Back to the Grind

The first thing that greeted us was a huge blast of frigid air in the Jetway in Chicago. Boy, it's COLD at 6:30 in the morning! It was as if we needed a reminder that the honeymoon was over, literally. Paradise no more. *sigh* You have no idea how I'm dreading to go to work tomorrow. Back to JCPenney planning. Yep, the lovely headache that I've been away from for three whole weeks.

Kauai was AWESOME!! We didn't have internet nor Sprint PCS service out there, so I didn't get to do my daily digest of our trip. :) Not that you really cared. But, I just gotta say, Kauai was so much more than Maui! It is what Hawaii SHOULD look like. Everything was lush and green, full of tropical energy! Oh yeah, and I survived my first propeller plane ride from Maui to Kauai. It wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. We missed our scheduled Island Air flight, so we hand to standby for the next one. Luckily, I didn't have to go to Kauai while Bryan stayed behind in Maui. ;)

I'll spare you the day-by-day details and give you some easy-to-read highlights instead. :)

• The Grand Hyatt - our hotel was simply amazing, the BEST on the island, in my opinion. We had two pool areas, one salt water lagoon, our own beach front access, and a WATERSLIDE!!! We took plenty of advantage of the waterslide.
• Breakfast Buffet - basically, we stuffed ourselves every day with the breakfast buffet at the Hyatt every morning. Endless eggs, sausages, French toasts, pastries, guava juice, fresh fruits, strawberry banana smoothes, miso soup...yes, miso soup, filled our tummies first thing in the morning, and we were happy.
• Saimin - it's a Hawaiian noodle soup dish that's kind of like a combination of Japanese and Chinese noodle soup. We especially loved "The Special" from this hole-in-the-wall place called Hamura's Saimin. It was so yummy we went there twice!!
• Local Foods - this is something I really enjoyed trying...Bryan's ok with them. My personal fave, pork and cabbage. Yummie!
• Hanalei Bay - breathtaking views of the ocean and the mountain. We went snorkeling there, which Bryan enjoyed immensely.
  

Ok, so we didn't do a lot of stuff that people normally do in Kauai, like doing the helicopter rides, hiking, surfing, etc., maybe we'll save that for next time, when Bryan has his medical insurance up and running. Well, not the helicopter ride, nope, no desire for that at all.

All in all, it was some really nice rest and relaxation! I'm really glad that we chose Hawaii versus another place that would require a less "laying around the pool." I think I'm ready for another Oasis trip, how about Hawaii??? Any takers?? :)

Well, I'm back in Chicago, and Bryan should be landing in DFW in 2 hours. Let the rest of our lives begin!!

C'mon! Cooperate!!

Day 4 was pretty uneventful. I got sunburned.

Today, we had very good intentions of doing lots of fun stuff, but somehow they just didn't work out...

We got up early to try to take the Road to Hana. There are supposedly lots of beautiful scenery to be seen. We didn't have time to go all the way to Hana, so the plan was to just go 1/2 way and come back, and then head straight to our luau. Well, that was the plan, but for whatever reason, nothing was went according to plans.

We stopped off a the first town on the Road to Hana and looked for this seafood restaurant that Bryan was DYING to try. Well, we got there but they weren't open yet for business. So we had some crepes instead. Then, we started our drive. We didn't even hit the halfway point when we turned around. Well, I made Bryan turnaround. I was getting SOOO car sick. It was horrible!! I think I would have rather died...anyway, we did get back to the first town and eat seafood.

With that out of the way, we looked forward to our luau. Bryan made our reservation with Old Lahaina Luau way in advance. Supposedly, it's the ONLY traditional luau in town. We got there with plenty of time to spare. Everything seemed to be going very well. I even finally got my leis. Yay! So, with pina coladas and mai tais in our hands, we strolled around checking out the sights. Then it started to rain, well, just a really annoying spit type of rain. No biggie. It rains everyday in Hawaii, this will surely pass. Well, it didn't. It started raining harder and more consistent; waiters even brought everyone ponchos to wear. Normally, they would cancel the entire luau, but I guess the rain started getting heavy DURING the luau, so they had to continue with it. So, our first luau experience was a very wet one. It was freezing cold with the rain and the wind, making it very hard to concentrate on what they're doing on stage. (I was also wondering how cold the half-naked performers must have been.) I think they even rushed through all the dances. Oh well. I thought the food was at least good. I would love to give this one more try, in more pleasant weather. The hula dancers were pretty awesome...the way they shake their booty was just, just cool. Everything was kept true to the most traditional Hawaiian luau. So I hear. (There were no fire dancers because that is supposedly Samoan, NOT Hawaiian.) :(

Tomorrow we head off to Kauai. Yippie!!!! I'm a little nervous about being on a single-engine propeller plane. Say a quick prayer for me. :)

P.S. Go Sox!!

Day 3

By day 3 I'm adjusted to Hawaii time, but Bryan's not, which sucks.

We finally saw some beach front also. We walked through the Grand Wailea resort to their beach. Man, living there would have been such a different experience. I cannot wait to get to Kauai...although, I'm sad that I'm mentally "rushing" my time in Maui just so we can get to a nicer place to stay.

Neverthless, that Hawaiian sunset really is amazing...

The Road Less Traveled

We got a late start of day 2 in Hawaii. I waited for Bryan to go out to fetch some shampoo, and then he brought back some sandwiches. So we got stuck watching the Food Network...for hours.

Finally left the condo at about 2pm Maui time. Drove around the island to familiarize ourselves and checked out some of the fancy hotels that we could have stayed at. Then we drove up to the west side of the island did some shopping. It's amazing how many people are trying to capitalize on us honeymooners. Then Bryan wanted to head back to the Wal-Mart (are you surprised?) by the airport to price compare on some items, but he made of HUGE mistake of driving through Kaanapali, Kapalua and then through the northern side of the island, where the road was windy and narrow like the small intestines--started out from narrow 2 lanes to a single winding nightmare. For an hour and half, I was trying to not throw up. And if I could speak, well, there may have been a string of curse words directed at my new husband, especially when we couldn't see the on-coming car about to hit us.

What a Waste of a Day

Most of day one (10/18/2005) of our honeymoon was spent on traveling. We missed our noon direct flight to Maui, so we had to re-route through LA. Actually, it was very frustrating!! We literally missed it by a hair!! We even spent $4 taking the Tollway AND George Bush, but it was almost as if everything was against us. We had someone in front of us at the toll booth chatting with the attendent. Yes, chatting. And at the airport, they ran out of paper to print out the luggage tags!!! Anyway, instead of arriving Maui at 3pm, we arrived at 8:30pm instead. I really hate flying...

Then we got our rental, went to Wal-Mart to buy some food and supplies and checked into our condo, Wailea Grand Champion, well, let's just say that it's less than ideal. Hopefully I'll get some shampoo soon.

D-Day

Finally, I'm married now!! What will I do with all this free time?

Let me try to recount my 10/15/2005...
Midnight to 1am-ish - went to the hotel where my family's staying to try to catch some zzz's
2am to 3am-ish - finally caught the zzz's
5am - Bee went to sleep after working on her speech
8:30am - woke up after much commotion in the kitchen/living room
9am - Bee & I realized we forgot to steam our dresses, and began to iron them
10:30am - went to Peter, the hairdresser, found out Vivian never got there (at 10, as planned)
11:45am - went over to Trish MacEvoy at Sak's 5th to discover that Ana, my make up artist had left for Austin, but didn't tell me.
Noon - Sarah & Donna did our make up instead, pretty good job
1pm - Viv arrived at Saks w/ mom to do their make up
1:45pm - Bee & I took off for Wyndham Anatole
2pm - Found our photographer Huy waiting for us already; we checked into suite #2270 (the most enormous and fancy suite I'll ever stay in)
2:05pm - Re-iron the dresses b/c they got wrinkled again during the travelling
2:15 to 3pm - Christine, Karen, Vivian, & Jenelle arrived at the suite to get dressed; my family came in to hang out in the living room area; ate 2 pieces of the Chick-fil-A nuggets
3:15 to 3:30pm - finally started the pictures w/ family & wedding party
4:30pm - wedding party & other family members who will walk down the aisle waited in the Verandah Club
5pm - wedding was supposed to start, but I don't think it started late. I tripped on my dress and my shoes got stuck in the grass while walking towards the altar. One of the photographers Huy brought was sitting in the tree, taking pictures of the processional - my very own paparazzi!!!
6pm-ish - ceremony concluded, more pictures, chit-chats w/ guests
6:30pm - went up to the suite to change into chi pao for the tea ceremony
6:45pm-ish - started the tea ceremony with Bry's family first, then mine. Got a bunch of red envelopes and gold jewelry
7:30pm - wedding party entered the Wedgwood ballroom
7:35pm - Jenelle, Bee & I went back up to the suite to change back into my wedding gown, so I can get my money's worth ;)
7:45 to 8:45pm - Ate dinner (baby spinach salad w/ pancetta, stuffed chicken with shrimp & pumpkin or butternut squash side), but Bry and I ate as fast as we could so we can chat with guests
8:45pm - Bee made her speech, I teared up a bit when she mentioned dad. (It was the only time I had cried.)
9pm - Norton made his speech, and he called me "cheap"
9:15pm - cut the wedding cake (didn't get to eat much of it, but the Red Velvet one was DELICIOUS!!)
9:30pm - danced till the end of time (music by Norm's, Louis', Mine & one other iPod)
1am - retired up to the beautifully decorated suite, courtesy of my pals & Cathy. Chicago peeps came up to the room too.
2am - zzzzz

For some miracle, I was not at all nervous. All the preparation and the stress from days leading up to this day had all dissipated for some reason. I even surprised myself. I just had this feeling of "whatever, anthing that goes wrong I won't be able to do anything about it anyway." It was as if my inner bridezilla/control freak had left me. Even though Bryan hadn't completed his vows until that morning.

I really had a fun day. Just really enjoyed every moment of it. The flowers and decor was BEAUTIFUL!! I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy when I saw our bouquets and the decorations in the foyer. Everything was beautiful. I had an idea of how I wanted everything to look, but when everything actually came to life, I was SO content and satisfied. The weather was really pleasant too. No mosquitoes like the night before, at the rehearsal. (Which, I later on found out it was b/c my dear friend Rey had fogged the perimeter.) When the music had started, I was so happy with my music choices, and all the singers and musicians sounded fabulous. The rose trees Sahana had done were just gorgeous! I could stop smiling while looking at them. Everything was perfect!

As I was walking down the aisle, all I could think was how awesome that all these friends and families had gathered here today, for US. To celebrate with us! To party with us! It was an amazing feeling. All the time we had spent stressing over this day, and even all the money we had poured into this day was ALL worth it. Sure, my feet hurt like no body's business b/c my shoes weren't very comfortable. Sure, the bottom of my dress was filthy from walking in the grass. Sure, I had no lipstick on half way through the evening. Sure, Bry & I didn't get to have any Kir Royales or Lobster in Puff Pastry. Sure, Norm had called my programs "bulletin." Somehow, they just didn't matter.

Prime objective achieved.

My eternal gratitude goes to my friends & family who've helped with every little details leading up to the day, and during the day. Our wedding could not have been possible with out you. Also, to the ladies who made my vision into reality, you are AMAZING!!! Words cannot express my appreciation and love for you! To our Oasis family, thank you for your encouragement and your countless hours at the sweatshop. To my Chicago family, thank you for "picking up the slack" to make everything run smoothly for me. We owe you a brisket.

Well, we're Maui. Aloha!! Pix to come!!

Friday Before the Wedding

Very irritable today.
Hated my manicure.
Two of my uncles, aunt & cousins waited outside Maxim's for two hours for their ride.

This is my last night to be single. Wow!

Thursday Before the Wedding

Picked up all kinds of family + Louis. Thus delayed the Sweat Shop session 2. Hopefully everything will be done tonight.

Still to do tomorrow:
Purchase Essie nail polish before 10:30am (Vital! Life and death!)
Pick out vows
Make sure Bryan writes his vows
Try to not neglect family
Fix the heels on the BRAND new wedding shoes that I just broke, that haven't even been worn yet

Wedding outlook: still 89 degrees (low humidity, I promise!) and sunny

Wednesday Before the Wedding

Really, it's Thursday now, but I shall recount the events of Wednesday... Work called non-stop with questions. I feel responsible, because they had questions what I had done the week prior. I have no idea if they're wrong or not. Every time they call, I feel like I must spend time with them on the phone going over everything. Meanwhile, wedding things didn't get done. The day was wasted trying to answer questions from work, getting programs formatted, getting the tables set up and answering final questions from Anatole. Sweat Shop was in session, and we accomplished these things: All of the programs
Most of favors - cover printed, cut, and inserted, tags printed, cut, and mostly tied
Tables assigned

Still left to do:
Bring pictures to Cake Lady
Meet w/ Cathy to complete day of itinerary
Finish favors
Mani/Pedi appointments
Rent cars for family
Pick up family from the airport
Find a place to sleep
Print menu cards
Print song list
Buy nail polish
Scan contract and send back to Wyndham
Affix labels
Monogramming

I'm think there are many, many more, but I cannot even think of them...

Tuesday - successfully obtained marriage license without my passport or Social Security card! Score!

Wedding weather outlook: 89 degrees (yikes!) and sunny (yay!!)

Monday Before the Wedding

Arrived in Dallas yesterday afternoon. Exhausted. Bryan thought I was to land at Love Field, and he waited for me there, which I have no idea why since Southwest doesn't fly direct from Chicago to Dallas. Anyway, he finally came to DFW. Me, my overweight luggage and my wedding dress finally got home.

Today, the weather outlook for Saturday is still 20% chance of precipitation, 86 degrees. Eeeks.

Still have a lot to do. Feeling like I'm getting sick...my body is starting to get that "pre-flu" ache. Please pray for me. Also we have to go meet with Pastor Jireh for our premarital counseling...pray for strength and be blessed by it.

Need to still tweak the seating chart.
Need to finsih program content and print.
Need to finish the wedding favors.
Need to make mani/pedi appointments.
Need to monogram.
Etc. Etc.

Last Weekend to be Single

Feels very weird. This time next week, at this exact time actually, I'll be walking down the aisle, wearing the most expensive dress that I'll ever purchase, saying my "I do's." Gosh, I cannot believe I'm getting MARRIED next week. Does this mean I'll have to step into responsible adulthood? Am I still going to be "fun?"

Haha. "Two is better than one" right?

Also, I'm little worried about the weather outlook, it went from 0% chance precipitation to 20% chance of precipitation for next Saturday. Not good...

Anyway, how about on to a more exciting topic? Inspired by Mai's Xanga post, here's a preview of my wedding shoes. (Probably the BEST part of wedding planning/shopping.)

One of these two will make it down the aisle with me:







And then this one for the Chinese dress:





Aren't they great??

Wedding Outlook

Feeling a bit better about the wedding as I see "some" of the stuff falling into place. Still, by no means am I relaxed. However, work is getting even more crazy as I count down the days till I leave for my wedding/honeymoon vacation. I'm going to be taking off THREE weeks. That is unheard of!! I feel a lot of guilt, because my team will be down to 1 as my other boss is out on maternity leave...and we're in planning...

According to the e-x-t-e-n-d-e-d weather forecast , Dallas is supposed to be sunny and 86 degrees on October 15th, 2005, with 0% precipitation. Yay!

"Carpet-gate" at the Anatole is solved for now. We will use the old carpet, and guest parking will be comped.

This is weekend will be my last weekend in Chicago as an un-married woman. Oh yeah, and lots of sporty-type stuff going on: Chicago Marathon, White Sox at Boston on Friday to win the serie, and of course, most importantly, it's Texas/OU weekend, a.k.a. Red River Shootout!!! Go Longhorns!! Beat OU!!

This All Better Be Worth It

I cannot believe in less than two weeks, eleven days to be exact, my life as I know it will no longer be the same.  WOW!  That just really hit me.

Things are just a bit nutty right now.  My procrastination has caught up with me, and I've got a billion things left to do for the wedding.  During the day, I'm busy with JCPenney 2006 planning so I have no time to think about the wedding.  However, I'm constantly worried about both things that I'm doing neither one of them well.  In the advertising world, "planning season" is literally THE busiest time of the year.  (I think only Tanya & maybe Alice can truly understand what I'm going through at work.)  Today was an ok day.  Last week I felt like I was suffocating.

The biggest cause my wedding stress is the fact that I'm here in Chicago, and the wedding is taking place in Dallas.  I'm not there to "visualize" things.  Even if I delegate things to people, it's really hard to describe to them my ideas and vision.  Also, what was I thinking having the ceremony outdoors????  It's causing me twice the amount of headache.  Things that are normally "provided for" in a church I have to find on my own and make it work in an outdoor setting.  For instance, we have to rent every single piece of sound equipment needed (I have no idea what is needed), and we need to find someone to administer the sound equipment...

On the flipside, it's been really sweet learning that I am truly blessed by some GREAT friends.  I REALLY TRULY LOVE THEM.  They have been tirelessly helping me, putting up with my procrastinating ways and praying for my sanity.  It's like a little oasis (no pun intended) in my desolation.  It brings me comfort knowing that they're taking care of things.  I love them...but I feel a lot of guilt because all of their lives are busy as well.  They've got much more important things than to run my little wedding errands for me. 

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Wyndham Anatole just called, the new carpet for the Wedgwood room is not going to be delivered until the day before the wedding because it got held up in customs.  Ok.  I'm really upset with them.  The wedding coordinator there has been really difficult to work with...complete with a bi-polar personality.  When I booked the room, she PROMISED that the renovation will all be done by 10/15.  Why is she now calling me to tell me the carpet is not here???  What if I don't want to move the wedding to the Coronado Ballroom because the foyer area sucks??  ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This is really pissing me off!!

I'm so tired.  So stressed.  I haven't slept.  My family don't have hotels or cars booked.  I can't get to the pictures to give to Kelvin for the slideshow.  I have no wedding programs.  I have no shoes for the chi pao.  I have no music to walk down the aisle to.  I have so much work (at work) to do. I feel like crying...