Carrie Gets Married



My sister, Carrie, got married on Saturday, April 13, 2013!  This was very exciting to me since I wasn't sure if she would ever make the trip down the aisle.

 

She and Mark decided to get married in the lovely city of Savannah.  They were originally going to have the ceremony in the cozy courtyard of The Gastonian, the Bed and Breakfast where we stayed in Savannah.  A few months before the wedding, they decided to move the ceremony to Trinity United Methodist Church.  After arriving at The Gastonian and seeing the courtyard, we all agreed Carrie and Mark made the right decision.  The courtyard was pretty, but it didn't suit this particular event.

 

Most everyone began arriving in Savannah on Friday afternoon.  A couple arrived on Thursday and enjoyed an extra day in the city.  As usual, Justin and I arrived barely in time to make it to the rehearsal.  We just couldn't get out of Atlanta as soon as we wanted.  We had to get packed, get the car loaded, drop off the dogs with the sitter, and get on the road.  After making a return trip to the house, we were in the wind.

 

We rushed in the hotel, checked in, and ran to our room to get dressed.  Everyone else was elegantly sipping wine and munching on tea cakes as Justin and I arrived rather abruptly.  We ran back downstairs and jumped in the car before heading to the church.  I must say the weather was lovely, but warm and humid.  I couldn't stop perspiring!

 

We arrived at the church, walked through the ceremony and then headed to the rehearsal dinner at Carrabba's.  The food was great, but the fellowship with family was even better.  After dinner, we headed back to our rooms to settle in for the night.

 

The bride and bridesmaids had to be in the Carrie's room at 8:30 a.m. for hair and make-up.  I grabbed breakfast and headed to get beautiful.  The ladies worked very quickly and left before noon.  By this time, most of us wanted to eat lunch.  I found a delivery company and took orders before placing the order online.

 

Moon River Brewing Company delivered a lot of food to us around 12:15 p.m. and we dug in.  My niece, the maid of honor, suggested we eat outside on the front porch.  This turned out to be one of the greatest suggestions of the weekend.  The weather was perfect!  There was a slight breeze, low humidity, and cool temperatures.  Perfect!  Because several of us had up-dos and pretty make-up, we decided to just hang out at the house until time to dress for the wedding.  The bride also had a tiara and veil in her hair, so going out really wasn't ideal.  We saw many tour groups ride by and take photos of the lovely ladies on the porch.

 

We were even approached by a gentleman asking for money to help with medication costs.  I have certain ideas about giving money to people on the street and just don't do it.  I suggested the man visit a nearby church.  He said he did and was arrested.  I'm sure there is more to that story.  He asked if there was anyone else inside the house and I assured him there wasn't.  About that time, Justin comes walking out the door, says, "Bye, guys!" and heads off to join Mark, the groom, and the groom's brother, Matt.  We all looked at each other while the man asking for money just looks at us like a bunch of liars.

We ordered dessert before time to get dressed and hung out on the porch a little more.  We cleaned up the porch and headed in to get even more beautiful!

My niece and I got dressed first.  All we had to do was put on our dress and then help Carrie get dressed.  My mother joined us to help with this task since the bridesmaid dresses were a little snug all the way down and prevented us from bending down very far.

The bride was simply beautiful!

After dressing, the photographer arrived to take some photos at the hotel prior to heading to the church.  There were several people ejoying the afternoon tea during the photos.  They looked at Carrie like they were enamored.  She was beautiful!

The ride to the church took two trips since there were thirteen of us to get there and the car only held eleven people.  We took photos outside before the ceremony started.  I tried to get the bride's ring to the best man before he headed back to the room to wait to walk out.  I didn't make it in time, so I had both rings in my possession.

The ceremony started and when we got to the part of the ceremony when the pastor asked for the bride's ring, the best man shook his head and said he didn't have it.  The pastor thought the best man was saying, "No" to the wedding and seemed to be preparing for how to handle this.  I spoke up and said, "I have them both" before handing them over.  Everyone seemed very relieved since there were lots of giggles from everyone.

The ceremony ended with the introduction of the bride and groom as Mr. and Mrs.  We took a few more photos in the church and then loaded up before heading to the reception dinner.

The reception was held at Elizabeth on 37th in their private dining room.  It was perfect!  The room was large, but not too large, so it felt intimate, but not too cozy.  We seated ourselves while we waited for the bride, groom, and maid of honor to arrive.  Once they arrived, there were a few more photos taken before we began our seven course dinner.  It was oh, so delicious!

Sadly, we didn't eat cake because the final course of the night was a yummy pecan almond tart.  There just wasn't room for the cake!  The cake was small, but very elegant.  It was a perfect touch to end the night.

Because it was about ten thirty at night and the limousine was still ours until midnight, five of us decided to head out for a couple of drinks.  The bride, groom, groom's brother, Justin, and I headed to Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos.  My sister and I really enjoyed the place, but Justin clearly did not have fun.  He didn't like the music, the scotch selection, or the other patrons (drunk sorority girls and frat boys).  We hung out there for about an hour before calling the limo driver to take us back to the hotel.  Carrie and Mark had to leave for the airport at 3:15 a.m. so they really needed to go to bed.

Justin and I weren't ready to call it a night, so we walked to Pinkie Masters Lounge for a drink.  He got his scotch and all was right with the world.  We wandered back to our room and called it a night.  I was asleep and didn't hear the room phone ring, but Justin told me the phone rang at 3:00 a.m.  By the time he answered it, there was only a dial tone.  We think the wake-up call for the newlyweds went to our room instead of the honeymoon suite.

My niece later told me her mother said the alarm didn't go off and the cab that was taking them to the airport almost left them.  They arrived at the airport intime for their flight.  While landing in Charlotte, NC, the wheels touched down and they took off again due to being too close to another plane.  I'm sure this wasn't super pleasant for the passengers, but glad they eventually landed safely.

We all got up on Sunday morning and headed back home.  We said our goodbyes to our relatives and Justin and I headed to Atlanta.

The weekend was lovely and perfect!  I don't think my sister's wedding could have been anymore perfect!

A Cataract, Heart Murmur, and Pink Pomeranian

Pete and Annabelle were due for their yearly exam by the vet, so I made an appointment for Saturday morning.  It was also time for the girls to get a bath, so I got up early and bathed them before heading to the vet.

I checked in when we arrived and settled in for a short wait.  There were two other ladies in the waiting area who were chatting.  After a minute, a vet tech brought out two pomeranians.  One was black and one was pink.  Yes, you read that right.  A pink dog.  The owner loaded them in her car and headed home.  Not that this makes a difference, but the owner was wearing sequin shoes and was driving an expensive looking Jaguar.

After the pomeranians left, the other lady in the waiting area approached the desk.  This lady appeared to be pretty old - maybe in her 70s or 80s.  The following conversation ensured:

Cat Lady:  "Excuse me.  Did you see that dog that just left?"
Vet Employee:  "Yes!  Isn't that wild?!"
Cat Lady:  "Is that dog naturally pink?"
This is when my head shot around to stare at the Cat Lady and my mouth dropped open.
Vet Employee:  "No.  The owner uses hair color to dye the dog's fur."
Cat Lady:  "Oh.  Ok.  Thank you."

This immediately was posted on Facebook.

A few minutes later, a vet tech called Pete's and Annabelle's names.  After chatting with the tech for a minute and catching her up on Pete's and Annabelle's health since our last visit, she took Annabelle back for her lab work.  Pete and I used this time to cuddle and bond.  I don't usually get an opportunity to focus solely on Pete since Annabelle is somewhat jealous and attacks Pete as soon as I put her down.  We got about five minutes of time together and it was great!

They brought Annabelle back and took Miss Pete for her lab work.  Annabelle and I got cuddle time for a minute before the vet came in to examine her.  During the exam, the vet mentioned a hear murmur.  This is the first I've heard about a heart murmur, so I suspect this is a new condition.  The vet said they classify heart murmurs on a scale of one to six, with one being the most benign.  He said Anne's murmur is a two right now.  He suggested we do an echocardiogram so we could see what's going on inside her heart.  He said this would be a great resource so we could monitor the condition.  We decided to put this off until July, which is when the girls are due for their heartworm tests.

He continued his exam and said Annabelle has a small cataract on one of her eyes.  It doesn't appear to be causing any vision problems, so we're going to watch it for now.

This makes me sad, but I'm not surprised.  Pete and Annabelle aren't puppies anymore.  They're considered seniors.  I hope the heart murmur and cataract don't progress to the point we have to consider surgery for our sweet Anne.

Pete returned to the room by this time and the vet examined her.  Her exam went well and no health conditions were found.  Yay Pete!  We discussed Pete's anxiety problems and decided to try medication.  Pete has problems.  She freaks out when it rains.  There doesn't have to be thunder.  She also lashes out at Justin and me when she feels threatened.  She also tries to exert her dominance with Annabelle.  I hope the medicine works so Pete can relax a little.

After the exams were complete, we headed to the desk to pay.  While there, one of the ladies mentioned the pink pomeranian.  I chuckled a little and she said what is even funnier is the fact that the pink pom is a male!  The lady goes on to say something about the older lady asking if the dog is naturally pink.  I laughed and said, "Oh, that's been on Facebook for an hour."

Happy Valentine's Day!

Pooh Bear,
You own my heart!

Sincerely,
Katherine

The Bank Incident

Justin and I both bank at the same national bank chain.  There is a branch near our house, which makes things very easy.  Visiting the ATM is incredibly convenient!

I recently deposited a check in my savings account at the ATM.  Mistake #1.  I decided to transfer some funds from my account to Justin's.  Mistake #2.  I received a letter from my bank stating the funds were on hold while the check cleared, but per the letter and the online banking portal, the funds were released and were now available for my use.

I've transferred money from my account to Justin's before and had to speak with a banker, not a teller.  All of these branches have someone directing people who visit the inside of the bank to the appropriate person.  I told the lady what I needed and said I had to speak with a banker the last time.  She said, "Oh, a teller can help you with that!"  We waited in the teller line.

When we reached the window, we were given forms to complete, which we did and then got back in line.  I should mention there wasn't really a line.  I think there may have been one person in line other than us.  We handed the forms to the teller and she said, "You'll need to speak with a banker.  I'll let one know you're waiting."  I smiled and thanked her before Justin and I headed to the waiting area.

We got periodic updates, but after an hour, Justin and I were both very tired of waiting.  What we were being told was they were having to call the "back office" to get approval.  I argued a little with them but was very polite the entire time.  We finally said we would change the amount to something that was in my account prior to the ATM check being deposited.  That took about twenty minutes.  I finally walked to the counter and told the ladies assisting us to just stop and give me my ATM card and ID.  We would try this again another day.  I was not happy.  Neither was Justin.

We went home and I called customer service.  I was told there was no reason for the delay because the funds were released several days before.  Before we left the bank, one of the ladies suggested we call customer service to get the money transferred.  Justin and I both said that wouldn't work because of the dollar amount limits placed on phone transactions.  The man on the phone was very nice, but wasn't able to help us.

We left the house and went to another branch.  I planned to close my accounts.  While driving there, I decided to give them one more chance.  We walked in and spoke with the lady directing people to the appropriate department.  I told her what we had been through and what I wanted.  I went on to say if they couldn't help me in ten minutes, I was closing my accounts.  The lady sprang into action and grabbed the branch manager.  He said he had actually been communicating with the other branch since he used to be the branch manager there.  He said he would be able to assist us and to sit tight.  We were out of there in about ten minutes, which is what should have happened at the other branch.  This location was awesome!

Before we left, they gave us the card of a private banker and suggested we contact her.  They said that's a service they offer and our account balances qualified us for that service.  I don't think I'll need it, but it's really nice to have that option.

As I said, everyone was very nice the entire time, but it was so frustrating I couldn't access my money.  I told the second branch I would continue using them for any transactions needing a banker.  They were fantastic!

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis or Subacromial Bursitis

A couple of months ago, I noticed my shoulder was uncomfortable due to a slight pain when I moved my arm in certain directions.  I thought it was nothing and I just ignored it.  This last week, I noticed the pain was more persistent and occuring more frequently.  I decided it was time to visit my doctor.

I was able to see the physician's assistant on Tuesday morning.  After a thorough exam of my righ shoulder and the movements that caused me pain, she determined I have rotator cuff tendonitis or subacromial bursitis.  The treatment for both conditions is the same, so it really doesn't matter which I actually have.

 

I was scared I was going to have to get a shot in my shoulder, like my mother did when she was diagnosed with tendonitis in her shoulder.  Luckily, I was told ibuprofen and rest should be sufficient.  I'm hoping to be recovered in a couple of weeks.

I've been trying to refrain from using my right arm too much, but that's really hard since I'm right-handed.  Styling my hair is pretty difficult, but I manage.  Sleeping is also a slight challenge since I prefer to sleep on my right side.  I'm trying to sleep on my back and left side but it's just not the same.

Julie, the PA, asked me if I remembered injuring my shoulder a couple of months ago.  At the time, I couldn't remember straining or injuring myself around the time the pain started.  After I left the doctor's office, I thought of what most likely caused the injury - vacation.

Justin and I took a cruise the week of Thanksgiving.  When we exited the ship, we decided to carry our own luggage instead of waiting for the ship's staff to remove it.  We did this so we could exit the ship first.  My suitcase was heavy and I was determined to haul it off that ship so I could make it to Thanksgiving lunch with my family. I imagine that's when my shoulder was injured, but I don't really remember.

Fingers-crossed everything is healed in a couple of weeks!

Bananas

I've never been a huge fan of bananas and I don't really know why.  I previously blamed it on the texture, which is my usual excuse for not eating certain foods.  A couple of weeks ago at work, someone offered me half of a banana and I somewhat reluctantly accepted.

I ate it and decided I love bananas!  Since then, I've kept a supply of bananas at home and work.  I eat at least one per day, sometimes two.  Bananas are delicious!

My mother kept telling me my taste would change as I got older.  I could see this happening but really didn't want to admit it.

Some foods I previously hated and now like are:

- bananas
- Brussels sprouts
- asparagus
- carrots
- yogurt

Justin tried to get me to eat yogurt for years and I said I didn't like the tangy taste.  He didn't really eat yogurt, but thought I would/should like it.  I would buy it, but never would eat it.  One day about a year ago, I tried some strawberry flavored yogurt and decided it was the best stuff ever.  My latest favorite is plain Greek yogurt.  It tastes like thick sour cream and I love sour cream.  I use it as sour cream in my Chipotle bowls.

I can't wait to see what I'll like next!

Water? Water? Who's got the water?

Around 11:30 p.m. last night, Justin and I were watching television with Chris and Allison (roomie and his fiance).  I was kind of dozing off so I missed the excitement.  Apparently, Justin, Chris, and Allison suddenly heard a strange suction noise coming from the front bathroom.  They ran to the bathroom and turned on the lavatory (that's a sink for you non-architects/interior designers).  No water.  They just heard more suction noise.

Allison said it sounded like a water pipe busted under the house.  She experienced this a few years ago and ended up with $2,000 of water in her front yard.  Justin immediately grabbed the water meter key and headed to the water valve at the road.  He turned off the water at the road and went under the house to find the broken pipe.  Allison and I stayed in the house while Justin and Chris handled the crawl space activities.  Occasionally, Justin would ask me to "stomp in the kitchen" or "stomp in the laundry room."  He was checking the pipes at each plumbing fixture in the house.  After a short while, he and Chris came inside and said it must be on the county's side of the valve because he couldn't find any water under the house.

We called the county's emergency line and explained the situation.  The lady I spoke with asked if we were near a particular road and I said, "Yes, that road is in our neighborhood."  She said they were doing some repair work on that road and had the water in our neighborhood turned off.  I'm thinking, "It would have been nice to know this, but whatever."  I thanked her and hung up.

Our neighborhood has a Facebook page, so Justin checked there and found out what really happened.  A water main broke in the neighborhood, so they turned off water to make repairs.  They were told the repairs should take a couple of hours.

A couple of weeks ago, a major water main broke a couple of miles from our house.  It was under a major road that runs beside our house.  The county has been trying to make repairs the entire time, but we've had rain for a solid week.  Friday/Yesterday was the first day we saw the sun since last Saturday.  Apparently, the water pipe was a thirty inch pipe.  I didn't realize they made pipes that big, but according to news stories, that's the size of it.  System monitors immediately notified the county of the break, but the massive gush of water destroyed a large section of road and sidewalk within minutes.

Never a dull moment.