OK, People... I have a gianormous mysterious white dress hanging in my living room. How am I supposed to keep myself from wearing this for Kent in the next month. It's so fun to wear. I feel like that Friends episode where Phoebe and Rachel lounge around the apartment eating bon-bon in full wedding dress attire.
At least I get to look pretty for no reason tomorrow. I have my "bridal sitting". Apparently, its very important to document the way I look right now at 29 before I lose my looks. Bah! Listen... I'm only gonna get better folks! It will be fun.
I had my practice hair-do day yesterday. I woke up with a hangover from the product in my hair this morning. I actually took a shower before my workout with hope that my headache would go away. Or maybe it was all that eyeliner.... Or maybe it was the gin?... I mean, WHO KNEW!?!?!?

Today I a brand new black Member's Only jacket for sale in the juniors department at Von Maur. I couldn't believe my eyes. I showed it to my friend, Sara and she didn't know what it was. I'm still reeling from it. It was at least $50, to boot. Is fashion getting so tired that they have to start recycling patterns for Members Only jackets?

Anyway, My life is just rolling and rolling. Last weekend was my bridal shower. I just read in a Wedding magazine mother's shouldn't throw showers and I made my momma throw me mine. They said it looks like the mom is soliciting for gifts. So if there is anyone out there who thinks that... Its all my fault. I thought mother's were supposed to do it because my friend's mother did hers. My bad.

Its funny the things you'll read in these wedding magazines... They are like the bible- you can find what ever point you want to make as long as you look long enough and interpret it just so.

Next weekend is my Bachelorette Party. I'm pretty siked about it. We are going to Chicago and attending a show at The Baton Lounge which has Drag Queen Shows. It should be a great weekend.

Next week I practice hairstyles with my hair stylist, I pick up my wedding dress and then on Thursday I have my "bridal sitting" with our photographer. That means that day I get all made up like on my wedding day- that should be interesting.

I've been exercising and dieting. So far I've lost 15 well needed lb.s. I'm just about where I was before I got too fat to fit into my clothes. Now I can start looking better than I did just three or so years ago. My momma and I always think its funny how no matter how thin you are/were you are never satisfied and want to look different and when you look worse than you did when you were miserable before you wish you looked like you did then... Does that make any sense?

Anyway, I've got a lot to get together. I admit I've been neglecting my to-do lists in lieu of outdoor activities and making myself look prettier. I should look at those soon.

I got an e-mail from a cousin asking if it was too late to suggest songs and the answer is "absolutely Not!" please feel free to write me song requests!

Well, I thought I'd just update ya'll a bit.

I'll try to continue posting during this last month... Eck!

Here are some pictures from the last time our family spent Christmas together whole... I just found these pictures and thought they were neato.

I finally got the pictures from Gia's reception back.
Here are the Italy girls (that's me on the right).
Note to readers: I'm working on that little tire around the middle so don't expect to see too much of it at the wedding :)!

Happy Father's Day, Pop-o... Thanks for teaching me when to put a cork in it...
Love, Katy-Did

Back to wedding business again...
I wanted to post another offer for anyone coming to my wedding to request a song... I want to put together a nice list... Think of it this way...
If I request it it will for sure be played but its more of a gamble and a pain in the ass to request while your having fun dancing.

Today I took JR and Genevieve to Heart to Heart. Gen's dress is really nice and I'm so glad JR was able to get fitted today. All the kiddos were there and everyone did such a nice job in the store. Jr's daughter tried on her dress and she has shot up in height since she last put on the model dress and... Wow... does she look lovely.

Spending time with her makes me think of Kurt (my future brother in law) and his kiddos... The girls (Lindsey & Lauren) and their brother AJ have been in Jamacia and we didn't even know if they would be able to attend the wedding or be stateside. I will find a special place for them at our wedding, too. I think I'll post a picture of them since I'm thinking of them... (the pic is from the day before our engagement... Christmas Eve, 2004).

Today was my first day on the Jenny Craig diet. The food is good and it satisfies. I had to go grocery shopping to get my fruits and veggies. Its a lot of investment so I hope it pays off. I'll continue to post to update how I like it and about my progress.

The Block of Hotel Rooms- Reposted

I reserved a block of 40 rooms at the Best Western Longbranch Hotel & Con - (319) 377-6386 - 90 Twixt Town Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

Map of
90 Twixt Town Rd Ne
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-3205

The rooms I reserved at mostly poolside with the option of non-poolside for a cheaper rate (one or two bed). I reserved mostly non-smoking rooms but all anyone has to do is request smoking. Guests only need to ask for the Olson/Obert block to reserve a room at the wedding rate. Kent and I have also reserved our honeymoon suite here. I plan to also have the sunday brunch for gift opening the next day in this hotel. I will reserve an alternate, more economical, alternative when we find one that is the most accessible to this, original, hotel. (Hasn't happened yet... let me know if anyone has already found themselves an alternative and I will join more rooms to that)

You should be able to pan the map over on the link and see how close this hotel is to the reception. A part of the bar has been reserved for our party afterhours. There will be some karaoke for those who dare! The Sunday Brunch for those who want to hang out, eat quiche and watch us open gifts are welcome to join us by the pool until further notice.

Here us a pic of Chris and I in Ireland. His birthday is coming up in a week or so...
He is a good brother who has always looked out for me. He always loves me back even after I've been a super bitch to him (he may make sure I never live it down, however).
Anyway, he won't be coming to the wedding even though I've been praying for some kind of miracle which enables him to have a healthy baby, support his new family, and make it to my wedding... I'll be thinking of him, nonetheless.

Due Day has past for RSVPs!Liquor... Age appropriate showers... and everyone has got their dress...
I just realized when I got my Grandma's RSVP today with a note that said, "Sorry its late," that our due date has past for RSVPs.
So just a shout out to anyone that hasn't gotten theirs in to drop it in the mail ASAP so we can order up alcohol, drinks, and food for everyone and start organizing. I meet up with the rental agency on Thursday to figure out what the layout of the lodge is going to be. A lot of that will depend on how many tables we will be putting out. The more people coming the more stuffed in we will be.
So, get 'em in! Thanks to everyone who got back to us so promptly! Can't wait to see everyone.
Pop-o, Momma and I went and bought the wine. All the alcohol is going to be out of the Amana Colonies. Pop-o is looking into getting the almond flavored champagne which he loved. I trust his palette because usually it agrees with mine... dark beer, red wine, dark chocolate, and salt- pretty simple. Of course we like other things too but when it comes to the finer things- we usually agree. Anyway, I don't usually like champane. Its usually not really champane but a sulfuric, yeasty version of a Zin or fizz sweet wine. I do not enjoy sweet wine unless its over 100 degrees outside, the wine (if you want to call it that) is ice cold, I've been working out in the yard all day, and I'm dying of thirst, and I have a really nice plate of seafood in front of me.
Momma got her dress. I will refrain from posting a pic of it so that she can reserve an air of mystery of what she's going to look like. I will say that I think she should go and find a nice sweeping hat to top it off. I will also say that the color is "dusty rose".
I also saw the flower girl's dress... so adorable. Her Momma's found it at Dillards. It is off white with a shirt that has two tiers of chiffon with little petals encased in the chiffon. It also has a sash of chiffon with petals encase there too! I can't wait to see it. Mae (that's her name) decided that she needs to go down the aisle in a carriage like Cinderella. I can't wait to see her in all her glory. I do believe she may upstage the Bride! That Mae...
Next on the wedding agenda is the wedding shower. Mom is throwing one for me in Cedar Falls. I know it will be fun to get some of us all together and do some wedding preparation but I can't help but feel a bit uncomfortable about having this be a gift getting thing. Isn't the wedding enough in this day in age? I think so. I think we are going to make it a "travel" themed shower. I know this is supposed to be normal but it can get a little excessive with all the things that go on before a marriage. I guess since I've been with Kent for so long and he's 35 and I'm 29 years old it isn't like we're a couple of spring chickens setting out in the world. We've been forging our way without the fanfare thus far and to do all the same things that the 19 year olds or the kids in their early 20s seems a bit odd. What do you guys think is the appropriate route to approach all this wedding business? Go all traditional or adjust it according to our age?

Marriage licenses and Bad Jobs...
Well, thank you for staying with me through a few weeks of blog neglect. Kent and I applied for our marriage license last Friday. JR (William) was our witness. It was kinda funny because Kent and I were dressed very casual. I had my hair in pigtail braids and a shirt covered in gesso and paint from helping my brother paint in nursery in Beaver Dam (long ago). Kent was in his usual attire... Grey shirt with pocket, strap on shoes, and khaki shorts. JR with his generous and thoughtful heart spent the morning convincing his kids to get dressed up. As for JR, he showed up in nice pants with belt, nice dress shirt tucked in and properly bathed, shaved and groomed. I don't think I even took a shower.
So you can imagine his reaction to seeing us.
We got up to the Town Hall and Jr asked, "So where's your camera?"
I hadn't even thought of it...
It turned out we weren't even at the right building so I vowed to go to a gas station and buy a disposable. While applying for our license to get married we snapped away pictures of the process and our notary. JR's kids were so well behaved they just hung out and read their books. His daughter is reading the
babysitter Club one of my favorites back in the day. It made me miss being her age. She's growing up beautifully and is so much fun to be around.
I will post the pictures of the process as soon as I get them developed.
Also checked off my list of things to do...
I bought AJ and Mikey's ties for their suits. I need to shop on-line for Patrick's tie, too. They are really nice ties by DNKY- Really sharp and the exact right color.
I also bought a new purse on that shopping trip. I have begun taking all my fashion advise from my Maid of Honor- Genevieve. She was the one that told me black and white strips are in. She advised me to buy a white purse. I really like my white purse but sometimes I think it is the color of an old lady's purse. It has silver studs and a sequined buckle to jazz it up, however.
Today Kent and I both have the day off by some stroke of fate. Kent gets one day off a month at his new job. Otherwise its mandatory overtime... I think something is fishy here... Are there laws being broken by never giving employees days off. Kent is unable to plan ahead any holidays or schedule anything for days off. For example, he just found out for sure that he would have today off - yesterday. The warehouse he works at is a poor working environment. In fact, workers are so disgruntled that one of them actually took a dump in the hallway when no one was looking! I guess he felt so shit upon he wanted to shit on them right back. I thought this whole thing is getting to be just ridiculous. There is no air conditioning. Employees are so overworked they are hurting themselves either by the wear and tear of their bodies working so much or by making stupid mistakes from exhaustion- therefore not only are they putting themselves in danger they are also putting the other employees in danger.
I just fed my poor guy his favorite breakfast of pancakes and he's taking a nap with Olivia right now. My stomach clenches up when I think of his quality of life outside of home. I want his to be happy and to see him suffer drives me crazy. I get thoughts of going over to his place of business and really giving it to the Human Resources Dept. or I think about going to speak to a lawyer. Mostly I want to act out to vent all my frustration with this new job of his. As least he brings home the bacon but for what? He buys legos because that's all he has time and energy to do when he's not at work. Who knows maybe this whole thing will pan out to be hidden gold but I feel for Kent in the meantime.
As I said earlier- I will post pictures from Gia's wedding and from the license extravaganza as soon as I get them. Until then- keep Kent in your prayers that he may find a job that brings him a sense of challenge and happiness.

Its memorial day- Kent is napping- and I'm taking internet quizzes. Oh, and I just watched TransAmerica and loved it. The actor playing the son is a modern day River Phoenix. I love him.


Take the quiz:
Which LOST character are you?

Michael
You are Michael You are a failed artest and now you work in construction. You also have to take care of a problem child.

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Your Famous Last Words Will Be:

"Nice doggy."

What Will Your Famous Last Words Be?

Its been awhile since I actually wrote about things. I suppose life has been moving and swirling around me so much I haven't had time to sit and reflect. This blog is my oppertunity to do just that... At least that's how I started with it.
Gia had her wedding reception/party this weekend. I posed for a picture with two of my roomates from Florence. The above picture is a similar one taken about 6 years ago. It was a nice feeling but it really put a lot in perspective. I'm wearing about 30 extra pounds since those days... All the higher thoughts I was working on then are pushed out of my head by thoughts of bills, work, money, wedding, and emotional survival. I live for a bigger community of people than I did back then. My goal when I set off was to understand and gain perspective on my self. I did it, then what did I do with it... Hmmmmm...
I have good things to live for today. My love- Kent, my family- Momma, Popo, my friends and all their children who call me Aunt Katy (my heart swells when I get a smile from them), the people I work for... I love my network of people who boost me and ground me at the same time.
I think my real need is simply a creative outlet. My Momma pointed that out a week ago while we were shopping for fabric. She's right... but I don't even know where my niche is anymore in the creative world. I love talking pictures with my camera. I think that might need to be my first step. Simply to carry it everywhere. Find what images are tripping my trigger...
I'm motivated somedays by food and I know this. When I don't feel good I will eat to feel better no matter what the occasion. I need to find a healthier motivation. I need to mold my psychology away from that compulsive eating and into the healthy and active livestyle. I know the more I worry about what I'm going to eat the more I will sabotage my diet. Anyway, I have a lot to think about.... Greg Brown, one of my all time favorite musicians wrote my current favorite song. At the risk of looking like I huge dork I'm going to write down the lyrics to his song, "Worrisome Years".

And the worrisome years--over the hill
I thoght it's supposed to get easier to pay your bills
I got nothing to show but a worrisome heart
Can ya please tell me--when does the good part start?
I done like they told me, I done like I should
Ever since I started, I's trying to make good
trying to make a good life for my family
but I can't buy any stuff the kids want from TV
I think about leaving--but where would I go?
How would I get there? I don't know
I took my stand here--I don't want to roam
This old town ain't much but it's all I know of home
I look at Cheryl--she looks at me
We don't talk no more about our dreams
We don't have no fun the way we used to do
Don't be disappointed in me baby
I ain't disappointed in you
And the worrisome years--over the hill
I thoght it's supposed to get easier to pay your bills
I got nothing to show but a worrisome heart
Can ya please tell me--when does the good part start?

I think I love Greg Brown because like the artist he is he strikes that resonant chord in all our hearts when he writes those chords and those lyrics. That is the one element I have always said good art give to me.

What Futurama Charactar are you? Scruffy Scruffy...the Janitor.

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Welcome Joshua Spencer Nelson! We are so happy you are here!

Joshua was born May 12th, weighed 6 lb. 1.5 oz. Congratulations Genevieve and Rich.

Happy Mother's Day Momma! I love you!

Here we are! Team Badonkadonk... Walkin' for heart. That was a fun day.

Your Love Element Is Water

In love, you connect deeply and commit totally. For you, love is all about taking risks and moving into unknown territory. You attract others with courage and confidence. Your flirting style is defined by your flexibility and ability to adapt. Nurturing and shared learning are the cornerstones of your love life. And while you may jump in to love too quickly, you always come out the wiser for it. You connect best with: Metal Avoid: Earth You And another Water element: will pull each other down into a dark place

What Element Is Your Love?

Here they are! Gia Gifford and John Peacock were pronounced Husband and Wife in Jamacia (I'm not sure of the exact date). Congrats! Everybody's doing such exciting things these days! I can't wait for the party!

What is the name of those short and tall containers for Jello and pudding? Where does one find them? I tryed tupperware but couldn't find them... maybe they are called parfait cups or something. The top part connects to a little stand... they're made of rubber or plastic... I want to register for some but can't find them anywhere. Please help!

Like I said previously about Genevieve's Shower- There was a lot of really awesome food! Doesn't Vive make a cute pregnant lady? Below is a picture of the expectant mother with her hosts: The Friends of Iowa City (aka FOIC). Not pictured here is the other people who worked so hard on the food and success of the shower: Leticia Domingo (aka Tita Leti),Ophelia Bello, Susanne and Rick Nelson. Isn't Vive so lucky to have people who love her so much? I recently got word of Chris and Trish's baby shower registry... I wish I could be there to help throw their baby's shower and make it special for them, too. Kent and I will have to pick out something real nice for them.