ON THE BUSINESS OF BEING A BRIDE

I thought I would post a blast from the past that I wrote January 11, 2007, long before Smalltownista materialized. Just playing a little catch up.

So I feel a little bit guilty about elaborating on why men suck(1), maybe they just have to so you know when you find the right one. Or maybe there are really just a few good ones left. YAY, I found one those.

Now to the matter at hand, I seem to have lived 25 years as a female and NEVER dreamed about my perfect wedding day. The only thing that I ever had pictured was being on the beach, that's as far I got. One down on that one, because our wedding will be in St. Thomas on the beach. Only one hundred million things to go.

It has come to my realization that there may be an epidemic of women born without the "bride gene." It was on an episode of Sex and the City so I figure I can't be the only one. The marriage part, not worried about that at all, I have never been so happy in a relationship, and I have never felt so lucky to be with someone. The whole wedding planning thing, on the other hand, has me all worked up. Of course you can't really just skip that part, I mean it's a big day, it's a big deal.

"KARMA THIS DUMMY"

Out of the mouth of Joy from” My Name Is Earl”. I always get a kick out of that line and who doesn’t dig some Jason Lee. At any rate, I am a fan of anything that demystifies Karma and brings it to the mainstream, although let's be clear that Carson Daly did not in fact invent Karma.

Take it as simply as ‘what goes around comes around’, a deeper spiritual belief in reincarnation (retribution for your past grievances or rewards for past do-gooding in your next life), or delve into the aspect of every moment being a lifetime (reincarnation at warp speed). Whichever resonates with you, take it to heart. It is a good principle to follow.

Our recent move to Chicago has me thinking about karma a lot lately. I am a strong believer in Karma, in its simplest form as well as its literal form. My thoughts on reincarnation may be a little different than most. I am not opposed to the idea of past lives, but I see lives as moments. Each moment is a lifetime and therefore karma is cycling every moment.

LIVING LA PURA VIDA

Pura Vida is a popular Costa Rican tag line of which I am told has many different meanings, my favorite being 'the good life'. We were most certainly living the good life in Costa Rica. You know those holidays you have that are fun and great and wonderful, but when it's over you are ready to get back home? This was not one of those times. We all agreed that we could have stayed at least another week and none of us were craving a good night's sleep in our preferred thread count sheets in our own home. Hands down this was one vacay that could have lasted forever.

I can't say for sure if it was the unexpected combination of adventure tours sprinkled with lazy days by the pool/beach, ridiculously spectacular views, lively company, 180 degree shift in travel luck, tropical rainforests rampant with wildlife, is there a word to trump 'perfect' weather, or the splendidly comfortable and beautiful Villas where we rested our heads. Whatever the reason, everything fell into place for one fabulous vacation. Costa Rica is a destination I highly recommend and am anxiously awaiting to return.

FESTIVAL FASION 101

Tucked under the rubble that is currently stacked in the laundry room of our new home is a list of Top 10 Lessons Learned, penned post '05 Austin City Limits. When it is uncovered I will be sure to post it in it's entirety. Until then, let's begin with what stands out in my mind after having come off of 4 days of live music including a little festival called Lollapalooza.

My bestie, Pris, introduced moi to the joys of fashion stakeouts at live shows. Festival fashion is always fun to observe and a great way to discover fabulous new ideas. It's a little different from the day to day wear because festival fashions have to be cool, comfortable, functional, and fashionable all at once. Ladies, you never cease to amaze me with your clever and stylie combinations.

I'm not going to pretend to be an expert, but I have picked up on a few key tips to share. . .

AW SHUCKS, COUNTRY DONE COME TO TOWN!

My signature tag line when I go on holiday in the city. (Bringing holiday back in place of vacay, it's so very festive, don't you think). Well, country has come to town for good as the hubs and I make the permanent trek to Chi Town.

Now, I am not implying we are somehow akin to the Beverly Hillbillies. I mean all of our junk is in a covered wagon, Penske truck, whatever. May as well be a spaceship because I feel like I am moving to the moon.

Life in the city is fascinating, but I never expected to live it. I am a small town girl at heart, Smalltownista that is. But what is life if not overflowing with the unexpected and I am excited to embark on an adventurous journey. Excited indeed!

Future posts are sure to keep you abreast of all the beauty and distress to accompany this transition.


A big toodles to you and to life as I knew it.

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