an outing with my matron of honor

This Tuesday I asked Jen to assist me with cleaning up our registry. Vin and I have two registries: one at Macy's and one at Crate and Barrell. Well, when we started picking out stuff for one registry we really didn't refer to the other registry. So, we had a lot of doubles. So, Jen and I went to Macy's to clean it up and also to see what is missing.

Jen was very helpful. (She always is) She helped me consider fun practical gifts to put on the registry such as clocks, frames, photo albums as well as seasonal stuff like picnic stuff and Christmas stuff. She stated that if I wanted to I can also pick out different linens if I want them to match the season. I really didn't know people do that. She informed me that people even change their drapes depending on the season. I didn't know that either. I guess living at your parent's house for so long you kind of don't have to think of those things.

Anyway, while we are hanging out the mall, I kind of probed her about my bridal shower. Wow. I couldn't believe how easy it was for Jen to give the information up. No don't get the wrong idea. She didn't tell me the date or location but she did tell me the problems she has been having setting it up (Ahem, Vin. Hint, Hint, Hint). I guess Jen figured that I knew I was going to have one so she might as well give some details away.

I now know that I am having two bridal showers. Jen didn't really tell me. She just confirmed it for me. In the Filipino tradition, there are older individuals ( who are married) who have the role of being role models and guardians to the newlyweds. Well, the sponsors are usually responsible for throwing the bridal shower. That was news to me. I never heard about it before until now. My aunt who is one of my sponsors actually informed me of it . She was so excited about throwing it for me. I thought that she must be mistaken. Maybe she didn't know that the bridesmaid throw the shower. Well, now I know that I was the one who was mistaken.

I know. I know. We brides shouldn't expect a bridal shower but all brides know we are getting one. We would be sorely disappointed if we didn't have one. I am just surprised that I am getting two. No matter if I get one or two, I appreciate the effort that my friends and family are in coordinating this. I really do appreciate it.

Congratulations to Sheelagh and Al

This blog doesn't pertain to our wedding but I wanted to express Vin's and my best wishes to Sheelagh and Al who got married this past Saturday. It was a beautiful and touching wedding. It had all the creative and personal touches that every bride wants and it was warm, fun, and enjoyable for everyone there.

The ceremony was held at St. Valentine's church and incorporated a lot of the Filipino traditions. It also incorporated some traditions which I was not familiar with (such as Ilocano traditions of the presentation of values). Rutgers choir serenaded the couple and the church audience with renditions of secular and religious music. Sheelagh of course looked beautiful and radiant (hopefully, I will look just as beautiful and radiant). Al looked happy and content (as I hope that Vin will be at the altar).

The wedding reception theme was a beach theme. The decor was done accordingly and was done by the bride and family and friends of the bride. I could describe the beautifully and artfully done centerpieces but I think I wouldn't do it justice. All the tables were named after beaches in New Jersey. Vin was a bit upset that he wasn't seated at Jersey City's table (yes, Jersey City does have a beach). The great tasting wedding cake had edible sea shells surrounding it as well as a portion of it inscribed with a poem created by Sheelagh and Al on their first date.

Music was pumping. People were dancing. Even Vin danced. Only the slow dances though. It was a good time. Hopefully, our wedding can be just as fun and personal. Thank God, I took some notes.

a tisket, a tasket....

cheryl bought a basket. at least for the ladies room for all of the 'toiletries': gum, hairspray, mints, and uh-hums.

i just found out that we needed to do this; cheryl didn't even tell me, that sneaky, sneaky woman.

anywho, i thought i'd post this great news because some people were wondering when and/or if i was ever going to post again.

Home sweet home

Now we don't have to worry about where we have to live after we are married. Under unfortunate circumstances, we were fortunate enough to get an apartment in Jersey City for a good deal. Vin's aunt had passed away recently and since the landlord was a friend of the family, he is renting the apartment to us for the price that Vin's aunt paid (which is very cheap, dirt cheap). It has a kitchen, dining room, one bedroom, a living room, bathroom, and a small room on the side. The apartment comes with a washer but no dryer due to electrical issues. The apartment also comes fully furnished with Aunt Mary's furniture. We can save money for the house and the furniture for that new house. Thank you, Aunt Mary, and God rest your soul.

I am so excited about the idea of having my own place. As all my friends and family know, I have lived with my parents for 36 years, (36 good years or otherwise, I won't be living there as long). Yet, the whole idea of having my own place excites me. Unfortunately, I won't be able to furnish it the way that I would want but it will be our place.

Since Vin has to move out of his old place by July and we have this apartment, people have been asking whether I will be moving in with Vin before the wedding. I politely say, "No". I like the whole concept that we are starting our life together as a married couple with the act of living together for the first time. I know how people say that they would rather live with each other beforehand to see if they are compatible for marriage. I believe that it really doesn't take living together to figure that out. I already know a lot of Vin's habits and Vin knows a lot of mine. Nothing will come as a big surprise. Marriage has to be about commitment and compromise. Vin and I are willing to do both so living together should work out. Eventually ; )