A Family Affair

I am anxiously anticipating this weekend, because I will finally meet my in-laws. Wahoo!!!! Although I have spoken to my mother-in-law and father-in-law (and wife) on the phone, I've never met any of them. Although Mr. J & I have been together for 2 years now, we just haven't got around to visiting Miami (dad and stepmom live) nor Vancouver (mom lives), and they haven't been able to visit us here.

So, after we decided to get married on our own in Jamaica, we thought it would be nice to have a small post-wedding celebration and invite the families.

And that is this weekend. We are only having 25 people to a small reception at a hotel, and then celebrating back at our house with a Saturday night party and Sunday brunch.

Sometimes I wish they lived closer, so I could spend more time getting to know them and learning about the Jamaican culture. They are part of my life now, and I want to learn as much as I can about their background, so I can make sure that knowledge gets passed along to our son/daughter.

It will be a great weekend!!!

Introducing.....Mr. J & neuba

October 22, 2008

3 Hours to go---Jamaica here we come

We are almost out the door. Squeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

I can't believe how excited, happy, and amazing I feel. This is going to be one hellava trip.

I can't wait to share our stories and show off pictures once we get back.

I love my life! I love you so much Mr. J.

Heading to the Tropics

Some of you may have noticed the countdown and subsequent couples resorts on my sidebar over the last month.

Well....we leave for Negril, Jamaica in 32 days - October 18th. We're extremely excited. This is our first tropical vacation ever. Although James has been to Jamaica before (3x when he was a kid), it's never been as a relaxing vacation. and me....WOW!!! I can't wait. I am really looking forward to just relaxing and basking in the sun. Something I never thought I would do - be it that I wasn't much of a 'hot weather' kind of person. That seems to be changing with age, as I get less tolerant of the cold.

It's an all inclusive resort....so all the food and drink we can consume in a week. Plus, there are various watersports that we can indulge in that are included as well. I'm especially looking forward to trying hobie cat sailing and windsurfing.

Finally, we can't forget the 'big day' - October 22,2008. It's definitely going to be the highlight of the trip. Just the two of us!! :)

An experience

I had the pleasure of accompanying Suz to a traditional Chinese wedding yesterday. Suz works with the bride, who is based out of Edmonton, and decided to make the trip up for the wedding.

The wedding was beautiful. I am such a sucker for weddings. Even when I don't know the bride or groom, I still get teary.

Because the wedding was in the morning and the reception not until 6, Suz and I spent lunch with some of her other co-workers and then went shopping. A nap topped off the afternoon before heading back for the reception.

I was prepared for the reception, as a number of years ago Jeff & I were invited to a traditional Chinese wedding. It was definitely an experience. I wasn't as adventurous about food then as I am now, so I didn't try everything. But last night, I made a point of trying everything, even the soup. It's not as gross tasting as it looks Jeff, but I think we made a good choice not trying it back then. :)

Suz left early this morning, and I have committed to having a relaxing lazy day. Me, my computer, my tv, books and knitting. Perhaps some D2 tonight to top of a most perfect day.

Fantabulous Weekend

I had the best extra long weekend ever!!!

I had an amazing time at Al & Jenn's wedding, I got super spoiled and pampered by Mr. J (formerly known as MFJ), ate way too much food, and got to see and visit with my friends who I love and miss very very much. It couldn't have been better.

There is way too much detail to go into, but I would like to thank Al & Jenn for getting married, it was a wonderful celebration and a great venue to reunite with old friends. I would also like to thank them for having Mr. J & I for supper on Monday and the wonderful parting gifts we got. I love my cutting board, thanks. Like Mr. J said, "you should get married every weekend." :)

Also, thanks Suz for having a great party. Make sure you let me know of any in the future and I will do my best to attend. I am really looking forward to your visit and some much needed visiting.

Catching Up

I didn't take too many pictures while I was in Vegas. Only some candids, mostly of us girls in the hotel. I relied on the everyone else to take lost of pictures. So once the girls send me their pictures I will post a few.

I also found out while in Vegas that I didn't have a lot of room on my camera. I still had many pictures from Jen's wedding in October and Mr. Drang & Mrs. Drang's wedding in November. There are some pretty awesome pictures from the Drang wedding. Here are some of my favourites. The others can be seen here.

I love this picture. I look so happy, and Chris looks awesome.

Have another Mike.

Can you make you eyes any bigger?

There's the face we all love to see.

A weekend full of friendship and company isn't quite over yet. Friday, we had a small gathering of friends who arrived into town for his wedding.

The wedding was beautiful. The bride and groom looked lovely.

I like going to weddings. Hearing the vows and commitments that couples make to one another remind me of my own wedding. I think I got myself a pretty great guy. :)

The visiting continued at the reception. There was, perhaps too much booze, and a few innane conversations. Lets just say that my conversation argument with her about the plant made me feel like a huge retarded dolt. Ah well, at least TUO & cenobyte got a good laugh outta of it. I am sure people often wonder about my intelligence and sanity when I do such stupid things. I say, meh.

The after party at our place was also the subject of much laughter and tears. I don't think anyone will ever forget, 'that's ok gramma, she's a midget.'

I am looking forward to a more low key night over at her place with more socializing and games.

Friends are awesome! I really miss our big get-togethers.

Weddings Rock!

This weekend was a blast. My friends wedding went off without a hitch. I can safely say that it was PERFECT! The ceremony was beautiful, short, and sweet. The flowers and dresses were outstanding. The pictures were super fun, and turned out great. The speeches were poetic and heartwarming. I don't think I have ever cried that much at a wedding before. Of course, tears of joy. I was reaquainted with many of Jen's family, and partied it up with many other friends and family. I think I drank just a little too much, but it was worth it.

The wedding was at the Palliser hotel in downtown Calgary. The staff did an amazing job of getting the day organized. The meal was fabulous, especially the beef tenderloin and chocolate lava cake with mint ice cream.

Although it was shitty, cold, rainy, and snowy all the way home today, yesterday was beautiful. I am glad the winter weather held back for one more day.

Weekend Wedding

Although I haven't spoke much about it, I am in my best friends wedding this weekend. In fact, I fly out in about 2 hours. I am looking quite forward to it. I think it is going to be a blast.

It is going to be a huge wedding, so unlike Jenny-Poo, but beautiful none-the-less. I am honoured with Maitron of Honour, and will stand along side the Maid of Honour (her sister), and 2 other bridesmaid.

I have got a couple days grace in Calgary before the wedding. It will be a nice way to break up the monotony of my life.

I said goodbye today to a good friend today. Even with the excitment of the upcoming wedding, I am a little glum and sad today. It seems as though all of my friends keep moving away. I am really gonna miss him.

On the a more exciting note, while in Calgary I will be staying with Furlak. It should be a good time. We tend to get along quite well and haven't had many opportunities to hang out. Hopefully my time won't all be consumed by the wedding.