A blog switch

I know this isn't fair to you, my loyal readership, but in honor of my "new" life I have a new blog. Or shall I say, we have a new blog! Before I redirect you to that, let me just say its been great. Lamarenita readers have treated me well, ok except for that one PETA post, and hopefully you can all stomach the transition here. Also, in deference to my last post, I did have one more bridal shower which was INCREDIBLE. I cannot, however elaborate or post anything on this blog as to the details as this is a family site. I will say that Amy and Jenn did fabulously with tiny cheesecakes and chocolatey thingeys. Salads and tasty treats were everywhere. Plus, it was at a very POSH clubhouse which was probably not cut out for the likes of me! Thanks again ladies, and attendees, it was a blast I will never forget!!!

Ok, see you at the new address...duhduhduhDAH: marenandbryan.blogspot.com. I promise I'm not selfish but bryanandmaren was already taken.

Bridal Shower Mania

I pretty much had the best bridal shower ever last weekend. It was amazing, and it looked better than my wedding possibly will. We had it out by Janette's pool and there were centerpieces and everything! I couldn't believe it was actually for me!

Unfortunately I only scored 70% in a game of "What Bryan Said" so we're hoping that doesn't bode for C- quality in our marriage.

Other than that, I haven't seen or done too much exciting. As not to disappoint my readers, I will tell you about something random that happened (fortuitously this evening). I was minding my own business, standing at a stoplight waiting to cross. Some random (possibly loony) man came running up next to me, punched the crosswalk button and ran back the other direction about 10 feet. Then he turned his back on me and put his hands behind his head like he was just hanging out there. When I crossed the street he didn't come with me. Just stood there on the corner, turned BACK around, and watched me cross. I was just invisioning the headline, "Crazy man stabs innocent girl on crowded street corner," as I looked over my shoulder all the way home as I was sure he was following me!

Make that twice

11. Forgot to take the trash to the curb on trash day AGAIN.

It's official. I have it.

Wedding Dementia. The dreaded diagnosis I hoped to avoid has finally reared its ugly head. Thankfully the damage is totally reversable given a nice long honeymoon. But for now, it looks to get worse before it gets better. I thought you might enjoy a list of the last 10 things I did because of my wedding dementia:

1. Bought a new wallet. (Ok, it was really cute and I did need it but still.)
2. Forgot what day it was. DAY, not date mind you.
3. Called my mom and forgot why.
4. Forgot all about one of my patients who has been coming to see me for months.
5. Became hysterical when Hayley refused to call the police about a "suspicious person" she saw outside.
6. Forgot to take the trash to the curb on trash day.
7. Put the wrong stamps on an international letter and promptly became hysterical about it.
8. Had a panic attack that I forgot to send an invite to a long-lost friend. It had been mailed with the rest of them.
9. Wore full bridal hair and makeup to the gym because I forgot I had it on.
10. Was on the verge of tears because I couldn't find my hot glue gun.

I never thought this could happen to me. I guess its just part of the rite of passage, you can't have the fun without the forgetfulness.

Better Speech and Hearing Month

I thought I would remind you all, since it is my professional responsibility, that May is Better Speech & Hearing month. I won't offer free advice again this year since last year I had no takers, but I will recommend a good movie to watch in celebration of this month. Last weekend we watched The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (watch out for 2 very "french" scenes) and I'm just going to brag a little and say that I have actually WORKED with a patient with the same problem as in that movie. It was hilarious to watch someone doing exactly what I do onscreen. I guess people with more normal jobs like accountants, lawyers, etc. get to do that with a lot of movies but I've never experienced it before. It really is a very inspirational movie, though Bryan will tell you very "long." Its an independent film, that happens. So check it out if you want to see a glimpse into my professional life...

In other news, we went camping this weekend, just the RS girls. What a great time. I came home so dirty (of course) and smoky but it was awesome. We put up our own tents, built our own fires, made 2 courses in a dutch oven, and as far as I know no one even broke a nail. Those are some well-rounded women, I tell you. My favorite part was when I tried to get coals out of the fire to make peach cobbler with a gardening shovel. Of course, I didn't think to use oven mitts too until I had tried about 10 times and almost burned my hands off. I'm really not too smart sometimes. This will not come as a surprise to close friends or family. When I was younger my parents used to ask me how I could be so smart and so dumb at the same time. A mystery that is yet unsolved...

Inflammatory

It has been brought to my attention that my commentary in the last post has offended some. I certainly did not set out to be mean-spirited by voicing my opinions. I hope we can agree to disagree if you think I'm an idiot.

March for Babies

Also by demand, though I won't say "popular" since it was only requested by one person, comes the post on the infamous March for Babies. Two weeks ago we walked to give premature babies a chance. In fact, there were many moments during this walk that were highly unexpected. I will list a few.

1. Miss La Mesa (complete with sash and beauty queen wave) cheering on runners at the first turn. I'm not sure why only La Mesa sent its beauty queen because we were downtown. Apparently Hillcrest does not have its own pageant.
2. Random high school cheerleaders racking up the community service points by standing along the sidelines cheering, "Babies!" Now you know why I'm embarrassed for all you ex-cheerers.
3. PETA representatives disguised as pro-March of Dimes passing out pamphlets. The topic of the pamphlet: "March of Dimes performs cruel animal research." I ask you, what is more cruel, babies dying or bunnies dying? So weird. I'm sorry but a pamphlet with kittens in a cage cannot hold a candle to the large poster 5 feet away about a 24 week preemie who is now Citizen of the Month in his kindergarten class. When Bryan found out what was going on he wanted to go back and tell them he kills animals every day for science. I encouraged him not to.
4. A Mariachi band near the middle of the race. All 5 members. And some cracked out lady sitting on a bench next to them doing erratic hand movements in rhythm with the tunes.
5. Jenn drinking a lot of "vitamin water" which she later found out was chock full of caffeine. That wasn't the kind of vitamin she was looking for but she sure got a lot done that day.
6. Our team represented with a grand total of 6 walkers. 2 of whom are not employees but were dragged out by employees. We like to exercise at my work.
7. Last but not least, the Liberty Mutual team. Spearheaded by this guy sitting at the finish line. Need I say more. Please note he has brought his WALKER to a 5k walk. I'm pretty sure he didn't do the race. Most teams just had t-shirts made but I appreciate their spirit. Also it was a very hot morning for crushed velvet.

And so we learn our lesson. Anything can happen in a 5k walk.

(credit for the post must be attributed to Jenn as she catalogued all the goings on)

We are so beautiful...haha

By popular demand...Ok maybe not that popular...Here are some of the GREAT photos that we got when we did our engagement session 2 weeks ago. I, of course, did not include my favorites here on the blog. You will have to see those in person in the announcement or at the wedding. I'm so selfish.

 

 

 

 

The Coatsies tie the knot...

...And other such adventures!!!

Last weekend my very good friend, roommate x 3 years, and Cabo comrade Darcie Ann got married. First and foremost, good job BEN and DARCIE!!! I don't have any pictures of Darcie all dressed up in her wedding dress because Amy hasn't sent them to me (you can link to her blog and complain if you look to the right of this post). Just kidding Amers. Anyway, we turned her wedding into a full blown blast from the past party weekend. Josi and Megan (also close friends who used to live here with us) came into town and we basically painted the town.

We ate at CPK and Tony's Jacal, had a pajama party, and laughed so much Megan snorted and I cried.

We tackled Disneyland and California Adventure on Friday:




Because Megan and I spent so much time in research classes in Grad School we decided to do a study at Disneyland. I must let Megan take most of the credit for this (lest she send me hate mail), but I did help collect data. We found that in separate 5 minute spans at Disneyland we saw 39 people who would be considered obese and 26 people who were wearing things they shouldn't have left the house in. I ask you, why can we not control our weight in America? I'm not talking about slightly chubby people, I've been one of those my whole life and there is nothing wrong with that. But I'm talking about barely walking overweight. The fast food industry and TV have really done us no service here in the good old USA. As far as outfits, lets just say that we found some candidates for "What Not to Wear". Lest anyone get offended and think I'm picking on people, I'm not. I'm just merely saying that I love crowds because they are such an interesting, fast study on human behavior. Someone was probably doing a study at the very same time on people with really bad hair and I was #1 that day, guaranteed. It is just interesting to think about what factors are working in our society to make us do what we do and be how we are.

On Saturday we had the wedding, here's a picture of Bryan and I at the beautiful hotel where they did their luncheon.



When I get some more pictures of the reunion party I will post them here...

Cleft Palate

Last weekend's engagement definitely overshadowed the other events of Friday and Saturday...And rightfully so. However, I spent the rest of the weekend working with a Cleft Palate surgery team in Mexicali. I go often with this team and the spirit of working together there is amazing. I love to see people doing something just to help, and that's what it is! What a great time and a great experience, as it always is!

The most random part of the whole thing was sitting at the border waiting to cross. I was wondering, like I always do, why there are suspiciously American-named MD's and dentists doing surgery for cash just south of the border fence. I smell malpractice in their past? Nothing like running from the law and the AMA in Mexico.

Sparkly Rocks...

 

 

 

I had the greatest night of my life last night! Bryan proposed after an amazing treasure hunt (would have made my Dad proud--he loves treasure hunts) all around town which ended up at Balboa Park.

I couldn't believe it was happening even though I was the happiest woman alive when he got down on one knee. I won't bore you with all the crazy details...email me if you want them...But suffice it to say he's amazing, and I'm getting married!

More blogs about other stuff less sappy to come later. The photos above depict me with my photo hunt prizes (at one of the locations) and then at home with my BEAUTIFUL new accessory...

Tristan is my heroine (hero-ette not drug)

So last week we went to see Tristan Prettyman LIVE AND IN CONCERT at this small venue, standing room only and sold out. I was pretty much euphoric over it because I love her music, love her voice, love everything and up to this point I've only seen her as someone else's opener. A whole SHOW starring our hometown singing star? What more could I want. If you don't know her, check it out on iTunes...She's like a female Jack Johnson who sings all about love (I know, just what my male readers were looking for). Nothing like a native girl singing it out on the local stage.

But I wouldn't leave you with that story without telling you the random thing that happened now would I? What would this blog be without my commentary on the random world at large? So before the concert started, they came on the PA and said, "No flash photography and no photography after the 3rd song." We were all chuckling, thinking "those big jokesters"--this place is a little funky and offbeat. Well, turns out on song #4 a big, beefy bouncer came over and told little missy standing next to us that she wasn't allowed to take pictures anymore. He actually fought his way through the crowd. Such a weird rule, what is the logic in that? Why not "no photos. Period." or "No flash photos." Maybe Tristan has an allergic reaction to photography and she can only take 3 songs worth and then starts to break out in hives. Who knows.

Here's a picture of us at the show:














Second random musing of the week--we went out to Bryan's parents' house last weekend to celebrate Easter. And I got to DYE EGGS!!! Technically Bryan too but he didn't seem to be as interested as you will see below. Don't worry because we got a little competitive with the egg hunt and I ended up pushing (ok shoving) Bryan out of the way to get an egg. I'm really serious about getting chocolate. So shoot me.

WICKED!!!!!

Last Saturday was the second greatest day of my life. Only the second greatest because it was the second time I saw Wicked. And also because I ended up the Urgent Care later that night. But that's another story for another time.

Bryan and I went to LA to see Wicked. And its a good thing LA is hosting Wicked because that's the only thing that city has going for it. EVERY time I drive there I wonder "what in the world possessed me to do this again?" But last week, it was worth it. Bryan had never seen it before, and of course was enthralled. I need to give him HUGE props for buying me tickets for Christmas.

If anyone has ever been to Hollywood Blvd and looked at those stars in the sidewalk you will follow my next topic. I think I was born 15 years too late for that tourist attraction, I mean WHO ARE these people? Did we stop putting stars in the ground when I was born? We tried desperately to find one in front of the theater we knew, and instead just picked the most random one.

I have decided that I would like Glinda to come and give me a makeover. I think she could work wonders. I need a little more glitter and pep in my life...

Date night highlights...

Apparently some of you are really getting a kick out of how I tend to focus on the most random things in the world. This is a good appraisal of the situation, I do like to focus on the hilarious details around me. In the spirit of this, you will hopefully be highly entertained with the following events.

Because Bryan left me today for 4 days in San Francisco for a conference, so last night we had a big night out on the town. Apparently I have forgotten what to do when I'm alone because I've been staring at the wall for a good deal of time tonight and now I'm watching a chick flick that even I admit is horrific. Ok back to the topic at hand, last night was date night.

After Bryan's fabulous home-made dinner (shout out to Chicken Florentine and his adventurous cooking skills), we headed down to the Prado to walk around. The minute we arrived we noted a plethora of bike people riding in a circle around the large central fountain. It reminded us of Classic Skating roller rink but with bikes. I thought it was some sort of weird night club, but then just when I was getting really puzzled all 300 of them took off and rode west down the street. It was weird.

Apparently I'm not as hip as Ben (Darcie's fiance) who suggested it was probably "critical mass." Critical what?



We also saw some monks walking through the streets of downtown jingling bells and accompanied by at least one man in street clothes. Mind you this was the height of debauchery in downtown, 9:30 pm on a Friday night. I, again, had no idea what was going on. Apparently I'm also not as smart as Tom (Kristy's husband) who suggested they were probably Hari Krishna's spreading their message.


I also saw a huge stuffed Shamu sitting at a table by itself at a restaurant but I failed to get a picture of that.

To top off all the craziness we pretty much HAD (ok their were a couple of spots before this) to park on the 7th floor of the parking structure downtown--and pay 8 bucks for it. What an injustice. We didn't even get protection from the weather up there, it was the last level and outdoor. Oh wait, it was 60 degrees and clear but whatever.

People are crazy

All I have to say is that there are some really weird people in this world. On Valentine's Day Bryan made reservations at this very cute little Italian restaurant. The food was amazing, but two tables down from us were two couples who were on some sort of double Valentine's date. They were already buzzed when we got there, but then proceeded to spill a glass of red wine on the tablecloth of the table NEXT to them and order another bottle. A few minutes later, we see them pull a Rubbermaid pitcher out of a soft-sided cooler (yes right there in the nice restaurant) and poor some sort of alcoholic liquid into chili pepper shot glasses. The best part was when they handed shots to the elderly couple at the table between us. I was grateful they didn't want to keep passing the shots down the row because I'm pretty sure they were too drunk to understand our refusal, and may have become belligerant.

Here's a picture of the beautiful flowers I got...I know SO PRETTY!

Just in case you have a lot of money lying around...

...And want something to do with it, I'm here to provide you the opportunity. No, I'm kidding. I'm mostly just putting this up to advertise that anyone who wants can walk with me in the March for Babies this year. If you are interested let me know, I'm leading a team from my department at work. This is the only cool widget they have, please don't think I'm trying to milk my loyal blog readership for money. All in all, I'm not that worried about the sponsorship. But I do believe in the mission, and we all know I LOVE BABIES. And since practically everyone I know just had one or is having one, I thought I would walk for them!



Here's to the little guys! (and girls...sorry Audra!)

We want to be Angelinos...

Just kidding. I really, really could not ever live in LA. But we were there twice last week. Not once, TWICE. Here are some pictures from our trip to Disneyland with Sarah and Ryan. It was a perfect day...After I got over my breakdown about having to ride the tram ALL the way back to the car when we got to the lockers and realized I forgot our lunches. That little snag was quickly negotiated and we were on to a day of NO lines (think California Screamin' over and over again), sunshine, and pure Disney magic. I may have gotten a little carried away at the site of Ariel, but I'm always a Disney kid at heart! Bryan and I struck a deal wherein I did not have to go into cardiac arrest on Tower of Terror and he did not have to get queasy on the Teacups. Lucky for us, Ryan and Sarah also struck the same deal. I have come to the conclusion that the Teacups is a ride built for women. Every man I have ever gone to Disneyland with has refused to ride. What is it about spinning around in pastel china they don't like?


Saturday was Bryan's big birthday...This first picture is at the Getty Museum, which I told him we were going to do all day. The second is at Pauley Pavilion, the surprise he found out about at dinner. Needless to say he was much happier with the second venue than the first. Though I must say he was a very good sport about the prospect of spending his birthday at an art museum. I forgot one little tiny detail however...To pay off the Bruins to let his Wildcats win. That would have made for the PERFECT day. They got annihilated.

A Joyous Reunion

I've been thinking all week about how wonderful President Hinckley's reunion with his beloved wife. He's been missing her for years now, and though we mourn the death of an amazing man of God, he has been finally reunited!

President Hinckley has been an example of all things good in the human spirit. He has taught us the truth as a prophet of God. He will truly be missed.

What I don't understand

What I really don't get is the Monster Truck Rally. Bryan and I were lucky enough to attend one of these gatherings last weekend with Sarah and Ryan. And about 30,000 of our closest less-than-savory type friends. I mean, where did these people come from? We are in San Diego for heaven's sake. A friend of mine, upon hearing this story, suggested they came from Riverside. Those of you familiar with the area are catching my drift. Honestly, I'm pretty sure the thing almost sold out. And if it can sell out here you probably have to get tickets weeks in advance in Texas.

All I can say is that maybe trucks with big wheels smashing things is not my gig. Bryan really enjoyed the Gravedigger and is now claiming that he saw the home of Gravedigger while on his mission. I'm trying to explain to him that its just a truck, not a real celebrity but I think I'm losing that argument.

We tailgated in the parking lot beforehand and I saw a lot of things that I can honestly say I've never seen before. I won't go into most of them here because this is a family blog. Suffice it to say we felt a little "out of place" among the clientele. However, lucky for me we will be joining Ryan and Sarah's yearly tradition of attending this little show as Bryan so emphatically informed me about halfway through the program. He loved it. And Ryan was born in a doublewide trailer so he is right at home and happy to introduce us to the ways of his people.

I did love the Motocross. I really wish I could do a backflip on a motorcycle, or maybe any kind of backflip for that matter.

Ok, I'm off to see "27 Dresses," which I am so EXCITED about. I have a weakness for chick flicks of all sorts, among other things (churros, chocolate, shoes, etc). Lucky for me (and Bryan), Krystle has agreed to also save her boyfriend the torture of sitting through this unprecedented, breakthrough film and go with me!!!!

I hate Chicago and other ramblings...

Josi has left the building ya'll. I am sad to report that my long-time roommate and friend Josi has moved to Chicago as of 12/28. We are still in mourning a little around here, and can't figure out why in the world she likes the snow more than us. As you can see I'm a little melancholy over all the people that left me in December. Here's a picture of all the girls, including our favorite little Audra, at Josi's going away get together...May the Windy City treat her right!!!! We are so happy to have Hayley living with us now. It's like the good old days, except we don't fight anymore (against all odds according to Dad)!



In other news and random firings...

Quote of the week comes from some geriatric head-injured man at work, "Why aren't you married? I mean, I understand, it's hard to find a good guy. They are all on drugs or don't have a job." I really appreciate the life advice that I get at work, unsolicited of course but always offered. Apparently drug free and employed are all it takes, for those of you men that are struggling with the dating scene out there.

A question that Bryan and I grappled with on New Year's Eve was this: "Who was the first person to decide that we should start training killer whales?" I mean honestly, did someone say to themselves, "hey there's a whale...I bet I can get it to do flips." Meanwhile how did they get close enough to find out without having it bite their arm off? Or were they just walking along the orca enclosure one day and moved their hands in a flourishing motion and the whale jumped right out of the water? I have not as yet been able to ascertain the answers to these questions.

Played my first game of mini golf in about 5 years a couple of weeks ago. Thankfully Bryan and I tied so there is no room for teasing. Apparently my mini golf game is a little bit better than I once imagined. I was still no match for Bryan's dad but I did have a few hole-in-one's. My dad will be happy to know that his days of waiting for me to finish my 17-stroke holes are long in the past now.

One of my New Year's resolutions is to do some digital scrapbooking. If anyone out there is an expert in the subject or has any software recommendations please share. Some people apparently don't keep their resolutions. I guess maybe I just make mine ridiculously easy because I usually have 6 and they rarely are not met. Something tells me getting up in the morning for the next 365 days is not the kind of resolution people are talking about...

Last weekend Bryan and I went to Cabrillo National Monument and basically I decided that I want to live in the lighthouse. I mean, how romantic is that? Granted, the ceilings are about 5 feet tall and there's no room for a bed as big as the one I sleep in but still. Really it was beautiful, the wonderful San Diego January weather is back! Those of you out-of-towners beware, the following picture may make you insanely jealous. Bring on the sunshine and beach runs...