You've Got The Love

This year has surely been one of the most exciting!  With weddings, and baby showers... love is in the air!  Must be in the water, or the beer... not sure which one ;)  Anyhow, it has been almost three months since our wedding, and I am still buzzed off the positive energy.  I have never felt so loved in my life.  Never felt so in love with one person, and loved by so many others.  Literally just thinking about it makes me BURST with love for everyone in my life.

Our wedding day was perfection and I am so glad that so many people could be with us to celebrate.  When we first embarked on planning the wedding (which was no easy task- many props to all my fellow DIY Brides out there!) we weren't sure where to have it.  Being that we now live in Texas and the high convenience factor we said- Yee-haw! let's have it here! With that decision we realized many of our friends and family back home in NY, and on the east coast might not be able to make the trip.  The airlines think it is hysterical to charge you an arm AND a leg (the nerve) for fare these days.  But seriously, it was amazing how many of our peeps made the trip.  A big THANK YOU!

The weekend was a whirlwind, but we managed to capture some truly fantastic moments from the big day!  Enjoy!

The moment that changed my life forever <3

 The Best Friends a girl could ever ask for and be blessed with :)

My Dad

One last thing... I never expected it to feel different.  But it does.  Sam and I started dating in February 2008,  lived together since November 2008, engaged since September 2009, and we technically got hitched by the JP on November 1, 2010.  But May 28th, 2011 changed everything.  Maybe it is making that promise in front of so many people, and sharing the love that has been inside you with others, but whatever it is.... it makes you feel like you are renewed.  Starting something fresh...Till Death Do Us Part. <3

Marital Bliss

Priorities. My schedule, work and planning our wedding won the battle of my time and I was unable to keep my promise of new blog posts on a more regular basis.  Half way through the year... I still have time to make good on it.  So here I go.

Planning a wedding is no joke and took almost everything out of me on a weekly basis.  Trying to keep yourself centered (and sane) is no easy task when your mind is planning every minute of every day/week before it has even arrived.  Luckily it is over.  I shouldn't say that because it was certainly a learning experience.  You learn how to communicate with people and make everything come together.  Not to say there weren't a few hiccups in our beautiful day... overall it all turned out just the way I pictured. 

Before I talk about my wedding day, I want to talk a little about love, and a little about weddings in general.  This year is extremely special and full of love as many of my friends and family are entering in to wedded matrimony.  The first wedding of the year was for my beloved Best Friend, Nirmala Kandhai and her man Raj Bhimsen.  I was a bridesmaid and the experience was incredible. 

When looking at love and marriage and how they are expressed in different cultures they can contrast each other infinitely, but when you witness these traditions first hand you realize the underlying principals aren't so different at all.  I don't know much about the Hindu culture, or religion, but after being a part of an event such as a wedding it is clear that it is more than just two people promising to love and honor forever (though that is a big part of it too).  It is about family, and uniting two families and bonding them as if they were always one.  I have been to many Christian weddings, but the focus on family in the Hindu celebrations was so much more prevalent.  I realized this not only from the traditional ceremonies that took place, but from how I as a stranger was greeted and shown love by everyone I met.  

As one of the only non-Hindu guests and people in the wedding party it was eye opening and life-changing.  I was welcomed by everyone and was even blessed to be able to stay in the home of my friends Brother and his beautiful family.  I was able to walk my friend down the aisle to meet her groom and support her in that special moment.  After 4 straight days of celebration it was a beautiful example of what love is and should be- not just for Bride and Groom, Man and Wife, but for Families all over the world. 

Another fascinating part of the wedding and celebrations throughout, was the symbolism of certain idols, colors, and traditions and how they came together to represent forthcoming prosperity for the Bride and Groom.  It was truly heart-warming to see how deep and meaningful every detail really was.  

Here are some photos from the wedding celebrations of Mr. & Mrs. Bhimsen!

Nirmala (Amrita) at her Mehndi Night

 The Digging of the Dirt Ceremony

Night of Prayers 

It is customary for the young girls to cleanse the bride and rid her of impurities before the wedding.  She sleeps with the yellow dye on her skin and is bathed by her mother and sisters in the morning.

Me with the Kandhai kids!

Me and Jenae!

The Bride in Yellow- a symbolic color of purity and a non-married woman. 

Hindu Ceremony- exchange of rings

The NEW Mr. & Mrs. Bhimsen!

The Bride changes to Red to symbolize she is a married woman. 

Party time!

It was at this moment, dressing my friend and looking at her, that I was overwhelmed with emotions. It is such a blessing to share this with someone. 

Happily Ever After.

Wedding Woes

I've been trying to think of fun topics to write about so that I don't bore you.  But then I stopped doing that and thought.... inspiration will come to you.  And it did. 

Since moving into our new digs I am out of "House-Mode" and back into "Wedding-Planning Mode".  It seems like it has just been one hassle after the next!  First its fun, then it stressful, then its pure misery with a cherry on top.  I covered my bases pretty good at first- reserved the church, reserved the reception site, got an amazing shutterbug with a great price tag (http://www.myhappylens.com/--- Shout Out to Jenna Blanchard because you ROCK!), and started the process of taking Pre-Cana classes (My hubby-to-be is Catholic, I am a Methodist aka Sinner At Heart).  Save-the-Dates went out right on time and for a while there wasn't much to do.  We are so blessed to be having our reception at Ouisie's Table (pronounced WEE-SIE's).  Its literally a one stop shop.  They have an in-house florist and pastry chef who can make whatever tasty cake treat you desire. 

WELLLLL  these last couple weeks I have been back on the bride-to-be train (yes, it exists, possibly only in my head- WEEEE! Trains are fun!!).  We had our tasting at Ouisie's and this has to be the best part!  We have chosen 4 spectacular dishes for our guests to choose from.  No, I won't tell you what they are- its a surprise!!!

I guess it was at this moment that everything started piling up.  I still had a HUGE list of things I needed to do in  a short amount of time.  MOST IMPORTANTLY- Invitations.  I am the definition of the DIY Bride, and from the beginning planned on making my own.  How hard could it be right?  WRONG.  I had joined this fab website called "One Heart Weddings"  they offer a great selection of invitation templates which you can customize, download, and print.  Seemed easy.  Well upon going to several stores in search of a good selection of card stock to print on, the strongest emotion I was feeling was EF-this.  So I hopped on Vista Print and actually found a design I liked MORE.  I had picked my original design a LONG time ago, and to be honest, I was sick of it.  Down right sick! Of. IT.  The only downer?  This new design and full printing would cost me nearly $400 bones!  Whatever.  Order, click submit done.

Gotta say Vista Print was right on top of their game, and my beautiful invites arrived ready for me to assemble (AWESOME- just how I wanted to spend 2 of my week nights!)  I got the job done, and they were all stamped and ready to go.  When I mail large quantities of things like Christmas Cards, or invitations I like to hand them directly to someone at the post office counter.  Something about sending them down the shoot in that big blue box doesn't sit well with me.  So I brought my finished invites to the front and told the lady to go ahead and send them on their way- all my friends and family are waiting!  Her reply: "Did you weigh these?"  Well no... I didn't.  She plops one on the scale.... "1.1".... uuuhhhh want to elaborate on that one lady, not pickin' up what you're layin' down here.  Turns out the limit for 44 cent stamps is 1 ounce... who knows this? Not me! - Now I do.... so what do I do?  "Well, you gotta add more postage" she says.  "We have a 17 cent stamp you can add- that'll do it."  OK great- I'll take 100.  Then I see them.... my stomach turns.... what is the illustration on the 17 cent stamps that I have to add to my Wedding invitation envelopes?  A SHEEP!  A BIG BLUE HORNED SHEEP!

LIKE THIS!!!

HORRIBLE--- So Now I have the nice wedding ring stamp with this atrocity next to it.  Great- just flipping dandy!  Needless to say the water works started before I even reached the parking lot.  I left there and had a 26 year -old tantrum in the car to let out my anger. Deep breath. Deeeeeeeep breath. 

After calming down, I shared my horror with my two co-workers, and their laughter only made me laugh too.  This was not the end of the world!  The envelope is an envelope... people rip it open, throw it away and never look at it again.  Though I am fairly certain some people will notice, and mock the blue horned sheep... frankly I can't bother worrying anymore.  I was hoping it would become funny and it has.  THANK GOODNESS!

Resolutions: Time to Lay 'em Out There!

I love to cook- no secret there. My grandmother was an amazing baker, and my Mother has always been creative and edgy in her cooking style. This is probably where I get it from- my yearning to experiment and make gourmet dinners at home. Accompanied by a bottle of $5 wine, a great home cooked meal can turn an upside-down day right-side up.

One thing I have learned though is planning is essential! You can't easily make all these delicious meals and recipes you find without the proper ingredients. So throughout the week I think about what I want to eat NEXT week. I grocery shop accordingly and viola! No xanax (did you know that word is a palindrome? huh me neither! so cool! I'm a nerd ok keep reading) needed because we don't have fresh rosemary because you NEED fresh rosemary for the potatoes, and Ah! dang now the whole damn dinner is ruined! Insert: crying, breakdown, hysterics--horrible, horrible, horrible! --> So planning really does help.

I have knocked the number of meals I cook (from scratch) down to about four per week. So four nights I cook, and the other three- well Sammy there is tuna in the pantry, and a frozen pizza- you know where the stove is. It's sink or swim and sometimes I just don't have it in me. I need to relax too damn it. As much as my pursuit to be Wonder Woman has not expired (and never will) even the boss lady needs a coffee break! Or a day off...Right? RIGHT!

So I have a new attitude about this year. The past 365 days of 2010 did not make my life hell without some valuable lessons learned; that I am actively putting into play for this year. I know, I know New Year's was almost a month ago. Hey, in my opinion it is never too late. Plus, I have been doing these things since Jan 1, this is just the first time I am writing them down together :)

So here are my resolutions:

1) Don't stress over minor issues.

2) (Continue to) Plan Ahead, and repeat #1 (DON'T STRESS)- take each day as it is, and know that tomorrow is brand new. Good for reinventing yourself, or giving something that you didn't succeed at the first time a second try. As long as I try my best, and plan accordingly things will be A-OK.

3) Be more outgoing. I have been so introverted this past year I have almost forgotten who I am . While I have made some great friends here in Houston so far, I still feel so disconnected from this city and people. I have been so focused on accomplishing the tasks at hand that I have become.... quiet. My mind is working, but my mouth has come to a skreetching halt. Yes friends I know- SHOCKING! Me of all people am not a quiet person. But in retrospect at times while I was in a room with more than, well me and Sam, I sometimes would just listen. Absorb. I guess the world was spinning so fast I haven't had the energy to participate. Well that sure as heck is going to change.

4) Be Healthy & Happy. What would a New Year's Resolution list be without something to do with losing weight or being healthy? Not a list at all darn it. So yes, every year millions of people vow to lose massive poundage and eat only carrots and water. I am not one of those millions. I believe that health is a state of being and way of life. You are either healthy or you aren't and it isn't only measured by your pant size. One of my coping methods of not having my mom and sister, family, or friends here with me in Houston is that I totally threw caution to the wind and started eating everything in sight. Houston has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the world!! So what does that mean?? To take respite I have hundreds of THOUSANDS of eateries, cafes, bistros, wine bars, and taquerias to indulge in. Not to mention the completely dangerous Crave, gourmet cupcakery. So I inevitably put on a couple pounds and though it isn't the end of the world, and my clothes still fit (mostly), I wasn't feeling my best. In effort to reduce the amount of whispers saying "Jeez, Kim has gained a little since she left last year" I started getting back on track BEFORE the new year (in October 2010) and have been doing well! I feel better and look better. So my goal is to continue to be healthy by eating a balanced diet of sweets- just kidding! Healthy fare, and to exercise regularly. I have done well by hitting the gym 4 times a week, and trying new things to put a little punch in my workouts. I am really enjoying it too. I have to say that I am a better person, spouse, and employee when I make fitness a priority. After all shouldn't it always be a priority? It is so easy to get caught up and fall victim to fatigue (and couch potato syndrome), but if I push through I always feel better. I relieve stress, which goes back to #1, and clear my head so I can continue on my journey without feeling like I am a drone.

5) The last and final thing on this year's list is to Bring Joy To Others. During our move I came across and read a note that was sent to Sam from one of his fraternity brother's mother. His fraternity brother was killed in Afghanistan serving in the United States military. We attended the services together last year, and though I didn't know James, I could obviously see how deeply he had touched the people he had spent his life with. It is always sad to lose someone, even more tragic and when they are young. In her note, Jame's mother talked about how in the movie "The Bucket List" they ask two questions: Did you find joy in your life? AND Did you bring joy to the lives of others? She said it was clear that James loved what he did in the military, and had found joy for himself. She also said it was clear that James had brought joy to so many people including the brothers of Zeta Sigma Delta. Through the years I have lost friends as well, and the loss continues to make me thing about mortality and how we only have so long here on this precious earth. We have only so much time with our family and friends, and to make a difference in whatever ways we wish. I am not going down a morbid path. I just want to make sure I live my life with meaning. I want to live so that I am constantly seeking joy, and bringing others joy too. Whether it be through a smile to a homeless stranger, helping a friend in need, or making someone laugh for no reason at all... to bring them joy will bring me joy too.


So now that I have my pretty little list, its time to put it in to action.

WOWZERs Has It Really Been THIS LONG??

So its safe to say that my first year of blogging was not overflowing with content. But its a new year, and the dust has finally settled. I mean, 2010 was a CRAZY and obnoxious year for me. UGH! 2011 has got to be more fun than dealing with the absurdities (is that a word?) of what seems like a lifetime packed into only 365 days. OK to bring people up to speed here goes. I moved to Texas with the love of my life Sam. He is everything I am not, and makes me want to be better than I ever dreamed possible. It took me a while to come to terms with the fact that I am not the center of the universe, and to allow someone else to have some sort of control over my world. He does it well, and without his love and support I would be nothing. Nothing.

I have always been one to be very in touch with my inner-being. I think about the universe a lot, and how it all comes together and how things are SUPPOSED to work... It's the Libra in me. I am all about balance and trying to be Wonder Woman. I think it's possible, and I won't ever stop trying. Well, naturally after moving 1800 miles away from my "life" as I new it, and embarking on something totally new (and stressful); insert, new career, new home, new hubby-to-be, wedding planning, dealing with government run offices more than one should EVER in one lifetime, buying a house, AND trying to make a decent living, cook delicious dinners, keep up with physical fitness (stay a size 4/6 for the rest of eternity and get rid of the armpit pudge that has been torturing me for my entire life), AND squeeze in somewhat of a social life, and keep my sanity? Are you tired yet? Because that was what my year pretty much looked like inside and out-- Non-stop. I knew I had to do something. So every free moment I got I tried to distract myself. Read a book, try cooking something new, ANYTHING... I had to slow down. Monday through Friday I was running at top speed and had to take it down a notch on the weekends. So I thought why not BLOG? Why not share all these crazy thoughts that have been spinning in my head. I mean I have to let them OUT! Or I might just go bananas.

So trying new things has been a great way to stay up-beat in the midst of chaos. But unfortunately for the last year, even though I have done a good job on distracting myself and slowing down on the weekend to enjoy the simple things, and live in the moment I have not done a great job of documenting, or sharing those experiences. I mean in one year only four posts? Gosh you must be bored. I apologize! Immensely! Well this year I am adding one more item to the balancing act. So you will be seeing- no hearing- NO reading a lot more from me!... It will be fun and spicy and I hope you like it.