Call Me Butter...

Butter & Co.

2005-05-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

I managed to survive week 1 in my new studio. I even started to like it, despite the obvious lack of space. This kind of feels like a dorm room with a kitchen. This past weekend, Pedro came back to visit, and so did one of my bridesmaids, RKY. Pedro and RKY had never met, so it was an especially timely visit. We had so much fun! Friday, Pedro was extra charming and cooked a gourmet meal for the three of us. We got all dressed up and took advantage of the nice weather by wandering around the 'hood. The night was spent at an underground scotch bar. We slept in on Saturday, and went to our spectacular zoo. We promised RKY sushi for lunch, and after trying 2 places that were closed for lunch, we ended up right in our own backyard. Many cucumber rolls later, we took an afternoon nap back at the ranch. For dinner we went to our favourite hipster bar for amazing pizza and draft beer. Then we headed over to the friendliest wine bar ever, and after some riesling, we ended the night at the greatest chocolate bar ever. I had crepes, RKY had baked brie, and Pedro helped us finish. We sat outside, with candles and roses on all the tables. It was fabulous. After totally gorging ourselves on food all day, we promptly fell asleep. Today was sad when I had to say goodbye to both of my guests (after Pedro's awesome waffles). At least I have the place all to myself; Butchie is perched on the window sill like a cat. I think I'm going to drive to Butterapolis next weekend with Butchie-- our bestman invited us to his cabin. I'm ready to drink some beer and be on a boat. Maybe I will be able to get a taste of summer after all.

Rolls on Parade

2005-05-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

Last night Pedro, Butch and I listened to live music at the Historical Society, outside. We met one of my two friends here, and she had a friend with her who was pretty cool. The music was so-so, but that was fine because I was there for the conversation and to enjoy the night. We brought 3 kinds of cheese, a baguette, and a bottle of cab. As soon as we found our company for the night, Butch promptly marked one of the ladies' bag. I just about died. Luckily, they're pretty easy going people. Though Butchie didn't quite understand sharing his parents with other adults, we had a great time. After a few glasses of wine, we came home (Pedro drove) and I promptly fell asleep.

I still haven't heard about the job. I still want it, especially since work has been very crazy and not the least bit rewarding. It's weird for me to think that this time next week Pedro won't be in town, I'm trying hard not to be sad about it, but with moving and all sorts of other stuff going on.... I'm pretty overwhelmed.

I picked out my towels (monogrammed) and sheets (monogrammed) the other day. They make me happy. After I showed Pedro the floral and multi-coloured shower curtain I liked, he announced that he "didn't care" and then asked if we could buy a house with a basement. The basement would be all his, and he wants it to resemble a "Spanish Pub". Not a cantina, but something of a boys club, I think. I said he cannot have a no girls allowed sign. I love him-- I can't believe he's done with his second year of law school-- we're going to be married in like, 52 weeks! That'll fly I'm sure.

Rolling Around

2005-04-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a Butter update:

1) I went back to my GI doctor, who told me that I have to have surgery in one or two months. See, I'm bleeding internally, so if I can get that under control in one month, he'll take biopsies then. If not, in one month I'll try more/different meds, and then once it's under control I'll go under. I'm trying hard not to be depressed about all of this-- but getting screened for colorectal cancer twice in 6 months is not a picnic. Though I know I'm under the best of care, and catching a cancer really early is the best way to go, I really don't like thinking about it. A 23 year old cancer patient? Let's hope not.

2) Work has been crazy this week. We're starting a new semester Monday, meaning that I won't be much of a librarian; rather, I'll be a registrar. I'm doing all sorts of junk that I hate. I hope the job in Butterapolis comes through.

3) Pedro is in the middle of finals. He's studying all the time, and I think he's going to do really well this semester. His two brothers are coming out this upcoming weekend to help us move to the new apartment. Ours is getting renovated, so they are moving us a mile away. I'm not too excited about moving, or about where we're going-- it's right on the edge of our tony neighborhood, and there's definitly only one way to walk Butch.

4) Pedro is moving back to Butterapolis for the summer. I'm going to be pretty lonely. His job is very cool though-- and he'll be able to do some wedding stuff with my mom.

5) Speaking of Mom, she told Pedro that he can call her Mom. I thought that was pretty neat.

That's about all for now, I miss my friends. I wish my intestines would get under control.

No Rolls

2005-04-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

I know I've been gone for a while, but Pedro's taken over my computer to outline as he has finals coming up. What's exciting:
1) Pedro's taking the Foreign Service Exam. If he passes, he's on track to become a diplomat. It's all based on need, so who knows? He does test very very well.
2) I got my very first engagement gift off of my Crate and Barrel registry: a dessert set from one of Dad's old friends (who happens to live about 15 minutes away from me now). Well, guess she's on the guest list now. I'm anxious to get the cake server engraved with our names and wedding date. I like how 06-10-06 looks.
3) I picked up 2 books: Colette's The Complete Claudine and Susan Jane Gilman's Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress. Bridal is definitly one of my hobbies.
4) My colon is a mess yet again. I'm on another RX in addition to the other 2... this one blurs my vision and hinders my driving ability-- but it does ease the cramps that happen ever time I eat. It's weird to feel really bloated yet look at my tummy and see that it's flat.
5) Butchie went on a 6 mile hike with Pedro and I. We found out that he's quite good at drinking out of water fountains. I couldn't believe he lasted so long-- we didn't even carry him.

Butter and Basketball

2005-04-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

mArch madness has taken over my neighborhood. Of course, I can't pry Pedro off the couch tonight, but that's ok. We had our fun last night-- a coworker of mine was a beer tub girl down by the river, so we hopped the train and headed down to tourist central looking for her. I was in a halter cut way low and black pants-- and of course I run into another coworker (male) who was also looking for our beer tubber. I"m sure I'll hear about that on Monday. Turns out we couldn't even find her, so after a strong V&T and a few free shots, we took the train west to a trendy Asian bar for JH's birthday party. I had a great drink-- cucumber, apple and gin-- that I'm going to try and recreate at home. We had a decent enough time, but it's kind of hard to hang out with all those law students. Pedro and I have basically abandoned them on the weekends, as he sees them during the week. Being engaged, working, finished with school, with a puppy at home... even though I'm the youngest of everyone out last night I sure did feel old. Pedro assured me that he couldn't be happier with our stable life, and after really thinking about it, I agree with him.

In hush-hush news, I'm applying for a new job. In Butterapolis. For the following school year. At my alma mater (where my future mother in law and my current stepmom both teach). It's really a good opportunity. While I don't want to be away from Pedro and Butchie, if I got it, it'd be so so sweet. I could save money by living with REL or DDL, get a good start on a career in Butterapolis, be able to plan my wedding efficiently... sigh. I act like I already have the job. My app. will be in the mail this week, and I'll certainly keep y'all posted.

In the meantime, please take note that my address has changed. I'm still on the same street, but now the last 2 numbers in my street address are 16 instead of 05. My new apartment number is 302. Just so you know.

Just Butter

2005-03-22T18:53:00.000-08:00

Work was great today-- I went to lunch with a coworker, and then this afternoon we had an all staff meeting. I know most people hate meetings, but honestly I love them. I like being able to ask questions and see what's going on with the rest of the college. Today's meeting was about space-- the school is acquiring a third floor, and consequently the library will be moving to a more central location (it's just down the hall, but this is a good chance to reorganize some things). As the libraries I worked in Boston had moved, this is old hat for me, especially since this library is tiny compared to those. I know lots of librarians are trying to add computer terminals, but I'm anxious to get rid of ours-- they run down the center of what is essentially a large classroom with the shelves lining 3 of the 4 walls. Not quite Harvard, I know, but I'm working with what I can. I'll have 16 terminals and have 2 round tables for group study (this is the first time there is non-computer seating in the library). I'll also have a nice brand new wrap around desk all for me; I can't wait to get away from the secretaries and into the library. I think I"m going to throw a housewarming party of sorts, so the whole school can see what's going on in their library.
I got home from a good day at work to find Pedro and Butchie cuddled on the sofa. After my usual greeting of, "Hi Boys!" and kisses all around, Pedro made me heart shaped pasta for dinner. We've been polishing off a bottle of wine, and watching movies. "Breaking Away" is on; it's about Pedro's alma mater. Go ahead and google it, it's supposed to be pretty good.
Posting will probably be sparse for the rest of the week-- we're off to Orlando for a wedding this weekend!

Luck O' The Butter

2005-03-18T18:30:00.000-08:00

Because I work in a nightlife hot spot (seriously. We're located between a nightclub and a pub) my St. Patrick's Day fun didn't involve a car ride. I went out with 2 girls from work for the first time. After working there for 6 months, we all decided it was time. It was quite nice-- even though the beer was so-so, to go out with other girls reminded me a bit of last year. I miss my old grad school girls, and I think it all kind of came back to me last night: I was again the youngest, the most outgoing, and the one who always seemed to draw attention whether I was asking for it or not.

I didn't feel bad leaving Pedro back in the apartment. He's been sinking into the couch watching hours upon hours of college basketball. Yesterday he added a four pack of Beamish, and with Butchie at his feet, he was in heaven.

I don't even remember how I spent St. Patty's Day last year, but I'm sure I had fun. One funny story from last night: this guy in a suit was hitting on me, even though I was dramatically gesturing with my left hand, flashing my ring. He noted my red hair and asked if I was Irish. I looked at him squarely and reminded him that not all redheads are Irish, and not all Irish have red hair. I don't know why Americans think it's so cool to claim to be Irish (we have a friend who is maybe 1% Irish and 99% French and still proclaims he's Irish). I'm proud to be an Eastern European Mutt.

Off my Roll

2005-03-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

Pedro might have been able to drive my car to school, but driving it home was a different story. As he was exiting the law school parking garage, he heard a loud pop and then the rear axel fell. Unable to even push it forward, he managed to skid it into a parking spot. He called me to tell me to call AAA, which I did, and I had to go to the law school to meet him and AAA. I went to his car in the parking garage, and while sitting amid all the broken glass, I realized his car was totally out of gas. I called a cab, but after waiting 45 minutes we canceled AAA and he took the shuttle back to the apartment. I called work, saying I was obviously not going to be able to make it on time, what with both of our cars out of service.

I called a rental car place and I've been driving a teal Corolla for the past couple of days. Last night I cleaned out my car and it was quite sad. I learned how to drive on it when I was 15, and it was always faithful to me.
Here's some of the weirder stuff I found:

a pint of teal paint (I was going to paint my loft in college but never got around to it)
3 pairs of white gloves (from my cotillion days)
assorted mixed tapes made by assorted mixed up ex boyfriends (no CD player)
1 neon green Converse All-Star (I have no idea)
birth control from 2001

I'm sure there was more things that you'd find funny, but those are the first things that come to mind. Pedro's window is fixed and I have to return the Corolla tomorrow. I should be getting my car either tomorrow or St. Patrick's Day (hopefully tomorrow!)

Also, I found out that my taxes for this new car come to about $1600, which must be paid in full within 30 days. Tonight Pedro and I ate some beans for dinner-- I think this is the start of a new diet.

Everyone Wants What Butter's Got

2005-03-14T05:50:00.001-08:00

In a very weird turn of events, Pedro and I are suddenly without cars in good shape.

See, what I didn't mention before is that one of the reasons I was buying a new car was because mine was broken in to. I parked on the street instead of my garage because I was worried about my transmission. I park in the sub-basement, and it's quite tricky to get out of my spot with a car in working condition, so I decided that before I'd get my transmission checked out,I'd park on the street in my well-to-do neighborhood. Last Monday morning, I discovered a rear window broken, my glove compartment rummaged, and a container of change I used for toll roads gone. I would've paid the robber $20 just to NOT break my window. I'm guessing it was a bum looking for loose change.

Last night, after Pedro's concert, he returned to his car to find the driver's window broken and his entire stereo console gone. It was a very cold ride home last night for him! This robber was a professional-- he left all of Pedro's CDs and opened the trunk from the backseat (by folding down the seats) looking for a CD changer.

Now, Pedro chose to drive my car with the lowsy breaks to school this morning, and I'm guessing I'll drive my car to work this afternoon, but it's quite scary. Especially since I have to get my new car later this week, I have the weird feeling there's a possibility we'll be taking an expensive cab ride to the dealership to pick up my new car!

Everyone Wants What Butter's Got

2005-03-14T05:50:00.000-08:00

Bagels and Butter

2005-03-13T16:08:00.000-08:00

I know I've been MIA for a while, but hey, this girl's been busy.

I've had much drama concerning my car. It's finally bitten the dust, and after treating this like a research project, I've finally bought a new car. A BRAND NEW CAR, all for me. And yes, it's another Saturn. Here I am, being one of their nearly 50% of loyal repeat customers. I'm very excited, it has absolutly everything I want and nothing I don't. Like leather seats, a sunroof, MP3 player, a huge trunk, and a spoiler. And great gas mileage. Pedro and I had fun buying it-- I wanted to make sure he likes it as it'll become our car sooner than later.

This morning Pedro surprised me by bringing home bagels from 2 different places. This was for "Consumer Reports: Bagel Edition 2005". Probably a little tired from all the comparison car shopping, he decided to test drive different bagels. I also got Hamantashen and some pink daisies out of the deal.

We decided to be tourists today. We went to the Science Center, which is free, and then on to a local brewery. We wanted a tour, but that wasn't happening on Sundays, so we had a beer and went home and fell asleep while watching college basketball.

Tonight Pedro's going to a concert alone-- some band in the genre of "noise rock" so I opted out of it. Really, I'm just excited for my new car. I'll be able to pick it up Wednesday, after the paperwork goes through. SO EXCITED!

Buttered

2005-02-24T21:39:00.000-08:00

OK, for the record, I've had an awful lot to drink and I can't quite see the monitor. I'm waiting to jump in the shower. I'm in IA. I left work early to come here and I after a long drive I had a lot of fun going out with my future brothers in law. Crazy. It sounds so adult. It's sad that I'm meeting so much of Pedro's extended family during a funeral,but I'm guessing it's better to meet them now than never at all. I had the pleasure of sharing a first bar bought drink with Pedro's littlest bro (he's 18) and it was great. Butch survived the ride across the Mississippi with little incident. We're staying at Pedro's grandparents house. They don't know we brought Butch. Surprise! OK, it's time to shower. I have a funeral to go to tomorrow, and it's Catholic, so chances are we'll be drinking again. I don't know if I'm going to update or not. Better than being at work! Yay!

Butterdoodles

2005-02-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

Pedro is in Chicago for the weekend for a bigdeal Moot Court tournament. He didn't win, but one of the judges told him he has a scholarly aura. I'll take that. This means that I've been a single dogmom this weekend. It's been nice, actually. Friday Butch and I walked to the bank and the dry cleaners (I LOVE that I can do that in this neighborhood). Then we went home and ordered a pizza. After a bath for Butchie, I hung out and embroidered. Saturday I decided to get ambitious after prompting from one of my future brothers in law and baked five dozen snickerdoodles using Emeril's recipe. The music on TiVo was my background noise, and I had a lot of fun making them. Every single batch came out perfectly, and now GSH, MEL and MCH will have fresh cookies delivered to their dorm room/fraternity house/apartment (respectively). This morning I've decided to extend my domesticity by baking a Challah (I don't care if it's not Shabbat) and maybe making a lasagna so Pedro has a homecooked meal to come home to (that NEVER happens). DWHS said that he will mock me when I have children, but you know, I don't need kidlets to have a great cookie recipe or a desire to bake bread. I was so involved in the baking yesterday that I even forgot to eat dinner-- just a couple of cookies. I'm proud of myself and my cooking skills. I'm even more proud of myself that I got ALL of my ingredients to make the cookies at Target-- and it wasn't a SuperTarget, just a regular one. The one downside to baking is that I think I still have cookie dough stuck in my engagement ring. La di da.

Professional Roll

2005-02-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

Today I went to my very first professional conference (as a professional, that is). It was here in town, so I didn't get to make it into a mini vacation, but I still enjoyed myself. I was the only librarian in the building, so that made lunch conversation fun. This conference was for economics professors, so the first presentation on productivity and the second one on economic outlook made me feel like I was back in graduate school (bored out of my mind) but the second half about using resources was sweet. The 40 or so other participants were mostly from the deep south-- I enjoyed hearing a MS accent. Now I'm hanging out at home for about an hour before I head to work (stupid late night-- if this was on a different day of the week I'd be able to call it a day). Butch is enjoying seeing me at this time of the afternoon (a real rarity for us both). And it's nice out, so I gave him a good little run. I think it's going to be harder and harder to go to work when it keeps getting nice outside. Why can't I be a cruise ship librarian? I guess if I was on a cruise ship I wouldn't be able to go to fun conferences. Ah, it's always a give and take in librarianship.

Bouquets for Butter

2005-02-14T10:14:00.000-08:00

I had such a nice weekend. On Friday, Pedro spent hours cooking me a gourmet meal. We started with a cheese spread, went on to a marinated portabella with three kinds of mashed potatoes over wilted spinach, and homemade chocolate mousse for dessert. We of course had wine pairings with all the food, and it's always so cute to see Pedro in his black apron. Saturday we had Barrister's Ball. Typical Pedro, he realized at 5 that his black dress shoes were in Butterapolis-- meaning that we made a trip to DSW in our formalwear. It's always fun to get compliments from strangers, especially when we were obviously in a rush. We made it to the hotel with plenty of time, so after a drink at a swanky bar, we entered. And danced all night! I felt really good in my dress, my hair was behaving, and Pedro's custom made tux looked better than all the rented deals on the other guys. Yesterday, we took Butchie for a nice long walk in the park-- the weather is finally nice-- and we saw wild turkeys. That was exciting and unexpected. We also went to brunch, wandered around Borders and Whole Foods, and updated our registry at Crate & Barrel. I love that place. And registering is the best-- we spent an hour there, and not a dime. I can't wait to get all the stuff I picked out! This morning, while Pedro was at class, I did some laundry and took Butch for a big walk. He has a big deal interview this afternoon, so I made sure he looked perfect before jetting out the door. As far as V Day is concerned, I let him know he's totally off the hook (as he proposed with a sizeable ring just 6 weeks ago) but he's meeting me for my dinner break tonight at work. I really do like my work schedule, I know everyone at work is looking longingly out the window, wishing they could have the morning doing what I did: walk and get mango iced tea, window shop, and just enjoy my neighborhood. Days like these help remind me that I'm NEVER moving to the 'burbs-- it's weird seeing the tourists from the burbs oohing and ahhing over my turf.

Butter's Butt

2005-02-08T13:21:00.000-08:00

So not to be too graphic, but my colon is really messing up things. I dutifully woke up and went to work, and on the way I felt really gross but figured it could be fixed with OJ from McDonald's. I ambled into work, right at 8, and by 8:10 I was on the phone to my GI guy. Of course the office doesn't open til 9, so I sat for an hour, feeling weak and wondering just how much blood was collecting in my insides. At 9, I was back in my car, heading home. Now I have another RX for 6 pills a day. That, and I'm so terribly weak, typing and watching TLC is about all I'm up for.
On a good note: I think I finally have a budget from REL, and a date on hold at my favorite wedding venue. To keep the date longer than 30 days, we have to put down a $2000 deposit. Well, nobody told me this was going to be cheap.... but it is very exciting!

Bah Bah Butter

2005-02-03T15:43:00.000-08:00

It sure does feel good to be home from work. I'm on Pedro's couch, he's taking Butch outside, and I'm supposed to figure out what we're doiongn for dinner. I love that this is the most important decision I have to make for at least the next 12 hours.

Today at work I created a prototype of a newsletter for my constituents. That was fun, hopefully the kids will give me some good feedback. I started a new book, given to me by an accounting instructor: Michael Moore's "Dude, Where's my Country?" I haven't started it yet, but I'm sure I"ll at least find it mildly entertaining.

Tomorrow I'm going back to Butterapolis. We're checking out three venues (I think) along with FL's 80th birthday bash at a steakhouse. Nothing like being vegetarian at a steakhouse. I'm sure Pedro and I will be feasting on mashed 'taters and spinach. At least I'll get to see MEL and possibly RJT.

Butter Flu

2005-01-31T08:09:00.000-08:00

I think I'm officially sick. I'm hot, I'm cold, I'm dizzy, I'm not too hungry...
But I'll still be at work.

Ugh, this is one of those times that this Monday late-start is actually pretty nice. I've been on the couch playing with TiVo and Butchie's been keeping me company. Yesterday he was the best pupster ever-- we dressed him as a bride and marched in the country's largest dog parade. We saw a standard poodle dyed pink, and dogs dressed up even more creatively than their owners. Butch was perfect-- he didn't get carsick, he didn't get too nervous.... We had so much fun. Valentine's Day will be our sixth month anniversary of being Butchie's parents. Being a dog owner is just wonderful. And I can't wait to get married so we can mend Butchie's broken home (currently we hyphenate his last name).

After such a wonderful weekend it makes it even harder to go back to work. Pedro finishes class early on Mondays, so we're going out for naked burritos (just without the shell, silly). Then I need to pick up a cake I ordered (it's a coworker's birthday tomorrow, and since my birthday was the last one in the office it's my turn to buy this one) and head off to work.

Today's payday! YAY!

Butter's Break

2005-01-29T10:09:00.000-08:00

After a very long week, I sure am glad it's the weekend.

What I've been doing since finishing work yesterday:

Rollerblading at a place called Saints-- it's a "Family Friendly" skating rink, and last night it was gospel night. Pedro thinks every night there is a gospel night. We had a lot of fun, but definitly didn't recognize any of the songs.
Laundry-- this isn't exactly memorable, but it's great fun because I put Butchie on top of the machines while I sort and change. He's the greatest pupster ever. Tomorrow there's a huge Doggie Parade in a different area of town, and of course he'll be in it. In drag.
Fun with TiVo. Wow, how did I ever live without it? Now I'll never miss an episode of Seventh Heaven. Just kidding. Sort of.
Ate a candlelit dinner for two, prepared by Chef Pedro. 'Twas wonderful, indeed.
Embroidered the tablecloth I've been working on for a while now. It'll be so pretty on the cake table when I get married...
Recieved confirmation from DWHS that one of my gown choices is in fact gorgeous. I really wish I was like, 6 feet tall. Just for this.
Started reading a book I got in the mail: "Making a Successful Jewish Interfaith Marriage".

Now I think we're going to scope out a new taqueria. You know I need a burrito on the weekend.

Butter and Books

2005-01-27T16:28:00.000-08:00

Today I learned that I should maybe take my coworkers at face value, rather than dig a little deeper. The girls up front (with whom I share my space) are nice enough, but certainly uneducated and unexperienced. I had to tell one that a carpenter does not in fact lay carpet, and the other one that Ben & Jerry's actually has real life stores, not just available in your grocer's freezer.

Then I mistakenly asked them what they were reading.

The Left Behind series.

They were talking about the "Sign of the Beast" or whatever, and I gave one of my "are you for real?" grimaces. I mentioned off hand that it was fiction, and then had to keep myself quiet. These two girls haven't even read the whole bible (I've finished both the OT and NT) and were saying rediculous things like, "I don't know how those guys could live to be over 100 years old."

Oy va voy. I have a huge bone to pick with the Left Behind books, the best selling novels of our time. These provincial girls are learning that those who don't accept JC are certainly inferior and will be sent to some undesirable place. And yes, I"ve read excerpts of theses insanely popular books.

I'm thinking my next job will be for Planned Parenthood or something equally liberal. I can't stand these conservatives way out in the 'burbs.

Butter & Jerry's

2005-01-18T17:43:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like walking around the block to get a scoop of Berry Berry Extraordinary fat free sorbet when it's 5 degrees outside. Butchie and Pedro must love me-- they came too!

I came home to Pedro's place to find it completely rearranged and CLEAN. The couch is at an angle, the coffee table is clear, the kitchen table is in the middle of the kitchen, Butchie's crate is against a different wall, the bed is turned, the mobile from Ikea is hanged... I could go on, but I won't. Also, during my lunch hour, I got a call on the cell phone provided to me by work (suh-WEET) to inform me that my name had been drawn by the pitiful Mexican restaurant next door to work for a Cantina party for 20 of my closest friends. You know I'm always up for 99 cent margaritas.

I also called DDL to see what's on the agenda for this weekend. It's the first time I'll see her since I've been engaged and I have a zillion appointments set up already. Here's a breakdown of Saturday:
9 Go to Pedro's tux place
11 Meet DDL and RPH and check out location 1
2 Drop off Pedro and check out dress shop 1
4 Dress shop 2
7 Dinner with both families for the first time at a cute Greek restaurant uptown.
And Sunday:
1 Dress shop 3
3 Location 2
Don't forget I also have to drive back from Butterapolis. You know, this would be most peoples' nightmares, but I'm just so excited. I love this stuff!

Butter the Bride

2005-01-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

Another weekend, another bridal show. Pedro came with me to this one too, and since it was downtown it was way nicer than the trashy one I went to last weekend. I still didn't see any dresses I liked (for myself or my future 'maids) but we did try some pretty good cake. Again, I loved wearing a pink sticker that said "BRIDE". That's such a fun title, and really, this is the first and only time I'll be doing this, so I don't feel too bad about loving it. Since Pedro thinks renting clothes is silly, I think we're making a trip to Brooks Brothers tomorrow morning for him to just buy a tux. I love that he wants a traditional one, and that we'll also get some use out of it.

Speaking of, I got an email from DRD asking about dresses for our upcoming balls. Too much fun, I get to pick up mine from the tailor next week. And I'll be going home this weekend for my very first engagement party. Certainly this calls for me to get my nails done (redone?). Other than that... TiVo is awesome, Pedro is the greatest, Butchie is clean and Pedro's place now has wireless.

Hair, Bikes and Daisies for Butter

2005-01-15T18:12:00.000-08:00

At the very last moment on Friday afternoon, I turned to TNH, who has really cute hair, and asked who she goes to. 15 minutes later, I had an appointment for this morning. With Barrister's Ball coming up, I knew I wanted it dramatic to match my very dramatic and exotic gown. So yes, they made me a red head! I real one, too. It's dark and dramatic and very sexy. I think my hair actually matches my eyebrows for the first time in forever. It's a nice change. After my hair appointment, which Pedro sat dutifully through, we drove to a dumpy town for him to pick up a bike he bought on eBay. Bike as in bicycle, not motorcycle. Then we decided to hit the Farmer's Market. Now, ordinarily, this would be a good Saturday afternoon activity. This Saturday afternoon, however, it was 10 degrees. And the Farmer's Market is definitly not heated. Pedro ran around and bought everything-- including a pineapple and some daisies for me-- and I stayed in the central heated area with all the bums avoiding the cold. We went to one Irish pub for lunch, and another for dinner, where I enjoyed a fuzzy navel (now that brings me back to college). After a trip to Best Buy and Trader Joe's, our day is now complete. Saturday night holds scotch for Pedro, rawhide for Butch, and cognac for Butter.

Butter Family Update: MEL is "talking" to this girl in NY that he was set up with in FL. DDL is in a play this weekend; the troupe only includes actors aged 50-70, so she's definitly the baby. She loves that. REL is adjusting to me being engaged by signing his emails "soon to be real poor". He has no idea!

Oh, did I mention how cognac is my new at-home drink? I bought a bottle and have since definitly enjoyed it.

Chilled Butter

2005-01-13T16:24:00.000-08:00

Wedding update: The folks at the JOI (Jewish Outreach Institue) are amazing, and have been able to provide me with some rabbis from Butterapolis who will perform a ceremony with Pedro and me. That's an unbelievable burden lifted off of my shoulders. Nothing has been even close to decided yet, but it feels so good just to know there are rabbis out there who will do an interfaith ceremony. Phew.

Life update: Pedro made chili from scratch tonight. His chili has cinnamon, potatoes and chipotle in it. Very interesting. We also set up TiVo tonight, so yay for that. It looks like a lot of fun. Work let the kids out early today, but of course, as staff, I had to stay late. Turns out the roads were better at 4:30 than they were earlier.

This weekend there's that other bridal show, sure to be rediculous but you know I'll be there anyway. I'm trying so hard to not only talk about wedding stuff at work and around Pedro, and since you elect to ride this, you might be subjugated to more than you'd like!

Butter's Really Back

2005-01-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys,
I know it's been for-ev-er since I've last posted, but I've been busy! First things first: I'm engaged! Pedro asked me while we were out to dinner in Chicago for new years. It's been just wonderful planning for becoming Mrs. Pedro. All the parents and friends and such are excited for us, and I think I'm starting to get used to being a fiancee.

Yesterday Pedro and I went to our first bridal show. What a crazy experience. It was packed, of course, and aside from walking around with a sticker that said "I'm getting married" and sampling cake, it was horrible. This showcased every single thing I know I don't want at my wedding. I was most excited for the bridal fashion show-- but when it started out with three girls dancing to Shania Twain in leotards and skimpy tutus, I knew I was in for a shock. The real fashion show started, but these girls were tromping down the catwalk with their full skirts bunched in their fists to Beyonce. Oh, and all these dresses were from the Bridal Barn (SRW, you know what I'm talking about!). There were catering samples from Fazoli's. Do I really have to go on?

Even Pedro thought something was off. He came away from the experience knowing he doesn't want: 1) fondant icing because it tastes bad; 2) a pasta bar because it looks bad; and 3) to wear a vest with his tux because of the same reason he doesn't want a pasta bar.

I'm going to another bridal show next weekend, I think it'll be a little more sophisticated (this past one was in a trashy suburb-- the kind of people who looked at me twice when I told them I live in the city) and it'll also be a lot bigger. And if nothing else, I'll just keep finding out more and more of what I don't want. Sigh.