tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188995182024-03-13T06:27:57.471-07:00For Better or WorseTogether, we are forging a new family and learning what wedded bliss is all about -- in Las Vegas no less.New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-12988599139903083642008-08-18T21:56:00.000-07:002008-08-18T22:03:13.306-07:00thank youTwo years ago you held together me as I fell apart. You were my port in the storm and you kept me going when I thought the world was coming to an end. You stood by my side and allowed me to move through things in my own way and in my own time, even if I was not moving, but stagnating. You did this all even before we were married, when most men would have c rumbled under the pressure or gone running for the hills. You were already becoming my family, but in that one moment, that horrific, sad moment, you stepped forward and picked up a ball that had fallen. <br /><br />Today you are my family. You are my best friend and you are my partner in everything. I cannot imagine having had to go through this time, now or two years ago, without you or with anyone else. I am in awe and amazement at how much we have endured as a result of your patience, kindness and understanding. <br /><br />You can hang the moon. You can hold my hand. You can do anything at all... and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-1309507490817337102008-06-09T15:09:00.000-07:002008-06-09T15:23:52.270-07:00TornI am so torn. I cannot help but feel a physical pain as if I am being literally pulled apart.<br /><br />Watching TV over the weekend, we saw an eHarmony ad. For those of you who do not know, that is where we met. It always makes me smile when I see the ads. Anyway, we saw the ad and it segued into a conversation between us that pretty much concluded that neither of us can imagine our lives without the other. It is difficult, in fact, to remember how I functioned at the level I did without Ken (at one point with 3 jobs and a single person homeowner). He truely is my partner in crime and anything else. I could not have a better teammate and can not fathom the last three + years without him. I am, you could say, blissfully happy -- even with the things that get on eachother's nerves. No marriage is perfect, and of that I am aware. But we are perfectly happy together.<br /><br />So where am I torn? Here is where I am torn -- I am lost. I have no idea who I am at this point and feel very much like I am lost in a sea of nothingness. (Yes, I am working on that list Jennifer) Ken is getting clearer and clearer on who he is, what he believes in, what he wants and where he wants to go forward. I, on the other hand, am not so clear. Therefore, I find myself just kind of going with Ken -- following his dreams and his plans as it were.<br /><br />Ken is not forcing this, nor am I blaming him. I am just realizing that the autonomy that I have had for so long, the indepenence that I treasured and the gutsyness that I always personified seems to have evaporated. It has gotten so bad that even when I drive, I ask Ken how best to get from point A to point B -- even though I have lived here longer than him and I know my way around perfectly well. I look to him for what to cook, what to wear, what to purchase... you name it, I look to him for guidance. I HATE THIS!<br /><br />It is not who I am nor is it who I want to be. But I think I am in a bad cycle and trying to find my way out of it before I become a shell of the person I used to be, the person that Ken fell in love with.<br /><br />Part of me thinks that this is because I was alone for so long, that I am relishing having someone else to lean on. Part of me thinks that this is because of everything I have been through in the past 2 years; more decision making is not on my high list of desireable tasks. I just do not know.<br /><br />I just so clearly remember not being able to understand how someone could WANT to be a housewife. Not a stay at home mom, but a housewife. I am still not sure how anywone wants to do it, but it is what I am doing. I am good at it for the most part, and I am kinda enjoying it; but the independent, strong, accomplished Amy is disgusted with what I am becoming.<br /><br />See, physically painful!New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-13775121198203338752008-05-15T07:58:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:04:20.750-08:00Today<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TV2zmNOzR4M/SCxRNF7TwCI/AAAAAAAAACk/5ivzsUFTM48/s1600-h/100_1006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200620955077165090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TV2zmNOzR4M/SCxRNF7TwCI/AAAAAAAAACk/5ivzsUFTM48/s200/100_1006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It is 7:41 AM -- I have been up for more than 2 hours and I am tired... But I sent Ken off to work with a great breakfast in his tummy and a wonderful, and nutritious day's worth of food in his lunch sack ( and maybe a love note or two). The point of this is not what a great wife I am or am not, nor is it me playing martyr. I do it because I want to. The point of this post is simple... I love my husband. I loved him yesterday, I love him today and I will love him tomorrow... That is all, and that is my point. I love Ken. <br /><br />I am done with my mushy ramble. I love you Honey.New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-47850021505373381522008-04-07T07:20:00.000-07:002008-04-07T07:28:57.099-07:00OUR new jobsAs some people know, Ken got a new job that started bright and early this morning. Not as early as it is going to be going forward, but early enough for a first day. On this momentous occasion, though it is <em>his</em>, I feel like <em>we </em>are both starting new jobs. He gets to get up and go to work, while I start my new role as a true housewife. Don't let me start on the ins and outs of housewife/homemaker/blah blah blah... just realize that if he is going to go to work, and I am not (for the time being), then the least I feel I can do is get up with him, make breakfast and pack yummy lunches.<br /><br />Since I appear to be at a crossroads in my own life, separate from one in our life together, it is kind of odd to be taking on this role: Making sure clothes are clean and ironed so he can get dressed without fuss in the morning, making sure there is good food to eat for breakfast and pack for lunches, and heaven forbid -- making sure that there are healthy and yummy dinners to eat at the end of the day and a relatively clean house to come home to. In the midst of this, I am going to try to figure out what I want to do with my life and what I want to be when I grow up. <br /><br />Ken has worked out of the house for the last 3 years, so this seeing him get up and leave in the morning, knowing he won't be home much before 6 at night, is going to take some getting used to. Though I will admit in a sidebar that he looked very handsome this morning.<br /><br />Anyway, I think that this morning is the start of a new chapter in our lives, and one that I hope will be as positive as the rest have been and that we will both become even better partners to one another as we move into this new phase. Wish us luck!New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-40666068737171467282008-04-02T16:47:00.001-07:002008-04-02T16:48:27.703-07:00Happy Anniversary!Today marks the three-year anniversary of our first date. I can't believe how much you have impacted my life and can't remember my life before you. I love you very much and can't wait to see what the rest of our lives together have in store for us!Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05744575738815184510noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-19549543689289373262008-03-21T22:14:00.000-07:002008-03-21T22:18:29.952-07:00Oh Happy DayMarch 22, 2008<br /><br />Happy Birthday to you... <br />Happy Birthday to you...<br />Happy Birthday my sweetest, lovingest, wonderfulest, fabulousest, amazingest and bestest hus-band...<br />Happy Birthday to you!<br /><br />I could not be happier than I am to celebrate the day you were brought into this world. So many times, I think you were made just for me. And while that may be incredibly selfish in thinking, I still like it. You are a gift to me on a daily basis and I hope your birthday is the start of a new year full of so many wonderful things! May you have peace, contentment, love and joy beyond your wildest dreams.<br /><br />I love you so much!<br /><br />XOXO<br />Your WifeNew White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-42204305631850728652008-02-10T18:26:00.000-08:002008-02-10T22:15:16.357-08:00Logic or PrincessFirst of all, Oh! My! God! Was today spectacular or what? The sky was clear, the temperature was moderate and the sun was out. It was so lovely; in fact, that Ken and I decided to take our first walk of what we are hoping is the Spring! We tooled on down to the AT&T store so Ken could look at new phones. A new phone is his VD gift -- he is eligible for an upgrade and I am covering the cost of any such upgrade he chooses. <br /><br />This brings me to the real purpose behind my post tonight. Do you ever have a time when you are so deeply conflicted inside that you just do not see an answer? Well, I am in such a place, and here is my befuddlement:<br /><br />We are trying to watch our money right now -- for various reasons, but mostly because we simply need to. With that being the case, I am getting Ken a pretty reasonable gift. It is something I KNOW he wants, I KNOW he will use, and frankly, the money would be spent regardless. This way I get to kill 2 birds with one stone. <br /><br />On the other hand, Ken is trying to figure out what to do for me. While the logical side of me says, it is just another day, and all I really need is a card and a kiss, the princess side of me wants Ken to go all out, as I know he likes to do. I am fortunate, you see -- Ken loves to spoil me. And well, I have gotten kind of accustomed to it.<br /><br />What to do, what to do... Jewelry, a smart phone, or something for the house (big planter pots for the front drive of the house)... hmmm... all of these things cost money, and all of them are things that I would LOVE, and things he would love to give me.<br /><br />Augh! You see my quandary? Well, in the process of typing this post I have made a decision that I will share with you all, in writing, so it can never be brought up or used against either of us.<br /><br />Ken: Please do not spend the money on me for Valentine's Day. While I would love for you to express your love with something sparkly or techy, I would rather save the money for one of our weekends away (as we have a few of those coming up). However, this does not let you off the heart day hook ;-) Cards, flowers, a special hug and kiss... nothing crazy, just heartfelt.<br /><br />I love you and I know that you love me -- that makes Valentine's Day EVERY day!New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-72628330717755053232008-01-06T15:06:00.001-08:002008-01-06T16:11:22.954-08:00So In Love -- GAG!Check it out -- PICTURES! Maybe this will inspire some comments -- nice ones please :-) This will be at the bottom of the blog going forward with updates -- check back from time to time.<br /><br /><div><embed src="http://widget-c6.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=1657324662873274310&site=widget-c6.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:400px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&ad=0&id=1657324662873274310&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-c6.slide.com/p1/1657324662873274310/bb_t021_v000_a000_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&ad=0&id=1657324662873274310&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-c6.slide.com/p2/1657324662873274310/bb_t021_v000_a000_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-48502597277144348592007-12-30T19:11:00.001-08:002007-12-30T19:25:06.507-08:00Can't ImagineRecently, my father was hospitalized for pneumonia. As usual, I was the one called and I was the one who would venture to CA to check in on Dad and make sure he was OK. Frankly, I did it because I felt <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">the</span> need to see him in person. After he spent 2 days in ICU, I was determined that I would be going to LA, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">whether</span> Dad wanted me to go or not. Turns out he did, and so off I/we went.<br /><br />My husband, the sweet man that he is, has determined that I am not to drive to and from LA by myself. He worries at the mere thought of it ; never mind that I did it all by myself in the 10 years I lived here before we met. It is still sweet.<br /><br />Well, while we were there, we took the time to clean Dad's place. It was just one of those things that needed to be done. You know, all the little stuff that you kind of ignore until they cannot be ignored. Well, we could not, and so we did not :-) While I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cleaning</span> the fridge, and Ken was dusting the shelf full of glass fish, I thought of how nice it was that he was here doing this with me. Then I started to feel badly about it. I rationalized to myself that it was no big deal that he was helping me do this, as I had helped him do the same for his parents when they moved to Vegas.<br /><br />Then it hit me like a knock on the head (as in I could have had a V8) -- Ken has been cleaning my mom's house all year, and now this. My first reaction was to feel badly again. Then I stopped and looked at him. Dusting away. It dawned on me that there is no one I would have rather have done this with. Not only that, but I could not <em>imagine</em> having done all of this in this past year alone; or more specifially, without him.<br /><br />I have a gaggle of friends who have been supportive and wonderful and all sorts of amazing adjectives, but no one is my Ken. Moreover, there is no one person that I could imagine being as supportive, accommodating, loving and non-resentful as my Ken.<br /><br />There are times I am frustrated that Ken takes my good qualities for granted and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">just</span> accepts them as part of who I am. Well, I do the same of him. His patience, and calm in the face of a storm are two of his most amazing qualities, and I never seem to tell him that they are specifically appreciated.<br /><br />I am coming to accept that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">this </span>is part of being with someone you love -- you just LOVE them. Good, bad and ugly -- plain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ol</span>' LOVE them. I guess as you continue to grow your relationship, little lessons like this are inevitable. <br /><br />Honey, I LOVE you... Happy New Year, and here's wishing us both a year full of health and success and plenty of good stuff to appreciate.New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-25151912162774710252007-11-11T10:35:00.000-08:002007-11-11T10:41:58.637-08:00He WinsKen wins the Most Wonderful Husband of the Year award!<br /><br />As you know, we have both been diligently working on losing weight. I have Diabetes to thank for my impetus, and Ken has me to thank for his -- well, that and the scale. Anyway, we have both been very successful. Since July, I have dropped 45 pounds and since October, Ken has dropped about 15.<br /><br />While these are great numbers and we are both very proud, that is not the purpose of this post. My purpose is to tell you how fabulous Ken is. He has been so supportive of me and my process; I could not be doing this without him.<br /><br />In the meantime, we are heading to Pennsylvania in 3 weeks for his cousin's son's bar <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mitzvah</span>. As a result, I needed to be able to pack appropriate clothes to wear for meeting all of Ken's Dad's side of the family as well as the only uncle on his mom's side that I have yet to meet. To say I am nervous is an understatement. <br /><br />Well, when you lose the kind of weight we are losing, clothes start to not fit -- here is why Ken wins the award. He spent four and a half hours with me yesterday at the mall! Yes, he did. He helped pick out clothes for me to try on, and gave legitimate opinions. He did not complain or fuss and was just awesome. One more reason I know I married the right man for me. He rocks!New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-8850589026725747022007-11-03T19:37:00.000-07:002007-11-03T19:49:45.607-07:00Giddy LoveWe were giddy. I remember it. When someone would ask me about Ken or Ken about me, we would both grin and giggle. We were giddy, in love and LOVED to share it with anyone silly enough to inquire. <br /><br />With time, that has calmed down a little. Not the love, but the newness and giddiness of it. I think it has been replaced with a calm security and contentment. We have accepted that this is for real and not going anywhere. I think we have both stopped waiting for the "other shoe" to drop. Well, since I was the only one waiting, I am the one who has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">stopped</span>. We still get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">shmoopy</span> and smile at <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">each other</span> a lot and I still feel like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Yay</span> Christmas every morning when I wake up and see him next to me.<br /><br />The reason I am blathering on and on about this is that last night we were at a party and there was the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">sweetest</span> gal there. She was giddy. She has been married all of 4 months and if you asked her anything about anything, she made sure to bring her husband in to the topic (he was not at the party due to work) and she was simply aglow with love when she did this. It was sweet and it reminded me of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">myself</span> when Ken and I were first together. <br /><br />The fact that she is all of 20 years old probably did not hurt matters, either. But I think that was part of the joy that Ken and I had -- while we were both older than Sara (the gal) when we fell in love, it was the first time either of us had been in that kind of relationship where we were feeling that intense about anyone. I'd say it is safe to say that we were true loves for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">each other</span>, and that is exactly the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">giddy</span> joy that Sara had. 1st true love intensity.<br /><br />More power to her and to us and to any other couple who still gets weak knees with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">each other</span> or still gets butterflies. No matter how long you have been together, I wish you that kind of giddy, unadulterated joy at least one in your life -- repeatedly if possible.New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-83610172164096929652007-10-23T12:11:00.000-07:002007-10-23T12:23:18.498-07:00Now and ThenYou did not know me when...<br />When I worked 14 hour days just to avoid going home to an empty house<br />I was sick and relied solely on myself for TLC and chicken soup<br />I had no pets because I was not around enough to take care of them<br />I was the consistent 3rd or 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> wheel when going out with friends<br />I worked 3 jobs to make ends meet, and still managed to stay in debt<br />I did not care enough about myself to require respect and care from the people I was with<br />You did not know me when...<br />I thought the only reason to wake up in the morning was because it was the thing to do.<br /><br />Time passed,life happened, and I grew. With you by my side I am now the person I want to be. Not because of you, but <em>with</em> you<em>.</em><br /><em></em><br />With you, I am:<br />self respecting<br />deliberate in my actions<br />wiser<br />more self assured<br />giving of my self, not giving me away<br />part of a larger unit, a family, <em>our</em> family<br />content<br /><br />As time continues to pass and we grow together and separately as individuals, I look forward to holding hands and walking under the stars reflecting on how far we have come. You, Ken Kraft, are my best friend, my heart and my love. I cannot believe it has been a year and that I am more in love with you today than the day we made it official. I wake up in the morning now eager to start my day, eager to see your smiling face and eager to say... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">YAY</span> CHRISTMAS!<br /><br />Happy one year anniversary my sweetheart. I can't wait for the next 50 or so to come.New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-60439665789599348762007-10-15T23:07:00.001-07:002007-10-15T23:33:20.598-07:00Pending Doom????The one year mark is even closer, and while I could not be happier, I still cannot believe it has been a year. Perhaps I should be posting this under my other blog, for it feels like I am <span style="color:#ff6666;">O</span><a href="http://newytkeds.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span style="color:#ff6666;">verthinking</span></span> </a>the whole thing, but here we go.<br /><br />Since January, Ken and I have spent no less than 20 weekends in LA! Add to that the weekends in WA and CO, and I am sure a trip or two more, and you can <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">understand</span> why a weekend away to celebrate is not exactly getting us all excited.<br /><br />We also talked about just playing tourist and staying on the strip. But along with all the weekend travel has come plenty of hotel stays in relatively nice hotels. A Hilton is nothing to sneeze at.<br /><br />Our anniversary also falls in the week of my best <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">friend's</span> birthday and both of her sons' birthdays. So going out for dinner will be well done by the time our actual date arrives. Besides which, we are both dieting and watching what we eat. That kind of kills going out for a fancy restaurant.<br /><br />WE talked about a show on the strip. But we are doing that with Ken's Mom for her birthday and possibly for Teri's oldest son for his birthday too. Again, it kind of kills the specialness of doing it to celebrate our anniversary.<br /><br />Truth be told, I feel like Ken and I have the luck of celebrating our life together daily. Do we really need to have one day that we <em>have</em> to do something special? We are both thinking of things and nothing seems to be sticking as what we <em>want</em> to do. <br /><br /><div>October 22 is just another day, isn't it? No, it is not! But I feel like every day is October 22 -- how lucky am I?!? Can't we celebrate our anniversary by just being happy together? Of course we could; and while the realist inside of me feels that way and thinks that way, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">romantic</span> girl inside of me is hoping that Ken will still find some way to surprise me or that we will figure something out together. Or not. Every day is a celebration. </div>New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-1537718080309712692007-09-03T09:08:00.001-07:002007-09-03T09:20:15.215-07:00Nearly A YearCan you believe it has been nearly a year since we became Mr. and Mrs.? No? Neither can we! And so much has happened in that year. It has been a wee bit on the insane side. <br /><br />A quick recap to get everyone caught up before the blogging begins:<br /><ul><li>We got married (duh!)</li><li>Honeymooned (double duh!)</li><li>Bought a car</li><li>Spent innumerable hours in that car driving back and forth from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Las</span> Vegas to Los Angeles to clean out the house on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wyandotte</span> Street</li><li>Spent a lot of time with our respective families (and survived to tell the tales) -- His parents at least once a week and my Dad every time we go to LA.</li><li>Faced a few health <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">crises</span></li><li>Decided to start the adoption process sometime in the Fall of 2007</li><li>Got to know <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">each other's</span> friends, even better ( a weekend in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Colorado</span> here, a few days in Seattle there)</li><li>Discovered all of our friends' kids' strange attraction to Ken -- the little girls flirt, and the little boys just LOVE him!</li><li>Learned about compromise -- we now have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">satellite</span> TV and the football package</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Renovated</span> the house on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Wyandotte</span> Street</li><li>Did I mention all the time together in the car driving to and from LA -- without killing one another?</li><li>Painted the insides of the house to give it some personality</li><li>Started re-furnishing the house with items that will be OURS, not mine and yours</li><li>Decided that getting married was just about the best thing either of us has ever done!</li></ul><p>See you soon for new adventures in some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">sense</span> of detail and storytelling</p>New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-1165551182138431162006-12-07T20:00:00.000-08:002006-12-07T20:13:02.153-08:00Our First...While I have been remiss in posting about the rest of the wedding details, I feel like most everyone who was interested has been in touch with us and knows how it all went. If I missed you, please contact me and I will fill you in. For now I am moving forward with our first...<br /><br />This was our first thanksgiving as a married couple and in our new home. I did most of the cooking, but Ken was such a fabulous teammate. He prepped the china, set the table and helped me make sure that everything was done. He then proceeded to do the dishes. All of them! before we went to sleep, all the china was neatly put away in the china cabinet. How cool is that!?!<br /><br />We then bought our first car together. That was interesting. He played bad cop to my good cop -- then we pulled the ol' switecheroo and I started playing hardball at the very end. It was fun, and we worked very well at this unplanned little game. In the end, I got a beautiful 2007 Honda Pilot.<br /><br />Then we bought our first fake Christmas tree together. I am all about the real deal, but this year, it just seemed easier to go the fake route. I miss the smell, but Ken put it all together and when it is said and done, we get that much more time together to admire the tree. And being together is what it is about, right?<br /><br />We are heading into our first Hanukkah with the Kaltman crew. That will be fun. Ken has rarely had occasion to be with my entire family all at once. He has done it before and survived, but this time it will be around potato pancakes and presents. This could get precarious.<br /><br />I suppose the most important thing to note in this post is that as we are moving into all of these firsts together, TOGETHER. We have solidified a united front and are developing our our traditions and ways of making things work. We are a team and a partnership. I can easily say that I have married my best friend and I am so happy to celebrate the season with him.<br /><br />There is one first that makes me sad though -- and I would be remiss to not mention it... This will be my first everything without my Mom. I survived her birthday and Thanksgiving -- a lot of tears, but survived. I am now heading into the holidays and new years and my birthday and , and, and... This will be the first YEAR without my Mom. But I will be OK. Ken and I will weather it together and all will be well in the end.<br /><br />This is the first blog posting about my new life as a Happily Married woman... not the journey to the alter, but the journey as it continues after the alter...New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-1162748711623967202006-11-05T09:17:00.000-08:002006-11-09T18:17:30.353-08:00At Last...Pardon the delay in updating since the magical day. It has not been due to lack of anything other than focus. I just do not know where to start.<br /><br />The wedding was amazing. I can honestly say that there are only 3 things I would have changed. 1. My Mom would have been there by my side. 2. Teri would have been with us and 3. I would have had more time to spend with our guests.<br /><br />Other than that, it was a dream come true -- in every way.<br /><br />I actually felt pretty as a princess. Anyone who knows me, knows that THAT is saying a lot. My bridesmaids were all wonderful, warm, supportive, and dare I say girlie! Yes, Loo, you looked like a girl, 100%! And the men looked so sharp in their tuxedos -- especially Ken. Oh he just looked so stately and handsome!<br /><br />The room for the reception was breathtaking. I can say that, because it was not what I had ordered. Our florist, Naakiti floral, did an outstanding job! As a surprise, she changed out and upgraded 1/2 of our table centerpieces, and added a candlescape to our entry point. It was warm and lovely and I could not have asked for a prettier room in which to celebrate.<br /><br />The wedding itself was simply wonderful. As I came around the corner and walked down the aisle, I just focused on Ken -- the whole way. I remember saying something to my Dad as we started down the walk, but then all I saw was Ken. He was like a beacon in the storm and all I wanted to do was get to him. Once I was there, the ceremony took off. I could not stop laughing, so I missed part of Ken's vows. I was trying to talk myself into stopping the giggles so that when it was my turn, I could do my thing. People said they thought I was crying, but no, I was just having a case of the nervous giggles.<br /><br />OK, I have been sitting on this part of the post for like a week. It is the first in what will become mini-series, I think. So enjoy it for what it is....<br /><br />I <em>will </em>say, though, that it sucks to have Ken gone to India in our first real week as marrieds. ugh!New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-1161354309533568482006-10-20T07:14:00.000-07:002006-10-20T07:25:09.550-07:00It's HEEEERE!No more countdowns, for the most part. Our wedding weekend has arrived and the onslaught has begun. Our first guests arrived last night and another large contingency will be here today an this evening. How exciting is that!?<br /><br />It seems to me that at this point blogging serves to help make sure we remember the next few days. At first, time was creeping along, then all of a sudden BAM! It was here. I do not want to forget any of this.<br /><br />Everyone has been so wonderful. My friends from work have gone way above and beyond, and my bridal party has been wonderful.<br /><br /><br />Ken and I are going strong, and I am having absolutely NO SECOND THOUGHTS! No cold feet, no question that we are doing the right thing.<br /><br />The favors are put together, for the most part, and the welcome bags are ready for delivery. Tuxes are being picked up, dresses are being steamed. I would say everything that can be on track is on track.<br /><br />My mom will not be there with us on Sunday, and now neither will Teri. How does one get married without her Mom or her best friend? I am taking it moment by moment. I am so sad beyond compare, but it is balanced with joy and love for Ken and all of our guests who will be sharing this day. And I I keep reminding myself that when it is all said and done, this is ONE day. While my mom will never be here again, Ken and I will have a lifetime to share special moments with Teri and her newly expanded family.<br /><br />So, (raising an imaginary glass) here's to a new life and a lifetime of memories to come.New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-1161093241128203212006-10-17T06:50:00.000-07:002006-10-17T06:54:01.156-07:00We are down to 5 days before it will be a done deal. The marriage lisence is in hand, and all the final details are starting to come together. Just need to do it now. How cool is that?<br /><br />Well, I am thinking that with the craziness, this will be among the last of the posts to this particular blog -- unless it takes on a new life post wedded bliss.<br /><br />Anyway, gentle readers, please take the time to send us any of your words of wisdom, advice or good wishes as we head into this new chapter of our lives.<br /><br />Looking forward to hearing from you all.New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-1159935012345219622006-10-03T20:46:00.000-07:002006-10-03T21:11:49.043-07:00Sooner than laterWe are down to a glorious 19 days away from becoming Mr. and Mrs. How cool, huh?<br /><br />As we move forward, we are down to the nitty gritty details -- shoes, champagne, thank you notes, etc. The list goes on, a lot more than I would like. But we are getting there.<br /><br />We have decided to not be too social for the duration, using our free time to get "stuff" done. Sounds good huh? Well, it would be, if we could do it. For some reason we are better at things in theory than in reality. But isn;t that the case with most people?<br /><br />Ken has become my best friend and my family. I cannot recall much of my life before there was an US, other than to know that I was not nearly as contented as I am now. Well, outside of wedding prep. I am not worried about the marriage, rather, I am petrified about the wedding.<br /><br />I think it goes back to my fear of having a lame party and no one showing up. Amanda wrote of it the other day and I wondered how she knew exactlly what I am afraid of! How sucky would it be if we threw this killer party, and no one showed up!? Augh!<br /><br />I know this post is all over the board, but frankly, it is how my head is feeling right now. I am all over the place and just so thankful to have a Ken to keep my feet planted on the ground and my friends to put up with me.<br /><br />18 days and counting!!!New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-1158538146603590602006-09-17T16:46:00.000-07:002006-09-17T17:09:06.630-07:00Let it Rain...First and foremost, THANK YOU to everyone who has been so encouraging over the past month or so. It has been rough, but we are making it through with what I think are flying colors. We figure that after this year, if we can make it through this, we are home relatively free.<br /><br />I had my first bridal shower yesterday. What a lovely, lovely day it was. I was showered with more than gifts. I was showered with love and affection and kindness from some of the most wonderful women a gal could ask to count as friends.<br /><br />Teri and Lora together threw me the most wonderful shower. There was yummy food from Olive Garden, and a fabulous Cost Co Cake (my FAVORITE!) and a punch that Teri made for me from what I could remember of my Mom's recipe. And people... lest we forget the people. There were more than 20 women at Teri's home, all from different parts of my life, and all there to celebrate the love that I have found with Ken. <span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em><strong>THANK YOU TERI and LORA FOR GIVING ME A DAY THAT I WILL REMEMBER ALWAYS!!!</strong></em></span><br /><br />As I was unpacking the gifts today, I was just in awe of what people shared of themselves. We got bakeware and cookware, and decorative items for our home; candles and dishes and clocks and, and, and... the list goes on.<br /><br />One of my girlfriends even went as far as to buy the $300 toasting flutes that I had the audacity it register for at Macy's. I was awe-struck to see them in person, and touched beyond words that she would make sure that I had something so beautiful.<br /><br />Other cool gifts included kick ass iPod portable speakers, a cast iron Dutch oven and even a piece of pretty lingerie. We even got a couple of handmade gifts and cards. I just could not believe it all.<br /><br />We played games -- one based on Ken's and my letters to one another as we were getting know eachother on eHarmony. We pulled lines from letters and people had to guess who wrote which line. I tested Ken and even he got them wrong. We really are just so nicely compatible.<br /><br />I missed my Mom being there, but I know she would have had a blast and she would have loved seeing how many people I am lucky enough to call friend. She would also have been amazed at the outpouring of love from Ken's family. Every one of them sent a gift to the shower and a sweet, thoughtful card. I just cannot fathom that this is going to be my family. How lucky am I!?<br /><br />Anyway, we are 5 weeks from the big day as of today (that was for you, Teri) and coming down to crunch time. I still do not have shoes for the wedding, and still need to get the thank you gifts for the bridesmaids and, and, and...<br /><br />I know it is just going to fly by, so in advance of that, I am telling you all how much I have enjoyed the journey to our wedding with you all.New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-1157085107932116042006-08-31T21:20:00.000-07:002006-08-31T21:31:47.960-07:00It was the best of times, it was the worst of times<p>As you all know by now, my mother passed away on August 19, 2006. A little more than 2 months before the day I am to marry the most wonderful man I could ever hope to marry. While we continue to deal with the fluctuating tide of grief that washes over me, we are also doing some things that are worth mentioning.</p><p>We bought our wedding bands last night! Ken's is handsome and sharp with a small and tasteful diamond in it. It is not the one he originally chose, but I like this one so much more, and so does he. My ring is just beautiful -- can you say sparkle!?</p><p>While we were at the jewelry store, Ken offered me a "just because" gift, as the last 2-3 weeks have been such unadulterated HELL. I declined, but thanked him for his generosity, and instead opted for a "with purpose" gift (hee hee). Ken bought me a stunning piece of jewelry that I will wear on our wedding day, with my gown. It was perfect and I love it. Though I do not love it as much as I love him.</p><p>I took the necklace to Teri's tonight to try it with THE DRESS to make sure that it would <em>go</em> with it. I cried when I saw the dress, reminded that my mom never did and never will see me in my gown. BUT, the necklace worked perfectly and I am happy for that.</p><p>My showers are all being rescheduled, as a result of the course of recent events. Las Vegas shower is September 16, LA Shower is Oct 7 and work shower is TBD. All I can say is that I am truly blessed.</p><p>These last several weeks have put Ken and myself through the wringer. Through it all, though, we have remained in tact and very much in love. Both of our families have been wonderful -- mine is stepping forward to be supportive, and Ken's is welcoming into their fold with open arms.</p><p>My MOM is gone, but so totally NOT forgotten. There will be new posts soon regarding wedding prep and so on. Hope to see you all around.</p>New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-1156001741365821762006-08-19T08:22:00.000-07:002006-08-19T08:37:20.283-07:00The festivities that weren'tWhile Ken and I are still in LA awaiting my mom's progress towards health, we had to postpone what would have been our bachelor and bachelorette parties, and my first bridal shower.<br /><br />It was not a fun decision, but it was the right one, and we are both so thankful to have friends and loved ones that not only made all the plans in the first place, but were so accommodating in canceling them as well.<br /><br />We are also grateful for a couple of my friends that have truly become OUR friends. While in LA< we are staying with the Blanks -- Mitch and Smantha. They live closer to the hospital than anyone an dopened their home to us on a moment's notice -- much like Teri has done for me over the years. ANywa, as we were leaving for the hospital yesterday, we were told, "you have to be home by 8:30" When we questioned them we were told that though we had to cancel our festivities for the weekend, there was no reason some festivities could not to us.<br /><br />When we got "home" there was a ball and chain for Ken to don and a veil covered in condoms for me. Penis straws were hanging from the light fixtures, drinks were made and the poker table was covered in little penis shaped candies. (I guess there is not an abundance of boob or va-jay-jay paraphernalia to be had) In the meantime, it was our own mini bachelor/bachelorette party with two of the greatest frineds a person could ask for.<br /><br />We had some drinks, played some cards and topped the night of with sex trivia -- all questions that are related to sex. Interesting, and I think Smantha and I enjoyed it more than the guys. None of it took away the fact that we are here while my mom is working diligently to stay alive, but it sure did relieve some of the stress for a night.<br /><br />THANKS MITCH AND SAMANTHA!!!<br />For updates on my mom, go <a href="http://newytkeds.blogspot.com">here</a>.New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-1155565907229527652006-08-14T07:30:00.000-07:002006-08-16T20:09:00.646-07:00to the pointFor the latest update, please see <a href="http://newytkeds.blogspot.com"><span style="color:#6633ff;">this</span></a>.<br /><br />Hugs and kisses to all :-)New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-1155011964108885082006-08-07T21:32:00.000-07:002006-08-07T21:39:24.120-07:001000 sweet kissesI told Ken to come up with something to write and he said... "1000 sweet kisses."<br /><br />What a great song! I keep listening to the soundtrack from Rent, and so many of the songs evoke great feelings. None of them, however, are just right for our wedding. But they are so good for shmoopy moments -- like this.<br /><br />Things are kind of rough right now in my world, and Ken has just been wonderful. He is shlepping to doctor's appointments with me, holding my hand and being as supportive as he can be.<br /><br />It is the first time in my life that someone other than my mom has been there to help me through something that is not so nice. I have gotten used to doing it alone,as I live far from my mom, but as Ken will tell you... I am a spoiled princess, "as it should be." I like not doing things like this alone and I LOVE the fact that Ken is there by my side.<br /><br />My mom will ALWAYS be my mom and she will always be with me, but it is nice to have a Ken, too. I love you Mom.<br /><br />But to my Ken, I send you... 1000 sweet kisses!New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18899518.post-1154495301719613942006-08-01T22:05:00.000-07:002006-08-01T22:08:21.736-07:00Thank You82 days... And counting!!!!<br /><br />Got my first delivery today from one of the stores we are registered at. How very exciting. Ken asked if I was opening it, to which I replied, "ummm, NO! That is a shower gift and I will open it then."<br /><br />"oh, OK," says he as he kinda pouts a little. One more reason I love him so much.<br /><br />And THANK YOU to whomever sent it. I assure you, thank you notes will be abundant.<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6633ff;">82 DAYS!!!</span></strong></div>New White Kedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07697194314162474469noreply@blogger.com1