Dog-sitting Maya

So MJ is desperate for a dog. We have agreed that after the wedding we will start a hunt for a dog. We aren't picky and really do not care whether or not it is an actual puppy or a full dog as long as its an adopted shelter dog. I occasionally get emails from MJ for puppies that need adopting now but I gently remind him that with out pre-wedding schedule we just do NOT have time for puppy.


This past weekend we has the opportunity to dog sit for Maya. She is a Chinook which is a rare breed similar to a sled dog. She reminds me of a German Shepard but a little more narrow. She has the most gentle temperament and is a true joy to be around.


We were warned that she would be sleeping with us at night and we prepared for sharing the bed but this was a little more than we expected!! Needless to say, we learned a few things:
1) We will not be getting a dog this large
2) Our dog will be kennel trained

Strawberry Jam

So despite complaints and whining about my job, working for a large insitution has its perks. One of my favorites is that from April til October we have a mobile Farmers Market every Friday. We have many local farmers and business owners who bring fresh produce, flowers, and baked goods for us to purchase. I have made it a goal to buy our produce from the market when its feasible. So far we have dined on fresh grilled asparagus and yummy corn.

Recently I purchased a HUGE basket of strawberries at an unbeatable price. After a few days of us eating them I realized I was going to have to get creative because we still had ALOT of strawberries. I made yummy strawberry coffee cake, strawberry shortcake and a coworker recommended making freezer jam.


It was remarkably easy and turned out super yummy. We ended up making 12 mini jars of strawberry jam. If you are in the neighborhood, feel free to stop by for a jar!

Four Months To Go

Four months until:

• I put on my pretty dress
• Get my hair washed and prettied
• My makeup applied
• I walk down the aisle with my dad
• I marry the man who is going to be with me on the rest of my journey.

It's been hitting me lately that MJ is here for good. Yes, I understand the concept of marriage and I know it sounds silly but I have lived so much of my life in short bursts that the longevity of married life seems so far removed from what I know. Since I was a small child, I have moved around alot. Prior to college, I had lived in over 7 homes. Add in college and post grad, we are talking about over 19+ residences. I have always made new friends (and kept the old ones) but I lived a constantly changing single life which meant moving every 2-3 years.

Its funny when I see friends purchasing homes that they plan to reside in for long periods of time because honestly, I have never had that even as a child. I started giggling the other day when MJ and I bought a small table grill (a "for now" grill) until we move into a larger place. I realized that MJ and I would be together when we purchase our next grill for our new home together and it made me smile

He's my forever and my forever has never looked so good.

Scan Me

So last night we experienced a Rite of Passage for many, if not all bridal couples...we registered. After much debate (by me, in my head) it was decided that Bed Bath and Beyond was the best place for us. We combined households and already own two of most things so we figured we could register for some more special items that we knew we would enjoy together.

We were both pretty tired going into the evening so figured we'd scan a few things and call it a night...not so much. We already own both sets of our mothers China so we were good in that department but once I saw the BEAUTIFUL glassware...we were doomed. I love glassware for some reason and just feeling the weight of the gorgeous crystal made me want to scan the whole shelf. We tried to restrain but it was definitely our splurge to register for some Waterford Crystal wine glasses, champagne flutes and water glasses.

Here's Michael scanning our new towels!!!

In regards to the rest of the registry, we definitely put on some "want" type stuff but for the most part we restrained and kept it to things we had discussed we needed to complete our ideal kitchen.

But who am I kidding....

Do I need the red silicone prep bowls? No.

Do I want them? Hell Yes!!

Will they make me happy? Yup!

We had no sense of time while we were there...its like Vegas. They must pump in oxygen and prevent clocks from working because we were there for over two hours and it felt like 10 minutes. The saleswoman reported that many couples return a second or third time to finish but we think completing the registry from the comfort of our own computer is just fine.

Overall the process was fun. It is rather odd to be registering for presents but I guess it beats getting a pre-decorated Christmas tree that smells like cigarette smoke, right Jess??