It's all about ME!

[ladymelissa]

Shawna- Yes, it was the dealership. Before he took it in the check engine light had been on for almost 2 years (but there was nothing wrong with the way it performed) and then he started having unusual probs with the engine cutting out and poor acceleration (that was the fuel pump). But they were supposed to check everything else esp. with the CE light. It was off, but then came back on after we went to the gym.

What is probably most frustrating for him, is he probably knows just as much about cars as they do (if not more, depending on how you look at it). He worked on cars from the time he was 16 and then went on to become a mechanical engineer in the auto industry. But he doesn't have the extensive tools or the time to diagnose things like that at home, so for the bigger stuff he takes it to the dealer.

so i dont know whats up with mine but i dont want to drive it now which means i cant go in for my driving test!!? never mind lol

You have to take another driving test?

My sis had the same problem a while back and they told her it was her catalytic converter!?? Where they ripping her off then??
How old was the car? I don't think they use catalytic converters anymore (I could be wrong, I don't know anything about cars, other than how to drive them LOL).

[lea m]

I havent passed my drivng test lol! so i need to take it to get my full licence! My sisters car is 5 year old now! Every car built in the Uk has to have a catalytic converter on! Probably just different rules for different countries lol!

[ladymelissa]

I havent passed my drivng test lol! so i need to take it to get my full licence! My sisters car is 5 year old now! Every car built in the Uk has to have a catalytic converter on! Probably just different rules for different countries lol!
Good luck with your driving test! When are you going to take it? Do you have to take them regularly? I haven't had to take one since I was 16. LOL

[WhiskeyGirl]

I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for Mike then, knowing what he does. Does he tell the shop he takes it to not to screw him around and that he's not stupid when it comes to cars and such? Lol..that's what I do all the time, and I think it usually helps because they try to give me a BS story and I'm like I don't think so!! lol. I hope that it all gets worked out for him soon!!! I can only imagine how frustrating it can get!! Good luck to him and getting his car fixed right and at the cost of the dealership too!! :wink:

[ladymelissa]

I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for Mike then, knowing what he does. Does he tell the shop he takes it to not to screw him around and that he's not stupid when it comes to cars and such? Lol..that's what I do all the time, and I think it usually helps because they try to give me a BS story and I'm like I don't think so!! lol. I hope that it all gets worked out for him soon!!! I can only imagine how frustrating it can get!! Good luck to him and getting his car fixed right and at the cost of the dealership too!! :wink:
Oh yes they know. I doubt he is "in their face" about it, but if they diagnose something that is pretty straight forward to change or install and they would want too much in labor, he'll just order the part and change it at home.

He is at the shop now, so we'll see what happens.

[lea m]

Good luck with your driving test! When are you going to take it? Do you have to take them regularly? I haven't had to take one since I was 16. LOL

I'll probably go in for it in a couple of months! I dont have to take them regularly, i had one last year and failed so then i decide when to take my next one! In this country, you cant legally drive until your 17! lol 16 wow, i wish i couldve drove then, it wouldve been a lot easier! Ive just put it off for years then didnt practice my parallel parking and failed on that! :( hopefully i wont next time but knowing me i will!

[WhiskeyGirl]

I'll probably go in for it in a couple of months! I dont have to take them regularly, i had one last year and failed so then i decide when to take my next one! In this country, you cant legally drive until your 17! lol 16 wow, i wish i couldve drove then, it wouldve been a lot easier! Ive just put it off for years then didnt practice my parallel parking and failed on that! :( hopefully i wont next time but knowing me i will!

Parallel parking is evil!!!! lol. I hate parallel parking!!! :D

[SerendipityCrafts]

Mike's car had been giving him some problems, so he took it into the shop. After $1200 in repairs the "check engine" light comes back on 5 miles down the road. He was not pleased and I am so glad that I won't be the person on the other end of the phone when he calls the shop back tomorrow. LOL

I had continual problems with my check engine light. I don't even want to think how much I spent on the installation of new sensors and tests. In the end, I decided to ignore it because the car was running fine ....then I was getting some work done on my brakes and after it was done the mechanic asked me if my check engine light was on. I said "not at the moment but it's a continual problem .... comes on for a week, goes off .... comes on for 2 weeks, goes off.

He said "Well, I have fixed it. A wire was split and some of the covering had come away. Everytime you turned left, it would rub, trip the wire and turn on the light. The system resets itself and the light goes out after you turn on the car so many times. Once you turned another corner, it would happen again".

Amazing how something so simple can cause such confusion!

[nic1124]

Its funny to read this right now because I had car problems this morning. First it wouldnt start then it did and it was kinda shaking and my check engine light was flashing. So I called kev before driving and he told me to shut it off immediately. He said its ok to drive if your engine light comes on and the car seems to be running fine, but if it flashes it means you have misfire and if you leave it running you will do serious damage. I just learned about this flashing thing so I thought I'd share.

[ladymelissa]

Thanks for all the comments, but Shawna called it; it has something to do with the emissions. Luckily, we don't have e-check in our county so it doesn't matter. It won't effect the performance of the vehicle, just the environment and for $500 (on top of the $1200 for the fuel pump issue) Mike said he isn't going to worry. So we can all thank Chevy for making an inferior product, most likely designed to fail and causing more pollution. BTW, it's an '01 model, with only about 50,000 miles and has been very well maintained so these things shouldn't have gone bad this early (Mike's opinion).

[ladymelissa]

I almost forgot to mention, in step class today I got to be a group leader. :whoohoo:

[WhiskeyGirl]

Thanks for all the comments, but Shawna called it; it has something to do with the emissions. Luckily, we don't have e-check in our county so it doesn't matter. It won't effect the performance of the vehicle, just the environment and for $500 (on top of the $1200 for the fuel pump issue) Mike said he isn't going to worry. So we can all thank Chevy for making an inferior product, most likely designed to fail and causing more pollution. BTW, it's an '01 model, with only about 50,000 miles and has been very well maintained so these things shouldn't have gone bad this early (Mike's opinion).

YAY!! I got it. Ok yeah I'm a dork!!

Guess what?! Matt took out our 06 dodge one ton today and sure enough all this talk about check engine lights, ours is on too!! lol. Luckily it's under warranty, they just replaced a fuel sensor not too long ago, so it looks like ours is going back. We'll wait for a few weeks though because it needs a complete service in that time anyhow! lol So it's not just a chevy thang!! lol I used to have the same problem in my 93 ford festiva, never fixed it though! lol and my parents have that car now. Lol.

So it's funny that we should all be going through the same thing...we shoudl start an "Check engine light" support group!! lol. JK.

[brewsells]

I almost forgot to mention, in step class today I got to be a group leader. :whoohoo:

That's cool! What exactly does that mean though? LOL. Do you help head the class?

[ladymelissa]

So it's funny that we should all be going through the same thing...we shoudl start an "Check engine light" support group!! lol. JK.

LOL!

That's cool! What exactly does that mean though? LOL. Do you help head the class?

On Fridays she does super step, which is basically a series of high intensity drills. About 3 weeks ago the classes were really small b/c of the holidays so she started doing laps of skipping in a circle around the studio, she had mentioned that come Jan. when everyone decides to come back to class we wouldn't be able to do that. I suggested we divide into groups, half could skip while the others did stationary drills in the middle. So I got to lead the half I happened to be in.

[ladymelissa]

OMG!!!! I just noticed our cake is pictured on our baker's website!

http://whatsfordessert.biz/gallery-1.htm

It's the pink orchid cake!

[hummingbird521]

Congrat Melissa. I just looked at the site. How cool.

[ladymelissa]

Thanks! :)

[nic1124]

Well it's a beautiful cake, It should be on there. Thats really cool.

[ladymelissa]

Well it's a beautiful cake, It should be on there. Thats really cool.
Thank you! It tasted even better! :)

[NicksBride]

That is awesome! What a gorgeous cake!!

[lea m]

Hey how great! Its gorgeous! Thats my favourite flower!

[ladymelissa]

Thanks girls! :)

[Jenn060306]

You're cakes is so pretty Melissa! Definatly worthy of being on the site! :grinhappy:

[hummingbird521]

I just wanted to say thank you for the advice of putting baby oil on myself after showering. It has worked great. Plus the reason I wanted to thank you is because everyday I take a shower and get out I think of you and maybe this will go away now. haha. It's driving me crazy. lol

[ladymelissa]

I just wanted to say thank you for the advice of putting baby oil on myself after showering. It has worked great. Plus the reason I wanted to thank you is because everyday I take a shower and get out I think of you and maybe this will go away now. haha. It's driving me crazy. lol
I am so glad it is working well for you! Maybe you could try thinking about your DH while moisturizing! LOL I am glad I could help, so you haven't had any more problems with the itchy legs?

Thank you Jenn!

[hummingbird521]

I am so glad it is working well for you! Maybe you could try thinking about your DH while moisturizing! LOL I am glad I could help, so you haven't had any more problems with the itchy legs?


No I haven't had anymore problems at all. But I am also taking one benedryl at bedtime at night because of the cats. I started doing both at the same time (baby oil and meds) so not really sure which is working. But I am not gonna stop to see either. :bbeek:

[ladymelissa]

No I haven't had anymore problems at all. But I am also taking one benedryl at bedtime at night because of the cats. I started doing both at the same time (baby oil and meds) so not really sure which is working. But I am not gonna stop to see either. :bbeek:
Yay! I wouldn't stop either one, too! :)

[mariaandmanish]

That's really great for you, Melissa! How cool! And it looks really yummy too,... glad to know it tasted even better than it looked!

[ladymelissa]

Thank you Maria! :)

[nic1124]

Hey Melissa, did you have a wedding journal on here or a wedding day photos thread? I've only seen a few of your pics here and there and I'd love to see more. :D

[ladymelissa]

Hey Melissa, did you have a wedding journal on here or a wedding day photos thread? I've only seen a few of your pics here and there and I'd love to see more. :D
No, I had them on another board and then it crashed and closed. I didn't really get attached to this board until a month or two after the wedding.

[nic1124]

aww so we missed out :bbcry:

[SaralovesMike]

Hmm, I'm pretty sure that's the same board that my stuff was on too.
Grrrr! :irked:

Not bitter at all... lol

[ladymelissa]

aww so we missed out :bbcry:
I still have the story saved, but it seems pointless to post it this late.

[ladymelissa]

Hmm, I'm pretty sure that's the same board that my stuff was on too.
Grrrr! :irked:

Not bitter at all... lol
I wouldn't doubt it. LOL

[ladymelissa]

Yay! We got our furnace fixed today! Now it is back to toasty and warm here. We weren't even sure there was anything wrong with it, but when the temps dropped to below 30 outside, it would run and run and never achieve the desired temp, if it was really cold out it would drop below 65 degrees inside. Apparently some little fuse (or heating charger type part) was bad and now that it was replaced it is a nice 75 degrees in here again. Woohoo!

Now I don't have to shiver and wear layers of clothes and my winter hat 24/7. I am a big freeze baby. LOL

[nic1124]

I still have the story saved, but it seems lame to post it this late.

Well it is your decision. However if you were to post it, I'm sure you'd have quite a few interested readers. JMO!

[ladymelissa]

Well it is your decision. However if you were to post it, I'm sure you'd have quite a few interested readers. JMO!
Ask and you shall receive...

[ladymelissa]

Melissa and Mike's Wedding
06.03.06

Once upon a time not too long ago in a land called Ohio a lady by the name of Melissa wed a very handsome and charming gentleman named Mike.

The Rehearsal, the night before the big day
We ended up being about 5 minutes late to the church, but we ran through everything and it went pretty well. I was practicing taking off my gloves before the rings and the vows and one snapped off like a rubber band and hit Greg, our ring bearer. Then I broke out into uncontrollable tears while Mike was practicing saying the vows, they were so beautiful and I barely got mine out through the tears.

The dinner was fun and my dad was being himself. He ended up changing his mind on one of his side dishes, he wanted green beans instead of rice pilaf. So he proceeded to walk into the kitchen himself to change his order. My sis and I found that to be hilarious b/c that is so like him. Two of our guests' orders got lost and they didn't come until most everyone else was done eating, but they got free desert and we got a gift certificate in compensation for the mix up.

The gifts went over well, we got all the parents picture frames to put a wedding pic in later. The BMs really loved their necklaces and Elizabeth, the FG LOVED her tiara! I found the most beautiful boxes to put them in as well. All of the guys got mini-maglights and they loved those. Elizabeth pretty much loved it too, so Tom gave her his and she proceeded to make a light show on the ceiling, floor and walls.

Back at the hotel, Mike's son Jason arrived so we greeted him and turned in for the night. Jason was a GM, but couldn't make the rehearsal b/c of his work schedule.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a64/ladymelissa/2006_0603weddingday0032.jpg

[ladymelissa]

Our Wedding Day

I did not sleep very well at all. I woke up probably at least 6 times throughout the night. The bed was soft, kind of lumpy and the pillows were not what I am used to at home. At about 3:50am Mike jumps up and says, "Oh, no. A hive!" He is allergic to dust mites and gets hives and had one on the right side of his face. I asked him if he was dreaming (or having a nightmare), but he went into the bathroom and it was true. So I hear him popping open mass amounts of allergy pills. I am suddenly having visions of him ODing and dying, so I'm shouting, "Be careful! Don't over dose, please! I don't care, I love you, the photos can be fixed!" We settle back down and try to get some sleep.

At about 8:00am we get up and Mike gets in the shower and begins applying ice to his swollen cheek (b/c even the meds can take awhile to completely get rid of the hive). I went downstairs and had a quiet breakfast by myself, everyone else went to I-hop to avoid the Hilton's breakfast prices. Mike's son Lance, who came in from New Orleans noticed me and came over to say hello and chat a little while.

9:30am- I am showered and the hair dresser arrived and began styling my hair, my sister arrived and the rest of the girls began to show up one at a time. I applyed my foundation while the rollers set and then she finished my updo (no tiara, yet) and I started the rest of my makeup. The photog arrives at about 11am and I am still finishing makeup and the rest of the girls are having their hair done. Time is passing much quicker than I ever imagined. I finished the makeup and did some test shots to make sure the lipstick was not too much.

It is about noon now and my tiara is not on, I noticed I didn't like how one side of my hair turned out. The phone rings and the coach (party bus) was there and waiting. I did have my panty hose and garter on under my pjs, but there is stuff for the ceremony everywhere and 2 girls were still being finished.

The Breakdown

We had fallen so far behind schedule it is 12:18pm (1 hour and 42 mins. till showtime) and I'm not dressed, nothing has been loaded into the bus, my hair wasn't right. I burst into tears, all out sobbing about this is not how I had planned my wedding! "We won't be on time, we'll forget the rings." Mike found me and held me and cupped my face with his hands and said it will all be okay. Then he rounded up the GMs and they loaded the bus, my hair was fixed and even the photog said it was much more even, Mike and my sister put my dress on me. Deep breath and we were finally ready.

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When I got off the elevator everything in the lobby stopped, people just watched as I walked by. People in the outdoor patio came in to watch as I walked through the lobby and out the door.

[ladymelissa]

The party bus from hell, driven by satan himself

When I got the first glimpse of the party bus I about died. This thing had to have been about 20 years old, the bottom step was on a 45 degree angle, Mike said because it was rusted out and the only thing holding it together was the carpet. The rear right tire looked seriously low on air. There was rust around the door and there I am trying to draw my dress as close to me as possible while trying to hoist myself up the stairs, no help from the driver was offered. He never introduced himself to me and was not dressed appropriately, he had on light pants and a plaid shirt. No suit like I was promised. The interior had cracked, broken mirrors, stains on the cooler part and cheesy, rope lights just thrown up. The quality of the ride was even worse, I thought I was going to fall out of my seat.

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The driver had no idea where he was going and asked Mike for directions. When Mike stood up to approach the driver he almost went flying out the front window and ended up on the floor next to the driver. I gasped and my sister said it was like a horror flick gasp. We did make it to the flower shop to pick up the bouts, which were not ready earlier in the morning when Mike went to get them. Next stop, Bay Presbyterian...

On the way to the church the driver shouts back to Mike (over the sound of the loud engine and air conditioning fan) that we have the bus until 6pm and I said to Mike that we were booked until 6:30pm.

Anyway, we get to the church at about 1:25pm, we were technically supposed to be there at 1, but at least we were not late for the ceremony and the church was playing my hour of prelude music as scheduled.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a64/ladymelissa/Wedding%20Pro%20Pics/DanaWedCeremony100045.jpg

I kept feeling like I had to go to the bathroom. At 1:40pm, I figured I better go now or that is all I will be thinking about during the ceremony.

My sister and I hurried across the courtyard, as to be seen by as few guests as possible to another bathroom in another part of the building. That was not a fun adventure, but Steph helped out so much, even with taking off and putting back on my underwear, sorry if that was too graphic. I had picked up a couple of bugs in the tulle of the dress which had to be found in all those layers and removed. We get back just as Canon in D is starting to seat the mothers and the wedding coordinator is yelling at us that we have 5 minutes and to get lined up NOW!

[ladymelissa]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a64/ladymelissa/Wedding%20Pro%20Pics/DanaWedCeremony100048.jpg

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[ladymelissa]

Till death do us part

We lined up and things were underway. The bridal party processed to "Spring" from "The Four Seasons" by Vivaldi, RB and FG walked to "Pizzicato" from "Sylvia" by Delibes and I chose "Pictures at an Exhibition" by Mussorgsky. My dad and I had absolutely perfect timing and stopped at the end of the aisle exactly on the last note of the song. It was awesome, coming down the aisle to a royal serenade with everyone standing and watching. Seeing Mike watch me was incredible.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a64/ladymelissa/Wedding%20Pro%20Pics/WeddingCeremonyPro00001.jpg

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The rest of the ceremony went very well, gloves off without any trouble. I made it through the vows without bawling and Greg carried and presented the rings on the pillow perfectly. I had a little trouble getting Mike's ring all the way on, it was past the knuckle though. I did shed a couple of tears when my sister read the poem, "Love Is" that we fought so hard to have included and it was worth the battle. We kissed and recessed to "Mazurka" from "Copelia" by Delibes.

[ladymelissa]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a64/ladymelissa/Wedding%20Pro%20Pics/WeddingCeremonyPro000080.jpg

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[ladymelissa]

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We had the receiving line and I thought people would rip my head off by hugging me. Do they not see the 15 foot veil attached to my head?! Anyway, one guest who is a very outspoken lady, and not afraid to tell anyone exactly what she thinks said to me, "That ceremony was wonderful, it was like a broadway production!"

The church also failed to play all of my post recessional music, I had about 30 minutes planned to maintain mood.

[ladymelissa]

Guests blew bubbles as we exited the church and I have never seen so many bubbles in my life, it was truely a sight to take in. We walked slowly and I was looking around thinking, "look around and burn this into your memory." There were bubbles everywhere!

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a64/ladymelissa/Wedding%20Pro%20Pics/WeddingProPics100002.jpg

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[ladymelissa]

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We stood outside and took some group photos with the family, went back into the church to take more with the bridal party, packed up and headed for photos at Lake Erie. I was starting to feel tired with lack of sleep, my dress was seriously heavy and my feet were starting to hurt. We did some pics, I can barely remember what, I guess I'll find out when I get all the pro pics. Liz, Greg and Bit wandered down to the beach and my sister got some fantastic photos of them. The bus driver was bringing up the time thing to my sister and Mike's brother (I did not know that at the time).

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a64/ladymelissa/2006_0603weddingday0084.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a64/ladymelissa/2006_0603weddingday0129.jpg

[ladymelissa]

Our little Cinderella
Then some lady comes up to Mike and me and asked if anyone lost a shoe and holds up a tiny, white shoe. Yes, it was Bit's and then we noticed that the other one was missing too. So the BP starts looking for that as Greg takes off his shoes and is walking around in the lake, I am thinking- this is chaos. We gather everyone and their shoes into the bus and head for another gorgeous spot for more photos on the lake.

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This one was a big stone archway with stairs going down to the water. When we pull up and get off the bus, the driver brings up the time thing to Craig (Mike's brother and BM), so Craig says, "well he [the driver] might be right." At this point I cracked, I am very tired, in a lot of pain, sort of have to go to the bathroom again (and there is no where to go) and I snapped, "Well you're not the one who booked it [the bus]." Craig is so nice and really did not deserve that, I still feel bad about that.

[ladymelissa]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a64/ladymelissa/Wedding%20Pro%20Pics/WeddingProPics100043.jpg

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Kids in jail, oops

Anyway, someone who lived in a house on the lake where we were, offered their yard to take pics in. So we got a bunch there and then moved to the staircase. We were taking pics on the top of the stairs and Bit and Greg were playing on the stairs, there was a big iron gate which the kids managed to lock. They were stuck on the lake side of the fence while everyone else was on the other, so we had to find one of the homeowners on the block (it was a private entrance, which the photog was granted access to for our wedding photos) to get a key to get them out. Finally, we finished the pics with the BP on the stairs and when Bit almost fell down all of them (she fell, but it was contained to one step) we decided to quit while we were ahead with the stairs.

The photog wanted to take us to downtown Cleveland to the Renaissance Hotel and Tower City for pics there and with the city background (this was our backup for a rainday anyway). Then the bus driver started giving the photog a hard time, saying the 6pm thing to him! Then the photog volunteers to put us in his van and he'll drive us downtown (he is the best vendor ever). Then my sister walks right up to the bus driver, she had found out his name and said, "Jim, take out my sister's contract and show me where it says 6pm" So he whipped out the contract and low and behold we have it till 6:30! So on the bus and we are on the way downtown.

I finally just decided to take a caffeine tablet to perk me up, which helped a lot. I really was tired myself, but I did not want to regret not going. Thank goodness I brought my own water bottle b/c there was only 6 bottles of water in the bus for 12 people! We also broke out the champagne on the way downtown, at least they gave us 2 bottles of champagne!

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[ger]

Thank you for the story and the pics. I cannot believe your bus. Don't they have to be inspected before they are allowed on the road?? Did you get a refund?

You were a beautiful bride. I love the pics with the bubbles. You looked absolutely amazing.

[ladymelissa]

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[ladymelissa]

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Jim, the driver or the bus company neglected to put the "Just Married" sign on the back like they promised, which kind of turned out to be a good thing b/c I was embarrassed to put my BP on something like this or even be seen in this on my wedding! Jim also kept turning off the AC at every stop so everyone had to get off the bus at every stop.
One of the main reasons I booked this is so that the BP would have a comfortable place to relax while photos that they weren't in were taken.

[ladymelissa]

Thank you for the story and the pics. I cannot believe your bus. Don't they have to be inspected before they are allowed on the road?? Did you get a refund?

You were a beautiful bride. I love the pics with the bubbles. You looked absolutely amazing.
Thank you and I'll get to what happened with the bus. Don't worry!

[ladymelissa]

I was really in no mood for fighting and it didn't even cross my mind to argue with the driver during the afternoon photo shoots, and all this about the AC and whatnot really started to sink in on Sun. I hadn't even heard most of the sub-plots, like the hounding the photog until my sis told me on Sun. I was pretty uncomfortable during most of the photos from fatigue and had pretty much shifted into survival mode. Anyway...

Any love for the driver?

When it came time to authorize our final payment for the bus via credit card Jim gives the paperwork to Mike and actually says, "Anything extra for the driver?" Mike comes over to me and asks if we need to tip more, b/c he remembered me saying the company charges an automatic, mandatory 20% gratuity. I looked at the amount and that was already with the tip included so this man was already being compensated for being nothing but a pain in the ***. I said loudly, "No way, the tip is there!"

This *** has the audacity to ask for more of a tip! I have never even seen a waitress who makes $2/hour ask for a tip!

The bustling metropolis

Arriving downtown was another one of those moments that brought normal life to a screeching halt. People would stop for a second and look, some offered their congratulations and others walked slightly out of their way to hold doors for us (I don't mean hotel staff, just people on the street). We were treated better by people we didn't know than the bus driver!

The shoot downtown went very well, I perked up and had gone to the bathroom. I can't wait to see the pro pics because even David (the photog) sounds thrilled that we went. The hotel had a gorgeous marble fountain and some of the pics on the streets with the urban background are my some of favorites (even the non pro pics). Back on the bus for our final destination- the reception...

[ladymelissa]

Time to relax and enjoy

We arrive at The 100th Bomb Group (strange name, but it's a really elegant place) at about 6:30 on the nose! Mike and I were greeted at the door by one of our butlers with 2 glasses of champagne with sliced strawberries in the champagne on a silver serving tray garnished with a huge, red, beautiful strawberry. A sliced strawberry in champagne tastes outstanding, I never thought to do that but it is definitely the way to drink it.

The Bomb Group is a restaurant and banquet facility and you walk through the regular dining area to get to the ballroom. So the whole BP walked to the the door of the ballroom where we we lined up awaiting our introductions.

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[ladymelissa]

Romantic Elegance

Mike and I were announced and entered to the theme from "The Lord of the Rings" and circled the dancefloor and went directly into our waltz, "Tales from Vienna Woods" by Strauss. All the guests loved it! I got so many compliments on how elegant that was, how it really set the tone, how romantic it looked, how in love we were and how beautiful my dress looked when I turned. We even received an applause.

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[ladymelissa]

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We stood at our places at the head table while the beautiful toasts were being delivered. My dad said some really beautiful words, the BM choked up while he was delivering the speech and my sister brought the house down with hers. She made me cry, as well as the photog (he told me that yesterday). Then our RB said the prayer before dinner, "The Our Father." He is our Godson and we always pray with them before we eat.

Everything was gorgeous, the chair covers, white glove service, the centerpieces and the cake.

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[ladymelissa]

The Cake

The cake was a masterpiece, a true work of art. I cannot wait to post the pics. It was 3 tiered white fondant, with white, scroll artwork on the sides of the layers and every couple of dots of icing around the base of the layers was the perfect shade of pink to give it just a splash of color. The flower cascade was so perfect and he worked the cake jewelry in just right to give it a little sparkle. The cake was surrounded by rose petals on the cake table. The sight of it brought me tears of joy. It really broke my heart to have to cut it.

We lovingly fed each other cake with forks and there was no smashing, just tender kisses bet. bites.

I didn't get a chance to taste the mocha until Sun. night but it was awesome, made with Starbucks espresso roast and the baker had sent along the rest of the bag of coffee with the anniversary layers. The staff had reserved the top layer of the actual cake and redecorated it with some of the flowers to put back on the cake table. And the baker had made us a completely separate anniversary cake, so we had 2 top layers of mocha cake to take home with us.

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[ladymelissa]

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Get your groove on!

Mike and I opened the floor with a foxtrot to an instrumental version of "Beauty and the Beast," my dad and I danced to "Memory" from "Cats" and Mike and his mom danced to "Somewhere My Love" a waltz. Then the whole BP was out there doing a swing number, I danced with the RB and Mike with the FG along with all the rest of the BP. Chris and Sharla were awesome swing dancers. Then a lot of the guests joined us for "The Electric Slide."

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The mediocre DJ

I was not super thrilled with the DJ's performance. He did about a C- job at best. He was not attentive to what the guests enjoyed dancing to, he would play these long medleys of songs which changed tempos a lot and were hard to dance to. He did not dress in a suit like he said he would and seemed to do more socializing than working.

I walked into the room at the wrong time, Mike was dancing with his friend's wife so her husband asked me to dance, so I did. My feet felt like they were on fire at this point and I was trying to get to a place to get my shoes off, I could not reach them by myself with all that tulle. I was stuck dancing with this man for what felt like an eternity, it had to have been at least a 5 minute song. I just kept wishing I could just get my shoes off and dance with Mike. I was trying to make nonchalant eye contact with the DJ, but he was too busy talking to his assisstant to notice. After about 4 years the song was finally over!

As much as I didn't want to

I had to get my shoes off (this was about 10pm), I sat right down at the head table and Mike got them off me. I wanted to be the elegant, fully dressed-up bride, but I couldn't bear the pain any longer. The balls of my feet were burning and the bones that hold the toes on felt like they were permanently warped. I felt so much better when they were off. You couldn't really even tell they were off with the dress.



The attention

As I mentioned this facility had a regular restaurant with ballrooms on the ends. To get to the bathrooms or the bridal room, you had to walk past tables of people and on a few trips I had tables of people applauding me or offering their congratulations. It's amazing how friendly people are to a bride.

[ladymelissa]

The reception nearing a close

We went and took a few more pictures around the Bomb Group, they have a roof patio that overlooks the airport and fireplaces which made for some very romantic shots, I saw the preview on the photog's camera.

I received word that my grandma was leaving so I met her in the foyer and she broke down in tears saying how she was so happy to be here to see her granddaughter marry and how beautiful I was and what a great man Mike is. I hugged her for a few minutes and kissed her cheek. She is in a wheelchair so I was kneeling on the ground and my sis said my dress was in a big poof around me and I looked just like a ballerina. My mom had been telling anyone who would listen all night that when I was little I always had to test out my dresses by spinning in them and the ones with the most flair were always the ones I chose. Anyway...

We go back into the ballroom and things are winding down, David, the photog leaves and gives me a big hug. Then I just noticed a tip jar on the bar which was not supposed to be there per our contract! My dad was all over that issue.


The Last Dance of the Evening

was the waltz from "Sleeping Beauty." Mike and I had the floor all to ourselves and since my feet were much more comfortable, I really had fun with it. There are windows for 2 walls of the ballroom and I could see our reflection and it looked so surreal. It was a truely magical dance, we were just enjoying the moment with no one to have to talk to, no pressure of shoes, or of performing for guests, just us. It was what I was yearning for all night long.

[ladymelissa]

Reflections

Mike went to say his goodbyes to some of his family and I just walked over to the windows to take one more look at the lights on the runways and try to absorb the sights one last time and make the memory last a lifetime. I could see the reflection of my dress pasted against rows of blue and red lights that stretched endlessly into the night. The last guest had gone, no music, no talking; just quiet. I breathed a sigh and turned, walked to the door and looked back one last time.

I met Mike in the foyer and I took his hand and led him into the bar (in the restaurant area, not the ballroom), there was one table of people who applauded us, we smiled. I then turned Mike's attention to the view of the airport and just held his hand. After a few moments we turned to leave.

What is is about weddings

that causes a complete lapse of common sense and/or any sort of survival skills in even the most competent, well adjusted individuals? The Hilton provided transportation to and from the reception for hotel guests, they just had to contact the front desk and tell them what time they wanted a ride. Well someone had started a rumor that the Hilton bus would be running every 15 minutes. I heard that there were some guests, Mike's parents included that were outside the Bomb Group waiting for the bus for over an hour, just standing there.

Now, if you thought a bus was coming every 15 minutes and you are there for 20, 25 or more wouldn't you go back into the 4 star, service oriented venue and at least ask what might be going on? I am sure someone would have called the Hilton for them! I heard the photog even took a group of "stranded" guests back to the hotel in his van. The hotel was less than a mile away, basically just over the highway overpass. Chris and Craig helped the others call for the bus or it just arrived b/c I had told it to be there at the end of the reception for the BP. Craig had left earlier with probably Mike's parents and brought his van back to help with all the stuff we had, so he drove Mike and I back to the hotel as well.

[ladymelissa]

Back at the hotel we thanked Craig for everything and then took the elevator upstairs. We ran into Chris in the hallway and he hugged me profusely and said how happy he was for us and told me to not worry about anything and just enjoy my wedding night.

The Wedding Night

We walk into the room, Mike could not get a secure hold of me with all the layers of tulle, so I walked in myself. It must have looked comical. The bed had been turned down and the white sheets were sprinkled with pink rose petals. Mike helped me out of my dress and laid it across the big chair/ottoman. He lit our unity candle set and went into the bathroom to take off his tux and brush his teeth. I just sat and watched the candle light flicker and dance off the rhinestones in my tiara.

Mike came out of the bathroom and said how absolutely beautiful I looked. With a long sigh, I reluctantly removed my tiara and said, "princess for a day is all over."
He said, "No, you will always be my princess."

He kissed me and we had the most magical evening I could ever imagine.

[ladymelissa]

Picking Up the Pieces

I still didn't sleep really well, that bed was seriously uncomfortable, as far as sleeping goes. We had breakfast with some of Mike's family. He returned the tuxes while I got ready, we packed, had a late lunch at my dad's. We loaded the gifts into the truck and we left for home.

Time for the bus company battle

I called the bus company and got in touch with Bill, the owner and let him have it. I went through every gory detail of the whole story. He said that I should talk to John, the guy who booked it. I asked, "Why? If you are the owner, what good would that do? You are the top of the line."
He said, "Because I want John to hear this from you himself, we have had several complaints regarding Jim and then we will proceed from there."
Me: "Proceed? What do you mean?"
Bill: "Some sort of compensation will be offered and hopefully we will be able to resolve this."

So I call John and get his voicemail and I leave a message to call me. He called the next day, I reiterated the story and he was horrified. He apologized over and over again. We got back the whole gratuity and have a credit to use a stretch limo, driven by John himself (not Jim) for a day. John also indicated that Jim will no longer be working there, he didn't come right out and say in so many words that he was fired; but he very strongly hinted that was the case.

I did call the baker and told him how absolutely amazing his cake was.

We also got back all but one disposable camera and I found out that someone had accidently spilled a drink on it. The pics are not developed yet though.

And so went the tale of the first days of Melissa and Mike's life together. They are now happily living every moment of their ever after.

The End

[ger]

Oh, my word! I have tears in my eyes. What a wonderful, amazing day! I pray that mine is half that wonderful!!

I am so very glad that you got some satisfaction about your bus driver. He deserves to be fired. I will never understand why people that don't like dealing with people go into those kinds of jobs.

I love your pics. The pic with your flower girl sleeping reminds me of my son when he was a ring bearer. They have too big a day and it catches up with them

[lize566]

I am so gald you shared this story with us!! It was absolutely beautiful and now I am so unbelievably excited for my wedding lol! Thank you again for sharing it!

[Kacie_bride]

Thanks for sharing your story Melissa!

[StaceyMc]

I have tears in my eyes and the chills. Absolutely beautiful.....pictures and the story. Thanks for sharing!

[SaralovesMike]

Mike came out of the bathroom and said how absolutely beautiful I looked. With a long sigh, I reluctantly removed my tiara and said, "princess for a day is all over."
He said, "No, you will always be my princess."

He kissed me and we had the most magical evening I could ever imagine.

OMG!! How sweet and romantic!!!!!
What a guy!

Your pictures and story are absolutely wonderful, thanks for sharing!!!!

[countrygirl]

Hey Melissa, your pics looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story.

[nic1124]

OMG! Talk about fairy tales. It's a beautiful story (and very well written). The pics are gorgeous also. It's too bad you had a bad bus experience but at least they compensated you and you had a wonderful photographer to help out. I love the pic of you on the bus too. Your dress takes up about 4 seats! LOL!
Mike sounds like such a sweetheart. You are a very lucky woman.
What a magical story. Thank you so much for sharing it. :star:

[cowboysbride]

I'm so emotional right now anyway...that had me crying! I love seeing pics of you and Mike...you two are so elegant and classy! Beautiful everything!

[brewsells]

It took me a while to get through it all, but I loved it!! Thanks for sharing it all!

[ladymelissa]

Thank you all for the wonderful compliments.

I know it is long winded, but I wrote it within days of the wedding and I wanted to get down as many details as possible before I would forget them. It's nice to know you made it through all of it! LOL I also didn't have the pro pics at the time it was written and I did my best to match them up where they fit.

Ger- The FG is so high energy, but when it runs out, she is out like a light.

Sara- Mike really is something special.

Nik- Thank you for the writing compliment, that really means a lot. The dress was huge, I am glad we went with a vehicle with extra space.

And a note to all other brides, I recommend actually going to look at the vehicle you will be renting. We just figured it was a reputable business and booked over the phone.

[mariaandmanish]

Absolutely gorgeous pictures, Melissa! And such a great story!!! Even with the problems, you'd never know it from the glow on your face!! Thank you so much for sharing the story and the photos!

[lea m]

OMG im crying! thats such a beautiful story Melissa! Have you ever thought of writing a book?? You write so well!! Your pics are gorgeous! The one with all the bubbles, Your face, you reminded my of Lucy on christmas morning! Your beaming, you look so happy! Its lovely!! Glad that bus driver is no longer a bus driver!! saves many more disappointed brides the stress that you had! Hope my day goes and looks half as well as yours !!

[Jenn060306]

Awww! Melissa what a great story! And your photo's are so beautiful!
You know.... there are alot of things we have in common about our wedding. Firstly the day, but secondly we had a HORRID limo driver too! lol.
I'm glad everything worked out so well!

[ladymelissa]

Absolutely gorgeous pictures, Melissa! And such a great story!!! Even with the problems, you'd never know it from the glow on your face!! Thank you so much for sharing the story and the photos!

On the wedding day, all the stresses just melt away and I was getting married to the most wonderful person I have ever met. Besides in any event, the show must go on!

OMG im crying! thats such a beautiful story Melissa! Have you ever thought of writing a book?? You write so well!! Your pics are gorgeous! The one with all the bubbles, Your face, you reminded my of Lucy on christmas morning! Your beaming, you look so happy! Its lovely!! Glad that bus driver is no longer a bus driver!! saves many more disappointed brides the stress that you had! Hope my day goes and looks half as well as yours !!

Awww, I am glad you enjoyed it. I do enjoy writing, I am working on either a stage or screen play, progress is somewhat slow. I am sure your day will be glorious, it is really hard to not enjoy your wedding!

Awww! Melissa what a great story! And your photo's are so beautiful!
You know.... there are alot of things we have in common about our wedding. Firstly the day, but secondly we had a HORRID limo driver too! lol.

Thank you! Would you care to share your limo story?

Thanks again everyone!

[Jenn060306]

Hey Melissa.

I posted my limo story in my after wedding journal for you. :grinhappy:

[NicksBride]

melissa I am enchanted, that story was simply gorgeous, I have tears in my eyes and Nick is giving me funny looks. Your pictures are just SOOO elegant and you two are the most elegant couple I know.. haha. Love it all and congratulations on your gorgeous wedding. Sorry about the bus driver, but the pictures of you two downtown are just amazing, I can only hope my wedding is half as gorgeous as that!!

[Kacie_bride]

I just want to chime in again here. You look just like a princess bride!!! I love your pictures!!!!

[Goin2thechapel]

Melissa,
Your pictures are just soo beautiful...I get all teary looking at them...I love Weddings!!

[ladymelissa]

Thank you so much for all of your kind words. :) All of you make me smile! :D

[NicksBride]

well having you here and helping with everything always makes us smile!!!

[jeni740]

your pictures are so beautiful the dress the shoes the wedding party the cake all absolutley beautiful what a wonderful day for you (well besides Jim) :) thank you for sharing

[jeni740]

And a note to all other brides, I recommend actually going to look at the vehicle you will be renting. We just figured it was a reputable business and booked over the phone.

I watched a court show on TV the other day and even thought it was a LIMO company in the very very small print on contracts it says you are not guaranteed any specific vehicle, so these poor people got a mini van for a trip from the airport when they paid for a limo, and she only gave them half of what they were asking for. Its ridiculous, they can do whatever they want

[ladymelissa]

well having you here and helping with everything always makes us smile!!!

I am glad! :)

your pictures are so beautiful the dress the shoes the wedding party the cake all absolutley beautiful what a wonderful day for you (well besides Jim) thank you for sharing

Thank you!

I watched a court show on TV the other day and even thought it was a LIMO company in the very very small print on contracts it says you are not guaranteed any specific vehicle, so these poor people got a mini van for a trip from the airport when they paid for a limo, and she only gave them half of what they were asking for. Its ridiculous, they can do whatever they want

That is ridiculous! I guess I should be happy we at least got a vehicle the whole BP could fit into, esp. since I took up 4 seats! A mini van would have really messed up the plans. LOL

We had our first read through today, it went pretty well.

We got a little bit of snow, just enough to make driving nerve wracking, but not enough to even think about skiing.

[ladymelissa]

I went to pick up my wedding dress at the cleaners today, it was ready a week ago. I get there and find out that they don't take credit cards!!!! So I will have to try this again soon.

[BriansBride07]

I just got through your whole story and it all sounded wonderful well except for the so called limo lol.. sorry but i'm glad you got your $ back. Anyway your pictures along with your story of the day sounded and looked like something from a fairy tale. You were so right about being a princess for a day. Thanks for sharing.

I hope you can get your dress soon sorry to hear that they won't take credit cards/

[Kacie_bride]

I went to pick up my wedding dress at the cleaners today, it was ready a week ago. I get there and find out that they don't take credit cards!!!! So I will have to try this again soon.

I hate it when that happens. I am planning on taking my dress in on Friday. Did you have it preserved too?

[ladymelissa]

Yes, it was preserved, but it's not in a display box. I guess they had to find a bigger box to fit it in. LOL

[ladymelissa]

I just got through your whole story and it all sounded wonderful well except for the so called limo lol.. sorry but i'm glad you got your $ back. Anyway your pictures along with your story of the day sounded and looked like something from a fairy tale. You were so right about being a princess for a day. Thanks for sharing.

I hope you can get your dress soon sorry to hear that they won't take credit cards/
Thank you so much!

I am supposed to go Fri. to get the dress b/c I dropped off a suit to be cleaned while I was there.

[Valmai]

Firstly i apologise for only now reading/seeing all the wedding stroy - u make it sound (as im sure it was) beautiful and i just hope that mine goes half as nicely. I am so looking fwd to feeling that special for a few hours! Thank you for sharing it so well xxxx

[ladymelissa]

Thanks Valmai! I am sure your wedding will be just as wonderful, if not more so!

[ladymelissa]

My dress is back and preserved. It does have a "show box" which was inside the outer box, so that is nice.

Rehearsals are in full swing, we blocked and ran all of Act I yesterday.

[Valmai]

Well done @ rehersals - whats ur play about?
It must feel good to have ur dress back all nice and clean etc! xxx

[NicksBride]

Glad to hear your dress made it back safe and sound! That is great about Rehearsals! EVerything going OK?

[ladymelissa]

Well done @ rehersals - whats ur play about?

It's about a girl (Alice) whose family is extremely liberal and eccentric and she falls in love with the son of a very conservative, wealthy family. The clash of the two families sets up some hilarious comedy. Her family alone is quite humorous. I play an aspiring ballet dancer (Alice's sister), who has been studying for 8 years and still "stinks." LOL

EVerything going OK?

So far so good. The first time something is blocked, I am always a bit overwhelmed (not really the best word), but I feel kind of "all thumbs." And it is always rough, as in not a smooth performance. But you have your script in hand, you are writing notes in the margins, getting to where you need to be on stage, reading your lines and building your character (which in this case requires some attempt at ballet dancing). It's like my brain is on overload trying to do all that at once. But in time, the blocking and lines become second nature and I am completely free to be the character.

[shawnsgirl]

Well it all sounds very interesting...Good luck with the play and getting in character!! Good to hear your dress is back too!

[mariaandmanish]

Sounds like a lot of fun, Melissa, and a lot of work!! I hope the rest of your auditions go smoothly! Have fun with the ballet!!!

[NicksBride]

Well it sounds like a great play and glad to hear that everything is doing well!!!!!

[lea m]

Oh how exciting!! I love hearing about your plays!:)

[ladymelissa]

Thanks for all the well wishes!

SNOW DAY! Rehearsal was canceled due to weather. Too bad it isn't enough to ski on!

[NicksBride]

Snow day haha. Enjoy your day off, relax and enjoy...

[ladymelissa]

Snow day haha. Enjoy your day off, relax and enjoy...
Thanks! I still have to go to the grocery store b/c we are pretty much out of food and I'll probably have to go to the gym b/c I took yesterday off from that and was counting on all the "dancing" I would have been doing at rehearsal. LOL

[NicksBride]

haha you are so dedicated I love it. Grocery shopping is my worst thing to do, I HATE it, so I hope you are able to relax about that. :)

[ladymelissa]

haha you are so dedicated I love it. Grocery shopping is my worst thing to do, I HATE it, so I hope you are able to relax about that. :)
I am not a big fan of it, either. That is why we didn't have anything left to eat, I had absolutely no choice.

[SaralovesMike]

Grocery shopping is just not fun at all. I do the same thing wait until I absolutely have to go.

Snow day? You must have gotten a lot more snow than we did. I want a snow day! Only for the opportunity to stay home not for the other mess it usually brings.

[ladymelissa]

Snow day? You must have gotten a lot more snow than we did. I want a snow day! Only for the opportunity to stay home not for the other mess it usually brings.
It wasn't that bad as I have been through worse, but it is the director's decision. So I am not going to argue. We are also starting rehearsals a few weeks earlier than normal so I guess he figures we have some time to burn.

[SaralovesMike]

We are also starting rehearsals a few weeks earlier than normal so I guess he figures we have some time to burn.

That makes sense, a good night to relax either way.

It wasn't that bad as I have been through worse,
Yea, I hear that one loud and clear. We've been pretty lucky this year so far, just waiting for the bottom to fall out and get dumped on. Nothing like a good snow storm if you don't have to go anywhere...

[ladymelissa]

Yea, I hear that one loud and clear. We've been pretty lucky this year so far, just waiting for the bottom to fall out and get dumped on. Nothing like a good snow storm if you don't have to go anywhere...

ITA! I am hoping to be able to ski (cross country)!

[Kacie_bride]

Snow day! Yippee! I wish we had a snow day!

[SaralovesMike]

ITA! I am hoping to be able to ski (cross country)!

We're gonna try that this year for the first time. I'm scared to try downhill but have always wanted to cross country.

[ladymelissa]

I went skiing for the first time this season! :whoohoo: It was okay, it would be even better if we had about 2 more inches of snow as the ground coverage was very uneven.

It was still an excellent workout, I was out for about 90 mins. The temperature was about 15 - 18 degrees F with a windchill of about 0 degrees, so it was chilly to say the least. Despite the cold, I still soaked 4 layers of shirts with sweat, so I was workin' it. LOL

[SaralovesMike]

That's exactly what I need!

Just curious, where you went were you able to rent skis or do you have your own??

[mariaandmanish]

The cross country skiing is a lot harder than downhill, isn't it? Last year, I tried skiing for the first time, so took lessons and went down the bunny hill! It was hard, but crossing the snow on flat ground in the skis was much harder! Great workout! I'm definitely going to go again this winter when we finally get some snow that sticks!

[ladymelissa]

That's exactly what I need!

Just curious, where you went were you able to rent skis or do you have your own??
I have my own, so I don't know anything about renting them. Cross country skiing is usually done at any park where they have walking trails, like metro parks so there usually isn't anyone around and it's not like a downhill ski resort.

Some winter outfitting stores may rent them. They aren't too expensive, I think you can get everything for about $200. Mine technically belong to my best friend, I am not sure if she ever wants them back though. She "loaned" them to me 3 years ago when she gave up skiing and I wanted to learn, but they are still hers if she ever wants them back.

She originally bought them used, they are probably from the 70's, but they are Rossignols which is one of the best brands of skis. I love them and they suit me just fine for the amount of use they get.

Cross country skiing requires a number of factors to be just right in order to go and can prove to be very difficult where I live. You need a nice, even base of snow, at least 3" and it must be 28 degrees or lower (or else the snow melts from the friction and sticks, it feels like trying to ski on velcro). That combination is hard to achieve in this area, our record for ski outings in one season stands at 5.

[ladymelissa]

The cross country skiing is a lot harder than downhill, isn't it? Last year, I tried skiing for the first time, so took lessons and went down the bunny hill! It was hard, but crossing the snow on flat ground in the skis was much harder! Great workout! I'm definitely going to go again this winter when we finally get some snow that sticks!
Cross country is more cardio work, but downhill requires a lot of strength, too. Cross country skis are also made differently, your binding is only attached at the toe so you can pick your heel up. The motion feels a bit like a walk or jog with a glide in between each "step."

[shawnsgirl]

Well, I'm glad you got a chance to get out! It is a great workout that's for sure! I do both but I prefer down hill skiing! I like just going on the flats too with down hill ski's. Anyhow, we haven't had much snow in PA either so unless you do down hill skiing then cross country is pretty much out of the question.

We used to go over to two different high school's and actually went cross country skiing on the cross country trails with are a tad over 2 miles long. Just to clarify, they aren't trails for cross country skiing, they are trails for cross country running.

[ladymelissa]

We used to go over to two different high school's and actually went cross country skiing on the cross country trails with are a tad over 2 miles long. Just to clarify, they aren't trails for cross country skiing, they are trails for cross country running.
The trails I ski on double as hiking trails.

I also forgot to mention that cross country skis are also skinnier than downhill skis.

[mariaandmanish]

Interesting, that they're so different. But I think I'll stick to trying the downhill! lol

[NicksBride]

oh good Melissa, glad you got out!! Cross Country is so much fun and more peaceful then downhill I feel. I do both! Glad you got some snow... Not here in Vermont :(

[ladymelissa]

I am hoping for just a little more snow, about 1 more inch and it would be perfect!

I am not opposed to downhill, we just live in flatlands so it's not something I can just drive 5 miles to do. I went downhill skiing once in HS and it was a lot of fun. I think the closest downhill resort is about 3 hours away and they are rather small hills by comparison, near Cleveland. Boston Mills and Brandywine are the 2 resorts in OH. LOL I'd love to get out east or west to the Rockies for a real ski trip.

[nic1124]

I have never tried cross country. I went downhill skiing once. Something told me I'd be fine without a lesson. Ha! It took me an hour to get down the hill. I had 6 yr olds lap me like 5 times.

[ladymelissa]

I have never tried cross country. I went downhill skiing once. Something told me I'd be fine without a lesson. Ha! It took me an hour to get down the hill. I had 6 yr olds lap me like 5 times.
Actually, you have skills! You found a way to defy gravity!

[SaralovesMike]

I have my own, so I don't know anything about renting them. Cross country skiing is usually done at any park where they have walking trails, like metro parks so there usually isn't anyone around and it's not like a downhill ski resort.

We've got quite a few metro parks nearby. None of which rent skis. I gues that means we'll have to go out and buy some. Mike also wants to get me a pair of ice skates so we can go skating more often. I think we'd use the skis more. I'm sure 2 pair of skis are a lot more than one pair of skates.

Mine technically belong to my best friend, I am not sure if she ever wants them back though. She "loaned" them to me 3 years ago when she gave up skiing and I wanted to learn, but they are still hers if she ever wants them back.

You lucked out on that one for sure!
After 3 years? Sounds like they're yours. LOL

Cross country skiing requires a number of factors to be just right in order to go and can prove to be very difficult where I live. You need a nice, even base of snow, at least 3" and it must be 28 degrees or lower (or else the snow melts from the friction and sticks, it feels like trying to ski on velcro). That combination is hard to achieve in this area, our record for ski outings in one season stands at 5.
We really haven't gotten that much snow yet. We were out at a part a couple weekends ago and there was a lady on the trails, she didn't seem to be having any difficulty. There must have been enough and cold enough.

Good to know I'll keep that in mind! Thanks! :)

[Kacie_bride]

I have only been sking once in my life and I was 12. We went on a trip to New Mexico. It was pretty fun. I would like to do it again. Justin has been to Colorado several times to ski. He is pretty good at it (or so he says). I was not good at all. I took a class and I was the worse one. I was so bad the ski instructor rode with me on the lift. I liked it though.

[ladymelissa]

Sara- Good luck with the skiing if you decide to take it up!

I was not good at all. I took a class and I was the worse one. I was so bad the ski instructor rode with me on the lift.
Was the instructor at least cute?

[ladymelissa]

Here's a wacky story:

Tonight we went out to dinner, we took my car and everything was fine. When we got back, I pressed the button to open the garage door and it wouldn't open. I kept pressing it and then Mike noticed that the neighbor's garage door was going up and down. So my remote which closed our garage door 2 hours ago now worked the neighbor's door.

So we figure the remote slides must have shifted out of place. Mike goes around and opens the garage door from inside. He then gets his garage remote out of his truck so we can reset my remote. It turns out that his remote works the neighbor's door as well! He hasn't even used his truck since yesterday and yesterday his remote worked our door. I cannot figure out how this happened, it is one of the strangest things I have ever seen. I wonder if the neighbor's remote works our door. LOL

[WhiskeyGirl]

Lol those things are so funny. I'm sure if you drove around and pushed your opener you very well could open other people's garages where you live too! That's why they say you should lock your door that goes into your house for extra safety. (There was abig piece abotu this on the news a few years back!) Maybe your neighbor changed his codes and his codes are so close to yours that your remote now works his garage. I've heard it's not hard to switch the codes so that a person can open other's garages. If he didn't change it, then that's just weird! Lol. :D

[lize566]

lol that is a wacky story!! I hope you find out what happened, I would def. want to know!

[ladymelissa]

Maybe your neighbor changed his codes and his codes are so close to yours that your remote now works his garage.
I really doubt that and even if he did wouldn't both garages go up and down? I guess he could have broken in and switched the codes on the actual opener, but that is even less likely. LOL

We always lock the door that leads inside.

[BriansBride07]

Wow that is odd my FFIL is retired from putting in garage doors. We have 3 doors. and our remote won't open any other doors. Have you called the co. that installed the doors and maybe they can come out and change the codes back for you. Never heard of such a thing. That is kind of distrubing. I hope you let your neighbor know.

[ladymelissa]

Wow that is odd my FFIL is retired from putting in garage doors. We have 3 doors. and our remote won't open any other doors. Have you called the co. that installed the doors and maybe they can come out and change the codes back for you. Never heard of such a thing. That is kind of distrubing. I hope you let your neighbor know.
Mike is going to take a look at it, he is just as baffled at this! It was just too late last night to fiddle with it. I guess there is a code on the actual opener which matches the codes on the remotes so he is going to go try to reprogram all of ours. But it still doesn't really explain how it happened.

[BriansBride07]

Mike is going to take a look at it, he is just as baffled at this! It was just too late last night to fiddle with it. I guess there is a code on the actual opener which matches the codes on the remotes so he is going to go try to reprogram all of ours. But it still doesn't really explain how it happened.

I know it is quite odd. I hope he figures it out and gets it all straightened out for you two.

[ladymelissa]

I know it is quite odd. I hope he figures it out and gets it all straightened out for you two.
Thank you!

[ladymelissa]

It is appropriate that this story ends as weird as it began. When we went out to look at the door, it was magically back to normal. We still have no idea what may have caused that. The only factor might have been the cold, but it wasn't any warmer today.

[WhiskeyGirl]

That is very odd. It's good that it's working normally but I'm sure so perplexing that it went all wacky in the first place hey!

[ladymelissa]

That is very odd. It's good that it's working normally but I'm sure so perplexing that it went all wacky in the first place hey!
You and me both! LOL

[BriansBride07]

Glad to hear that it is working again. But still strange that it quit working in the first place.

[brewsells]

That sure is odd! It would be one thing to just stop working and you would have to reprogram them, but for them to just start working all by themselves again? Maybe you should call a place that installs gargage doors and just ask them about it.

[ladymelissa]

Maybe you should call a place that installs gargage doors and just ask them about it.

That is a good idea, we'll see if I get curious enough to follow up. LOL I can be one of those people where, it works so there is no problem! LOL

[ladymelissa]

We went out skiing this morning and it was awesome! The conditions don't get any better than this! :whoohoo: I need to get my fill before Mon. b/c the temps are supposed to clear 32 and all the lovely snow will be gone. Boo hoo, oh well, I'll be grateful for what we have now.

[brewsells]

That sounds like fun! Sounds like Mike went with you? Did he luck out and get the day off?
Funny as it is, living in Utah and all, I haven't been since I was like 13. I really should. I love it and it's great excercise.

[ladymelissa]

That sounds like fun! Sounds like Mike went with you? Did he luck out and get the day off?
Funny as it is, living in Utah and all, I haven't been since I was like 13. I really should. I love it and it's great excercise.
Yes, he went. He works second shift so we got up early to go, we were only out about an hour and it wasn't enough. I was trying to convince him that he had the "stomach flu." LOL I may have to go back out this afternoon.

[brewsells]

Yes, he went. He works second shift so we got up early to go, we were only out about an hour and it wasn't enough. I was trying to convince him that he had the "stomach flu." LOL I may have to go back out this afternoon.
LOL. I tried to convince myself of that this morning.

An hour surely isn't long enough! Do you go near your house?

[BriansBride07]

Sounds like your enjoying the snow, and all. I hope you get your fill of skiing in before Monday. I wish we were going to have temp's in the 30's. We are kinda having a heat wave today its a whopping 14 above. But it beats 25 below. That is what we had yesterday.. BRRRR>>>

[ladymelissa]

An hour surely isn't long enough! Do you go near your house?
It takes about 15 minutes to get there and travel time was not included in the hour I mentioned.

Sounds like your enjoying the snow, and all. I hope you get your fill of skiing in before Monday. I wish we were going to have temp's in the 30's. We are kinda having a heat wave today its a whopping 14 above. But it beats 25 below. That is what we had yesterday.. BRRRR>>>

It's really funny, we haven't been above freezing let alone anywhere even close to freezing since Jan. 27 and now that we have the best snow we have had in years it's going to get warmer.

[mariaandmanish]

Sounds like you had a great time, Melissa! I hope you get a lot more in this weekend before the temps get too high!!

I got my skates.. unfortunately, they sent the wrong size so I have to send them back so no skating for me!! I'm jealous of your skiing!!

[BriansBride07]

It takes about 15 minutes to get there and travel time was not included in the hour I mentioned.



It's really funny, we haven't been above freezing let alone anywhere even close to freezing since Jan. 27 and now that we have the best snow we have had in years it's going to get warmer.

It always seem to work out that way.

[NicksBride]

oh skiing sounds like fun!!!!!
I went snow shoeing the other day good workout!!! Enjoy the snow

[ladymelissa]

The wrong size! Ugh, that stinks! Hopefully they will get it right soon.

I saw a few people out on snow shoes today. Nordic skiers would greatly appreciate it if you don't walk on the ski tracks with those, if it is possible to avoid the tracks.

I took full advantage of the snow since it will probably be the last ski of the season. Mike and I went for an hour this morning and then I went back for another 2.5 hours. I was out until dark.

I don't want it to be over, but I guess all things must come to end sometime. Just not now, oh please send some cold, Canadian air before the warm front gets here.

[hummingbird521]

Happy to hear you enjoyed your morning. me, i am not the kind of person that would enjoy that at all. i hate the cold. lol

[WhiskeyGirl]

The wrong size! Ugh, that stinks! Hopefully they will get it right soon.

I saw a few people out on snow shoes today. Nordic skiers would greatly appreciate it if you don't walk on the ski tracks with those, if it is possible to avoid the tracks.

I took full advantage of the snow since it will probably be the last ski of the season. Mike and I went for an hour this morning and then I went back for another 2.5 hours. I was out until dark.

I don't want it to be over, but I guess all things must come to end sometime. Just not now, oh please send some cold, Canadian air before the warm front gets here.

Heeeeeeyyyy!! :D Lol...it's not all cold up here, we were up to temps high enough to melt, so I don't think many of us Canadian provinces can send much cold air. ;)

Glad to hear you have a great time cross country skiing. I used to do that when I was younger with my friend and her dad. It was great fun!!!

[ladymelissa]

Heeeeeeyyyy!! :D Lol...it's not all cold up here, we were up to temps high enough to melt, so I don't think many of us Canadian provinces can send much cold air. ;)

Glad to hear you have a great time cross country skiing. I used to do that when I was younger with my friend and her dad. It was great fun!!!

Oh, no! I guess there is no escaping the heat wave.

I really enjoy it, have you ever thought about taking it up again?

[WhiskeyGirl]

Oh, no! I guess there is no escaping the heat wave.

I really enjoy it, have you ever thought about taking it up again?

Lol nah!! I'm so outta shape I couldn't do it. It would be fun though. We ARE thinking about joining a gym, but since we're back to TTC I can't really go full out and excercise because you aren't supposed to start a new excercise regimine (Sp?) while TTC or when I am actually pregnant again. However I love to walk so I don't think it would hurt to go to the gym and jump on a tredmill for a while...there is nothing wrong with that. So I guess we'll see, I think we might go check things out on monday. :D

[ladymelissa]

Lol nah!! I'm so outta shape I couldn't do it. It would be fun though. We ARE thinking about joining a gym, but since we're back to TTC I can't really go full out and excercise because you aren't supposed to start a new excercise regimine (Sp?) while TTC or when I am actually pregnant again. However I love to walk so I don't think it would hurt to go to the gym and jump on a tredmill for a while...there is nothing wrong with that. So I guess we'll see, I think we might go check things out on monday. :D
Good luck with the gym! I didn't know you weren't supposed to exercise while TTC, I learn something new everyday. :)

[WhiskeyGirl]

Good luck with the gym! I didn't know you weren't supposed to exercise while TTC, I learn something new everyday. :)

I don't know if it's different for someone who doesn't have issues while TTC but since we have been TTC for two years and now our miscarriage, they want me to not start any new excercise regiments! I really should have gotten into shape sooner! lol. :D

[ladymelissa]

I don't know if it's different for someone who doesn't have issues while TTC but since we have been TTC for two years and now our miscarriage, they want me to not start any new excercise regiments! I really should have gotten into shape sooner! lol. :D
That really is more important than exercise.

[NicksBride]

Glad you got to enjoy the snow!! Sounds like you are having a blast!

[ladymelissa]

Glad you got to enjoy the snow!! Sounds like you are having a blast!
I did, but sadly it is melting fast. It is about 40 degrees here today. :(

[Goin2thechapel]

me too...only 36 here!!

[Kacie_bride]

Well our temps have been in the 70s the last few days. Spring is coming for us!!! Ugh, but that means summer soon follows. I hate summer!

[ladymelissa]

Well our temps have been in the 70s the last few days. Spring is coming for us!!! Ugh, but that means summer soon follows. I hate summer!
70 sounds heavenly!!!

[lea m]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_39.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxpt282YYGB) Hi Melissa! :) Just thought I'd pop in to say hello!





http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb097&pp=ZNxpt282YYGB (http://smiley.smileycentral.com/download/index.jhtml?partner=ZSzeb097_ZNxpt282YYGB&utm_id=7925)

[ladymelissa]

Leanne!!! :hug: I have missed you! Welcome back!

[MOB Karen]

So, Melissa, is your snow gone yet? :)

[ladymelissa]

So, Melissa, is your snow gone yet? :)
Pretty much, there certainly isn't enough to ski on. The only snow that remains is the big piles and drifts. Oh, well! It was fun while it lasted.

[Kacie_bride]

70 sounds heavenly!!!

Not really. It was sticky and humid today. They say tomorrow will be nice though.

[ladymelissa]

Not really. It was sticky and humid today. They say tomorrow will be nice though.
It's nice compared to an ice storm. LOL

[NicksBride]

Amen to that!!! We have sunny skies now, but it is about 1 degree!!!! Sorry about all the snow disappearing!!

THanks for the kind words in my journal as well Melissa it was very nice!

[ladymelissa]

You're welcome Katy!

Well we got really lucky with the ice storm, it seemed to have passed over us. There was a little freezing rain last night, but the temps are back above freezing.

[NicksBride]

Glad to hear it was not that bad! We are supposed to get it tonight and tomrrow, I hope it blows by again.. Where do you live again Melissa?

[ladymelissa]

Glad to hear it was not that bad! We are supposed to get it tonight and tomrrow, I hope it blows by again.. Where do you live again Melissa?
NW Ohio. I hope you don't get it too bad. Some places had it much worse.

[NicksBride]

Luckily we just missed it! How was the rest of your weekend?

[ladymelissa]

Luckily we just missed it! How was the rest of your weekend?
It was very nice. Just kind of relaxing. :)

[shawnsgirl]

Just thought I'd drop by and say hello!!! Are you enjoying our week long spring weather so far...We've hit the 50's today and the snow is melting. Not the best weather for us skiers but I would pick a beatiful spring day over skiing anyday!!

[NicksBride]

I was just thinking about you Melissa and hoping you are well. Take care.

[ladymelissa]

I am doing fine! Not much to report. I started working on pull ups at the gym, but I still can't do one. LOL

Talk about spring weather we will be up around 70 today! :whoohoo: I plan on enjoying it, b/c it won't last. It is supposed to be back in the 30s by the end of the week.

[SaralovesMike]

Good luck with the pull ups!
You'll get it and then I'll be jealous cuz I can't even do one, LOL

Yay! 70, it even smells like Spring out there today. Are you guys supposed to get a little snow by the weekend too?

[NicksBride]

Wow, you are going to be so buff. I think I can just do ONE haha.
It is really warm here too, hope you get to enjoy the warm weather.. Hopefully there is many more days like this!!!!

[shawnsgirl]

ahhh Pull ups...Not fun at all...I can do a half one!! LOL!! I'm lovin the spring weather too bad it will be short lived for now!

[ladymelissa]

Good luck with the pull ups!
You'll get it and then I'll be jealous cuz I can't even do one, LOL

Yay! 70, it even smells like Spring out there today. Are you guys supposed to get a little snow by the weekend too?
I don't think we will get any snow. They were talking about rain, I think the temps are supposed to stay at least above 35.

[SaralovesMike]

Ahhh, March in the midwest... gotta love it!

[brewsells]

Just wanted to pop in and say hello, Melissa. Hope all is well with you!

[ladymelissa]

Hi Holly! I hope you are doing well too!

[shawnsgirl]

I don't think we will get any snow. They were talking about rain, I think the temps are supposed to stay at least above 35.

I'm moving to ohio! We were originally to get rain but now it looks like we're getting hit with a coastal storm plus cold air which equals a huge chance for snow this weekend..YUCK!

[ladymelissa]

I'm moving to ohio! We were originally to get rain but now it looks like we're getting hit with a coastal storm plus cold air which equals a huge chance for snow this weekend..YUCK!
We actually did get some snow. LOL Just a dusting and it melted during the day.

While you are moving may I suggest AZ, they have the coveted weather. LOL

[shawnsgirl]

Melissa!! I MISS YOU!!!!

[NicksBride]

I second that!!!!!! We miss you terribly around here! Hope you are doing OK!

[Kacie_bride]

I just wanted to say hi to you Melissa! Hope to chat with you soon!

[lize566]

I saw that you posted on another thread so I just wanted to drop by and say that it was nice to see you! We have a lot of new people, but I still miss your advice and input. I hope you will stop by more often!