My first Old Married Lady post!

The Wedding: Part I

So yes, we went through with it, and James is now my husband. 

We had the wedding liturgy in the Old Form, and it was rockin! Okay, I'll start from the very beginning cause I'm going to want to remember this some day. 

My parents got here the Tuesday before the wedding to help us with the move. It was a big help, but we're still nowhere near what needs to be done. I basically put them to the task of doign everything from that point on. I was beat. There was one exception, programs. I kept putting this part off because I had more important things to deal with, then all of the sudden, it was 2 days before the wedding and I needed them printed NOW! I had enlisted my friend The Sojourner, though I'm not sure why she still was willing to speak to me at the wedding. I literally told her in the same paragraph "I've decided to get rid of all the work you have done and completely nix the idea of programs altogether... could you design them like ___ I think then I might like them better." Okay, that wasn't verbatim but it was close. She managed to find a great graphic to take up some space (I had too many problems getting a list of singers, music, ect together, so I excluded them all except the organist and schola director). Anyway, she totally saved the day with that. It was literally around 11:30 when I told her that it was perfect, printed it out, and then realized that I had misspelled two members of the bridal party's names) I called and emailed her frantically, she got back to me and fixed everything... after I made her reposition the program about 40 times... seriously, I'm not sure why at all she was willing to talk to me (possibly for the free food). 

So then I called James' friend who said she had the day off and she would help me get them printed. I had to get my license changed over to my new state (ya, I've been here forever, I'm horrible) so I told her I'd meet her at the mall after the BMV. She told me she had to stop by a BMV, tooso we would meet up after. Then she walked right into the one I was in. Keep in mind this was completely unexpected because there are about 50 BMVs in the area and she lives about an hour away from the one I was in. It was awesome. I had some shopping I needed to do before the wedding and she took the programs over to be copied. She finished around the same time I finished and we talked for maybe half an hour (I really needed it, she's really cool, too). Then James' sister came by and we picked out some makeup (she was in a super big hurry, but at that point wedding party people started arriving so I was in a hurry, too). Then I had dinner with aout half of the bridal party + some friends and it was awesome. We were dead though. 

Friday: 

I had some people staying at my place and we all went out to eat breakfast at the Long John Silvers right by my house. We waited for it to open and then gorged on the "meatless" delights around us. Then my Maid of Honor and I went to pick up my Matron of Honor and... what DID we do? Umm... we did something and then dropped off my Matron to meet up with the other bridesmaids. Maid of Honor and I got our nails done. Ugh, I have never remembered hating having long nails this much! I have such thin nails that they never stay long at all, so I got acrylics, and of course I still have them and they IRRITATE ME. So as we were going to the rehearsal dinner I was informed that I needed to pick up my maids of honor... Iwas like, Dude, I'll never make it in time. So I tried to call my parents and ask them to pick them up for me cause they were closer. My mom got in this huge hissy fit because she was already at the church and wasn't going to be late by picking them up. I tried to explain to her that it would take less time for her to pick them up because I would have needed to pass the church to get them, and I was 20 minutes away from the church. Well, she wouldn't hear it and tried to make me leave them. I refused (they're my only two bridesmaids that aren't Catholic, so I wasn't about to have them completely fend for themselves at a TLM) "Well, you guys can't start without me so I'M going to be about an hour late!!" As I was exiting the highway to pick up the girls, my dad called, "Do you still want us to pick up the girls?" "NO!" It's funny in hindsight... sorta. Anyway, we got there 40 minutes late, my mom and I apologized because we react the same exact way to stress, and we practiced. I was so careful to teach the Protestants how to genuflect (and I FORGOT TO GENUFLECT FOR THE REAL THING!) we literally spent several minutes practicing. My mom raved on and on about how lovely the church was (It's because it's not Baptist, mom...). Then we went to the rehearsal dinner. 

Because I was paranoid about how long everything would take, I planned the dinner for two hours after the rehearsal started. We arrived at the dinner right on time! Yes, I did SOMETHING right! The dinner was good, but it was the start of my not being able to eat for a week. I was thankful that the dinner was kinda small, I knew I needed the nutrients, but I couldn't eat much. We stayed there talking forEVER. I mainly did that because I could see how much James loved being among intellectuals again. Particularly European intellectuals (we flew one groomsman in from England). I was dead, and got lost driving home in the dark (I have bad eyes and I'm not supposed to drive at night). Then... on to the bachelorette! This involved us girls (the ones that were able to stay up/didn't have a kid) reading strange wedding customs and superstitions. It was great. Very relaxing. Maid of Honor and I stayed in a room together, knowing that neighther of us would be able to sleep. I took a shower, got out around 2:30 am. Finally laid down around 3:00. Alarm was set for 6:00. 

All throughout the day, though, people kept bugging me. "Where is ___ going to stay?" "How is ___ going to get ___" Finally I started answering all questions in numbers and people eventually got the point that you shouldn't bug the bride...

The big day: 

I want to make a disclaimer that until I looked at some of the pictures this morning, I had kinda forgotten that these were happy memories. Morale: Mothers, don't ever let your daughters solely plan their own weddings (unless they actually want to). 

I woke up in an excited stupor. We went to the free hot breakfast and got ordered by the hotel staff to go back and put our shoes on (oops). Then I proceeded to eat about a bite and a half of a gravy covered biscuit, 3 bites of nasty yogurt, and half a cup of milk... I was so full I could hardly stand it... it was going to be a long day. This took my 30 minutes, and I ran back to the room to be ready for Tina to do my hair. She came in and set right to work. My hair was super curly, and she used so much hairspray that the table was literally covered with film. No one could breathe when they walked in. BUT my hair looked AWESOME! The bridesmaids came trickling into my room, getting ready and such, and my photographer came in to do some pre-ceremony pictures. Some of these turned out REALLY nice. James' sister came in to do my makeup (she did a great job, too). Then we went out to the limo (yes, my mom told me the days before "oh hey, we got you a 14 passenger limo") and waited in the cold for the driver. Ya, it was cold... it had been in the 80s the weekend before, but that morning it was cold. Oh well, at least it wasn't horribly rainy... yet. 

We rode to the church, and it started to hit me that this was actually happening. Actually, it was more when we were walking outside to the limo, but it kept hitting me repeatedly. We got to the church and I saw my dad looking really nice in his suit. I ended up really glad that I didn't insist that everyone wore tuxes... they looked SO GOOD. I don't think I've ever seen men look more sophisticated at a wedding (not that I'm biased). My mom started crying when I came out of the limo and I heard that James kept trying to get a peek at me, so everyone pushed me back farther and farther behind the door. 

The wedding went really well. Perhaps at some other time I'll have the energy to describe all the little ditties about it.

I'll just label this to be part one. 

More of my arthritis journey

So the Humira just plain didn't work for me. In fact, it thinned my blood, possibly gave me severe muscle contractions (particularly in my chest, I would've gone to the hospital if I didn't know what else to look for in a heart attack), oh ya and it HURT LIKE HELL. I looked it up online, I'm not the only one. Many people report not getting the full dose because they can't keep it in their leg the whole time, many other have panic attacks (I was getting there, myself).

I started Simponi last night. It took me forever to remember that you have to push the pen down to your leg for the needle to release, in fact I lost one of my free samples because I tainted the needle. Anyway, I sat there holding if for 5 minutes before I could convince myself to push the button.

I'll admit, the pen is not filled with sunshine and happiness... although compared to Humira it kind of is... I barely felt the thing, and let me tell you, I am a wuss. It went in slowly, and Simponi has a mechanism that clicks when the medicine is done so you know to pull it out. I think I need to be careful, though, to keep the thing pressed down a bit more because some of the medicine beaded out of my leg as soon as I finished. I also bled a lot (I used to have the thickest blood ever, so thick that my doctor told me I had to drink more water to keep me from having heart problems, so thin blood is weird to me). It's still going to take some getting used to, but I am happy that I have this as an option to try.

Here's to hoping this is my "magic combo!"

Random fact: Did you know that 60% of people with arthritis are under 65?

Not sure what happened...

Some sort of weird internet fluke seemed to have happened. I check my hits pretty regularly because I'm lame. I normally average about 5-12 hits a week... two days ago I had 20 hits and yesterday was 35...

...weird.

Is this like those two days in high school where I got the latest CD before anyone else did and like everyone wanted to be my friend... and then when they got the CD they remembered they hated me.

Open Position: New female bff

Position Opening Announcement:

Due to recent move and realization that she doesn't fit in with most Traditional Catholic, Liza Jane has announced the opening of a brand new position: New best female friend.

Candidates must be practicing Catholic, be living a basically moral life, and be the kind of person that Jane "clicks" with.

An ideal candidate will have the attributes of a fun loving person who can be serious more often than not. This person would appreciate the finer arts, but can at least appreciate other forms of the less higher arts. They would prefer social interaction to artificial communication, would not be nitpicky, and at least

Required Qualifications:
Must be practicing Catholic trying to live a moral life.
Must enjoy being around people to a significant extent (Jane realizes she often makes the closest friends with introverts, though)
Must enjoy a diverse set of activities: For example (but not limited to), classical concerts, musicals and pop music, as well as a moderate enjoyments in certain sports (though this must in no way be the principal activity in the candidate's life), collecting things, ect.
Must be able to deal with erratic, strongly emotional people...
Must be willing and able to point out flaws in Jane in a constructive but gentle manner, also be willing to laugh at Jane and herself.
MUST WORK WELL WITH INTELLECTUALS (she must enjoy James' company as well as mine)
Must be willing to admit that pants, skirts above the knee, somewhat tighter clothing, and leggings are not a sin, but doesn't need to wear them herself.
Must not be (or have been) the model student, or "perfect"
Must not be involved in so many activities that she doesn't have time for a social life.
Must love dogs
Must be intelligent

Preferred Qualifications:
Married, or in long term relationship (preferably with an intellectual) (single people often don't enjoy listening Jane complain about her soon-to-be husband)
Has a creative imagination
Thinks that going to a karaoke bar once in a blue moon  sounds like a fun thing to do.
Is some type of eccentric
Able to plan social gatherings or activities
Enjoys dancing
Has texting and appreciates occasional text conversations
Appreciates Southern culture (particularly the state of Texas)

Individuals disliking physical affection (hugs, mainly) need not apply.

Please send your applications to Liza Jane,

Lessons from candles

In the Old Form, we keep our candles burning throughout the service until the Gloria. Oh ya, in the old Form, that's about an hour long (if it's a High Mass)

Things I learned at EV
1) Children are a lot better behaved at Mass that's 3 hours long, the first hour in the dark, that starts at 8:30. I think even the ones that are usually the howlers were out as soon as they hit the pew. Don't hate me, but I have no intention of bringing my young children to Mass until I know that they can behave. St Therese's parents didn't bring their little ones to Mass. They left theirs with the crib tied together and then checked on them as soon as they got back. Nowadays, that's considered abusive (we have things like electrical fires...) so we'll get a babysitter.

2) Melting candles hurt. I've always known this, but the hour thing got it through my brain even more.

3) Using styrofoam cups as wax catchers is a *bad idea.* My candle did the coolest thing of melting almost all the way down (faster than ANYONE else there) and it pooled all the wax on the bottom, like a giant candle. But, because it was so low unless I held the candle straight up it burned through the styrofoam, creating a less than pleasant feeling on my fingers. So I went to get a new candle/ cup and the were out of cups. So I placed my candle in the pool of wax left by the previous one and held it until the Gloria. I felt kinda embarrased because James and I were the only ones who had to get new candles, then then I realized that by the time of the Gloria, we were the only ones with our candles still burning! I'm usually so much better with my candles, but I was trying my best to follow along with the Missal by the light of the candle, and to do that you have to tilt it, which causes the wax to drip more, and the candle to go down more quickly.

4) I'm not good with candles for long periods of time. I almost caught my hair on fire twice, my Missal twice (there are now wax spots on it at one part), my hair once, and I got wax on my dress.

The Mass was beautiful. This was my first year going to all three parts of the Old Triduum. I'll tell you this, it's very time consuming, but totally worth it. Amazingly beautiful, completely reverent, and very worthy of the occasion of Easter.

I have a couple of Easter traditions. First, is that I wear my special Easter dress. I was received into the Church seven years ago with that dress and I've worn it every year for Easter Vigil ever since (okay there was a problem one year with it so I wore it for Divine Mercy Sunday instead). Each year I put it on only for Easter, and remember that it's slightly see through. Each year I do something different to fix this issue, think "I'll have to fix this for next year" then forget about it. Being that this is the seventh year of my dress, I think that it is time to say goodbye. I am keeping the dress but I might convert it to a first communion/confirmation dress for my little girls (should we have any).

Second, I always cry at some point during Easter Vigil. My first year I cried only at Confirmation. It actually surprised me because Confirmation is the sacrament that I understand the least, and therefore have virtually no emotional connection to it. I didn't cry when receiving my first Blessed Sacrament, when I thought I would cry. I just felt more complete. Every year, though I cry at some point. A couple years ago it was right at the beginning when they sing that "Oh Happy Fault" part, because that's what my beloved Father Michael Kelley (may God rest his soul) chanted at my first Easter Vigil. It was either the Easter after he died that I cried or the year after that. It still breaks my heart that he is gone whenever I think of him. This year I've had virtually no emotional involvement with the preparation for Easter. Part of me feels guilty about this because I'm sure anticipating the wedding has something to do with it. But part of me also realizes that after seven years of marriage, James ad I aren't going to be looking forward to our anniversary in the same way. So I figure it may have something to do with that. Well, yesterday I went to receive, and as I was walking back, I started crying. The tradition lives on I guess... I was really not expecting that.

Well, I'm about to get ready for Easter Sunday Mass. James really likes going to it, so we're making it a tradition to go to both. God bless everyone and HAPPY EASTER!!!

27 days

So things are starting to catch up to me.

We have our rings (and they fit this time!), oh, James' finger looks SO GOOD with a ring on it!

I took my dress to get pressed. Now I'm going to have to keep James out of my closet (he keeps his coats/jackets in there) for a week before the wedding cause there is not other place to put it...

Still need to work on rehearsal dinner stuff and those programs, which one of my friends said she'd help with designing.

Oh, ya. We're moving. As in, we found an apartment for both of us to move into. Because James said he didn't think he could handle another move, I found cheap movers (that are certified and insured and everything) that will move all the big stuff for us.

Oh, I've been wanting to share this on facebook, but I don't trust that no awkward comments will be made so I wont, but WE'RE GETTING A REALLY NICE BEDROOM SET!!! James' mom found this website where you can get AMAZING b-room sets for around $800. I'm talking complete with two nightstands, a dresser,mirror, headboard, AND chest. They only deliver to certain Midwest locations, but they also have links to tons of nationwide cheap online furniture places... I just have to tell you about it!!!!!

http://colefurniture.com/Furniture-Ohio-Cincinnati/2-1000-Bedroom-Furniture-Beds-Sets-Sale-Collections-near-Cincinnati-Ohio-Dayton-Columbus.htm

They also have tons of different available furniture types of things. For something that is brand new, many of these prices are a STEAL, especially look at how nice they are!

We also ordered our new queen size bed yesterday. I'm so excited. It's going to the new place for the day "we" move in. James will be moving in the first day, and we'll both be moving our (mainly his) stuff from my apartment over there, and then after the 28th, I'll be there. :D I don't know, something about ordering our bedroom furniture makes me feel all bubly inside. I mean, wow, this is really happening, isn't it? 

Here's another reason why I'm a terrible person: 

I have been monitoring our gift registry site like a hawk. So far people have gotten us a bunch of nice stuff. I mean, aside from the silverware and a few other things, we really have most everything we want now (don't get me wrong, there are still over 150 items on our list left to get). We're going to have to exchange the tablecloth for a smaller one (the new apartment is itty bitty, but comes with free storage). 

Anyway,  YAY SOMEONE BOUGHT THE SPICE RACK I REALLY WANT! Now all I really need is the cheese slicer and the kitchen floor mat and that new car and I'll be happy. 

Palm Sunday

Today I think was one of the most beautiful Masses I ever went to.

As you know, I go to the Traditional Latin Mass most Sundays. I have never been to a full fledged Solemn High Mass on Palm Sunday complete with Procession, and all the bells and whistles you can imagine. It was so cool. The congregation even went up and kneeled at the altar rail to receive our palms. Not gonna lie, I was really confused at first, so was James! He told me later that he had never experienced that before.

The family in front of me had these two adorable little boys in sweater vests. The kids kept playing with their palms (which bothers me to no end... I mean, THEY'RE BLESSED!). Anyway, the mom has the strongest attention span to the Mass I've ever known someone to, eventually the Dad made the boys lose their "palm holding privileges" and order was restored. They're basically good kids, I can tell, the Gospel is just reeeeeeally long in the old form.

We then went to the Italian dinner that our parish is famous for, and let me tell you, those were the absolute best meatballs I've ever eaten. I think I may have found the recipe and so I copied it and will try to mimic it in the future.