Author: Nikki J.

It’s funny that with as girly as I am, I’ve always turned up my nose at the over-the-top bright Lilly Pulitzer dresses. Not too long ago, I wandered into a little boutique called Palm Garden, that sold Lilly almost exclusively. For some reason, it just hit the spot, and I was in love with everything – from dresses, to cashmere sweaters, to iPhone cases and day planners.

Of course, one of my favorites was the dress I tried above (not as loud as most Lilly) for $278. Grrrr. I’ve been trying to justify it by reminding myself how well it fit, and how versatile it is. I mean seriously – I could wear this to church, to work (with a cute cardigan or blazer!), or to one of my 10 weddings and all the subsequent baby showers.

But still… I never spend $300 on anything! And we all know I’ll want a new dress for all of those aforementioned occasions anyway…

Sigh. Frugality sucks sometimes. I’ll just have to stalk the sales, I guess!

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Speaking of Love…

… 10 of Chuck’s and/or my GOOD friends got engaged this year. The majority of those got engaged in the past few days, weeks, and months. Everyone’s in luurrrrvvve for the holidays, and I just love weddings 🙂

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The only “problem” is that all these new diamond-rocking couples are trying to get married between September and November, with most looking at October. A handful of them involve me or Chuck in the wedding party, too. I don’t see how we’ll be able to avoid missing some, especially if we move to the West Coast in the summer and it’ll cost a grand just to fly Chuck and I back East (all are on the east coast except for one, and that one is in Mexico.)

Never mind that I’ll also be unemployed again just in time for fall…

Fingers crossed, we’ll be able to make pretty much all of them! Then, I’ll tackle all the bridal showers/bachelorette parties/bridesmaid duties as they come… If we move back to the DC area, it should be more manageable (assuming no one plans the same weekend.) At least then, we can drive most places, or flights will be cheaper. We shall see!

BUT in all seriousness, CONGRATULATIONS to all!! ❤ And … wish me luck 😉

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What Love is Like for Me

My sister is such a good writer. She’s always been able to capture emotions and put them into words so eloquently. She wrote this about love and marriage, and it could not be more true for the way I felt in marrying Chuck:

“The moment I began to dream of the possibility of marrying you I was struck by the gentleness with which this hope swirled and enveloped me with courage and joy. I do not fear the commitment and obstacles as I always have, but feel devoted to facing the wonder and challenges that a life partnership entails. I still marvel at this realization. It is not fireworks, a thunderclap, or a lightning bolt. It’s peace. It’s a serene quiet that comes with the knowing that your heart has met its compliment and softly whispers, ‘Yes. Devote yourself to him forever.’ “

I swear I’m so bipolar about my hair! I really liked being brunette, but as it’s faded, I’m already longing for blonde again. Chuck also said he has a slight preference for my lighter hair, which could have something to do with my desire to switch again too… 😉

Anyway, I had my friend add some chunkier blonde streaks to get me started. I’m trying to maintain the integrity of my hair by not blondifying too quickly!

Today’s lunch spread: bacon, lettuce, and tomato ranch pizza, puppy chow, red velvet cookies, and pumpkin-brown-sugar-glazed cake. I meant to go light on the sweets today too… woops!

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General Updates

I am officially half way through Chuck’s month-long training escapade – woohoo! It’s flown by and I feel a little guilty admitting I’ve barely noticed. I think I may be keeping almost as busy as he is. In reality though, I think I’m just in that be-strong-and-focused mode. Full gears ahead….

I am REALLY loving my new job. I love how it gets me out in the community, and how I’m learning to provide services to area businesses. The girl I’m replacing officially left yesterday, so as of Monday, I’m “in charge”.  I really want to do well there. The Chamber has been so nice to take me on even though I won’t be around long, and I want to make sure I make it as awesome for them as they have made it for me.

I’m ready to move into my new office on Monday. I already have a bag full of silly decorations in tow! I realized I haven’t had my own “space” at work in years. We did hoteling at PwC… a different cubicle every day.

When I’m not busy at work or staying late/arriving early for events, I’m prepping for weekend activities. Weekends are generally the hardest to be alone, and when I miss Chuck the most. Last weekend I attended the Commanding General’s holiday reception on base, courtesy of an invite via the Chamber. It was so nice! I watched a football game with friends (gasp!) and got lots of Christmas shopping and cleaning done.

This weekend I hosted a lunch for the ladies attached to the men in Chuck’s unit. I always stress myself out taking these things on, but they are generally worth it in the end. I’m glad we had an opportunity to get to know each other a little better.

I’m about to head to dinner at “Bemily’s” (Ben + Emily) and tomorrow I’m hoping I’ll be motivated enough to get up and go to church. We’ll see… 😉