Looking Back on 2010
I just wanted to reflect on that which was 2010.
2010 was kind of a big deal for me. It held a lot of awesomeness and a lot sucky-ness. I started out the year with working. I don't know if you know this, but I am a giant workaholic. I love work, I love a little stress, and even more, I love keeping myself busy. When I am idle, I am crazy. At the start of 2010, I was working as a teaching assistant at St. Charles East High School, working at a daycare, catering when I could (overnights), and closing up my time with the Frederick's as a Respite worker. I had little to no time, was always exhausted and loved it. The first thing I did after New Year's, (which I also worked), was work an event at Ravenswood Event Center. It was a bridal expo and Aly had asked me to work so I could get ideas for my own, quickly approaching, wedding. It was so fun, we kept going back to this photobooth, (which I ended up renting for my at home reception), and we even made it on the ad for Indie Bride 2011! [Insert smiles here]
Aly, Jen and me taking advantage of the booth
Nothing else was very exciting until March when I had my biggest panic moment ever. I had my bridal shower [gasp!]. I don't like parties for me where I have to be the center of attention for all/most of the time. It makes me ridiculously anxious and I freak out. I ended up drinking a bottle of wine prior to going to shower. I didn't end up needing more and actually enjoyed my time with friends and family. I only wish there was a bit more time to chat and talk with people. Oddly enough, (not really), my aunts/extended family looked miserable there and my friends/adopted family appeared to have fun.
My mom, mother-in-law, and most-bestest-friend, Caity put it all together and it turned out adorable. It was a Kentucky Derby themed party and everyone was supposed to wear big ol' giant hats. I loved it! I've always wanted a huge hat but never had an occasion to wear one. This gave me the perfect excuse. My favorite part was the dress i bought to wear to the party was the girl's bridesmaid dresses but in plain white.
I had the Bachelorette Party next, of course. A fan-freaking-tastic night out in Wrigleyville with some of the best friends a girl could ask for. Andy and Gina even let us stay in the Event Center for the night. My favorite part was Ryan came out the chicas and celebrated too. It was the weekend the Blackhawks got in the playoffs, so it was a ridiculously rowdy crowd that night.
The infamous Blackhawks' dancer gave me his underwear at Sluggers to celebrate my pending marriage. I promptly gave them to another gentleman who was celebrating his last night of freedom, where he then put them on over his pants. If only he knew where they came from.....
My hookers. I mean... No. That was right.
The next event was... MY WEDDING! We decided to do things a little differently. I wanted to get married in Destin, Florida. It is easily my most favorite place on the planet. I love the EL Matador with it's red roof, the white sand, the heat, the humidity, the seclusion,and the ocean. Everything except the creepy clams on the beaches. Everything makes me feel like I am at home there. The first morning I walked the beach there were a ridiculous number of jellies and dead animals washed up on the beach... The ocean must have been a brute the night before.
Man of War
(do not touch bottom)
Hydromedusae
(go ahead and touch)
Almost every morning I would walk the beach. Sometimes I would go with my mom, other times I would be out so early, no one was up yet and the ghost crabs had just gone to bed, so it literally was just me on the beach. I love that. I am so happy when I am there. Our room was gorgeous and I couldn't have been happier. Duh, I've said that about 10 times already. We sealed the deal on May 15, 2010. I had a blast, I hope everyone had a grand time too. I know my friends did, but have no idea what the extended family that came/grandparents thought about it. All of our friends got rowdy, drunk, danced the night away, then went back and stalked around the beach and the ocean in the middle of the night, hahaha.
I went ocean kayaking and bungee jumping in Destin too. I'd never been ocean kayaking, though have in lakes, but it was amazing because you could see the rays, crabs and fish in the water without them running (swimming?) away. My favorite part though, was my boat. I spent all day in the boat just floating up shore then pulling it back out. The simple joys of life, ahhhh.
>
0 to 60 in 1.5 seconds.
Amazing.
So, it was nice to knock some things off my bucket list. About 2 weeks after marrying and getting home we held our reception for those who couldn't come to the wedding out of state. It rained the whole time, but I still loved it. Almost everyone we wanted was able to come and our photo booth was amazing. If you are ever looking for a fabulous rental- Magbooth (Magnolia Photo Booth Company) is the best. Hands down worth the price. They are so accommodating and flexible.
Next came... the move. That was what prompted this "blog" to begin with. After just getting married, we said goodbye and I move literally across the country to work. I was having difficulty finding a Special Education position that wasn't in the boondocks of Illinois, so I packed up and moved to Arizona. Being here sucks, especially when you see everything you're missing out on at home... Thank you facespace. All I have on them is that the Devil's Playground is warm. It's January and unless it's 6 am, you really don't need a coat. Matt came down, he and my mom helped with the move and then mom left. He was able to stay 3-ish weeks before he had to go back Illinois for school and then I was stuck here. Alone.
As long as I'm being honest, I still haven't any real friends here in CG. I will as of now. I do declare! Anyhoo, 2 months after Matt left, his mom and Gma came down and we had a busy week of pools, hot tubs, books, and glass blowing. I also go Elliott for my birthday, but that was a short filled love. I have decided though, I really, really like the name Elliott for a child. So last week Matt and I decided that if we have a boy, his name will be Elliott Optimus Prime Sedwick. Bahahahah. I love it.
Crazy-toe loving moth Wendy making her pumpkin
The dog my child will be named after... That's right. I said it.
Matt came down for the week of Thanksgiving where had a hillbilly holiday at an RV park with my aunt and uncle who are temporarily living in Phoenix, (actually, they are north of it but whatever...). I will give Arizona the prettiest skies award. They have the most gorgeous sunrises, sunsets and overall prettiest skies I've ever seen.
You've got to admit; nice, huh?
Finally, I got to go home December 19th. It's never been harder to leave Illinois than when I had to leave to come back to Arizona on the 30th. I got to see almost everyone (minus the boys, Sara, Voelz, Maggie, and Samone.) 10 days simply not enough time to see and do everything I wanted to. I want to try and get ESY work in Illinois over summer for extra cash and then I can go live at home with the fam and friends.
Getting rowdy with the mom and the doogles
Christmas Eve Skype date gone awry!
A little Self portrait
The Hubs and his Dad
My date night with Caity, Aly, Jen, HNAP and Ryan in Wrigleyville on the 27th
I just really love Ryan.
While I was home my mom threw me a curve-ball that completely changed my viewpoint on jumping Tyrannosaurus Rex's, Kangaroos. Blew my mind. They are essentially the same shape/size ratio. I have some deep thinking I have to do.
So that was my huge 2010. Now, as Jay-Z says, On to the Next One.
2010 was kind of a big deal for me. It held a lot of awesomeness and a lot sucky-ness. I started out the year with working. I don't know if you know this, but I am a giant workaholic. I love work, I love a little stress, and even more, I love keeping myself busy. When I am idle, I am crazy. At the start of 2010, I was working as a teaching assistant at St. Charles East High School, working at a daycare, catering when I could (overnights), and closing up my time with the Frederick's as a Respite worker. I had little to no time, was always exhausted and loved it. The first thing I did after New Year's, (which I also worked), was work an event at Ravenswood Event Center. It was a bridal expo and Aly had asked me to work so I could get ideas for my own, quickly approaching, wedding. It was so fun, we kept going back to this photobooth, (which I ended up renting for my at home reception), and we even made it on the ad for Indie Bride 2011! [Insert smiles here]
Aly, Jen and me taking advantage of the booth
Nothing else was very exciting until March when I had my biggest panic moment ever. I had my bridal shower [gasp!]. I don't like parties for me where I have to be the center of attention for all/most of the time. It makes me ridiculously anxious and I freak out. I ended up drinking a bottle of wine prior to going to shower. I didn't end up needing more and actually enjoyed my time with friends and family. I only wish there was a bit more time to chat and talk with people. Oddly enough, (not really), my aunts/extended family looked miserable there and my friends/adopted family appeared to have fun.
My mom, mother-in-law, and most-bestest-friend, Caity put it all together and it turned out adorable. It was a Kentucky Derby themed party and everyone was supposed to wear big ol' giant hats. I loved it! I've always wanted a huge hat but never had an occasion to wear one. This gave me the perfect excuse. My favorite part was the dress i bought to wear to the party was the girl's bridesmaid dresses but in plain white.
I had the Bachelorette Party next, of course. A fan-freaking-tastic night out in Wrigleyville with some of the best friends a girl could ask for. Andy and Gina even let us stay in the Event Center for the night. My favorite part was Ryan came out the chicas and celebrated too. It was the weekend the Blackhawks got in the playoffs, so it was a ridiculously rowdy crowd that night.
The infamous Blackhawks' dancer gave me his underwear at Sluggers to celebrate my pending marriage. I promptly gave them to another gentleman who was celebrating his last night of freedom, where he then put them on over his pants. If only he knew where they came from.....
Click to view My hookers. I mean... No. That was right.
The next event was... MY WEDDING! We decided to do things a little differently. I wanted to get married in Destin, Florida. It is easily my most favorite place on the planet. I love the EL Matador with it's red roof, the white sand, the heat, the humidity, the seclusion,and the ocean. Everything except the creepy clams on the beaches. Everything makes me feel like I am at home there. The first morning I walked the beach there were a ridiculous number of jellies and dead animals washed up on the beach... The ocean must have been a brute the night before.
Man of War
(do not touch bottom)
Hydromedusae
(go ahead and touch)
Almost every morning I would walk the beach. Sometimes I would go with my mom, other times I would be out so early, no one was up yet and the ghost crabs had just gone to bed, so it literally was just me on the beach. I love that. I am so happy when I am there. Our room was gorgeous and I couldn't have been happier. Duh, I've said that about 10 times already. We sealed the deal on May 15, 2010. I had a blast, I hope everyone had a grand time too. I know my friends did, but have no idea what the extended family that came/grandparents thought about it. All of our friends got rowdy, drunk, danced the night away, then went back and stalked around the beach and the ocean in the middle of the night, hahaha.
I went ocean kayaking and bungee jumping in Destin too. I'd never been ocean kayaking, though have in lakes, but it was amazing because you could see the rays, crabs and fish in the water without them running (swimming?) away. My favorite part though, was my boat. I spent all day in the boat just floating up shore then pulling it back out. The simple joys of life, ahhhh.
>
0 to 60 in 1.5 seconds.
Amazing.
So, it was nice to knock some things off my bucket list. About 2 weeks after marrying and getting home we held our reception for those who couldn't come to the wedding out of state. It rained the whole time, but I still loved it. Almost everyone we wanted was able to come and our photo booth was amazing. If you are ever looking for a fabulous rental- Magbooth (Magnolia Photo Booth Company) is the best. Hands down worth the price. They are so accommodating and flexible.
Next came... the move. That was what prompted this "blog" to begin with. After just getting married, we said goodbye and I move literally across the country to work. I was having difficulty finding a Special Education position that wasn't in the boondocks of Illinois, so I packed up and moved to Arizona. Being here sucks, especially when you see everything you're missing out on at home... Thank you facespace. All I have on them is that the Devil's Playground is warm. It's January and unless it's 6 am, you really don't need a coat. Matt came down, he and my mom helped with the move and then mom left. He was able to stay 3-ish weeks before he had to go back Illinois for school and then I was stuck here. Alone.
As long as I'm being honest, I still haven't any real friends here in CG. I will as of now. I do declare! Anyhoo, 2 months after Matt left, his mom and Gma came down and we had a busy week of pools, hot tubs, books, and glass blowing. I also go Elliott for my birthday, but that was a short filled love. I have decided though, I really, really like the name Elliott for a child. So last week Matt and I decided that if we have a boy, his name will be Elliott Optimus Prime Sedwick. Bahahahah. I love it.
Crazy-toe loving moth Wendy making her pumpkin
The dog my child will be named after... That's right. I said it.
Matt came down for the week of Thanksgiving where had a hillbilly holiday at an RV park with my aunt and uncle who are temporarily living in Phoenix, (actually, they are north of it but whatever...). I will give Arizona the prettiest skies award. They have the most gorgeous sunrises, sunsets and overall prettiest skies I've ever seen.
You've got to admit; nice, huh?
Finally, I got to go home December 19th. It's never been harder to leave Illinois than when I had to leave to come back to Arizona on the 30th. I got to see almost everyone (minus the boys, Sara, Voelz, Maggie, and Samone.) 10 days simply not enough time to see and do everything I wanted to. I want to try and get ESY work in Illinois over summer for extra cash and then I can go live at home with the fam and friends.
Getting rowdy with the mom and the doogles
Christmas Eve Skype date gone awry!
A little Self portrait
The Hubs and his Dad
My date night with Caity, Aly, Jen, HNAP and Ryan in Wrigleyville on the 27th
I just really love Ryan.
While I was home my mom threw me a curve-ball that completely changed my viewpoint on jumping Tyrannosaurus Rex's, Kangaroos. Blew my mind. They are essentially the same shape/size ratio. I have some deep thinking I have to do.
So that was my huge 2010. Now, as Jay-Z says, On to the Next One.