I feel like the coolest girl in the room.
I'm a Babes Love Baseball blogger.
Today? BEST DAY EVER.
NL West Notes: Glasnow, Cobb, Sewald
6 hours ago
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Setting a Date, Oy!
It's all so political.
What I would like, throwing out all concerns about other peoples' schedules (insert "I'M THE BRIDE! IT'S MY DAY!" expressions here), I would really like a fall wedding. I like the smell of fall. I like the colors. Autumn is probably my favorite season.
But when you throw in all the people who are expected to attend (and attend in an important fashion, no less!), summer makes SO much more sense. My sister won't be teaching, my brother won't be in school, other family members, both mine and Ryan's, won't have to deal with skipping out of school early.
But, think of the sweating! My poor darling sweats enough as it is, so unless we hold our reception in a meat locker, an August wedding would be so cruel to him!
Earlier in the summer would be nice, too. Perhaps not so hot. But if you say the words "May 2009" to me, that sounds REALLY soon. Too soon. I don't want to stress that much, and we need time to make money to pay for this shindig!
My darling friend Paula lucked out with her wedding last November 8th. It was one of those beautiful crispy fall days in Toronto, sunny and clear and just a little bit brisk. Best wedding ever.
November could be scary, though, weather-wise. Minnesota is so wildly unpredictable. It was stunningly beautiful yesterday, and the day before yesterday was pissing rain. Today, again, it is pissing rain.
I think we are going to have to go with my original plan and just let the venue we pick determine the date of our wedding. I am not a good decision maker (that should make this whole process interesting). Someone just pick a date for me!!!!!
In other news: I went to a bridal shop today. I looked at and touched wedding gowns. This is a big step for me, as just last week the gown part terrified me!
What I would like, throwing out all concerns about other peoples' schedules (insert "I'M THE BRIDE! IT'S MY DAY!" expressions here), I would really like a fall wedding. I like the smell of fall. I like the colors. Autumn is probably my favorite season.
But when you throw in all the people who are expected to attend (and attend in an important fashion, no less!), summer makes SO much more sense. My sister won't be teaching, my brother won't be in school, other family members, both mine and Ryan's, won't have to deal with skipping out of school early.
But, think of the sweating! My poor darling sweats enough as it is, so unless we hold our reception in a meat locker, an August wedding would be so cruel to him!
Earlier in the summer would be nice, too. Perhaps not so hot. But if you say the words "May 2009" to me, that sounds REALLY soon. Too soon. I don't want to stress that much, and we need time to make money to pay for this shindig!
My darling friend Paula lucked out with her wedding last November 8th. It was one of those beautiful crispy fall days in Toronto, sunny and clear and just a little bit brisk. Best wedding ever.
November could be scary, though, weather-wise. Minnesota is so wildly unpredictable. It was stunningly beautiful yesterday, and the day before yesterday was pissing rain. Today, again, it is pissing rain.
I think we are going to have to go with my original plan and just let the venue we pick determine the date of our wedding. I am not a good decision maker (that should make this whole process interesting). Someone just pick a date for me!!!!!
In other news: I went to a bridal shop today. I looked at and touched wedding gowns. This is a big step for me, as just last week the gown part terrified me!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Questions Begin
Since we got engaged, Ryan and I have been peppered with questions about our wedding plans. These inquiries only get stronger by the day! I'm beginning to wonder if we're abnormal, that we got engaged without any definitive plans of when and where and how we will wed.
If I recall correctly, Jaime and Christian had their wedding date and venues mostly decided on at least a month before they got engaged! Crazy!
Things we have decided:
• That we will get married.
• Generally, our attendants. We haven't asked all of them, and there are issues with numbers...Ryan has too many friends, basically!
• It'll be in the fall...ish. It'd be more convenient for a lot of people if we married before school starts, but I think a fall wedding would be really nice! I am keeping it open because I'd rather pick a date based on what dates are available at venues that we like!
• Colors: deep purple, sage green, cornflower blue, and ivory. I just decided them myself because I don't think Ryan cares. (If you do, honey, speak up!)
• The bridesmaid dresses: deep purple, and they'll have to be floor length.
• Our reception will be this crazy mix of South Dakotans, Canadians, and Minnesotans which will hopefully make for an awesome party.
That's all we know so far! Only about 7,832 questions left to answer...
If I recall correctly, Jaime and Christian had their wedding date and venues mostly decided on at least a month before they got engaged! Crazy!
Things we have decided:
• That we will get married.
• Generally, our attendants. We haven't asked all of them, and there are issues with numbers...Ryan has too many friends, basically!
• It'll be in the fall...ish. It'd be more convenient for a lot of people if we married before school starts, but I think a fall wedding would be really nice! I am keeping it open because I'd rather pick a date based on what dates are available at venues that we like!
• Colors: deep purple, sage green, cornflower blue, and ivory. I just decided them myself because I don't think Ryan cares. (If you do, honey, speak up!)
• The bridesmaid dresses: deep purple, and they'll have to be floor length.
• Our reception will be this crazy mix of South Dakotans, Canadians, and Minnesotans which will hopefully make for an awesome party.
That's all we know so far! Only about 7,832 questions left to answer...
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The F word, part 2
The end of an email I got today:
What shall we do tonight? I say we blow off the Twins game and go for a walk and eat something moderately healthy. Today is Jason's day off... wonder if he'll play tennis with Nick and come over?
Love,
your fiance Ryan Glanzer
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
In Which I Deal With Being Someone's Fiancée
What a weird word that is--I'm not sure if I like it. For now I'm trying to use it, but in that way where I emphasize something--Ryan pointed this out to me a while back and I didn't realize that I was doing it. When I am making a dramatic point, I will over-enunciate and stretch one of the words out ennnnddddllleeesssllllyyyy. So right now I am saying things like, "I really ought to send an email to my fiiiiiaaaaaaannnnncé."
Of course, I'm still unemployed, so I'm home by myself most of the day. So I end up saying these things to myself.
I'm struck by how much Friday's events have changed things. Not between Ryan and I, although I now look at him with a little more amazement and excitement for this new step in our lives, and I do find myself saying "we" more often than I used to. WE don't have any plans tonight. WE want to see that movie. But yet, the wedding is MINE. MY wedding will be on a Saturday. MY ceremony will be outdoors.
I'm struck by how many people seem to think that I have lots of plans made already (and bear in mind that I encounter very few people on a day-to-day basis). Detailed stuff that I can't even comprehend at this point. Band or DJ? Limo? Makeup done professionally? Dollar dance? (DJ. I dunno. I dunno. Absolutely not.)
And then there's the wedding-industrial complex (with apologies to Gen Eisenhower) that instructs me that WE ought to register for gifts right away, in case any of our associates would like to express their joy to us by buying a blender or a panini press, they have insights into our preferences. Holy shit! I've been engaged to my fiiiiiaaaaaaannnnncé for only a few days, but already WE are supposed to know what china pattern WE would like to eat from for the rest of our natural lives?
The registry thing terrifies me. WE don't know where we'll move next, but we won't be buying a house anytime soon, I can guarantee that! So what do we ask for? Stuff that will fit in an apartment, and when the day comes to buy a house we buy all new stuff? I don't want it to be like Kate and Tim, who stored a cache of wedding gifts at my parents' house for two whole years until they bought a house.
Though, with the registry thing, it would be nice to get a queen-sized down comforter. And I'm sure Ryan will celebrate on the day that our sheets are no longer pink with white polka dots. I kid you not.
I think on some level I must have been under the impression that when I got engaged, I would be imbued with some mystical bridal knowledge passed down from women before me. It didn't happen. I'm still clueless.
Of course, I'm still unemployed, so I'm home by myself most of the day. So I end up saying these things to myself.
I'm struck by how much Friday's events have changed things. Not between Ryan and I, although I now look at him with a little more amazement and excitement for this new step in our lives, and I do find myself saying "we" more often than I used to. WE don't have any plans tonight. WE want to see that movie. But yet, the wedding is MINE. MY wedding will be on a Saturday. MY ceremony will be outdoors.
I'm struck by how many people seem to think that I have lots of plans made already (and bear in mind that I encounter very few people on a day-to-day basis). Detailed stuff that I can't even comprehend at this point. Band or DJ? Limo? Makeup done professionally? Dollar dance? (DJ. I dunno. I dunno. Absolutely not.)
And then there's the wedding-industrial complex (with apologies to Gen Eisenhower) that instructs me that WE ought to register for gifts right away, in case any of our associates would like to express their joy to us by buying a blender or a panini press, they have insights into our preferences. Holy shit! I've been engaged to my fiiiiiaaaaaaannnnncé for only a few days, but already WE are supposed to know what china pattern WE would like to eat from for the rest of our natural lives?
The registry thing terrifies me. WE don't know where we'll move next, but we won't be buying a house anytime soon, I can guarantee that! So what do we ask for? Stuff that will fit in an apartment, and when the day comes to buy a house we buy all new stuff? I don't want it to be like Kate and Tim, who stored a cache of wedding gifts at my parents' house for two whole years until they bought a house.
Though, with the registry thing, it would be nice to get a queen-sized down comforter. And I'm sure Ryan will celebrate on the day that our sheets are no longer pink with white polka dots. I kid you not.
I think on some level I must have been under the impression that when I got engaged, I would be imbued with some mystical bridal knowledge passed down from women before me. It didn't happen. I'm still clueless.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Rainy Weekend Made Bright and Sparkly by Pretty Ring
Pretty quiet weekend so far; Ryan is off DJing a dance at the Wabasha Street Caves (silly man thought they were in Wabasha, MN, when in reality they are on Wabasha Street in St Paul!) and I am indulging in my favorite rainy day activity: snuggling up on the couch under a blanket, drinking cocoa, and watching a little baseball! I am considering ordering pizza from Davanni's for dinner.
Yep, yep, just a normal day.... except for the big shiny thing that sits on the third finger of my left hand!
Yes, as most (all?) people surmised, Ryan's big surprise was proposing to me! And I said yes!
I'm going to write as much of it down as I can, so that I have a record of it! Bear with me, as it will surely get long-winded.
Ryan instructed me to bag an overnight bag, to be dressed slightly fancy, and to be ready to go around 5pm on Friday. I was nervous as nervous gets! I was pacing the floors and cleaning and doing anything I could think of to distract myself. Finally Ryan arrived, he changed clothing and we hopped in the car.
I had assumed that we would be going downtown for our little adventure, and I was right. Ryan drove through the rush hour traffic, all the while giving me little hints about where we were going. He told me that in truth he hadn't been at work all day, he had taken a half-day of vacation and spent the whole afternoon planning and running errands and getting the "destination" all ready for me! That trickster!
When we were on 5th St, approaching Washington Ave, I saw the tower of the Depot Hotel, where Ryan's friend Luke works. Luke's given us free drinks and appetizers on a few occasions, so I immediately guessed that Ryan and Luke were in cahoots. I was right! Luke managed to snag an amazing deal on a very impressive three-room hotel suite that had a jacuzzi tub!
Ryan made me wait outside the hotel room, though, while he poked in to make sure everything was right. He led me into the room, rose petals scattered everywhere, and showed me around our impressive digs--apparently "the Governator" was the last guest to use that particular suite! I wandered around for a few minutes until Ryan asked me to come sit on the couch by him.
I knew something was amiss because he started acting weird. He sat on the edge of the couch and told me that while he'd said he was working late last night, in reality he left at normal time and went to the Poulter family home, where my father and step-mom were quite touched that he asked their permission to ask me to marry him.
I think he said some more things, but I'm not quite sure--it's fuzzy already! Then he dropped down onto one knee and, with shaky hands, held up a ring and asked me to marry him! And, of course, I smiled REALLY WIDELY and said yes! And he put that sparkly ring on my finger (which fits perfectly and was chosen with the help of my sister--so much secrecy lately!)! We popped open some champagne, and set to work calling and texting everyone we know.
We called a lot of family and friends. I think the best reactions were my brother who asked "Are you pregnant?" when I told him that I had big news, and Ryan's friend Chris' wife, who heard Chris say "Congratulations!" and started screaming.
The rest of the night went by quickly. We went to Wasabi for a delicious sushi dinner, were given a tempura ice cream dessert for free by the restaurant, met up with Jason, Jaime, and Christian for a celebratory drink at the hotel bar, used the awesome jacuzzi in the bathroom.
This morning, Luke brought a delicious breakfast up to our room and was SHOCKED when Jason opened the door! Ryan and I were not aware of it (since the bed is in a whole different room! Best hotel ever!) but Jason didn't think it wise to drive home after drinking with us. A+ for safety! We ate delicious eggs, bacon and hash browns with toast and orange juice in the big stately bed. Awesome.
I was just a little sad that Ryan didn't have a speech prepared or anything. I guess I imagined that he would. Might be best, though, because if he had waxed on about his love for me I would have surely cried a lot (which he AND my parents thought I would!). And I think I wish he wouldn't have told me that he asked my parents before he actually proposed, because I knew it was coming! But those are silly small things, and the important part is that we are engaged! To be married!
This is totally uncharted waters for little old Lauren Poulter; being engaged feels sort of weird right now! I almost feel like it's pretend, or something. I don't feel like I'm old enough to get married, either! Who, me, a grown up? Already? Are you SURE? Getting engaged and married is something that other people do! I always thought I would, of course, but the reality of it hasn't quite set in yet.
I really do look lovely in diamonds, though!
Yep, yep, just a normal day.... except for the big shiny thing that sits on the third finger of my left hand!
Yes, as most (all?) people surmised, Ryan's big surprise was proposing to me! And I said yes!
I'm going to write as much of it down as I can, so that I have a record of it! Bear with me, as it will surely get long-winded.
Ryan instructed me to bag an overnight bag, to be dressed slightly fancy, and to be ready to go around 5pm on Friday. I was nervous as nervous gets! I was pacing the floors and cleaning and doing anything I could think of to distract myself. Finally Ryan arrived, he changed clothing and we hopped in the car.
I had assumed that we would be going downtown for our little adventure, and I was right. Ryan drove through the rush hour traffic, all the while giving me little hints about where we were going. He told me that in truth he hadn't been at work all day, he had taken a half-day of vacation and spent the whole afternoon planning and running errands and getting the "destination" all ready for me! That trickster!
When we were on 5th St, approaching Washington Ave, I saw the tower of the Depot Hotel, where Ryan's friend Luke works. Luke's given us free drinks and appetizers on a few occasions, so I immediately guessed that Ryan and Luke were in cahoots. I was right! Luke managed to snag an amazing deal on a very impressive three-room hotel suite that had a jacuzzi tub!
Ryan made me wait outside the hotel room, though, while he poked in to make sure everything was right. He led me into the room, rose petals scattered everywhere, and showed me around our impressive digs--apparently "the Governator" was the last guest to use that particular suite! I wandered around for a few minutes until Ryan asked me to come sit on the couch by him.
I knew something was amiss because he started acting weird. He sat on the edge of the couch and told me that while he'd said he was working late last night, in reality he left at normal time and went to the Poulter family home, where my father and step-mom were quite touched that he asked their permission to ask me to marry him.
I think he said some more things, but I'm not quite sure--it's fuzzy already! Then he dropped down onto one knee and, with shaky hands, held up a ring and asked me to marry him! And, of course, I smiled REALLY WIDELY and said yes! And he put that sparkly ring on my finger (which fits perfectly and was chosen with the help of my sister--so much secrecy lately!)! We popped open some champagne, and set to work calling and texting everyone we know.
We called a lot of family and friends. I think the best reactions were my brother who asked "Are you pregnant?" when I told him that I had big news, and Ryan's friend Chris' wife, who heard Chris say "Congratulations!" and started screaming.
The rest of the night went by quickly. We went to Wasabi for a delicious sushi dinner, were given a tempura ice cream dessert for free by the restaurant, met up with Jason, Jaime, and Christian for a celebratory drink at the hotel bar, used the awesome jacuzzi in the bathroom.
This morning, Luke brought a delicious breakfast up to our room and was SHOCKED when Jason opened the door! Ryan and I were not aware of it (since the bed is in a whole different room! Best hotel ever!) but Jason didn't think it wise to drive home after drinking with us. A+ for safety! We ate delicious eggs, bacon and hash browns with toast and orange juice in the big stately bed. Awesome.
I was just a little sad that Ryan didn't have a speech prepared or anything. I guess I imagined that he would. Might be best, though, because if he had waxed on about his love for me I would have surely cried a lot (which he AND my parents thought I would!). And I think I wish he wouldn't have told me that he asked my parents before he actually proposed, because I knew it was coming! But those are silly small things, and the important part is that we are engaged! To be married!
This is totally uncharted waters for little old Lauren Poulter; being engaged feels sort of weird right now! I almost feel like it's pretend, or something. I don't feel like I'm old enough to get married, either! Who, me, a grown up? Already? Are you SURE? Getting engaged and married is something that other people do! I always thought I would, of course, but the reality of it hasn't quite set in yet.
I really do look lovely in diamonds, though!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tomorrow night
Last night after Sarah and I got back from the yarn store (bad Lauren! Bad!) Ryan says to me, "On Friday, I need you to pack a little overnight bag, because I have a surprise for you!"
I love surprises, but this one is killing me!! He has to DJ on Saturday night, so we are obviously not going far. Where are we going? What are we doing??? AAAAGH! I want to know NOW!
I love surprises, but this one is killing me!! He has to DJ on Saturday night, so we are obviously not going far. Where are we going? What are we doing??? AAAAGH! I want to know NOW!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Knitting, and other things
I am fully engorged in Christmas gift knitting! It's getting a little intense, but at least I'm starting it before November (unlike two years ago, when I had the ridiculous idea that it would only take me only two weeks to knit matching scarf, hat, and mittens sets for my ENTIRE family!) Thank goodness last year us "kids" drew names for our Christmas gifts... hopefully we will do that again this year!
Yesterday was my step-mom's 60th birthday! I don't know if she and my dad did anything special, but there are rumors of a big birthday party sometime soon (have to keep the cards pretty close to the vest, never know who is reading this thing!)
Chances are, if you're reading this, I have a plan for a knitted gift for you this Christmas, though! Unless you're a boy. It's pretty much impossible to knit for males that are older than 12 years old, unless it's a scarf or a hat. And I HATE knitting scarves. Maybe I'll make a bajillion afghans. Or I'll put Ryan in charge of boy gifts!
I am getting super excited to make some of these gifts, though. If they are anything like what I imagine they will be, they are going to look awesome!
And if you all out there who read this end up NOT liking something I've made for you, you should lie and say that you love it! ;)
Yesterday was my step-mom's 60th birthday! I don't know if she and my dad did anything special, but there are rumors of a big birthday party sometime soon (have to keep the cards pretty close to the vest, never know who is reading this thing!)
Chances are, if you're reading this, I have a plan for a knitted gift for you this Christmas, though! Unless you're a boy. It's pretty much impossible to knit for males that are older than 12 years old, unless it's a scarf or a hat. And I HATE knitting scarves. Maybe I'll make a bajillion afghans. Or I'll put Ryan in charge of boy gifts!
I am getting super excited to make some of these gifts, though. If they are anything like what I imagine they will be, they are going to look awesome!
And if you all out there who read this end up NOT liking something I've made for you, you should lie and say that you love it! ;)
An ode to salsa fresca
I think I could eat salsa fresca until I literally exploded into a big mess of tomato, onion, pepper and intestines.
It's become my Monday ritual after picking up the CSA veggies, and it's one of the only ways that I will eat raw tomatoes! I think most people are aware of my particular feelings about tomatoes... I hate the insides! They're so smushy and yucky, and I like my vegetables to be crunchy!
I'm going to be very sad when the tomato season is up and I can no longer make my delicious salsa fresca. I'm considering going out and buying a bunch of veggies, making a huge bunch of salsa and freezing it! But I'm not sure if it would be as yummy as it is when it's fresh. I think I may have become a fresh salsa fanatic, I'm a snob who can no longer stomach store-bought salsa!
Lauren's Salsa Fresca
2T olive oil
2T lemon or lime juice
1 bunch cilantro, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
Freshly ground pepper
Salt
Hot sauce
4 or 5 tomatoes
1/2 green pepper
1/2 onion
1 sweet banana pepper
1 Jalapeno pepper
1. Put the oil, juice, and spices in a medium bowl (I use a tupperware container that can go right in the fridge).
2. Dice vegetables. Put them in the bowl with the oil and spices and stir. Add hot sauce, salt and pepper to taste.
It's become my Monday ritual after picking up the CSA veggies, and it's one of the only ways that I will eat raw tomatoes! I think most people are aware of my particular feelings about tomatoes... I hate the insides! They're so smushy and yucky, and I like my vegetables to be crunchy!
I'm going to be very sad when the tomato season is up and I can no longer make my delicious salsa fresca. I'm considering going out and buying a bunch of veggies, making a huge bunch of salsa and freezing it! But I'm not sure if it would be as yummy as it is when it's fresh. I think I may have become a fresh salsa fanatic, I'm a snob who can no longer stomach store-bought salsa!
Lauren's Salsa Fresca
2T olive oil
2T lemon or lime juice
1 bunch cilantro, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
Freshly ground pepper
Salt
Hot sauce
4 or 5 tomatoes
1/2 green pepper
1/2 onion
1 sweet banana pepper
1 Jalapeno pepper
1. Put the oil, juice, and spices in a medium bowl (I use a tupperware container that can go right in the fridge).
2. Dice vegetables. Put them in the bowl with the oil and spices and stir. Add hot sauce, salt and pepper to taste.
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