Fashion Friday (on a Tuesday)

I am not having a successful time trying to retrieve cell phone pictures that I took at the Social Security office last week, so, alas we are going to enjoy the "Maverick-ness" that some Reno-ites possess.

This guy has no worry of what is "cool" or "trendy", he's his own man.  His beard hair is actually so long that he is wrapping it up and AROUND his ears so as not to eat it with his enchilada.

You go, individualistic man, you go!

and it begins... FASHION FRIDAY!

I've had some requests to discuss fashion on my blog once I moved.  After a day of deliberation I decided to take on this challenge.  I will talk about new trends I'm into and/or trends I'm seeing in Reno.  Please be aware that most of the comments and pictures I use will be generalizations, but if something makes it on the blog it means I've seen it enough to talk about it.  just sayin'. 

Day 1: PAJAMA JEANS!

Aron and I haven't found a church "home" quite yet, but the church we checked out last Sunday provided my first "Fashion Friday" blog material.  The woman sitting directly in front of me was wearing... Pajama Jeans?  Don't get me wrong, I'm a SUCKER for TV ads, but I always kind of figured that Pajama Jeans weren't going to do well and I would stop seeing ads for them in between "The Price is Right" and "Maury".  I felt like the fashion industry was stretching their creativity w/jeggings, but this has gone too far.  Please settle with jeans OR sweats... not a combination of the two. 

2.  Farrah Fawcett...is that you???

I kid you not, EVERY store I step foot in I can spot 2 or 3 women who look like the iconic woman above.  Women are LOVING the UV rays, small-barrel curling irons and bleach in these here parts. 

That's all for now.  I'm off to attempt making meatballs for the first time.  Trying to be a domestic diva housewife until I figure out what I want to do with my life.  :)

"The only proof that he's been here (for 3 hours) is the broken glass in our fireplace!"

Overall, we are really enjoying our new place in Reno.  My mom drove out with me last Saturday and has been a HUGE help in unpacking (what seems like) thousands of boxes, making trash runs (we live on the 3rd floor of our building), cooking with our amazing new kitchen toys, and exploring the area with me (i.e. shopping for fun things with our wedding gift cards).  Our apartment is quite amazing and I am pretty sure that I smile each time I get to load/unload a DISHWASHER, clean our granite countertops or walk to the clubhouse for a free hot beverage. 

The retail employees are super friendly here and we've been pleasantly surprised by how customer-oriented most places have seemed to be...until today.

Today was the first time I've been really disappointed in Reno.  We were scheduled for an 8:00 AM appointment with Charter (cable/internet) and got a call at 8:30 saying that the technician was on his way.  He showed up at 8:45 and began installing our cable/internet.  Since I know NOTHING about this process, I assumed that him seeing him walk around our apartment, make random calls and climb the stairs outside to get to our electrical box (for about 2 hours) showed that he was working hard!  Not the case.  At about 10:45 I heard him on the phone telling someone that he "forgot his meter and isn't quite sure if this apartment has any signal for cable...at this rate I will be here all day, man." This was after he asked to borrow our barstool to reach the back of the TV and broke our cute new candle decorations for the mantle.  I hear this conversation and get quite furious.  I felt dooped!  My mom and I had plans to get out of the apartment and sightsee, but put this on hold once we realized it was going to be a quick process to watch some television and browse the 'net.  I text Aron the title of my blog and he heads home from work to see what the H is going on since Clowny McClownerson can't seem to tell me what's taking so long.  Aron gets home at 11:45 and inquires about the length of the process.  Sure enough, the tech. can't get a signal and hasn't called for help.  He's simply been calling around to see if anyone has a meter he can borrow since he left his at home!?  He tells Aron that "normally you can get through your day without a meter...but, gee, not today I guess?" (as he's hardy-har-har'ing)  After Aron inspects the box with him and discovers that every other person in our building magically has cable he politely asks the technician to leave and have us re-scheduled for Saturday. 

In the meantime, I decide to make a corporate complaint since 4 hours of our day was wasted without a single ounce of progress being made and the supervisor on the other line takes 30 minutes worth of notes and tells me that someone can be out as soon as next Tuesday.  After some stern disagreement about this arrangement (since it took us two weeks to get someone out here in the first place) he tells me that they can try to "squeeze us in" on Saturday, but there won't be any guarantees. 

I'm hoping that my next blog post will be made from within the confines of our apartment, instead of the lovely clubhouse I've been walking to daily.  Oh well, at least I have my free latte. 

the honeymoon post

The last time I blogged I wrote as a Reis.  I'm now a Riddle and am one day away from meeting my husband in Reno!  Today is probably the calm before the storm, thus, my quick blog post.

The professional pictures from the wedding aren't quite done so in the meantime I will update you on our honeymoon! 

We arrived in Antigua to 85 degree temperatures, humidity and lush vegetation ALL around us.  It takes quite a while to get there from the western half of the US but after escaping snow and single digit temps. we sure as heck didn't care.  We stayed at an all-inclusive resort through Sandals and it was honestly the best vacation of our lives.  Our room was a honeymoon suite that walked out to the beach, but we could also use one of the 5 on-site pools, 1 of which had a swim-up bar and pop music bumpin'.  We had a mini bar that was re-stocked each day and I about peed my pants when I saw 5 cans of Diet Coke!  Truly paradise.  There were 10 restaurants onsite (Hibachi-style, Italian, Fine Caribbean fare, British pub, Tex Mex, and more) and we never ate the same meal twice.  Also included was any drink you could think of from one of many bars or restaurants and I drank between 2-5 banana sipsops (fresh banana squeezed into a blender with coconut cream, rum, grenadine, and a splash of milk)/day before Thursday when I found it impossible to take another sip of anything containing alcohol. 

We were entertained with: salsa lessons, snorkeling, scuba, sea kayaking, sailing, ziplining, a couples massage, dancing, a talent show, local beach vendors, the sunshine, and... well, each other.  It's a honeymoon.  Get over it. 

Aron and I had an AMAZING week, but were ready to come home and get a 'move' on with life.  :)  In fact, the movers showed up 8 hours after we got back to Salt Lake.  Many more posts to come from Nevada.

Here are some pictures from the trip.  Enjoy!

four.days.

If I don't blog tonight I won't for about two weeks.  So, here goes...

Shanna arrived on Saturday and we had a night of bachelorette festivities.  It was wonderful!  Shanna, Britt, Dani, and Cat did a wonderful job making me feel special and planning a super fun evening. 

We finished welcome bags for the out of town guests staying at the Hyatt Place and are just about knee deep in tissue paper, boxes, decorative items, mason jars, and sparkles.  :)

This week has been mildly stressful as I'm trying to organize everything for not only the wedding, but also our move.  The moving company will be at Aron's the morning after we return from Antigua, therefore, everything that needs to be moved from my place has to be to his by this Sunday.  Thank GOD for Shanna.  I would have been lost without her this week.  We've taken numerous trips up to his place to unload my stuff and she's been such a trooper.  World's best Maid of Honor.  We took a mini break last night for some Thai food and "Bachelor" with mom, Deb, Andrea, and Garrett.  It was wonderful to laugh and not think about logistics for two hours. 

Today, we met with Britt for lunch at Cucina and I treated Shanna to high tea at the Grand America--sooo lovely.  I'm hoping to finish packing for Friday night, Saturday night and the honeymoon tonight.  I'm a goal-setter.  ha.  We'll see if I can accomplish them...

Aron will be here TOMORROW!!  I have missed him like crazy and know that my stress level will come down about 10 notches once he's here.  He's my calm and voice of reason most of the time.  I can't wait to be his wife, take a nice Caribbean vacation to escape this torturously cold weather and live with him in NV. 

Let's Begin Another Decade!

Happy New Year!! 

 This is what happens when I'm alone w/the camera waiting for fiance to arrive!

 To those who were with us on Friday:  my apologies.

Our holiday weekend consisted of friend time, wedding details, more friend time, details, friends, and mas details.  It was so wonderful to have Aron here one last time before the festivities begin!

We're 12 days shy of being wed and I couldn't be more excited right now. I just sent out the weekend timeline to family and out-of-town attendees and will be finishing up our "photo ops" for the photographer and family members tomorrow.  I've also been overcome with thankfulness for our friends who have volunteered their time for wedding coordination/set-up/clean-up next weekend.  So many people have offered their hands and creativity and we would be lost without them. 

Slowly, but surely, we're getting everything crossed off our massive to-do list. 

Shanna, my bff since 2nd grade and Maid of Honor, will be arriving in Salt Lake City on SATURDAY... 5 days from now!!  We always have a magnificent time together, but in the meantime I've put together a prediction of what my 2011 schedule will look like this year:

January- we get married and spend a week in Antigua before moving to Reno for good on the 28th.

February- we head to ID for an open house and make some pit stops in SLC to spend time with friends.  I find a job.

March- we head to LA to visit the Whites (and G MONEY...and ELLEN??)  We host some newlywed (ish) visitors in Reno.

April- trip back to SLC for Dani's shower and some quality friend time!  Weekend trips to Napa, Sacramento, San Fran, and Redwoods begin.

May- hiking and outdoor exploration of the greater Tahoe area.

June- FRIBERG WEDDING!!!  Salt Lake, here we come!

July- warm weather= more visitors... come see us!

August- We host a group of groupies for a long weekend!!!

September- it's my birthday...I want Vegas.  Maybe we can find some friends to meet up with us. 

October- At some point we will be heading to PA for the SIEMINSKI WEDDING... I'm predicting this month.  This is also Aron's birthday month.  hrm... dirty 30.  This is big.

November- Thanksgiving in Reno w/Riddles & Mama! 

December- OH for Christmas w/my dad's family for the first time!

This year is going to be amazing and we are open to as many visitors as humanly possible!  Perhaps we can delay in making friends if all of our friends from UT fill up our time?  :)

Perma-smile has set in...

Turning The Corner

We're down to 2.5 weeks before Aron and I wed!  I've been a bit anxiety-ridden over the last month with final details, but I caught myself coming out of Wallowing Weepy Way and heading into Happy Hollow yesterday.  It's been way more overwhelming to plan a wedding for 200 (in an empty box) than one would have thought.  Alas, it's coming together and I am SOO elated that I will be a Riddle in 17 days. 

I couldn't have found a better life partner and when we talk about the wedding, we can't help but also talk about the move.  I'm slowly warming up to the thought of living in Reno and here are a few reasons why (this is without knowing very much about Reno at all, so bear with the simplicity of the list):

1.  Our Apartment!
Here is the link to the new pad.  Amenities include:

Putting Green
Tanning Spa
Exclusive Health Club Privileges
Yoga/ Aerobics Studio
Heated Swimming Pool and Spa
Executive Business Center with Copier/ Fax/ Printer
Professional Community Culinary Kitchen
Controlled Access Community

Playground
Massage Services
Cardio Center
Dry Sauna
Movie Theater
Social Room with Full Service Café
Private Garages
Incomparable Concierge Services

hmm....I don't know if I should start my day with the free coffee, THEN hit the yoga/workout/sauna situation, or scratch it all and just lay by the heated pool.
ps- We will have a guest bedroom.  Don't be a stranger.

2.  This Guy

Aron and I have so much fun together and I'm looking forward to waking up next to his face and falling asleep with him every night.  He possesses every 'non-negotiable' item I wanted in a spouse, works harder than anyone I know, would help anyone with anything, seriously loves him some Jesus, and loves setting goals for our future with me.  I'm a blessed little gal and I can't wait to get away with him for a while.  I'm sure there will be times when all I want is to get away from him, but let's not get too far ahead of ourselves just yet.  ha.

3.   Grocery Stores- Not only will we make all of our alcoholic purchases at the local grocery store, but we can also hit the SLOT MACHINES whenever we choose.  Yes, being 'excited' about this could be a stretch, but it will making shopping fun(ny)/interesting!  I'll at least have an outlet when I'm feeling lucky.

4.  Lake Tahoe- I think this is pretty self-explanatory, but it will be wonderful to take days in the summer and be in the mountains, sun and on the water!  It's SO beautiful and peaceful at Lake Tahoe and I envision a lot of our time being spent up there since we're only about 15 minutes away.  (**Disclaimer**The following pictures are intended to make you so interested in the lake that you can't imagine going anywhere else on your next vacation.  They are not photos that I took; simply photos that I borrowed from Google images.)

5.  Hiking (with our new picnic basket specifically)- ain't she a beaut'???

When I mentally prepare myself for hikes with this basket I think of Aron sweating, carrying a cute (not so practical), heavy picnic basket on one shoulder, all while trying to climb 2,000 feet in elevation.  It will be a blast.  Reno is very similar to the SL Valley in that there are lots of outdoor adventures to be had.  I may need to join this outdoor group for ladies.  Perhaps I will make a friend or two while "lacing up my hiking shoes"? 

Here's a picture of a hike I want attempt next summer:

Pyramid Lake is supposed to be an amazingly breathtaking hike and I plan to find out for myself!

6.  Festivals- There are A LOT of festivals in Reno and some of them look quite necessary to attend while we live in this fine city! 

Just a Few More Reasons For You to Visit

7.  Road Trippin'- We have goals to see some NFL games in Northern CA, partake in many wine tours, visit OR for the first time, San Fran, Sacramento, and the Redwoods!

“Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours”- Swedish Proverb