Pretty typical: I ask Jason something and he responds by making a fart noise with his mouth. (suchaboy) I reply with, "Oh yeah?!" and make a gloriously juicy fart noise against the inside of my forearm, which is far superior in quality to Jason's in every way. After a brief pause, Jason says, "...and that is why I'm marrying you." 70 days ♥

After our engagement, Jason was referring to no longer being a boyfriend, but now a fiancé:
"I have graduated. Evolved. It's like I'm a Pokemon!"

Just remembered this. While traveling to the beach this summer, I asked Jason, "You know how people from Virginia are Virginians? What do you call people from Delaware?"
J: "Um. Delawarians?"
me: "Haha. What do you call people from Maryland? Marylanders?"
J: "...Idiots."

Think he has a grudge against Maryland drivers?!

Honeymoon Toothpaste

A few weeks ago I went to the dentist, a little earlier than my scheduled 6 month appointment because I have a tooth that's prone to sensitivity to cold, heat, sweet, salty, pressure... all sorts of things, and it's started bugging me a little more than usual lately.  Although I suspected my first adult cavity, turns out I just clench my teeth too much (stress? keep from chattering in that week's sudden cold weather?) and I've cracked the enamel just a little. Oh joy. Add that on top off the receding gum line (same tooth) due to over-zealous brushing.

Despite that, my dental visit was uneventful.  To be honest, my dental visits usually are (thank goodness!) and in addition to getting a good cleaning it's always nice to catch up with my hygienist, who I've been seeing for well over 10 years now.  What always surprises me, though, is how she always, ALWAYS remembers everything about me and genuinely cares how I'm doing.  She knows my family (who also sees this dentist), she knows my life drama, she knows where I work and what's going on in my world.  So when I come in for a visit, it's like seeing an old friend.  "How was that trip you went on?"  "How is your job doing?"  "You were going to your cousin's wedding last time -- was that fun?"  "How is your own wedding planning going?  That's in June, right?"  "Your sister moved recently, huh? How does she like it in the city?"  And then, as I was getting ready to leave the dental office this time, my hygienist was sweet enough to put a few extras in my little take-home bag "for the honeymoon," explaining that the little tubes of toothpaste are perfect for trips, and that I can keep some dental floss in my bridal purse so I "have beautiful pictures, no food in your teeth!"

Whenever I leave that dental office I leave with clean teeth and a little pride for being cavity-free, but I also leave with a little reminder to get to know my "neighbors" a little better.  It's easy to work and live near people you see every day and never really get to know them and their story.  It's easy to just go through the motions and make idle chit-chat.  And even when people do confide in you, it can be easy to forget it all when the moment's over.

I'm reminded of a quotation that was repeated frequently in our house when I was a kid: "It takes a friend to be a friend."  If you're feeling depressed about how someone forgot your birthday or people don't invite you out as much as you'd like, think about whether you've done the same for them.  Remember that other people have their struggles in life, too -- everybody gets something.

"Man, any time we're in the car and its even remotely rainy, you like, PASS. OUT. You have like, car-narcolepsy. Carcolepsy!"
-Jason, after I napped in his car on a 5 minute trip

Jason, after I won a small debate: "I assumed you were right... Ms. Smarty William and Mary Pants."

Oh, right. I have a blog.

Sort of forgot about the blog.  No, that's a lie; I didn't forget, I just never have time.  Thus, bullet recap!

• Christmas was good.  Bummed we missed seeing some of my cousins, but was glad to see other relatives we don't see so much.  Bit of awkwardness with Dad, but a decent holiday otherwise.  
• Had my annual review, got a few bonuses, got a decent raise, life is good.
• Had a panic attack about how little we'd done for the wedding and hired a coordinator to help us remember to do it all and keep us accountable.  We're probably spending way more on her services than we have to, but the peace of mind makes it a little worth it. DONE.
• Spent New Year's at home with my sister and her boyfriend, board games, a movie, a bottle of wine, and a bottle of champagne. Good times.
• Got some of the best news of the last couple years relating to some family drama that's been weighing down my heart for some time now.  Gigantic sigh of relief there.
• Attended another sweet event at our friends Nicole and Jim's house -- Third Annual Cookies & Beer Exchange.
• Couldn't find what I wanted for Save the Dates, designed my own, found a printer to print them who gave me a great deal, boom.  DONE.
• Spent MLK day dress shopping with two girl friends.  Narrowed my list from 16 to 3.  Went back the following Saturday with Mom*, Sis, and a girl friend and picked out The Dress. BOOM. Done!
• *Yup, you read that right, my Mom came. If you've been at all close to me the last two years, you know how huge this is...
• Was initially told a dress would take 12 weeks to arrive.  When I paid, I was quoted 6 weeks.  Then a week and a half later, I get an email saying it's ready.  WHAT?!  But then again, that's what happens when you don't care for huge name designers, I guess.
• Talked to the people who manage our venue, got their top two recommendations for caterers.  Talked to them both, sent some emails, and we're just waiting for a contract now. Boom. DONE.
• Went to the Washington Bridal Showcase with Mom the other week.  Man, was that a ZOO!  But we had fun, got some ideas, coupons, swag, free food, and worked our walking muscles. I might even use some of the discounts I'm receiving for going.  Didn't win anything though.  Actually, I just learned that we won a consultation with some financial advising firm.  Snazzy.
• Spent my annual bonus on a personal trainer at the gym across the street.  I haven't been perfect with the meal plan she gave us or with getting in on days I don't have scheduled with her, but it's getting me into better habits at least.

So yeah, I think that's about it for the last, oh, two months. The big stuff, anyway.

Who says you can't work full time and plan a wedding in 5 months?!  Seriously, if I had time, I'd start another blog... but as you can see I'm having enough trouble with this one as it is.