Watching Shark Week before going to a tropical island... hmmm

Yes, that's what I'm doing. I love Shark Week.

Normally, my family is in NC this week and we watch Shark Week and then go into the ocean where there are actually a fair amount of sharks. Bermuda doesn't have a reputation for a lot of shark activity, as far as I know, although there are barracuda and other game fish that I've seen while snorkeling.

If you're a fan of sharks or love to scare yourself you should check out my friend, Sharky's, blog The Chum Slick.

So I'm on my fifth shark attack recount and reenactment and I'm thinking this may not be the best idea.

I also bought a video about the Bermuda Triangle but I think I'll keep that for when I get back.

Okay - "Top Five, Eaten Alive" is on now. And I'm not sure I can handle this.

Happy Hunting!

Getting ready for marriage

So. I am swamped with things to do, but wanted to take a moment to document the time right before I get hitched! We leave next week for Bermuda to have our wedding and honeymoon.

I'm so excited and am so ready to be done with all the details that have lead up to this event. I love a party and am a good planner, but I have never put this much energy into one event in my entire life. It's kind of amazing the amount of planning and the thousands of little to big decisions you have to make as you go along the way.

What kind of invitations will you have? Will you get them printed or do them yourself? What color? Shiny or matte? Funny or serious? What kind of food? Open bar (duh)? What jewelry will you wear? Shoes? Nail polish? Hairstyles? Purse?
The list goes on.

Because our wedding is a destination wedding a lot of planning was done way in advance - about nine months in advance. But the last minute stuff is still here and we are plowing our way through it as bravely and efficiently as we can. Luckily, Jon is very patient with me and we manage to groan about the ridiculous amount of crap to do together. Something that makes all the difference when it's 6pm and you haven't showered because you've been coordinating with the wedding coordinator and fixing the budget and making decisions about flowers and chocolates and cake and chairs.

I don't mean to imply that it's not fun at all, but it is sooooo long-term that it is also very draining. Now I'm really getting into the fun stuff.

Sample schedule:
-Finances
-Call bank
-D/o laundry
-UPS Store, post office
-See friend
-Start to pack
-Cook dinner
-Go over budget/list with Jon
Sat
-Personal trainer
-Pack
-Get cat food, litter
-Go to friend's bday party
Sun
-Pack (and yes, it will take this long)
-p/u laundry, dry cleaning
-drop off programs and cameras to friends
-confirm flight itinerary
-start cleaning apt
-confirm catsitter
-print extra programs
Mon
-p/u dress in Jersey
-get clip and comb for hair
-personal trainer
-go to pharmacy and stock up on toilletry items

it goes on...

I am SO excited to get to Bermuda and relax with Jon. I am so happy that I get to marry him on a beautiful beach (with good weather, I hope, I hope). I am watching the weather websites every day and at the same time trying to tell myself it's out of my hands now. And no matter what, we will have fun.

So now I have to run out to the post office, the UPS Store, say hi to a good friend of mine who just had a baby and come home and wash the fabrics that I want to start quilting my NEXT baby quilt with. I'm lying to myself thinking that I have time to start this before I leave. But it keeps me sane.

It took four hours to go through finances and paper this afternoon. I'm now done and am going to shower! Yay! And change and leave.

I have a two-page to-do list on my kitchen counter that I am slowly crossing off as I go along.

The good news is today is Jon's last day at work so he will be at home to help starting tomorrow! We are celebrating by staying in tonight and relaxing. I.e., going over the guest list and budget one last time to make sure everything's in order. Awesome.

Can't wait until this is all in motion! There are so many people traveling to come celebrate with us, it's incredible. I think I will probably be in tears most of the weekend.

Off to drop off laundry. Ah, the glamorous life I lead.

This is the photo of Bermuda that I have as my desktop that keeps me movin and excited for next week:

Province Canteen & Sweet Lily Spa - What a day!

My good friend, Keri, got me a gift certificate to a spa downtown for my ladies' night a while ago and I used it today.

If you live in NYC and ever go to get your nails done or get waxed - I beg you to try the Sweet Lily Spa on West Broadway and North Moore Street. It is SUCH a relaxing place - there are overstuffed armchairs you sit in while you get your pedicure (what a luxurious experience that was! hot water in a retro bin with sliced cucumbers in it for your tired feet...) run, do not walk there.







I believe that says it all. I was a stressed out ball of nerves and irritation before we had lunch (that's to follow) and had my spa appointment - and when I walked out I felt like Buddha himself. Except not male, and a little thinner.

And lunch was at this incredible small, minimalist Chinese Canteen on Church Street at Walker Street. AMAZING. Pork Shoulder Sandwich and Beet Salad are incredible! I bought more Pork Shoulder Sandwiches to bring home and had to eat one immediately! So good and really cheap - and you can order pieces as you go so you can eat as little or as much as you like of what you like... what a novel idea! I highly recommend it.



AND they have Gus soda! Open Mo-Sat 11-9PM. Awesome.