I'm a Bride!

Tonight was my rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. The church is decorated and looks absolutely beautiful! The rehearsal went smoothly, and I have to say that when the organ music swelled and started playing the Wedding Processional from The Sound of Music, it was really moving to walk down the aisle, escorted by my father. When I caught a glimpse of my mom, she was wiping away tears. I wonder if any of us will have dry eyes tomorrow. It is going to be one special day!

The rehearsal dinner was beautiful, and it was so touching to hear our friends share stories and memories. So much love and friendship all in one room! It was especially wonderful to hear eSuitor's friends talk about how much they appreciate his character and integrity. Those are two of the qualities I love most about him, and hearing other people talk about it really enforced what a gift from God he is to me.

Tomorrow is my wedding day. Thank You so much, Heavenly Father, for answering my prayers! Marrying eSuitor is a dream-come-true!

I'll be sure to share photos when we return from our honeymoon! Until then, may God bless each and every one of you!

Love,
Starshine

Final Update on Operation: String Bikini

Remember this?

Well, I'm right back where I started at the very beginning. Every pound that I lost, I have gained right back. And you know what? It's okay.

Still getting married.

Still going on my honeymoon.

Bought two string bikinis--still gonna were them!

In the words of Bridget Jones, "He likes me. Just as I am."

It's Getting More and More Official

eSuitor arrived in Texas today. It was so good to see his handsome face! As soon as he walked through the door, the phone rang (I kid you not) six times in about 25 minutes. Finally, we decided to make a run for it to escape the craziness of Grand Central, and we went out for dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. It was wonderful to catch up with each other. After dinner, we took a stroll along the river. It was so funny because, the only people strolling were other couples. It was like a memo went out to all young lovers that the breezes were balmy and the moon was shining bright!

Tomorrow, we go to the county courthouse to obtain our marriage license. After that, we meet with the wedding coordinator, followed by lunch with our minister and his wife to discuss last-minute wedding details.

Yep, this is looking more official by the second. I do believe eSuitor is going to need a new name very soon. No longer will he be my suitor, and let's be honest here, the "e" should have been kicked to the curb long ago. In just three days, I'm going to have a real husband!

Great is His Faithfulness!

One of the things that eSuitor and I have talked about is how we truly believe that God brought us together. It seems so lame to say that eHarmony is solely responsible when what we have is so divine! If I could have created the man of my dreams, he wouldn't hold a candle to my eSuitor. So I can only deduce that God works through technology! :)

Because God was so faithful and good to bring us into each other's lives, it wasn't a difficult decision to include the classic hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness as part of our wedding ceremony this Saturday.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

A Special Wedding Message for Cherry

Dear Cherry,

I want to wish you a wonderful wedding day on Saturday. You are going to be a beautiful and glowing bride. May your marriage to Eric be truly blessed and marked by a lifetime of love. I can't wait to hear all about it and to see pictures!

See you in Hawaii! :)

Love,

Starshine

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

~1 Corinthians 13:4-8

We're in Single Digits Now!

First of all, I want to thank so many of you who commented on yesterday's post. Your kind and thoughtful words were much appreciated and encouraging. I feel very blessed to have such incredible blog friends. Who knew a "virtual" community could give so much warmth and encouragement to me? *hugs* to you all!

Second--and on a much lighter note--check out those love birds on my wedding ticker! They're getting so close, I think they might just kiss! Only nine days to go until the big day!

I'm getting married!

Speaking of lovebirds, this photo is of two bald eagles doing their annual courtship flight, in which they lock talons and do free-falling aerial acrobatics. Not until they are very near to the ground do they release their grip on each other so as to make a safe landing. The courtship flight is performed by bald eagle "couples" once a year, and it is thought of as a sort of vow renewal. Interesting, huh?

Learning to Let Go

Have you ever had to let go of a friendship? A close friendship?

When I was in my early twenties, I had a dear friend who I just loved. She had a wickedly funny sense of humor--the kind that made me silly from laughing so hard. Eventually, our lives took us in different directions and to different places. We had occassional phone calls, but over time, our communications grew less and less frequent. I would drop her an e-mail every so often or call, and one day I realized that she hadn't returned a handful of my attempts to communicate with her in a row.

Puzzled, I sent her an e-mail and asked if everything was okay. Are you mad at me? No response. Then I called her and left a phone message on her machine. Have I done something to hurt you? If so, please forgive me. Still no response.

Finally, one day when I was living in Spain, I called her at an odd time of day, and she answered. Our conversation had a subtle tension, and I confronted her about not responding to my e-mails and phone calls. She claimed that she never got my e-mails and made the excuse that she was busy and didn't call a lot of people back. I asked her if I had hurt her feelings for the only thing I could rack my brain that I could have possibly done, and she said that it did hurt her a little. I apologized, and we proceeded to catch up on our lives a bit.

After the conversation, I felt angry. I knew deep inside that she had received my e-mails. I wrote her at the same address she has always had and continues to use today. It also occurred to me that if any of my friends were leaving me messages wondering if they had hurt me in some way, I would certainly have made some effort to communicate with them. As I reflected on the history of our friendship, I was left with the feeling that in a general sense, her friendship always had meant more to me than mine did to her.

We have communicated since that conversation (which was four or five years ago) very sporadically and mostly by e-mail. Our friendship never really repaired itself or had any semblance of what it once was. And I'm left here wondering if I now mean anything to her at all. It's just so strange that a friend who I loved so dearly is now a virtual stranger.

I invited her to my wedding, hoping that she might make the trip. I didn't get my hopes up, but I thought that it could have been a nice way to see each other and to rebuild a bridge between us. Not surprisingly, her response card came back saying that she couldn't come. No note. Just an "x" marking the regrets box. I'm not hurt that she isn't coming to the wedding--I completely understand that. For all I know, she may have long had other plans scheduled that weekend.

What hurts is that I'm still holding out some sort of hope that she will want to be my friend again.

I know I have to let go, but it still stings.

Everything's Coming Up Roses!

Hand-painted Romanian pottery pitcher that eSuitor bought when he lived overseas = the perfect vase, right?

Let's see...my hands are dry as sandpaper, boxes are strewn about everywhere, and my left thumbnail is covered in white paint. Yep...it's official...I've moved! On Saturday, we brought what remained of my belongings to what will soon be our place. We scoured my old place from top to bottom, in the hopes that leaving the place clean would ensure that I'd get back as much of my security deposit as possible!

Yesterday, we spray painted some furniture for our guest room white (shabby chic theme), and I have to say, there are definite signs that this condo is no longer a bachelor pad. eSuitor's place has always been nicely decorated, but it has looked very manly. However, from my current vantage point, as I sit here typing this post, I'm looking at two bouquets of flowers and a ficus tree. Yep...I'm definitely cutesing the place up a bit!

I'll be flying to Texas at the end of the week to spend some time there before the wedding, and in the meantime, one of eSuitor's friends is being kind enough to let him crash over there. (We didn't want to live together until we're married.) So you can bet that I'll be nesting to my heart's content this week, and making sure that my feminine touches find their place here in our place. Oooo! I love that. It has a nice ring to it, huh?

Our shabby chic guest room.

Daisy covered lamp shade with eSuitor's baby picture.

I decided that this cake stand that J and Cherry gave me was way too cute too sit in a cabinet until the next time I bake. So I decided to decorate with it! It is currently gracing the top of a dresser and displaying this ginormous candle given to my by my Auntie M.

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

As a way to honor my Dad on Father's Day, I thought I would link you back to one of my favorite posts. I wrote it over a year ago, when my Dad was undergoing chemotherapy. Here we are over a year later, and he is still fighting the cancer so valiantly. I'm very proud of his courage, and I couldn't be happier that my Dad will be with me to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day in less than two weeks.

Follow-up note: As I mentioned in that post, my Dad and I will be having our father-daughter dance at my wedding to the song "Coca-Cola Cowboy"!

I love you, Dad!

xoxo

Question

If there were no limitations, what would you choose as your career?

Happy Friday!

Terrified and then Comforted

Early this morning, around 1:35 am, I was awakened by the sound of screeching tires and an impact. About two seconds later, there was a loud popping sound accompanied by a terrifying blast of blinding white light that filled my room. I sensed that it was coming from a place not very far outside my window. A few seconds after that, I was scared again by a second pop and blinding blast of light. I jumped to my feet--frightened--trying to figure out what had just happened. I didn't know what to do. I was scared to be near a window in case another blast occurred, thinking that glass would shatter from the force of it. Not long after that, there was a third blast of light, but not as strong as the first two (and no broken glass). I was terrified. My mind was racing to make sense of it--to find some category for what was happening. I was afraid to turn the light on in my room because I didn't know if what I was hearing were gunshots or bomb blasts and I didn't want to call attention to my window from outside. Instinctively, I picked up my cell phone to call eSuitor. His was a very comforting voice to hear, and he stayed on the line with me while I shuffled around in the darkness of my room, trying to figure out what in the world was going on. My voice was quivering with fear. He asked me if I saw anything outside my window. At first I didn't, but soon, I heard voices outside and saw my neighbors congregating on the sidewalk. Not long after that, emergency crews came, and I heard one of them yell out, "Stay back, there is a live wire down!" My neighbors scurried back, so as to avoid being in danger. I went outside to join them after a couple of minutes, and they told me that a driver hit an electrical pole (and then got out of the car and fled) and it blew a transformer on not one, but two posts. Thus, the multiple popping sounds and blasts of light. Even though my head was coming to grips with what had happened, my emotions were still reeling, and I didn't know if I would be safe staying in my apartment. eSuitor told me to come down to his apartment where I felt much safer. Always the gentleman, he offered me his bed while he slept on the sofa. I laid in bed, my mind still spinning for at least another hour before my body finally gave way to sleep. Much needed sleep.



Thank You, God, for protecting me and keeping me safe.



"He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." ~Psalm 18:30

Black and White Party

On Saturday, some of our friends threw us an "Engagement Party with a Surprise 40th Birthday Twist". It was a lot of fun, and a great way for our friends in LA/OC to celebrate with us, since Texas is a wee bit far for so many of them to travel on for our wedding. eSuitor didn't know it, but everyone was asked to wear combinations of black and/or white to the party (black for his 40th b-day and white for our wedding). I have to say, it resulted in quite a chic looking crowd! Here are some fun pics of the day. Even the decorations were black and white!

The black and white theme resulted in some fun retail therapy for many of us!

My friends T and C. She totally wins the award for cutest outfit...love her polka dot top! We have known each other since college days. They are now married and lead a book discussion group that I am part of here in LA.

eSuitor with his cousins, who have become very dear to us.

My former boss and good friend, Blancacica.

My former roommate, Mary, drove in all the way from Vacaville! So sweet of her! Love you, Mary!

Here's the birthday boy, looking quite pleased with his chocolate cake! He loves chocolate cake so much, we decided to make our wedding cake chocolate...why not? I much prefer chocolate cake to white cake.

If you haven't seen the "through the years" photo parade of eSuitor's first 40 years, check out yesterday's post!

Look Who's 40!

Happy birthday, eSuitor! I hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane!
(Many thanks to your Mom for these awesome photos.)

Just 17 days old.

Campaigning for Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew

Fourth Birthday

Four years old~Preschool Picture

Family trip out West~rafting on the Snake River in Wyoming.

Junior High~7th or 8th grade

Boy Scouts ~ Always my "daddy long-legs"!

Oh, yeah! Check out those tinted lenses and that blue velour sweater!

Tenth grade ~ I totally would have had a crush on you in high school!

Junior or Senior Prom

Twenty-first birthday!

College graduation

Ski trip with your mom about ten years ago.

His Royal Hotness~Surfing in Mexico

Graduation from seminary ~ May 2007

How amazing to see in pictures the metamorphasis from baby to boy to man! I am so proud of the man you have become. So blessed that you are mine!

Change

My walls are looking bare.
No more winter clothes in my closet.
Books are in boxes.
Only the daily essentials are staying here with me until the wedding!
All the rest are slowing being moved to our place.

I'm really getting married, aren't I? (!!!)

Like Mother Like Daughters

Showered with Love

I’m back in LA after a wonderful week in Texas. The highlight of my time at home was the bridal shower that five of my mom’s friends threw for me.

My mom is in the middle with her dear friends who hosted the shower for me.

So many women came and showered me with their love and generosity.

My favorite part of the shower was when everyone prayed for me and eSuitor. It is a very powerful thing to feel the support of so many people as my wedding day approaches…now just 25 days away!

Supported in prayer.

My mom and her best friend C (pictured above), have been praying together for their children and their future spouses since we kids were in high school. Seeing God's answer to their prayers brought tears of joy!

Many who attended the shower wrote their words of wisdom to me on an index card. Here are a few excerpts, along with some photos of the day:

“My best advice is to love often and laugh a lot! Remember that you are best friends first”

“Pick your battles as carefully as your selected your mate.”

“Another thought is from the scripture “never let the sun go down on your anger”. Stuffing grievances is a dangerous habit as they build and grow. Gently explain your own hurt and do not attack each other. Always forgive to keep a happy heart.”

“May God be the jewel of your marriage. May you sparkle with His glory in the good times and the bad.”

“Never stop holding hands and doing the small, sweet things for each other.”

“When it comes to doing chores, your definition of how the task is done may be different than his and that is okay.”

“Don’t use the words 'always' and 'never' in arguments. Don’t bring up past hurts once they have been forgiven.”

“Stay close to each other and don’t let the distance creep in; either between the two of you OR between the two of you and God.”

“Say ‘I love you’ every day in some way.”

“Fight naked; you won’t stay mad for long!”

“If you are the meal-maker and you aren’t anywhere near ready, fry up onions in the pan; it will make everyone think it is almost ready.”

“Walk in uniqueness and unity.”

“Always try to out love each other and laugh often.”

“May the Lord guide you both in every step of life. You may have down times, but never stop praising the Lord. Keep thanking Him when there is a little and when He blesses you abundantly.”

“Always remember that God is the source of your worth and significance. Others cannot fulfill that need in you. You are loved by your God and that makes you valuable.”

What about you? Do you have any advice for this newlywed? I’d love to hear it!

Many thanks to Lincee for her wonderful photography at the shower!

Did you hear that Granny Smith went to a Royal Gala where she met a Pink Lady?

We all grew up hearing that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," and that old school saying has some seriously new school appeal! Eating just one apple each day can do wonders for your health. Not only are these tasty beauties loaded with 5 grams of dietary fiber that help keep a hungry girl feeling satisfied (and regular, by the way!), they also are proven to lower cholesterol. Need a little pick-me-up? A single apple is packed with energy! If you're trying to cut back on caffeine, chew on this--research* shows that eating an apple in the morning makes you feel more awake and alert than a cup of coffee does!

When I was a little girl, I remember about three varieties of apples at the grocery store: Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith. Not one to like a mealy apple, I quickly became a fan of the Granny Smith, due to its crisp texture and tart taste. In more recent years, those fancy farmers have cranked out several new varieties of delicious apples, including the popular Fuji and Royal Gala. My local grocery store carries at least seven varieties. Why not have some fun the next time you're at the supermarket, and pick up one of each? Become an apple connoisseur by having a taste test of your very own, and find out which is your favorite. I'm a big fan of the Pink Lady, and not just because of her adorable name--she's firm, crisp, and a real sweet-tart! Best of all, a single apple is fat-free and contains only about 80 calories, so munch away!

*I heard this several years ago on a radio news report.

Homeward Bound

Note: This post was written in the wee, small hours of Tuesday morning. I have since arrived in the Lone Star State.


I am at LAX airport right now, sitting at my gate, waiting to board the red-eye home to Texas. I'll be spending the week at home doing a variety of fun activities that include wedding dress fittings, going to a bridal shower that some of my mom's friends are throwing me, and attending a reunion at a theatre that I used to work at in Houston.


eSuitor and I went to our church's Memorial Day picnic Monday. The weather was gorgeous--warm sun and cool air--a perfect Southern California day! The picnic was at a private park that the church rented. We got to catch up with friends and even got to ride a tilt-a-whirl. *Funsies!* The kid in me had (count 'em!) two snowcones--one was half orange-pinapple/half fruit punch, and the other was blue raspberry. Mmmm. (When you let the kid in you have two snowcones, it's not as bad as when grown up you has that many. You know kids--such fast metabolism!)


When we got back to eSuitor's place, I began to get one of those eyeball headaches that just wouldn't quit. I took a 45 minute nap and when I woke up, it was worse. I thought that maybe I needed some caffeine (as that usually nips my occasional headaches in the bud), so we hopped in the car to get some dinner and a diet coke, but in the car, I started to feel nauseous, and nothing sounded good. You know that somethin' ain't right with me when food of any kind lacks appeal. So we turned around and went back to his place. I decided to try to take another nap. Three hours later, I woke up feeling like a new woman. Thank You, Lord! I'm so glad I'm feeling better now, because traveling when you don't feel good is no fun. I think that all that time in the sun today did me in and made me a little dehydrated.


I'm on the plane now, typing away to my heart's content. I can't believe that my wedding is only 32 days away (not that I'm counting!) Time is a flyin'!

My Graduate

The past week has been a wonderful one of celebration. On Thursday night, we went to eSuitor's baccalaureate dinner and hooding ceremony. All of the graduates of his seminary were hooded by a professor that they developed a special relationship with during their years of study.




Here is a photo of eSuitor being hooded by his dear professor, Dr. C, who has had a profound influence on him during his time in seminary. I love the look of joyful pride on Dr. C's face. He seems very pleased to be hooding my honey!


This is another photo of the two of them together. (Don't you just love the academic regalia?!) I've been talking to eSuitor about writing a post as a guest blogger one day. He has had a fascinating seminary experience that he describes as "paradigm shifting". I think it might fun to hear more about that from him, if he is willing. :)


Here are a couple of pics of me with my man. This one was on the night of the hooding. And this one on graduation night, right after he graduated!