Turkey Trot

Another race in approximately 6 weeks. This one benefits Sheltering Arms- a non-profit helping the elders and their family caregivers. This is a win-win run. I win because I run first thing in the morning before devouring a Thanksgiving feast. The organization wins because of the donations that hopefully you all give.

On another note, entering in all of these runs keep my energy level up. I may not look like I am getting in any shape but I do feel good about myself!

Please donate if you can...any bit helps.

Thank you!

Not made of honor

What exactly is a Maid of Honor (MoH)? According to The Knot, the MoH acts as a support system for the Bride, implement the Bride’s wishes, helps out with planning non-wedding day events, and blah, blah, blah. The MoH is generally a person that is close to the bride, understands the bride, and most of all, and values their relationship with the bride- seeing that the bride obviously chose the individual for a reason. Is it necessary to have a MoH? Of course not! It is based on the preference of the bride (not an obligation) and if the bride feels that there are no individuals that she knows that would fill the role or uphold the “Honor” in the title of MoH, then so be it. The bride may not need for the individual to carry-out wishes or help in the non-wedding day even planning. The bride may simply want her “support” standing next to her on the wedding day, sharing the tears of joy, and to show “Honor” to the bride.

Dictionary.com associates “Honor” as integrity, distinction, high respect, etc. But should honor be a one way street (i.e. bride honors individual yet individual has no regards for bride)? Absolutely not! If the valuation is not reciprocated then the bride must reevaluate the role of the individual on her special day. Certainly the bride would not want to look back on one of the best days of her life to remember that the individual standing next to her was someone who had no regards for the bride. Some may say that the stress of wedding planning may mask what the true relationship is between the bride and the MoH (or potential candidate). Perhaps the MoH honors and respects the relationship that they have with the bride. Perhaps the MoH appreciate and values the bride. Perhaps the MoH has always been the support system that the bride needed, even before the engagement. Whatever the case may be, the bride must take a step back and reexamine instances and events that transpired. Look beyond just wedding related events. Has the MoH’s actions been consistent throughout the relationship? Has the MoH been available to the bride? Has the MoH ever reciprocated or appreciated anything that the bride has done for them?

It is prudent that the bride chooses an individual that will maintain, justify and promote the term “Honor” in the title “Maid of Honor”. Howbeit, having a MoH is not mandatory but an honored friend standing next to the bride the day of would be choice.

Team Betty, Set, Go!

Hi Readers,

I know that we just met but I am writing to you as one female to another female. Several times a year I commit my time to participate and fundraise for non-profit organizations. Earlier this year I ran in the Violence Against Women, raising funds for women in the Houston area who are trying to start over from an unhealthy relationship. My aunt has just been diagnosed with breast cancer a few weeks ago and on her behalf I will be running in the Komen Race for the Cure next weekend.

One in eight women will be stricken with breast cancer in her lifetime and the more we raise, the more the Komen Houston Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure can give back to the community. The Komen Houston Affiliate funds vital breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in our own community and supports the national search for a cure.

• Every $100 raised will help someone without health insurance receive a much-needed mammogram
• A donation of $250 will pay for 5 clinical breast exams
• $1,000 will help pay for 1 round of the chemotherapy drug Taxotere

If you would like to donate, your tax-deductible contribution will fund innovative outreach and awareness programs for medically underserved communities in Komen Houston and national breast cancer research. Please click on the link below to donate.

http://rfch.convio.net/site/TR?px=1778362&pg=personal&fr_id=1080&et=Gr98JWGhcvzQP7-gbQgfdg..&s_tafId=36810

Thank you so much for your time and support.

Warm regards,

Betty
Team Captain

Team Betty, Set, Go!

ahead of the game

I do not remember what my last post was about or when it was. However, I can safely assume that since the last post we have checked off majority of the items on our "things to do list".

• Photographer- DONE
• Videographer- DONE
• Florist- DONE
• Linens- DONE
• DJ- DONE
• Bridesmaid dresses- DONE

Cake will be booked in January...maybe as late as February. We have several bakeries in mind but may have narrowed it down to two.

Pros and Cons- Bakery 1

• Well known in wedding industry
• Aesthetically beautiful
• Great quality
• Taste amazing
• Expensive
• Just a cake

Pros and Cons- Bakery 2

• Different than regular cakes
• Interesting flavors (fruit offering)
• Taste amazing
• Well know in Vietnamese community
• Cheaper
• Business not ran well

Yes, I am well aware that we have over ten months until the day...BUT- I am a planner by nature, like to have things done ASAP and am very nit-picky. Do not, for once, think that I am this way because of the wedding. Unfortunately for those that are close to me knows that I am a control freak and micro-managing individual. Just last week I had a dream that I was late to my own wedding because I was too busy making sure that all the vendors did their job and did them to my expectation. I know that will not happen on the actual day because I am such a stickler to time as well.

On another note, early last month I found out that I had a lateral patellar subluxation (fancy term for dislocated kneecap). How did this happen? Maybe it was one of the hundreds of lunges or squats I did earlier in the summer, or it could have been the Zumba class, OR it could just be me goofing around. Whatever the case may be, I am suppose to be doing physical therapy and laying off of the knee- meaning, no running, dancing, jumping, squats, etc...until I get the okay from the doctor. With that said, I have been spinning that last month and this weekend I am re-starting my Zumba class- not to mention, I signed myself up for a 5K in 10 days...and after that I have another run Thanksgiving. I have not loss any weight BUT more importantly, I have not gained.

OH, before I forget, Congratulations to my good friend Anabelle and her fiancé, EJ. Finally engaged! I am so happy for them both and look forward to being there to celebrate their union.

Knot rescheduling

We had a meeting with the best wedding décor company in Houston. Our meeting was Monday, August 2^nd at 6. We get an email at 2:30 saying they need to push it back because the guy we are
supposed to meet with ran behind on his stuff. We rescheduled for August 11^th for 6. We get an email today indicating that they have a bridal show on August 11^th and cannot meet with us. SERIOUSLY? Did you not know you had an event when you rescheduled us? I’m not a genius, but when I book stuff on my calendar, whether on Google or Outlook and it shows that there is another event going on, my first thought is “Hey, I am busy at that time”. Needless to say, the meeting is canceled and I made it clear to our planner that I have no interest in meeting with the company or dealing with them ever again. The only bummer is, this company is located near this awesome Thai grocery store that has a small restaurant in there. We were planning on having take-away from there after the meeting for a delicious dinner….

OH, random discussion between David and me the other day “How do vendors get chose for those The Knot awards?” We honestly think that they have to pay for some advertising or pay something to get one of these plexiglass “awards”. We have met with some vendors that have these “awards” who we find are very questionable….

DIY

Over the past several weeks David has been exchanging emails with a Photography/Videography company. One of the last emails asked about expedited turn around time for the video (approximately 5 months time). The reason I wanted the video this fast was because approximately 5.5 months after we are wedded, we are planning to take our honeymoon/trip to Vietnam (VN) and wanted to take the video to my grandmother. The company indicated that they did not want to jeopardize the integrity of the final product and would not be able to finish in that short amount of time. I called my mom last night to ask her if we were still planning to go to VN around the tentative date, since she would be with us for the first week before we take off to go exploring. I explained to her the video situation and she responded with, “Well, we didn’t want to worry you and this is why I didn’t say anything sooner, but your dad is getting laid off. The VN trip may be delayed now.” Not worry? It’s instinctual to worry! My dad got on the phone and try to tell me that is was not a big deal and the main thing that we (including them) should worry about is the wedding. How can I possibly think about the wedding and spending this kind of change when my dad will not be working? My dad will be 60 this Sunday and it will be much harder for him to find a job, especially with knowing only 1 trade. Well, I am grateful that at least my mom got over her illness while they had medical insurance.

I think (and am almost positive) that the day that David asked my dad for permission to marry me, my mom and dad have been planning and putting all of their interest and energy into the matter. My mom got her entire outfit planned out for the day of almost 2 years in advance. My dad had his own checklist for us almost 2 years out. My mom and dad made a guest list almost immediately after we got engaged. I am overjoyed that they love David so much and want the best for the event, but I really want them to step it down a notch now with what has transpired.

These next couple of weeks David and I will really have to think about what to do as far as vendors goes and what is a necessity for the wedding. Although my parents are not paying for the wedding, they have offered us a monetary gift. We need to reassess the overall game plan so that we can help out my parents. This most likely means to re-evaluate each vendor (thank goodness we have not signed major contracts yet with the exception of the venue and planner) and maybe visit some more for the better price or consider a lesser quality. Maybe now I can find my inner Martha Stewart.

Counting down...

Whoop! Whoop! 365 days from now we would be in the middle of our Vietnamese Ceremony at this very moment.

I've been trying to gather up some information from my mom to do a post about the ceremony – or at least the ceremony that we will be doing. Hope to have it soon.