I can still remember the time I had to write a press release for class in college. I was only a freshman and was taking a class where I had to develop a marketing campaign and do a brief press release for the campaign. When it came back all torn apart and covered in red pen I was offended. A little. You have to understand that my personality trait takes things personally. I can't say I am proud of this - but it is truth. I've temperted it over the years, learned to be better at accepting constructive criticism, and umderstand that my writing style is what I like to call "free flowing." :) My 18 year old self was just mad. My 28 year old self understands that I need to be a better proof reader, and that I will never be someone who is really picky about grammar or spelling.
(When AHB and I first started dating I went to China for 2 weeks right at the begining of our relationship. We had about a week or so together and then had nothing but e-mail communication for two weeks. Every day I looked forward to his e-mails.) In one of our first e-mails I stated the things that we could possibly fight about. One of the things I stated was me not being a good speller. Of course, he had a solution for every aspect, and his come back for my poor spelling was that he was an EXCELLENT speller. In fact, he was a spelling bee champion! Fast forward to last Thursday and Friday...
AHB and I have been working on our program. Well...what I mean by this is that I have been creating it, and every night we sit down and take a look at a hard copy and he makes corrections. Correction after correction. It's practically like he takes every red pen he has ever found and scribbles all over it. Shoot, maybe he just does it for the heck of it. Here were some of his comments:
"The coloring looks different on this dot, than it does on this dot."
"The spacing between this letter is weird."
"I think the graphic needs to be a bit bigger."
"I think this needs italics, and this one doesn't."
"Bigger, smaller, closer, farther..."
Goodness. It's like a piece of me died. Ha. And I recognized it was happening, but what was I to say?
"AHB, I want you to be involved in this process, but I hate that this is happening."
"AHB, I want to kill you and your red pen."
No, none of these options were appropriate.
So I just got quiet. And then we finished, and I agreed to make the corrections. But, later that night he asked me why I was mad. (uh oh) And I said I wasn't - which was the truth. I wasn't mad, I just wanted to kill him. :) Him and his red pen.
I went to work the next day and made some of the corrections over lunch and sent him the document at work. And after a few e-mails back and forth, about other corrections he noticed, I was feeling about the same as the night before. One of my e-mails just said, "I hate you." His response was, "You still have 29 days to change your mind!"
Then my office phone rang.
AHB: "What are you doing?"
Me: "Working."
AHB: "So, I thought I would just call since it would be easier to adjust just a few TINY things over the phone rather than by e-mail..."
Me: (Silence) (Which makes a phone conversation difficult.) "Great."
AHB: "I mean, it looks really good, it's a nice program, I just see a few tiny things..."
Me: "Right, ok what..."
AHB continues to speak for a bit. I can't remember how long, or about what exactly at this time, but we did talk about things. Well, HE talked, I nodded.
AHB: "Ok, why are you mad."
Me: "I'm not mad, keep going."
AHB: "Yes you are."
Me: : "Ok, You have to remember that I am more of a feeler than you are and this is harder for me than you. It's like you are slowly killing me!"
AHB: "Oh, honey, I know this is hard for you. I am VERY aware you are not thrilled about doing this. (Then he adds in for good measure:) It's a REALLY great program. You did a REALLY good job with it. I REALLY like it."
Me: "Stop patronizing me. Stop feeding me with your words of affirmation."
AHB: "But you like that."
Me: "Hrumph."
Reality: I wasn't mad. I mean, he is a GREAT proofreader. I am sure he got a gold star for his mad skills at proof reading. My "ESFJ" and "Words of Affirmation" heart just can't take it. :) The program is yet to be completely finished, but we are darn close.
Reality: I would suggest sending him anything you wanted edited, but I don't think I would ever let him read something that was actually mine. :)
On another note, AHB had the day off for Columbus day (Who get's Columbus day off?!) and was home all day yesterday with the pups. And I came home to the best smelling (and tasting) pot roast ever. :) Thanks for making dinner.
I do have 20-some odd days to change my mind, but it wouldn't change for anything in the world.
mmp
Sunny North Carolina in October 2010
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Broaches from Days Past
Well, hello less than 30 days away. Good to see you.
The past few weeks have been full of fun things. I told my friend that it feels like this last month is completely taken up by wedding things...oh, and we have to work too. :) Every weekend something new is happening, or someone is coming to visit. It's the best month ever, but we are both aware it is going to go faster than anticipated.
I can't describe the excitement every single time I see one of our little RSVP cards come in the mail. We rotate every day who gets to open them...which KILLS me since I am the one who gets the mail! On his days it sits on my desk at work, taunting me to open and reseal by the time I get home. But, we both love mail, so I didn't want to hog all of the joy. And if it wasn't good enough to get the RSVPs, this whole gift-through-mail concept is so fun! A package? For me?? (And after I resist EVERYTHING in my being not to open it in my office!) We really enjoy coming home at the end of the day and seeing what the mail has brought us today. Every "Yes" to the wedding, is more excitement for us. Thanks for wanting to spend the day with us!
I was really fortunate over the last few weeks to have the most amazing women in my life. Women who asked, "Can I throw you a shower?" and went to work happily planning a really wonderful setting for family and friends to reconnect. A very huge thank you to Karen Hoy and Katie, Anna, Melissa, and Abby for planning two wonerful showers. One was in Decatur at First Lutheran Church, and the other was at home sponsored by the Ohio bridesmaids in Clyde.
Karen threw a Pampered Chef shower and we had so much fun. I was blessed to be in the company of most of the wonderful women in AHB's family and my mom. Does anything get better than this? We had so much fun talking about him, and eating. Best way to spend the afternoon. :) I can't thank Karen Hoy enough for hosting the most perfect event for my two families to join in. We had such a wonderful time! The women at the party got to sign and write messages on two aprons for AHB and I. Many were well wishes about cooking together and having a life full of fun in the kitchen. One message said "I hope there will be a few buns in the oven soon!" And once my mom anounced to the party that she was praying for failed birth control, we lost all control of the event. :) My mom had so much fun with these women. She looked at me on the way home and said, "Oh you are going to fit right in with his family." And I do.
Here are a few pictures we have from the afternoon.
The Clyde shower was 100% a secret. I knew the date and time but nothing else. I LOVE surprises, so this was such a fun game for me. Not knowing the location, my sisters picked me up at 12:30pm, after being gone setting up for hours. It was a bitter 50 degrees in Ohio that weekend (which is shocking since it is 82 here today...) so all plans for an outside event were ruined. But, they picked me up and we headed down the road, the whole time quizzing me about where I thought we were going. After failed guesses, and intentional back street driving just to confuse Molly, we pulled into the Elisa Ramsey home, which is 2 blocks from my house and used to be an old assisted living for women, before such a thing existed through the state. It is a beautiful structure which is now used for Hospice Offices for nurses. Mom's dear friend Pam Fritz works there, and let us use the space for the afternoon. Outside of it being beautiful, and warm, and perfect for this venue, it is also haunted! Which AHB would absolutely appreciate!
We had a great afternoon. One of the most touching experiences was a gift my sisters, mom, and aunt helped to create. The Broach Bouquet. This is trend starting to appear in the wedding circut. Many brides are carring bouquets made of broaches instead of flowers. As soon as I saw it I started to cry because these broaches were taken from very strong women in my life, (many who are no longer living) and their mothers, and sisters, and friends. All sending love and support. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Hands down.
Once I pulled it together, we passed it around and let people see the craftsmanship for the piece. Beautiful. So, we have decided to carry it in the rehersal, but have it displayed at the wedding. You have to come and take a peak at it!
We have one more shower this weekend given by my Decatur family at Millikin. :) This one is sure to be a bit spicier. I'll try to have pictures from this one as well.
Can't wait to see you.
I would ask AHB if he has anything to add, but he is still in bed. Lazy. Bones.
mmp
The past few weeks have been full of fun things. I told my friend that it feels like this last month is completely taken up by wedding things...oh, and we have to work too. :) Every weekend something new is happening, or someone is coming to visit. It's the best month ever, but we are both aware it is going to go faster than anticipated.
I can't describe the excitement every single time I see one of our little RSVP cards come in the mail. We rotate every day who gets to open them...which KILLS me since I am the one who gets the mail! On his days it sits on my desk at work, taunting me to open and reseal by the time I get home. But, we both love mail, so I didn't want to hog all of the joy. And if it wasn't good enough to get the RSVPs, this whole gift-through-mail concept is so fun! A package? For me?? (And after I resist EVERYTHING in my being not to open it in my office!) We really enjoy coming home at the end of the day and seeing what the mail has brought us today. Every "Yes" to the wedding, is more excitement for us. Thanks for wanting to spend the day with us!
I was really fortunate over the last few weeks to have the most amazing women in my life. Women who asked, "Can I throw you a shower?" and went to work happily planning a really wonderful setting for family and friends to reconnect. A very huge thank you to Karen Hoy and Katie, Anna, Melissa, and Abby for planning two wonerful showers. One was in Decatur at First Lutheran Church, and the other was at home sponsored by the Ohio bridesmaids in Clyde.
Karen threw a Pampered Chef shower and we had so much fun. I was blessed to be in the company of most of the wonderful women in AHB's family and my mom. Does anything get better than this? We had so much fun talking about him, and eating. Best way to spend the afternoon. :) I can't thank Karen Hoy enough for hosting the most perfect event for my two families to join in. We had such a wonderful time! The women at the party got to sign and write messages on two aprons for AHB and I. Many were well wishes about cooking together and having a life full of fun in the kitchen. One message said "I hope there will be a few buns in the oven soon!" And once my mom anounced to the party that she was praying for failed birth control, we lost all control of the event. :) My mom had so much fun with these women. She looked at me on the way home and said, "Oh you are going to fit right in with his family." And I do.
Here are a few pictures we have from the afternoon.
The Clyde shower was 100% a secret. I knew the date and time but nothing else. I LOVE surprises, so this was such a fun game for me. Not knowing the location, my sisters picked me up at 12:30pm, after being gone setting up for hours. It was a bitter 50 degrees in Ohio that weekend (which is shocking since it is 82 here today...) so all plans for an outside event were ruined. But, they picked me up and we headed down the road, the whole time quizzing me about where I thought we were going. After failed guesses, and intentional back street driving just to confuse Molly, we pulled into the Elisa Ramsey home, which is 2 blocks from my house and used to be an old assisted living for women, before such a thing existed through the state. It is a beautiful structure which is now used for Hospice Offices for nurses. Mom's dear friend Pam Fritz works there, and let us use the space for the afternoon. Outside of it being beautiful, and warm, and perfect for this venue, it is also haunted! Which AHB would absolutely appreciate!
We had a great afternoon. One of the most touching experiences was a gift my sisters, mom, and aunt helped to create. The Broach Bouquet. This is trend starting to appear in the wedding circut. Many brides are carring bouquets made of broaches instead of flowers. As soon as I saw it I started to cry because these broaches were taken from very strong women in my life, (many who are no longer living) and their mothers, and sisters, and friends. All sending love and support. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Hands down.
Once I pulled it together, we passed it around and let people see the craftsmanship for the piece. Beautiful. So, we have decided to carry it in the rehersal, but have it displayed at the wedding. You have to come and take a peak at it!
We have one more shower this weekend given by my Decatur family at Millikin. :) This one is sure to be a bit spicier. I'll try to have pictures from this one as well.
Can't wait to see you.
I would ask AHB if he has anything to add, but he is still in bed. Lazy. Bones.
mmp
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
'Twas the Night before Christmas
There have been many people who have asked why we are getting married in Decatur, IL. Well, there are many reasons actually.
Decatur is where our home is, and where it might be for a long time. (Not to limit us in any way...but we really love it here.) It's where we met, it's where we work, and there is a lot of opportunity. I always envisioned getting married in my church where I was raised. It's where my grandparents and parents were married, it's lovely, and I can still remember running through the halls as a child simply in love with being there. But over the years my home congregation has made some decisions that not only make themselves less welcoming, but also limit love. And, from that moment, I knew I could never celebrate the commitment that marriage stands for in a place that limits love.
I should also say that it was meant to be when I walked into First Lutheran Church in Decatur. There is no better feeling than to feel like you have found something you have been searching for...possibly for a very long time. I once called my mom and said that I knew I was in Decatur to be a part of this church...if nothing else.
So, when we made the decision to be here, I knew that it would be hard to transplant the feeling of "home" to a hotel in Decatur when trying to get ready for the ceremony. I didn't want to get ready in a hotel, and our apartment isn't large enough for everyone to be honest. Mom was thrilled when I called and mentioned that I had reserved a local historic bed and breakfast for our family to stay in before the wedding. We could all congregate there and get ready. We can all stay in the same "house" before the wedding.
And the most important part: my sisters and I can sleep in the same bed the night before. We do this every Christmas eve. (I think Katie even asked me where AHB was going to sleep when we spend Christmas with my family...) Anna and Katie and I have been doing this for as long as I can remember. We are all fully grown women. Anna is still in the middle. She still moved a lot. Katie really gets pressed between Anna and the radiator. Katie is always the first to wake up, and might still race down stairs if it wasn't for Anna pleading to sleep longer. I sleep. Hard. Rarely moving. The beauty of being a deep sleeper! And there we are: Crammed into a full size bed on Christmas eve....and it will continue to happen. :)
And the night before my wedding, we will be in a (queen sized!!) bed at the Younker House anticipating the next day with excitement just as if it was Christmas. When I made the reservation and told the woman that we would only need one room for the 3 of us, she was highly questionable on the phone. But, I assured her we would be fine.
And it's funny, because my parents came to visit this past weekend, and the days leading up to their arrival was like waiting for Christmas. (Sans the sisters in bed!) I was so excited. We had a great visit.
mmp
Decatur is where our home is, and where it might be for a long time. (Not to limit us in any way...but we really love it here.) It's where we met, it's where we work, and there is a lot of opportunity. I always envisioned getting married in my church where I was raised. It's where my grandparents and parents were married, it's lovely, and I can still remember running through the halls as a child simply in love with being there. But over the years my home congregation has made some decisions that not only make themselves less welcoming, but also limit love. And, from that moment, I knew I could never celebrate the commitment that marriage stands for in a place that limits love.
I should also say that it was meant to be when I walked into First Lutheran Church in Decatur. There is no better feeling than to feel like you have found something you have been searching for...possibly for a very long time. I once called my mom and said that I knew I was in Decatur to be a part of this church...if nothing else.
So, when we made the decision to be here, I knew that it would be hard to transplant the feeling of "home" to a hotel in Decatur when trying to get ready for the ceremony. I didn't want to get ready in a hotel, and our apartment isn't large enough for everyone to be honest. Mom was thrilled when I called and mentioned that I had reserved a local historic bed and breakfast for our family to stay in before the wedding. We could all congregate there and get ready. We can all stay in the same "house" before the wedding.
And the most important part: my sisters and I can sleep in the same bed the night before. We do this every Christmas eve. (I think Katie even asked me where AHB was going to sleep when we spend Christmas with my family...) Anna and Katie and I have been doing this for as long as I can remember. We are all fully grown women. Anna is still in the middle. She still moved a lot. Katie really gets pressed between Anna and the radiator. Katie is always the first to wake up, and might still race down stairs if it wasn't for Anna pleading to sleep longer. I sleep. Hard. Rarely moving. The beauty of being a deep sleeper! And there we are: Crammed into a full size bed on Christmas eve....and it will continue to happen. :)
And the night before my wedding, we will be in a (queen sized!!) bed at the Younker House anticipating the next day with excitement just as if it was Christmas. When I made the reservation and told the woman that we would only need one room for the 3 of us, she was highly questionable on the phone. But, I assured her we would be fine.
And it's funny, because my parents came to visit this past weekend, and the days leading up to their arrival was like waiting for Christmas. (Sans the sisters in bed!) I was so excited. We had a great visit.
mmp
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The emotional post. :)
Invitations are out and we hope you love them as much as we do. :)
Well, I knew it would eventually hit. The emotional post. The one AHB would roll his eyes at, and laugh. But, I can't help it.
I am in a blessed mood lately.
I get completely wrapped up in these moments when I am just feeling so loved I could burst. It could have a lot to do with the fact that I get to see my parents this weekend, or my sisters and Ohio friends next weekend...or that I am marrying someone incredible....I mean, there are a lot of factors as of late.
But, it was this realization that I am constantly surrounded by love in church on Sunday. Sitting with people I consider family, talking with folks who are taking the time because they want to, to throw showers for AHB and I. The time, the energy, the out pour of love...how can you not feel completely overwhelmed with appreciation?
As a woman who has watched many-a-friend go and get married, you tell yourself, "We do this whole wedding-shower-bachelorette-party-extravaganza for others, because we would want them to do it for us if we get to that point." But, then you realize that maybe you don't want all of that attention after all. Maybe you want to sit and celebrate the fact that you couldn't be more excited to be getting married with a good cup of coffee with good friends. Nothing flashy. Nothing demanding. Just celebrating love. And honestly, I can not say enough for the people who will be making the trips to Decatur(for some, multiple trips) to embrace the next few weeks leading up to the wedding. Please know that I am touched. Never did I (really) expect people to board a plane to fly to IL to be with us.
I can not wait to get married. But, there is a huge part of me that can not wait to get to the receiving line, and wrap my arms around friends who I have not seen in many many days. So many of the people we love in one place to raise a glass to love.
God, how did we get so lucky?
Well, I knew it would eventually hit. The emotional post. The one AHB would roll his eyes at, and laugh. But, I can't help it.
I am in a blessed mood lately.
I get completely wrapped up in these moments when I am just feeling so loved I could burst. It could have a lot to do with the fact that I get to see my parents this weekend, or my sisters and Ohio friends next weekend...or that I am marrying someone incredible....I mean, there are a lot of factors as of late.
But, it was this realization that I am constantly surrounded by love in church on Sunday. Sitting with people I consider family, talking with folks who are taking the time because they want to, to throw showers for AHB and I. The time, the energy, the out pour of love...how can you not feel completely overwhelmed with appreciation?
As a woman who has watched many-a-friend go and get married, you tell yourself, "We do this whole wedding-shower-bachelorette-party-extravaganza for others, because we would want them to do it for us if we get to that point." But, then you realize that maybe you don't want all of that attention after all. Maybe you want to sit and celebrate the fact that you couldn't be more excited to be getting married with a good cup of coffee with good friends. Nothing flashy. Nothing demanding. Just celebrating love. And honestly, I can not say enough for the people who will be making the trips to Decatur(for some, multiple trips) to embrace the next few weeks leading up to the wedding. Please know that I am touched. Never did I (really) expect people to board a plane to fly to IL to be with us.
I can not wait to get married. But, there is a huge part of me that can not wait to get to the receiving line, and wrap my arms around friends who I have not seen in many many days. So many of the people we love in one place to raise a glass to love.
God, how did we get so lucky?
Thursday, September 15, 2011
In Sickness and in Health...
I hate being sick.
And my mom would frown upon me using the word "hate"...this is still a woman that regulates herself from using the H-word because it is just "too strong of a word..."
I wish the parents of MU students would believe this as well. I think it would really reduce the nasty conversations I received from parents that include this word (and many choice others).
Anyhow, I really do dislike being sick. And I have been, for the past few days. It always happens that my immune system falters at the onset of fall. I welcome the cooler weather - but not necessarily the sickness that follows. But, here we are. Achoo and all the like.
I remember the story my mom tells of when she first got sick after she and dad got married. She says that she was vomiting in the toilet and asked for my dad to hand her a wash cloth, and he basically threw it from the door of the restroom. Couldn't stand to even be near it. :) And in 30 years, she hasn't let him live it down.
Well, as much as I despise sickness, I would gladly be taken care of by AHB. He has been an absolute gem all week. Making dinner for me. Being kind. Making sure I feel ok. Letting me sleep. I even missed work this week...the first time in years. But, I would consider being sick on a weekly basis, if i knew this level of attention would be a typical thing. I tell you what, we aren't married (YET!!) but he has the "In sickness and health" down pat. And I have been worried all week about getting him sick, but I have been informed that "I don't get sick." Many times.
In other (non sick) news: I have a larger-ish package from Pampered Chef sitting on my office desk! I want to open it, believing it to be our FIRST Bridal Shower gift. Ever! But, I am going to wait, patiently, until he gets home at 8pm! Man! I love mail, and if this is going to be a regular occurrence - great packages in the mail - I am psyched! If I was Sandy Pawsey, I would shake the crap out of this gift. But, unlike my mother, I have always appreciated the element of surprise - and I do not choose to shake gifts.
Get excited! Invitations go out tomorrow. I hope you love them as much as we do. In the invitations is the link for our "Becoming Berry" blog. More of the world will soon see these words...Annnd, sadly, I believe that will be the day that my friend Ellen gets hauled off to jail for animal abuse. I have never EVER had so much feedback regarding one post! Glad you enjoyed our shenanigans as much as we did. :)
Off to a wedding this weekend, and then we start the weekends of showers leading up to the big day. Ah. I just did a quick check at theknot.com, and it just informed me I ONLY have 51 days left as a single woman. Where did time go? (Thank god. 51 days couldn't go fast enough!)
mmp
And my mom would frown upon me using the word "hate"...this is still a woman that regulates herself from using the H-word because it is just "too strong of a word..."
I wish the parents of MU students would believe this as well. I think it would really reduce the nasty conversations I received from parents that include this word (and many choice others).
Anyhow, I really do dislike being sick. And I have been, for the past few days. It always happens that my immune system falters at the onset of fall. I welcome the cooler weather - but not necessarily the sickness that follows. But, here we are. Achoo and all the like.
I remember the story my mom tells of when she first got sick after she and dad got married. She says that she was vomiting in the toilet and asked for my dad to hand her a wash cloth, and he basically threw it from the door of the restroom. Couldn't stand to even be near it. :) And in 30 years, she hasn't let him live it down.
Well, as much as I despise sickness, I would gladly be taken care of by AHB. He has been an absolute gem all week. Making dinner for me. Being kind. Making sure I feel ok. Letting me sleep. I even missed work this week...the first time in years. But, I would consider being sick on a weekly basis, if i knew this level of attention would be a typical thing. I tell you what, we aren't married (YET!!) but he has the "In sickness and health" down pat. And I have been worried all week about getting him sick, but I have been informed that "I don't get sick." Many times.
In other (non sick) news: I have a larger-ish package from Pampered Chef sitting on my office desk! I want to open it, believing it to be our FIRST Bridal Shower gift. Ever! But, I am going to wait, patiently, until he gets home at 8pm! Man! I love mail, and if this is going to be a regular occurrence - great packages in the mail - I am psyched! If I was Sandy Pawsey, I would shake the crap out of this gift. But, unlike my mother, I have always appreciated the element of surprise - and I do not choose to shake gifts.
Get excited! Invitations go out tomorrow. I hope you love them as much as we do. In the invitations is the link for our "Becoming Berry" blog. More of the world will soon see these words...Annnd, sadly, I believe that will be the day that my friend Ellen gets hauled off to jail for animal abuse. I have never EVER had so much feedback regarding one post! Glad you enjoyed our shenanigans as much as we did. :)
Off to a wedding this weekend, and then we start the weekends of showers leading up to the big day. Ah. I just did a quick check at theknot.com, and it just informed me I ONLY have 51 days left as a single woman. Where did time go? (Thank god. 51 days couldn't go fast enough!)
mmp
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The little safety pin
I'm not really sure where to begin. To be honest, I wasn't expecting last night to turn out quite the way it did. Let me explain...
We live in university owned housing, and in an older apartment complex. We are one of 12 units in our building, and even though it has it's quircks, I really enjoy our home. However, since we moved into the new apartment in June, AHB has been missing his TV at night before bed. He used to wind down with some TV in bed before shutting the light off and snoozing. We don't have the opportunity to do that in the new apartment because of the way the building is wired. We only have cable in the living room. Another chord was not an option to run cable to the back. Well, then the media room called me...
They said they had an option for me - not that everyone would get this - but there are perks with being nice to the folks in Media. :) So, our media guy said he would hook me up with a splitter and a long cable chord. The only option for us was to run the cable to the back room from the living room. I didn't tell AHB, just incase it didn't work. But sure enough I got the splitter in the mail yesterday...but there was one huge flaw. AHB likes things tidy. This 75 foot chord was not going to add to the decore of the apartment, nor could you easily hide it running right through our kitchen into the back bedroom. Hmm. I knew this wasn't ideal for him, but what was more important? The cable option or the messy cable chord?
So, last night we invited dear Ellen over for dinner.
What you are about to witness is about 1 and 1/2 hours of the "Cable Chord Fiasco of 2011". Note to readers: No animals were hurt in the process of this evening.
AHB said: What if we try to run the cable chord through the vent? There is a vent in every room, and it is a straight shot from the living room to the bedroom without the mess of the chord on the ground.
True, there is a ventilation system that runs through our apartment starting behind the TV and ending in the bedroom. And the next thing I know, Ellen has a screw driver and AHB had the vacuum. (Heaven forbid we get dust on the carpet in the process of this evening...)
So we take off all the vents and shine a flash light from the bedroom to the living room, and sure enough, it is a straight shot with no obstructions. Perfect.
Ellen realized she could almost fit her head into the hole...which we decided was NOT a good idea. We had the Crisco ready just incase. AHB checked out the bathroom and realized we couldn't get both screws out of the wall, so we gave up on that vent quickly. Then we started the slow and painful process of pushing the chord through the vent. It seemed to be working well for a bit. But, please picture trying to put a drawsttring through a pair of athletic shorts. You know how this goes. It all gets jumbled in the middle unless you have a safety pin on the end of the string. Well, we could't find a "safety pin" long enough to help in this process. We tried a hanger, we tried the long plastic thing the chord came wrapped in...we were losing steam. This was about 45 minutes into the project. AHB decided we should pack up and call it a good attempt. The trouble was not being able to see where the chord was getting stuck...we couldn't tell if we were making progress. Then Ellen found my makeup mirror and did a McGiver move where she shined the light in the vent and used the mirror to look down the system. Which helped a bit.
After some time, and more grumbling, Ellen and I decided if the hole were a bit bigger it would be easier for one of us to get in there and help the chord move a bit more. If only the hole was bigger....or if only we were a bit (quite a bit!) smaller...
And the conversation looked a little like this:
Ellen: "I wish we could stick something up there and help it push through."
Me: "Yep."
Ellen: "OH MY GOSH! We should attach the chord to Apple and put her in there! She is small enough to fit!"
AHB: "Absolutely not!"
Me: "She is totally small enough."
(Ellen is now picking up Apple and examining her.)
AHB: "No. We are not doing that. What if she gets stuck. She will never fit. No."
Ellen: "Sure she will, won't you Apple?" (Ellen is now hooking the end of the chord to Apple)
(AHB Walked into the kitchen for 3 seconds to check on the bread pudding)
(Ellen shoves little Apple into the heating vent when AHB had his back turned.)
Me: "Uh, pip. You might want to go into the living room and call Apple in the vent. Ellen just may have shoved her into the ceiling..."
AHB: "Jesus Christ, Ellen!" "Apple, come here honey..."
(This is my camera through the hole in the 2nd bedroom to see where she was. You can see her little eyes in this photo--and how messy the vent was!)
And, sure enough, that little dog crawled to her dad in the living room. Didn't stop once. And in 1 minute, or cable chord drama was over. Although AHB was not thrilled. :)
It almost made me pee my pants! I was laughing so hard! The best part was Ellen who then ran into the living room shouting "I can't believe that worked! I can't believe that worked!". We would have had a mess on our hands - had she gotten stuck! What an adventurous night. And we haven't hooked it up yet...that was enough for one evening.
Little Apple was the hero, and then she promptly got a bath. Per "dads" demand. :o)
Annnnd, if he doesn't divorce me over this...maybe we are in the clear!
mmp
We live in university owned housing, and in an older apartment complex. We are one of 12 units in our building, and even though it has it's quircks, I really enjoy our home. However, since we moved into the new apartment in June, AHB has been missing his TV at night before bed. He used to wind down with some TV in bed before shutting the light off and snoozing. We don't have the opportunity to do that in the new apartment because of the way the building is wired. We only have cable in the living room. Another chord was not an option to run cable to the back. Well, then the media room called me...
They said they had an option for me - not that everyone would get this - but there are perks with being nice to the folks in Media. :) So, our media guy said he would hook me up with a splitter and a long cable chord. The only option for us was to run the cable to the back room from the living room. I didn't tell AHB, just incase it didn't work. But sure enough I got the splitter in the mail yesterday...but there was one huge flaw. AHB likes things tidy. This 75 foot chord was not going to add to the decore of the apartment, nor could you easily hide it running right through our kitchen into the back bedroom. Hmm. I knew this wasn't ideal for him, but what was more important? The cable option or the messy cable chord?
So, last night we invited dear Ellen over for dinner.
What you are about to witness is about 1 and 1/2 hours of the "Cable Chord Fiasco of 2011". Note to readers: No animals were hurt in the process of this evening.
AHB said: What if we try to run the cable chord through the vent? There is a vent in every room, and it is a straight shot from the living room to the bedroom without the mess of the chord on the ground.
True, there is a ventilation system that runs through our apartment starting behind the TV and ending in the bedroom. And the next thing I know, Ellen has a screw driver and AHB had the vacuum. (Heaven forbid we get dust on the carpet in the process of this evening...)
So we take off all the vents and shine a flash light from the bedroom to the living room, and sure enough, it is a straight shot with no obstructions. Perfect.
Ellen realized she could almost fit her head into the hole...which we decided was NOT a good idea. We had the Crisco ready just incase. AHB checked out the bathroom and realized we couldn't get both screws out of the wall, so we gave up on that vent quickly. Then we started the slow and painful process of pushing the chord through the vent. It seemed to be working well for a bit. But, please picture trying to put a drawsttring through a pair of athletic shorts. You know how this goes. It all gets jumbled in the middle unless you have a safety pin on the end of the string. Well, we could't find a "safety pin" long enough to help in this process. We tried a hanger, we tried the long plastic thing the chord came wrapped in...we were losing steam. This was about 45 minutes into the project. AHB decided we should pack up and call it a good attempt. The trouble was not being able to see where the chord was getting stuck...we couldn't tell if we were making progress. Then Ellen found my makeup mirror and did a McGiver move where she shined the light in the vent and used the mirror to look down the system. Which helped a bit.
After some time, and more grumbling, Ellen and I decided if the hole were a bit bigger it would be easier for one of us to get in there and help the chord move a bit more. If only the hole was bigger....or if only we were a bit (quite a bit!) smaller...
And the conversation looked a little like this:
Ellen: "I wish we could stick something up there and help it push through."
Me: "Yep."
Ellen: "OH MY GOSH! We should attach the chord to Apple and put her in there! She is small enough to fit!"
AHB: "Absolutely not!"
Me: "She is totally small enough."
(Ellen is now picking up Apple and examining her.)
AHB: "No. We are not doing that. What if she gets stuck. She will never fit. No."
Ellen: "Sure she will, won't you Apple?" (Ellen is now hooking the end of the chord to Apple)
(AHB Walked into the kitchen for 3 seconds to check on the bread pudding)
(Ellen shoves little Apple into the heating vent when AHB had his back turned.)
Me: "Uh, pip. You might want to go into the living room and call Apple in the vent. Ellen just may have shoved her into the ceiling..."
AHB: "Jesus Christ, Ellen!" "Apple, come here honey..."
And, sure enough, that little dog crawled to her dad in the living room. Didn't stop once. And in 1 minute, or cable chord drama was over. Although AHB was not thrilled. :)
It almost made me pee my pants! I was laughing so hard! The best part was Ellen who then ran into the living room shouting "I can't believe that worked! I can't believe that worked!". We would have had a mess on our hands - had she gotten stuck! What an adventurous night. And we haven't hooked it up yet...that was enough for one evening.
Little Apple was the hero, and then she promptly got a bath. Per "dads" demand. :o)
Annnnd, if he doesn't divorce me over this...maybe we are in the clear!
mmp
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Bull and the Ram
Did you know that our wedding is in two months? Amazing, right?
We have been spending our time getting ready. Gluing invitations. Gluing our fingers. We have had a lot of help, and will welcome more help this weekend as Kel and Dan come to help put invitations in the mail. We are ready.
Now, I have been writing this post for a while. In my head. As things happen. It's a funny comparison of our relationship. And honestly, this post is for Seth and Megan Berry. :)
I wanted to explain our relationship a little bit more. Some who know AHB from work, or just as friends, have asked if he ever gets mad. Well, no. Although he does get frustrated - he never loses his cool.(But there was this really close call with our trash can the other day. Want to win AHB over - buy the trash can on our registry. Ha!) He doesn't really get mad. Not really. That is because I am going to marry Ferdinand the Bull. You don't have a context for this? (My Disney fans will know this story - but for thoes who weren't raised in a Disney house...)Please follow this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGTVRbpAuRo
Seriously, please watch this!
AHB is ferdinand the bull. I have thought this from the first few weeks we started dating. He is happy to just sit. Under his favorite cork tree (recliner), smelling the flowers (drinking diet coke), and watching the world. Slow to anger. But persistant as hell. If Ferdinand doesn't want to move, he isn't about to move.
Example: We had somewhere to go a few weeks ago. This had been planned for a few days, and we both agreed on Wednesday that we would go on Sunday. Well, Sunday rolled around - which was our first day off in over a month - and Ferdinand was really happy just sitting, smelling flowers, and watching the world. I got up and moving about 2 hours before. Getting ready. Taking a shower. Doing my hair. Announcing all the while:
"Ferdinand. Come on. We have to get going. You need to take a shower."
"Ok, Ferdinand. Too late to shower. Just put some nicer clothes on."
"Ok, I am doinbg my make up. We need to leave in 15 minutes."
"Ferdinand, we really have to go out the door. I am going to take the dogs out and come back into get you..."
With all of my begging and pleading, Ferdinand didn't move. He wanted to stay at home.
There have been similar stories for Ferdinand the bull. Seth can tell you of a time when AHB needed new tires or something for his car at 7 or 8 in the morning....and he wouldn't let up until Seth took him to get tires.
After my failed attempt to get Ferdinand out of the house I looked at him ans said, "Geeze, I am going to need to get stronger or this is going to be a battle for the rest of our lives!" and he said, "Pip, I will be able to out stubborn you any day of the week."
True.
But, you have to understand - AHB is a Taurus. I am an Aries. And though many of you may not believe in the zodiac...the sign for Taurus is the bull. Reason being? Taurus men are not for their stubborn nature. They do not easily anger, but just like ferdinand they take life in strides. Everything in their own timing. But, once they get something in their head - good luck convincing them otherwise. AHB even told me when we started dating that once he considered us as a couple, the idea just stuck.
I promise to write more about the ram and the bull later. But I need to jump in the shower or I will be late for my 8am class! :)
Can't wait for Nov. 5th.
We have been spending our time getting ready. Gluing invitations. Gluing our fingers. We have had a lot of help, and will welcome more help this weekend as Kel and Dan come to help put invitations in the mail. We are ready.
Now, I have been writing this post for a while. In my head. As things happen. It's a funny comparison of our relationship. And honestly, this post is for Seth and Megan Berry. :)
I wanted to explain our relationship a little bit more. Some who know AHB from work, or just as friends, have asked if he ever gets mad. Well, no. Although he does get frustrated - he never loses his cool.(But there was this really close call with our trash can the other day. Want to win AHB over - buy the trash can on our registry. Ha!) He doesn't really get mad. Not really. That is because I am going to marry Ferdinand the Bull. You don't have a context for this? (My Disney fans will know this story - but for thoes who weren't raised in a Disney house...)Please follow this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGTVRbpAuRo
Seriously, please watch this!
AHB is ferdinand the bull. I have thought this from the first few weeks we started dating. He is happy to just sit. Under his favorite cork tree (recliner), smelling the flowers (drinking diet coke), and watching the world. Slow to anger. But persistant as hell. If Ferdinand doesn't want to move, he isn't about to move.
Example: We had somewhere to go a few weeks ago. This had been planned for a few days, and we both agreed on Wednesday that we would go on Sunday. Well, Sunday rolled around - which was our first day off in over a month - and Ferdinand was really happy just sitting, smelling flowers, and watching the world. I got up and moving about 2 hours before. Getting ready. Taking a shower. Doing my hair. Announcing all the while:
"Ferdinand. Come on. We have to get going. You need to take a shower."
"Ok, Ferdinand. Too late to shower. Just put some nicer clothes on."
"Ok, I am doinbg my make up. We need to leave in 15 minutes."
"Ferdinand, we really have to go out the door. I am going to take the dogs out and come back into get you..."
With all of my begging and pleading, Ferdinand didn't move. He wanted to stay at home.
There have been similar stories for Ferdinand the bull. Seth can tell you of a time when AHB needed new tires or something for his car at 7 or 8 in the morning....and he wouldn't let up until Seth took him to get tires.
After my failed attempt to get Ferdinand out of the house I looked at him ans said, "Geeze, I am going to need to get stronger or this is going to be a battle for the rest of our lives!" and he said, "Pip, I will be able to out stubborn you any day of the week."
True.
But, you have to understand - AHB is a Taurus. I am an Aries. And though many of you may not believe in the zodiac...the sign for Taurus is the bull. Reason being? Taurus men are not for their stubborn nature. They do not easily anger, but just like ferdinand they take life in strides. Everything in their own timing. But, once they get something in their head - good luck convincing them otherwise. AHB even told me when we started dating that once he considered us as a couple, the idea just stuck.
I promise to write more about the ram and the bull later. But I need to jump in the shower or I will be late for my 8am class! :)
Can't wait for Nov. 5th.
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