Cleaning, anyone?

Yep - that's my day today. Cleaning. I haven't done anything to prepare for Dan's arrival tomorrow. Which is fine, really, because it will keep my mind off of less pleasant things.

Last night I had such bad anxiety that I could not sleep until about 5 am. First I was stressed out about my photography clusterfluck that I'm dealing with. Then I calmed myself down slightly about it by looking at it objectively and taking deep breaths. Some chocolate also helped. Then I started freaking out hardcore about Dan's flight tomorrow.

I mean, there is always the worry that something could happen to the plane, but I feel reasonably comfortable with him flying. The real anxiety is that they won't let him into the country. They have no reason not to, and he has plenty of documentation to "prove" that he's not moving here. It should be fine. If not, I don't know what I'll do.

I'd better get back to cleaning. Otherwise it won't get done. That's the downside to waiting until the last minute to get everything ready - you actually have to WORK.

Hump Day is Fun Day - right?

No? What a misleading name.

Anyways, I had a productive couple of days. Yesterday my grandparents called me and asked if I would come over to give my input on their outfits for the wedding. Which is cute. So I went over and they showed me their outfits. My grandfather had a suit - which is cool because he thought he didn't, so now he doesn't have to buy one. My grandmother came out in a dress that looked good on her, but had WOW cleavage. So we decided to go shopping for something to wear underneath. We went to Soma and she bought a Cami Bra - which was good because that's one more "layer" she doesn't have to wear. My grandfather was a little taken aback at how transparent the lace was, though. They almost didn't buy it, I had to reassure him multiples times that it wasn't inappropriate. We left and stopped at Dairy Queen. They had the Confetti Cake Blizzard - which was AMAZING.

By the time we got home the sky had gotten very dark. We got settled in on the porch when the rain started. It was comfortable, sitting on their wide porch while the rain came down around us. It was nice and cool and relaxing. My grandparents decided they wanted to order pizza - but were being mindful of my diet. I told them I had the ingredients to make flatbread pizzas. Cheaper (because we didn't have to buy anything) and better for you (not really greasy). We had pizza and wine, then played cards until quite late.

I got home to find two packages on the front porch. Kind of wish my mom or sister would have brought them in when it started raining, but whatever. They turned out to be my cupcake trees and candles from Wal-Mart. Awesome. I got the cupcake trees assembled and candles put into the "wedding room".

Today wasn't actually as productive as I thought, but productive enough. I filled up my gas tank (yaay) and payed my car note in addition to going to the post office. My eating habits have been crap lately because of wedding stress.

But, having said that, I'm off in search of comfort food.

What? A yummy Lean Cuisine meal?

Yes! It does exist! The Honey Balsamic Chicken steamable meal is really good. Last time I was at Target I picked up several meals - knowing they'd probably just be meh - and this is the last one left. The other ones were just as I assumed - okay, but nothing to get excited about. The Honey Balsamic Chicken, however, tastes just as good as it sounds.

It takes about 4 1/2 minutes to cook - and all you need to do is pop it in the microwave. A lot of frozen meals tell you to cut a slit here, cut off the seal over this, then peel it back to stir and replace. Kind of a pain in the ass. This meal is designed to be steamed in the packaging. Nice and easy. It is a little on the small side, like all frozen diet entrees, but you can easily add a side if you don't think it will fill you up.

In other news, I received my first wedding present today. How exciting! My Great Aunt and Uncle that won't be attending sent a card and a check. I was very touched, and it's a shame they won't be able to make it. I got the thank you note in the mail right away, because I'm awesome like that.

It's also storming today. Again. It's making me a little nervous. I hope all the storms calm down before the wedding, which is less than two weeks away.

Discussion Time!

Otherwise known as time I tell you what I think.

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/19/my-take-the-christian-case-for-gay-marriage/?hpt=hp_c3

I like this guy, at least based on this one article. It really does make a lot of sense. I mean, I'm not a Christian or anything so I guess I don't know all the ins and outs - but to me this seems so obvious. Who gives a flying fluck if two men or two women decide to get married? How is it going to affect you?

What I see in the Bible’s accounts of Jesus and his followers is an insistence that we don’t have the moral authority to deny others the blessing of holy institutions like baptism, communion, and marriage. God, through the Holy Spirit, infuses those moments with life, and it is not ours to either give or deny to others.

I love that quote. And I mean, I get it. I do. If you're a Christian minister and you do not believe in gay marriage because  you believe that homosexuality is a sin then that's fine, you don't have to perform the ceremony. I just don't understand how these people that believe it's wrong on a religious level have any right to stand up and say legally it shouldn't be allowed.

But, then again, I also don't understand how it's even up for debate in the legal arena. I don't understand how it can be allowed that the government is denying rights to citizens. I've never been able to hear a good, logical reason for people to be against it that does not include religion. If that is the case - then why is there any debate over it what so ever? I don't even understand the argument about protecting the sanctity of marriage. Sure, if the divorce rate wasn't higher than the college graduation rate (okay exaggeration there - but only very slightly) I could see the argument there. Back in the day, if you got married that was it. No do overs, no divorce once you realize things didn't work out. You were stuck. Marriage was actually a huge commitment. That's not to say that it isn't now, but it's so easy to get out of it that it doesn't mean the same thing that it used to in the minds of most people. '

So that's my insight of the day. On to what's actually happening in my life (not much, as it turns out)

My candles apparently shipped today from Wal-Mart. I think this probably means that they packaged it up and dropped it the box and will be ready to go out first thing tomorrow morning. It's estimating delivery on the 29th, and I guess I'm okay with that. Although, up until that time I'm probably going to be kicking myself for not spending the extra $12 to get the expedited shipping. It will be fine, it will all work out, everything will come together. This is going to be my mantra for the next two weeks.

I still haven't received my cupcake trees. I really want them, and I hope they arrive in time. If not, it's actually not that big of a deal. My cake stand is pretty enough, and I think it will be okay if I just put the cupcakes on the table. That's just what I'm telling myself in case they don't show up in time.

And now that I've just written a nice long post - I think it's time for me to gather laundry.

Busy busy Saturday

Well, not really. I've been unproductive as ever. I'm trying to get my room clean and tidy for when Dan gets here -- IN 8 DAYS!!!! That's so freaking exciting. But, it's hard because Dan's got so many games in my room that I feel like it won't look nice no matter what I do. And I've got to get all these OTHER games out of the living room and into my room - so, add to the pile. Argh.

Anyways - I did actually get a few things done. I went to Wal-Mart to see if the candles I want to use for my centerpieces would be cheaper in store. Online you can only buy them in packs of three, whereas you can purchase them individually in the store. The Wal-Mart I went to didn't carry them at all, so there was my answer. While walking out of the store I noticed that the Children's Miracle Network was there grilling and selling food. So, being the strong dieter that I am, I bought a cheeseburger and fries. It doesn't count if it's for charity, right??

No? Oh well, it was delicious. I didn't even eat half of those fries. I felt bad for throwing them away, but what can you do? I'd rather waste them than force myself to eat them and let my appetite get out of control again.

I went home and got on the computer (Me on the computer? That's a new concept right there) and realized that today is the 19th. That means that tomorrow is the due date for our final payment for the DJ.  So Dan paid that (yay!) so that's another thing we've got down. I also decided to go ahead and order the candles. I was slightly annoyed because the ship to store option (free) was a no go because the estimated arrival date was 5/29 - 6/4. Yeah, because I'm going to risk that when I need the candles for a centerpiece for my JUNE 3RD wedding. Lame. So I paid for shipping to my house which should be here no later than Thursday. That makes no sense to me, but oh well.

I also got my Vistaprint package today as well as the party invites from my Aunt Chesney. I didn't actually get anything for the wedding, although I did get some gifts for Zack and Rebecca. As well as my change of address cards. They're so cute and colorful.

Anyways, the day isn't over so I still have time to get something productive done. I will do it. I promise. Right now. Later. Definitely later.

I love the toaster oven

Currently living with my parents and sharing their kitchen while on a diet is frustrating. Plus, when cooking for one person it's not worth firing up the oven and all that. Thank the Technology Gods for giving us the toaster oven. We have a pretty nice one - I could probably cook an entire chicken in there! But I am only using the boneless skinless breasts.

Anyways, it's really easy to make some healthy chicken in the toaster oven. What I do:

1. Preheat toaster oven. I pretty much just turn it on while I'm preparing my chicken
2. Coat chicken in Parkay 0 calorie butter spray
3. Sprinkle on seasoning. I currently love Lawry's Garlic Salt with Parsley and McCormick Lemon Herb
4. Cook for about 20 mins or so - depending on the size of the breast 

And that's it. Usually for a side I just stick a frozen veggie in microwave when the chicken is done (I leave it in the toaster oven to keep it nice and warm). Sometimes, though, I'll make mashed potatoes while the chicken is cooking.

It's not fancy, it's not terribly exciting...but it's delicious and easy! Perfect for when you're all alone on Friday night and need something healthy and yummy.

Woah, a blog!

I've tried this before, but I've never had anything interesting to say. Still kinda don't, but hey - I've got stuff going on at least!

Anyways - only weeks away from my wedding, and God-knows-how-long away from moving. Stuff to talk about. Yep.

Tune in for more?