Wedding Bands

Yesterday I bought my wedding band which was pretty exciting. There was an event at Barmakian Jewelers which is in my hometown where they had wedding cake samples and an open bar with wine, beer, champagne and mimosas which helped with Chris! Out of all the wedding decisions this one was the easiest. Although I made an effort to look at other bands, when it came down to it, the coordinating band was the way to go. I love my engagement ring and I love the details. I knew I wanted another Tacori so I could get the details which I find so special about the brand, but trying on the other similar bands didn't work. The scale really matters so in the end it was the matching wedding band that was the winner! I had a lot of fun people watching while we waited to be helped. I happened to end up kind of following around this one girl who was really high maintenance. She had a gigantic ring and I swear she tried on about 75% of the store. Chris kept making eyes at me because I guess she was being a little ridiculous with what she wanted. She kept bragging about all the jewelry she already had whoop de doo, guess there are people out there who think they are the center of the world. Then there was another customer who apparently kept asking unrealistic questions about what she wanted in a ring. The poor saleswoman was trying SO hard to be patient. People are funny, especially around DIAMONDS. Makes me feel really normal haha. The other interesting thing was apparently I do NOT wear a 4.5 ring like I thought. Chris swears he bought me a 4.5 ring, but on the sizer it came out to be closer to 3.75! I was shocked...that's freakishly small. Earlier another passing saleswoman had mentioned that there had been tiny people in the store that day and that she had a sold a 3.5 ring. At the time we thought that was crazy...then we realized I was around the same size. Yikes, I'm a freak. But ultimately I'm super excited that I can check off another thing off my list. Got a matching wedding band to match an engagement ring that I'm still obsessed with. I had always wanted to buy it at Barmakian's because the silly symbolic side of me thought it would be incredibly special to have my engagement ring from Hawai'i and my wedding band from my hometown. Cheesy :) Oh and the dealmaker in me loves that they accepted my $50 off coupon and then I got a gift certificate from Barmakian's for another $300 - yay! Chris found a ring we liked (Tacori - whoa, go figure), but since it was his first time even looking he didn't want to commit. The one cool thing we learned is that with Tacori men's wedding bands you get a sports band too...that way you'll have one you can get a little rough with. And anyone who knows Chris knows...he's probably going to need a lot of rings :) Otherwise, wedding planning seems to be going pretty well at long last. My next two big projects are the invitations, florists and videographer. I think that makes all the major decision points and then it's the zillion little ones! Starting to feel pretty good that there's going to be a nice wedding at the end of this journey!

The Magic of a Vendor Connection

Whenever I meet a vendor a lot of it comes down to some magical, unspoken connection with the company and individual. I've been pretty lucky so far in being able to have really good feelings with all my vendors, but none probably had as much of an effect as our ceremony and reception venue... Here's a story I just read about my venue and the amazing way they stepped up for a couple named Jenn and Erick. Here's the beautiful wedding they had just two weeks ago :) How amazing is it that a vendor along with several others can do such wonderful things for "clients?"

The All or Nothing Marriage - a NYT Article

I just read this interesting article on marriage from the New York Times...timely :) It's about the evolving state of marriage and one academic's theory on marriage today.

Decisions Finally Getting Maid (Heehee)

Bridemaids dresses were surprisingly challenging to pin down, but yesterday I finally made a decision! I think I knew for awhile since I discovered the dress, but I was waiting for some unknown reasons...not so good at pulling the trigger on decision making when it comes to wedding stuff I'm noticing. I didn't anticipate that the bridesmaid dresses would be so hard, but it was REALLY important to me that the girls felt good and looked good in their dresses. It was also important to me that the dresses not break the bank because I don't want these special ladies having to feel like attending my wedding is some crazy financial burden. When Lindsey and I went to look at dresses as usual I ended up falling for a dress that wasn't exactly what I expected to love AT ALL. There were three-four dresses that were really in the running, but narrowed it down to two. However, in my head one of the dresses (the Bill Levkoff chiffon collection) wasn't something that got me excited. I liked it more for the practicality, but I wasn't that crazy about the colors and I was kind of peeved about the fact that it just looked so "brides-maid-y." I was sad that I eventually let go of the idea of trying to find a dress that would be functional and re-useable in the future, but it did help me make my decision. That being said, I was down to one dress. I loved it. I loved the color. It was unexpected. Yet I was really nervous about it and I kept looking. Something about the dress I loved made me uncertain it would work for all the girls. Then, by accident I found ANOTHER dress I loved. And I really loved this one. But I knew better. I knew I needed to see it. So I made an appointment at a local boutique where they carried it because I wanted to try it on and wanted to see the fabric swatches. Experience has taught me that fabrics and materials really need to be seen in person. When I walked into Flair boutique on Newbury St. it was right there on the mannequin - stunning and gorgeous. I really loved that color, but that wasn't the color I envisioned and I already had made one color change... But something in my gut told me this was it. Unfortunately the color that I loved wasn't in the store, that it was a special order from the site I saw it at. All that was left was to get the swatch in the mail. But of course there had to be a wrinkle. Flair called me and said that NEW colors were coming in and that she'd send along the swatches as soon as possible. I waited a week, but finally could wait no more. Decisions have to be maid (made - ha ha) and so finally I made a decision and it feels so nice to finally gotten one big one checked off! Can't wait until people see them! I'm so excited, I want to buy one for myself!!!

Kristen (and Chris) take on WEDDING PLANNING

I don't think it's healthy for me to keep emailing my friends and families with wedding planning jitters. I also think that making every wedding fear and stress and decision and FB status might quickly become annoying...so I've decided to resurrect the blog as a less annoying way to vent :) My first post is actually going to start on a positive note. I follow all these sites like Gilt, Purewow, LivingSocial, Groupon, etc. A little while ago they had a great deal on one of these sites for Wedding Paper Divas - a company that does save the dates, wedding invitations, menus, thank yous etc. I was so bummed that I missed the deal. Today, they brought it back! At first I was sad because when I went to the site it already said that the $1000 credit for $500 was sold out. Darn. So instead I bought a $200 credit for $100. Hooray for 50% off. But then I noticed that when I logged into my account, the $1000 credit for $500 was available, so I bought that too. Perhaps it's an impulsive buy since I have no idea how much wedding invitations cost, at the very least I'll have very nice invitations and maybe even menus, thank you cards and what not! Hooray for deals!!! :) Now I need to make some decisions...I foresee a couple of days of Pinning pretty invitations!

Over the Edge 2012

This past Saturday I went OVER THE EDGE again for the Special Olympics.  The first time I went Over the Edge was in 2010:

WHEN PIGS FLY - 2010

The event was held at the Sheraton Waikiki again.  The signage indicates that rappellers go up (must go up to come down!) and that viewers go out to the RumFire bar.

NO TURNING BACK NOW!

My first stop was to check in.  Of course you have to sign one of those waivers that has in bold that you could die or be seriously injured...Lovely. But I signed my life away and got number and name badge.

CHECK-IN

After I checked in I had to go over to a staging room where they harness you up.  The guy in the picture was really nice.  He goes all over the country for Over the Edge event and after the event in Hawaii he is flying to Texas for an Over the Edge there.  The guy that I actually got to harness me up was such a sourpuss and kind of ruined the experience temporarily.  This time around there was no cameras allowed up (hence I had to go back around and take all these pictures after I went down) and he made me redo my hair, lectured me about my outfit...what a dud.

STAGING

Next you get a little briefing with other ropes experts and staffers.  My briefing this time was actually more thorough as they made us practice the possible scenarios we may run in to - like what to do if you get stuck, how to release your safety, etc.  Basically I re-learned that since someone like me doesn't weigh enough to help the rope naturally overcome it's friction after I release my lever, I'd need to use my right hand to feed the rope through.

RAPPELLING 101

Then they have you do a practice run over just one floor.  (The ropes expert in the previous pictures told me on my practice run that I was only the second person he'd ever seen rappel down in heels!) The practice rappel is really pretty because it's right by the koi pond.  Once you've successfully rappelled down one floor, they deem you ready to go down THIRTY-ONE FLOORS!

PRACTICE RUN

I went with two other guys.  One was an EMT and the other was in the Navy.  I went first in the practice run (They told me, "Ladies, first" - right...I'm thinking I was the bravest one!).  After we all did the practice run, a volunteer took us up 31 floors to the rooftop!

A SHORT, BUT LONG WALK

LAUNCH PLATFORM ON THE TOP OF THE SHERATON WAIKIKI

The next three photos are some of the previews of the ones the professional photographer took.  I know there's more of me, so I can't wait to see the rest of the gallery.  However, very happy that out of 160 rappellers, I was one of the few to make the preview in the Honolulu Magazine photo gallery!  Here's the link: http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Event-Photo-Galleries/November-2012/Special-Olympics-presents-Over-the-Edge-11312/index.php?cp=1&si=0#galleryanc

DIAMONDHEAD IN THE BACKGROUND

GETTING HOOKED UP IN MY ELF BOOTS

OVER THE EDGE 2012

Here's a view up to the top from the ground...you can kind of see a black dot at the top - that's a rappeller!

The hardest part of going Over the Edge at the Sheraton Waikiki is getting over the lip.  Basically you climb over the scaffolding and then you have to walk slowly down that lip until you get to the edge.  Then you lower yourself until your head is below the lip...so at this point your feet are above you - I can tell you this is VERY difficult to do in heels :) then you drop your feet and hopefully don't bash your head against the lip.  The rest of way is a free rappel since you are not in contact with the building at any point for the rest of the 31ish floors :)

CLOSEUP OF THE LIP ON THE ROOF

When I went, of course the guys said, "Ladies, first" again. All the guys at the top were amazed that I was doing it in my heels.  I was like, "PSSSHH, let me show you how a woman does it." Haha. 

The EMT guy went over next and actually passed me.  He stopped and asked if I wanted him to wait for me...what a gentleman.  But I wanted to take my time. I felt like it was harder than I remember.  The views were just as gorgeous though.  Crazy how small people look from 30 floors up.  No turtles swimming around this time that I could see.  I really wished they had let me bring my camera...this time I knew what pictures to take! Oh well.  I had to keep stopping because it was so tiring!  The EMT kept asking me if I was okay.  I just told him I was tired...I'll tell you, 350 ft of rope is HEAVY.  Eventually I invented my own two-handed grip technique and that made it easier, but by the time I was around the 10th floor up, I just wanted to be DOWN.  The sun bakes the hotel and so you feel the sun on you, radiating heat from the hotel wall, and you get no breeze because you're sheltered in the little alcove you rappel down so it's really hot.  Also I totally had the blood cut off in my legs from the harness...not the most comfortable of experiences. 

  

At the bottom they do an interview for the live stream. The host is so nice.  She works for the Special Olympics and she rappelled down herself!

 

After your interview, you are greeted by Special Olympians, take a picture and you get your t-shirt.  This year's t-shirt is SO much more awesome than the 2010 one.  I can't wait to wear it!  I also got a helmet because I was a returning rappeller!

After I rappelled down I changed (I wasn't about to go wandering around dressed like a Christmas elf!) and then hung around for an hour and half, taking pictures, talking to people (I got invited to a birthday party!).  It was so fun and I wish I could convince some other people *cough* *cough* *HINT* *cough* *wink* *wink*  to go with me in the future.  I'm just sayin'...

I JUST WENT OVER THE EDGE

It was a fabulous Saturday in Waikiki.  I can't wait to do it again! (Although I'll feel better when I've raised the rest of my $200 dollars that I need to make the minimum)

BEAUTIFUL DIAMONDHEAD

Fairwinds II

CHECKING IN

Last year at the Chocolate Festival I won in the silent auction (Seriously, out here some silent auctions are actually a way to get a BARGAIN!) an afternoon snorkel cruise for two on the Fairwind.  Whenever I scope the racks of brochures outside places like Walmart, I always look longingly at the brochure for the Hula Kai.   The Fairwind is a sister ship to the Hula Kai.

This past Saturday we finally booked the cruise.  (Good thing too since it expired on October 13th) We checked in and they had a very nice waiting area.  Though, I will say that the parking lot was pretty rough considering how nice the set up is down by the dock. I was a little worried because the weather was looking gray and overcast the whole darn way we drove around South Point.

A little side trip in this narrative: There are three ways to get from my side of the island (Hilo side) to the other side (Kona side) 1) Saddle Road (up the middle), 2) Upper Road (up the Waimea way), 3) Around South Point (Down the bottom of the island).  I always go Route 1 or 2...but Chris wanted to go Route 3 and he was driving.  When we stopped at Punalu'u Bakery I ran into an old Mt. View elementary friend who has moved to Oahu a few years ago! What a small island(s) it is!  Anyway, my point is that it took over three hours to get from Keaau to Keauhou and so I would just like to point out...my routes are faster.  Just sayin' (the woman is always right ;p).

 

THE FAIRWIND II

Now that I have taken you on a driving tour of the Big Island, it's back to our adventures on the high seas!  We boarded the Fairwind with these nifty plastic boarding passes they give you (like the ones on the cruise ships only you don't get to keep theirs...what a shame...they are losing out on a merchandizing/souvenir opportunity here).  The captain raised the sail and we promptly motored our way out to Kealakekua Bay.  Yes, you read that right...we raised a sail and then used our engines.  Chris was confused and so I responded...the sail is decorative (like, DUH!).  I'm sure he actually knew, I just didn't give him a chance to tell me ;p  

We finally reached the bay and rounded the corner to see the Captain Cook monument.  This marks the site where he was killed and the land around it actually belongs to the UK.

CAPTAIN COOK MONUMENT

After a safety briefing it was time to get in the water.  I was overjoyed because even though the water was extremely flat the whole journey and I was wearing a seasickness patch, I really really hate being in boats (Big ones, small ones, some as big as your head!  No, really, I hate ALL boats.).  I was shocked how cold the water was, but being as I'm miserable on a boat I hopped right into the freezing water.

VIEW OF PART OF THE REEF FROM THE BOAT

I was totally unprepared for the beauty underwater.  Chris was perfectly content to just go diving immediately into the deeper water, but I am a lazy snorkeler and just want to be able to float around and have the fish likerightthere. 

CHRIS ASCENDING

We saw all kinds of fish:

SCHOOL OF YELLOW TANG & TRIGGERFISH

TRUMPET FISH

PART OF AN EEL! (CHRIS SAW IT, NOT ME)

NEEDLE FISH

CHRIS POKING AROUND (NOT LITERALLY, HE KNOWS TO RESPECT THE REEF)

CHRIS WITH A SCHOOL OF TANGS

PENNANT BUTTERFLY

I THINK A TRUMPET FISH (BUT A REALLY WEIRD LOOKING ONE)

ORNATE BUTTERFLY

 After swimming around for an hour and a half it was time to head back to the boat.  I was shocked that I managed to swim around for that long.  I guess trying to keep up with Chris kept me warm.  We climbed back on the boat, but not before Chris got in one last hurrah!

JUMPING OFF THE BOAT

I was not feeling that great on the boat ride back, but I survived and I definitely perked up when we were approaching the harbor and a bunch of spinner dolphins starting jumping and swimming in the waves made be the boats.  It was really awesome.  Here's a picture of one:

CAN YOU FIND THE DOLPHIN?

I'm going to have to upload the videos to YouTube and attach them later (supposed to be studying now).  The videos aren't anything special, but it's still pretty cool.

THEN as we pulled into the harbor there was a baby giant manta ray just swimming along.  I wish I had gotten a picture, but I couldn't get the camera out in time.

All in all the day was really nice and I loved snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay.  Here's the final picture of our trip and my favorite picture of the trip:

SUNSET

CHRIS TOOK THIS AWESOME PICTURE OF ME WITH THE FISH