Weekend Update

Busy times.  I had a big long check list of wedding to-dos for this weekend, but after returning home from our cupcake tasting (lavish, I know) and dress fitting, we saw that our wedding invitations had been delivered which means that any previously made plans were thrown out the window.  

I opted for "self assembly" to save a few bucks and oh man do you really pay for it in wasted time.  I spent the entire weekend bent over my coffee table making thousands of trims, cuts, and re-cuts.  They will look good but I easily spent 16 hours on these stupid things and will never do "self assembly" ever again.  They are almost done and hopefully will appease the handful of people that keep asking us "so what is going on?  what are the plans? what are the details? why haven't we gotten an invitation yet? what should I wear?  can I bring my girlfriend?"  Give me a break!  It's still 2.5 months away!

On another note, we successfully met our goal of not eating out during the week.  We survived on the normal salads and sandwiches for most of the week, Dave made a quiche on Thurs. night, we splurged on Dion's for Saturday night, and last night we made fish tacos which were del-i-cious.

Calabacitas, Lime & Chile shrimp, Dos Equis and Tacos (soy ginger marinated cod from Trader Joe's, garden tomatoes, store avocados, red onions, homemade yogurt / lemon juice / garlic salt / garden dill and parsley sauce)

We have three tomato plants this year.  I bought two of them from the Co-op's Earth Day celebration, and the other one from Home Depot.  The Home Depot plant isn't even close to producing ripe fruits, yet we've been yielding about 5 tomatoes a week from the other two locally grown plants for about three weeks.  Goes to show that local is better and that the Home Depot plant is a genetic mutant. (The orangey tomatoes are called "Golden Sisters" or something and have the most amazing flavor!)

Saturday afternoon, after the cupcake coma wore off, David made his specialty, the egg mcmuffin

Oh, and aside from cupcake tasting, dress fitting, and invitation making, on Saturday morning I also crawled through some old buildings on my dad's new "family farm" (more on that later) and found some awesome looking rustic wood to make wedding-ish signs, some old mason jars with a natural pearly patina from being outside for 50 years, and an old wooden Scottish whiskey crate from a NM liquor distributor from the 1950s.  All very cool.  They will all find their way into my list of wedding projects.  Here's a teaser from my most recently completed DIY wedding project:

corn hole board:  prep work before painting chevron stripes

such a good week

man oh man.  Last week I worked 9-6 so I could give a training and it was the best thing ever.  Yes, I love my evening schedule but changing it up every once and a while really adds some spring in my step.  The time at work just flew by and then as soon as I knew it I was at home again, walking the dogs, cooking dinner with dave and finishing up more wedding projects.  Granted, work was super slow this week and I was exhausted every morning and every night and I wouldn't have been able to deal had I really been required to do actual work.  Plus I was dead asleep by 10pm every night... Bla.

Anyways, Dave and I really got to play house with normal bankers hours and it was very domestically romantic.  On the 4th of July I worked on a wedding project most of the day and then we BBQed with friends and parked at the UNM soccer stadium to watch fireworks.  It was so perfect.  The air was cool and we were sitting on the tailgate with the dogs and our friends.  The dogs were very well behaved and baby Alannah (the newest member of our clan of friends) slept through the entire show.  So nice.

Thursday night I decided we were going to grill pizzas for the first time and it was sooooo cool.  Did you know that you can buy dough from Dion's?  It's $3 for enough dough to make an 18" pizza!  We made two smaller pizzas and Dave manned the grill as I layered on the toppings.  It was raining outside and the dogs were muddy and the pizza was delicious.  Loved it.  Then we drank some wine and watched "Paul" which is from the same guys who did "Sean of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz."  It was pretty darn funny, and again, I was fast asleep by 10pm.

Next week I'm back to my old schedule but I feel like I'm just coming off a week long vacation and I'm ready to handle everything head on. 

Here's a little recap of the pizza deliciousness:

Oh!  and I forgot to mention that later that night we also grilled some fruit and used it top some coconut gelato.  So fancy.  All you do make a little tin foil packet and add few plums cut in half, black berries, 4 tablespoons of melted butter and two teaspoons of sugar and then put on a hot grill for 20 mins.  It was one of those things I would probably find a way to mess up somehow, but since this was my week of re-invigoration, it came out perfect.  Pour it on top of some ice cream and enjoy.

(both dinner and dessert were loosely inspired by Food Network recipes)

wow, it's been so long!  The past few months it seemed really hard to gather any related thoughts and make room in my wedding planning mornings to sit and blog, but lately there's just been so much going on and so much running through my brain that I've been itching to sit and get it off my chest and out of my head.

The SIX SHORT MONTHS since I went to India have flown by.  Since November: David proposed to me and we started planning our wedding, I flew to Dallas for a lovely bridal weekend for my lady friend Emily and then two weeks later drove to Oklahoma City to attend her father's funeral, and then two weeks later flew to Dallas for her beautiful wedding, and also celebrated David's 29th birthday, and our 7th anniversary, David threw a diaper party for his friend Adam, and a month later I threw a baby shower for my friend Amity, and one week later the baby was born and then I flew off to Denver with my lady friend Violet to see the YSL exhibit at the Denver Art Museum and THE BLACK KEYS IN CONCERT!  I have flown every month for the past seven months and am ready to hunker down for the summer and check things off my to-do list. 

I've also been busy processing all kinds of feelings the past six months that range from excitement at getting engaged, to deep sadness from missing my sister and nephew, frustration from planning a wedding, and joy at seeing my girlfriends get married and have a baby, anger and stress from work, and worry about the uncertainty of our future.  Lately I feel like I'm bogged down by the stress and frustration and it's starting to affect my health.  In Denver, eventhough I was having so much fun, I had chest pain the entire time and then started really worrying when I had a painful bump behind my ear that was probably just a knot from not being able to sleep from the chest pain.  I was having heart palpitations throughout the trip and trying on wedding dresses made them even worse.  Now that I'm home I find that my fuse is especially short and eventhough the chest pain is gone, now my right shoulder is all messed up and I think it's directly related to sitting at my desk and not taking a lunch break and working overtime the past three weeks.  I find joy in seeing my dogs play and chase moths, I find joy in planting a salsa garden with David, I find joy in drinking wine with my mom on Mother's Day and showing her where I will get married, I find joy in holding and smelling two week old baby Alannah and buying her little teeny tiny clothes, I find joy in going to a morning movie with David and sneaking in our breakfast burritos, I find joy in the innocence of our new hires at work and all of their millions of questions and remind myself of how it felt at PRN the first few months, I find joy in watching David ride his new bike and play soccer again, I find joy in the afternoon rain storms, I find joy in cake tasting with David, and I find joy in planting new succulents!  I try to hold on to these thoughts and not let the stress get the best of me, but it does.

I'm hoping that in the coming weeks things will calm down a bit at work and Dave and I might escape to Northern NM for a fly fishing trip.  Then I look forward to a DIY / crafting summer at the Palmchalski house in preparation for the wedding in September!

Now, some dog pictures:

 

 

 

 

I tend to pay close attention to the patterns in life, as if the universe is trying to reach out and say that the coincidences around me are actually things I should be paying attention to and really thinking about.  Sadly, the coincidences of late are about death and dying.  Starting with weekend before last when I visited the cemetery with my Dad to visit his recently passed Godmother's grave.  Oddly enough I really enjoy trips to the cemetery because I look at all the tons and tons of different names and birth dates and death dates and wonder about the lives all these people had.  This particular cemetery is pretty old and the family plot was purchased back in the 1950s, so the people laid to rest in the surrounding plots all died in the 1940-60s.  The cemetery probably hasn't changed much since then, but can you imagine how different Albuquerque was?  Going to this Cemetery is interesting to me, but I have been avoiding the cemetery across the street because one of my friends is buried there and it is completely different when you knew someone very personally and they aren't a random name.  I've been really meaning to go over and visit, but it's easier said than done.

This last weekend, the father of one of my close friends from high school died of a sudden heart attack while he was visiting her in OKC.  Her wedding is in three weeks.  It's so heart breaking I can't believe it.  I just keep thinking about him and how young he was and it just can't be true.  When it's someone you know, it really hits home and makes me worry about my own parents passing away and how life isn't at all as permanent as I've always thought it was.  It's hard to imagine that your own body can turn on you like that, in a moments notice.  Anything can happen at any time.  It also gets me thinking about Dave and how we are getting married and naturally we think about our first house and kids, but never really think that one day, one of us will be a widow.  I know it's morbid to think about, but it's so true and really really really makes me appreciate every moment with the people I love.  I usually take it for granted that my parents will be at my wedding and will meet their grand kids, but you really just never know.  Before I was secretly hoping that David's Dad wouldn't bother coming to our wedding (he has a pessimistic disposition), but now I'm ashamed for thinking that. 

I've been a ball of tears the past few days and really can't imagine the devastation that my friend and her family are feeling.  I feel so torn up that I can't do anything to help or to ease the sadness for them.  I might try to venture out to OK for the funeral later this week just because I feel like I need to do something other than sit around while she is going through this terrible time, time that should have been for wedding day jitters.

And to top it off, when I left work last night, I hit a bunny rabbit with my car.  I felt that like was definitely a sign.  In four years of driving that road at night, no bunnies have ever propelled themselves into my car.  Is the universe saying that death is natural? or that I should slow down?  It's probably way to soon to take a lesson from the present situation, for now I really just need to be with my friend.

In honor of Valentine's Day....

THINGS I LOVE <3 <3 <3:

1.  Skype.   It's an amazing invention and one of the last things in this world that is still FREE.  Every few weeks I come home late from work and get to see this guy on my computer screen:

2.  Coffee.  I'm not the same person without it.

3.  Warm weather.  It's so refreshing and reviving when the temperature spikes above 55.

4.  My dad.  He's been through a lot in the past few months (a close family member died while I was in India) and is getting a new start this year and hopes to start some sort of teaching / alternative energy / organic farm in the north valley.  On Sunday he sent me this text:  

HiYa. Didja wanna have your Valentines Day luncheon con su Sweetie nxt Tu? It wouldn't break my heart.  I have appointments in the a.m. and a meeting at zoning in p.m.  BUT I WILL ALWAYS Love You in maximum proportions and sincerity.  BTW, YOU ARE MY SOLE VALENTINE this year so let's go eat lunch somewhere nice to celebrate!  Love, Jim DaD

5.  Turquoise nail polish.  It's my new fave.  I could stare at it for hours. 

of course my nails don't look this nice tho

6.  Pinterest.  I can't tell you how manageable the internet is when you only have to browse through pictures on Pinterest.  It's not for everyone, and that's fine, but I could scroll and scroll for days on that site.  Also for my diy wedding budget, it is a total life / time saver.

7.  Cake batter frozen yogurt from Olo.  mmmmmmmm with snickers, waffle cone pieces, brownie chunks, chocolate sauce, cookie dough and almonds.

8.  Second to Pinterest, my new favorite website to peruse:  http://www.thisiscolossal.com.  It has some of the most amazing art I've ever seen and it goes on and on.  uh-mazing.  in-spiring.  I especially like this artist (make sure to check out the video at the bottom of the page...mind blowing).

9.  In honor of VD, check out these Breaking Bad Valentine's Day cards.

And if you're a Breaking Bad fan, also watch this funny 8bit video game rendition.


10.  That nice man Dave.  I just walked into the bedroom and saw flowers and a card on the dresser.  Don't know how he got that one by me while I've been sitting ten feet away in the dining room.  <3

Resolutions: better late than never

During the year I go through patterns of health and awareness, ignorance, sluggishness and guilt, and then frustration and depression.  In an effort to keep things positive more than not, I need to REALLY REALLY take control and be productive and do things that are good for my mind and body.  When I consciously think about what I'm going to accomplish, eat, and how I will exercise at the beginning of everyday, I can really feel the payoff in my mood and energy level.  I find myself wasting a lot of time and money on things that aren't beneficial to me in the long run, and it's all about to stop.

Unlike most people who have had their crash and burn after the holidays, I'm just now pulling out of it and am ready to commit to some New Year's Resolutions:

1.  NO PROCESSED FOODS.  This morning I saw this video that really hit the point home.  Our bodies are made to digest natural fresh ingredients and the more processed food I eat, the more I crave it, and I'm filling up on food that isn't meeting my nutritional needs and makes me tired and heavy.  Every time I sneak through the drive thru I think, oh just one time, even though I know what kind of crazy things are in fast food (ammonia.  formaldehyde. petroleum based preservatives.  hormones.  all masked in cheese and salt).  No more.  I will make healthy menu choices, I will cook fresh meals and take my lunch more often, and when I can't I will go to the nearby grocery store instead of eating fast food. 

2.  LESS DRINKING.  Now that all the holidays, xmas parties, bachelorette parties, and super bowl are out of the way, this resolution should be easier.  I have had a few 'uh duh' moments the past month telling me that drinking is a waste of money, it makes me gain weight, I get anxiety afterwards, and the next morning I waste my free time by sleeping in.  For the most part we drink a lot of wine.  A LOT.  I'm pretty sure in December David and I shared a bottle of wine 5 or 6 nights a week.  Yeah...that's $60 a week in wine.  $240 a month.  And that doesn't include going out on the weekends, or buying a six pack to watch football.  That's precious money that I work hard for and should be spending on something that makes me happy for longer than a few hours. 

3.  WORK.  No matter what, I have to work...somewhere.  I'm not sure about the timeline on this goal, but I really really really need to find a job that is better for my mental, physical and emotional health.  I was ready to start the official countdown at PRN, but now I'm getting really overwhelmed with thinking about the cost of the things I really want in the near future:  wedding and Oregon.  I feel trapped that in order to pay for the things that I want, that I have to be miserable 8hrs a day, but those things are really worth it to me.  I'm trying not to be very black and white about this situation and know there are other options out there that will get me to the same ending point, I just have to go out and look for them.  A new job requisite:  normal work hours.  I used to think having the mornings alone was the bomb, but I'm ready to hang up my night shift gloves and spend more time doing normal couple things with my man.  In the meantime I will put on a happy face and just take the work challenges day by day and make good use of my morning hours. 

4.  RELATIONSHIP.  Love that guy Dave.  He's pretty great.  I went to a bachelorette party last weekend and hearing all the other ladies talk about their husbands made me feel sooooo lucky and grateful.  Of course I already am, but man, I'm so thankful that he is not a lazy dirty slob and also thankful that he almost never tells me no.  He lets me do whatever I want, and he does whatever I ask.  He deserves my best moods and greatest patience.

As I think more about wedding and marriage, I realize that I really would like to spend more time with him.  Seems so elementary huh?  Working opposite schedules and then filling the weekends with errands, trips, family and friends, we don't get a whole lot of alone time.  When I see him at the end of the day I never want to talk about big heavy things because it's late, we only have a few hours before bed, and I want to be happy and make the most of our short time together, but then I feel like I never get anything off my chest and I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.  Every day this week I have been getting up with him in the mornings and eating breakfast while he gets ready for work.  Of course we don't have deep conversations this early, but it is really nice just to have more face time and it gives the day a sweet feeling.  I can tell he likes it.  Plus it gets me up and around and keeps me from sleeping the day away. 

5.  EXERCISMO.   As it gets warmer this goal gets easier and easier.  I love being outside and the dogs are so happy when they get to go to the park in the morning.  Even if I'm just walking for 30 mins a day I feel so zingy and energized.  I have my p90x videos (that paralyze me), I have my lunch breaks to walk the bike path, and I am also going to start the couch to 5k running program just to get the old pumper started.  Yes, I hate running and often feel like my body is attacking itself when I jog (my teeth and eyeballs and ears always hurt), but I've seen some pretty strong lady friends tackle the marathon monster this past year and what better inspiration?  Also, I'm going to try and find a good yoga class a few mornings a week.  The few I've gone to I didn't like the teacher, but I'd really like to start the day off with a good class.

6.  PRODUCTIVITY.  Life is good, the weather is good, I have everything I need, I need to make the most of it and stop wasting time on the computer and watching trashy tv.  In the morning I have the tv on in the background and find myself watching really crappy shows that I would never admit to watching.  Reality tv is so fake and stupid and sometimes I'll watch an episode I've already seen two or three times....why?  I have no idea.  We pay for cable so that I can waste my time watching reality tv daytime marathons.  blurg.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Top Chef, Breaking Bad, How It's Made, Mad Men, Walking Dead, weekend movies, Bethany Ever After, the History Channel, old black and white movies, HGTV, American Pickers, etc. but I don't NEED them all the time.  The cable is ending after this month and we're turning it off.  We still have Instant Netflix, we "download" some HBO and Showtime shows, and I'll get on Hulu for the shows I really like, but no more daytime junk.  And you know what I've been missing lately?  back in the day when I didn't have cable and I would always go straight to PBS to see what was on.  I never do that anymore with cable.

7.  WEDDING BELLS.  Gotta be positive about it. yep.  At first I didn't want to talk about it, I didn't want to deal with it, and I wanted to put it off for as long as possible so I don't have to feel the eyes on the back of my head at the altar.  Luckily Pinterest has eased me into wedding planning and although we still don't have any plans, I know what it will look like and what the vibe will be.  It's a once in a lifetime event where our loved ones come to party, hug, smile and give their best wishes.  I may change my mind again, but I'm ready to get this thing started.  Ready to get married this year so that we can stop putting off the big things like moving and babies.  If we wait to get married next year, then I can't start on babies and moving until the NEXT year.  Dear god I'm tired of running in place and if it means getting married this year to jump start the changes, then bring it on.  There's kinda've a lot going on with a lot of friends getting married and having babies this year, but I feel like I'll have the summer to do a lot of the projects I want to do and also if I have to stay at my job a bit longer to help cover the costs and vacation time, then at least it's just this year that I have to endure, and not next year as well.  Also, although we are definitely getting married on a budget, I don't want to dwell on the dollar signs.  It's hard not to get caught up on the cost of everything (how can people get away with charging SO much for wedding/reception services?!), but I will do my best and will do all the research to get the most for our money.  It's just one day, I don't want it to blow out our bank accounts, but I do want it to be memorable.  AND THEN WE'RE MARRIED!


Ok 2012, if the world ends this year, at least I will be at my best.

NYC in pictures, pt. 2

For some, museums are the most boring place on earth, but I LOVE THEM.  When we went to NYC, D and I had a list of the top 5 things we absolutely wanted to do, and #1 was going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  It's sooooo big you really have to prioritize what continents / time periods you want to visit and even then, it's just room after room of exhibits and I'd go off course every two minutes.  It's just SO hard to believe that thousands and thousands of years ago, someone carved these amazing statues, painted portraits, and wore the jewelry that is now protected by glass.  It's also hard to believe that so many B.C. civilizations were so inventive, organized, and artistic.  We went through ancient Greece and Egypt, to 19th century Europe, to Colonial America, to armor and weapons, and ancient Persia, etc.  It's all fascinating.

Museum of Natural History

the Met

Isn't it all inspiring? I can't wait to go back.