The Oddest & Weirdest Wedding I WILL EVER GO TO!!!

The Wedding did happen...but what a story do I have to tell....

Have you ever been a wedding where the bride shows up to venue at 11:45am when she was supposed to be there at 8:30am and the ceremony was supposed to be at 11:30am.... I have...

A Wedding with Doves thrown after the announcement of Husband & Wife, but then the doves won't come out of the box so the groom has to shake them out and up into the air?.... I have...

One where all the bridesmaids shoes were ruined because the photographer told us to stand in the grass and we sunk right into it with our high-heels???....  I have...

A wedding where the sermon mentions bank accounts, divorce, & how a marriage is ruined so don't do this and that? I have...

A Wedding where the Bride & Groom sat at their own table and barely talked to any of the guests??? I have...

Have you ever been to a wedding when the whole bridal party, bride, & groom don't show up until 10:15 when they were supposed to all be there between 8:30am-9am??? I have...

A wedding where there is a jeweled belt on the cake??????  I have...

Needless to say this was the oddest wedding ever. I showed up at the venue on time and NO ONE WAS THERE!!!! Never would I think I'd be the first ones to be there. My parents and I had mimosas with the staff. Slowly everyone came and the panic rose because the bride was late. We couldn't get a hold of her either until she walked in at 11:45am. During the ceremony a train went by so you couldn't hear the pastor & then the firehouse whistle went off.... What is odd is that EVERY picture I have of the bride she is not smiling... Ever smile on my cousin looks fake...I don't know what to think of that. I can't believe we all ruined our shoes in the mucky grass. The food at the place we went to was inedible.    The bride & groom just stayed at their own table. I don't have one picture w/ my cousin and just one picture with the bride that I had to wait in line to get because they didn't go around to anybody...Who does that??? There was enthusiast dancers with barely any clothes on that was tacky, the cake had too much bling on it, and one of the other bridesmaids never even said hello to me. The maid of honor didn't make a toast, the bride's family stayed on one side & my family was on the other side. It was so odd... They had a video montage of the wedding at the wedding...HUH?!?!?! We all banged our spoons on the glasses and Alex didn't get the hint to kiss his wife. I really felt like I was at someone's wedding I didn't know because of how impersonal they were to the guests...It was unbelievable.

I could go on forever about how awkward things were but there are some beautiful pictures I'd like to share.... The two best parts of the wedding was dancing w/ CJ and one of the bride's cousins dragging me on the dance floor and said, "Melanie, we have to steal you to dance! We're cousins now! We have to dance"! It was the nicest thing ever...and it didn't even come from my new cousin-in-law. It came from her second cousin through marriage...Weird...

Alas here are some pretty pictures that I manage to take...Carrying my phone in my cleavage is hard to do when your dress is held up by double sided tape. I did love how I did my hair. First time using a curling iron....

Me!

My lil Cousin & me

My Cousin Stephen & me

My Cousin smiling & the Best Man

The Doves...

The Bride & My Cousin (The Groom)

Cj & Me <3

The Cake & it's jeweled belt

The Bride & Me

I'm happy it's over....This wedding was an ordeal. I can now hang Bridesmaids Dress #1 in my closet now...Whew...

The Wedding is Tomorrow & WHAT NOT TO DO....

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My Cousin's Wedding is Tomorrow...I have never been so unsure about a wedding in my entire life. I don't know what to think about anything. All I know is I have to be at the Florentine Gardens at 8:30am dressed and ready to go & that's where I'll be. If the bride shows up & if the groom shows up and it actually happens at 11am like it is supposed to then it will be a miracle. The weird part is that I am not exaggerating. I'm keeping my fingers crossed BIG TIME.

Here is one last "WHAT NOT TO DO IF YOU ARE GETTING MARRIED" tip from a tired stressed bridesmaid....

IF SOMEONE THROWS A PARTY FOR EVERYONE TO GET AQUAINTED THE NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING, TO GO OVER REHERSAL PLANS & SEE FAMILY, THE FUTURE BRIDE & GROOM SHOULD BE IN ATTENDANCE....

I'll explain: My Aunt, the mother of the groom, threw a party at her house for relatives that came in from far away. There was all the close family there of the groom. But, neither the bride or the groom showed up. Needless to say it just showed us they could care less who is coming or not to their wedding. It was rude and it makes me want to go tomorrow a little bit less.

I will report back tomorrow w/ the details of this awkward as hell wedding I will be attending. Please Wish Me Luck! 

I Wish I Could...

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I wish I could...

Sit down and write a 400 pg zombie romance novel in one weekend. Just sit and write for hours and the thoughts will keep on flowing...

Skip my cousin's wedding on Sunday...I've changed my mind about the whole thing...I don't want to be a part of it.

Hear one of my grandmother's stories about the 50's and how she ran into Charleston Heston & how we are related to the Duke of Alba on her 89th birthday that would have been this Saturday...

Go into a store and buy whatever my heart desired, not just have a Pin Board of "If I had a Million Dollars".

Walk down the streets of New York City and suddenly have a movie director say, "You're it! You're what we've been looking for!" & cast me in a major motion picture....

Get over this horrific cold...I have a date w/ Theraflu tomorrow...works every time...

Have all the answers to every question. Actually no, I wish I could read minds...Yeah, that'd be pretty sweet.

Not be so tired all the time...

Be more secure & confident in my actions. 

Know that everything will turn out okay...

What Do You Wish You Could Do?

The Balance…Defining the Edge…

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Somehow in all the craziness, Cj and I have a balance of give & take in our relationship. The balance appeared one day naturally and we just let it swing us here & there. I think this is one of the reasons that our relationship works. When I’m sick he makes me soup, when he’s sick I make him tea, and we are both sick we decide to stay away from each other so we can both get better. Lol. I’ve been going to his band practices for support, he’s going to my cousin’s wedding to support me, he came and held my hand the entire duration of my grandmother’s funeral, and every time he speaks about his late father I fasten my mouth closed and listen to him, letting him talk for hours if he chooses. We’ve been talking a lot about our possible future together and this balance is one of our strong points…

When the lead singer of CJ’s band noticed I was coming to more practices she took me aside and asked me a question:

Why do you come to practices to watch CJ? You have come to the last three of them…Why?

A lil dumbfounded at her question, I answered because he asked me to come and it was within my power to go. I told her how he is supportive of my Adult Ed Cupcake Class and has even helped me on several occasions deliver them &/or tell people how great my cupcakes are. I would love to do the same for his new band. Take photos if he needs me to or videotape them playing. I went on to say we’ve been in a relationship for 2 years & if he wants me to be there, then I will be there. I wouldn't think twice. He also looks hot playing his bass but I didn’t tell her that lol. 

She looked at me w/ a half-smile and said,

“I’m considering breaking up w/ my boyfriend because he won’t come to see me practice & sing.  I’ve done several things for him just because he’s asks me too but he won’t return the support to me. Is that messed up or what? Shouldn’t he want to go to practice to support me? It is so awesome that you come to see CJ play. He lights up like a F**** Christmas tree when you come w/ him…I want that with my boyfriend…is that too much to ask for???”

I looked her dead in the eye and told her that it is NOT too much to ask your boyfriend to come see you sing & play. There should be that balance between a boyfriend & girlfriend and support. She shook her head, “Yeah” and was like “Exactly”. I told her they should sit down together and really evaluate what each other wants from their relationship. I hope they work it out, or find out that they aren’t right for each other & want different things. *Keeping my fingers crossed for her*

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Relationships are a funny thing, but that balance holds them together.

Do you agree? Is there a balance in your relationship of give & take?

I’d love hear…

Sick & Phone Calls…

 

Forgive the lack of posts last week, but I’ve been so sick I can barely keep my head up. Of course when you’re sick it turns out to be the busiest week. I’m lucky tho to be sick now because I have the wedding this weekend & my trip to Cancun next month. Whew…Nothing a lil more tea, lime, & honey can’t help! =) I also discovered the trilogy everybody has been discussing… “Fifty Shades of Grey”…Let’s just say it’s so good I read the first book in 2 days…and I’m now on the second one…I can’t put it down. I want to go buy CJ a silver textured tie…*Wink Wink*

Speaking of that wedding…I received an odd phone call from my cousin who is getting married this weekend last Friday night. He sounded so tired & defeated and I couldn’t quite place why he was calling at first. Then he spit it out, “Mel, I need help. I’m going out of my mind with this wedding. There is so much I need to do and no time. My fiancée is going out of her mind. She is so fucking frazzled. Can you please call her and tell her you’ll help her out??”  I told him of course I’ll help. He proceeded to say, “Great! I knew I asked the right person. My fiancée can’t stand my sister so you’re the only one that can help.”  Long story short I agreed that I would help where I can with everything & would call Carol, the fiancée the next day.

Ring..Ring…No answer from Carol. I called again, no answer, left a voicemail letting her know I’m here if she needs me. No call-back. I text her later that day explaining I’m here to help in case she didn’t get my calls. To which I receive a text back, “Hey Mel sorry my phone was dead. Everything is falling into place we don’t need any extra help. Thank you tho!” I don’t think she realizes that I everyone knows if your phone is dead it goes straight to voicemail, so I doubt her phone was dead because it rang multiple times. I called her less than 24 hours after my cousin called me….Something is wrong here. I’m not sure if my cousin is getting cold feet or Carol is too stubborn & frazzled to ask for help. This is sending me totally the wrong signals. 

To be a fly on the wall in their apartment this week would be an enlightening experience. I hope it works out but frantic calls from my cousin & then a different response from the fiancée is not making me jump for joy. I wonder if my cousin will call me again this week... I hope he doesn’t call me.

Also they are not having the cameras on the tables at this wedding??? Isn't that a must-have for weddings so you get more pictures of the guests?? Oh boy...

Work calls…I will have another post later today. Good luck on your Monday Endeavors… 

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Embracing A Pear – Wannabe Hour Glass – Body

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Starting Weight on 1/31/12: 174.8 lbs

Current Weight on 5/8/12: 170.2 lbs

Total Weight Loss: 4.6 lbs

Wow, Pinterest is amazing because somehow I found a picture of a Pear w/ my name on it?!?!?! *Insert Creepy Music*. But it is completely right on the mark. I am a Pear, hear my roar. What am I talking about? Well, “People with a Pear Body Shape have hips wider than their shoulders because their bodies store fat there and on the thighs.” Via BMI CALCULATOR.  That is my body in a nutshell. It sounds silly to assign a fruit doppelganger to see what body type you are but it’s true and embracing that fact has changed my whole diet outlook.

Reading all the articles on how to properly work-out has pushed my brain into overdrive w/ lil success. I can’t do a plank position to save my life. However that’s okay, there are other just as powerful & effective exercises that do the same thing. I think even just telling myself, “Hey that’s okay that you can’t do the plank position” is a motivator to do something else that will be more constructive for my body-type. There is even articles called, "Best Workout for a Pear Body" that brings a smile to my face. Accepting my body-type has helped me to realize there are specific things I can do to help that will get real results & it brings on a more positive feeling of accomplishment. The websites I’ve been using to see these work-outs in before & after positions are Shape Magazine, Women’s Heath Magazine, Whole Living, Fitness Pal, & Spark Diet. ( FYI – Magazines all have websites and usually display exercepts from their new issues online – if your trying to cut money corners – don’t buy that $5 magazine, just look on their website for that big article’s highlights.) 

Mostly I’ve been working on lots of cardio to work out my legs & hips. My arms have always been muscular from my Track Field Events days & Cheerleading so my main concentration is my hips & legs. I have been getting up every hour, even if it’s just to the kitchen at work to get a drink. On lunch time I’ve been walking at least 20 minutes a day. I just wasn’t seeing enough results changing my diet alone…The Treadmill & the Bike are really bringing this to light I think. I have been noticing my belly is flatter too from the exercise.  Almost 5 lbs down…finally…

 

In regards to my diet, I have been trying to incorporate more detoxing foods like blueberries, strawberries, & blackberries into my diet, especially for breakfast. Ah, and mangos…One medium mango is perfect snack for me along w/ some Almonds. Also, Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt w/ the fruit on the bottom is my new go-to meal finisher. I actually have been trying to eat smaller portions at lunch on smaller plates…BUT after completing my meal if I’m still hungry 20 minutes later I will eat the Yogurt and usually it clenches the hunger; w/ 12g of protein it really makes you feel full. 

 Sara Rue - Before & After

Additionally there are a few other quick things I’ve been doing that hopefully in a few more weeks I’ll really see the results:

1. Do not eat anything out of a bag. Pour out the chips you are going to eat in a bowl or on a plate. That way you see what your eating, not just blindly pulling out chips or candy.
2. I’ve switched to Skim Plus Dairy Creamer at work to nix the extra cream calories in my coffee. I really can’t taste the difference. 
3. Days of Rest from the gym are a must so your muscles can unwind for a day or two during the week. 
4. Look at Positive & Healthy Women as motivation, not the Victoria Secret catalog. – Examples: Jennifer Goodwin, Jennifer Hudson, Sara Rue, Raven Simone, Jordin Sparks, & even Kelly Osbourne who has kept off the DWTS weight loss.
5. I stopped drinking beer. It has been hard to resist a Corona w/ lime, but a glass of wine leaves me more satisfied w/ no wear near the amount of carbs. 
6. Keep Going!!!

Almost Under 170….Gotta keep at this…I have my cousin’s wedding in 2 more weeks & Mexico in a lil over a month…Motivation galore…*Just Breathe*

Have you been trying any new Exercises?? Any New Tips You’ve Noticed are Working? Are you a Pear, an Apple, or an Hour-Glass?? How do you deal w/ it?

The Case of the Mondays...

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Ever have just one of those days? What was funny was I thought today was going productive & I was getting a lot done!?!? I even wrote out a "To Do" list and I'm happy to say I crossed off a lot of things I had to do off that list, but apparently it didn't show on my face. I must have looked really sad because my boss even came to me and asked me, "What was wrong?". A lil dumbfounded I told him nothing...just a lil tired. But there is something not quite right and I can't put my finger on it. 

I'm not depressed, but I think being here & there & then here & then cartwheeling over there is showing on my face. That is so not like me. I am totally that lil kitty up there hoping to catch that red light. I want to be all smiles and not be Wednesday Addams 24-7. I also have been working out & exercising so I'm not sure if it's just the awkward phase between goal weight & um...not. I'm oddly losing more weight in my face so my dark circles are more pronounced & my cheeks look hollow... hmmm...I need that vacation I think to rejuvenate. 

Hopefully seeing Eve 6 on Thursday night will help bring my spark back too.  Remember Eve 6, they sang, "Inside Out" & "Here's to Tonight" that was on every Totally Hits or Now CD back in the day. It should rock! 

Yeah, I'll get my spark back. It'll happen...Starting tomorrow...

Super Moon, Cinco De Mayo, & NEWS!!!

Oh Friday...Thank you for finally arriving! I missed you so much! This week was long...ever so long...but Cinco De Mayo is going to bring yummy burritos & tons of Sangria! Woohoo!! Can't Wait! What is also really cool is that Saturday is going to be what scientists are calling  a Super Moon! If you look for the moon on the horizon right as the sun is setting and the moon is peeking forward it will appear larger than the life & bright as anything! It makes me want to watch "Moonstruck" for Cosmo's Moon. hehe...Actually because it's a full Moon no wonder this week was so crazy!! =)

But the craziness will have to let me go for a week in June because.....

I"M GOING TO MEXICO!!! Cj & I finally booked our vacation!! We are staying at the Gran Bahia Principe Coba All-Inclusive! I've never been there so I'm like totally excited. This is just what we needed...

Let the planning and trip shopping begin!! =) 

Have a great weekend, Remember to look for the Big Super Moon!!!!

What “NOT” To Do At A House Bridal Shower…

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Two weekends ago, my cousin’s fiancée, Carol, had her Bridal Shower at my Aunt’s house.  Everyone knows there has been a lot of tension regarding this wedding & the events that are preceding the big day on May 20^th, and the Bridal shower was no exception. I’m almost thankful for these mishaps because whenever my big day comes or other friends of mine I’m definitely more knowledgeable now on the “Wedding Subject” then I was a year ago.

Background on the Bridal Shower:

Carol’s maid of honor lives in North Carolina, ergo my Aunt, her future mother-in-law threw her a bridal shower. Contrary to my lil cousin’s beliefs, the mother of the groom IS NOT traditionally supposed to throw the shower. My lil cousin, the groom’s sister, who is 23 years old thinks she has “taught me a lesson” by correcting me on who is supposed to do it when I asked about the maid of honor. She really needs to see the movie, “Bridesmaids” & shut up. Traditionally it’s the maid of honor or the Bridesmaids pool together but hey, I thought it was an awesome gesture to the bride from her future extended family. Okay, let’s get started.

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What NOT to do at a House Bridal Shower…

1. If it is a House Shower, PLEASE FUTURE BRIDES DO NOT WAIT UNTIL ALL THE GUESTS HAVE ARRIVED TO JOIN THE PARTY!!!!  Come downstairs or enter the Bridal Shower Room when your guests start arriving. 

~ Apparently Carol wanted a grand entrance with all her shower guests there at once so she didn't come downstairs until 2 hours AFTER the party had started. Her family waited all that time for her. If I heard, "Where's Carol", one more time I was going to flip out. Then ladies please do not complain that your bridal shower was too short. ~

2. If you are a family member of the Bride & Groom aka my lil cousin, DO NOT TELL YOUR FUTURE SISTER-IN LAW TO HURRY UP OPENING PRESENTS BECAUSE PEOPLE WANT TO LEAVE.

~My lil cousin muttered that to Carol, half-way through the shower. I'm sorry that was rude. Yes, Carol was late to the party & taking time to open presents but that was mean. I later found out lil cousin was the only one that wanted to leave. ~

3. If a Bridal Shower is being thrown for you, DO NOT COME TO THE PARTY AND CHANGE THE DECORATIONS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT TO YOUR LIKING. IT WILL RUB PEOPLE THE WRONG WAY!

~ Part of my family's gift to Carol was the Bridal Shower and they took the whole day before to decorate for it. Carol came into the house and changed everything that they did. Not the smartest move because I think another one of my Aunts was offended in some way because they put in a lot of hard work for Carol.

4. We all love pictures, but future brides...YOU DON'T NEED A PICTURE WITH EVERY SINGLE GIFT. YOU SHOULD TAKE A PICTURE INSTEAD WITH EVERY PERSON.

~ Carol took a picture w/ every single gift w/ different angles. But then after the shower was upset she didn't get a picture w/ every person. The people are definitely I think more important not to miss out on a photo-op. 

5. After the shower, DO NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SHOWER THAT WAS THROWN FOR YOU BECAUSE IT WAS A GIFT & EVERYONE WILL FIND OUT THAT YOU WERE DISPLEASED. (It will not go over well with the people who planned it for you.)

~Carol apparently wasn't that happy w/ the shower & told her fiancee. Of course he told everyone. Carol really is a nice person, but this wedding has turned her into an almost manic compulsive "I want this & that my way" person making the gossip wheel for her not that great right now. ~

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All in all, I'm hoping the wedding is beautiful and I wish the best for my cousin & Carol. The wedding is in 18 days. I just got my Bridesmaid's dress back too & the alteration is perfect. Almost there...Almost Wedding #1 Down. Can't wait! 

Do you know of anymore Do's & Do Not's at Bridal Showers??

I'd love to hear...