Okay, so, as very apparent by my many posts about getting engaged and wedding planning, I am in the midst of planning a wedding for December 19, 2009 (yayyy!). The ceremony site is booked and paid for, and the next MAJOR thing is the reception site. I have narrowed it down to my top 3 choices (though these could change... maybe), and now I would like to hear your thoughts on them and which one you think is best.
Important information to know before you vote:
My wedding will be around 1:30-1:45ish in the afternoon (siiiigh, I wish it was later).
It is December, and December 19 is three days before the shortest day of the year, which means sunset will probably occur right at the beginning/near beginning of the reception.
I want dancing, heavy hor'deuvres, champagne, cake and delicious catering.
I want people to throw rose petals at CB and I whenever we leave. Which means we have to somehow leave.
The guest list is hovering around 100 people.
Okay, now for your options.
Option #1: The Tower Club
Brief info/why I like:
Tower Club is located on the 48th floor of Thanksgiving Tower in Downtown. It has floor to ceiling windows surrounding the entire thing. My dad ('s company) owns the building, and seeing as how my dad is vice president and deals with the Tower Club's leasing specifically, we think he might be able to swing a deal with them. *OH, and free parking for guests. Since dad's company owns the building and all.
The Website:
http://www.clubcorp.com/club/scripts/library/view_document.asp?S=NAV&DID=14409&GRP=10&NS=PCH&MFCODE=TOWDS&SUBGRP=25
Option #2: The Stoneleigh Hotel
Brief info/why I like:
Stoneleigh Hotel is classic. It is old and full of history, as it was built in 1923. It is gorgeous. I have no lucky connections there whatsoever, but my mom loves it and it is her top choice for this affair. It comes with catering by a magnificent chef.
The Website:
http://www.stoneleighhotel.com/
http://www.stoneleighhotel.com/dallas-weddings/index.html
Option #3: Las Colinas Country Club
Brief info/why I like:
Las Colinas CC is owned by ClubCorp, which also owns Tower Club. My dad has special privileges at all ClubCorp clubs given his relationship with Tower Club. Potential to get a good deal at any ClubCorp club. It is a fair distance away from my ceremony site- which is good- because it allows us time to to take photographs as well as lets more time pass so the ceremony can start later.
The Website:
http://www.clubcorp.com/club/scripts/library/view_document.asp?DN=LD_EVENTS_LCOCC&GRP=10&NS=PCH&MFCODE=LCOCC&SUBGRP=25
Okay, now you tell me, which do you think is the best place for the reception AND, if you were attending this wedding, which place do you think would be the most fun/beautiful/tasty?
: ) Thanks for making all my decisions for me. Bye.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Dear body,
Why do you seem to harbor bacteria in your bladder walls? Thus causing me much pain and discomfort? And costing me a lot of money in doctor's visits and prescriptions?
I would appreciate it if you could just re-work your propensity to catch hold of the bad bacteria.
Thanks,
Lauren
I would appreciate it if you could just re-work your propensity to catch hold of the bad bacteria.
Thanks,
Lauren
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Why is it...
That a teacher can stand at the front of the room, wave their arms around, and talk about exactly how they are planning on testing you over material... and students can still not listen?
And then why is it....
That some students can hang on every word the teacher says, write down every word the teacher says, come in for extra help, and still only score mediocre on the test, or just flat out fail?
Is that the teacher's fault?
I just can't bring myself to say a student is dumb. Especially those that try that hard.
(except those who blatantly ignore the teacher's instruction and flat out tell-all about how the test will be formatted and what students need to pay attention to... that's dumb.)
And then why is it....
That some students can hang on every word the teacher says, write down every word the teacher says, come in for extra help, and still only score mediocre on the test, or just flat out fail?
Is that the teacher's fault?
I just can't bring myself to say a student is dumb. Especially those that try that hard.
(except those who blatantly ignore the teacher's instruction and flat out tell-all about how the test will be formatted and what students need to pay attention to... that's dumb.)
Monday, November 17, 2008
A Health Experiment
NOTE: The following will be far too much information for any person to read.. So just be aware.
Yesterday marked the beginning of my 'no daily aspirin regimen' experiment. Why was I on a daily aspirin regimen in the first place you might ask? Well, this requires some back story...
I was born with what is called a Congenital Aortic Stenosis. In layman's terms, this means my aortic valve was blocked... by itself... when I was born. As in, it would only open less than a centimeter to pump blood through. To add insult to injury, I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, which means there were only two flaps opening rather than the traditional 3 which come with an aortic valve. Long story short, I had open heart surgery at a very (less than 1 year) young age, and have been mandated to see a cardiologist every year since.
A few months ago I went to see my very first ADULT cardiologist (I won't get into why I am nearly quarter of a century year old and I was only just then seeing an adult cardiologist, but it has to do with fierce loyalty to the doctor who had seen me since birth... then he retired). It was very different and at the same time very similar experience to a pediatric cardiologist. They took my cholesterol (something ped. cardiologists do not do). They ran the same tests: echocardiogram, EKGs, lots and lots of listening to the heart. Then my new doctor asked, "Are you on an aspirin regimen?" To which I replied, "I didn't realize people did that at 23/4? Isn't that something old people do to prevent heart attack?" How little I knew.
He went on to explain that with my aortic insufficiency (the remnants of aortic stenosis of days gone by) and mitral valve regurgitation, and a host of other small heart defects, that it is best to be on an aspirin regimen, as these kinds of problems raise the probability of the valves calcifying and blood coagulating and me having a heart attack or something like it.
Thus the aspirin regimen began. And, shortly thereafter, so did the stomach pain and diarrhea once or twice a week. I went on like this for three or four weeks, always assuming it had something to do with the pizza I had eaten the night before, laiden with grease. Or the fact that I don't eat enough healthy stuff.
Finally, this weekend, as I was running to the bathroom every 30 minutes on Saturday night, when I had just had the same experience the previous Saturday, pre-engagement party (which I attributed to nerves about CB and I's families meeting), and then again on Thursday just before school started, I had a long conversation with CB about the problem (which he was already aware of long before this. We are very open to say the least). CB is in medical school. Second year, deep in the midst of a year long pathology course and microbiology course. He proceeded to tell me: Well, if it was after next week I could tell you more, since we learn the GI system then. Useful.
The next morning he called me with good news: He had been looking through his mail and stumbled upon his regular American Family Medicine Journal, and there was a supplement on over-the-counter meds. He was browsing the information and came upon aspirin, also known as NSAIDS. He read me the side effects of regular aspirin use: Stomach pain (check). Diarrhea (check). Blood in stool (check). Hmmm. Could there be a connection here?!
So I too looked this up online (I am so so scientific. Give me my MD now). And all the information I found supported CB's findings in the (more scientific and credible) medical journal.
Thus the health experiment was born. I will not take aspirin for 2 weeks (I know, my heart doctor mandated it, but quite frankly, I cannot keep running out of class and swallowing pepto bismol). Should the occurences subside, I will do the following:
A suggestion to alleviate the side effects of aspirin use by one of these sources said to take aspirin with a meal, and do not drink a lot of caffeine (eeeffffffffff. I am inclined to chose Coca-Cola over functioning heart valves. Okay. Not really.) So my plan will be to take the aspirin in the evening rather than morning, and I will take it with dinner. I do not drink Coke in the evening (or at least I won't when this plan is in effect), so hopefully the Coke I drink every morning will not negatively mess with me and my aspirin.
So there it is. My personal health experiment. Based off of a dire necessity to stop going to the bathroom.
If all of this fails. I have to go to the doctor. To have my butt examined. Neat.
IN OTHER NEWS.
CB had to perform a gynecological exam on a woman last week. A real one. Stirrups, speculum and everything. Contemplate that for a second. Most women would leave their significant other in a heartbeat for touching another woman in that way. I asked for details. (Much like I did when he had to give a breast exam to a woman last May). I am just dying to know what the experience is like from the doctor's (or trainee's) point of view.
Yesterday marked the beginning of my 'no daily aspirin regimen' experiment. Why was I on a daily aspirin regimen in the first place you might ask? Well, this requires some back story...
I was born with what is called a Congenital Aortic Stenosis. In layman's terms, this means my aortic valve was blocked... by itself... when I was born. As in, it would only open less than a centimeter to pump blood through. To add insult to injury, I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, which means there were only two flaps opening rather than the traditional 3 which come with an aortic valve. Long story short, I had open heart surgery at a very (less than 1 year) young age, and have been mandated to see a cardiologist every year since.
A few months ago I went to see my very first ADULT cardiologist (I won't get into why I am nearly quarter of a century year old and I was only just then seeing an adult cardiologist, but it has to do with fierce loyalty to the doctor who had seen me since birth... then he retired). It was very different and at the same time very similar experience to a pediatric cardiologist. They took my cholesterol (something ped. cardiologists do not do). They ran the same tests: echocardiogram, EKGs, lots and lots of listening to the heart. Then my new doctor asked, "Are you on an aspirin regimen?" To which I replied, "I didn't realize people did that at 23/4? Isn't that something old people do to prevent heart attack?" How little I knew.
He went on to explain that with my aortic insufficiency (the remnants of aortic stenosis of days gone by) and mitral valve regurgitation, and a host of other small heart defects, that it is best to be on an aspirin regimen, as these kinds of problems raise the probability of the valves calcifying and blood coagulating and me having a heart attack or something like it.
Thus the aspirin regimen began. And, shortly thereafter, so did the stomach pain and diarrhea once or twice a week. I went on like this for three or four weeks, always assuming it had something to do with the pizza I had eaten the night before, laiden with grease. Or the fact that I don't eat enough healthy stuff.
Finally, this weekend, as I was running to the bathroom every 30 minutes on Saturday night, when I had just had the same experience the previous Saturday, pre-engagement party (which I attributed to nerves about CB and I's families meeting), and then again on Thursday just before school started, I had a long conversation with CB about the problem (which he was already aware of long before this. We are very open to say the least). CB is in medical school. Second year, deep in the midst of a year long pathology course and microbiology course. He proceeded to tell me: Well, if it was after next week I could tell you more, since we learn the GI system then. Useful.
The next morning he called me with good news: He had been looking through his mail and stumbled upon his regular American Family Medicine Journal, and there was a supplement on over-the-counter meds. He was browsing the information and came upon aspirin, also known as NSAIDS. He read me the side effects of regular aspirin use: Stomach pain (check). Diarrhea (check). Blood in stool (check). Hmmm. Could there be a connection here?!
So I too looked this up online (I am so so scientific. Give me my MD now). And all the information I found supported CB's findings in the (more scientific and credible) medical journal.
Thus the health experiment was born. I will not take aspirin for 2 weeks (I know, my heart doctor mandated it, but quite frankly, I cannot keep running out of class and swallowing pepto bismol). Should the occurences subside, I will do the following:
A suggestion to alleviate the side effects of aspirin use by one of these sources said to take aspirin with a meal, and do not drink a lot of caffeine (eeeffffffffff. I am inclined to chose Coca-Cola over functioning heart valves. Okay. Not really.) So my plan will be to take the aspirin in the evening rather than morning, and I will take it with dinner. I do not drink Coke in the evening (or at least I won't when this plan is in effect), so hopefully the Coke I drink every morning will not negatively mess with me and my aspirin.
So there it is. My personal health experiment. Based off of a dire necessity to stop going to the bathroom.
If all of this fails. I have to go to the doctor. To have my butt examined. Neat.
IN OTHER NEWS.
CB had to perform a gynecological exam on a woman last week. A real one. Stirrups, speculum and everything. Contemplate that for a second. Most women would leave their significant other in a heartbeat for touching another woman in that way. I asked for details. (Much like I did when he had to give a breast exam to a woman last May). I am just dying to know what the experience is like from the doctor's (or trainee's) point of view.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
About ME
While doing my usual blog surfing, I came across this on my friend's blog. Intrigued, I too have completed this Youniverse thing- where you click on pictures over a given set of topics- and it creates a kind of personality profile. This is what mine came up with:
Mood- Sofisticat: You're romantic in your outlook and love the simplicity of nature. You can be a little nostalgic and like landscapes that make you feel calm. When it comes to art, you're a little unconventional but you appreciate precision and hard work. You are consistently impressed by the discipline and focus of true artists, whatever their field. You're a discerning music listener, romantic and passionate. You love the buzz you feel from watching a live performance- there is no better escape.
Fun- Thriller: You're insatiable! Your thirst for affection never drops. You've got a high sex drive and appetite for lurve (? wtf is lurve?)... For kicks you like to indulge in your great passions. You are happy to live highs and lows; you are fiercely loyal and passionate. You like to be part of the big picture. When it comes to the holidays, you like to explore and immerse yourself in another culture. Always on the go, you take in as much as you can. You find it hard to switch off, as you like absorbing new information all the time. And what turns you off? People who seem smart, until they light up and you realize they are stupid enough to be heading for an early grave.
Habits- Junkie Monkey: You love being a little naughty. Nothing beats getting up close and personal with the object of your affection. When it comes to drinking, you've got a little bit of a sweet tooth (I clicked on a picture of a soda :) ) and you don't get too hung up on making healthy choices... As for the home, you have a very cool and contemporary taste. You like your surroundings to be simple and functional, cozy and approachable.
Social- Thoughtful: For you friendship is all about being there for one another. You can't imagine life without your best friends. And they're the first place you go when you need advice, or a shoulder to cry on. You have a strong sense of justice and human rights. When you think of freedom- you think of democracy, one of your most treasured possessions.
Overall- it was actually pretty amazingly accurate. I recommend you waste some time doing it too. : )
Mood- Sofisticat: You're romantic in your outlook and love the simplicity of nature. You can be a little nostalgic and like landscapes that make you feel calm. When it comes to art, you're a little unconventional but you appreciate precision and hard work. You are consistently impressed by the discipline and focus of true artists, whatever their field. You're a discerning music listener, romantic and passionate. You love the buzz you feel from watching a live performance- there is no better escape.
Fun- Thriller: You're insatiable! Your thirst for affection never drops. You've got a high sex drive and appetite for lurve (? wtf is lurve?)... For kicks you like to indulge in your great passions. You are happy to live highs and lows; you are fiercely loyal and passionate. You like to be part of the big picture. When it comes to the holidays, you like to explore and immerse yourself in another culture. Always on the go, you take in as much as you can. You find it hard to switch off, as you like absorbing new information all the time. And what turns you off? People who seem smart, until they light up and you realize they are stupid enough to be heading for an early grave.
Habits- Junkie Monkey: You love being a little naughty. Nothing beats getting up close and personal with the object of your affection. When it comes to drinking, you've got a little bit of a sweet tooth (I clicked on a picture of a soda :) ) and you don't get too hung up on making healthy choices... As for the home, you have a very cool and contemporary taste. You like your surroundings to be simple and functional, cozy and approachable.
Social- Thoughtful: For you friendship is all about being there for one another. You can't imagine life without your best friends. And they're the first place you go when you need advice, or a shoulder to cry on. You have a strong sense of justice and human rights. When you think of freedom- you think of democracy, one of your most treasured possessions.
Overall- it was actually pretty amazingly accurate. I recommend you waste some time doing it too. : )
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Words I wish I could have written
I avoid writing about politics. I avoid talking about politics with most people, generally because the entirety of my family, and the school I work at, are hardcore conservative/Republican. I fall right in the middle. I do not claim to be a member of either party (and generally hate the bi-partisan system), but I always vote (what with the two presidential elections I have been legally allowed to vote in). I am a swing voter, if you will. And until I came across the following, I was unsure of how to defend my vote for Obama to my family, and fellow co-workers (neither of whom actually know who I voted for, I think. But if they did.... how could I best explain that?)
So, through much blog stocking (aka: lack of doing work), I discovered this post, written by a man I do not know, but wish I could hug simply for writing the words I could not find. Thank you sir.
So, through much blog stocking (aka: lack of doing work), I discovered this post, written by a man I do not know, but wish I could hug simply for writing the words I could not find. Thank you sir.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Bits.
Good weekend.
Fast weekend.
Messy apartment.
Grading and test review making.
Miss CB.
Why did Dad's gf have to sit in dad's lap at the engagement party?
Beyond that, good times.
Can it be June now?
3.5 weeks until whore weekend.
Hungry. Can't cook. Help.
Fast weekend.
Messy apartment.
Grading and test review making.
Miss CB.
Why did Dad's gf have to sit in dad's lap at the engagement party?
Beyond that, good times.
Can it be June now?
3.5 weeks until whore weekend.
Hungry. Can't cook. Help.
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