Julio's Photos Pt 1

Finally got some wedding photos from my photographer! But the catch is he accidentally gave the second half of them to a friend. He went home to make more copies and should be back soon.

Gorgeous hair by cousin Leah.

Tattooed Bride

Tattooed Bride Part 2

Maid (slave) of Honor

Husband and Wife kisses

Married!

I'm near my computer for the next 24 hours and I'll try to explain as much as I can. This has been the craziest winter break ever! I don't even know where to start.
The day I picked up Michael we went straight to the courthouse in Prescott and took care of getting that paperwork stuff. Then I had a night with some female friends and he went to Alex's to hang out with the guys. Apparently they made him drink a lot very quickly and so he was kinda passed out for most of it. I sort of "live blogged" it via my instagram account, which I never do and just started using more frequently. It's kind of useless but I like playing with the photos I take.
The next day we went over a bunch of stuff at the square and I don't remember much. It was a blur waiting for the actual wedding day itself. But suddenly it was hours away.
Aaaand it was raining. I wasn't upset but it was very cold as well so I felt bad for all the people standing around. I had Michael's cousin do my hair and my brother's girlfriend do my makeup and I loved the way it all came out. It was a great day even though the weather was yucky. We got soooo much stuff! And money! One of my favorite gifts is our new 32" HD TV. I convinced Michael to get a new Xbox because his wasn't wanting to read disks anymore (we got it refurbished and discounted) and a few new games and set up a temporary man cave in his old room. It was really fun and for some reason one of the things I missed the most.
Anyway! There's literally over a thousand pictures out and about and my photographer is ready to give me the ones he took after Christmas and once I get those I'll put a few up (after we get internet that is). I'm really excited to see them.
Michael and I had a nice cozy night at the Prescott Resort after going to Olive Garden with a few friends. Got a deal on the room since I used to work there, so that was cool.
The reception the next day was fun; we got to see a bunch of friends from Tuscon and just people that we don't see often in general. We had a bonfire and hookah and lots and lots of delicious things to eat.We did the traditional stay up all night business. Well I tried; I had a late night craving for Whataburger after all the food had been put away and it ended up making me sick till I went to bed. Oh well.
It's just been kind of a blur of running around, seeing everyone and getting things done. I went down to the social security office and put in an application for a name change (easy really, just brought the marriage license and my ID, didn't cost anything). That takes a few days and then I'll go to the bank and the DMV and post office and tell them all I changed my name.
So that was the wedding weekend. My train got really gross and dirty from dragging it through the wet grass and mud but that's okay. My dad had it dry cleaned. Plus, it's one day, and so it doesn't matter all that much. It was fairly emotional, too; lots of hugging and tears. Everyone seemed pretty happy for us and I was glad it went so well.
Next up is Christmas and just a few days later we get on the road to our new house! I'll update when I can :)

Pre-Everything Jitters

I feel awful. I haven't eaten breakfast yet so I'm starving, my heart is beating uncomfortably fast, my stomach is churning, my contact irritated my eye into being infected, it's a certain....time of the month....
Yeah I'm in bad shape. I'm super anxious. I had some drinks with my Phoenix friends before bed and thankfully it helped me fall asleep. But I woke up feeling terrible.
I'm so nervous to leave Arizona. And I mean, a little nervous to get married but that's a good nervous. I'm excited for the next few weeks but moving is gonna be nuts. Most of my stuff is packed now. I have a bit more clothes to stuff away and some little here and there type stuff but that's all.

Our side is the one that person is coming out of.

Michael signed the lease yesterday (I think, or the day before) and we'll be living in a duplex that's split in half. It's totally okay with me because it was priced much more reasonably than an apartment and a buddy of his is lending us his washer and dryer, so we don't have to take our clothes to the neighborhood coin laundry or whatever.
We have a little yard and an extra room and everything, so I'm pretty happy to be living in more of a house than an apartment. Don't have to share the space with quite so many people. But it is weird that I haven't actually seen the place in person and I'm gonna go live in it.
I guess I don't have to pick up Michael quite as early as I thought, but this means we gotta head to Prescott as soon as I do. We have to get our marriage license before the courthouse closes. And then we have to get his suit and we've both got separate parties to go to. He's got the guys and I've got the girls.

I've been looking forward to these next few weeks since Michael asked me to live with him in a letter and we realized we wanted to get married. This was probably one of the strangest longest years of my life but now that it's nearly over it seems like it went by really quickly. It didn't feel that way in the moment. I've made some serious adjustments and emotional improvements and I'm a little worried about having to readjust all over again but I think I can handle it. It's just a little sad that I'll be far away from new friends and my best friend and my family. I'm hoping to actively stay in touch with everyone through Facebook and Skype and the like.
I'm going to miss everyone and I'm going to miss Arizona, but I think moving is a healthy thing to do. I'm going to have a lot more opportunities and experiences being an army wife. I'm just so nervous.

And I really need breakfast.

Food I Want To Make

Soon I will have my own kitchen for the very first time, and I'm excited to be able to finally make my own choices and feel like I can take control. These are some recipes I've found lately that I am both interested in and drool over.

1) Flourescent Jello; an ingredient in tonic water glows under a UV light. 

2) Curried Vegetable and Chickpea Stew; made in a slow cooker. It just sounds delicious, even with the lack of meat. I'm okay with that.

3)Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Bread. I've found a few recipes similar to this. I'm always intrigued by crazy sweet things.

4) Achari Paneer Tikka--Skewered Indian Cheese With Pickling Spices. In fact before I tackle this I'd really like to find it at a restaurant and try it in the first place. I'm just really intrigued, especially after asking the owner of Taj Mahal about it, because he was surprised I even knew about it. Apparently it's some kind of traditional Indian secret. 

5) Apple Pie, made inside an apple. How adorable is that? Make them with agave nectar and they'd be diabetic-friendly. I wanna make some for my grandpa.

Those are just a few things! I love StumbleUpon. I can't wait to pick a recipe and be able to just make it without feeling awkward or being nagged at by parents. Freeeedom!

Bright and Shiny New Layout

Also known as a metaphor for my new outlook on life. I've never put that much time or thought into how this blog looks and since I haven't been able to sleep too well these last few nights I have a lot more time to sit in the dark and drag my mouse across the screen and click things until they look cool.

I mean not that many people really care that much about this blog. And I used to write to get my mind off of sad stuff. So it didn't really seem to matter. But just because I'm by myself a lot doesn't mean I shouldn't shower, knowhatI'msayin'? So I took finally took some time to spruce the place up a bit. I think it's neat. It's not as fancy as other (more popular) blogs but it's mine and I should give it a bit of attention now and again.
I've been at this blog for over a year. It's interesting to look back on and see answers I wrote for blog challenges and stuff like that.

I was kind of hoping that by now I'd be approached by people for advice or something but that definitely hasn't happened yet. I know there are people out there having a hard time, like in military relationships, and I wish I could find them and be there for them or tell them something that would help.
Anyway, I've been jittery as fuck and last night I stayed up till 3:30 for no good reason other than to overhaul my ipod and finally sync it to a new library. I was struggling to stay awake the entire time. But now I'm not tired and it's 1 am. Okay I'm a little tired.

My room is an absolute disaster. I've already started packing for this winter break trip. I found a new officiate for the wedding damn quick when the first one ditched out without a word (ridiculous but I'm already over it). My mother has been bombarding me with pictures of rolled up utensils and fabric and questions. Our move may be delayed because in order to be approved for the place we want he has to have signed permission from a higher up saying he's allowed to live off base, but he's only allowed to live off base unless he's married and since we're not quite married yet that's a problem. We'll find out tomorrow if we can get approved anyway or if we can fax things from a distance or if we have to wait till January and find a new place altogether.

But I'm really the most positive I've ever been about all of this. I'm not nearly as stressed as I thought I'd be, just trying to be prepared for whatever happens. I haven't been overly emotional in a while. These are all good things, and I thought my new attitude should be reflected on my blog. :)

Last Minute Adventures

Me, Brenden, Ryan, Saint, Chris, Deroy

This weekend was pretty fucking awesome. I've been trying to say yes to all opportunities to enjoy myself before I leave Arizona for good (sob) and have zero regrets. Thursday I went to Tuscon with my best friend and her boyfriend to see one of my all time favorite bands Protest the Hero live at a teeny little hangout called Skrappy's. We barely made it to see the tail end of Scale the Summit (a band I have special memories attached to) before the tense wait for PTH.

It. was. so. cool. This was my first concert ever. I've never really been to a show (except part of  a local one a long time ago that I didn't pay attention to) and I'd certainly never seen a band I liked in person before. When people started moving around I actually got shoved to the front and nearly face planted onto the speaker the lead singer had his foot on, I was that fucking close.
The best part was we got to speak to them face to face after the show and they gave Michael a shout out in a video I took and shook our hands. I was so pumped for like an hour afterwards until I couldn't stay awake anymore and crashed at the boys' apartment. The next day we just sat around playing multiplayer games together and generally being fat and lazy. We had a veeerrry big breakfast at Denny's.
I have to say though, I really don't like Tuscon. If I thought Phoenix was gross and nasty Tuscon was at least twice that. It was very difficult to navigate and most of it looked like it was built by drug addicts. I just did not understand it, so I'm glad I'll never have to live there.
Saturday I went out with a friend from class and she treated me to some delicious sushi and the hospitality of some very funny friends, who gave some, er, medicine for free after I mentioned how stressed I was getting with all of the stuff coming up. I was so surprised and happy! I'm against pills and and said medicine really takes the edge off of my anxiety, which has been getting more intense every day.
In just a few days I'll be done with my finals and (hopefully mostly) packed to go. I can't believe all of the stuff Michael and I have been talking about and imagining for months is finally here. I feel pretty damn nervous and a little unprepared but it's all so exciting! Phoenix has been increasingly good to me and now that I'm just starting to get attached it's time to leave. It's a little bittersweet. I'm trying to pack wrapping presents, packing boxes, studying and having fun into these last few days I have left.
So once we get into Prescott Michael and I have to haul ass to the courthouse and then to pick up his suit. Then that evening he's having a boys night and I'm probably doing something as well. I have to have a ton of shit with me to be ready for the wedding and the party the day after. Needless to say I'm freaking out making sure everything is set. The lady that supposed to officiate our ceremony just told me she isn't totally ready yet and has to talk to the courthouse! I'm thinking well fuck, it's days away, seriously?!
All I can ask for is that everything works itself out and happens. It doesn't necessarily have to go a certain way as long as it happens. Phew, I'm nervous!

As a side note, you can probably understand that I'll be disappearing from the blog world for a while. I don't know when we'll get internet set up at our place and if I'll be able to contact the digital world before then. I may be able to check in via Tumblr or Instagram or one of those microblogs but that'll probably be it till January. Wish me luck!

Packing and Weather Concerns

I've suddenly realized I don't have nearly as much time as I thought for things. A lot of my school stuff is done but I still have a final on Monday and Wednesday and a project due on the 15th. I'm trying to balance packing, school, and still enjoying myself before I leave. I do find myself sitting here doing nothing a lot when I could be doing something but I get overwhelmed with choices and where to start.
When it comes to packing I'm just trying to get the little stuff that I don't use anyway out of the way. I've still got boxes from when I moved to Phoenix, so no trouble there. But I can't pack it all just yet. I need clothes for the few weeks I'll be in Prescott. I need to bring all my supplies for the wedding (including somehow loading up my dress in the car without Michael seeing it).
I'm not entirely sure just how much to pack. I do have another opportunity to get more clothes and pack a few more things when Michael and I come back to Phoenix for Christmas with my dad, then go back to Prescott again (and come back another time, wee driving! bleh). I'm sure it'll be fine. I'm just stressing a little.

I'm also a little worried about the weather in Prescott. Even in Phoenix I have to admit it's getting a bit too cold for Phoenix, mostly just at night.
But not as cold as Prescott. I see there's a chance of snow on the 13th, which is fine, but I'm coming to town the 16th , and there's another chance of snow. But apparently after that the temperatures are supposed to pick up, which I'm really hoping for, considering my ceremony is going to be outside.
Still, holy fuck that's cold. And Oklahoma is only about two degrees higher than Prescott right now. They have snow storms, sometimes ice storms.
I just want it to be pretty on the 18th.
On another note, I got some new makeup, nylons and a few cutesy gifts for my bridesmaids as I said I needed to in my last post. A lot of my Christmas shopping has been online and I'm anxious for things to get here on time. I really cut it close with that. One or two things might not arrive till after I leave so I have to grab them when I go to my dads just before Christmas.
This has been such a crazy year and I'm definitely ready to start the new one. I'm a little sad that I'm leaving Arizona and everything is going to be really really different but I think it's a good thing. I met some nice people in Phoenix who made my stay here considerably less miserable and I'm just starting to get used to driving around here. But nothings the same without Michael, and I know this is going to be really great. I'm anxious to get our adventure started, just another week and two days!
Tomorrow I'm going to Tuscon with Deroy and Chris to my first concert! I have no idea how that'll go; I'm just gonna bring some cash and some overnight supplies and see what happens. Should be fun!

Shopping Trip

 

 

 

1. Some delicious (expensive) tea and German sweetener. It's a blend of two kinds
of Chai and it is soooo tasty. I'll probably have this served at the family reception.

 

 

 

 

2. A cute strapless dress with a sparkly sweater shrug; also
pricey but my grandma was nice enough to get it for me.

 3. Shoes to go with said dress. You can't see it so well

in that light but the color does go well with it.

I've still got a few things on my list. I need gifts for my three bridesmaids, some nylons and new makeup. I started my Christmas shopping online but I need to do more of that too! 

A Bridezilla Rant

This is my stress face.

Oh my fucking god, I don't understand why my mother is doing this to me.
It shouldn't be like this.
She should not be making decisions behind my back.
I don't care if it's just food.
It's the principal of the matter to me.
She did not ask me before ordering food and now I don't even know if I'll like it and I don't understand my family's standards of food because they are much lower than my palate wants.
Gah I feel picky and dumb but this is our wedding reception, dammit.
At some point one of my family members said "it's not about what Michael and Chloe want, we have to decide what other people want." I can understand that to an extent but this is about what we want. If we like more interesting food than people are used to we will force them to try it. Dammit.
I just hope we have enough and I hope everything tastes good and our families get along alright. It's December now and I constantly feel like I need to be getting something done and meanwhile I have to try and focus on school but all I can think about is all the stuff I have to do and all the craziness that is fast approaching.
It's going to be good. But for some reason the second I start talking to my mother about it I start shaking and I want to hide in a hole before I kill someone.