Lots of exciting news!

Before discussing my exciting news, let me get the running-related updates out of the way.  After blogging last weekend, I decided that I should get my 10 mile run finished as early in the week as possible.  Sunday night I packed everything I would need to run right after work the next day.  Monday evening I drove to a nearby bike/running path and set off.  I ran 10 miles in 1:44 (avg. 10:22 pace).  Unfortunately, that night I started to feel kind of bad.  I then spent the rest of the week sick due to allergies.  My nose was running, my head had sinus pressure, and I was coughing.  I am mostly recovered now, but I do still have a cough at night.  I did manage to get in two three mile runs on Friday and Saturday.  Friday my Garmin was dead, so I am not sure how long it took, but Saturday's run was in 30:19.  I also did a very easy arm and ab work-out this week.  My run on Friday was a bit interesting.  I kicked a squirrel.  Don't worry, he seemed to be okay.  The little bugger darted in front of me and before I could jump out of the way my foot collided with him.  I know what you are probably imagining, but no, he did not go flying.  He simply darted up a tree.  I am pretty sure he was alright.  On Saturday I had a bumble bee run into my right leg, bounce into my left, then bounce back into my right before flying away.  I think he was alright too.  I hope.  Oh, in a completely different topic, can you believe I have had tinnitus for a year now?  Luckily it is not as bad as it was at the beginning, but unfortunately it is in both ears now.

In wedding-related exciting news, last Tuesday we went to check out a wedding venue which was holding an open house.  Chris and I went along with his mother, his sister Jessica, and my good friend Caitlin.  We enjoyed delicious food and meeting various vendors.  Ultimately, we decided that it is where we want to get married, and we reserved our date!  That's right, we officially have a wedding date!  Sunday, November 4, 2012!  The venue is perfect!  It is a bed and breakfast in a historic local inn.  It has a delightful intimate feel that I wanted as well as a courtyard which is wonderful since I love the outdoor feel.  We will hold both our ceremony and reception there, and will have our ceremony standing in a gazebo (a childhood dream of mine).  I absolutely cannot wait!  I personally did not want the traditional giant banquet room reception and while we are both religious, we do not belong to a local church. This venue just fits perfectly!  I took a lot of pictures, but I am not sure I want to share them just yet.  It would take away from the surprise feel of it all. 

Now that we have a date, I feel that I can finally officially ask my bridesmaids to be my bridesmaids.  I have come up with an incredibly nerdy way of asking them, which I cannot wait to share (obviously after I ask them... since some of them read this blog).  My idea is inexpensive, but absolutely dorky like me.  I am sure it will make them laugh.  I also know that my lovely niece, Joy, will be my flower girl, my godson, Nick Danger, will be my ring bearer, and his two newly adopted brothers Jay and Kobe will be ushers.  I am sooooo excited that two of my best friends now have a house full of boys! 

The boys! Photo taken by James at Portrait Innovations

Yesterday Chris and I celebrate three and a half years of dating!  We made a delicious dinner at home and had wine from the San Sebastian winery.  We also went to see the movie Hall Pass which was funny.  Additionally, we are planning for a big trip, which is the last of my exciting news.  We are going to ITALY!  Our dear friend Nick and Federica were married nearly two years ago, but they never had an official ceremony.  They have decided to have the ceremony in June in Italy, where Federica is from and where her family live.  Chris completely surprised me by telling me he would buy us tickets to go to the wedding.  I am so completely excited!  We went to a local camera and hobby store today to look for a new camera bag, but they were closed.  Then we went and had tea at Dandelion Communitea Cafe.  This was our first time going there, and we enjoyed it.

 

 

Life is just absolutely perfect right now!  Back to working on my bridesmaids questions.  I hope you all have a splendid week!  I shall leave you with some pictures of my little Zack sleeping next to me on the couch.