1-3:30 pm
notes: achilles hurtin.
grade: eeeeh.
The long run...what an emotional rollercoaster. The week leading up to it you anticipate or look forward to "running easy"...just chillin to your ipod and thinking about stuff ...remembering an awesome race or long run (like qualifying for boston at chicago 06...still gives me chills!!, or the marathon during IM florida...easiest run EVER!) you have previously experienced, thinking that this run will be just like that. Since it's a week away it's easy to be optimistic.
The days leading up to it, you start...checking the temp./weather/wind speed. mapping your course. planning your day since it's gonna take up a chunk of time. Then the dread kicks in. Yes, you are gonna have to run for a looong time. Then the doubts kick in...even if you have done it a million times before (4 marathons, 2 ironman, and all the training leading up to it), you question yourself.
Even worse, you start thinking about BAD runs you've had in the past. Like the time during my first chicago marathon when my quads were cramping and quivering soooo bad at 21 mi....or my 14miler in the HEAT two weeks ago where I, not acclimated to the heat yet, was slowing down to 10:30-11 mpm, and yes, even took a walk break. The worst, my failure at the Boston marathon, the marathon I worked my ass off to qualify for, and I screwed it up. Yes, I finished, but what a disgrace! Combination of bad preparation and not enough training...
These thoughts, along with the fact that at this time last year I was much faster, and disappointment in myself that my training is not where it should be, made it tough to get out the door and enjoy this run.
But here's the beauty of it: the first hour is easy (as long as you keep the heart rate down) and after that, you feel kind of badass just for being out there. It makes you WANT to keep going even when you are having a rough time...you're a badass because you can DEAL with it. Then, I find it enjoyable to plan your favorite place to run as the homestretch...you'll finish up a good note. For me, it's the trail. From Kerrick Rd., I know I'm close and can fly home. Plus you might see people you know and you have to look like you are fast =) I planned running out in the country right before that...Northtown, Ziebarth, uuuuugggghhh nothing but cornfields and wind! Then...aaaaah the trail!! (and a water fountain)
Compared to last year, this run was too slow for my liking. But I gotta forget that, and see where I'm at NOW, progress from HERE, and be happy with the improvements I make.
That's a wrap for now, time for me to start daydreaming about my 18mi. run next week =)
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